Lakeland and Benedictine renew the most-played series in Muskies' history and one that dates back to when Lakeland was known as Mission House College and Benedictine was named St. Procopius College. The Eagles have won the last two matchups, both in Lisle, Ill., including a 54-40 win just under a year ago Oct. 9, 2021. The teams were tied 26-26 at halftime but Benedictine scored three touchdowsn in a span of 2:02 early in the third quarter to take control. The Muskies had won the previous four against Benedictine, including a high-scoring 52-42 victory in 2018 at Taylor Field when Larry Rivers (162 yards), Charl'Tez Nunnery (145) and Michael Moreau (106) all rushed for over 100 yards and Lakeland rolled up 495 yards on the ground. The series goes back to 1950, when Mission House posted a 7-0 victory on the road at St. Procopius to open what would be the Muskies' first-ever undefeated season (6-0) and one of two in school history.

Lakeland last time out: Lost at St. Norbert 35-12 Sept. 24
The Muskies were idle last week but in their most recent game fell on the road against a Green Knights team that is one of two undefeated teams in the NACC. Lakeland played well in stretches especially on offense, with touchdown drives of 15 and 14 plays, but also was unable to score on four other long drives of eight plays or more and were held scoreless in the second half for the second straight game. Gabriel Maynes scored his first career rushing touchdown and Robby Michael threw his first collegiate touchdown pass to fellow freshman Caleb Besaw, who caught six passes for 77 yards.

Benedictine last time out: Lost to St. Norbert 26-12
The Eagles also faced St. Norbert in their most recent game and lost to the Green Knights at home on Homecoming. Star quarterback Tyler Jarnagin came out of the game in the second quarter and Benedictine struggled to put points on the board, scoring just 12 after averaging better than 53 points in winning its first four games. The Eagles still held a 9-7 lead late in the third quarter before SNC scored twice for a 20-9 lead. Tanner Mateus kicked his second field goal with 1:41 left before the Green Knights recovered the onside kick and scored a final touchdown as time expired. Evan Wydajewski completed 10 of 23 passes for 122 yards and Nathan Rillo rushed for a touchdown, completed 5 of 9 passes for 50 yards and also caught five passes for 92 yards.

About the Eagles: The Eagles were flying high through four games, topping the 50-point mark three times and putting up huge passing numbers. Jarnagin threw 18 touchdown passes in four games, a number that even after last week still ranks third best in NCAA Division III, and his 1,422 passing yards ranks seventh nationally.

Jim Schroeder is in his fourth year back at Benedictine, this time as head coach after ten years as defensive coordinator from 2005-14 before spending four years as head coach at Rockford. His teams have regularly been known for strong defense, but for the second straight year the Eagles have an offense among the national leaders in Division III. Benedictine is averaging 541.8 yards of offense per game, 7th-best in Division III, while the defense is limiting opponents to 95.2 yards per game rushing and 3.0 yards per carry.

Numbers lying: By the game-by-game statistics, Lakeland bears little resemblance of a team winless in four games. The Muskies outgained St. Norbert 394-376 and also held a 26-21 lead in first downs in the game, and it was the third time in four games in which Lakeland has outgained its opponent. The Muskies also have posted more first downs in three of their four games, and have committed just one turnover in three of their four games. One problem for the Fish has been a lack of turnovers forced-the Muskies have lost the turnover battle in three of their four games and have forced just five turnovers in four games, with four coming against Buena Vista Sept. 10.