The Lindenwood football team (3-4, 2-1 OVC) returns to conference play on Saturday in matchup with Tennessee State (2-6, 0-3 OVC) on Halloween. Kickoff from Steward Field at Hunter Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m.
 
The Lions are coming off their second-consecutive win last time out in a 44-9 victory over Chicago State on Homecoming. Offensively, the Black and Gold were very balanced, throwing for 292 yards, while rushing for 257 more. Coming into the game, Lindenwood had two passing touchdowns on the season, but threw for three against the Cougars. Pops Battle connected with Jalen Smith twice and Drew Krobath once.
 
Offensively, the Back and Gold were clicking on all cylinders as they scored 40 or more points for the first time since the final home game of the 2025 season in what was a 42-12 win over Eastern Illinois. In that win the team also posted more than 200 passing and rushing yards in the same game.
 
Robert Giaimo led the rushing attack with a season-high 120 yards on just three carries. It was his first 100-yard rushing game since the 2023 season when he posted 120 against Western Illinois. So far this season, Lindenwood's offense is averaging 167.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks second in the OVC despite playing one less game than all other league foes.
 
Lindenwood has held consecutive opponents under 100 rushing yards after allowing 97 against Chicago State. It is the first time this has happened since 2024 when they limited Tennessee State (89) and Charleston Southern (98) under 100 in weeks five and six of that year. The Lions sit fourth in the conference in rushing defense, allowing 134.6 yards per game.
 
With a win on Saturday, it would give Lindenwood its first three-game winning streak in the same season since its inaugural Division I campaign in 2022. During the season, the Black and Gold won four in a row.
 
After this game, the Lions will hit the road for two consecutive games, going to Gardner-Webb and UT Martin.

NUMBERS TO KNOW:
36: In last season's matchup with Tennessee State, the Lindenwood defense limited the Tigers to 36 rushing yards. The rushing defense has been stout as of late, allowing 53 and 97 yards in back-to-back games. 

2: Brayon Crawford and Carter Johnson each intercepted a pass against Chicago State, marking the first time since 2024 that the Lions had multiple picks in a game. The 2024 occurrence was against St. Thomas.

549: The Lindenwood offense had its highest output of the 2026 season with 549 yards. It was a balanced effort with 292 yards through the air and 257 yards on the ground. The Lions had one game in 2025 with 200 passing and rushing yards in the same game.

26.6: Noah Triplett and Robert Giaimo had only eight carries in the game against Chicago State but made the most of it, gaining 213 yards. The duo averaged 26.6 yards per carry with multiple explosive plays.