August 29, 2021 – Columbia, KY –
The Lindsey Wilson Blue Raider football program posted an impressive 11-0 record in 2020 winning the NAIA Division I football championship. Lindsey Wilson is currently ranked #1 in the 2021 NAIA Coaches’ Preseason Top 25 poll. The football program has had a history of winning, averaging 10.5 wins per season over the last 6 years. During the 2020 season Lindsey Wilson’s offense averaged 46.3 points per game with quarterback Cameron Dukes throwing for 2,946 yards which ranked 10th amongst QB’s in NAIA Division I football. Dukes accounted for 33 out of the teams 71 touchdowns last year. Lindsey Wilson’s strong defense recorded 33.5 sacks and held their opponents to 14.4 points per game which ranked 6th in total defense last year.
This upcoming season, the Blue Raiders will be the hunted and not the hunters. They will be targeted due to their success in 2020. In 2021 Lindsey Wilson will be getting every team best effort. The Blue Raiders can’t afford to get complacent and will have to respect every opponent. Coach Chris Oliver will have to make sure his team is looking forward to winning another championship in 2021.
Lindsey Wilson’s path to their championship wasn’t easy beating a very good Keiser football team which is currently ranked 4th in the NAIA Coaches’ Preseason Top 25 poll. In the playoffs against Keiser University the Blue Raiders were down 14-7 late in the first quarter. The defense surrendered zero points and forced one turnover while the offense exploded for 31 unanswered points. Quarterback Cameron Dukes threw for 287 yards with 4 touchdown passes. The Blue Raiders ultimately won the game 48-13.
To secure another championship Lindsey Wilson will have to be balanced on both offense and defense: The same formula that helped them raise the championship trophy in 2020. They will also have to be efficient on both sides of the ball and Coach Oliver will have to prove that he can adapt to any challenges the team faces. It will be difficult, but the Blue Raiders will have to refrain from looking forward to the playoffs and play one game at a time. Coach Oliver’s team should know what’s at stake this season and be ready to make another run at another championship.
