The ACU football team looks for its fourth consecutive win as they play host to the Lamar Cardinals on Saturday.
ACU enters the matchup at 3-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while the Cardinals enter at 3-2 and 0-1 in conference.
The Cardinals are the first established Southland Conference opponent the Wildcats
have faced this year. Junior linebacker and leading tackler Lynn Grady thinks the team needed wins against Incarnate Word and Houston Baptist.
“When you win the games you’re supposed to win, it gives you confidence,” Grady said. “It also helps us to work on our fundamentals and make sure we are doing things right.”
The Wildcats’ offense has looked efficient and clean over the last two weeks. Sophomore quarterback Parker McKenzie has not throw an interception in two weeks and the offense has yet to lose a fumble this season.
McKenzie continues to impress as he has compiled 1,568 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns and a passing efficiency rating of 175.6.
The receiving corps for the ‘Cats continues to look good this year as junior Cedric Gilbert has caught a touchdown in every game this season. Gilbert has 14 receptions for 315 yards for a team-leading six touchdowns. Senior Demarcus Thompson still leads the team in both catches (27) and yards (351) as well.
Utility player Jonathan Epps will also be someone to watch for Saturday. Epps has three catches for 83 yards at receiver, four tackles and a pass break-up as a defensive back and nine punt returns for 165 yards on special teams.
ACU’s running game ran for over 200 yards last week and hope to build on last week’s success. Junior Herschel Sims ran for 128 yards and three touchdowns and freshman Randy Gober ran for 80 yards and a touchdown as well.
The defense comes off a solid two game stretch where they allowed a total of only 14 points and 433 total yards. The defense will need to play well to shut down a prolific offense from the Cardinals. Senior quarterback, Caleb Berry, leads an experienced offense that face FBS opponent Texas A&M.
ACU will rely heavily on senior defensive end Nick Richardson to pressure Berry. Richardson totals 26 tackles and leads the Wildcats in both tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (3.5).
“Our defense is in a groove right now and it starts with the defensive line,” said Ken Collums, head coach. “It’s a big boy game and it’s about pushing people around. The ACU Wildcat defense is playing well and playing hard.”
ACU will kick off against Lamar at 6 p.m. Saturday in Shotwell Stadium.
