BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University football looks to bounce back this weekend after a road loss to South Dakota Mines. The Bearcats fell 38-17 after finding themselves in a large first-half deficit. SBU responded with a much stronger second half, making the game more competitive and showing some fight the Bearcats hope to carry into this week's matchup against Roosevelt University.

The Bearcats are set to kick off against the Lakers at Plaster Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. SBU will look to improve its ball security and defense heading into the matchup. Roosevelt enters the game 2-0 on the season after defeating fellow GLVC opponent Quincy University 41-28. The Lakers' strong start will provide another early-season test for the Bearcats.

SBU's offense has been one of the best in the GLVC to begin the season. The Bearcats currently lead the conference with 11 touchdowns scored through their first two games.

Jobe Smith has led the way on the ground, currently leading the GLVC with 258 rushing yards on the season. Tyrone Scyrus has also made an impact in the backfield, ranking sixth in the conference with 141 rushing yards. Scyrus has found the end zone four times this season, making him the GLVC's leading scorer through the first two weeks. With two of the conference's top rushing threats in the backfield, the Bearcats will look to compliment their ground game with their passing game for a dual threat on offense. 

Defensively the team is second in conference in yards allowed per game at just 292. Under new defensive coordinator Ethan Smith the team has a good mix of returning tacklers along with new. Ricky Woodhouse leads the team with 20 total tackles including a forced fumble. Whereas Chucky Sutton, has 19 tackles along with a pick-6, break up, and two QB hurries. Cirron Harrison (13), Hayden Wolfe (11), and Skyler Slaton (10) have all recorded double digit tackles two games into the season. Harrison and Evan Buchanan have been putting major pressure on the QB with a combined 11 hurries. 

While the Bearcats never hope to punt the ball, they are confident in their punter if needed. Senior Joey Chiavetta is the reigning National Special Teams Player of the Week after breaking a GLVC record last weekend. In his six punts, he is averaging 51.33 yards per punt with nailing two of those inside the opposing team 20. 

Head Coach Paul Hansen and SBU football will look to continue their strong home start and get back on track in front of its home crowd Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.against the undefeated Lakers.