Team of the Week:

No. 20 Midwestern State Mustangs (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: It was the surprise of the week and they made it look easy as Midwestern State reeled off 26 points in the first half in defeating FCS Northwestern State 33-7 on the road last Saturday night. Quarterback Zach Purcell completed 26-of-40 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns for the Mustangs. Tyrique Edwards led all receivers with 76 yards and a touchdown on five catches while preseason LSC Offensive Player of the Year Juwan Johnson added four receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Rigoberto Carrillo led the Mustangs defense with nine tackles. MSU Texas has earned Small College Team of the Week honors. Look for a feature story on the Mustangs big win this week on texasfootball.com.

The Verdict: This was the first-ever win for the Mustangs over an FCS school. Zach Purcell was outstanding in his first start for MSU Texas. Head coach Bill Maskill is known for his outstanding rushing attack in his time with the Mustangs, but the offense thrived passing the ball. Most impressive was the Mustangs defense which only allowed 58 rushing yards on 22 attempts and 185 passing yards to a good offensive team. 

This Week: MSU Texas will conclude their two-game road trip on Saturday when they meet Lindenwood (Mo.) at 6 p.m.

NCAA FCS Recap

Abilene Christian Wildcats (1-1, 0-0)

Last week: ACU recovered from their opening week defeat to FBS North Texas by demolishing NAIA Arizona Christian 66-14 last Saturday. Running back Tyrese White led the rushing attack with 127 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Quarterback Luke Anthony completed 18-of-26 passes for 260 yards and four touchdowns to four different Wildcats. Josh Fink led the receivers with 69 yards and a touchdown on four catches and linebacker Greg Green led the defense with six tackles.

The Verdict: The Wildcats did what they were supposed to do to a team with less talent. The real test of where ACU is at this point in the season will come this week against a solid Central Arkansas as they open Southland Conference play.

This Week: ACU travels to Conway, Ark. to meet No. 18 Central Arkansas on Saturday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

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

Last Week: HBU scored 44 points in the first half to coast to a 58-13 win over NAIA Texas Wesleyan last Saturday. The Huskies were led by quarterback Bailey Zappe who completed 17-of-23 passes for 249 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Ben Ratzlaff was the main target as he caught seven passes for 110 yards while Ean Beek led the rushing attack with 86 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Linebacker Caleb Johnson led the defense with 11 tackles, 1.5 sacks and recovered a fumble.

The Verdict: The Huskies were able to get a lot of players some experience against an overmatched opponent. HBU will be tested this week as they play their first game against FCS competition in the Dakotadome.

This Week: HBU travels to Vermillion, S.D. to play South Dakota on Saturday at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

Incarnate Word Cardinals (1-1, 0-0)

Last Week: UIW jumped out to a 42-17 halftime lead but were unable to pull away in the second half as they defeated Texas Southern 63-44 last Saturday. Quarterback Jon Copeland had another incredible game as he completed 25-of-40 passes for 344 yards and five touchdowns. Ameer King (6 carries for 157 yards) and Kevin Brown (12 carries for 114 yards) led the rushing attack. Kam Williams was Copeland’s favorite target as he recorded six receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman Jaylon Jimmerson led the defense with eight tackles and an interception.

The Verdict: This resembled the UIW team from 2018 as the defense forced three turnovers while allowing over 500 yards of offense. The Cardinals offense was humming this week after a tough game against UTSA last week. UIW has a week off to get themselves ready for a huge game.

This Week: UIW has a bye this week.

Lamar Cardinals (2-0, 0-0)

Last Week: They needed overtime, but Lamar continued their regular season roll with a 23-20 win over Mississippi Valley State. The offense was led once again by quarterback Jordan Hoy who completed 21-of-39 passes for 233 with one interception while adding 81 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Myles Wanza was the leading rusher for the Cardinals with 91 yards on 22 carries. Linebacker Dallas Martin registered a team-high 14 tackles and recovered a fumble for the Lamar defense.

The Verdict: The Cardinals have won 10 straight regular-season games, but the Demons did not make this one easy. The streak is in trouble this week as Lamar faces an angry Aggies team at Kyle Field in the final non-conference game for the Cardinals.

This Week: Lamar travels to College Station, Texas to face No. 11 Texas A&M at 6 p.m. Saturday night. The game will be broadcast on either ESPN2 or ESPNU.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (1-1, 1-0)

Last Week: A 21-point first quarter deficit was too much for PVAMU to overcome last Saturday as they fell to FBS Houston 37-17. Quarterback Trazon Connley replaced Jalen Morton and completed 9-of-17 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Tristen Wallace led the receiving corps with 77 yards on five catches and a touchdown. Sophomore safety Drake Cheatum led the defense with 12 tackles including nine solo tackles.

The Verdict: The big question after this game is whether there is a quarterback controversy for the Panthers. Connley replaced Morton after a slow start and led the offense on a touchdown drive. The schedule does not provide a break this week as PVAMU has another tough game.

This Week: PVAMU will play their home opener on Saturday as they host No. 10 Nicholls at 6 p.m. 

No. 22 Sam Houston State Bearkats (1-1, 0-0)

Last Week: SHSU scored 42 points in the first quarter and 63 in the first half as they rolled to a 77-0 victory over NAIA Oklahoma Panhandle State last Saturday. Donovan Williams led the rushing attack for the Bearkats with 117 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries while Toneil Carter added 106 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 10 carries. Jevon Leon led the defense with five tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced a fumble for the Kats.

The Verdict: This was a chance for the Kats to get some kinks worked out before they begin their FCS part of their schedule. The Bearkats will be looking for revenge this week after losing to North Dakota at home last year.

This Week: SHSU travels to Grand Forks, N.D. to play North Dakota at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on Pluto TV.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (0-2, 0-0)

Last Week: SFA pulled within one point late in the third quarter but were unable to regain the lead as they fell to NCAA DII No. 7 Tarleton State 37-26 last Saturday. Running back Da’Leon Ward gained 149 rushing yards on 28 carries to lead the ‘Jacks. Quarterback Trae Self completed 14-of-37 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown. Junior safety Gavin Roland registered 10 tackles to lead the SFA defense.

The Verdict: On the surface, this looks like a bad loss for the ‘Jacks but Tarleton is a true title contender this season. The big concern for SFA after this game is the defense that allowed 295 rushing yards and 667 total yards to the Texans. 

This Week: SFA travels to Cedar City, Utah to play Southern Utah at 7:05 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on Pluto TV.

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

Last Week: A 25-point halftime deficit was too much for TSU to overcome as they lost 63-44 on the road to UIW last Saturday. Quarterback DeAndre Johnson was effective once again as he completed 20-of-30 passes for 331 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Tren’Davian Dickson was unstoppable as he registered 221 yards on eight catches and two touchdowns. LaDarius Owens led the rushing attack with 94 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Defensive back Joshua Murray recorded 11 tackles to lead the Tigers defense.

The Verdict: Last year the Tigers had a solid defense and an anemic offense. So far this season, the offense has been outstanding under new quarterback DeAndre Johnson, but the defense has been torched by two good offensive teams.

This Week: TSU continues its four-game road trip on Saturday as they meet FBS Louisiana at 6:30 p.m.  

NCAA DII Recap

Angelo State Rams (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: ASU began their first full season under head coach Jeff Girsch with an impressive 45-20 victory over Western Oregon last Thursday night. Quarterback Payne Sullins was very efficient as he completed 20-of-24 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Lloyd Howard led an impressive rushing attack with 109 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Junior Andy Becker led the ASU defense with eight tackles.

The Verdict: This was a great start for a Rams team looking to take a step forward in the Lone Star Conference this season. ASU will face another team in Super Region Four this week when they welcome the NCAA DII team from Canada.

This Week: ASU will conclude their two-game homestand on Saturday night when they host Simon Fraser (B.C.) at 6 p.m.

No. 7 Tarleton State Texans (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: Tarleton State expected to win last Saturday against FCS Stephen F. Austin and the result showed as the Texans scored the final 10 points to win 37-26. Senior running back Daniel McCants led a potent rushing attack with 179 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries including an NCAA record-tying 99-yard touchdown run that was a SportsCenter Top 10 play. Wide receiver J.F. Thomas caught seven passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns while linebacker Ronnell Wilson led the defense with 10 tackles.

The Verdict: The Texans picked up where they left off last season with a powerful rushing attack. The difference in Tarleton this year is the return of senior quarterback Ben Holmes who had 372 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Texans will be tough to beat this season.

This Week: Tarleton State will have their home opener inside newly renovated Memorial Stadium when they host NAIA Doane at 6 p.m. on Saturday. 

No. 13 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: Texas A&M-Commerce scored 43 points in the first quarter as they defeated Seleccion Nuevo Leon (Mexico) 83-0 last Saturday. Quarterback Miklo Smalls completed 4-of-4 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns in his first start for the Lions. Spencer Long led the rushing attack with 73 yards and a touchdown on seven carries while Dayne Douglass led the Lions defense with five tackles and one-half sack.

The Verdict: The Lions dominated their international visitor in head coach David Bailiff’s first game. The most impressive part of this win for the Lions is the defense only allowed 83 total yards on 41 plays including holding the visitors to minus three passing yards.

This Week: TAMUC will travel to Monmouth, Ore. on Saturday to play Western Oregon at 3:05 p.m.

Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas (0-1, 0-0)

Last Week: Five turnovers were too much to overcome last Saturday night as the Javelinas fell 35-14 to Saginaw Valley State. Quarterbacks Cade Dyal and Koy Detmer combined to complete 32-of-62 passes for 263 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Devin Milburn led the receiving corps with 120 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions. Linebacker Alec Lewis led the Javelinas defense with 12 tackles.

The Verdict: The turnovers were concerning for the Javelinas last Saturday night but so is the lack of rushing attack. The Javelinas gained 42 yards rushing on 18 carries. The Javelinas will need more from the running backs to take the load off their two-quarterback system.

This Week: TAMUK continues their three-game homestand when they host NCAA DIII Sul Ross State at 7 p.m. on Saturday. 

UT Permian Basin Falcons (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: UTPB set a school record for most points scored in a game as they defeated NAIA Wayland Baptist 60-7 last Saturday to open the Falcons fourth-ever football season. Quarterback Taylor Null completed 9-of-14 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown while Kyle McBride was the favorite target with 123 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. Safety Kadarryus Hartfield led the UTPB defense with seven tackles, an interception returned for a touchdown and recovered a fumble.

The Verdict: This was a good start to the season for the Falcons. The competition will pick up for UTPB this week when they host Northern Michigan with nationally ranked MSU Texas and Tarleton State on the schedule following this week.

This Week: UTPB concludes their two-game homestand when they host Northern Michigan on Saturday night at 6 p.m.

West Texas A&M Buffaloes (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: West Texas A&M scored the final 28 points in the contest last Saturday night as they successfully opened Buffalo Stadium with a 35-16 win over Azusa Pacific. Texas Tech transfer Nick Gerber completed 18-of-27 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Semaj Mitchell had six catches for 95 yards while tight end Jordan Johnson scored a touchdown rushing and receiving. Frank Honang and Hayden Dennis led the Buffs defense with each recording 11 tackles. Click this link to read a more in-depth story on this game on texasfootball.com.

The Verdict: WT struggled on offense until late in the fourth quarter. When the Buffs began to attempt and complete a couple passes down the field, the offense began to roll. The WT defense was huge in the first half to hold Azusa Pacific to field goals despite being backed up in their own end much of the first half.

This Week: The Buffs travel to Liberty, Mo. on Saturday when they will play William Jewell at 3 p.m.

NCAA DIII Recap

Austin College Kangaroos (0-1, 0-0)

Last Week: A 21-point halftime deficit was too much for Austin College to overcome last Saturday as they lost 48-34 to Howard Payne. Quarterback Colt Collins completed 15-of-32 passes for 265 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while also leading the ‘Roos in rushing with 60 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Maika Brinkerhoff caught three passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Linebacker Keegan Nichols led the ‘Roos with 11 tackles including three tackles for loss.

The Verdict: The Kangaroos have a stud at quarterback, but Collins will need some other offensive players to provide some offensive production. The ‘Roos will have a chance to work on their offense this week before beginning conference play.

This Week: Austin College travels to face NAIA Southwestern Assemblies of God at 6 p.m. Saturday.

East Texas Baptist Tigers (0-1, 0-0)

Last Week: ETBU suffered another close season-opening loss to UW-Platteville last Saturday as the Tigers were outscored 14-6 in the final quarter in a 38-30 defeat. Quarterback Brian Baca completed 26-of-38 passes for 289 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Jalen Blanton led the receiving corps with 100 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions. Malik Mason, Devarion Guyton and Donovan Graham each registered six tackles to lead the ETBU defense.

The Verdict: This was another tough loss for the Tigers to open their season. ETBU has a potent passing attack but will need more than the 89 yards total rushing they gained against the Pioneers. The Tigers have a week off before beginning conference play.

This Week: ETBU has a bye this week.

No. 9 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys (1-0, 1-0)

Last Week: Hardin-Simmons opened their season in dominating fashion last Saturday as they defeated conference foe Sul Ross State 64-0. Quarterback Brennen Wooten completed 10-of-15 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns while Jaquan Hemphill had 148 yards rushing and a touchdown on 17 carries and Bryson Hammonds added 107 yards rushing and a touchdown on nine carries. Kevi Evans was hard to cover as he recorded 147 receiving yards and three touchdowns on five catches. Matt Girard led the Cowboys defense with eight tackles.

The Verdict: The Cowboys expect to be a contender for the American Southwest Conference title and a national title this season. HSU has a potent rushing attack and their defense was outstanding allowing only 96 total yards on 57 plays.

This Week: HSU will play their home opener on Saturday when they host Trinity at 6 p.m.

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: HPU jumped out to a big first-half lead and never looked back as they defeated Austin College 48-34 last Saturday. Quarterback Caleb Estes completed 26-of-33 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Thomas Williams caught four passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Austin Kilgore led the Yellow Jackets defense with nine tackles.

The Verdict: This is a great start to the season for the Yellow Jackets and provides some confidence and momentum as they begin conference play this week. HPU defeated McMurry last year in a classic rain-delayed double-overtime classic.

This Week: HPU concludes their two-game road trip as they play McMurry at 1 p.m. Saturday.

No. 1 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (0-0, 0-0)

Last Week: Mary Hardin-Baylor had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Cru begin their national title defense this week against an Albright College team they defeated 91-7 on the road last season. UMHB will begin the season with Luke Poorman at quarterback as Jase Hammack continues to recover from offseason surgery.

This Week: UMHB will host Albright College on Saturday at 6 p.m.

McMurry War Hawks (0-1, 0-0)

Last Week: A new era began for McMurry last Saturday as the War Hawks lost 41-10 on the road to Trinity in head coach Jordan Neal’s first game. Quarterback Xavier Alexander completed 15-of-30 passes for 199 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Kevin Hurley led the receiving corps with 87 yards and a touchdown on two catches. Ka’Shaun Jnofinn, Josh Smith and Cahlyl Rossin each registered eight tackles to lead the defense.

The Verdict: This was a tough team to open the season for the War Hawks. They begin conference play this week as they hope to turn the tables on Howard Payne this season. McMurry will need to improve their rushing attack this week.

This Week: McMurry will host Howard Payne in their home opener at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Southwestern University Pirates (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: Southwestern began their season with a bang last Saturday as they went on the road and dominated Sewanee in a 47-7 victory. Quarterback Austin Emery led the triple option attack by completing 6-of-9 passes for 152 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while adding 61 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 21 carries. David Brandenburg registered 88 yards receiving and a touchdown on three catches. 

The Verdict: Was there really any question that the Pirates triple option attack would roll on with the graduation of Frederick Hover? The Pirates rolled up 520 yards of offense and the defense held Sewanee to 206 total yards with only 22 yards rushing.

This Week: Southwestern will begin conference play this week as they host Louisiana College at 6 p.m.

Sul Ross State Lobos (0-1, 0-1)

Last Week: Sul Ross State suffered a tough opening loss to their 2019 season as they fell 64-0 to No. 7 Hardin-Simmons. Jorge Barrera completed 9-of-19 passes for 54 yards with one interception. Williton Grear had 18 carries for 15 yards rushing for the Lobos. Free safety Isaiah Jacobs led the Lobos defense with 12 tackles including one-half tackle for loss.

The Verdict: The Lobos opened their season with one of the best teams in the country this season. Sul Ross State will need to regroup quickly as they face a trip to Kingsville, Texas against an angry NCAA DII team. 

This Week: Sul Ross State travels to play Texas A&M-Kingsville at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (0-0, 0-0)

Last Week: Texas Lutheran had a bye last week.

The Verdict: TLU will open their season on Saturday with their lone non-conference game of the season. The Bulldogs will face a Hendrix team that should give them a good measure of where they are to begin the season.

This Week: TLU will host Hendrix on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers (1-0, 0-0)

Last Week: Trinity scored 41 points in the first three quarters last Saturday as they defeated McMurry 41-10 in their season opener. Quarterback Wyatt Messex had a great game as he completed 18-of-25 passes for 250 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. Chris Stewart was the leading receiver as he registered 125 yards and three touchdowns on six catches. Michael Jewett led the Tigers defense with 11 tackles and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Tigers have hopes to contend for the Southern Athletic Association title this season and will know where they stand with the best teams in the country after this week. A win this week for the Tigers would make a huge national statement.

This Week: Trinity travels to play Hardin-Simmons at 6 p.m. on Saturday. 

NAIA Recap

Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions (0-1, 0-0)

Last Week: SAGU had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Lions had a week off to fix some of their mistakes from their season-opening loss to Tabor College. SAGU will have a good test this week as they step up in competition against an NCAA DIII team.

This Week: SAGU will host Austin College on Saturday at 6 p.m.

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

Last Week: Texas College had a bye this week.

The Verdict: The Steers ended last season with a huge 38-37 victory over Lyon which provided a huge boost to their confidence heading into the offseason. Vontyne Williams is expected to lead the offense for the Steers once again this season.

This Week: Texas College opens its season on Saturday when they host Lane College at 11 a.m.

Texas Wesleyan Rams (0-2, 0-0)

Last Week: Texas Wesleyan fell behind 44-7 at the half as they lost to FCS Houston Baptist 58-13 on the road last Saturday. Keaton Huebner led the offensive attack as he gained 72 yards rushing on 14 carries while David Allen added eight carries for 28 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Donavan Isom struggled as he completed 5-of-17 passes with one interception. Elijah Hall led the Rams defense with 13 tackles.

The Verdict: The Rams have started their season with two extremely tough opponents as they stepped up the level of competition last week. TXWES will have a week off to recuperate before beginning conference play against an Ottawa-Arizona team that defeated an NCAA DII team last week.

This Week: TXWES has a bye this week.

Wayland Baptist Pioneers (1-1, 0-0)

Last Week: Wayland Baptist allowed 23 points in the first quarter as they lost 60-7 to NCAA DII UT Permian Basin last Saturday. Quarterback Mitchel Parsley completed 17-of-35 passes for 150 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Jerrel Peterson led the rushing attack with 71 yards on 21 carries while Brayln Kirby had six receptions for 81 yards. Casey Buck led the Pioneers defense with 10 tackles.

The Verdict: The Pioneers took a major step up in competition this week and the result of the game was no surprise. WBU will have a week to recover and heal before beginning play in the Sooner Athletic Conference against one of the conference favorites.

This Week: WBU has a bye this week.

NJCAA Recap

No. 18 Blinn Buccaneers (2-1, 1-1)

Last Week: Blinn College jumped out to a 24-17 halftime lead then held off a fourth quarter rally from Navarro as they pulled out the 38-33 victory. Quarterback Brock Landis had an outstanding game as he completed 31-of-42 passes for 463 yards and five touchdowns. Danny Gray had a great game as he caught 14 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns while Xavier Hutchinson added 135 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions. Tarik Cooper led the Buccaneers defense with 11 tackles and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: This is a solid win for the Buccaneers over a good Navarro team. Blinn needed this win to stay in the SWJCFC race for an opportunity to host a playoff game. The Buccaneers will have a chance to fix some of their issues this week before a possible Top 20 showdown.

This Week: Blinn College will host Rezolution Prep Academy on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Cisco Wranglers (2-0, 0-0)

Last Week: Cisco got off to a slow start before exploding for 29 points in the second quarter as they rolled to a 56-7 win over Texas A&T last Saturday. Blain Kruemcke completed 16-of-27 passes for 197 yards and four touchdowns. Greg Garner led the Wranglers rushing attack with 84 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Sese Aumavae led the defense with eight tackles and one sack.

The Verdict: The Wranglers have had two non-conference games and a bye week to begin the season. The action picks up quick for Cisco this week as they hit the road to face the defending conference champs and one of the top teams in the country.

This Week: Cisco College travels to play No. 2 Kilgore at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

No. 2 Kilgore Rangers (3-0, 3-0)

Last Week: Kilgore continued to roll through the SWJCFC last Saturday as they won on the road 35-26 over New Mexico Military Institute. Quarterback Jacob Frazier completed 15-of-27 passes for 216 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while adding a rushing touchdown. Earnest Crownover led the Rangers rushing attack with 56 yards on 14 carries and added a receiving touchdown. Jabari James had a key interception for Kilgore.

The Verdict: The Rangers have won 11 consecutive games dating back to last season and will meet the last team to give them a loss this week. The strong start to the conference season has Kilgore in prime position to play for a national title if they continue to win.

This Week: Kilgore will host Cisco on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Navarro Bulldogs (0-3, 0-2)

Last Week: Navarro had another tough defeat last Saturday night as they fell 38-33 to No. 18 Blinn. Quarterback Dodge DeLozier completed 26-of-38 passes for 262 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while adding a rushing touchdown. Isaiah Robinson had 110 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown to lead the rushing attack. Brendon Luper was outstanding as he registered 16 tackles, including 13 solo tackles, and forced a fumble.

The Verdict: The Bulldogs lost their third straight game by a narrow margin and all three have been against teams ranked in the NJCAA Top 20. The route does not get much easier this week for Navarro, but they still have plenty of games left to make the playoffs and make some noise in the conference.

This Week: Navarro College will conclude their two-game homestand when they host Tyler at 7 p.m. Saturday.

No. 16 Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals (2-0, 2-0)

Last Week: TVCC recovered a muffed punt deep in Tyler territory in the fourth quarter and converted the turnover into the game-winning touchdown in an 18-14 victory. Jeremy Hunt completed 20-of-38 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown while also leading the Cardinals with 49 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Race Moser led the TVCC defense with 14 tackles and one sack while Joren Dickey added 10 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and an interception.

The Verdict: The offense has been a bit of a struggle for the Cardinals in their first two games of the season. This week could be another defensive struggle as they host a conference foe who was shut out last week.

This Week: TVCC will conclude its two-game homestand Saturday when they host Northeastern Oklahoma A&M at 7 p.m.

Tyler Apaches (1-2, 1-2)

Last Week: A late turnover proved too much to overcome for Tyler last Saturday as they lost a tough 18-14 decision to No. 16 Trinity Valley. Quarterback David Johnson completed 14-of-32 attempts with one touchdown and one interception while Kevon Thompson registered 60 rushing yards on 10 carries to lead the rushing attack and Taequan Tyler added 53 rushing yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. Drue Jackson led the Apaches receivers with three catches for 79 yards

The Verdict: The Apaches have played three teams ranked in the Top 20 of the country to open their season. Tyler was able to pull off one upset and will need a win this week to help their playoff chances. This week’s opponent has also faced a tough schedule and is desperate for a win.

This Week: Tyler Junior College travels to play Navarro at 7 p.m. Saturday.