Lebanon, IL - It's a important week for McKendree University Football, as the Bearcats (3-4, 3-2 GLVC) host their annual Homecoming Game at Leemon Field, welcoming the Lincoln Blue Tigers (2-5, 0-4 GLVC) to Lebanon for a 1:00 PM Kickoff on Saturday, October 25th.
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RECAPPING MISSOURI S&T
It's a short week, albeit by just one day, as the Bearcats fell 29-10 at Leemon Field to Missouri S&T on Sunday afternoon. The Bearcats controlled the clock for over 30 minutes, picked up 25 first downs, and compiled 352 total yards - including a pair of 13-play scoring drives that stretched deep into the second half. Quarterback
Ty Michael went 30-for-49 for 284 yards, connecting often with
Jaylen Ford (10 catches, 109 yards) and
Daryle Jones Jr. (5 for 70). McKendree also went a perfect 5-for-5 on fourth downs, showing poise and persistence even when the ground game even when the ground game was limited. Defensively,
Khalid Stewart's fumble recovery and steady tackling from
Logan Turbyfill and
Nick Bova helped the Bearcats hang around into the fourth quarter.
UPDATES ON McKENDREE
The Bearcats enter the weekend sitting in the upper half of the conference standings. Offensively, McKendree has leaned on efficiency and balance:
Ty Michael ranks among league leaders with 1,980 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, while
Eddie Clark continues to power the rushing attack with 502 yards and 4 scores on the season.
Jaylen Ford (489 yards, 2 TDs) and
Daryle Jones Jr. (468 yards, 4 TDs) have been pacing one of the GLVC's most productive receiving tandems.
On defense, Turbyfill leads McKendree with 57 tackles and six TFLs, while
Dameion Hatten has generated havoc up front with 14 TFLs and 4.5 sacks. In the kicking game,
Chase Reeves has been one of Division II's most reliable legs, converting 11-of-15 field goals including a long of 50 yards.
SCOUTING LINCOLN (MO)
Lincoln enters at 2-5 (0-4) under second-year head coach Moses Harper, looking to regain its early-season form after dropping five straight. Offensively, the Blue Tigers revolve around running back Jareese Howard, who broke free for a 53-yard touchdown against #13-ranked UIndy and averages more than seven yards per carry. Quarterback Jaylen Thomas provides size and arm strength. Lincoln completed four passes for 20 yards in last week's loss, a 62-7 final to the Greyhounds.
Defensively, linebacker Jordan Hoskins and edge rusher Dontonio Moore headline a front seven that's been tested heavily in GLVC play. The Tigers have allowed over 260 rushing yards per game during conference action, including five ground scores by UIndy a week ago. Expect Lincoln to lean on Howard's power runs and quick perimeter throws in an effort to slow the tempo and stay within reach.
McKENDREE'S KEYS TO THE GAME
Win Early Downs
Staying ahead of schedule will let McKendree mix tempo and keep Michael's short passing game in rhythm.
Clamp the Run
Limiting Howard's burst plays forces Lincoln into long-yardage situations where McKendree's pass rush can dictate.
Red-Zone Results
Finishing drives with touchdowns will reward the long possessions McKendree routinely builds.
Leverage Special Teams
Reeves' range plus the return ability can swing field position in a element of a matchup that favors McKendree on paper.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
For the Bearcats, Homecoming presents a chance to climb back to .500 overall and solidify their spot in the upper GLVC tier before a pivotal road swing to Upper Iowa and Northeastern State. A win would mark McKendree's seventh straight in the series versus Lincoln (MO) and keep momentum alive entering November.
For the Blue Tigers, it's an opportunity to halt a losing streak and capture their first conference victory since joining the GLVC as a full member (0-12).
