Saturday, October 31
Abilene
2:00 PM
Abilene Christian
vs
Texas A&M-Kingsville
Photo by: John Williamson
Wildcats, Hogs renew rivalry
10/29/2009 3:38:22 PM | Football
Live Stats / Gameday Central
ABILENE – Everything, it seems, has gone wrong for the ACU Wildcats since they ascended to the nation's No. 1 ranking for the first time since becoming an NCAA Division II member in 1981.
Last week, for the first time since 2001, the Wildcats failed to score a touchdown in a game in a 13-6 loss at Tarleton State.
For the first time since the end of the 2006 season the Wildcats have lost back-to back games.
And for the first time since the 2005 season the Wildcats lost back-to-back games in
the Lone Star Conference South Division.
At 7-2 overall, 5-2 in the LSC and 2-2 in the LSC South Division, the Wildcats' ship has definitely sailed off course.
But despite all the bad things that have happened – including, most importantly, a drop from No. 1 to No. 7 in the NCAA Division II Super Region Four rankings – all of the Wildcats' pre-season goals are still in reach.
They can still win their second straight conference championship, and they can still reach the NCAA post-season playoffs for the fourth straight season. They'll need some help to accomplish the former, but they're on their own to handle the latter.
The Wildcats open a two-game stretch to end the regular season Saturday against their old rivals from Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Javelinas are coming off a narrow 38-31 win over Eastern New Mexico, and are battling for an LSC title and playoff berth as well as the Wildcats.
While the Wildcats are ranked No. 7 in this week's regional poll, the Javelinas are at No. 5 with the top six in next Sunday's poll reaching the NCAA post-season. An ACU win Saturday would likely mean the Wildcats would move to at least No. 6 in the rankings going into the final weekend. A loss to the Javelinas, however, might well put an end to the Wildcats' playoff hopes even with next week's trip to Midwestern State for the regular-season finale still on the docket.
However, if the Wildcats can beat both the Javelinas and the Mustangs, they should comfortably reach the playoffs, and might be in line for a first-round home game if they don't finish in the top two spots.
Local fans can listen to the game on KYYW 1470 AM.
Tuesday, August 04
Thursday, July 30
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday, July 22
