Angelo State at 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: Javelina football is back! They’re not a national power yet, but Mike Salinas has resurrected a proud program. Case in point, Texas A&M-Kingsville had an announced attendance of 10,500 for family weekend in their home opener. It was a legitimate 10,000 plus in attendance and not fudged like some teams are sometimes accused of.

Not only are the Javelinas hosting the defending LSC champion, Angelo State, but it’s also homecoming weekend in Kingsville. In other words, expect another crowd of over 10,000 at Javelina Stadium on Saturday. The Javelinas will need all their crowd’s support to defeat another solid Rams team. You should be at the game if you’re in the area, considering a general admission ticket ($10) costs less than streaming the broadcast ($15).

Both teams are 2-1 in conference this season, and this game will be a significant data point come playoff selection time. The Rams are coming off a bye week and are beginning a two-game stretch that will determine their playoff hopes. This contest marks the end of a brutal three-game stretch that began at UTPB two weeks ago before hosting West Texas A&M last week.

It’s also a matchup of two of the premier defenses in NCAA Division II. The Javelinas lead the LSC, allowing 17.2 points per game, while the Rams are third, allowing 19 points per game this season. Points and yards will be valuable, with two of the stingiest defenses in the country opposite two offenses that live and die with their ability to run the ball.

X-Factor: Considering these two teams are built to play outstanding defense and control the clock on offense, the quarterback performing best will lead his team to victory on Saturday. Angelo State will need Gerald Gardner to protect the ball, which he has done well at times this season.

The Javelinas will rely on sophomore quarterback Kannon Williams, who has played in four games this season due to two separate head injuries to Jacob Cavazos. Williams has completed 69.6 percent of his passes, but pass attempts have been minimal. The young signal-caller is gaining valuable experience and must exhibit patience in the pocket against the Rams.

Prediction: Angelo State by 4

Best of the Rest:

Prairie View A&M at Houston Christian

When: 6 p.m. Saturday at Husky Stadium in Houston
Broadcast: ESPN+
Prediction: HCU by 7

McMurry at East Texas Baptist

When: 1 p.m. Saturday at Ornelas Stadium in Marshall
Broadcast: GoETBUTigers.com
Prediction: ETBU by 1

Navarro at Trinity Valley

When: 3 p.m. Saturday at Bruce Field in Athens
Broadcast: Trinity Valley Community College YouTube Channel
Prediction: TVCC by 3

Other Texas Non-FBS Games:

Saturday, October 14

NCAA FCS

Tarleton at Eastern Kentucky, 2 p.m.

Texas Southern at Bethune-Cookman, 2 p.m.

Lamar at Southeast La., 3 p.m.

North Alabama at Abilene Christian, 3 p.m.

SFA at Central Arkansas, 4 p.m.

Texas A&M-Commerce at UIW, 4 p.m.

NCAA DII

Eastern New Mexico at UTPB, 6 p.m.

Central Washington at Midwestern State, 7 p.m.

Western New Mexico at West Texas A&M, 7 p.m.

NCAA DIII

Southwestern at Centre, Noon

Sul Ross State at Mary Hardin-Baylor, 1 p.m.

Texas Lutheran at Hardin-Simmons, 1 p.m.

Austin College at Howard Payne, 2 p.m.

NAIA

Texas Wesleyan at SAGU, 2 p.m.

Louisiana Christian at Texas College, 2 p.m.

NJCAA

Blinn at Tyler, 3 p.m.

Cisco at New Mexico Military Institute, 4 p.m.