LU Hoping for another NAIA postseason berth

[Toby]

Although Lambuth loses key elements from its 2008 playoff run, the Eagles' peers picked Lambuth as the favorite in the Mid-South West and No. 14 in the NAIA preseason poll. The Eagles are picked as high as No. 9 in The Sporting News preseason poll. That's because coach Hugh Freeze is in his second year, allowing him his first full offseason to install his philosophies.

The offense loses skill players in leading quarterback Josh Garza (nearly 2,700 total yards), running back Ed Robinson (1,000 yards) and Landon Talley (nation-leading 20 touchdowns receiving).

But quarterback Adam Wiese, who shared time with Garza, said Lambuth's incoming class is full of athletes. Wiese isn't quite the Garza scrambler, but his shotgun expertise could mean the offense opens up even more from a squad that averaged 43.5 points per game this past season. Senior wide receivers Jesse Ferrell and Brandon Okechukwu lead a young corps, especially after an injury to spring-game standout Rodrick Jefferson.

The offensive line is the team's biggest question after departures raided the Eagles' two-deep. That could be trouble as Freeze installs more of his spread offense, which is hardest on the offensive line. Freeze said he has a "decent" running back unit led by Marquis Williams and B.A. Davis.

But an experienced defense could mask a steep offensive learning curve. The Eagles should decrease their 30 points allowed per game, including the 65-point explosion from Lindenwood in the first round of the NAIA playoffs. Three of the top five Eagles tacklers return, led by defensive back Dominique Bowman (81 tackles). Senior linebackers Jason Ware and Lee Yandell form the backbone of the defense, and defensive lineman Ben Aigamaua led the team with three interceptions (one for a touchdown).
Florida State transfer Nathan O'Jibway will push Ryan Nanney for kicking duties, and Lambuth returns punter J.T. Donavan.

Additional Facts 2009 Eagles
Last year: 8-4 (4-1), lost in first round of NAIA playoffs
Key Stat: Lambuth loses its top four scorers who combined for 45 touchdowns, not including Josh Garza's 26 passing touchdowns.
Schedule outlook: Lambuth will be challenged early with four of its first five games on the road, including visits to NCAA Division II members West Georgia and West Alabama. The Eagles don't play the top two teams from the Mid-South East, and host two of the top three Mid-South West teams in Shorter and Cumberland (Tenn.).
Voted first in Mid-South West Division

August 23, 2009 - Jackson Sun
LU hoping for another NAIA postseason berth
By MATT VINES