Small College Power Poll: No surprise on top; new coaches making impact already

Dave Campbell's Texas Football ranks the small college teams playing football in 2021, including Mary Hardin-Baylor, Howard Payne, Southwestern, McMurry, Texas Lutheran, Sul Ross, East Texas Baptist, Trinity and Austin College.
Cory Hogue

Each week Dave Campbell’s Texas Football staff gives their power rankings of the small college football teams in Texas.

Note: Teams are measured against the overall strength of their conference. Only teams that have played are ranked.

  1. Mary Hardin-Baylor (1-0) - The Cru began preparations towards a national title run in the fall with a 41-0 win over Belhaven. Their defense showed they are once again national title worthy allowing only 88 yards of total offense. NEXT: vs. Louisiana College at noon on Feb. 20th.

  2. Trinity (1-0) - The Tigers have weapons on offense and defense and will challenge for the Southern Athletic Association title. Senior quarterback Wyatt Messex and junior linebacker Michael Jewett will lead their respective units. NEXT: at Millsaps at noon Feb. 13th.

  3. East Texas Baptist (1-0) - The Tigers spotted Southwestern 10 points in the first quarter before sophomore quarterback Aaron Brown led ETBU to 21 points in the second quarter of a 28-17 victory. NEXT: vs. Belhaven at 1 p.m. Feb. 13th.

  4. Texas Lutheran (1-0) - The Ricky Matt era got off to a thrilling start with a 39-38 road win over Howard Payne. Matt chose to go for the win and the Bulldogs converted a two-point conversion with 1:47 left in regulation. NEXT: vs. McMurry at 1 p.m. Feb. 13th.

  5. Howard Payne (0-1) - Just over a month after leading Argyle to a state title as offensive coordinator, Jason Bachtel nearly led HPU to a win over TLU. Bachtel is no stranger to D-III having led an explosive ETBU offense. Good things are on the horizon for the Yellow Jackets. NEXT: at Hardin-Simmons at 1 p.m. Feb. 13th.

  6. Austin College (0-1) - Life without the ‘Roos all-time leader in total yards began last Saturday. Tyler James was solid in the passing game throwing three touchdown passes but a lack of rushing attack eventually doomed the ‘Roos against their rival. NEXT: at Hendrix at noon Feb. 13th.

  7. Southwestern 0-1) - The Pirates controlled the clock and gained more yards before an interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter doomed a comeback against ETBU. SU will need to get its rushing attack going after only averaging 2.8 yards per carry. NEXT: at Louisiana College at 1 p.m. Feb. 13th.

  8. McMurry (1-0) - War Hawks coach Jordan Neal finally got his first win as a head coach after a couple of tough losses in 2019. The McMurry defense was impressive allowing Sul Ross State only 239 total yards. A win this week would vault the War Hawks up the rankings. NEXT: at Texas Lutheran at 1 p.m. Feb. 13th. 

  9. Sul Ross State (0-1) - The Lobos have found the guy to replace Williton Grear with Ozias Wright gaining 104 yards on 22 carries. The SRSU offense sputtered late, gaining 57 yards on its final four possessions of the game needing only a field goal for the tie. NEXT: vs. Hardin-Simmons at 1 p.m. Feb. 20th.

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