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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - It will be a battle of two of the MIAA and the nation's best defenses Saturday night when No. 19 Pittsburg State comes to Spratt Stadium. 

The Gorillas rank second in total defense and the Griffons are fourth. Pittsburg State leads the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 3.5 points per game. The Griffons aren't far behind, allowing just 11 - second in the conference and 10th in the country. 

Missouri Western is coming off a 26-9 win at Lindenwood on national TV. The Griffon defense dominated the highlight reel, racking up two touchdowns and a safety. The Pitt defense only allowed seven points last Saturday against Fort Hays, but the Gorilla offense only mustered six points in the program's first loss to the Tigers in 21 tries. It was also Pitt State's lowest point output at home since 1991. 

The Griffons are led offensively by Raphael Spencer, whose 466 yards rank second in the MIAA. Spencer has been a workhourse for the Griffons, leading the MIAA in carries (100) by 34 rushes. 

MWSU's four takeaway performance last Thursday extended an 18-game streak. Kirk Resseguie was named MIAA Defensive Athlete of the week after scoring a touchdown and getting a safety on a sack. It was the second week in a row a Griffon defender has taken the honor. Missouri Western leads the MIAA with eight interceptions, including Sam Brown's pick-6 against the Lions last week. 

The Pitt State offense runs through senior quarterback Anthony Abenoja. He is 72-114 on the season for 1,043 yards and eight touchdowns. Abenoja is among the league leaders in most passing categories including his 163.17 efficiency rating. In 114 attempts, Abenoja has not thrown an interception. 

Defensively, the Gorillas rank in the top-six nationally in several categories. Tyler Disney leads the defense with 37 total tackles and seven for loss. Deron Washington is tied with MWSU's Mike Jordan for the MIAA lead with three interceptions. 

PSU leads the all-time series 28-11. Ten of those 11 losses have come in the past 17 years with Jerry Partridge at the helm of the Griffon program. The two teams have split the last four meetings. 

Saturday night is also Hall of Fame night with three individuals and one team a part of the 2014 class.