ABILENE – The Wildcats have clawed their way back into the top six in Super Region Four released Monday.
After losing two games in a row for the first time since 2001 the Wildcats return to the No. 4 spot in Super Region Four. The Wildcats (8-2) had fallen from the top spot to number four after a loss to West Texas A&M. Sitting in the top six ACU playoff hopes rest in their own hands as a win would most likely give them their fourth consecutive berth in the NCAA Playoffs.
Central Washington continued holding onto their top spot in Super Region Four after a 23-9 win over Dixie State. Northwest Missouri still sits at No. 2 after putting up 66 points against Fort Hays. Tarleton State who handed the Wildcats their second loss sits at No. 3. Missouri Western enters the week at No. 5 behind ACU followed by Central Missouri at No. 6.
Midwestern State who the Wildcats face this weekend in Wichita Falls comes in at No. 7 and Texas A&M-Kingsville falls to No. 8 after their loss to the Wildcats last week. Rounding out the region is Washburn at No. 9 and Angelo State at No. 10.
Also the American Football Coaches Association Poll was released on Monday and ACU climbed two spots to No. 12. Midwestern State moved up to No. 9 and creates the third top 15 match-up for the Wildcats in as many weeks.
The top eight teams remained unchanged this week as North Alabama again received all 25 first place votes. They were followed by Central Washington, Northwest Missouri, Minnesota State-Mankato, and Grand Valley State rounding out the top five.
Defending champion Minnesota-Duluth stayed at No. 6, followed by Tarleton State at No. 7, Nebraska-Kearny at No. 8. Midwestern State checks in at No. 9 and UNC-Pembroke rounds out the top 10.
The Lone Star Conference also released Player of the Week awards as two Wildcats received South Division honors.
Redshirt freshmen Mitchell Gale was named South Division Offensive Player of the Week as he led the Wildcats to a 47-35 victory. Gale was efficient for the Wildcats leading them to two scores as he completed 24 of 34 passes for 289 yards. He also led the Wildcats to 456 yards of total offense and did not turn the ball over in the win.
On the defensive side of the ball junior linebacker Fred Thompson took home the honors for the second time this season. Thompson’s play Saturday was highlighted by a 7 yard sack that resulted in a safety for the Wildcats. He also recorded nine tackles and 1.5 sacks and forced two fumbles as the Wildcats cruised to the victory.
The Wildcats continue their run at the NCAA Playoffs as they travel to Midwestern State Saturday. The Lone Star South Division matchup kicks off at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.