The Wildcats will travel to Maryville, Mo., looking to upset the second-seeded Northwest Missouri State Bearcats in the second round of the playoffs.

The Wildcats are all too familiar with the Bearcats they ended ACU’s last season by knocking them out of the playoffs with a 45-36 victory in Abilene. The last time ACU played in Maryville, though, the Wildcats defeated the Bearcats 44-27,

“We have played these guys more than other teams in our division over the past couple years,” said Head Coach Chris Thomsen. “We are familiar with them, they are familiar with us. It has become a pretty big rivalry.”

The Bearcats will not be an easy opponent for the Wildcats. They haven’t lost a game since dropping their season opener to ACU, leaving

them with a 10-1 record. NMSU is averaging 44.5 points per game, while

allowing only 17.8 points. ACU’s defense will have to hold them to

significantly fewer points to have an opportunity for an upset. The

Bearcats have a strong, balanced offensive attack. Running back LaRon

Council has 16 touchdowns for the season and averages 109.3 yards

rushing per game. Quarterback Blake Boles is having an outstanding

season with 35 touchdowns and 291.3 yards passing per game on average.

In contrast, ACU’s defense is giving up 18.4 points per game. The

rushing defense has been its strong suit all season, giving up only

46.2 yards per game.

The winner will advance to play the winner of the match between

Central Washington and Tarleton State. This game will be hosted at the

top seed’s home stadium.

The game kicks off at noon Saturday. For those who cannot make the

drive, a video feed will be provided by the NCAA or can be found at

all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=ncaa&media=150161.