BEAUMONT, Texas – For the first time in program history, the Lamar University Cardinal football team will step on the field ranked among the top 25 in the STATS Perform Top 25 Poll (one of two major NCAA FCS football polls). The Cardinals enter the poll at No. 22 and do so after a thrilling one-point victory over then No. 20 Weber State to improve to 2-1.
 
Things don't get any easier for the Cardinals as they prepare to face a talented Texas Southern team who has already jumped out to a 1-0 start in SWAC contests this season. The Tigers are 1-1 (.500) overall on the year but head to Beaumont well rested coming off a bye week while Lamar will be stepping on the field for the fourth week in a row.
 
The Cardinals enter Saturday's contest looking to close out a perfect homestand and move to 3-1 on the season. Their current 2-1 mark is the best start since 2021 but the Cards struggled to find the win column the rest of the season. If Big Red can figure out a way to get past a talented TSU squad it would equal the best start since 2014 (but that season's start included wins over two non-Division I opponents).
   
LU vs. the Tigers
Saturday's meeting will mark the sixth showdown between the two schools with Texas Southern holding a slim 3-2 (.600) advantage. Home field has not been an advantage in the series with Lamar winning the only game played in Houston (1980), and Texas Southern holding a 3-1 mark in Beaumont. It will be the first meeting since 1985 when LU rattled off a 12-point decision for its lone home win in series history.
 
Block Party
Junior defensive linemen Christian Booker registered one stat in Saturday's win over Weber State, but it might just be the biggest play of the year on the young season. Trailing by a point in the third quarter, Weber State lined up for a 44-yard field goal but Booker knifed through the line to block the kick. Lamar is currently tied for third nationally in blocked kicks.
 
Ground Cardinals
Senior running back Khalan Griffin just missed his second consecutive 100-yard rushing effort with 21 carries for 91 yards (4.3) against No. 20 Weber State. Despite just missing the century mark, Griffin leads the Southland Conference with 60 carries for 359 yards (6.0 ypr). He is averaging 119.7 rushing yards per game. He ranks fifth nationally in total rushing yards and yards per game.
 
Depth Off the Bench
Junior quarterback Jakolby Longino was forced into action Saturday and the Missouri City native rose to the occasion. He completed 5-of-6 (.833) passes for 121 yards and two scores, including a season-long completion of 72 yards to Damien Moore for a touchdown. He also carried the ball six times for 20 yards in helping lead the Cardinals to an upset victory.