#22 SFA (2-3; 0-1) VS. (RV) ABILENE CHRISTIAN (4-1; 1-0)

WHEN: OCT. 8, 2022 (SAT.) 6:00 P.M.
WHERE: NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS (HOMER BRYCE STADIUM)
TV: ESPN+
RADIO: Q107.7 FM.
FAITH AND FAMILY DAY (PINK OUT)

The Wildcats of ACU come to town off of a 26-10 road win in St. George, Utah against Utah Tech.

This young ACU team leads a pretty balanced offensive attack that averages 165 yards rushing 235 yards passing, while scoring 25 points a game.

Either sophomore Maverick, McIvor 6-2; 210 or junior QB Ethan Long 6-2; 210 could start against the Lumberjacks, both have combined for 98 passes for 1,173 yards 7 TD's and 4 INTs. McIvor has struggled of late, so don't be surprised to see both gets snaps in the game.

Also in the combo we have sophomore RB Jermiah Dobbins 5-11; 195 and true freshman Rovaughn Banks Jr. 5-10; 200 combining for 683 yards on 143 carries averaging about 5 yards a carry for 5 TDs.

Sophomore WR Tristian Golightly 6-4; 205 provides for a big target averaging 17 yards a catch.

ACU brings an aggressive defense that gives up only 105 yards rushing and 203 yards passing while surrendering only 15 points a game.

Sophomores DE Tyrin Bradley 6-4; 255 with 25 tackles, 5 for a loss, 1 sack, and 5 QBH and DT William Morgan 6-3; 305 with 9.0 TFL's lead the way for the interior line, while starting Linebackers true freshman Reese Young and senior Tory Hargrove that have combined for 10.5 TFLs and 5.0 sacks keep offenses honest on the outside.

Now this is the time for a home game, autumn is in the air, leaves are changing colors, and a SFA Lumberjack football team gets the chance to continue an 11-game home win streak that dates back to Nov. of 2019, in front of a good crowd.

Improvements can be seen on a SFA defense that seems to be finding its rhythm looking to use its experience to take it to a very young ACU team, that in my opinion gets its first true test of the 2022 season in Nacogdoches.

Axe'Em

ACU 28, Lamar 14
ACU 21, Prairie View 13
Missouri 34, ACU 17
ACU 34, Western New Mexico 7
ACU 26, Utah Tech 10

A very weak schedule.

If I'm understanding it correctly, this game is actually a "non-conference" game since ACU filled in a blank spot on the schedule with a 2nd game against SFA when IW backed out so we could in fact go 7-4 and still win the WAC …again if I'm understanding the schedule correctly.

SFA still getting some grace from the Coaches Poll while playing 3 FBS teams, coming in at #22 also ACU is getting votes making them the #29 team in the nation.

If SFA wins they are back in the Top 20, and if ACU wins they crack the Top 25.

SFAXE93 said:

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SFA still getting some grace from the Coaches Poll while playing 3 FBS teams, coming in at #22 also ACU is getting votes making them the #29 team in the nation.

If SFA wins they are back in the Top 20, and if ACU wins they crack the Top 25.

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Our defense, looked so much better against Sam. If they play like they did against Sam, we have a shot.

SFA LEADS THE SERIES 6-3-0 SINCE 2014.

4-1-0 NAC
1-2-0 ABILENE
1-0-0 NEUTRAL

LUMBERJACKS HAVE WON 6 OF THE LAST 7.

2022 - SFA:41 ACU:38 (NAC)
2021 - SFA:41 ACU:27 (NAC)
2020 - SFA:35 ACU:32 (ARLINGTON)
2019 - ACU:31 SFA:24 (2 OT) (ABILENE)
2018 - SFA:24 ACU:21 (NAC)
2017 - SFA:20 ACU:10 (ABILENE)
2016 - SFA:41 ACU:30 (NAC)
2015 - ACU:35 SFA:32 (ABILENE)
2014 - ACU:37 SFA:35 (NAC)

Back Home On Saturday

🪓 🆚 🐱
📍 : Homer Bryce Stadium
🎥 : https://t.co/IlqtINVLYA
📊 : https://t.co/evYaLdHuOE
🎟 : https://t.co/HWOaJ4kPz1#AxeEm x #RaiseTheAxe pic.twitter.com/89wKqAqedW

— Lumberjack Football (@SFA_Football) October 4, 2022

The SFA vs ACU series has had some historic moments, from being Lone Star conference rivals back in the day to an epic overtime victory in Arlington that taught the world to #SwingYourShirt! On Saturday @CoachCarthel and your @SFA_Football team will write another chapter! #AxeACU pic.twitter.com/ldGpm84pIo

— The Sawmill (@SFASawmill) October 4, 2022

Much improved "preview."

Game Preview: No. 22 SFA vs. ACU

Read more ⤵️

🔗 : https://t.co/MxtnALjq34#AxeEm x #RaiseTheAxe

— Lumberjack Football (@SFA_Football) October 5, 2022

I agree, and I think he heard you

ACUCattitude said:

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Hi Jacks,

The first of 2 games this year. Ought to be a lot of fun.

No doubt the Wildcats are better at every position this year. But how good we really are remains to be seen.

I'm very surprised at how the Lumberjacks have played...I expected a lot better. Of course, having said that I won't be surprised if Trae lights us up this week.

Have a good week and we'll see you in Nac on Saturday.

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Rivalry seems to be building. I would t be surprised to see an occasional neutral site game in Dallas, down the road.

BigJack85 said:

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ACUCattitude said:

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Hi Jacks,

The first of 2 games this year. Ought to be a lot of fun.

No doubt the Wildcats are better at every position this year. But how good we really are remains to be seen.

I'm very surprised at how the Lumberjacks have played...I expected a lot better. Of course, having said that I won't be surprised if Trae lights us up this week.

Have a good week and we'll see you in Nac on Saturday.

---

Rivalry seems to be building. I would t be surprised to see an occasional neutral site game in Dallas, down the road.

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I like the SFA/ACU matchups bc we can talk a little trash in football season. And in basketball. And baseball. And the ACU fans will be here and elsewhere to talk back for every sport, not just one.


I'm not a fan of every year neutral site games bc college football is best on campus, but I don't mind something less frequent, like once every 5 or 10 years. Wouldn't mind if we did something similar with ACU at American Airlines for basketball every few years either.

TallTexan said:

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BigJack85 said:

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ACUCattitude said:

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Hi Jacks,

The first of 2 games this year. Ought to be a lot of fun.

No doubt the Wildcats are better at every position this year. But how good we really are remains to be seen.

I'm very surprised at how the Lumberjacks have played...I expected a lot better. Of course, having said that I won't be surprised if Trae lights us up this week.

Have a good week and we'll see you in Nac on Saturday.

---

Rivalry seems to be building. I would t be surprised to see an occasional neutral site game in Dallas, down the road.

---

I like the SFA/ACU matchups bc we can talk a little trash in football season. And in basketball. And baseball. And the ACU fans will be here and elsewhere to talk back for every sport, not just one.


I'm not a fan of every year neutral site games bc college football is best on campus, but I don't mind something less frequent, like once every 5 or 10 years. Wouldn't mind if we did something similar with ACU at American Airlines for basketball every few years either.

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Agree. Note my adverb "occasionally".

ACUCattitude said:

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Don't expect me to compliment the Lumberjacks on a regular basis but the Wildcats are building competitive programs in every sport and I think that SFA is a great role model and rival. One thing is certain, both MBB and WBB are going to have epic games all the way through the tournament this year.

I would love for ACU/SFA to play in Frisco every few years.

Okay, enough of that. You suck. That's better.

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A good rivalry needs to be a little nasty. Reference BOTPW tweets……

ACUCattitude said:

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Don't expect me to compliment the Lumberjacks on a regular basis but the Wildcats are building competitive programs in every sport and I think that SFA is a great role model and rival. One thing is certain, both MBB and WBB are going to have epic games all the way through the tournament this year.

I would love for ACU/SFA to play in Frisco every few years.

Okay, enough of that. You suck. That's better.

---

Your conclusion was epic. Best laugh of the day! Thanks.

Head Football Coach Colby Carthel talks about the aftermath of the Battle Of The Piney Woods and how the team plans to move on and focus on ACU this Saturday.

⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/gwbTDejfKi#AxeEm x #RaiseTheAxe

— Lumberjack Football (@SFA_Football) October 5, 2022

Now the real season begins. 6 FCS games left.

It's clear the polls (certainly the coaches) have noticed our non-conference schedule, as we are still ranked. It shows they believe we are a better team than our record.

Certainly a high goal, but a win out is an 8-3 record with a 7-0 record vs FCS schools.

I'd have to imagine the committee would think very highly of us compared to the A-Sun champ.

It appears Austin Peay maybe the leader there of the eligible schools.

They do play Jacksonville State, so we do have a common opponent. It would benefit us if the Cocks laid it on them (LOL).

According to the formula, losses to FBS do not count against a school in the WAC/A-Sun Power Rankings, which is part of the determining factor. Neither does non FCS or FBS wins.

So...we're 1-0 baby!

I expect Carthel to have SFA focused and ready for Saturday, with an emphasis on motivated. This should be a good matchup and we are looking to see how we do against our toughest FCS opponent yet. As already stated, ACU is better at most positions. We also seem to be in better shape with the ability to play hard all the way through, something we didn't always do in the past. I just wish we came out fighting as hard as we do in the 4th... Our defense has been the biggest progression from recent past teams. I don't think this will be a high scoring affair on either side.

Keep On Keepin' On 🪓#AxeEm x #RaiseTheAxe pic.twitter.com/DcXOkGUAMb

— Lumberjack Football (@SFA_Football) October 6, 2022

🏈 @ACUFootball is off to a 4-1 start!

🎙️ We talk with @coachp_ACU as they get ready for SFA on this week's #WACpodcast brought to you by @HerculesTires

🎧:
Spotify: https://t.co/LnVR8RaSLk
Apple: https://t.co/PEdKhw4OJF
Preview ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/n4RIww3T4I

— The Western Athletic Conference (@WACsports) October 6, 2022

We haven't lost that lovin' feelin' of performing and can't wait to be back in Homer Bryce this Saturday! pic.twitter.com/vSCH9eo3x6

— Lumberjack Marching Band (@LMB_SFA) October 6, 2022

Locked in for Week 6.

Full press conference | https://t.co/ZiVxYU24P8#CharacterDisciplineToughness | #GoWildcats pic.twitter.com/rWy46mS1ct

— ACU Football (@ACUFootball) October 4, 2022

🚨 Offensive POTW 🚨

"Jermiah is making the most of the opportunities he is being given, and he just continues to get better as the season progresses. He's just got to keep doing what he's been doing."

More | https://t.co/X30AiwEyuM#CharacterDisciplineToughness | #GoWildcats pic.twitter.com/eCDuUUNOrX

— ACU Football (@ACUFootball) October 3, 2022

PurpleOut said:

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I'm not big on FCS neutral sites either, just not enough fans for smaller schools that are either in the city, or willing to travel from the home location.

BUT, we've talked about it before, I think Toyota Stadium in Frisco would be a great option every 3rd year. Should give us a little fire to play in the stadium where the National Championship is held.

Didn't really care for playing at Globe Life Park. It's not a football stadium. And for the same reason I didn't like playing at NRG, playing in a giant stadium less than half full just isn't a fun environment. You'd at least have a chance of a cool crowd in Frisco.

Better yet, see if we can get in the Ford Center and play indoors. Great facility. Lots of bars and restaurants around, would be a fun atmosphere.

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The Star would be pretty cool.

I like the idea of letting our guys run out on an NFL field every now & again, & I feel like the Star would suffice for cool.

But I'd try to keep it to once a recruiting class. Football is just better on campus.

t-24 Hours ⏰#AxeEm x #RaiseTheAxe pic.twitter.com/RfaSGcYp1i

— Lumberjack Football (@SFA_Football) October 7, 2022

Axes up for the weekend, 'Jacks! 🤩

We look forward to seeing you at Alumni Corner tomorrow starting at 3 p.m.#AxeEm pic.twitter.com/Lj9kHswAkR

— SFA Alumni (@sfa_alumni) October 7, 2022

Alumni Corner continues tomorrow!

Join us for food, drinks, music, a bounce house, snow cones, and more!

We cannot wait to see you pregame and then cheer on SFA Football as it takes on ACU.#AxeEm pic.twitter.com/nn7DRLSfE7

— SFA Alumni (@sfa_alumni) October 7, 2022

It is time for the Lumberjacks to get "jacked up" and lower the axe on the Wildcats. Although I was way off last week I am calling this one SFA 38-17 as the Jacks bring ACU down to earth. Anyone agree?

Sorry for the dumb question, but where exactly is the alumni corner located? Came to Nac a few years ago for a basketball game but it's been a LONG time since I've made it to a football game. Surprisingly Mrs. Balls suggested we go see a game this year so after lil balls baseball game this morning we are leaving DFW around noon.