ST. JOSEPH – Griffon football celebrated Military Appreciation Day by forcing five Lindenwood turnovers, scoring twice on defense and winning its third-straight game, 40-8 over Lindenwood on Saturday. 

STREAKS STAY ALIVE
The Griffons scored at least 40 points for the fifth straight game after scoring just three in the season opener at Nebraska Kearney. It was also the Griffons' third straight win overall and third win in three home games this season. Joshua Caldwell had his fifth straight 100-yard rushing effort and the defense extended its interception streak to five straight games. 
 
DEFENSE IS THE OFFENSE
The offense did its part, but the Griffon defense outscored Lindenwood, 14-0 all by itself. The Griffons got two interception returns for touchdowns and held the Lindenwood offense out of the end zone, with the Lions' only score coming on a kickoff return for a touchdown. Coming into Saturday's game, Lindenwood had thrown just one interception all season and the Griffons picked the Lions off four times. After five forced turnovers on Saturday, Missouri Western has forced 21 all season and is +13 in turnover margin.  
 
GROUND GAME DOESN'T SKIP A BEAT
Missouri Western rushed for 377 yards in the game and Joshua Caldwell had his fifth-straight 100-yard rushing performance with 171 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The rushing total padded the team's MIAA leading rushing total. With two games still remaining Saturday, the Griffons were averaging more than 73 yards more per game on the ground than second-ranked Pittsburg State. The impressive rushing total took the pressure off quarterback Dom Marino who only had to complete 7-of-14 passes for 48 yards to earn his fourth win as a starter.
 
BASCH HAS ANOTHER DAY
Senior kicker Tyler Basch went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts and made all four of his extra point attempts. Basch was good from 24, 40, 25 and 31 yards in the game. He's now 12-for-15 on the season on field goal attempts and 26-of-28 on PATs.
 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western (4-2) hits the road for a game at Pittsburg State (2-3) on Oct. 14. The Gorillas were scheduled to play at No. 11 Fort Hays State, Saturday night.