Nate Barnes led West Chester in tackles with seven during the Golden Rams' 44-6 season-opening victory over host Bentley last Thursday. However, that is not what stood out the most. Of Barnes' seven tackles, half of them (3.5) were sacks that amounted in a loss of 22 yards. He also recovered a fumble and was credited with a pass breakup. His fumble recovery in the early portion of the game led directly to the Golden Rams' first touchdown of the game. His 3.5 sacks is tied for the fifth most in a single game in school history and was just half of a sack shy of tying the school record. All of this was accomplished as the converted defensive back was playing his first college game at linebacker. Additionally, West Chester's defense allowed just 63 yards of total offense while registering as many sacks (7) as Bentley had first downs (7). WCU's defense was so stifling that Bentley managed just two field goals in the game - one was a career-long 46-yarder and the other was off a drive that started at West Chester's 10-yard line following an interception.