Who:
AT
When: Saturday, October 15, 7 PM
Where: Cowboy Stadium, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Weather:
78°F, Precipitation: 1%, Humidity: 62%, Wind: 7 mph @ Kickoff.
Watch/Listen/Live Stats-
Listen: Lion Sports Network – KETR 88.9 FM, Commerce (http://www.ketr.org) Charlie Chitwood (Play BY Play) Brock Callaway (Color/Analysis) BJ Laudermilk (Sidelines and Studio/Scores)
LIVE VIDEO: ESPN3 | https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/216e3f6a-675f-4435-bf7a-7b49e33cfec8
LIVE STATS: https://mcneesesports.com/sidearmstats/football/summary
Impact Players-
- Quarterback Eric Rodriguez-After having his best game in his career, the Lions cemented QB1 looks to have another big game, and if he does, the Lion offense should keep humming along.
- Receiver Andrew Armstrong-Division I FCS’s leading receiver, he presents a matchup nightmare for the McNeese secondary and will no doubt draw double teams, enabling other receivers to get open and make big plays.
- Defensive Back Darius Williams-After another spectacular defensive outing, Williams leading the way with bone jarring hits and big time tackles and pass break ups will be needed Saturday.
- Defensive Lineman Cliff Funderburk-With a turnover prone McNeese offense, putting pressure on their backfield will aide greatly in the Lion defensive effort.
- Plackicker Aiden Martin-We need touchbacks and good kickoffs to contain MSU’s return game. Getting the coverage team in position to make stops is incumbent on Martin having another great game.
Storylines-After the Lions put FCS on notice they are here to compete, some have taken notice. There is an excellent chance the Lions could win this game, but it will be challenging going back on the road and into the Southern Louisiana area and knocking off another team. McNeese is a VERY winnable game, but it is important The Lions DO NOT lose focus. A win would do a ton for the program in their first year as a Division I school. First, it puts them in the driver’s seat for a Southland Conference title in their first year, second, it gives Head Coach David Bailiff his 100th career win as a Head Coach, and third it gives the Lions a huge set of momentum heading into the back half of the season which will see 4 of the next 5 games played in Commerce, setting up them up for a very realistic shot at a conference title in year one. The trajectory is upwards with the offense continuing to improve, the defense playing as well as they ever have, and the special teams continue to do their respective jobs. That trajectory looks good so far.
The Lion Wire 