Cincinnati, Ohio—On the campus of Mount St. Joseph University the Football program is currently preparing for the biggest game in recent history. In what is now a winner takes all match-up the Lions will clinch a share of the 2021 Heartland Conference Championship and a playoff birth with a win over Rose-Hulman this Saturday. When these two teams take the field on Saturday, The Lions will carry a (6-3) overall record and a (5-1) in the HCAC. Rose will enter this game (7-2) and (6-0) in the HCAC standings, the only things standing between the Lions and the HCAC championship.
This game will see a fantastic matchup, as both teams have seemingly been even matched building up to this game. Earlier this season the Lions and Fightin' Engineers each played MIAA opponent Trine, both games went into overtime, while Rose snuck away with a one-point victory. Additionally, when Rose hosted Hanover this season, they were able to walk away with a 10 point margin of victory.
The offense of Rose-Hulman has been the class of the HCAC this season. Currently, this offense is averaging 41 points per game. This is due to their strong passing attack, led by Quarterback, Andrew Dion, that has registered 2,667 passing yards, to go along with 27 passing touchdowns. Additionally Rose Wide Receiver Noah Thomas has been electric this season, registering a league-high 832 yards through the air. Along with the strong air attack, this offense features a top three rushing attack, that average 132 yards per game. This will serve as a great challenge for the Lions Defense.
The defense of the Fightin' Engineers has been disruptive this season, as they have held opponents to 19.1 points per game. In keeping opponents out of the end-zone, the Rose defense has forced 19 interceptions, while only allowing 14 passing touchdowns.
Despite the challenges of playing a great team the Lions match up well with the upcoming opponent. With the Lions rushing attack heating up at the hands of running-back duo Mariano McKenzie and Shavonte Mcgriff who have led the Lions to season-high rushing yards in back-to-back weeks, including a 353 yard performance against Hanover. Additionally, Lions Quarterback Josh Taylor will enter this game with 991 passing yards for the season, looking to become a 1,000-yard passing club for back-to-back season to begin his Mount St. Joseph career.
The Lions defense looks to continue their impressive season, which has been one of the best in Mount St. Joseph University. Currently, the Lions defense is led by a disruptive front seven that includes Jonnathan Finn who has recorded a career-high in tackles with 72 this season. This defense will look to contend with the top offense of the conference, in hopes of securing the Heartland Conference championship.
This game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 13 with a 1:30 PM kickoff. This game will be played on the campus of Rose-Hulman in Terre Haute, Indiana. For a recap of this upcoming game and all other MSJ athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
