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Game of the Week Preview: Lions and Cougars Clash to End the Fall

 Try Times Game of the Week: #2 Lindenwood vs #3 BYU

I could not be more excited for this absolutely massive matchup between the #2 and #3 ranked teams in the nation. This is, without a doubt, the biggest game of the fall season. Although it doesn't carry any conference implications, whoever comes out on top will get a serious boost to their confidence moving into the spring and impact the rankings moving forward. 

A quick peek at their respective fall campaigns, the Lindenwood Lions are 10-0 to my count. Their biggest win of the fall came last week against Davenport. They average a respectable 46.7 points per game. The Lions allow their opponents to score only 7.9 points per game on average. Their low points per game link to their style of play in my opinion. The Lions like to put the ball to the boot and wait for their opponents to make mistakes. It's a strategy you really can't argue with when Lindenwood keeps winning, and after watching the World Cup Final. It's a very modern style of play but generally yields low-scoring games. 

I'm confident Lindenwood won't roll out a new game plan in spite of the high-scoring Cougars coming to town. I wouldn't be surprised to see them put the ball up in the air 10-plus times in Friday's matchup. They are nearly impossible to beat when they are chasing those kicks hard. Their kick chase is undoubtedly one of their biggest strengths. In addition to their kicking game, their ball skills are very sharp. Every man in a Lindenwood jersey can handle the ball. I think if they can create attacking opportunities with their kicking game and take advantage of those opportunities with their skills, they will be very successful tomorrow. 

Personally, I'd like to see more patience out of the Lion's attack. In the Davenport game, I don't recall more than six or seven phases strung together. In the attacking zone, I think they need to keep the ball in hand and look to manipulate the Cougar defense. I'm also excited to see Nick Hardrict back in action after putting in an impressive shift at the Pan-Am Sevens Tournament. He will undoubtedly add some finishing power to the Lion's outside attack. 

Keys to the Game for LU

- Strong kick chase, keep BYU under pressure

- 10 or more phases in the attacking zone



BYU has also put together a strong fall season of its own. They are now 5-0 on the season and have averaged 76 points per game, which is the best in the nation. On the defensive side, they only allow 8.2 points per game. BYU is coming off two 90-point games against conference opponents and their attack is peaking. The Cougars have seen some really strong performances out of their very experienced backline. Wyatt Parry has been electric this fall, creating countless opportunities for his teammates and taking some himself. If he can find gaps and mismatches tomorrow, the Lions will be in serious trouble. 

BYU likes to keep the ball in hand. We haven't seen much out of them in the way of aerial attack this fall. Fullback Taysan Hammer has been flawless under the high ball this fall, but the Lions will be keen to put him to the test. I think BYU is most successful with the ball in hand. If they can dominate the time of possession Lindenwood will have a tough time beating BYU. 

Obviously, the Cougars haven't faced as tough of opponents as Lindenwood has this season. It will be interesting to see if BYU's poor strength of schedule will impact their performance against the #2 team in the nation. Their biggest weakness historically has been penalties. In the last two games, their penalty count has been much lower. That should be a point of emphasis for BYU. Lindenwood wants their opponents to make mistakes so BYU needs to limit the opportunities they give to the Lions. 



Keys to the Game for BYU:

- Field high balls effectively

- Control time of possession

- Limit penalties

My score prediction... I don't have one! But I'm confident this match will be decided by one try or less. 



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