The Lindenwood football team (4-4, 3-1 OVC) hits the road for a matchup with Gardner-Webb (3-6, 2-2 OVC) on Saturday. Kickoff from Spangler Stadium is set for 12:30 p.m. CT.

Lindenwood will look to keep its winning ways going after picking up its third consecutive win in a 27-0 shutout victory over Tennessee State last Saturday. It is the program's first three-game winning streak since 2022 and the first shutout for the program since 2024. Defense was the story of the day as the Lions held their third straight opponent under 100 rushing yards, with the Tigers gaining just 32.

Andrew Baumgart was a force in the Tennessee State backfield all day long, compiling six tackles and a career-high three-and-a-half tackles for loss and three sacks. The defense forced three turnovers overall, including a strip sack by Mason Burke and interceptions by DeVonta Owens and Zech Pratt. This is the first time the Lindenwood defense has recorded multiple picks in back-to-back games since October 2 and 9 of 2021 against Truman State and Quincy. After recording three interceptions as a defense all last season, the Lions have six so far this year.

Offensively, Pops Battle was efficient through the air, going 24-for-32 for 265 yards and two touchdowns. The East St. Louis native also led the Lions in rushing with 71 yards on 16 carries. Over his last three games, Battle is completing nearly 73 percent of his passes (64-for-88) for 787 yards and six total touchdowns to just one interception.

Jalen Smith has caught all three of his touchdowns in the last two weeks and has tallied 164 yards during that time. So far this season, he leads the team with 26 catches for 400 yards and those three scores. Drew Krobath isn't far behind with 327 yards and a trio of touchdowns this season.

Gardner-Webb is the only conference team that Lindenwood has not earned a win against since moving to Division I in 2022. The Lions will be looking for their second road win of the year on Saturday and will remain away from home next week at UT Martin for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff.

NUMBERS TO KNOW:
160: During its three-game winning streak, the Lindenwood defense has held opponents to a combined 160 rushing yards or just over 53 per game. It is the first time in the Division I era in which Lindenwood has held three straight opponents under 100.

8: The Lions' defense has forced a total of eight turnovers in the last three games. Five of those have been interceptions while three have been forced fumbles. During that time, they have allowed just 22 total points.

2022: 2022 was the last season in which the Lions won four games in a row. However, during that year, Lindenwood played some Division II teams, so they will be looking to do it for the first time against Division I competition.

165: In last season's matchup, the Black and Gold ran for 165 yards led by Steve Hall, who had 105 yards and a touchdown. The Lions have rushed for 100 or more yards in every game this season.