Missouri Western took a 7-0 lead in the all-time series after a 45-14 win over Northeastern State last year in St. Joseph. While the Griffons have mostly dominated the games, they had to rally back to win 24-17 in their last trip to Tahlequah in 2015.
After impressive defensive efforts the first two weeks of the season, the offense has stolen the spotlight. Missouri Western has not scored fewer than 41 points in any of its last four games.
Averaging 48 points per game, the Griffon offense ranks third in the MIAA. Big plays have led to many of the scores, leaving the Griffons seventh in the conference in total offense at close to 416 yards per game.
Joshua Caldwell leads the MIAA with 458 rushing yards and five rushing TDs. The junior back ranks third in the conference with 126 all-purpose yards per game.
Dom Marino has started four games, but ranks fourth in the MIAA with 50 points responsible for, 12.5 per game. The junior quarter back threw for four scores and rushed for another in last week's come-from-behind win.
While the defense has allowed 444.5 yards and 31 points per game, they've specialized in giving the offense extra opportunities. The Griffons lead the MIAA and rank 13th in the nation with 11 turnovers gained. Six of those take aways have been interceptions, which also leads the MIAA and ranks 20th, nationally.
Cody Lindsay leads the team with 27 total tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Jabbar Miles has the team lead with two interceptions.
Nate Iloilo has shown improvement each week, leading the team with two sacks from his interior defensive line position to go with four hurries, four tackles for loss and 17 total stops. Iloilo has also forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and blocked two kicks.
NORTHEASTERN STATE
Northeastern State looks for its first win of the season, averaging 11.3 points per game while giving up 44.8. The RiverHawks rank 10th in the MIAA in total offense with 288 yards per game and 11th in total defense, giving up 486.
Gary McKnight has provided much of the offense for Northeastern State, ranking second in the MIAA with 348 receiving yards. McKnight's 23 yards per reception -- tops in the MIAA -- have helped Dimonic McKinzy average 14 yards per completion, good for second in the conference.
La'More Wise has paced the defense with 40 total tackles, 26 of them solo stops. The RiverHawk defense has just five sacks this season, while allowing 11, and three quarterback hurries. They've pulled in three interceptions and have thrown just three all year.
UP NEXT
Lindenwood comes to Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium on Oct. 7 for a 1 p.m. kickoff. It will be Military Appreciation Day.
