The University of Central Missouri Mules gave Northwest Missouri all they could handle on Saturday in Warrensburg.  However, the Bearcats still escaped with a 20-13 win at Walton Stadium.  Some people may consider this a moral victory that the Mules were able to stay so close to the Bearcats.  I however, do not believe in moral victories.

That being said, there are positives to be taken from this game.  First of all, the Mules (5-2, 3-2 MIAA) defense played well after giving up a 99-yard rushing touchdown for the first Northwest score of the game.  The defense could have folded their tent. However, they fought the entire game and got two big stops late that could have changed the outcome of the game.

Junior quarterback Eric Czerniewski impressed me with his toughness.  He took multiple shots from the Northwest defense and just kept getting up.  He also was able to make plays behind an offensive line that was struggling to keep the Northwest defense off of him.

The crowd also stepped up.  They were able to make a lot of noise and make it difficult for the Northwest offense.  However, any of you who were at the game saw there's another level that we need to achieve to give the Mules a big home-field advantage.  We need to get to the same level of passion for football as the Northwest fans.  Those fans live Bearcat football, they travel well and make a ton of noise at exactly the right times

I also cannot question the Mules’ effort in this game.  If they can give that kind of effort the rest of the season, the results will take care of themselves.  The Mules need to learn from their mistakes and get ready for a road trip to Joplin on Saturday.

Scouting Missouri Southern

Missouri Southern is led by head coach Bart Tatum.  The Lions (4- 3, 2-3 MIAA) will come into the game riding high off a 28-0 shutout of Fort Hays State last weekend in Hays, Ks. Southern likes to throw the ball all over the field.

The Lion offense is led by senior quarterback Adam Hinspeter.  He has thrown for 1,197 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.  Hinspeter has a plethora of targets to choose from when he drops back to pass.

Junior Mark Henderson is Southern's leading receiver.  He has 34 catches, 466 yards and six touchdowns on the season. Junior Johnny Johnson has added 25 catches for 264 yards.  Junior Isaac Norman and sophomore Daniel Thompson have 11 catches apiece. Senior Toderick Hunt leads the Southern ground game with 458 yards and six touchdowns on the season

The Missouri Southern defense is led by junior linebacker Jared Brawner with 75 tackles, 5.5 for loss, one interception and two forced fumbles.  Junior defensive back Jairius Jarvis leads the team in sacks with two. Sophomore defensive back Corderial Collier leads the team with two interceptions during the 2008 campaign.

Keys to the Game

I think that there are four keys to winning the football game.  First, the Mules must improve their pass protection.  The offensive line must give Czerniewski time to throw the ball down field.

Second, the Mules defense must shut down the Southern running game to make them one-dimensional.  The Mules' secondary must do a good job defending the pass.

Third, UCM has to create their own enthusiasm on the road.  I think they can do this by jumping out to an early lead.  Finally, the Cardinal & Black must win the turnover battle.  This is especially important when playing on the road.