After the Lions fourth quarter debacle last Thursday at Middle Tennessee, the Lions have struggled to an 0-3 start, but head coach Ron Roberts is certain that his team has yet to play its best football.
“Looking back on the film we should be 2-1,” said Roberts. “The problem is that we’re making so many mistakes that if we can eliminate them, we can become a totally different football team overnight.”
Overnight would be great for the Lions as they open conference play this weekend versus No. 17 FCS ranked McNeese State. The Cowboys come into the weekend 3-0 with their latest win coming over Weber State 35-21. With one of the toughest opponents his team will face all year on the horizon, Roberts is focused on keeping his team optimistic and getting them to play their best game of the season.
“I said it early in August, we’re going to be a different team in four weeks, it’s four. Its time,” said Roberts. “When we all get on the same page, we’re going to give some people some fits. We’re going to stay optimistic and continue to progress.”
If the time is now for the Lions, then it just may be perfect timing, because a win over an opponent like McNeese to open conference would send shock waves through the SLC and potentially get the ball rolling for the Lions the rest of the season.
“A win would be huge, not only for us right now, but a win over a caliber team like them is a huge statement for your program,” said Roberts. “It would be a huge confidence factor for us knowing we can line up against anybody in the country and get it done. That’s exactly where we want to go and we’re capable of doing that,” said Roberts.
Saturday’s game is set to kickoff at 7 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium. For tickets visit www.lionsports.net or call 985-549-5466. Fans can also tune into the game via radio over KSLU-FM 90.9.