Tarleton at No. 20 Stephen F. Austin

When: 4 p.m. Saturday at Homer Bryce Stadium in Nacogdoches

Broadcast: ESPN+

The Matchup: It might seem like Stephen F. Austin opened WAC play with a win over Abilene Christian last week. However, that game was a non-conference affair. The ‘Jacks begin “WACtion” this week at home against Tarleton. 

Only two of SFA’s six opponents have been FCS teams this year, with all three losses against teams that are FBS or transitioning to FBS. Conversely, three of Tarleton’s five foes have been FCS teams this season, and their only loss was at TCU.

This game is critical for the Lumberjacks, who need to win their remaining games to remain atop the ASUN-WAC power ranking that will determine an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. On the other hand, the Texans are familiar with Homer Bryce Stadium making their third trip to Nacogdoches in the last four years and are primed to pull off the upset.

X-Factor: This game is extremely close on paper and according to Pro Football Focus grades. Games this close on metrics are typically decided by turnovers. Beau Allen has been tremendous for Tarleton this season but has thrown eight passes that could’ve resulted in a turnover. 

SFA quarterback Trae Self has struggled following a fantastic 2021 season and has thrown nine passes that could’ve resulted in a turnover. However, only one of those nine passes has been against FCS competition.

Prediction: This feels like a game that will be decided by which defense can take advantage of an errant pass at a critical moment. That gives the edge to SFA, whose pass rush has been excellent this season, and will force Allen to hurry a throw that will be the difference.

SFA by 3

Best of the Rest:

Southern Utah at Abilene Christian

When: 3:25 p.m. Saturday at Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium in Abilene

Broadcast: ESPN+

The Matchup: Abilene Christian has been good at home this year and has outscored the opposition 83-34 in three home games. The Wildcats hope that streak continues against a solid Southern Utah squad on Saturday. ACU can remain undefeated in the WAC with a victory, while the Thunderbirds are trying to rebound from a home loss to Tarleton last week.

Prediction: ACU by 5

UTPB at No. 20 Texas A&M-Kingsville

When: 7 p.m. Saturday at Pepsi Field at Javelina Stadium in Kingsville

Broadcast: Lone Star Conference Digital Network

The Matchup: The Javelinas of Texas A&M-Kingsville are facing higher stakes with every game this season. They are currently undefeated and need to avoid the classic trap game that presents itself this week. UTPB visits the Javelinas, still searching for consistency. Two of the Falcons three wins have been determined in overtime, and their last three games have been decided by one score or less.

Prediction: A&M-Kingsville by 7

No. 20 Langston at No. 19 Texas Wesleyan

When: 2 p.m. Saturday at Farrington Field in Fort Worth

Broadcast: RamSports.net

The Matchup: This week provides Texas Wesleyan with a chance to re-enter the Sooner Athletic Conference title race. An undefeated Langston squad has feasted against the bottom of the conference. This game begins a brutal five-game stretch against the top teams in the SAC to end the season. The Rams will undoubtedly be ready for the Lions as they seek to build a resume for a possible NAIA playoff berth.

Prediction: Texas Wesleyan by 14

Other Texas sub-FBS Games:

Saturday, October 15

NCAA FCS

No. 10 UIW at Nicholls, 3 p.m., ESPN+

Sam Houston at Eastern Kentucky, 5 p.m., ESPN+

Northwestern State at Houston Christian, 6 p.m., ESPN+

Texas A&M-Commerce at McNeese, 7 p.m., ESPN+

NCAA DII

No. 3 Angelo State at Western New Mexico, 1 p.m., LSC Network

West Texas A&M at Western Oregon, 3:05 p.m., LSC Network

Midwestern State at Central Washington, 8 p.m., LSC Network

NCAA DIII

No. 6 Trinity at Rhodes, noon

McMurry at Austin College, 1 p.m.

East Texas Baptist at No. 10 Hardin-Simmons, 1 p.m.

No. 4 Mary Hardin-Baylor at Texas Lutheran, 1 p.m.

Southwestern at Howard Payne, 2 p.m.

NAIA

Oklahoma Panhandle State at SAGU, 2 p.m., SAGU Sports Net

Wayland Baptist at Louisiana Christian, 2 p.m.

Texas College at Lyon, 2 p.m.

NJCAA

No. 5 New Mexico Military Institute at Cisco, 2 p.m.

No. 14 Trinity Valley at No. 6 Navarro, 3 p.m.

Tyler at Blinn, 3 p.m.

Southern Shreveport at No. 13 Kilgore, 3 p.m.