LIVESTREAM AFI tv Finland: UNC Crusaders @ Kuopio Steelers, June 18th, 15:30 CET, (3:30pm, 9:30 am ET)

| American Football | 06/18/2022

The undefeated Kuopio Steelers take on the UNC Crusaders in a Saturday afternoon Maple League matchup.

Kuopio looks to defend its home turf and keep its top form against an underperforming UNC team filled with talent but lacking production.

The Kuopio Steelers offense is led by quarterback Joey Bradley and running back Leanthony Reasnover.  Reasnover is a skilled ball carrier who can burn defenses as both a runner and receiver. Last week he put in a show running for 152 yards and three scores, flashing a rare combination of speed, power, and elusiveness. Receiver Hannes Harju remains a go-to target for Bradley, along with domestic talents Ville Lindsten and Tuuka Lehtonen.

UNC Crusaders @ Kuopio Steelers, June 18th, 15:30 CET, (3:30pm, 9:30 am ET)

Defensively, the undefeated Steelers front defensive line is unmatched in the Maple League. Defensive tackle Ikeem Allen continues to be one of the elite players in the league benefiting from the other veterans like Jani Lindqvist. New linebacker Colby Campbell is a former D1 (Duke Blue Devils) talent that has played well. Last week, Colby had 4.5 tackles and a sack. Marcus Ojainvali however was the standout of last week’s game defensively, making two interceptions. 

UNC has been one of the league’s disappointments to start the year. Quarterback Shay Netter will be looking to involve veteran Cedric Johnson along with speedy brothers Miles and Nolan Corpening more into the offensive gameplan. However, with many players going both ways, that could be a challenge for the Crusaders. 

Defensively, brothers Miles and Nolan Corpening are two impact defensive backs who can flip the field with an interception or big special teams play. If UNC are to pull off the upset today, they’ll need big plays out of these two.

UNC was able to shock the Steelers last season in an upset victory. However that was last year and now the Steelers look to keep marching to the Maple Bowl on a mission for an extraordinary three-peat.

Watch the game live on AFI.tv. UNC Crusaders @ Kuopio Steelers, June 18th, 15:30 CET, (3:30pm, 9:30 am ET)

 

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and