NCAA FCS Recap

Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-4, 4-2)

Last Week: SHSU had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Bearkats were looking forward to their bye week for a while as some players are expected to return from injury this week. The Kats will need everyone to win a big game on the road this week. If SHSU is able to win on Saturday, they finish with two winnable home games. Three straight wins will probably earn a playoff berth.

This Week: SHSU travels to play Abilene Christian on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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Abilene Christian Wildcats (5-4, 4-3)

Last week: ACU had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Wildcats have kept their hopes alive for a first-ever appearance in the FCS playoffs with three consecutive wins in conference play. ACU will could most assuredly secure a playoff berth with wins in the next two weeks against quality opponents. The best news for the Wildcats is that both games are at home where they play really well.

This Week: ACU begins a two-game homestand when they host Sam Houston State at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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Incarnate Word Cardinals (5-4, 4-3)

Last Week: UIW held a lead throughout most of its game last Saturday but a late touchdown led to a difficult 27-23 loss at home to No. 24 Nicholls. Quarterback Jon Copeland completed 34-of-55 passes for 381 yards and a touchdown while CJ Hardy led the receivers with 102 yards on seven receptions. Kevin Brown scored a rushing touchdown for the Cardinals and Mar’kel led the defense once again with six tackles, five solo, one pass breakup, one quarterback hurry and forced two fumbles.

The Verdict: The Cardinals playoff hopes have taken a severe hit with losses in their last two games. However, all hope for a playoff return is not lost if they can win this week on the road and defeat a top team in Central Arkansas at home in the regular-season finale.

This Week: UIW travels to play Stephen F. Austin at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

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Lamar Cardinals (4-5, 2-4)

Last Week: Lamar was unable from a big early deficit as they were defeated 45-17 at home to No. 9 Central Arkansas last Saturday. Quarterback Jermain Givens gained 73 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries and running back Myles Wanza added 65 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries to lead the offense. Defensive back Michael Lawson had an incredible game for the defense with 18 tackles, 16 solo.

The Verdict: The Cardinals playoff hopes have been dashed with a two-game losing streak. Even worse for Lamar is the loss of senior quarterback Jordan Hoy to injury. Without Hoy, the passing game struggled against the Bears last week. Lamar will try to end the season on a positive note beginning this week.

This Week: Lamar begins a two-game road trip when they play Northwestern State on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Cox Sports Television and ESPN+.

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Prairie View A&M Panthers (3-5, 2-3)

Last Week: PVAMU had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The season took a bad turn for the Panthers with two straight conference losses and PVAMU has lost three of its last four conference games to eliminate them from any chance at a SWAC West Division title. The biggest question for the Panthers over their last three games is the health of senior quarterback Jalen Morton who left their last game with a leg injury.

This Week: PVAMU begins a two-game homestand when they play Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

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

Last Week: HBU had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The bye week came at a good time for the Huskies as they have struggled with four straight losses. The HBU offense has not been as effective over its last four games as they were earlier this season. The Huskies have a chance to finish the season on a positive note over their final three games.

This Week: HBU travels to play Nicholls on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Cox Sports Television and ESPN+.

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Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-8, 1-5)

Last Week: SFA was unable to recover from an early deficit in the first quarter as they lost 47-30 on the road to Southeastern Louisiana. Quarterback Trae Self completed 25-of-39 passes for 332 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Xavier Gipson caught eight passes for 94 yards and a touchdown while Lar’Darion Cobb added 88 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. Redshirt freshman linebacker DaRyan Williams led the defense with 11 tackles, eight solo.

The Verdict: The ‘Jacks fell behind early last Saturday but put up a good fight against a solid Lions team. The theme of this season for SFA has been the outstanding fight they put up in every game along with the incredible number of young players that are earning valuable playing time. The future remains bright for SFA.

This Week: SFA will play its final home game at 4 p.m. Saturday when they host Incarnate Word. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

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Texas Southern Tigers (0-9, 0-5)

Last Week: TSU had a rough start on the road last Saturday which led to a 55-20 loss to Grambling State. DeAndre Johnson completed 21-of-40 passes for 351 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions while adding 133 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Wide receiver Donnie Corley gained 170 yards and a touchdown on 11 catches for the Tigers. Michael Badejo had 10 tackles, four solo, and a tackle for loss for the defense.

The Verdict: A tough season for the Tigers continued with another loss last Saturday. It will take a few years for head coach Clarence McKinney to rebuild TSU. McKinney is focused on recruiting the Houston area to rebuild the Tigers which seems like the best plan.

This Week: TSU plays its final home game on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. when they host Alabama State.