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College sports

Missouri Western State University Griffons Host Missouri S&T Miners in Home Opener

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Missouri Western State University is set to host its first home game of the season on Saturday, as the Griffons welcome the Missouri S&T Miners to Spratt Stadium. The game marks the 28th all-time meeting between the two teams, with the Griffons holding a 19-7-1 lead in the series. Missouri Western is looking to bounce back from a 30-26 loss to No. 23 Augustana in their opening game, while the Miners are off to a strong start in 2025 with non-conference wins over NAIA Central Methodist and Northeastern State.

Key Takeaways:

  • Missouri Western State University Griffons will host the Missouri S&T Miners on Saturday in their first home game of the season.
  • The game marks the 28th all-time meeting between the two teams, with the Griffons holding a 19-7-1 lead in the series.
  • Missouri Western is looking to bounce back from a 30-26 loss to No. 23 Augustana in their opening game, while the Miners are off to a strong start in 2025 with non-conference wins over NAIA Central Methodist and Northeastern State.
  • The Griffons have returned all three of their top quarterbacks from the 2024 season, including junior Kane Donovan, who completed 15-of-27 passes for a career-best 226 yards and a career-best two touchdowns against Augustana.
  • Missouri Western's top returning rusher is Brandon Hall, a two-time all-MIAA running back who averaged 139.25 rush yards per game and 8.3 yards per carry in 2024.
  • The Griffons have brought back eight starters on defense, including three all-MIAA performers, including senior linebacker Kienen Gaskin, who led the team with 84 tackles in 2024.
  • Missouri S&T head coach Andy Ball worked at Missouri Western as the offensive line coach from 2015-16, and the Miners have brought in Hawaii transfer quarterback Jake Farrell, who has completed 56.6% of his passes and has 606 passing yards and six touchdowns through two games.
  • The Griffons have a plethora of talent returning in 2025, including 21 total starters, and have made some key additions, including 30 freshmen and 10 transfers, 14 defensive backs, and seven new receivers.
  • The Griffon Sports Network will provide live and free coverage of the game, which can be heard on the Varsity Network App and at GoGriffons.com/listen, with pregame coverage starting 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

Statistics:

  • Missouri Western has won each of the last eight meetings with the Miners from 1998-2013.
  • The Griffons hold a 19-7-1 lead in the series against the Miners.
  • Missouri Western's Kane Donovan completed 15-of-27 passes for a career-best 226 yards and a career-best two touchdowns against Augustana.
  • Brandon Hall averaged 139.25 rush yards per game and 8.3 yards per carry in 2024.
  • Missouri Western has brought back eight starters on defense, including three all-MIAA performers.
  • Jake Farrell has completed 56.6% of his passes and has 606 passing yards and six touchdowns through two games.

Sources:

  • Missouri Western State University Athletics news release
  • "Game of the Week" information from the MIAA
  • "Griffons back home" article from the Missouri Western web site

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