The Lions (5-3, 4-3 MIAA) strive to guarantee back to back winning seasons for the first time since 95-97, a feat that Southern could clinch with the sixth victory of the season on Saturday at Fred G. Hughes Stadium in front of the homecoming crowd.

“An opportunity for a winning season is on the line,” said Head Coach Daryl Daye,  “an opportunity to potentially get a bowl game if we’re able to win the next three, so we still have a lot to play for.”

The opponent, Lindenwood (3-5, 2-5 MIAA), comes into the contest after losing five of its last six and the last four consecutive, but as the Lions ready for the home stretch of the 2013 season, they realize this is a game they can not afford to lose.  

“We probably had one of our best practices all year yesterday [Tuesday],” said Daye. “We had a lot of intensity, had a lot of enthusiasm, and I think that they recognize the moment.”

And with the chance for a bowl berth still in the cards, Southern seniors look to the past for a blueprint for success.

“It started with last year’s seniors, they started it off,” said senior linebacker Gatiln Ridgeway. “They gave us the combination and we are just gonna keep building on that.”

The Lions come into this week looking to avenge last year’s 45-30 loss to Lindenwood, which occurred in the only meeting between the two teams.  Yet with Lindenwood’s strong air attack making its way to the field Saturday, averaging 296 yards per game for third in the conference, the Lions look to show what their defense is really made of, even after two sub-par performances.

“We have a solid defense,” said Ridgeway. “We like to fly around, we’re fast, physical, and I think it will stand out this week.”

The Lions went into last weekend looking to take out the No. 2 ranked Bearcats of Northwest Missouri.  After falling behind early, Southern trailed 17-0 at the half.  Coming out in the third quarter, the offense continued to struggle, rushing for only 221 yards in the game, 115 yards below the season average.

The Bearcats continued to shut down Southern into the forth quarter but the Lions were able to break through for the only score of the game when Ty’Quan Hayes got out for a 20-yard touchdown run, the first of his career.  In the end the Lions fell 43-7 to the Bearcats.

Southern looks to make the 2013 campaign one to remember with a winning stamp on this season and a victory over Lindenwood Saturday.  The homecoming game begins at 2 p.m.