By MAYAN PAZ
Tiger Media Network
File Photo
Despite falling against Pittsburg State on the road last weekend, the Tigers are still ranked in the Top-25 poll according to D2Football.com. No. 22 FHSU (2-2, 1-1) will host the Missouri Western Griffons on Saturday for Homecoming.
Historically, the Griffons (1-2, 0-1) have the advantage against the Tigers, with a 19-13-1 lead in the series. In the 21st century, however, the Griffons have been particularly dominant, winning 16 of the last 19 meetings since 2001, including five wins in the last six games.
Last season, the Tigers bested MWSU 30-16 on the road.
The Tigers are looking for a chance to make the playoffs at the end of the season, and they know that they have to win every game to have the best chance to do so. According to the Massey Ratings, FHSU has had the third toughest schedule in the nation.
FHSU Head Coach Chris Brown said he still believes the team can make the playoffs this year.
“We had a really tough schedule, and we have our backs against the wall now, but I think we can do it. We still want to win the conference, and we have to win out from now on to have a chance to at least tie for the top spot in the conference,” Brown said. “We are a very good team, and I think we can do it and make the playoffs,” he said.
Offensive guard Josh Shaw also spoke about the team’s aspirations for the season.
“At the start of the season, we have set high expectations, aiming to win the conference. Now, when we are 2-2, we have to get a heightened sense of what we have to do,” Shaw said. “We just need to be determined in our minds and really play hard on each drive and each game.”
Brown also complimented the Griffons and spoke about the poor record the Tigers have against them historically.
“They have a good football team, and they know how to get to the wire with a chance to win the game. They have an athletic defense, and it’s going to be difficult to overcome them,” Brown said. “Offensively, they know how to run their routes, and their offensive linemen are doing well in doubling up against their opponents. In the past, we always gave up big plays against them like blocked kicks and punts, so we have to avoid that this time.”
The Griffons are coming off a 34-26 MIAA opening loss to Central Missouri.
FHSU and MWSU kick off at 7 p.m. Saturday from inside Lewis Field Stadium.