Football will kick off its season against Texas Tech on Saturday in Lubbock. This game will mark the first of two to be played against the Red Raiders, the latter coming in September of 2026.

This weekend’s matchup has been highly anticipated among the ACU fanbase as it marks Head Coach Keith Patterson’s return to Lubbock, where he was formerly the defensive coordinator. The Wildcats have a total of seven players who previously played for Texas Tech.

Taking down the Red Raiders will be no easy task for Keith Patterson’s squad. The Big 12 powerhouse will have the home crowd in the newly renovated Jones AT&T Stadium for their season opener. It’ll be a packed house, but ACU should be prepared for the environment. When asked about his return and the Texas Tech fan base, Patterson had nothing but positive things to say about his former team.

“Texas Tech has a tremendous fan base; they’re very loyal, they show up, and they’re loud,” Patterson said. “They support Tech very well.”

Coach’s keys to the game included doing the simple things the ways they’ve practiced and staying within themselves despite the loud, hostile and often overwhelming environment. The advice he shared with his team was brief but will serve the team well as they play in a stadium with a maximum capacity of around 60,000. That’s five times what the Wildcats are used to in Abilene.

“I’ve just tried to be honest with them; here’s what kind of environment you’re going into.”

When it comes down to it the Wildcats are going to need to execute and slow the game down. Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks is a generational talent and is hungry for the school’s all-time rushing record. The ACU defense led by senior linebacker Cirby Coheley and red-shirt junior safety Elijah Moffett will need to be disciplined yet hungry and aggressive on every play.

On the offensive side of the ball coach Patterson and offensive coordinator Rick Bowie have a simple game plan prepared for the season opener.

“You have to go play one play at a time and keep that mentality,” Patterson said.

Execution was the word of the day when Patterson spoke to the press on Monday. He emphasized the importance of doing their individual jobs and playing as a team.

“I want them to execute, try to be explosive playmakers, protect the football,” Patterson said.

If the Wildcats can control their emotions, stay in the moment, and execute, I think this game could be much closer than most fans are anticipating. Starting quarterback Maverick McIvor is coming off his best year as the ACU field general, throwing for 17 touchdowns and only five interceptions a year ago. He’ll have his favorite target from a year ago Blayne Taylor out wide while inheriting Ole Miss transfer receiver J.J Henry in the slot role, a position that has struggled for the Cats in recent years.

While I’ve got the Wildcats falling 38-20 on Saturday, Patterson’s approach to the game and kicking off the season was optimistic and hopeful because of what they’ve shown during camp and where their ceiling could be in 2024.

“Whatever we’ve put into the bank is what we’ll be able to withdraw on Saturday,” Patterson said.