(RV) TARLETON STATE (0-0) VS. (RV) STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE (0-0)
WHEN: SEPT. 4 (SAT.) 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS (HOMER BRYCE STADIUM)
TV: ESPN+
RADIO: Q107.7 F.M.
Tarleton State is incredibly 3-1 against the Lumberjacks at Homer Bryce Stadium in the last three meeting. Believe it or not (Jack Palance voice)
Coach Carthel himself is riding a two game losing streak to the Texans, who just recently made the jump to Division I football, but have been playing like they have belonged all the time.
Last season Head Coach Todd Whitten lead a very successful 2020 campaign that saw his team go 5-3 with wins over FBS opponent New Mexico State, and a near victory against SLC foe McNeese State (a 37-40 2OT loss) in Stephensville. At one point the Texans were even ranked in the Top 25.
On offense Tarleton returns #11 QB STEVEN DUNCAN the big strong 6-6; 235 junior out of Charleston, South Carolina, who last season in 7 games completed 127 passes (60%) for 1,542 yards and 11 TDs, while throwing only 3 INTs. Duncan had a season high 347 passing yards in the second meeting with Dixie State where he threw for 4 TDs and 0 INTs.
Duncan's favorite target was senior WR #1 TARIQ BITSON 6-3; 205 out of Tulsa, Oklahoma who caught 43 passes for 614 yards and 7 TDs. Bitson's season high was 202 yards on 12 catches for 2 scores in the second meeting with Dixie State. Bitson would go on to score in 4 straight games, a streak he brings to the Nac. On the other side of the field we have junior WR #2 DOUGLAS GABE 6-3; 210 out of powerhouse Denton Ryan who had a season high 7 catches for 190 yards and 2 scores at New Mexico State. Also, in the mix and how could we forget big senior WR:#88 J.F. THOMAS 6-5; 200 who caught 7 passes for 196 yards and 2 TDs his last time in Homer Bryce Stadium in 2019.
The running game is lead by senior running back #22 RYHEEM SKINNER 5-8; 220 who rushed for nearly 700 yards and 6 TDs in 8 games. In 2020 Skinner had three 100 plus yard games on the ground with a season high 197 yards on 31 carries in the first meeting with Dixie State. Skinner rushed for 84 yards on 11 carries averaging 7.6 yards against SFA in 2019.
The defense lead by senior LB #1 RONNEL WILSON 6-3; 240 out of Abilene HS. Lead the team in tackles with 76 TFL with 10 and FR with 3. In the secondary senior DB: #3 TRE JOHNSON returns. In 2020 Johnson broke up 12 passes along with 33 tackles.
As a team the Texans averaged nearly 180 yards a game rushing, while still managing 232 yards through the air for a very balanced attack.
The defense held their opponents to 163 yards passing and 142 on the ground.
Many players on both sides of the ball return for this rematch and it should be a real humdinger of a game and the start to an all new WAC rivalry between the Texans of Tarleton State and the Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin State.
AXE'EM
