MSSU Football Preps for Road Opener Against MSU Texas

JOPLIN, MO — Missouri Southern football opens its season against an opponent they don’t see quite often in Midwestern State.

Traveling to Wichita Falls on Thursday, head coach Atiba Bradley’s group will open 2024 with significantly more depth than in previous years. With a 5-6 finish last season, Southern starts the new year on the road against the Mustangs with many changes on the roster.

Playing in the Lone Star Conference, MSU Texas has also made changes, especially at the skills positions on defense. MSSU wide receiver Akeem Gilmore said he expects the Mustangs to come into the game aggressive.

“We see there’s going to be a new group, and we expect them to play us aggressively,” said Gilmore.

“We expect them to be aggressive right out of the gate, and just kind of rush four, play man, and mirror technique. We hope to make some explosive plays happen, and just be aggressive downfield.”

Graduate defensive lineman Solomona Fetuao said this upcoming game is about focusing on his team.

“I don’t know how long its been since we played them [MSU Texas] last, but we’re just going to focus on ourselves and what we are able to do as a team,” said Fetuao.

Lions head coach Atiba Bradley echoed Fetuao, as he said the upcoming game will help his group set the tone for the season.

“It’s a feeling out game and a little bit of hide and seek,” said Bradley.

“It’s a little bit of chess, as we make moves to put ourselves in position to be successful.”

The Lions head to Wichita Falls, Texas to play the Mustangs on Thursday, August 29th at 7 p.m.

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