Try Times Game of the Week: Davenport vs. Lindenwood

What an exciting matchup between Davenport and Lindenwood! This game was a thriller from the first kickoff to the final whistle. Coming into the matchup Lindenwood sat at #2 and Davenport at #8 in the Try Times D1A Rankings. Lindenwood had won nine games with no losses. On the other side, Davenport had notched four of their own wins. Statistically, Lindenwood was averaging 50 points a game and Davenport was averaging 39. Both sides hold their opponents to under 10 points on average.

Based on previous matches and season averages, I wasn't expecting a very high-scoring game between the two. Both teams, but especially Lindenwood, decided to invest in the aerial game. There were countless kicks between the two teams. Most of the kicks were not 50-22 attempts or positional kicks, rather Lindenwood looked to put Davenport under pressure with cloud-scraping kicks and a relentless chase. This method dared Davenport to make a mistake and ended up paying off for the Lions. With the ball in the air so much, there weren't many line breaks. I could've counted the line breaks on one hand.

I 100% think Davenport could've won that matchup if they had been a little more disciplined. They made all the wrong mistakes at all the wrong times; goal-line knock-ons, ruck penalties, and crooked lineouts. In the end, Lindenwood flat-out executed better and made the most of their opportunities. Hats off to both squads on a captivating match.

This game was a great test for both teams. I think Davenport proved to the nation that they are dangerous and can compete at the top level. I enjoyed their physicality and excitement. If they could tighten up their discipline, they could make a run in the spring.

The Lions showed us that they are a seriously skilled squad. They were not afraid to put the ball in the air and go after it. The kicking from flyhalf Cole Scharffenorth and others was really sharp. I was also impressed with fullback Brendan Mason's skills in the air. He did a really good job fielding the ball when Davenport tried to give Lindenwood a taste of their own medicine. I would like to see more patience in attack from the Lions though. I don't recall a moment of the match where they pieced together more than seven or eight phases. In some situations, they seemed too eager to kick when there was space readily available right in front of them. I think against the Cougars they should elect to keep the ball in hand and be more tasteful with their kicking game.

Again, a fantastic game from both teams and I can't wait to see Lindenwood and BYU square off as well as Davenport and Arkansas State.

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