Football was picked seventh in the Big South-OVC Preseason Poll

Don Adams Jr.

Football
25/07/2023 8:30:00

The Big South-OVC Football Association released its preseason poll at the Big South-OVC media day in Nashville, Tenn. The Lions were ranked seventh in the poll, just behind Bryant University. In addition, five people from the team were identified as players to watch.

Ethan Johnson and Gareth Warren return to offensive line. The duo was part of a unit that led the OVC in eight offensive categories last season, including points per game at 39.1. Kobe McClendon who had an outstanding campaign in 2022, culminating in an FCS Stats Perform All-American nod, returning to the forefront of the defense.

After earning first-team all-conference honors last season, Darion Bolden returns for another season in a Lindenwood suit. A year ago, Bolden had a pair of interceptions, including a pick-six that he returned 99 yards for a school record. Bolden led the league with 13 games played.
last season, Logan Seibert knocked down 11 of 14 field goals for 45 yards. Seibert was 44-of-47 on extra points and scored 77 points.

Lindenwood received 45 points in the poll, which was voted on by the associations’ 10 head coaches. Southeast Missouri State was picked to finish first, earning 96 points and six first-place votes. Gardner Webb (2), UT Martin (1) and Tennessee Tech (1) rounded out the top four after receiving at least one first-place vote each.

Lindenwood opens the season at Hunter Stadium on August 31st^St against Wisconsin Stevens-Point. Last season, the Lions were successful at home 4-1. The Pointers are a Division III program and a member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Lindenwood hits the road for three consecutive weeks, first hosting preseason association favorite Southeast Missouri State on Sept. 9. The Redhawks won the OVC championship last season and posted a 9-3 record. The Lions face Western Illinois the following week before concluding a three-game road swing against Illinois State on the 23rd. September in Normal, Illinois. Last season, the Redbirds went 6-5, including 4-4 ​​in the conference.

The Lions return home to host Austin Peay on September 30th^th. Last season the Governors won 7-4. Lindenwood welcomes Tennessee Tech to Hunter Stadium on Oct. 7 for the first Big South-OVC game of the season. A year ago, Tech beat Lindenwood by a score of 35-34.

The Lions will travel to Charleston, SC for a conference matchup with Charleston Southern on October 14th. Last season, the Buccaneers posted a 2-8 record, with both wins coming in conference play. On Oct. 28, Lindenwood heads to Nashville for its first ever Tennessee State meet. Last season, the Tigers went 4-7.

The conference ends with a couple of home games. Lindenwood hosts Eastern Illinois on Nov. 4. The two teams played a thrilling double overtime contest last season with Lindenwood winning 37-34. The following week, Lindenwood welcomes Bryant to Hunter Stadium. Last season, the Bulldogs posted a 4-7 record.

2023 Big South-OVC Football Association Preseason Poll