SLU hosts Southeast Missour in opener

The Southeastern Louisiana University Lions are poised and ready to get the season underway
tomorrow night in Strawberry Stadium, hosting the Southeast Missouri Redhawks, who went 3-8
last year with a 7 o'clock kickoff in the teams' initial meeting. The Lions hope to be able to
show off their new 14-by-23-foot stadium high definition video board with a victory.
The Lions have posted a 9-1 record in season openers since returning the football program
back in 2003. The Lion's only season opening loss in that 10-year span was last year, falling
to South Dakota State 35-14, finishing at 5-6.
Head coach Ron Roberts in his second season said he likes the depth on this year's squad along
with the enthusiasm and excitement the players have shown preparing for tomorrow night's home
opener.
For the third consecutive season, the Lions will have a new starting quarterback with junior
Bryan Bennett going under center. Bennett from Encino, California, spent the last two seasons
with the Oregon Ducks, playing in 18 games.
Bennett is on the College Football Performance Award FCS National Performer of the Year and
quarterback award list.
The Lions are hoping to get the season underway with a victory to set the pace as SLU heads to
the road for three consecutive weeks following tomorrow night's opener taking on TCU, South
Dakota State and Samford before returning home October 5, hosting Incarnate Word.