Much has been written about the potent offense The College of New Jersey has displayed this season, and the numbers have been astounding. When the Lions (3-0, 1-0 NJAC) faced Montclair State last Saturday, the offense was solid, but it was the defense and special teams that proved astounding in the 20-13 win. “It was great to see our guys finish a game even when we weren’t playing our best offensively,’’ said TCNJ coach Eric Jendryaszek. “I thought our defense and special teams really stepped up, and we’ll need that kind of effort from them throughout the rest of conference play.’’ Historically speaking, when the conference matchup is TCNJ facing Rowan it was a game that many times decided the championship, or an NCAA berth and definitely bragging rights. “It’s still a rivalry game, but I also believe that every game is a rivalry game when it comes to the traditional NJAC teams,’’ said Jendryaszek. “It’s important to remind the guys why this game matters: it’s the one we’re facing right now. We need to adopt a one play at a time, one game at a time mentality.’’ The Profs (2-2, 0-0 NJAC) will be bringing a lot of motivation as they are coming off a 20-13 loss to No. 22 Johns Hopkins. It’s also their first conference game and it will be played in Glassboro. The Lions saw fifth-year tight end Thomas Burke and junior safety Justin Kurc recognized by being named to the D3football.com Team of the Week. Burke had five receptions for 125 yards and Kurc had an interception in the endzone that thwarted a Montclair State drive, he added four pass breakups and four tackles. “The defense did an amazing job creating tackles for loss and sacks,’’ stated Jendryaszek. “Dave Giulian and Justin Kurc played exceptionally well, forcing a fumble and recording several pass breakups. They also did a great job holding them to field goals. It’s so much fun to watch us perform at that level. I can’t say enough good things about how the defense played last week.’’ When one phase isn’t on its game the good teams somehow find a way to win and that was how the Lions did it. TCNJ’s Trevor Bopp is the top rated quarterback in the conference with a 144.6 efficiency ranting and Rowan’s Nate Maiers comes in at 97.5. Jayson Schmidt, the TCNJ back, is second in the conference averaging 105.0 yards a game and Rowan’s Nunes Bukula IV averages 67.3. The Lions receivers have been terrific with Malin Jasinski leading the conference with 41 catches for 583 yards (145.8 a game), Burke is fifth with 77.5 yards a game and Ryan Gill is ninth with 47.3 yards a game. “I want to see us continue to be more consistent in all three phases of the game,’’ said Jendryaszek. “I can’t wait for the game when we’re playing at a high level and executing seamlessly across the board that should be an exciting match to watch. In any rivalry game, the key is to limit unforced errors, manage the ups and downs of the game’s flow, and seize big opportunities when they arise.’’ TCNJ Gameday WHO: The College of New Jersey (3-l, 1-0 NJAC) vs Rowan (2-2, 0-0 NJAC) WHEN: Saturday at 1 p.m. in Richard Wacker Stadium in Glassboro COACHES: TCNJ’s Eric Jendryaszek (3-1, 1st season ) and Rowan’s Pat Ruley (2-2, 1st season) SERIES: Rowan leads the series, 39-15-1 and Rowan won last year, 9-7 and the Lions have won only twice in the last 10 games. LAST WEEK: TCNJ defeated Montclair State, 20-13. Rowan lost to No. 22 Johns Hopkins SIGNIFICANCE: Always a rivalry game and Rowan’s first conference game TCNJ SCOUTING REPORT: The TCNJ offense came back down to earth a little last week and led by Trevor Bopp, who has been the NJAC’s best with 343.3 yards passing a game. He has six interceptions. The rushing game has been solid with Jayson Schmidt and the weapons has a wide receiver have been amazing. Malin Jasinski leads with a nation best 41 catches and a nation’s best 583 receiving yards. Thomas Burke has been impressive with 17 catches and three touchdowns. The defense was superb against Montclair State with Brandon Kuse getting a pair of sacks and Dave Giulian leads in tackles with 32 tackles. Tim Willever continues to be sensational in the kicking game. This is a game the Lions need to dictate the tempo. ROWAN SCOUTING REPORT: Last year Rowan won on a 30-yard touchdown catch by Robbinsville’s Shane Martin as time expired and there’s no doubt Martin would love to do it again. Rowan opened the season with a pair of wins and now has dropped the last two and will be well motivated when the Lions show up. The Profs have not been a particularly good rushing team with just an average of 107.0 yards a game. Nate Maiers and Matt Wesley will both see time at quarterback, Maiers averages 128.8 yards passing a game with one TD and Wesley averages 76.0 yards a game and Maiers is coming off a very good game against Hopkins. Michael Zarfati is the top receiver with 15 catches. The ball control offense is the way Rowan plays the game and that goes against the style of TCNJ. Nick Cerulli  leads a solid defense with 27 total tackles. Rowan will have to keep possession and hope to slow down the Lions. KEY MATCHUP: TCNJ front line forcing Rowan out of its comfort zone. EXTRA POINTS: Malin Jasinski leads the nation in catches and receiving yards. …Jayson Schmidt went over 1,500 rushing yards in his career. …Bopp is one completion short of 400. …TCNJ and Salisbury are the only NJAC teams with above 500 records. …Rowan leads in conference in interceptions with seven. …Brandon Kuse leads the Lions in sacks with 4.5. …Tim Willever is perfect with 4-for-4 on field goals and 15-for-15 in extra points. …TCNJ is first in the conference in passing with 343 yards a game. …Local players on the Profs, Cody Young (Steinert), Pablo Serrano (Hightstown), Eric Hill (Robbinsville, Shane Martin (Robbinsville), Tyree Fletcher (Trenton)  No. 12 Salisbury (4-0, 1-0 NJAC) at William Paterson (1-3, 0-1NJAC), Dickinson (2-2, 0-1 Centennial) at Christopher Newport (2-2, 0-1 NJAC), Kean (1-3, 1-0 NJAC) at Montclair State (2-2, 0-1 NJAC) PREDICTION: TCNJ 27, Montclair State 20