GAME PREVIEW
#2 Northwest Missouri (8-0) at Missouri Western (4-4)
Saturday, Oct. 31 - 1 p.m. - Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium
 

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ST. JOSEPH - Rivalry week in the MIAA brings second ranked Northwest Missouri to St. Joseph for a grudge match with a Griffon Football team looking to rebound after two-straight losses. 

It will be the 37th meeting between the two teams with Northwest Missouri holding a 24-12 advantage in the series. Most of Northwest's wins have come in the last two decades, with Missouri Western 4-17 against Northwest since 1996. The Griffons have dropped their last two games, after a 17-3 loss at No. 19 Emporia State last week. Missouri Western's defense continues to make it difficult on opposing offenses, holding Emporia State to its lowest scoring total of the season and second lowest offensive yardage total of the year. Missouri Western ranks just behind Northwest Missouri for second in the MIAA in total defense and scoring defense. Northwest Missouri is coming off a homecoming victory over Fort Hays State as a team that hasn't been challenged since a 23-16 win over Central Oklahoma in week four. 

MISSOURI WESTERN NOTABLES

• Last week, Griffon-D held Emporia State to lowest season point total (17)
• Defense also held Emporia St. to 2^nd lowest yardage total of season
• MWSU defense forced four turnovers last week, 19 total this season
• Last week was third time this season defense has had 3+ inceptions; second time with 4+ takeaways
• Michael Jordan 3^rd in nation in passes defended (18)
• Jonathan Owens' two interceptions last week gave team three players with three on season
• Yomi Alli recorded 3^rd straight 12+ tackle game (14) last week; Alli has 45 of 79 tackles this season in last three games
• Missouri Western looking to avoid five losses for first time since 2008
• Griffons also looking to avoid first three-game losing streak since 2008
• Team has scored 17 points in last 10 quarters
• Nate Wilson's start last week made 2015 first time in Jerry Partridge era MWSU has started three different quarterbacks in one season

 
 
NORTHWEST MISSOURI NOTABLES

• Defense has shutout two opponents this season – has not allowed more than 30 points in a game
• Scoring defense ranks 1^st in MIAA (12.2/game)
• Northwest outscored opponents by 242 total points this season (42.5/game to 12.2/game)
• Team leads MIAA in at least six categories, including scoring offense, scoring defense, total defense
• Quarterback Brady Bolles named MIAA Offensive Athlete of the Week for performance last Saturday (28 completions for 329 yards and 3 TDs)
• Defense holding opponents to 82 rushing yards per game; have allowed two 100+ rushing performances (UCO-141, FHSU-182)
• Central Missouri only team with 200+ yards passing against Northwest this season (280)