Main Story: Missouri Western heads to Topeka on Saturday to face a resurgent Washburn team after a 38-14 loss to Missouri Southern. The Griffons bring one of Division II’s most productive passing offenses, but Washburn’s defense and turnover creation pose a major challenge.

By the Numbers
  • Missouri Western is 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the MIAA; kickoff is at 2 p.m.
  • The Griffons average 458 yards of total offense and 336.3 passing yards per game.
  • Washburn allows 20.6 points and 343.8 yards per game, both second-best in the MIAA.
  • Washburn has forced 12 fumbles and recovered 13, both league highs.
  • Missouri Western leads the all-time series 28-23-2.
Yes, But

Missouri Western’s offensive production is a clear strength, led by quarterback Isaiah Tate’s 19 touchdown passes. But the Griffons are coming off a loss in which they were outgained on the ground and held the ball for just 23:26, while Washburn has been especially effective at forcing turnovers.

State of Play
  • Washburn has improved after three straight seasons with three wins or fewer and has beaten Pittsburg State, Fort Hays State and Nebraska-Kearney this season.
  • The teams have split their last eight meetings, and four of the last five were decided by eight points or fewer.
  • Saturday’s game will be played at Yager Stadium in Topeka and broadcast on the MIAA Network, with free radio coverage on the Varsity Network app and GoGriffons.com.
What's Next

Missouri Western will need to protect the ball and sustain drives against Washburn’s defense to turn its high-powered offense into a road win. The game starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, with radio pregame coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Bottom Line

This is a matchup of Missouri Western’s explosive offense against Washburn’s disciplined, turnover-producing defense. The Griffons’ ability to avoid mistakes could determine whether they leave Topeka with a chance to break their losing streak against ranked opponents.