Tarleton's defense was strong throughout Saturday's game at Stephen F. Austin. They held the opposition to 20 points, less than 400 total yards, forced two turnovers, had three sacks and had nine tackles for a loss total. The defensive line expects more out of themselves, however.

"We were OK," Assistant Coach (DL) Cornell Brown said. "We had some bright spots and also we had some spots that weren't so becoming of us as a defensive line and what we're trying to get going here. We left some opportunities out there, but it's a starting point for us."

One thing Brown doesn't need to see more out of his group is the willingness to play for each other.

"I think the biggest thing is they're becoming a tight-knit unit," Brown said. "They're becoming a unit that's very accountable to each other, a group that wants to play for each other, and a group that wants to make sure everyone is successful. I think the biggest thing is they all cheer for each other, truly. It's a brotherhood, and that's what you expect out of a defensive front."

The group was surely cheering for defensive lineman Javier Duran then on Saturday, who in his first game in the purple and white, recorded 1.5 sacks and 10 total tackles. His sacks led the team and he was one of three players with double-digit stops, the only defensive lineman to hit the mark. Duran said he credits his good play to his love of the game.

"As soon as I step on that field, it's beast mode mentality," Duran said.

Others with solid games on Saturday were Todd Tillis (five tackles, 1.0 TFL), Makody Robertson (four tackles, 0.5 TFL) and Sean Walton, who finished with five tackles, half a sack, and 1.5 tackles for a loss. Brown said Walton has "stepped forward and taken leadership," and as far as the three sacks by the line, they'll be hoping for even more against Fort Lewis.

"In this game, you're always thankful for whatever you get," Brown said. "You always have high expectations, you always want to exceed whatever standards you have set. So, that's a starting point for us, and we definitely want to improve upon it each and every week."

Fort Lewis' quarterbacks combined for 8-of-31 (.258) passing for 133 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions in a 44-7 loss to New Mexico Highlands on Saturday. The Skyhawks allowed three sacks and had three turnovers, finishing with 188 total yards of offense.

Anything can happen in this beautiful game of football, but if there was ever a time to see what the defense line is capable of, this week presents a great opportunity.