GRIFFON FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Missouri Western (4-2) at Pittsburg State (2-4)
When: Saturday, October 14 - 2PM
Where: Carnie Smith Stadium; Pittsburg, Kansas
Watch: The MIAA Network
Listen: Griffon Sports Network – 680 KFEQ
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/pittstate/football/
Follow: @GriffonFootball @GoGriffons
MWSU Game Notes | Pittsburg State Game Notes
ST. JOSEPH - Griffon football takes its three-game win streak, one of the nation's top rushing and scoring offenses and a hungry, opportunistic defense to Pittsburg, Kansas this Saturday.
It's a battle of two teams on opposite roads with Pittsburg State looking to snap a three-game skid and the Griffons looking to extend their winning streak. Kickoff for homecoming at Carnie Smith Stadium is set for 2 p.m.
MISSOURI WESTERN LAST WEEK
The Griffons scored at least 40 points for the fifth straight game and won for the fourth consecutive week with a 40-8 victory over Lindenwood. Missouri Western forced five Lindenwood turnovers, returning two interceptions for touchdowns and rushing for 377 yards in the win.
Cody Lindsay was named MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week after returning an interception 25 yards for a touchdown and adding two sacks, seven tackles, a fumble recovery, a pass break up and a quarterback hurry.
Tyler Basch was named MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week after scoring 16 of MWSU's points in the win. Basch was 4-for-4 on field goal and point after attempts in the game.
MISSOURI WESTERN THIS SEASON
The Griffons feature the MIAA's top scoring offense and a defense that has forced more turnovers than any Division II team in the country.
After five-straight 40+ point performances, the Griffons enter Saturday's game averaging 39.7 points per game, most in the MIAA and 17th most in Division II. The offense has been led by the MIAA's top rushing unit, averaging 273 yards per game, fifth most in Division II.
Joshua Caldwell leads Missouri Western and the MIAA and ranks eighth nationally with 730 rushing yards.
The Griffon defense leads all of Division II football with 21 forced turnovers. The team's 12 interceptions are fifth most in the country and its nine recovered fumbles are fourth most.
Cody Lindsay leads the team with 38 total tackles and his eight tackles for loss are the second most in the conference.
Darrian Bass leads the team with three sacks and
is second with 7.5 tackles for loss.
Brandin Dandridge leads the Griffons with three interceptions and is second in the MIAA with nine passes defended.
Tyler Basch leads the MIAA in scoring with 62 total points. The kicker's 12 made field goals are also most in the MIAA.
Jonathan Owens leads the conference and ranks fourth nationally, averaging 19 yards per punt return.
Shamar Griffith leads the MIAA with 451 combined return yards this season.
UP NEXT
Missouri Western plays two-straight home games beginning Oct. 21 when Fort Hays State visits for the Rogers Pharmacy Hall of Fame Game.
PITTSBURG STATE LAST WEEK
The Gorillas gave up 21 unanswered points at No. 8 Fort Hays State, falling 21-17. Pitt State led 17-0 early in the second quarter, but allowed two touchdowns in the second quarter and the game winning touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Fort Hays State's Kenneth Iheme rushed for 189 yards in the game and was named MIAA Offensive Athlete of the Week.
PITTSBURG STATE THIS SEASON
Pittsburg State has lost three straight entering this Saturday's game with Missouri Western. The Gorillas are averaging 28.3 points per game, eighth in the MIAA and allowing 29.7 points per game, fourth most in the MIAA.
Fans might expect a heavy dose of rushing with the MIAA's top two rushing offenses and 10th and 11th ranked passing offenses. The Gorilla run game ranks second in the MIAA behind Missouri Western at 209.5 yards per game. Pitt State is averaging 173 passing yards per game, 10th in the MIAA. The Gorillas lead the conference with 291 rushing attempts, 10 more than second-ranked Missouri Western. All those rushing attempts have kept the ball out of opponents hands. Pittsburg State ranks second in the MIAA, averaging more than 32 minutes of possession time per game.
Opponents have attempted just 180 passes against the Gorilla defense, fourth fewest in the MIAA. They've made the completions count as Pitt State has allowed the fifth most passing yards per game in the conference. Pitt State's rush defense ranks ninth in the conference, allowing 183 yards per game.
