Lindenwood University seems to be playing as if the players have chips on their shoulders.

After playing in a tough league that saw them score 63 points in four games, the Lions have unleashed their offensive capability in impressive fashion, scoring 69 on Colorado State and 59 on Air Force.

“There are no second chances now,” said Lindenwood captain Sebastien Kalm. “It’s do or die. So I think it really all comes down to where we are as a team. We’ve had our highs and owe, but we’re peaking at the right time.”

In 2014, Lindenwood imploded against St. Mary’s in the semifinals. Most in St. Charles, Mo. would agree that St. Mary’s was the better team, but they also would contend that Lindenwood was much better than a 72-7 deficit.

Kalm remembers that day. 

“It wash an internal thing in the team on game day,” said Kalm. “We had a strong side, but we didn’t go into that game ready. This year, our team is in a good spot. Our execution is improving. We’ve been perfecting what’s working, and we’re seeing that it’s working.”

So now, said Kalm, it’s all about believe. Lindenwood plays a Life University team Saturday in the DIA semis that the Lions have pushed hard, but failed to beat.

They can, however, get over that Running Eagle hump.

“We just need to believe it,” said Kalm. “We ave to see ourselves as equals with Life. We respect them. But we know we’re a team to be respected, too.”

Lindenwood v Life will kick off in Marietta, Ga. Saturday at 12:30pm ET. It will be webcast live here:

ttp://www.liferunningeagles.com/f/AthleticDeptTab/Life_U_Network.php