The Missouri Southern State University Lions football team is gearing up for their home opener against the Upper Iowa University Peacocks on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Fred G. Hughes Stadium. This matchup marks the first encounter between the two programs, adding an extra layer of excitement for both teams as they look to establish themselves early in the season.
Last season, the Peacocks had a strong showing, finishing with a 9-3 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). They kicked off their current campaign with a solid 30-13 victory over the University of Jamestown (North Dakota), showcasing their potential as a formidable opponent. The Lions, on the other hand, are seeking to bounce back from a narrow 30-23 loss to Midwestern State University, which left them with a 0-1 record.
A key player for Upper Iowa is senior quarterback Zamir Wise, a transfer from the University of Massachusetts. In their season opener, Wise demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 119 yards and two touchdowns, while also passing for 160 yards and two additional touchdowns. His performance earned him the GLVC Offensive Player of the Week honor, and the Lions' defense will need to focus on containing him to have a chance at victory.
The Lions' defense will rely heavily on linebackers Riley Hammons and Briar McIntire, both of whom recorded seven tackles in their last game. They will be tasked with limiting Wise's effectiveness, particularly as he connects with his favorite target, freshman L.J. Nyenow Jr., who had an impressive debut with six receptions for 91 yards against Jamestown.
Safety Noah Conner will also play a crucial role in the Lions' defensive strategy. He had a standout performance last week with five tackles and an interception, which could prove vital in disrupting Upper Iowa's passing game. Lions head coach Atiba Bradley emphasized the importance of preventing explosive plays during his weekly press conference, stating, "They have some weapons there. But if we make people work down the field, we will have some success. We have to eliminate those big, explosive plays, and if we do that, we’ll be just fine.”
On the offensive side, the Lions will look to sophomore quarterback Tillman Martin to improve upon his previous performance where he completed 21 of 28 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His top receiver, Isaiah Green, caught both touchdown passes and finished with seven receptions for 84 yards. The Peacocks' defense will be a significant challenge, having limited Jamestown to just 73 passing yards and forcing the opposing quarterback into a tough outing.
Upper Iowa's defense is anchored by linebacker Michael Mulherin, who led the team with eight tackles last week, while defensive end Daniel Robinson and linebacker Evan Dorn contributed with seven and six tackles, respectively. Coach Bradley noted that the Peacocks' defense is well-coached and fundamentally sound, making this matchup a true test for the Lions.
In terms of the running game, the Lions will rely on Narkel LeFlore, a transfer from the University of Tennessee at Martin, who led the team with 45 rushing yards last week. Sophomore Messiah Smith added a touchdown on six carries. LeFlore emphasized the need for the team to play consistently for four quarters to secure a win, stating, "It’s about putting it all together for four quarters and making sure we don’t shoot ourselves in the foot.”
Despite their loss last week, Coach Bradley remains optimistic about the Lions' potential, noting their late-game surge against Midwestern State. As they prepare for the Peacocks, the Lions are determined to build on those positives and strive for their first win of the season.
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