No. 6 Hardin-Simmons at No. 24 Wisconsin-Platteville
When: 1 p.m. Saturday at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium in Platteville, Wis.
Broadcast: WIAC Network
The Matchup: The state of Wisconsin has not been very kind to the state of Texas this season. No. 16 Wisconsin-Oshkosh defeated East Texas Baptist 52-13 in Week 1, and No. 4 Wisconsin-Whitewater drove 99 yards on its final drive last week to beat then No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Will the third time be the charm for the state of Texas? Our hopes rest in the hands of No. 6 Hardin-Simmons, who had a bye week following a 79-14 win over NAIA Wayland Baptist to open the season.
The importance of the Cowboys winning this week cannot be overstated, and HSU deserves credit for making the trip to face a stout non-conference opponent. However, a loss this week, and the Cowboys will need to win their remaining games, including next week against UMHB, or face the nearly impossible task of earning an at-large berth to the playoffs.
This game would have the makings of a classic trap game for HSU if not for the Pioneers results over the season's first two weeks. UW-Platteville opened with a hard-fought 23-13 loss to NCAA DII Michigan Tech, who is visiting Midwestern State this weekend.
The Pioneers followed up the narrow loss with a 10-7 win over then No. 11 Bethel last week. UW-Platteville features a solid defense that held Bethel to 162 total yards, including 86 rushing yards, and forced three turnovers in Ryan Munz’s first win as head coach at UW-Platteville.
UW-Platteville’s offense has struggled this season against tough opponents and gained 157 of its 262 total yards against Bethel in the first quarter. The Pioneers are at their best when they dominate time of possession and held the ball for 36:41 last week.
HSU coach Jesse Burleson will have his players ready for the game, and being so far away from home could be an advantage by eliminating distractions.
X-Factor: It would be simple to discuss the line of scrimmage being the primary key to a win this week. While the battle in the trenches will play a prominent role, the X-Factor this week is HSU quarterback Gaylon Glynn.
The senior from Waco Connally saw his first extensive game action against WBU two weeks ago and posted impressive numbers throwing for 315 yards and four touchdowns while completing 72 percent of his passes.
The key for Glynn will be ball security. Before his start against WBU, Glynn had attempted 29 passes with three touchdowns and three interceptions over the past two years. The UW-Platteville defense forced three turnovers against Bethel, including two interceptions.
Prediction: My predictions have not been good this season, with a 1-2 record. However, I begin my comeback this week. This week's defenses will finish among the top in the country in multiple categories.
The UW-Platteville offense relies on ball control and has averaged a mere 3.6 yards per play this year. The Cowboys are the more explosive team, and Glynn will prove he’s ready for the spotlight.
Hardin-Simmons by 3
Sign In