complete game notes in .pdf format
Storyline
Lindenwood has a dangerous game this week when the Lions travel to Baker for a 1 p.m. contest.
The Wildcats were nationally ranked at the beginning of the season before losing their first three games. All three losses though were narrow setbacks against ranked foes. Since then, Baker has bounced back with two straight wins. Baker also has the home field advantage where it has won 15 out of its 19.
Something will have to give when the Lions offense faces the Baker defense. Lindenwood and the No. 2 scoring offense in the NAIA will go against a Baker squad that has not surrendered over 24 points in a game yet this season.
Lindenwood's defense will go against a hot Baker offense. After making a quarterback switch, the Wildcats are averaging over 50 points a game the last two weeks. The Lions, who are tied for the HAAC lead with 15 turnovers, will look to feed off a Baker offense that has 12 turnovers on the season, the second-most in the conference.
Turnovers and special teams were the main difference last week in Lindenwood's 53-9 win over Avila. The Lions dominated field position thanks to a +5 turnover margin and a strong game out of their return units.
A Lindenwood Win Would...
- improve the program to 114-112-2 all-time.
- improve the Lions to 62-18 under head coach Patrick Ross.
- be the seventh win over Baker in the last eight meetings.
- be the first time that the Lions won two straight games over Baker in Baldwin City, Kan.
- improve Lindenwood to 9-6 all-time in the series against the Wildcats.
A Lindenwood Loss Would...
- drop the program to 113-113-2 all-time.
- drop the Lions to 61-19 under Patrick Ross.
- be Baker's first win over Lindenwood since 2006.
- mark the first time since 2006 that the Lions have lost two HAAC games in a season.
NAIA Rankings
Lindenwood currently leads the NAIA in passing offense, pass efficiency, and total offense. The team is also second in scoring offense, third in first downs, and sixth in third-down conversion.
Scoring Defense
Lindenwood has held three opponents under 10 points this year, tying last year's mark for the entire season. This year's squad is allowing 15.2 points a game, over five points better than last year. If the team continues this pace, it will be the second-best scoring defense in school history.
Nationally, the team is eleventh this season in scoring defense.
4-1 Start
This season is the fourth straight season, and the sixth all-time, that Lindenwood has started a year 4-1 or better. In each of the previous five times, the team has advanced to the NAIA Championship Series.
Field Position Battle
Lindenwood dominated the field position last week against Avila, having a starting field position 23 yards better than the Eagles. For the season, Lindenwood's offense has an average starting field position of its 41 yard line. The opposing team has a starting field position of the 31.
In the Polls
Lindenwood is ranked sixth in this week's NAIA national ranking. The Lions have been in the top 10 for 29 straight polls released by the NAIA.
Causing Turnovers
Seven different Lions have intercepted a pass this season, six have forced fumbles, and seven have fumble recoveries. Hakim Thomas leads the team with two interceptions, and Nick Tepea has two forced fumbles.
Tackles Leader
Dan Carlisle has at least seven tackles in every game this year and has led the team in the last four. He is in the top 50 nationally in tackles and tackles for loss.
Player of the Week-Again
For the fourth time this season, Philip Staback was named the HAAC Offensive Player of the Week last Monday. For the season, Staback leads the nation in pass efficiency, and is second in passing yards and total offense.
For the year, Staback is completing 74.8 percent of his passes for 323.2 yards a game. Both marks would shatter school records if he can maintain them.
O'Bryant's Top Game
Denodus O'Bryant had his top game of the season last week against Avila with 208 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. He opened the game with an 84-yard kickoff return touchdown. He also rushed six times for a season-high 65 yards, and caught three passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns.
Up Next
Lindenwood has its Homecoming contest on Oct. 16 versus Culver-Stockton.
About The Wildcats
After opening the season with three losses, all by 10 points or less to nationally-ranked teams, Baker has won two straight. The Wildcats defense has not allowed over 24 points in a game, while the offense is averaging 52 points since making a quarterback switch.
In the last two games, Jacob Morse has thrown for 374 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Scott Meyer and Aaron Terrill combine for over 90 rushing yards a game and have seven touchdowns. Jake Green is the top receiving threat with 253 receiving yards.
Matt Brock, Colton Miller, and Adam Steele are 1-2-3 in the HAAC in tackles per game. Brock has 60 with five for losses, Miller has 42 with six for loss, and Steele has 37 with 2.5 tackles for loss.
Last Week
Baker scored 34 second quarter points to spark a 63-10 rout over Culver-Stockton. Eight different Wildcats scored touchdowns, including two by Jake Green.
Jacob Morse threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, Green and Lewis both had 86 yards receiving, and Scott Meyer led the team with 79 rushing yards.
Matt Brock recorded nine tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup.
Head Coach Mike Grossner
Mike Grossner is in his seven season at Baker where he has won 34 games and led the Wildcats to one playoff appearance. Prior jobs included being an assistant coach at Western State and head coach at Glendale Community College, where he won a national championship in 2000.
