At 0-4 overall and 0-2 in Southland Conference play, the football team might have trouble bouncing back to win a conference championship. But I assure you the season outlook is not as grim as some might think, and there is no need to hit the panic button just yet.
Offensively through four games the Wildcats are ranked as one of the more prolific units in the Southland. Heading into its third conference game ACU is ranked in the top-five in scoring and is one of three Southland teams to have scored 50 or more points this season.
Sophomore quarterback Dallas Sealey and the offense have also had little trouble when it comes to moving the ball. The offense ranks second in the league in total offense at 472.8 yards per game and pass offense at 332.5 ypg. And in half their games this season the Wildcats have eclipsed 500 yards of total offense.
As a team, ACU has also been efficient in red zone offense, third down conversion rate and passing efficiency. The Wildcats have scored on 83.3 percent of their trips to the red zone, converted on almost half of their third downs and Sealey has helped the offense to the third best pass efficiency at 140.1.
An argument can also be made that through the first four games of the season, Sealey is the league’s offensive MVP. Sealey is second in passing yards per game at 329.2, second in passing touchdowns with eight and as a quarterback is tied for the league-lead in rushing touchdowns with five. He also leads the league with 1,466 total yards of offense.
Although the offense has been most consistent for ACU, it has shown bright spots in the return game and defensively as well. Freshman Justin Miller, who has contributed in the passing game as well, is the only player in the Southland Conference to return a kick for a touchdown. And earlier this season senior punter Austin Kilcullen earned national recognition from the FCS.
Defensively, the Wildcats have struggled with limiting opponent’s big plays, but in every game this season have held their opponents to less points than the offense. ACU is also top-five in the conference with five forced turnovers.
Even though football has let three good chances to win games slip through its fingers the last three weeks, the fact is it had a chance to win. The Wildcats have been competitive in every game and I think with the exception of one or two, will continue to be.
The statistics make a convincing case that this offense can compete with the best in the league and with a few more breaks in the first several games, ACU could easily be 2-2 if not 3-1. So don’t be surprised if the Wildcats finish the season with a few big wins, and don’t hit the panic button just yet.
