The Lindenwood football team (3-5, 1-3 BS/OVC) returns home and welcomes Eastern Illinois (5-3, 1-2 BS/OVC) on homecoming. Kickoff inside Hunter Stadium is set for 2:00 p.m.
 
Last week, the Lions fell on the road to Tennessee State by a score of 43-20. After a slow start, Lindenwood continued to battle, outscoring the Tigers 13-3 in the second half. So far this season, the Lions have outscored opponents 100-80 during the back half of games this year.
 
Jeff Caldwell got the scoring started for Lindenwood, finding the end zone for the second-straight game in the first half. The Louisville, Ky. native continues his monster season and now has eight touchdown grabs on the year. That number is most in the Big South-OVC Association and ranks second-most in all FCS. The redshirt sophomore has three touchdown grabs of 65 yards or longer, including the one against the Tigers. He averages 20.1 yards per catch, the ninth best mark in FCS.
 
The freshman provided a spark in the second half against Tennessee State with quarterback Tyler Kubat throwing for two touchdowns and running back Jared Rhodes compiling 73 total yards, including a 40-yard touchdown reception.
 
This will be the second-ever meeting between the Panthers and Lions. A year ago, both teams played a thrilling double-overtime contest with Lindenwood pulling out the 37-34 victory.  In that game, Justin Williams totaled 88 yards (69 rushing, 18 receiving) and one touchdown.
 
Lindenwood will look to continue its strong play at home. In 2023, the Lions have compiled a 2-1 record inside Hunter Stadium with wins over Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Tennessee Tech. Next week, Lindenwood will host Bryant for a 1:00 p.m. kick in St. Charles, Mo.