The UCM Mules (6-3, 4-3 MIAA) saw their playoff hopes take a serious hit on Saturday with a 38-33 loss to Nebraska-Omaha. The Mules had their opportunities, but they could not execute when they had to in order to finish the game.

I was very impressed with the play of UNO quarterback Zach Miller. Miller made play after play for the Mavericks, including the backbreaking touchdown on a quarterback draw.

This was an extremely hard loss to take because of the opportunities that the Mules had to win the game. I have chosen to put this game behind me and focus on what still lies ahead this season. The Mules still have two games remaining in the regular season. All they can do now is win out, and hope things break their way.

Now, let's turn our attention to Missouri Western (4-5, 3-4 MIAA).  The Griffons come to Walton Stadium for a 1:30 kickoff on Saturday. This will be the final home game for 14 Mules’ seniors. What better way to send them out than a victory over Missouri Western, and still have a shot at postseason play.

Scouting Missouri Western

The Griffons are led by head coach Jerry Partridge. Western comes in off a 17-3 win at Missouri Southern on Saturday. Missouri Western will feature a multiple spread offense and a multiple 4-3 defense.

The Griffons return nine starters on offense, six on defense and three specialists. The Western passing attack is led by sophomore quarterback Drew Newhart. Newhart is 174-281, 2,111 yards and 15 touchdowns. Newhart has a plethora of targets to choose from when he drops back to pass.

Senior Zach Sharp leads the Griffon receiving corps with 35 catches for 347 yards. Junior Cedric Houston has 32 catches for a team-leading 685 yards and seven touchdowns. Houston is also a threat in the kick and punt return game. Junior Andrew Mead has added 32 catches for 349 yards. Senior tight end Alvaro Prado and Junior Ferrell McGhee have added 17 and 14 catches respectively. McGhee is also a threat on special teams for Western.

The Griffon ground game is keyed by the tandem of sophomore Thomas Hodges and senior Zach Walker. Hodges has rushed for 568 yards and four touchdowns, while Walker has 399 yards and four touchdowns. The Griffons have an NFL-caliber offensive tackle in senior Roger Allen leading the offensive line.

The Griffon defense is led by sophomore linebacker Sean Whiters.  Whiters leads Western in tackles with 81, including 6.5 for loss and a team-leading three interceptions. Senior defensive linemen Soane Etu and junior Bradley Davidson provide the pass rush for Western.  Etu leads the charge with  5.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. Davidson has contributed 4.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. 

Keys to the game

I think there are five keys to winning this football game for the Mules. First, the Mules have to win the battle at the line of scrimmage.  They must also win the turnover margin. Second, the Mules’ special teams must be solid. Western is always good on special teams, so I think whoever makes a big play in this area will win the game.

Third, the Mules’ must have a high third-down conversion percentage. This is an area in which the Western defense has struggled all year. The Mules have to take advantage. Fourth, the Mules’ secondary has to continue its improvement and not let any Western receivers get behind them. Finally, the Mules’ defense needs to make Western one-dimensional and take away their running game.

I'd like to close this week's column with an interesting side note. It has been five years since the Mules have won a game in this series. Western usually comes from behind to win a close game in the second half. We need to do something about this trend. I ask the Mules’ fans to come out one more time in the regular season and make a lot of noise.

I leave you with one last thought, "The Streak Ends Now!"