“It’s going to be a big challenge for us, but we have earned the right to be where we are,” said Garin Higgins, head football coach.

Those were Higgins’ comments after a 52-26 victory over Truman State that led the Hornets to an 8-0 record. They are ranked 15th in the nation.

The Hornets will take on the Griffons of Missouri Western, currently ranked 12th in the nation with a 7-1 record, at 6 p.m. tonight at Welch Stadium.

This is the 35th contest between the two, the Griffons having won the last seven matchups, including last year’s 22-16 victory. The Griffons hold a 23-11 advantage all time in the series.

“They are a very good football team,” said Tyler Eckenrode, senior quarterback and information systems major. “We are going to have to prepare and play the game of our lives.”