Complete game notes in .pdf format
Langston/Lindenwood Photo Gallery
Storyline
Two undefeated and high scoring football programs will meet on Saturday at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium in St. Charles when No. 3 Lindenwood and No. 5 Ottawa square off in a NAIA Football Championship Series Quarterfinal contest.
Both teams rank in the top five in the NAIA in scoring offense and in the top three in total offense, with the two teams combining for 101.6 points and 1,034.5 yards a game. The Lions have one of the highest scoring teams in NAIA history, putting up 56 points a game, while the Braves have one of the top passing games in NAIA history, averaging over 416.8 yards a game through the air.
The winner of this game will likely be which defense can slow down their opposition the best. Lindenwood's defense did that last week, shutting out Langston for the first 52 minutes and making numerous big plays to lead the team to a 42-14 win in the first-round of the playoffs. The Lions have now allowed 14 or less points in six games this year, including the last two.
Ottawa allowed 34 points early last week but made plays late, including a red zone interception, to preserve a 40-34 playoff victory over Hastings. The Braves will look to pressure the Lions with the No. 1 sack unit in the NAIA.
A Lindenwood Win Would...
- improve the program to 108-110 all-time.
- improve the Lions to 56-16 under head coach Patrick Ross.
- improve Lindenwood to 4-4 in the NAIA Football Championship Series, including a 3-1 mark at home.
- increase its home winning streak to 19 games.
- set school records for the longest winning streak and most wins in a season (both at 12).
- mark the team's second straight appearance in the NAIA Semifinals.
A Lindenwood Loss Would...
- drop the program to 107-111 all-time.
- drop the Lions to 55-17 under head coach Patrick Ross.?
- end the Lions season with a 11-1 record.
Scoring Notes
Lindenwood's offense went over 600 points last week and the team's current total of 616 ranks tied for 64th all-time among every level of college football (according to Tex Noel at 1st-N-Goal).
The Lions have scored at least 41 points in every game this season, including going over 60 points four times.
Record Watch
Lindenwood has already set team records this year for most rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and scoring. The team needs 293 total yards this week to break the school season mark in that category.
Individually, Denodus O'Bryant needs one touchdown to tie the school's single-season scoring and touchdown mark. Halley Ferrell needs just one extra point to break the point record for a kicker. For career records, Rudy Fleming needs just seven receiving yards to become the Lions' all-time leader in that category.
Big Play Offense
Lindenwood has 74 plays this year of 25 yards or more, including 27 over 50 yards. Forty-nine of those plays have come on offense, with 18 rushing and 31 passing. Denodus O'Bryant leads the team with 17 plays over 25 yards, followed by Rudy Fleming with 13 and Roren Thomas with 11.
100-Yards Receiving
Rudy Fleming has gone over 100 yards receiving in two out of the last three games.
Forcing Turnovers
Lindenwood is forcing 2.5 turnovers a game, and the defense has forced at least two turnovers in every game but two. Brandon Gould leads the team with three interceptions, and Cody Fogle and Damian James both have two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Vs. Ranked Teams
Lindenwood is 4-0 this year against teams ranked in the current Top 25 poll, defeating No. 8 MidAmerica Nazarene, No. 11 Missouri Valley, No. 20 Langston, and No. 23 Baker.
Leading In The Game
Lindenwood has trailed in only one game this season and has led for the majority of each game. In 660 minutes, the Lions have led for nearly 600 minutes, and they have only trailed for 14:06.
First Quarter Dominance
Lindenwood's defense has not allowed a first quarter touchdown over the last five games. On the season, the Lions have outscored opponents 168-35 in the first 15 minutes.
Field Position
Lindenwood has dominated field position this year, averaging 12.5 yards better than its opponents. The Lions are averaging a starting field position of its 43.2 yard line.
Last week, the Lions started half of their offensive possessions in Langston territory and averaged their own 47.
About The Braves
Ottawa is having the best season in school history, already recording a team record 11 wins.
The season started with a 31-21 win over top ten team McKendree in the College Fanz First Down Classic. The Braves then swept through their KCAC campaign for their first conference title since 2003, which was won under current Lindenwood head coach Patrick Ross. Two of those KCAC victories were over No. 12 McPherson and No. 15 Friends. The team earned its fourth win over a ranked team last week over No. 13 Hastings.
Ottawa has had success in close games, winning four by seven points or less.
Last Week
Ottawa scored 34 unanswered points in the final 20:30 to overcome a 34-6 deficit in a 40-34 victory over Hastings. The victory was the first NAIA Football Championship Series win in Ottawa football history.
The winning touchdown came on a 64-yard Andy Otto run. Hastings marched the ball down the field after that but Casey Calhoun intercepted a pass on the three-yard line to seal the win.
Ethan Haller had 415 yards passing and four touchdowns, but he was also intercepted four times. Clarence Anderson had 291 yards receiving and all four touchdown receptions. Otto finished with 76 yards rushing.
Josh Hojje had 16 tackles to lead the defense, including 3.5 for losses.
Head Coach Kent Kessinger
Kent Kessinger is in his sixth season at Ottawa. The former NAIA All-American has a 32-29 coaching record, including a 19-2 mark over the last two years.
