Austin Peay at Stephen F. Austin
When: 6 p.m. Saturday at Homer Bryce Stadium in Nacogdoches
Broadcast: ESPN+
The Matchup: FCS fans nationwide will be tuned in when SFA hosts Austin Peay Saturday. For the Lumberjacks, this will be their biggest FCS test to date and is the first game for both teams in the new United Athletic Conference. The Governors will bring a quick passing offense to Nacogdoches led by quarterback Mike DiLiello.
“They are one of the leading passing offenses in FCS right now, but they don’t hold the ball very long,” SFA coach Colby Carthel said. “They do a great job with their screen and quick passing game. They get the ball out in a hurry and will be a tough challenge for us.”
The ‘Jacks offense has been solid through the first three weeks of the season. SFA is averaging 36 points per game and features an exceptionally balanced offense. The ‘Jacks have gained 27 first downs rushing and 27 first downs passing this season. In short, it’s the kind of offense that Carthel has experienced success using throughout his career.
“We play complementary football, and we’re not about stats and all the other hoopla,” Carthel said. “Our goal is to get the W and complement each other in all three facets of the game. This is a young team that is improving each week. I think we have a chance to have a successful season if we continue to improve.”
X-Factor: According to PFF.com, SFA has the second-best run defense in the UAC this season. However, Austin Peay ranks eighth of nine teams in the UAC in run blocking. This portends the Governors relying on their passing attack against the ‘Jacks. It’s a solid passing attack, led by an offensive line that currently grades third-best in the UAC in pass blocking, according to PFF. The ‘Jacks will need Amad Murray, Aaron Austin, Edward Bobino, Brandon Lane, and Jermaine Brown to make Mike DiLiello uncomfortable in the pocket.
Prediction: SFA by 1