Tarleton State flips Lone Star Conference on its head, upsets Texas A&M-Commerce 47-21

Photo by Karson Land/TAMUC Athletics

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No. 16 Tarleton State scored 20 fourth quarter points and used a punishing ground attack to upset No. 7 Texas A&M-Commerce 47-21 and claim possession of the President’s Cup for the first time since 2012. The Texans have now won six games in a row to open the season which is their longest winning streak since 2007. Tarleton State rolled up 486 total yards of offense led by Xavier Turner, who gained 166 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Ben Holmes completed 16-of-31 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns for Tarleton State. EJ Speed recorded 13 tackles and a sack to lead the Texans defense. The Texas A&M-Commerce offense was led by Kane Wilson who completed 18-of-31 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown. Reggie Kincade returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown for the Lions in the second quarter. The Lions had uncharacteristic issues with discipline in the game as they committed 18 penalties for 167 yards.

DOMINATING RUN GAME

Tarleton State used three different running backs to gain 282 rushing yards against a good Texas A&M-Commerce defense that entered the game allowing 142.5 yards rushing per game. Daniel McCants entered the game with 597 rushing yards on the season but was held in check as he gained 50 yards rushing on 14 carries. However, Tarleton State has a large stable of running backs who can punish a defense. The star this time was Turner – the Senior running back from North Richland Hills. Adam Berryman was also very effective for the Texans as he gained 56 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries. Holmes is also a threat to run the ball as he has 197 yards rushing and a touchdown on 46 carries for the season.

SURPRISING TERRITORY

Tarleton State is the surprise team of the Lone Star Conference this season and one of the biggest surprises in the nation. The Texans were picked to finish fifth in the LSC in the pre-season poll. The Texans have taken the first step toward winning their first LSC title since 2013 and can claim complete control of the conference with a win in two weeks at No. 12 Midwestern State. A conference title would most likely guarantee the Texans their first NCAA DII playoff appearance since 2009. Texas A&M-Commerce could finish in a three-way tie for first place in the LSC with a Tarleton State loss at MSU Texas. Each team would need to finish in the top seven in the final regional rankings on Nov. 11. TAMUC needs to focus on winning their four remaining games and rely on their win over then No. 4 MSU Texas to earn an at-large bid to the playoffs.

DANGER AHEAD

Tarleton State has three of their four remaining games at home. However, their lone road game is the crucial contest against Midwestern State in Wichita Falls on Oct. 27. The Texans will need to focus this week and avoid the trap game as they welcome Texas A&M-Kingsville to Stephenville. The final two games for Tarleton State are at home against Lincoln (Mo.) (2-4, 1-2) and Western New Mexico (0-5, 0-3). Texas A&M-Commerce's schedule presents some unique challenges as they face two long road trips to Western New Mexico and UT-Permian Basin. The Lions host a dangerous West Texas A&M team that owns a road win this season over then No. 14 Central Washington. The Lions final game of the season is at home against rival Angelo State, who always presents problems for the Lions.

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