SEMO is the key to defeating Gardner Webb

SEMO recently enjoyed a significant win against the Charleston Southern Pirates, highlighted by kicker DC Pippin successfully hitting four field goals. Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent had an impressive performance, throwing 55 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Tristan Smith contributed 90 yards and added a rushing touchdown. With the running back position struggling with injuries, true freshman Jacorey Love took over and finished the game with 65 rushing yards.

Gardner-Webb currently holds a record of 2-5, with a 1-2 mark in OVC play. They secured a win in their home game against the Lindenwood Lions last week. The team displays a balanced offense that effectively mixes both aerial attacks and a strong ground game.

Key to Victory

Stop the running game.

Gardner-Webb has a balanced offense, but it all starts with her running game, which averages 146.1 rushing yards per game. The team is led by fifth-grader Saydee Edward, who has accumulated 455 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season. In contrast, SEMO has a strong run defense that only allows 111.9 yards per game. Bryce Norman, the Redhawks' leading tackler with 74 total tackles, will be a crucial player in their efforts to contain Gardner-Webb's ground attack.

offensive line play

In every game, regardless of the circumstances, everything starts at the beginning. SEMO has performed well in this area, but their starting offense has been inconsistent from week to week due to injuries. The most significant loss was All-American center Zack Gieg, who is out for the season due to an injury suffered against EIU. Despite these challenges, SEMO's offensive line remains one of the best in the OVC, allowing the fewest sacks and keeping quarterback Paxton DeLaurent's jersey clean. Additionally, they have helped the running game average 91.4 yards per game, even with SEMO's aerial attack this season.

Let DeLaurent throw the ball-

Senior quarterback Paxton DeLaurent has been one of the best players in the country this season and played a key role in the Redhawks earning a program-high No. 6 ranking heading into homecoming. He has thrown for 2,422 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the OVC by a wide margin in both categories. Averaging 302.75 passing yards per game, DeLaurent has plenty of receiving options, with his main targets being Tristan Smith and Dorian Anderson. Anderson recorded 44 catches for 640 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Smith contributed 39 receptions for 515 yards and 3 touchdowns.

SEMO's highly anticipated homecoming showdown against Gardner Webb begins at 3:00 p.m. at Houck Stadium.