In a game that lived up to its billing, No. 14 Abilene Christian scored a touchdown with 19 seconds, and No. 13 Tarleton’s Hail Mary pass fell incomplete in the end zone to give the Wildcats a thrilling 35-31 victory.

ACU secured the UAC's automatic bid, earning the program’s first United Athletic Conference title and an appearance in the FCS playoffs for the first time in program history. The Wildcats will find out their opponent and location for the playoffs during the selection show on Sunday, November 24.

“We’ve talked about this since last January,” ACU head coach Keith Patterson said to Brandon McAuliffe after the game. “It’s a players' game, and I’m fortunate to be along for the ride. We knew Tarleton had an explosive offense, and they caused us some problems in the first half. They countered our adjustments, and it was a really good chess match.”

Combined with Hardin-Simmons winning the American Southwest Conference and McMurry winning a share of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference earlier Saturday, this is the first time all three universities in Abilene have won a conference title during the same season.

“We did a study of the history of our city, school, and its great players, teams, and coaches over the years,” Patterson said. “When you know who you represent, you dig a little deeper (and) fight a little harder to figure out a way to win. That’s what we’ve done most of the year. It’s great for the city and all three universities. It speaks to our amazing high school players and coaches in Abilene and Texas.”

In a game that featured six lead changes, it appeared Tarleton would be victorious when Kayvon Britten burst through the middle to put the Texans at the ACU five-yard line with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. However, Braelon Bridges lost four yards on the ensuing two plays before Britten gained two yards to set up a 25-yard field goal by Corbin Poston to give Tarleton a 31-28 lead.

But the Texans left 1:48 on the clock, which was more than enough time for the Wildcats to respond. Despite being at the Tarleton 25-yard line with no timeouts remaining, ACU connected on a 24-yard pass to JJ Henry from Maverick McIvor. After spiking the ball, McIvor hit Sam Hicks for a one-yard touchdown to give the Wildcats a 35-31 lead with 19 seconds remaining.

“I jumped in the offense (before the drive) and reminded the offense that they scored in 1:26 against our defense on Thursday,” Patterson said. “It’s kind of weird. I had this peace at the end of the game. I knew we were going to score a touchdown to win this thing and not kick a field goal. My hat’s off to our players for a big goalline stand and then driving the length of the field with no timeouts to score a touchdown.”

Despite the loss, the Texans will likely secure an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs with a win at home against Central Arkansas next week. This would be the program’s first FCS playoff appearance in its first season of eligibility.