Lindenwood Game Notes

Fort Hays State Game Notes

MIAA Weekly Notes

Storylines
 - The Lindenwood football team hits the road this week for a game on Saturday at Fort Hays State. The Lions and Tigers will kickoff at 7 p.m. at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays, Kan.
 
- Lindenwood and Fort Hays State are two of six MIAA schools that enter this week with a 1-1 record.
 
- Lindenwood is coming off a 38-7 loss to No. 8 Pittsburg State last week. The Gorillas outgained the Lions 476-219 in total offense. Lindenwood also commited the only two turnovers of the game, including one that led to a 98-yard interception return touchdown that prevented the Lions from getting momentum before halftime.
 
- The Lions are 1-1 all-time against Fort Hays State. In 2012, Lindenwood won 20-17 in Hays, Kan. Last year, Fort Hays State won by a 31-17 margin in St. Charles, Mo.
 
- Home-field advantage has not been a factor in this series, with both teams winning on the other's field in their first two meetings. This season, both teams are 1-0 on the road and 0-1 at home.
 
- Lindenwood is 6-4 on the road all-time in MIAA contests.  It is 3-2 since 2012 in games played in the state of Kansas.
 
- Turnovers could be a key statistic to watch this weekend. Lindenwood had a +2 turnover margin in its win this season, and was -2 in its loss. Fort Hays State was +3 in its win last week, and -2 in its loss in week one of the year.
 
- Lindenwood's offensive line will have a big test this week as Fort Hays State enters the week tied for first in the MIAA with 3.00 sacks a game. The Lions are currently tied for first by allowing just 1.00 sack a contest.
 
- Fort Hays State picked up its first win of the season with a 48-13 victory over Northeastern State. After trailing 6-0, the Tigers scored the next 48 points for the road win.
 
- Fort Hays State is the only Lindenwood opponent in the first six weeks of the season that has not been nationally-ranked or receiving votes in at least one poll in 2014.
 
Lions Offense
- Lindenwood enters this week ranked seventh in the MIAA in scoring offense (25.5) and eighth in total offense (269.0).
 
- Wide receiver Jaron Alexander is currently sixth in the MIAA with 62.0 receiving yards per game. He is just 18 receiving yards shy of 1,000 for his career.
 
- Quarterback Dillon Miller is 167 passing yards away from 4,000 in his career. He will become the fourth Lion in program history to pass for over 4,000 yards.
 
- Backup quarterback Stephen Kaiser has a rushing touchdown in each game this season. In four rushes this season, he has two touchdowns and a first down.
 
- All-MIAA offensive lineman Jacob Heneisen will be playing in his 30th career game with an appearance this week. He has started all but one of those contests.
 
Lions Defense
- Lindenwood enters play this week ranked ninth in the MIAA in scoring defense (38.0) and 12th in total defense (463.5).
 
- Lindenwood has forced three turnovers on downs, tying for the most in the MIAA.
 
- Linebacker Connor Harris is tied for the MIAA lead with two interceptions, and is second with 6.5 solo tackles a contest. He ranks fifth in NCAA Division II in interceptions and 35th in solo tackles.
 
- Linebacker Dillon Hawkins set a career-high with 2.0 tackles for loss last weekend. He leads the team with 2.0 on the season, just 0.5 ahead of Wesley Thomas and Chaz Fulton.
 
- Jeremy Morris leads the team with three pass breakups, including two last week against Pittsburg State. He ranks tied for second in the MIAA in that category.
 
Lions Special Teams
- Lindenwood is first in the MIAA in kickoff return average and punt return average. Fort Hays State is among the top-four in the MIAA in net punting and kickoff coverage.
 
- Lavorrie Johnson leads the team with 119 kickoff return yards, and Tre' Roby is first with 49 punt return yards.
 
Misc. Notes
- Lindenwood returns home on Thursday, Sept. 25, to take on Missouri Western at 7 p.m.
 
- That contest will be shown nationally on CBS Sports Network. It will be the third Thursday night game for the Lions this season.
 
- Lindenwood has only allowed three scoring drives this season of 65 yards or longer. Seven of the 12 scores it has allowed have been return touchdowns or drives less than 50 yards.
 
About Fort Hays State
- Fort Hays State is 1-1 after the Oklahoma portion of its schedule. The Tigers lost to Central Oklahoma (26-7) and defeated Northeastern State (48-13).
 
- Treveon Albert has three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores to lead the Fort Hays State offense.
 
- Justin McPhail leads the MIAA with 3.0 sacks. He also leads the team with 19 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and one interception.