By: Andrew Weeks
Cincinnati, Ohio—It has been over two years since the Mount St. Joseph University Football program has hosted Franklin College, in a football game. This comes after the Lions have traveled to Franklin and returned home with the last two wins in the series. Both teams will enter this ball game (2-2) on the season. Franklin has played a strong out of conference schedule, however in the opening weekend of Heartland Conference play, the Franklin college Grizzlies fell in overtime to Manchester University, by a score of 27-24.
This matchup will showcase some of the best football in the Heartland Conference. The Lions defense will have to contend with a Franklin offense that has been able to score an average of 28 points per contest and accumulate 1,484 total yards of offense in just four games. However the Lions defense has been dominate this season, forcing seven interceptions over their first four games. The strength of the Lions defense, should be on full display, as Franklin turned the ball over this season often in their passing game, with seven interceptions.
The production of the Grizzlies offense can be attributed to their duo of Quarterback, Dane Andrews and Wide-out, Jarrett Gibson. Currently Andrew's has passed for 1,060 yards and 10 touchdowns, good for second in the conference in each category. Gibson has been Andrew's favorite target this season, totaling an HCAC high 30 receptions along with 446 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Franklin's defense ranks fourth in the HCAC in scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of 30 points a game. While the defense of the Grizzlies defense has not been disruptive this season, they have been able to come up with some big plays. Currently on the season Franklin has only been able to register one sack, along with two interceptions.
On the other hand the Lions offense has ranked towards the top of the conference, averaging 32 points per game off of 1,557 total yards of offense. In this matchup the Lions will look to improve their rushing attack, last season in their game against the Grizzlies the Mount was able to pile on in their rushing attack, totaling an astonishing 359 yards. Continuing this rushing attack will be reliant upon running-back Mariano McKenzie who ranks seventh in the HCAC in rushing yards currently. Additionally wide-out Austin Brock will continue his top-notch season, as he looks to add to his Heartland conference high 6 receiving touchdowns.
Overall this game is building up to be a great showdown. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30PM on Saturday, October 9 at Schueler Field. For continued coverage of this game and all other MSJ Athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
