The Wildcats will be at home for the first time this season after taking their show on the road in weeks one and two.
The East Central Tigers roll into town on Saturday to face ACU for the third time in as many seasons in a Lone Star Conference crossover game. The Wildcats have won the last two meetings by blowout margins of 66-7 in 2008 and 43-6 in 2009.
Quarterback Mitchell Gale made his first start against this team last season in the 43-6 victory. Gale threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns in his collegiate debut – and has not relinquished the starting role since.
The key to another victory for ACU, both in the season and this series, is another stout defensive performance from the Wildcats.
After a shaky start in week one against Washburn University, the secondary for the Wildcats turned up the heat against Northeastern University, allowing just 112 yards through the air against two all-LSC North receivers. ACU will face another test this week with the Tigers’ Zach Patteson, another all-LSC North receiver. Patteson has led the Tigers in receiving in both of their games this season. He has totaled 13 catches for 175 yards and a touchdown.
East Central’s struggles on the offensive line should play into the hands of the Wildcats. Despite returning four of five starters from a year ago, the Tigers have given up five sacks in just two games, four last week against Texas A&M-Kingsville. Pre-Season LSC Defensive Player of the Year Aston Whiteside got his first and second sacks of the season and should have opportunities for more this week.
Another result of the inconsistency at the offensive line is a lack of run production. In week one against Fort Hayes State University, the Tigers amassed just 81 yards on 31 carries for a 2.6 average. Last week ECU was held to -9 yards on 24 carries. Marvin and Mike Jones, along with the rest of the defense, allowed just 2.7 yards per carry last week against Northeastern, and will need to produce similar results to keep ECU at bay.
Offensively, Mitchell Gale and the rest of the ACU offense will have their hands full. The Tigers were impressive last week against Texas A&M-Kingsville despite giving up 450 yards of offense. ECU won the turnover battle by forcing four interceptions, three by Javelinas quarterback Nate Poppell.
Cornerback Dontae Smith grabbed LSC North Defensive Player of the Week honors this week for his role in the pick fest in Ada, Okla. Smith had two interceptions and led the team in tackles. The Tigers also have 2009-second team all-LSC Player Norris Wrenn holding down the safety spot.
Gale has yet to throw an interception or commit a turnover this season, and the Wildcats will need another spotless performance this week from him to avoid giving an opportunistic defense any chances.
Wide receiver Edmund Gates and company should find success in the passing game – if the Wildcats can avoid turnovers. The Tigers are the fifth worst team in Division II in passing yards allowed, with over 327 per game. Gates had his second longest touchdown of the season against East Central last season with a 54-yard bomb from Gale.
The Wildcats will have a good opportunity to see how Darryl Richardson recovers from an injury he suffered last week at Northeastern. Richardson left the game in the first quarter and returned briefly in the second before leaving the game for good at halftime.
Even if Richardson cannot go, Darryl Cantu-Harkless and newcomer Charcandrick West should fill in nicely against a defense that allows over 150 yards per game on the ground. Cantu-Harkless blew by the Northeastern defense for an 82-yard touchdown last week and West had 15 yards on five carries in his debut for the Wildcats.
ACU looks to make it to 3-0 for the third straight season Saturday. Kickoff for the Wildcats’ home opener is at 6 p.m. in Shotwell Stadium.
