Weekly Predictions: HBU vs. ACU

WILDCATS-HUSKIES PREDICTIONS

Owen: Following yet another tough road loss, the Wildcats start their two-game home stent. Houston Baptist is coming off their first conference loss of the season to Incarnate Word, 38-36. Despite the loss, the Huskies are having a historic season thus far. They have already tied the team record for most wins in a season despite having six games remaining. They also have made a historic turnaround. In 2018 and 2017, they finished the season 1-10. This year they lead the FCS in points per game (49.5), total offense (567.2 YPG) and passing offense (385.7 YPG). The Huskies are led by junior quarterback Bailey Zappe. He’s thrown for over 2200 yards and 24 touchdowns. Looking over at ACU, sophomore quarterback Sema’J Davis started his first collegiate game of his career last week in the loss. His finished with two touchdown passes and protected the ball, not throwing a single interception. Going into this week, junior quarterback Luke Anthony is expected to return. It should be a high scoring game with little or no defense. ACU is undefeated at home, but this will be their toughest test of the year so far at Wildcat Stadium. The Wildcats fall in this matchup behind one of the best offenses in recent Southland Conference memory.

Wildcats vs. Huskies: ACU: 38 HBU: 42

Tavian: The Wildcats have now lost two games in a row and are now looking for a spark as they host the Huskies of Houston Baptist this Saturday. The Wildcats went on this past weekend without junior starting quarterback Luke Anthony who is listed out with an undisclosed injury. Sophomore Sema’J Davis received majority snaps against Lamar by throwing for 18-26 for 159 yards and threw for two touchdowns. The backs and receivers did perform well led by senior running back Tracy James who rushed for 76 yards and one touchdown and led receiving wise by sophomore breakout Kobe Clark who had 87 receiving yards and one touchdown. Coming into this weekend HBU is averaging 49.5 ppg and look to keep pace with their high powered offense. For the Wildcats to shutdown the Huskies they’ll need senior linebacker Jeremiah Chambers and junior linebacker Jack Gibbens to step up along with the secondary to shut down the passing game. This matchup will be lopsided in the first half with a late push by ACU, but ultimately HBU will come out on top this Saturday.

Wildcats vs. Huskies: ACU:31 HBU:45

Tyler: After two straight road losses, the Wildcats will look to rebound against Houston Baptist, who sit at 4-2 on the year. Last week ACU relied on sophomore quarterback Sema’J Davis, while junior quarterback Luke Anthony dealt with an injury. This week, Anthony returns to the field and hopes to lead the offense to a victory. Anthony has thrown nine touchdown passes and has averaged 227.5 yards per game this season. He will look to spread the ball around to up-and-coming sophomore receiver Kobe Clark, who is coming off of another big game where he brought in nine catches for 87 yards and one touchdown. Along with Clark, look for senior running back Tracy James to continue his dominance over Southland Conference teams. He is leading the conference with 12 scores and has presented himself as an all-purpose threat throughout the season. If Anthony can find a rhythm early, look for ACU to put up big numbers in a close game over the Huskies.

Wildcats vs. Huskies: ACU: 38 HBU: 31

Jalen: Coming off their second straight loss to Lamar, the Wildcats will come back home and host the Houston Baptist Huskies. Against Lamar last week, ACU was outplayed in many categories including total yards, first downs and time of possession. Sophomore quarterback Sema’J Davis took the place of an injured Luke Anthony, who will be back in action this weekend. Davis completed 69% of his passes while throwing for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Senior running back Tracy James and sophomore wide receiver Kobe Clark also performed themselves. Houston Baptist comes into this game leading in various categories in the Southland Conference such as scoring offense, total offense, passing offense, and first downs. Junior running back Dreshawn Minnieweather leads the conference in rushing yards. Junior quarterback Bailey Zappe is number one in passing yards and sophomore wide receiver Jerreth Sterns leads in total receptions. This week, ACU’s defense will be the key factor in stopping the Huskies’ high-powered offense. Senior linebacker Jeremiah Chambers and junior defensive end Kamerion Hill will need to take the defensive load and attack the Huskies’ offense every play. This matchup will be a dogfight, but Houston Baptist will come out on top.

Wildcats vs. Huskies: ACU: 28 HBU: 35

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