Small College Power Poll: 21 teams ranked; two new faces in Top 5

Dave Campbell's Texas Football ranks the small college teams playing football in 2021, including Mary Hardin-Baylor, Sam Houston, Hardin-Simmons, Incarnate Word, Midwestern State, Texas Lutheran, Tarleton, Trinity and more!
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 (3-0) Last Week: 1 - The Cru survived a scare on the road last week, but the number of passing yards they allowed must be a concern. NEXT: at vs Louisiana College at noon Mar. 20.

  2. Sam Houston (1-0) Last Week: 2 - A win this week could vault the Bearkats to the top of this poll and would give SHSU the inside track to a conference title and playoff berth. NEXT: vs No. 9 Nicholls at noon Mar. 13.

  3. Hardin-Simmons (2-0) Last Week: 3 - HSU dominated TLU at home, only allowing the Bulldogs an average of 1.4 yards rushing on 29 attempts. The Cowboys have a bye week before the spring finale. NEXT: at Sul Ross State at 1 p.m. Mar. 20.

  4. UIW (2-0) Last Week: 6 - The UIW was rolling once again, gaining 626 total yards with an impressive 285 yards rushing to win the battle of the Cardinals and a move up the poll. NEXT: vs Southeastern La at 2 p.m. Mar. 20.

  5. Midwestern State (1-0) Last Week: NR - The Mustangs passing attack was on point last week with 316 yards, but MSU needs to figure out its running attack during the bye week after averaging 1.8 yards per rush. NEXT: at Tarleton at 6 p.m. Mar. 20.

  6. Texas Lutheran (2-1) Last Week: 5 - It was a tough week for the Bulldogs after they struggled to run the ball or stop the run on the road. TLU completes its spring schedule at home this week. NEXT: vs McMurry at 2 p.m. Mar. 13.

  7. Tarleton (2-2) Last Week: 7 - The Texans ended a three-game home skid with a dominating defensive performance. Tarleton has a chance to avenge one of its home losses this week. NEXT: vs at Dixie State at 2 p.m. Mar. 27.

  8. Trinity (2-1) Last Week: 4 - Trinity’s passing attack was nearly nonexistent last week, averaging a measly 2.8 yards per attempt leading to a tough loss at home. The Tigers defense was solid once again. NEXT: vs Birmingham Southern at TBD Mar. 13.

  9. Southwestern Assemblies of God (2-0) Last Week: NR - SAGU opened its season with impressive wins over Langston and Lyon. The Lions can make a real statement against Arizona Christian in two weeks. NEXT: vs Arizona Christian at noon Mar. 27.

  10. East Texas Baptist (2-2) Last Week: 10 - ETBU certainly answered the big question from last week and nearly pulled off a massive upset. The Tigers will need more yards on the ground next fall. NEXT: Fall season

  11. UTPB (2-0) Last Week: 8 - Eight passing touchdowns in the first two weeks is an impressive feat for a young program. The Falcons face two tough road contests before hosting MSU. NEXT: at Western New Mexico at 3 p.m. Mar. 13.

  12. Howard Payne (1-1) Last Week: 9 - The HPU offense has been humming under first-year coach Jason Bachtel gaining 1,164 total yards in its first two contests. The HPU defense remains a work in progress. NEXT: vs McMurry at noon Mar. 20.

  13. Prairie View A&M (1-0) - The Panthers lost a lot of talent from their 2019 team. PVAMU still has plenty of questions remaining on both sides of the ball after allowing 4.2 yards per carry while only averaging 2.9 yards per carry. NEXT: vs Grambling at 3 p.m. Mar. 13.

  14. Wayland Baptist (2-2) Last Week 11 - The Pioneers remain in a holding pattern with two more weeks until their next game. NEXT: at Ottawa (Ariz.) at noon Mar. 27.

  15. Austin College (1-2) Last Week: 12 - The ‘Roos exploded for 21 points in the second quarter to earn their first win of the spring. This week provides the ‘Roos third very tough test of the season. NEXT: vs Centre at TBD Mar. 13.

  16. Southwestern (0-2) Last Week: 13 - The Pirates had a much-deserved week off after playing two tough opponents. Wins in Southwestern’s final two games could provide an excellent springboard to the fall. NEXT: at Louisiana College at 1 p.m. Mar. 13.

  17. Texas Southern (0-1) Last Week: NR - The Tigers showed great improvement over the previous two seasons. TSU coach Clarence McKinney has the program heading in the right direction. NEXT: vs Southern U at 7:30 p.m. Mar. 20.

  18. McMurry (1-1) Last Week: 14 - The War Hawks are another team with a brutal schedule this spring. McMurry is undoubtedly improved, but another win in its final two games will be a tall task. NEXT: at Texas Lutheran at 2 p.m. Mar. 13.

  19. Texas A&M-Kingsville (0-1) - The Javelinas began the Mike Salinas era on the road and had plenty of positives to build on moving forward. A real measure for TAMUK will be in its final spring contest. NEXT: vs UTPB at 1 p.m. Mar. 20.

  20. Sul Ross State (0-3) Last Week: 15 - SRSU is one team using this spring to evaluate players for the fall season. The evaluations are coming against strong competition. This week provides another tough challenge. NEXT: vs Hardin-Simmons at 1 p.m. Mar. 20.

  21. Lamar (0-2) Last Week: 16 - The Cardinals showed improvement last week, hanging with UIW for the first half. Lamar’s rushing attack produced 196 yards last week. Cardinals visit Lake Charles this week. NEXT: at McNeese at noon Mar. 13.

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