Team of the Week:

Abilene Christian Wildcats (3-4, 2-3)

Last week: ACU scored 21 points in the first half and the Wildcats defense refused to break as they pulled off the 28-12 upset over No. 11 Nicholls (4-3, 3-2) last Saturday in their homecoming game. This was the first win for ACU over a ranked team in four years, and their first win over a ranked team at Wildcat Stadium. Luke Anthony completed 20-of-33 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, while Billy McCrary added 91 yards rushing and a touchdown on 15 carries to lead the Wildcats offense. Kalin Sadler had a 65-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter that provided ACU some breathing room. Jeremiah Chambers was a beast, as he recorded 14 tackles – including three tackles for a loss and a sack to lead the Wildcat defense that recorded five sacks in the game. 

The Verdict: ACU is beginning to see positive results from head coach Adam Dorrell, who previously led a very successful program that won three national championships at NCAA DII Northwest Missouri State before taking the ACU job two seasons ago. The Wildcats have played well recently as they were close to an upset against McNeese two weeks ago. ACU has struggled with consistency this season and will have an opportunity to start a winning streak over their next two games. 

This Week: The Wildcats will be on the road this week as they travel to Hammond, La., as they face Southeastern Louisiana (3-4, 3-2) Saturday at 7 p.m.

NCAA DI FCS Recap

No. 10 Sam Houston State Bearkats (4-2, 3-1)

Last Week: The Bearkats overcame a shaky second quarter and four turnovers as they won 42-28 on the road against Northwestern State (2-4, 1-3). Kyran Jackson was outstanding for the offense as he gained 152 yards rushing and a touchdown on 23 carries while adding 116 yards receiving on only four receptions. Derick Roberson led the Bearkats defense as he recorded seven tackles and three sacks.

The Verdict: SHSU continue their march towards an NCAA FCS playoff berth with this victory. The Bearkats will need to avoid complacency during their remaining five games as they have been vulnerable at times this season. The Kats would most likely receive an at-large bid to the playoffs if they win their remaining games. 

This Week: SHSU will conclude a two-game road trip as they travel to Beaumont to face conference foe Lamar (2-4, 1-3) Saturday at 3 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (3-4, 2-1)

Last Week: PVAMU threw five interceptions and were unable to gain any traction on offense as they lost 38-0 last Saturday to Southern University (3-3, 2-1). Anthony Stubbs and Willie Green each recorded 13 tackles to lead the Panthers defense. Dawonya Tucker had a tough day as he was held to 17 yards rushing while Jalen Morton also struggled as he completed 20-of-42 passes for 251 yards and five interceptions while adding 44 yards on the ground. 

The Verdict: The Panthers hopes of playing in the SWAC championship game are not completely lost with this defeat. They will need to win their remaining games and receive some help to win the West division. PVAMU will try and correct their mistakes during their bye week as their next game is another tough opponent.

This Week: PVAMU have a bye this week.

Incarnate Word Cardinals (3-3, 3-1)

Last Week: UIW suffered a heartbreaking loss last Saturday as their potential game-winning field goal attempt was blocked and returned 66 yards for a touchdown as time expired as they fell 27-21 to Lamar (2-4, 1-3). Freshman Jon Copeland completed 39-of-56 passes for 515 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Cardinals offense. Kam Williams recorded 10 receptions for 153 yards while Kody Edwards added 150 yards receiving on 10 receptions. Lamont Johnson caught two touchdown passes for UIW.

The Verdict: This was a tough loss for the Cardinals who now face five very difficult games to close out their season. Their next four opponents are currently ranked in the AFCA FCS poll and their final game is on the road against FBS Iowa State. UIW will need to regroup quickly this week to have an opportunity to pull off an upset. 

This Week: UIW returns home this week as they host No. 6 McNeese (5-1, 4-0) Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be televised by Eleven Sports.

Lamar Cardinals (2-4, 1-3)

Last Week: Lamar pulled off an exhilarating 27-21 victory last Saturday as Caleb Abrom returned a blocked field goal 66 yards for the winning score over Incarnate Word (3-3, 3-1) as time expired. Darrel Colbert was once again the leader for the offense as he completed 14-of-25 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns while adding 66 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Garrison Mitchell intercepted two passes for the Cardinals to lead a defense that forced five turnovers in the game.

The Verdict: The Cardinals effectively utilized their bye week as they played a much better game last week. Their run defense only allowed 70 yards this week, but they will also need their pass defense to improve from the 515 yards surrendered if they hope to pull off the upset this week.

This Week: The Cardinals will conclude their two-game homestand Saturday as they host No. 10 Sam Houston State (4-2, 3-1) at 3 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-5, 1-4)

Last Week: SFA fought hard last Saturday but came up short 27-17 at home to No. 16 Central Arkansas (4-2, 3-1). Jake Blumrick was impressive for the Lumberjacks as he completed 26-of-45 passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns. Terian Goree caught six passes for 122 yards and a touchdown while Remi Simmons added 108 yards receiving on 10 receptions. Alize Ward led the defense with 10 tackles including on-half tackle for a loss.

The Verdict: The Lumberjacks are finished with their brutal stretch of games as their last three games have been against ranked opponents. The positive for SFA is they were close to winning in two of the three games. The Lumberjacks will need to get their running game going this week and a solid defensive performance to gain a win.

This Week: SFA will go on the road Saturday as they face conference foe Houston Baptist (1-5, 0-4) at 6 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN3. 

Houston Baptist Huskies (1-5, 0-4)

Last Week: The Huskies committed four turnovers that led to 21 critical points for Southeastern Louisiana (3-4, 3-2) as they lost 62-52 last Saturday. Bailey Zappe completed 29-of-46 passes for 342 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions for the HBU offense. Jerreth Sterns caught nine passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns while Terry Tillmon added 108 yards receiving and two touchdowns on only three receptions.

The Verdict: HBU is close to a breakout game this season, but this is a team that cannot afford to make so many mistakes. The Huskies defense played better this week and gave the team a chance, but two interceptions and a fumble were returned for touchdowns. HBU could surprise some teams if they can play a complete game.

This Week: The Huskies will return home this week as they host Stephen F. Austin (1-5, 1-4) Saturday at 6 p.m. for their homecoming game. The game will be live streamed on ESPN3.

Texas Southern Tigers (1-5, 0-2)

Last Week: The Tigers surrendered 31 points in the second and third quarters last Saturday as they lost 34-21 at home to Grambling State (3-3, 2-1). TSU used three quarterbacks as Jay Christophe, Glen Cuiellette and Devin Williams combined to complete 18-of-35 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Bobby Hartzog was a stud for the offense as he caught nine passes for 190 yards and a touchdown.

The Verdict: TSU struggled to run the ball against a good Grambling State defense. The Tigers will need to find the right combination at quarterback this week, cut down on their turnovers, and play a complete game to have an opportunity to win at the Cotton Bowl.

This Week: The Tigers will travel to Dallas to face Southern University (3-3, 2-1) in the State Fair Showdown at the Cotton Bowl Saturday at 2 p.m.

NCAA DII Recap

No. 9 Tarleton State Texans (6-0, 5-0)

Last Week: Tarleton State took control of the Lone Star Conference last Saturday as they used a punishing ground attack to pull off the 47-21 upset at No. 7 Texas A&M-Commerce (5-2, 3-1). Xavier Turner gained 166 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 26 carries to lead an offense that gained 282 total yards on the ground. Zimari Manning recorded eight catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns while Savon Rollison added a receiving touchdown for the Texans. 

The Verdict: The Texans continue to look very impressive this season and passed their biggest test to date with flying colors. The Texans have an impressive number of talented running backs. Tarleton State will need to avoid a classic trap game at home this week before they travel to Wichita Falls in two weeks for a critical clash with their conference rival.

This Week: Tarleton State returns home on Saturday as they host Texas A&M-Kingsville (2-5, 0-4) at 6 p.m.

No. 18 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (5-2, 3-1)

Last Week: Texas A&M-Commerce entered last Saturday with the best defense in the conference, but they allowed 282 rushing yards as they fell 47-21 at home to No. 16 Tarleton State (6-0, 5-0). Kane Wilson completed 18-of-31 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown to lead the Lions offense. Marquis Wimberly had 69 yards receiving on seven receptions. Kohou Kader led the defense with 10 tackles and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Lions playoff hopes took a hit with this loss, but they are far from eliminated from playoff contention. The regional committee will release their first rankings on Oct. 22, when we will have a clearer picture of where the LSC teams stand in a tough Super Region Four. However, TAMUC must win their remaining games to have an opportunity to make the playoffs. 

This Week: TAMUC will take the long road trip to Silver City, N.M., to face Western New Mexico (0-6, 0-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

No. 10 Midwestern State Mustangs (6-1, 4-1)

Last Week: The Mustangs scored the first 48 points in the game as they cruised to a dominating 69-14 win on the road over Texas A&M-Kingsville (2-5, 0-4). Juwan Johnson had an outstanding game for the offense as he gained 202 yards receiving on nice receptions and scored four touchdowns. Layton Rabb completed 20-of-35 passes for 338 yards and five touchdowns, while Vincent Johnson added two touchdowns rushing for the Mustangs.

The Verdict: This was exactly the type of game MSU Texas needed after a tough loss. The Mustangs were very impressive in all three phases of the game as the defense only allowed 308 total yards and special teams’ plays led to the first two scores in the game. MSU Texas has a bye this week to prepare for rival and LSC leader No. 9 Tarleton State.

This Week: MSU Texas has a bye this week. 

West Texas A&M Buffaloes (5-2, 3-1)

Last Week: The Buffaloes used an opportunistic defense and solid special teams plays to win 26-18 at Angelo State (3-4, 2-3). Jared Houghtaling led the offense as he completed 22-of-32 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown while Semaj Mitchell led all receivers with seven receptions for 93 yards. Ayrton Payne returned a blocked punt 15 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter while Gabriel Gridley had a punt downed at the Rams one yard line that the Buffs defense turned into a safety on the next play.

The Verdict: WT is a fun team to follow this season as they seem to find different ways to win a game each week. They are not the most explosive offense, but they rely on a ball control offense and a strong defense. The Buffs defense will be tested this week against the triple option.

This Week: The Buffaloes return home this week as they host Eastern New Mexico (2-5, 2-3) in the Wagon Wheel Game Saturday at 6 p.m.

Angelo State Rams (3-4, 2-3)

Last Week: ASU gained more total yards than West Texas A&M (5-2, 3-1) last Saturday but was unable to capitalize as they lost 26-18. Tyrese Nathan was outstanding for the Rams offense as he gained 96 yards rushing on 18 carries and added 73 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. Grant Aschenbeck had another good game for the defense as he recorded 11 tackles and a sack.

The Verdict: The Rams defense executed their game plan to perfection last week as they held Duke Carter IV to only 58 yards on 31 carries. However, the offense continues to struggle even with Payne Sullins receiving his second straight start. ASU will try to get their offensive woes straightened out this week.

This Week: ASU goes on the road this week as they face UT Permian Basin (2-5, 1-3) Saturday at 6 p.m. at Grande Stadium.

Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas (2-5, 0-4)

Last Week: TAMUK struggled in all three phases of the game as they fell 69-14 at home to No. 12 Midwestern State (6-1, 4-1). Brandon Jones led the defense as he registered five tackles including one and a half tackles for loss and returned a fumble 36 yards for a touchdown. Koy Detmer Jr. completed 23-of-32 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown for the offense. Torrey Thomas had eight catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.

The Verdict: The Javelinas were completely dominated last week as they remain winless in the Lone Star Conference. The schedule is not providing any relief this week as they face the hottest team in the conference this week. TAMUK will have to stop the run to have any chance to pull the upset.

This Week: TAMUK travels to Stephenville this week as they face No. 9 Tarleton State (6-0, 5-0) Saturday at 6 p.m.

UT Permian Basin Falcons (2-5, 1-3)

Last Week: UTPB used a potent passing attack to win 36-17 in their homecoming game against Humboldt State (1-5, 1-3). Taylor Null set a school record with 430 passing yards as he completed 31-of-48 passes with four touchdowns. Ben Galaviz led all receivers with eight catches for 92 yards and a touchdown while Kristian Brown, Baylon Ware, and Mitchell Leonard each added a touchdown reception for the Falcons.

The Verdict: The Falcons put together a complete team effort this week. The offense gained 595 total yards and 31 first downs while the defense only allowed 322 total yards. UTPB will need their offense to be efficient this week as they face a tough defense.

This Week: UTPB will conclude their two-game homestand as they face conference foe Angelo State (3-4, 2-3) Saturday at 6 p.m.

NCAA DIII Recap

No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (6-0, 5-0)

Last Week: In a game that was moved to Friday night because of weather concerns, the Cru still dominated with a 55-0 win at Howard Payne (1-5, 1-4). Luke Poorman completed 8-of-10 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns. Markeith Miller once again had an outstanding game as he gained 173 yards rushing and a touchdown on only 12 carries while adding 33 receiving yards and a touchdown. Joey Longoria recorded six tackles and two sacks to lead an impressive defense.

The Verdict: The UMHB defense continues to shine each week as they held HPU to only 95 total yards of offense. The Cru need to avoid complacency and continue to remain focused on returning to the national championship game. 

This Week: UMHB will conclude a two-game road trip this week as they travel to Jackson, Miss. to face Belhaven (1-5, 1-4) Saturday at noon. 

No. 9 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys (5-1, 4-1)

Last Week: The Cowboys scored 21 points in the third quarter to pull away from Sul Ross State (0-6, 0-5) for a 48-27 win on homecoming. Ty Hooper was outstanding as he completed 21-of-29 passes for 254 yards and five touchdowns. Bryson Hammonds gained 133 yards rushing on 15 carries for the Cowboys while Reese Childress added 112 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 10 receptions. 

The Verdict: The HSU offense has struggled at times since All-American running back Jaquan Hemphill went down with an injury. The Cowboys hope that Hemphill can play this week as they face a dangerous team in a game that could decide if the Cowboys will earn an at-large playoff bid this season.

This Week: HSU will conclude their two-game homestand Saturday as they host conference foe Texas Lutheran (5-1, 4-1) Saturday at 1 p.m.

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (5-1, 4-1)

Last Week: Austin Mathews scored the last of his three touchdowns with 11 seconds remaining as Texas Lutheran won 28-21 over East Texas Baptist (3-3, 3-2) last Saturday. Mathews finished with 141 yards rushing on 33 carries and added 62 yards receiving on five receptions. Jackson Worley forced two fumbles to lead the Bulldogs defense that held a potent ETBU offense to only 271 passing yards. 

The Verdict: TLU did an excellent job containing the ETBU passing offense last week. This week the defense will need to stop a potent rushing attack. If the Bulldogs can pull off an upset this week, they may earn an at-large spot in the NCAA DIII playoffs

This Week: The Bulldogs travel to Abilene, Texas Saturday as they face No. 9 Hardin-Simmons (5-1, 4-1) at 1 p.m. 

East Texas Baptist Tigers (3-3, 3-2)

Last Week: The Tigers defense was unable to make one final stop last Saturday as Texas Lutheran (5-1, 4-1) scored a touchdown with 11 seconds remaining in a 28-21 defeat. Brian Baca completed 25-of-42 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Richard Johnson was on the receiving end of all three touchdown passes as he caught 10 passes for 179 yards for ETBU. Josiah Dykes recorded 11 tackles for the defense.

The Verdict: This is a tough loss for the Tigers that ends any hope at earning an at-large bid in the NCAA DIII playoffs this season. ETBU will need to refocus quickly this week as they head on the road for a rivalry game against a dangerous team.

This Week: ETBU will conclude a two-game road trip this week as they try to retain the “Battle of the Border” claw against Louisiana College (3-3, 3-2) at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers (3-3, 2-2)

Last Week: Trinity was unable to score on their final drive after allowing a touchdown with 4:44 left in the game as they fell 33-28 at Centre (5-1, 3-1). Wyatt Messex completed 10-of-18 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown and added 74 yards rushing on 10 carries to lead the Tigers offense. Jay Foster and Charles Davis each scored a rushing touchdown in the game. Nic Hover led the defense as he registered nine tackles.

The Verdict: The Tigers next three games are winnable games before they face No. 17 Berry on Nov. 10. Trinity will need to eliminate their turnovers on offense and the defense will need to stop the opponents ground game as they seek a strong finish to the season.

This Week: Trinity returns home this week as they host Sewanee (3-4, 2-3) Saturday at 1 p.m.

Southwestern University Pirates (4-3, 3-3)

Last Week: The Pirates used a strong defensive performance last Saturday to claim a 21-10 victory over Belhaven (1-5, 1-4). Aaron Robinson recorded 10 tackles including two tackles for a loss to lead a defense that registered four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Frederick Hover continued his stellar play as he completed 8-of-16 passes for 128 yards and added 288 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. 

The Verdict: SU have played well the last two weeks and the defense only allowed 47 rushing yards last week. The Pirates will need both the offense and defense to play their best game of the season in two weeks when they face No. 9 Hardin-Simmons after their bye week. 

This Week: Southwestern has a bye this week.

McMurry War Hawks (2-5, 2-4)

Last Week: McMurry conceded 21 points in the fourth quarter as they fell 35-23 in their homecoming game to Louisiana College (3-3, 3-2). Kevin Hurley Jr. led the offense as he completed 25-of-42 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Eriel Dorsey was once again Hurley’s favorite target as he caught eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. Xavier Dunn registered 11 tackles and a sack to lead the War Hawks defense. 

The Verdict: The inability to effectively run the ball continues to cost the War Hawks. They have a bye this week as they will work on their ground attack. Their remaining three games resemble a murder’s row as they face two teams currently ranked with potent offenses.

This Week: McMurry has a bye this week.

Austin College Kangaroos (2-5, 2-3)

Last Week: Austin College scored 20 points in the first half on their way to a surprise 34-23 win at Millsaps (4-2, 2-2). Colt Collins continued to lead the offense as he completed 20-of-40 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns while adding 65 yards rushing and a touchdown on 16 carries. Morris Shell III had a great day for the ‘Roos defense as he recorded 10 tackles, intercepted a pass, and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Kangaroos have played well each of the last two weeks and earned a nice win last week. The defense was able to get off the field last week as they only allowed Millsaps to convert three of 11 on third down. The offense did a good job sustaining drives, as they converted nine of 17 on third down.

This Week: Austin College will conclude their two-game road trip Saturday as they face Birmingham Southern (4-2, 2-2) at 2 p.m.

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (1-5, 1-4)

Last Week: HPU struggled to move the ball against No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (6-0, 5-0) as they fell 55-0 in a game moved to last Friday night due to weather concerns. Gage McClanahan completed 9-of-12 passes for 49 yards for the Yellow Jackets. HPU was only able to gain 95 total yards and the defense surrendered 475 total yards to the Crusaders. 

The Verdict: The Yellow Jackets are most likely disappointed that they were only able to gain 95 total yards against arguably the nation’s best defense. HPU will need to move beyond last week and prepare for a game they will have an opportunity to win this week.

This Week: HPU will begin a two-game road trip this week as they face Sul Ross State (0-6, 0-5) at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Sul Ross State Lobos (0-6, 0-5)

Last Week: The Lobos found themselves only down one point at halftime on the road to No. 9 Hardin-Simmons (5-1, 4-1) but were unable to keep pace in the second half as they fell 48-27. Williton Grear as outstanding for the offense as he gained 154 yards rushing and a touchdown on 21 carries. Fabian Baeza was 27-of-47 passing for 205 yards as he completed passes to 10 different receivers. 

The Verdict: Sul Ross State played one of their best halves of football this season in the first half. The Lobos will try to build some confidence off their performance and earn a victory in their homecoming game this week.

This Week: Sul Ross State returns home this week as they face Howard Payne (1-5, 1-4) Saturday at 6 p.m.

NAIA Recap

Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions (4-3, 3-2)

Last Week: Turnovers and special teams mistakes proved costly last Saturday as SAGU fell 37-34 at Lyon (Ark.) (3-4, 2-3). CJ Collins was outstanding as he completed 30-of-57 passes for 477 yards and five touchdowns. Samuel Northey led the receiving corps with 149 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches. Jeremy Carr added 121 yards receiving on six catches while Bryant Dotson gained 111 yards receiving on six receptions. 

The Verdict: This loss is heartbreaking for the Lions as they have lost any hope of receiving an at-large bid to the NAIA playoffs. SAGU will look to regroup this week and prepare for their homecoming game against a Texas Wesleyan team that has shown improvement over last season.

This Week: SAGU returns home this week as they host Texas Wesleyan (1-5, 1-3) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Wayland Baptist Pioneers (2-3, 1-3)

Last Week: Wayland Baptist had a bye last week.

The Verdict: WBU had an opportunity to rest and get healthy this week as they prepare for their remaining four games. The next two games for the Pioneers are winnable games before they face two explosive offenses in their final two games.

This Week: The Pioneers will travel to Tyler this week as they face conference foe Texas College (0-4, 0-4) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Texas Wesleyan Rams (1-5, 1-3)

Last Week: Texas Wesleyan was unable to slow down Oklahoma Panhandle State (3-4, 3-1) last Saturday as they fell 49-25. Donovan Isom completed 24-of-40 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon Rolfe led the Rams receivers with 130 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. Michael Miller recorded 13 tackles and an interception, while Chijoke Iwuagu registered 10 tackles and a sack for the Rams defense.

The Verdict: The Rams have continued to struggle on defense recently as they allowed 609 total yards to OPSU. There is no rest for the defense this week as Texas Wesleyan faces the high-powered passing attack of SAGU.

This Week: Texas Wesleyan begin a two-game road trip this week as they travel to Waxahachie to face Southwestern Assemblies of God University (4-3, 3-2) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Texas College Steers (0-4, 0-4)

Last Week: Texas College was unable to overcome allowing Ottawa (Ariz.) (4-3, 3-3) to score 28 points in the second quarter as they fell 63-14. Vontyne Williams struggled last week as he completed 5-of-13 passes for 113 and a touchdown and added 48 yards rushing on 15 carries. Dyamond Woods had two receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. Malik Guillory recorded seven tackles and a sack for the Steers.

The Verdict: The Steers have struggled to contain potent offenses in their last two games. The good news is their next opponent is not as explosive on offense. The bad news is their opponent has had two weeks to prepare for the Steers rushing attack.

This Week: Texas College return home this week to face conference foe Wayland Baptist University (2-3, 1-3) Saturday at 7 p.m.

NJCAA Recap

No. 11 Blinn Buccaneers (5-2, 3-2)

Last Week: The Buccaneers were unable to overcome a 47-point first half by Cisco (4-3, 2-3) as they fell 71-28 on the road last Saturday. Daveon Boyd completed 10-of-19 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns with one interception while Brock Landis completed 10-of-23 passes for 148 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Danny Gray, Corey Smith, and Keric Wheatfall each recorded one touchdown receiving. 

The Verdict: Blinn can still secure a spot in the SWJCFC playoffs if they win their two remaining games. That will not be easy as they face No. 17 Kilgore this week followed by New Mexico Military Institute. The good news is that Blinn faces both teams at home.

This Week: Blinn will return home for a regular season ending two-game homestand as they face No. 17 Kilgore College (5-2, 3-2) Saturday at 3 p.m.

No. 17 Kilgore Rangers (5-2, 3-2)

Last Week: Kilgore had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Rangers had a week off to prepare for their final two games of the season. They will face a tough challenge this week as they go on the road to face an angry Blinn College team. Kilgore will need to continue to build off their recent momentum this week.

This Week: Kilgore travel to face No. 11 Blinn College (5-2, 3-2) Saturday at 3 p.m.

Tyler Apaches (4-3, 3-2)

Last Week: Tyler was unable to score a touchdown on their final drive as they fell 40-35 at No. 13 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (5-2, 3-2). Jeremiah Crawford completed 12-of-28 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 71 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Otis Lanier recorded five receptions for 106 yards for the Apaches. LaDarian Hudson registered 11 tackles and a sack to lead the defense.

The Verdict: The Apaches will earn a spot in the conference playoffs if they win their final two games. That will be easier said than done as they face a Cisco team this week that just upset Blinn followed by a road game against a ranked Kilgore squad.

This Week: Tyler returns home this week as they host Cisco College (4-3, 2-3) at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Navarro Bulldogs (5-3, 3-3)

Last Week: Navarro was pushed to overtime last Saturday before they prevailed 56-49 at home against New Mexico Military Institute (3-4, 1-4). Parker McNeil was solid as he completed 24-of-33 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns. Jared Wyatt was once again McNeil’s favorite target as he gained 145 yards receiving and a touchdown on four receptions. Trejon Brown intercepted three passes to lead the Bulldogs defense.

The Verdict: The Bulldogs now have a week to rest and get healthy before they play their regular season finale against Trinity Valley Community College. Navarro must win their final game and receive help if they are to earn a spot in the SWJCFC playoffs.

This Week: Navarro has a bye this week.

Trinity Valley Community College Cardinal (4-4, 3-3)

Last Week: TVCC led 17-0 against Rezolution Prep Academy at the end of the first quarter when the game was called due to severe weather conditions. Colton Atkinson had completed 3-of-5 passes for 53 yards and a touchdown while adding 45 yards rushing on three carries. Reginald Breggs Jr. scored the lone receiving touchdown on a 45-yard pass while Andre Johnson scored a rushing touchdown on an eight-yard run.

The Verdict: The Cardinal find themselves with a week to prepare for a must win game to keep any hopes alive of earning a spot in the conference playoffs. TVCC will face a Navarro team that will also be coming off a bye week.

This Week: TVCC has a bye this week.

Cisco Wranglers (4-3, 2-3)

Last Week: Cisco used 468 total yards of offense and four interceptions from their defense to upset No. 11 Blinn (5-2, 3-2) last Saturday 71-28. Blain Kruemcke had a career day as he completed 27-of-34 passes for 361 yards and seven touchdowns to lead the Wranglers attack. Bradley Rozner recorded eight catches for 121 yards and three touchdowns while Darion Chafin added 107 yards receiving and a touchdown on only four receptions. 

The Verdict: This is the best game the Wranglers have played this season. Cisco can still earn a spot in the conference playoffs, but they will need to win their remaining two games against teams that are currently ahead of them in the standings.  

This Week: Cisco travels this week to face Tyler Junior College (4-3, 3-2) at 3 p.m. Saturday.