ABILENE – Abilene Christian football kicks off its long-awaited 2020 season Saturday, Sept. 19 in the first meeting between the Wildcats and UTEP Miners since 1959. All six games in the series (which ACU leads, 3-2) have either been contested in El Paso or Midland.
This game also marks the latest start for ACU football since 1963 when the Wildcats (under head coach Les Wheeler) opened at Texas A&M-Commerce on Sept. 21. The Wildcats traditionally started their seasons in mid-to-late September throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, and didn't have a game scheduled during the first week of September until 1974. ACU's first August game didn't occur until 1991.
ACU comes into this game having lost its last three from the 2019 season, but a victory Saturday would be its first on Opening Day since 2013 and give the program's its 500th win (499-432-32).
The Wildcats have brand new faces on both sides of the ball with the offensive line and special teams being their most experienced position groups. Expect quarterbacks Sema'J Davis and Peyton Mansell to both play under center, and on defense look for senior linebacker Jack Gibbens to make an impact as a run stopper and pass defender. Gibbens last season registered more than 100 tackles with two interceptions and six pass breakups.
Overall, there are 32 newcomers on this year's numerical roster of 89 student-athletes (36%).
But where some may see lack of experience, head coach Adam Dorrel sees tremendous depth.
“The depth of this year's team is the best since I've been here,” he said. “I feel real good about our guys across the board from wide receiver to defensive backs to tight ends and full backs. We're going to play a lot of guys to stay fresh, and play hard as we can when we're out there.”
According to SI.com's Pat Forde, UTEP is the ONLY FBS school from the Pacific and Mountain time zones playing this weekend. As such, the Miners vs. Wildcats is the lone late game on the east coast with a 9 p.m. kickoff
