Greetings, Lion fans, and I wish there were better news to report than on a 1-7 season, but this is where they are entering into the final two games of the season this week against an improved 4-4 Lamar team and ending their 2023 season in Commerce against a 1-7 Southeastern Louisiana squad, who has had an equally disappointing season. We’ll take a deep dive into the matchup with Lamar shortly, but first, let’s take a look back at the 17-13 loss to Houston Christian.

In taking just one look at the stats, and one has to ask, “How did the Lions lose this game?”. On the surface, it’s a mystery. The Lions dominated time of possession in the first quarter. 10:16 to 4:44., and ran double the plays, 20 to 10. They averaged 4 yards per rush. They completed 6 of 10 passes. After that, well, let’s just say things went downhill.

To be honest, what went wrong was not entirely their fault. There were more than a few questionable officials’ decisions, that while not directly costing the Lions the game, surely did not help their cause. What it came down to be the same problems that have been plaguing the Lions for all of 2023. First, inconsistent quarterback play. Between poor decision making and turnovers, the offense failed to move the ball consistently again, and could not get the ball into the hands of some capable play makers yet again… The offensive line could not protect the passer, or open holes for the run game with any regularity. Penalties, again at the most inopportune time, reared their ugly head . All in all, the same song, second verse of the 2023 season when it comes to the Lion offense.

OVERALL:

Lion Offense:

Points: 15.5 ppg

Rush: 120.6 ypg

Pass 181.2 ypg

Total 301.9 ypg

Turnovers: 14

Cardinal Defense:

Points: 21.7 ppg

Rush: 182.8 ypg

Pass: 183.3 ypg

Total: 366.1 ypg

The Cardinals come into their Homecoming Week on a roll, winning four of their last five after dropping their first three, which includes a 42-17 opening week loss to #8 Idaho. The Cardinals are currently in third place in the Southland at 3-1, right on the heels of Nicholls and UIW, both of which are 4-0. First year head coach Pete Rossomando is definitely ahead of schedule in this rebuilding project.

The Lions, under first year head coach Clint Dolezel, have had more than their share of struggles in the 2023 season. To begin, playing the toughest schedule in FCS didn’t help. Neither have injuries, which seem to have struck the Lions particularly hard this year. Add to this mix penalties and turnovers, and you get a 1-7 record, despite unbelievably good efforts that came up just short at Old Dominion and UIW, and this past Saturday.

UP FRONT/TALE OF THE TAPE:

Lion Offensive Line: 6’3″ 327 lbs.

Cardinal Front 6: 6’1″ 251 lbs.

The Cardinal defensive front is led by junior defensive lineman Caleb Williams (5’11″290 lbs.) who has 43 tackles (9 solo). He is joined by defensive end Jaymond Jackson (6’3″ 263 lbs.), who is tied for the team lead in sacks with three. The other member of this trio is sophomore transfer Siale Suliafu (6’0″ 265 lbs.). The linebackers are junior Jalen Freeman (6’1″ 240 lbs.), who is also tied for the team lead in quarterback sacks with three, senior transfer Foday Jalloh (6’2″ 225 lbs.) and sophomore Robert Bonar (6’1″ 225 lbs.). While not having great numbers, this is a good group with plenty of size, speed, and experience.

The Lion offensive line is looking to try and stay healthy and establish some consistent play over the final two games of the season. They are junior Kysean Fenderson Gentie (6’5″ 295 lbs.), sophomore Kyle Lofye (6’3″ 312 lbs.), junior Santos Valdez (6’1″ 321 lbs.), junior Michael Martin (6’1″ 345 lbs.), and sophomore Peyton Ellis (6’4″ 316 lbs.). Again, if they are able to protect the passer somewhat, and open some running lanes, there are opportunities to be had.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS/THE BACK LINE:

Lion Movers and Shakers: 5’11” 198 lbs.

Cardinal Back Line: 6’0″ 184 lbs.

The Cardinal back line is led by senior transfer Kevin Anderson (6’0″ 215 lbs.) who leads the Cardinals in interceptions with two. He is joined by sophomore Kristian Pugh (5’11” 178 lbs.), junior Ramond Stevens (5’10” 170 lbs.), senior transfer Josh Ofili (6’2″ 206 lbs.), and sophomore Canden Grogan (6’3″ 165 lbs.). It is a big, physical group that covers well.

The Lion offense is headed by junior Josh Magana (6’1″ 209 lbs.), who is 97-163, a 131.6 yards per game average, five touchdowns, and five interceptions, with a long of 74 yards. He has shown flashes of great play but has been plagued by inconsistent play and questionable decision making. The running game is still led by sophomore Reggie Branch, despite having missed the past two games due to injury. the 5’11” 195 pounder has rushed for 269 yards on 48 carries, one touchdown, and a long of 49 yards. Senior Raveon Hargrove (5’6″ 172 lbs.) has 239 yards, two touchdowns, and a long of 49 yards. Freshman Jordan Hamilton was a pleasant surprise last week, leading the Lions in rushing with 66 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.

Sophomore Keith Miller (6’3″ 219 lbs.) continues to improve and leads the Lions with 18 catches for 253 yards, four touchdowns, and a long of 65 yards. Senior Michaelous Elder has developed into a very good #2 receiver, with 215 yards on 25 receptions, with a touchdown, and a long of 44 yards.

VERY SPECIAL, INDEED:

Junior Mitchell McGarry continues to be the MVP of the 2023 season, with a 38.7-yard average on 49 punts, with a long of 58 yards. He has developed a real talent for the “coffin corner” kick, nailing two inside the Houston Christian five-yard line this past week. He has been a real bright spor in an otherwise dismal season. Sophomore Aiden Martin continues his strong work on kickoffs, and anticipation is high in 2024 to see what he is capable of when he takes over for senior Emmanual Adagbon, who has struggled somewhat this season, going 5-11 on field goals, with a long of 51 yards, and 11 of 13 extra points.

The Cardinal return game is led by sophomore Kyndon Fuselier (5’11” 175 lbs.), who has five returns for a 16.8-yard average, with a long of 54 yards. Sophomore running back Damashja Harris (6’2″ 220 lbs.) averages 29.1 yards on 10 kick returns, with one touchdown, and a long of 95 yards.

THE LIONS WIN THIS MATCHUP IF: There are numerous problems that the Lions must fix offensively, and quickly. First, Josh Magana has to get rid of the football quicker and make better decisions. The offensive line has to able to block on somewhat of a consistent basis. Countless times, Magana, or freshman Lake Bennett have had defenders in their face as they’re dropping back to pass and find themselves running for their lives. The Lions have some talent at reciever in Miller, Elder, Khepera, and Samaha if the ball can be gotten to them. If the Lion offense can also just cut down on the pre snap penalties, then there is a chance to be had here.

See You in Beaumont.