Cincinnati, Ohio—The Mount St. Joseph University Football program returns back to Schueler Field for the first of a two-game home-stand, the Mount will play host to the Ravens of Anderson University in another HCAC battle. This game will be a rematch of a 49-30 shootout from the Spring Season, that saw the Lions walk away victorious. The Mount will enter this contest (4-3) and (3-1) in Heartland Conference play, while Anderson will enter this contest (0-7) and (0-4) in conference play.
In the return to Schueler Field, after a brief road stint, the Lions will see an Anderson team that has had several impressive performances this season, just not seeing the results they wanted. In Anderson's week two matchup, they were able to score 41 points against a Lakeland team that currently sits at (6-1) overall. However, despite showing strength at various times throughout the season, the Ravens offense that averages 10 points per contest has to contend with a Lions defense that has been impressive, to say the least. Currently, the defense for the Lions is second in the conference in points allowed, holding opposing offenses to 19.4 points per game while only allowing 254 yards per game.
The Lions defense showcases some of the top talents in the Heartland Conference. Currently the linebacking core of Jonathan Finn, Anthony Wright, and Julius Fisher all rank in the top ten of the HCAC in total tackles, with Finn ranking second in the conference in tackling with 61 total. Additionally, the Lions defense has been great at forcing turnovers throughout the season, intercepting 13 passes in their seven games, and looking to add to that number against a Ravens offense that has thrown 11 to date.
On the other side of the ball, the Lions look to improve on a rushing attack that has 142 yards per game, thanks to contributions from several members of the backfield, led by Mariano McKenzie, who has collected 358 yards on the ground for an average of 4 yards per carry. This game will serve as a great opportunity for the Lion's rushing attack, as they will be playing a Ravens defense that has had a tough time in the run game. Currently, the Anderson defense has allowed 231 yards per contest rushing, a number that ranks them at the bottom of the Heartland Conference.
This game will take place on Saturday, October 30 with a 1:30 PM kickoff. For continued coverage of this game and all other MSJ athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
