Storylines
- The Lions football team faces its biggest challenge of the young season this week when it travels to Central Missouri for a 1:30 p.m. game at Walton Stadium in Warrensburg, Mo.
- Lindenwood enters the game with a 2-0 overall and MIAA record, while the Mules are 0-2 overall and in the MIAA. Strength of schedule has played a factor in those starts. The Lions have played the two teams picked at the bottom of the preseason conference polls, while Central Missouri has played the two teams at the top of polls.
- The Lions are coming off a 35-27 victory over Southwest Baptist last week. Lindenwood trailed at halftime but a pair of third-quarter interceptions helped turn the tide, including one by
Brian Hawthorne that he returned for a 34-yard touchdown.
- Since the Lions have started their transition to the NCAA Division II level, two of their seven losses have come against Central Missouri, including a 35-28 setback last season. The two programs have met just those two times in their series history and they will be facing each other for the first time this year in Warrensburg.
- For the second straight week, Lindenwood will be involved in a matchup of two of the top passing teams in the MIAA. The Lions are third with 328.0 passing yards a game, while the Mules are fourth with 313.0 passing yards a contest.
- Defensively, both the Lions and Mules have gotten pressure to the quarterback this year. Lindenwood leads the conference with nine sacks, while Central Missouri is third with five.
- Getting off to a quick start could be crucial this week. The Lions have not allowed a point in the first quarter this season, while 26 of Central Missouri's 47 points have been scored in the first 15 minutes.
- Central Missouri's two losses have been by a combined seven points to No. 6 (Missouri Western) and No. 3 (Northwest Missouri) teams in NCAA Division II.
- Central Missouri is 217-178-13 all-time at Walton Stadium, including an 18-5 mark since the 2009 season.
Lions Offense
- Lindenwood ranks tenth in the MIAA in scoring offense (29.5) and seventh in total offense (451.5).
- Lindenwood's offensive line has allowed just one sack this season. It has also helped the Lions rank fifth in the MIAA with 4.7 yards per rushing attempt.
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Dillon Miller ranks second in the MIAA in passing yards (321.0) and third in total offense (320.5).
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Alex Robinson has caught a touchdown pass in each game this season. The junior has 11 receptions for 125 yards this year.
- Jordan Gator has led Lindenwood in receiving yards in both games this season. He ranks sixth in the MIAA this week with 95.5 receiving yards a game.
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Marvin Byrd is in the top-five in the conference with 104.5 rushing yards a game.
Lions Defense
- Lindenwood ranks sixth in the MIAA in scoring defense (24.5) and seventh in total defense (391.5).
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Thomas Stubbs leads the MIAA with 3.5 sacks this season, and he is second in the conference with 4.0 tackles for loss.
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Pierre Desir is now third in MIAA history with 22 career interceptions and is three away from second place.
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Pierre Desir has recorded interceptions against 13 different teams in his career. He has three against Central Missouri, with one in each game that he has faced them.
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Brian Hawthorne's interception return touchdown was the first for Lindenwood since
Pierre Desir returned one for six points in 2012, also against Southwest Baptist.
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Connor Harris ranks second in the MIAA with 26 total tackles on the season.
Lions Special Teams
- Punter
Edward Burns ranks third in the MIAA with a 41.2 punting average. He is one of just four punters averaging 40 yards or more.
Lions Schedule
- Lindenwood returns home on Sept. 28 for its only non-conference contest of the season. The Lions will be facing Missouri S&T at 6 p.m.
About Central Missouri
- The Mules have led at half in both games this season but are 0-2 after narrow losses to Northwest Missouri and Missouri Western.
- Quarterback Hayden Hawk leads the offense. He is throwing for 313 yards a game, and has five touchdowns and just one interception.
- Raymond Hunter is one of the top defensive threats. He has 12 tackles, 4.5 TFL, and 2.0 sacks.
MIAA Notes
- Four MIAA teams, Northwest Missouri (3), Missouri Western (6), Pittsburg State (14), and Washburn (22) are ranked in the latest AFCA poll. Emporia State and Missouri Southern are receiving votes in the ranking.
- The MIAA Players of the Week were: Lincoln's Morris Henderson (offense), Northeastern State's Langston Jones (defense), and Lincoln's Julio Segura (special teams).
