MSSU football looks for first win at Nebraska-Kearney

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

 The Missouri Southern football team will look for win No. 1 this season as the Lions travel to Kearney, Neb. to take on the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers this Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 7 pm. 

Game Information

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2014
Kick-Off: 7:00 p.m., CT
Location: Kearney, Neb.
Site: Ron and Carol Cope Stadium (6,000)
Series Record:  Kearney leads 8-4
Coaches: Daryl Daye (13-10 at MSSU, 28-48 overall) | Darrell Morris 98-55 at Kearney and overall)

Media Coverage

MSSU Radio: FM 99.7 Real American Country - Mike McClure, Play-by-Play, Aaron Lewis, Color
Video Webcast: http://www.mssulions.com/links/hlqdgb
Live Stats: http://www.mssulions.com/links/czcwbq
Lions on Facebook:  Facebook.com/missourisouthernlions
Lions on Twitter: @mososports; @mosofootball

The Coaches: Daryl Daye is in his third season as the head coach at Missouri Southern. In his second season at the helm of the Lions, Daye lifted the program to a level unseen in the past 20 years. The Lions finished the season 7-3 overall and were 5-3 in the MIAA. Southern also broke a 20-year drought with a 35-21 win at No. 9 Pittsburg State in the season-finale. The Lions won for the first time in Pittsburg since 1983 and for the first time against the Gorillas since 1993. Nine Lions were named All-MIAA, and 11 players were named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. The Lions' Chris Barnwell and Gatlin Ridgway were named All-Region with Barnwell earning All-American honors. Giresse Forchu was an Academic All-District selection and the Lions ended the 2013 campaign as Division II's leader in time of possession, holding onto the ball for an average of 35:14 each game. Southern also ranked second nationally in both rushing yardage and fewest passes intercepted. In all, the Lions ranked in the top ten nationally in nine different categories, while ranking 14th in turnovers lost. 

Having recently completed his 14th season as leader of the Nebraska-Kearney program, Darrell Morris has become one of the most successful coaches in the program's 107-year history. He currently has the second highest winning percentage in Loper lore (64.0), ranks third in wins (98) and has led UNK to four RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) titles and four NCAA Division II playoff berths. A member of the Loper coaching staff since 1986, he was named the 16th head football coach in school history in October of 1999. In addition to his head coaching duties, he also leads the offensive line. Through 2013, the Florida native has a career record of 98-55, including a 82-37 mark in conference. Leading UNK to its only two double digit winning seasons, he was named RMAC Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2005.

The Series: Nebraska-Kearney holds a 8-4 record in the overall series, however the two teams have not played each other since the 1988 season, the last year the Lions participated as a member of the NAIA and the Central States Intercollegiate Conference. The series features one of the most unique situations as both teams historically have been better at the other team's facility. The Lions are 1-5 at home, while 3-3 in Kearney. UNK won the first four meetings, but Southern took the next three. The Lions won the last meeting 38-18 in 1988 in Kearney. 

A Victory VS.  Nebraska-kearney Would:  be the first time in four tries against the Lopers. Southern last defeated Nebraska-Kearney in 1985, 24-20 in Kearney. 

NFL Representation: The Lions will be one of just two MIAA teams (Washburn) to have two different starters on NFL rosters to start the season. Brandon Williams is a starter on the defensive line for the Baltimore Ravens, while Allen Barbre started on the offensive line for the Philadelphia Eagles, but suffered an ankle injury in game one and will be out for the 2014 season. 

2013 NCAA Stats Leaders:  The Missouri Southern football team led Division II in 2013 in time of possession, averaging 35:14 of possession each game. The team also ranked second nationally in both rushing yardage and fewest passes intercepted. In all, the Lions ranked in the top ten nationally in nine different categories, while ranking 14th in turnovers lost.

Seven-Win Season: With the win over Pitt State, the Lions seven wins in 2013 is the fourth-most wins in a season ever at MSSU. The 1972 NAIA National Champs won 12, while both the 1993 and 1983 teams won nine games. The 1976 and 1991 teams won eight games, while the school has won seven games four times. 

Rushing It: The Lions are ranked 50th nationally in rushing and third in the MIAA after two games. Southern The Lions are averaging just under 200 yards rushing and have six rushing touchdowns going into week three. 

Punt it Long: Newcomer Kyle Jaski (Lincoln Univ. of PA) was a Division II All-American last year and he has picked up right where he left off. He currently ranks fourth in the MIAA and 17th nationally. He is averaging 42.8 yards per punt, with a long of 59, three inside the 20 and three over 50 yards.  

MIAA Stats Leaders: The Lions currently lead the MIAA in redzone offense. They also rank second in punting, third in both rushing and fourth-down percentage, while ranking fourth in sacks allowed and time of possession. 

Long Time No Play: Missouri Southern and Nebraska-Kearney have not played since the 1988 season, the last year the Lions were in the NAIA and the old Central States Intercollegiate Conference.   

National Rankings: Ty'Quan Hayes ranks 23rd nationally in kick returns, while Deon Price ranks 16th in fumbles recovered and 23rd in forced fumbles. 

Defensive Dalvin: One of four captains on this year's squad, Dalvin Taylor is leading the Lions defensive effort this year. He has 19 tackles on the year. 

Sack Em Up: Senior defensive lineman Ryon Phillips had two sacks against No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri. The two gives him 14 on his career, ranking him fifth all-time in MSSU history.    

Team Captains: The Missouri Southern coaching staff and team have voted in four captains for the 2014 season. Seniors Austin Wolfe, Ryon Phillips and Dalvin Taylor, along with junior Jay McDowell will serve as team captains this year. 

TOUGH League/Region:  The MIAA has two teams in the coaches top 25 this week. Northwest Missouri is No. 1, followed by Pittsburg State at No. 8. The Super Region Three, which the Lions are a part of, has eight teams in the top 25. There are 17 teams total that are either ranked or receiving votes in the poll from the region. 

Weather Report:  The weather report for the Kearney area on Saturday calls for a high of 82 degrees and morning rain. There is a 40 percent chance of rain. 

Next Up:  Missouri Southern will head back home and play host to Washburn next Saturday for Hall of Fame. Kick off from Fred G. Hughes Stadium will be 6:30 pm.