Southeastern Louisiana Lions
Southland
Following a 1-3 start, it did not look good for Southeastern Louisiana. But the Lions managed to win six of their last seven games to finish with a 7-4 record overall and sneak into the playoffs. This is a team that has not really had an opportunity to show what they can do this year. The Lions did not play Sam Houston State and went on the road to Central Arkansas and got crushed.
2016 Record: 7-4, 7-2
Coach: Juwan Dickey
Big Wins: 10/8 McNeese State (31-24), 11/17 at Nicholls State (44-42)
Bad Losses: 9/10 at Southern Utah (23-28), 10/1 at Lamar (14-38)
Strengths:
For the most part the Southeastern Louisiana defense has been solid this season. They gave up some big points to teams like Oklahoma State and Central Arkansas, but that is not a huge surprise. When the Lions needed the defense to play well against the competition they could beat, the defense usually stepped up and got the job done. The front seven will give up quite a few yards on the ground, but the unit does a decent job of getting pressure on the quarterback. Anthony Murphy and Sione Teuhema lead the way with 4.0 sacks each. The secondary lacks big time playmakers, but the unit ranks second in the Southland in passing yards allowed.
Weaknesses:
The offense has struggled at times this year. Justin Alo has had some good showings under center, but D’Shaie Landor has been used effectively as well. Do not be surprised to see both of them with Coach Juwan Dickey riding the hot hand. Right now the hot hand is Landor. He threw two touchdown passes in the must win game over Nicholls State to end the regular season. Alo was just 3-of-10 for 34 yards and an interception in that game. Interceptions are a big concern. In the loss to Lamar in early October, Landor threw three picks, while Alo threw one. This team cannot afford to hand the opposition that many turnovers in the playoffs. But getting the ball in the hands of receivers Juwan Dickey and Brandon Acker is a must. Those two combined to catch 74 passes for 1,455 yards and 14 touchdowns. Julius Maracalin will handle a bulk of the load on the ground. The sophomore back rushed for 747 yards and eight touchdowns on the season and he will be asked to quickly establish the ground game so Alo and Landor have more time to make good decisions.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Julius Maracalin, RB, 747 yards
Passing: Justin Alo, QB, 1,689 yards
Receiving: Juwan Dickey, WR, 768 yards
Tackles: Javon Tillman, DB, 89
Sacks: Anthony Murphy, DL, 4.0; Sione Teuhema, LB, 4
Interceptions: Jacorey Fuller, DB, 2; Demareyeh Lane, DB, 2
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 176.9 (37th in nation, 5th in conference)
Passing Offense: 219.7 (54, 6)
Total Offense: 396.6 (41, 5)
Scoring Offense: 27.5 (51, 6)
Rushing Defense: 170.7 (70, 6)
Pass Defense: 215.2 (52, 2)
Total Defense: 385.9 (59, 3)
Scoring Defense: 28.6 (67, 5)
Turnover Margin: -0.70 (101, 9)
Sacks: 2.20 (40, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 1.60 (38, 4)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2014 First Round Lost to Sam Houston State
2013 Second Round Defeated Sam Houston State
2013 Quarterfinals Lost to New Hampshire
*all team stats through 11/12
