After outscoring their opponents 99-20 in the first two weeks of the season, the Lions are staring at a tough opponent.

This week will begin the Lion’s campaign within the MIAA as they square off against bitter rival Pittsburg State University.

The last few seasons, PSU has dominated Southern both offensively and defensively. But this year could be a different story, as Southern fields an offense full of athletic talent and a defense that looks hungrier than ever.

The good news for the Lions is that this season they won’t have to find an answer for departed PSU All-American running back Germaine Race. Stopping the run will still be crucial to a Southern victory.

The man with the target on his chest this week will be none other than junior Caleb Farabi, who in two games has already racked up more than 300 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.

Don’t expect to see a lot of deep strikes down the field; this game will be won in the trenches. Fortunately for Southern, the defense looks ready to answer the call this year.

Southern rolls out a much-improved defense from last year. Already this season, the secondary has 6 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. In order to be successful against PSU’s offense, the Lions’ defense needs to turn in one of its best performances of the year.

PSU features an offense that relies heavily on the run as well as the scrambling of their quarterback, junior Mark Smith.

When comparing the two teams statistics from this young season, it’s obvious to see that the Gorillas aren’t as strong as past teams but still they won’t be a team that Southern can steamroll like the previous two weeks.

The one advantage Southern has this week is tailback Alley Broussard.

Last week, Lions’ Head Coach Bart Tatum made fans salivate at the thought of a bruising back in the Lion backfield. Tatum gave Broussard 10 carries, which equated to 110 yards and a touchdown. Not only should Broussard keep the PSU defense honest, but Southern also has that deadly combination of Hinspeter and Bado who, last year against this PSU defense, hooked up twice for touchdowns.

Last year, Southern was shocked early. Going into half was down 35 -10. But to the Lion’s credit, the team was able to band together and not quit, putting up 14 more points against the Gorilla defense.

This year fans shouldn’t expect the disappointment felt last year, instead expect the Lions to come out ready on Saturday night to make a statement to the rest of the MIAA.

Kickoff is at 6pm at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.