Storylines- The Lindenwood football team will face Central Missouri this Saturday in the MIAA Television Network Game of the Week. The Lions and Mules will kickoff at 2 p.m. in Warrensburg, Mo.
- Lindenwood is 1-7 on the year, with every game being a MIAA contest. Last week, the Lions fell to Missouri Southern by a 31-17 margin. Lindenwood outscored Missouri Southern in the second half but couldn't overcome a 21-3 halftime deficit.
- Central Missouri is the hottest team in the MIAA with a five-game winning streak. The Mules are in third place in the MIAA with 6-2 overall and conference marks. Last Saturday, Central Missouri defeated Northeastern State by a 56-14 score.
- Lindenwood has played Central Missouri more than any other MIAA team as this is the fourth meeting between the programs. The Lions are 0-3 against the Mules, including 0-2 in MIAA contests and 0-1 in games played in Warrensburg, Mo.
- Last season, the Lions lost to Central Missouri by a 47-28 score. Lindenwood led 28-26 at halftime, but the Mules outscored the Lions by a 21-0 margin in the second half.
Jaron Alexander and
Alex Robinson combined for 23 receptions for 316 receiving yards, and Alexander set a school record with 16 receptions.
- Lindenwood's offense enters the game ranked third in the MIAA in passing offense with 256.8 passing yards a game. The Mules are tenth in the conference by allowing 237.8 passing yards a contest.
- Lindenwood's defense will be going up against one of the top offenses in the MIAA. Central Missouri ranks second in scoring offense, just six points shy of the leader, and it is first in the conference with 451.8 yards of offense a game.
- The top head-to-head matchup to watch will be Lindenwood linebacker
Connor Harris versus Central Missouri running back LaVance Taylor. Harris enters this week leading the MIAA and ranking third in NCAA Division II with 13.4 tackles a game. Taylor is the MIAA leader in rushing with 147.1 yards per game, which is seventh-best in the nation.
Lions Offense- Lindenwood enters this week ranked tenth in the MIAA in scoring offense (17.4) and total offense (312.5).
- The Lions threw for a season-high 348 yards last week against Missouri Southern. Over the last four games, they are averaging 295.8 passing yards a game, and they have thrown seven touchdown passes.
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Jaron Alexander is one reception away from his 100th career reception. He will be the eighth Lindenwood player to reach that mark.
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Graham Lindman is averaging 278.0 passing yards a game since being named the starting quarterback. He would rank second in passing yards per game if he was eligible for the conference statistical leaders.
- Running back
Lavorrie Johnson has scored a touchdown in three straight games, and is now tied for the team-high with four touchdowns.
- Wide receiver
Greg Coble has caught 12 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns over the last three games.
Lions Defense- Lindenwood enters play this week ranked tenth in the MIAA in scoring defense (34.0) and ninth in total defense (404.6).
- Lindenwood's opponents have fumbled the ball seven times over the last two games, including the Lions defense forcing three fumbles.
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Connor Harris went over the 100 tackle mark for the season against Missouri Southern, the second time the sophomore has passed that milestone in his career.
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Roderick Ryles has recorded double-figure tackles in four of the last five games. He is averaging 11.2 tackles a game in that span.
- Lindenwood's pass defense has held five out of its last six opponents below 200 passing yards. Opponents are averaging 152.2 passing yards a game over those six games.
- Other team leaders on defense include
Chaz Fulton with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks,
Jeremy Morris with six pass breakups,
Connor Harris with two interceptions, and
Roderick Ryles with two fumble recoveries.
Lions Special Teams-
Edward Burns ranks fourth in the MIAA with 40.8 yards per punt. He averaged 46.8 yards on five punts against Missouri Southern.
- Lindenwood recovered an on-side kick last week. It was its first on-side kick recovery since moving to the NCAA level.
Misc. Notes- Lindenwood has its final home game on Nov. 8 with a 1:30 p.m. game versus Central Oklahoma.
About Central Missouri- After starting the season 1-2, the Mules have won five straight games. They haven't lost yet this season on their home field.
- The Mules have a one-two threat in running back LaVance Taylor and quarterback Hayden Hawk. Taylor has 12 rushing touchdowns, while Hawk has 10 passing and seven rushing scores.
- Ricky Spratley has a team-high 73 tackles. Jason Venckus leads with 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Diaron Rhodes is 12th nationally with 14 passes defended.
