The Wilmington College football team kicks off the 2016 with a road trip Saturday to Bluffton looking for back-to-back opening season victories for the first time since the 2001 & 2002 seasons. (Game Notes)

"It's time to get the season started; the first time we get a true measurement of where we are," said Wilmington head coach Stacey Hairston.

Wilmington's defense will be given the task of slowing down last year's top receiver in Micah Roberson. The senior led the nation with a Bluffton-record 100 catches last season. In the season opener, he had nine catches for 88 yards and one touchdown.

"He led the nation last year in receptions, and we there are looking to throw the ball and be successful, that is who they throw the ball to," said Hairston. "They have other receivers, but none with the experience and talent level that he has. We know about Roberson, and we can't let him beat us."

Both of BU's quarterbacks, Colby Speice and Connor Sheehan, return for the Beavers. They combined for 2,549 yards on 201-for-332 passing with 26 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

Defensively, Wilmington must replace five of its top six tacklers, accounting for 366 tackles. Senior David Henry was third on the team with 76 tackles and led the team with13 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Senior Chase Manica and sophomore Gino Hinton will power a running game that needs to be on track for the Fightin' Quakers as they return very little experience at receiver. In the scrimmage, they combine for 201 yards on 11 rushes and three touchdowns.

"Coming into the season, our goal was we have to be able to run the ball," said Hairston. "Last year we didn't do a good job of running the ball, which puts pressure on your quarterback. This year not having the experience returning at the wide receiver spot, it's more important to be able to run the ball. I feel good with our stable of backs and the experience on the offensive line."

Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m.