Missouri Western (3-2, 3-2 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (3-2, 3-2 MIAA) Saturday, October 11, 2014 - 7 pm Lewis Field Stadium - Hays, Kan.

Fort Hays State football hosts Missouri Western for Homecoming on Saturday (Oct. 11). Both teams enter at 3-2 overall, 3-2 in the MIAA and are tied for fourth place in the MIAA standings. Game time is set for 7 pm at Lewis Field Stadium.

The Tigers are coming off a 27-24 overtime loss at Washburn last week, which snapped a three-game win streak. The 27 points by Washburn were the most surrendered by the Tigers in a game this season. Fort Hays State held opponents to 13 or less in all three of its wins this year, but allowed 26 and 27 in its losses. FHSU is currently ranked fifth in the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing 15.8 points per game. The Tigers are third in run defense, allowing 116.8 yards per game on the ground, and fourth in total defense, allowing 356.6 yards per game.

Missouri Western is very similar defensively to the Tigers through five games. The Griffons allowed nine or less points in all three of their wins, but allowed 23 and 26 points in its losses. Missouri Western is coming off a 23-13 loss to Pittsburg State last week at home. The Griffons are allowing just 13.4 points per game, 120.2 rushing yards per game, and 347.8 total yards per game. Statistics indicate that both teams are very similar and Saturday's game could be a defensive battle. The Tigers have the edge in scoring at 21.2 points per game, compared to 19.2 per game for the Griffons. FHSU and Missouri Western have a loss in common this year as both fell to Central Oklahoma.

The Tigers are looking to snap a nine-game losing streak to the Griffons, which dates back to 2001. FHSU has lost all eight meetings against the Griffons since joining the MIAA in 2006. Fort Hays State's last win against Missouri Western was in 2000 by a score of 23-15 in Hays.

Edward Smith leads the Tiger rushing attack with 294 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Treveon Albert has thrown for 541 yards and rushed for 212 yards so far this season. Ed Williams leads Tiger receivers with 328 yards on 19 catches. Brock Long leads FHSU in tackles with 41, while Justin McPhail is close behind with 40. McPhail also has 3.5 sacks and two interceptions this season.