Team of the Week:

Incarnate Word Cardinals (4-3, 4-1)

Last Week: UIW won all three phases of the game last Saturday as they earned their first victory over a ranked opponent in their 10-year history 45-17 at home over No. 6 McNeese State (5-2, 4-1). Freshman quarterback Jon Copeland continued to shine for the Cardinals offense as he completed 24-of-41 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns. Phillip Baptiste caught five passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Ra’Quanne Dickens added a rushing touchdown as he gained 69 yards on 20 carries. Malik Phillips and Ian Peterson each recorded an interception while Louis Otis returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown for the UIW defense that held McNeese to only 222 total yards and 66 rushing yards.

The Verdict: The Cardinals bounced back nicely from the heartbreaking loss they suffered to Lamar as UIW continues to earn huge statement wins this season under first year head coach Eric Morris. UIW is currently in a three-way tie atop the Southland Conference standings and they have only lost one game this season to a non-FBS opponent. The next four games will be challenging for the Cardinals as they face three teams currently ranked in the AFCA FCS poll and finish the season at Iowa State, but UIW cannot be counted out of any game this season.

This Week: UIW travels to Thibodaux, La., Saturday as they face No. 19 Nicholls (4-3, 3-2) at John L. Guidry Stadium at 3 p.m.

NCAA DI FCS Recap

No. 22 Sam Houston State Bearkats (4-3, 3-2)

Last Week: SHSU was unable to stop the Lamar (3-4, 2-3) rushing attack last Saturday as they were upset 41-23. Ty Brock had a good game for the Bearkats offense as he completed 27-of-56 passes for 303 yards and two touchdowns. Davion Davis set a new SLC record for career touchdown receptions as he caught 13 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Hunter Brown had a great game for the defense as he recorded 17 tackles and a sack.

The Verdict: This is a devastating loss for the Bearkats as they have most likely been eliminated from earning an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs. The Bearkats have been plagued by inconsistency this season. The Kats can use their remaining four games to gain momentum for next season.

This Week: SHSU returns home this week as they host Southeastern Louisiana (3-5, 3-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday. The game will be broadcast on Eleven Sports.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (3-4, 2-1)

Last Week: PVAMU had a bye last week. 

The Verdict: The Panthers have had a week off to correct the mistakes that plagued them against Southern. PVAMU can still earn a spot in the SWAC championship game if they win their remaining games and Southern loses one of their remaining games. This week’s game will provide a huge challenge for the Panthers.

This Week: PVAMU will face conference foe Alcorn State (6-2, 4-1) in their homecoming game Saturday at 2 p.m.

Abilene Christian Wildcats (4-4, 3-3)

Last week: ACU used an explosive offense that totaled 612 yards including 317 rushing yards last Saturday as they ran to a 48-27 win over Southeastern Louisiana (3-5, 3-3). Billy McCrary was outstanding for the Wildcats as he gained 222 yards rushing and a touchdown on only 14 carries. Luke Anthony was also huge for the offense as he completed 29-of-37 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. 

The Verdict: ACU have won two in a row for the second time this season. This was an outstanding performance for an offense that has been improving each week this season. The key for the Wildcats is to become consistent with team performance each week. They have an opportunity to win three in a row when they host Northwestern State following a bye week.

This Week: The Wildcats are on a bye this week.

Lamar Cardinals (3-4, 2-3)

Last Week: Lamar used a strong running game last Saturday to pull off a stunning 41-23 upset over No. 10 Sam Houston State (4-3, 3-2). The Cardinals rushed for 435 yards led by Myles Wanza who gained 168 yards and two touchdowns on only 15 carries. A.J. Walker added 121 yards on the ground on 23 carries. Davon Jernigan had an outstanding game on defense as he recorded 16 tackles including 10 solo tackles.

The Verdict: The Cardinals backed up their thrilling victory over Incarnate Word last week as they sent shockwaves through the SLC and the entire NCAA FCS with this victory. Lamar has relied on their run game this season and this game was no different. The Cardinals defense was the difference as they limited SHSU to only 79 yards rushing. Lamar will look for their third win in a row this week.

This Week: Lamar will travel to face conference foe Stephen F. Austin (2-5, 2-4) Saturday at 3 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (2-5, 2-4)

Last Week: The Lumberjacks defense recorded eight sacks last Saturday as they scored a convincing 42-14 win over Houston Baptist (1-6, 0-5). Raysha Nichols and Demetrion Amie each recorded two and a half sacks while Anthony Jacobs added two sacks to lead the SFA defense that only allowed 255 to a potent offense. Jake Blumrick was huge for the offense as he completed 20-of-29 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns while Josh McGowen added 132 yards on the ground for the Lumberjacks.

The Verdict: This is a win that SFA needed to show the improvement they have been making over the course of this season. The defense has been solid most of the year and the offense is beginning to consistently move the ball and score points. Jake Blumrick has taken control of the quarterback position the last couple weeks.

This Week: SFA will return home this week for their homecoming game as they host Lamar (3-4, 2-3) Saturday at 3 p.m. The game will be live streamed on ESPN+. 

Houston Baptist Huskies (1-6, 0-5)

Last Week: HBU was unable to gain any consistency on offense against Stephen F. Austin (2-5, 2-4) as they fell 42-14 in their homecoming game. LaDarius Dickens ran for 95 yards on 20 carries while Bailey Zappe completed 15-of-34 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Huskies offense. Patrick Wolfe registered 13 tackles and Brennan Young added 10 tackles for a defense that allowed 492 total yards.

The Verdict: The Huskies took a step back this week on both sides of the ball. The offense had difficulty moving the ball against a good Lumberjacks defense while the HBU defense allowed 492 total yards to an offense that has struggled most of this season. The Huskies need to regroup quickly to have an opportunity to win a game in conference.

This Week: HBU travels to Natchitoches, La. this week as they play Northwestern State (2-5, 1-4) Saturday at 6 p.m.

Texas Southern Tigers (1-6, 0-3)

Last Week: TSU once again struggled on offense as they fell 21-7 to Southern University (4-3, 3-1) in the inaugural State Fair Showdown at the Cotton Bowl. Jay Christophe and Devin Williams combined to complete 14-of-33 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Williams also added 31 yards on the ground on eight carries. Chukwudalu Ononenyi led the defense as he recorded nine tackles.

The Verdict: The Tigers have struggled all season on offense. They tried three quarterbacks last week as they searched for some rhythm offensively. The TSU defense is very solid and will provide them an opportunity to win over the next three games. 

This Week: TSU will return home this week as they host Mississippi Valley State (1-5, 1-2) in their homecoming game at 2 p.m. Saturday. 

NCAA DII Recap

No. 8 Tarleton State Texans (7-0, 6-0)

Last Week: Tarleton State scored 35 unanswered points last Saturday as they won 59-21 over Texas A&M-Kingsville (2-6, 0-5) in their homecoming game. Xavier Turner had his second consecutive huge game as he gained 164 yards rushing and four touchdowns on only 10 carries. Ben Holmes completed 10-of-17 passes for 270 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers. Zimari Manning caught six passes for 120 yards and a touchdown to lead all receivers. 

The Verdict: The Texans continue to dominate on both offense and defense each week. They will face their toughest remaining challenge in the regular season this week. A win on the road over their conference rival would clinch the LSC title and most likely an at-large spot in the NCAA DII playoffs.

This Week: Tarleton State travels to face conference rival No. 10 Midwestern State (6-1, 4-1) Saturday at 7 p.m.

No. 18 Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (6-2, 4-1)

Last Week: Texas A&M-Commerce scored a school record 34 points in the second quarter as they picked up a 55-7 road win over Western New Mexico (0-7, 0-5). Danny Huckaby returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown and Kader Kohou returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown to lead the Lions defense. Reggie Kincade returned a kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown. Kincade has returned a kickoff for touchdown each of the last two weeks.

The Verdict: The Lions took care of business this week on their longest road trip of the season. They will need to stop the running game this week as they face the LSC leading rusher Duke Carter IV. TAMUC needs a win this week to keep their hopes alive for an at-large playoff bid.

This Week: TAMUC returns home this week as they host West Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2) in their homecoming game at 4 p.m. Saturday. 

No. 10 Midwestern State Mustangs (6-1, 4-1)

Last Week: MSU Texas had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Mustangs had a week off to prepare for their huge NCAA DII top 10 showdown this week against conference rival No. 8 Tarleton State. MSU Texas needs a victory this week to solidify their position in the Super Region Four rankings and earn an at-large bid to the playoffs.

This Week: MSU Texas will host No. 8 Tarleton State (7-0, 6-0) at 7 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

West Texas A&M Buffaloes (5-3, 3-2)

Last Week: The Buffaloes were unable to contain the triple option attack of Eastern New Mexico (3-5, 3-3) as they lost 28-0 in the Wagon Wheel Game. The Buffs offense struggled all game as they only gained 134 total yards and eight first downs. Frank Honang led the defense as he registered 13 total tackles and one-half sack. The WT defense was on the field for over 38 minutes in the game as they struggled to get off the field on third and fourth down.

The Verdict: WT relies on Duke Carter IV being able to run the ball effectively. The Buffs have struggled the last two weeks to run the ball. This week will not be any easier as WT travels on the road to face another good defense and the defending national champions.

This Week: The Buffaloes go on the road this week to face conference foe Texas A&M-Commerce (6-2, 4-1) at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Angelo State Rams (4-4, 3-3)

Last Week: The Rams scored 24 points in the fourth quarter last Saturday as they earned a 44-20 road win over UT Permian Basin (2-6, 1-4). Payne Sullins was efficient for ASU as he completed 22-of-35 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns. Lawson Ayo led the Rams receivers with six catches for 105 yards. Kyle Hunter had an outstanding performance for the ASU defense as he registered 11 tackles and two interceptions. Hunter returned his second interception 31 yards for a touchdown.

The Verdict: ASU was able to pull away late as they scored the last 27 points in the game. The defense struggled to stop the UTPB passing attack this week, but they continued to limit the opposition’s ground game as they only allowed 70 rushing yards. A win this week would really help the LSC strength of schedule against Super Region Four opponents.

This Week: ASU begins a two-game homestand this week as they host Adams State (4-4, 4-4) at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas (2-6, 0-5)

Last Week: The TAMUK offense could not keep pace with the potent Tarleton State (7-0, 6-0) offense as they fell 59-21 last Saturday. Koy Detmer Jr. completed 27-of-47 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Wilson had 10 receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown for the Javelinas. Payton Hendrix led the TAMUK defense as he recorded 10 tackles including one-half tackle for a loss.

The Verdict: The Javelinas have their best opportunity to pick up a conference victory this week in their homecoming game. The final two home games for the Javelinas are both games they can win if they are able to find some consistency on offense.

This Week: TAMUK returns home this week to face Western New Mexico (0-7, 0-5) Saturday at 7 p.m.

UT Permian Basin Falcons (2-6, 1-4)

Last Week: UTPB could not hold onto a three-point lead late in the third quarter as they fell 44-20 at home to Angelo State (4-4, 3-3). Taylor Null led the Falcons offense as he completed 32-of-47 passes for 409 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Kyle McBride led all receivers with 11 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. Chris Hoad had a great game for the defense as he registered 17 tackles including 11 solo tackles.

The Verdict: Turnovers were the difference this week as the Falcons were able to move the ball consistently against a good ASU defense. The UTPB defense will need to stop the running game this week as they face a challenging triple option attack. 

This Week: UTPB travels to Portales, N.M. this week as they face Eastern New Mexico (3-5, 3-3) Saturday at 8 p.m.

NCAA DIII Recap

No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders (7-0, 6-0)

Last Week: The Crusaders defense held Belhaven (1-6, 1-5) to 84 total yards as they earned their third consecutive shutout for the first time in school history with a 49-0 win last Saturday. Markeith Miller gained 138 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 18 carries to lead the Cru offense. The Crusaders defense combined for 10 tackles for a loss, four sacks, and one forced fumble in the game.

The Verdict: There are no superlatives left to describe the UMHB defense. They are certainly a championship level defense and their mission for this season is clearly stated. I see no reason the Cru won’t achieve their mission.

This Week: UMHB will begin a two-game homestand this week as they host McMurry (2-5, 2-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday. 

No. 8 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys (6-1, 5-1)

Last Week: HSU dominated Texas Lutheran (5-2, 4-2) last Saturday as they claimed a 58-14 win at home. Ty Hooper completed 20-of-30 passes for 343 yards and four touchdowns for the Cowboys. Bryson Hammonds gained 176 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Rae Millsap led all receivers as he caught five passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Kevi Evans added 106 yards receiving and a touchdown on five receptions.

The Verdict: The Cowboys offense had their best game since All-American Jaquan Hemphill was injured four weeks ago. HSU will need every player on offense to step up over their final three games as they prepare for a possible at-large playoff bid.

This Week: HSU will begin a two-game road trip this week as they travel to face Southwestern (4-3, 3-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Texas Lutheran Bulldogs (5-2, 4-2)

Last Week: Texas Lutheran struggled in all phases of the game last Saturday as they lost 58-14 on the road to No. 9 Hardin-Simmons (6-1, 5-1). Kyle Grona completed 20-of-35 passes for 213 yards and an interception. Charles Robinson caught eight passes for 115 yards for the Bulldogs. James Bell and Dakwa Davis each recorded six tackles for the Texas Lutheran defense. 

The Verdict: This is a tough loss for the Bulldogs as it will be difficult for them to earn an at-large bid to the playoffs. TLU can help themselves make a statement if they can win their three remaining games and finish third in the conference.

This Week: The Bulldogs begin a two-game homestand as they host Howard Payne (1-6, 1-5) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

East Texas Baptist Tigers (4-3, 4-2)

Last Week: ETBU scored 34 points in the first half on their way to retaining the “Border Claw” for the fourth straight year with a 48-27 road win over Louisiana College (3-4, 3-3). Brian Baca completed 17-of-30 passes for 199 yards and five touchdowns to five different receivers. Jeremiah Robertson gained 157 yards rushing and a touchdown on 17 carries. Tarek Beaugard caught three passes for 98 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers.

The Verdict: The Tigers bounced back nicely from their loss to Texas Lutheran with a win over their rivals. ETBU should win their next two games before they finish the season at home to No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor.

This Week: ETBU returns home as they face Sul Ross State (1-6, 1-5) in their homecoming game Saturday at 2 p.m.

Trinity University (Tex.) Tigers (4-3, 3-2)

Last Week: The Trinity defense forced three turnovers and only allowed 292 total yards as the Tigers won 28-14 at home over Sewanee (3-5, 2-4). Tommy Lavine led all receivers as he caught eight passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan Williams led the Tigers defense as he registered 10 tackles and an interception. Nic Hover and Cameron Beaver each recorded an interception for Trinity.

The Verdict: The Tigers will try to begin a winning streak this week. Trinity cannot overlook Hendrix this week as they have their rival Austin College next week. The Tigers defense will be the key to winning their remaining games.

This Week: Trinity begins a two-game road trip this week as they travel to Conway, Ark. to face Hendrix (1-6, 0-5) Saturday at noon.

Southwestern University Pirates (4-3, 3-3)

Last Week: Southwestern had a bye this week.

The Verdict: The Pirates had a bye week last week as they prepare to face No. 8 Hardin-Simmons. SU will need their run defense to be solid over their remaining three games as they face two very good rushing attacks. The Pirates could finish third in the ASC if they win their remaining games.

This Week: Southwestern conclude a two-game homestand as they host No. 8 Hardin-Simmons (6-1, 5-1) Saturday at 1 p.m.

McMurry War Hawks (2-5, 2-4)

Last Week: McMurry had a bye this week.

The Verdict: The War Hawks had a well-timed bye week last week as they prepare to face three difficult games to finish the season. McMurry has had a solid passing game for most of the season but will need a good rushing attack to pull off an upset in their remaining games. 

This Week: McMurry will go on the road this week as they face No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor (7-0, 6-0) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Austin College Kangaroos (2-6, 2-4)

Last Week: The Kangaroos late rally fell short as they lost 47-35 on the road to Birmingham Southern (5-2, 3-2). Colt Collins was once again the star on offense as he completed 20-of-52 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns while adding 52 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Adonis Martin had six receptions for 127 yards for the ‘Roos. Jackson Townsend led the defense with 12 tackles including one tackle for a loss.

The Verdict: Austin College was unable to build off the momentum off their surprising win over Millsaps. The defense once again struggled to stop the running game as they allowed 285 yards rushing and 518 total yards. The ‘Roos will have a week off to prepare to host their rival Trinity (Tex.).

This Week: Austin College have a bye this week.

Sul Ross State Lobos (1-6, 1-5)

Last Week: A missed extra point was the difference last Saturday as Sul Ross State won their homecoming game 28-27 over Howard Payne (1-6, 1-5). Williton Grear gained 112 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 15 carries to lead the Lobos offense. Fabian Baeza completed 20-of-33 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown. Byron Jones added six receptions for 106 yards while Bryce Saracene led the defense with 11 total tackles. 

The Verdict: The Lobos were finally able to put together a complete game last week to pick up their first win of the season. The next two games will be difficult for the Lobos, but they will have an opportunity to win their final regular season game against Belhaven.

This Week: Sul Ross State begins a two-game road trip this week as they face East Texas Baptist (4-3, 4-2) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Howard Payne Yellow Jackets (1-6, 1-5)

Last Week: HPU scored a touchdown with 1:08 remaining in the game but the PAT failed as they lost 28-27 on the road to Sul Ross State (1-6, 1-5). Gage McClanahan completed 22-of-34 passes for 251 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Eric Haverstock caught seven passes for 127 yards and a touchdown for the Yellow Jackets. Britt Boler registered 11 total tackles and a sack for the HPU defense.

The Verdict: This is a heartbreaking loss for a Yellow Jackets team that has been struggling to finish close games since their two-overtime win over McMurry. HPU has now lost five in a row and face a tough schedule over their remaining three games.

This Week: HPU will conclude a two-game road trip this week as they face Texas Lutheran (5-2, 4-2) Saturday at 1 p.m.

NAIA Recap

Southwestern Assemblies of God Lions (5-3, 4-2)

Last Week: Coby Roach intercepted a pass with a minute remaining in regulation to seal a 53-46 win for SAGU over Texas Wesleyan (1-6, 1-4). CJ Collins was amazing for the Lions as he completed 41-of-65 passes for 561 yards and six touchdowns. Jeremy Carr led all receivers with 17 catches for 241 yards and three touchdowns. Landon Jones was outstanding for the Lions defense as he registered 21 tackles and a sack.

The Verdict: The Lions continue to play with fire each week. The reason each game recently has been so close is the SAGU defense has struggled to consistently stop their opponent. Some of this is due to the Lions having a high-powered offense that scores quickly.

This Week: SAGU completes a two-game homestand this week as they face Oklahoma Panhandle State (4-4, 4-1) Saturday at 2 p.m.

Wayland Baptist Pioneers (3-3, 2-3)

Last Week: Wayland Baptist scored the final 25 points in the game last Saturday as they rallied to win 32-28 over Texas College (0-5, 0-5). Nick Quintero completed 15-of-35 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers for the Pioneers. De’Sean Johnson, Kamron Williams, and Caleb O’Connor each caught a touchdown pass while Jerrell Peterson scored a rushing touchdown.

The Verdict: WBU struggled early against Texas College and will need to start the game better this week if they want to earn another conference win. The positive from last week is the number of different players who contributed to the Pioneers win.

This Week: The Pioneers return home this week as they face Texas Wesleyan (1-6, 1-4) in their homecoming game Saturday at 2 p.m.

Texas Wesleyan Rams (1-6, 1-4)

Last Week: Texas Wesleyan was unable to score on their final possession as an interception with a minute remaining sealed their fate in a 53-46 loss to Southwestern Assemblies of God University (5-3, 4-2). Texas Tech transfer Desmond Nisby was huge for the Rams as he gained 166 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 18 carries. Le’Mant Monroe also had a huge game as he caught six passes for 194 yards and a touchdown.

The Verdict: Defense has been the issue for the Rams most of this season and last Saturday was no different. TWU allowed 721 total yards to SAGU including 632 passing yards. The Rams need to fix their defense soon as some very good offensive teams remain on their schedule. 

This Week: Texas Wesleyan will conclude their two-game road trip this week as they face Wayland Baptist (3-3, 2-3) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Texas College Steers (0-5, 0-5)

Last Week: Texas College was unable to hold onto a 14-point halftime lead as they fell 32-28 at home last Saturday to Wayland Baptist (3-3, 2-3). Carlos Mosby gained 98 yards rushing on 21 carries for the Steers. Vontyne Williams completed 7-of-20 passes for 201 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Chris Henry only caught one pass, but he took that pass 83 yards for a touchdown for the Steers. Zion Gayden caught two passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns. 

The Verdict: The Steers played a very good first half, but they were unable to sustain that success in the second half. The schedule brings no relief for Texas College as two of the three teams remaining are at the top of the conference.

This Week: Texas College will conclude their two-game homestand as they host No. 12 Langston (6-1, 6-0) at 7 p.m. Saturday in their homecoming game.

NJCAA Recap

No. 12 Kilgore Rangers (6-2, 4-2)

Last Week: Kilgore was able to grab the lead in the first quarter and hold on to win a tight 28-21 contest on the road against Blinn College (5-3, 3-3). Quez Allen was the offensive star this week as he completed 5-of-11 passes for 27 yards while adding 113 yards rushing on 18 carries. De’Montre Tuggle carried the ball 11 times for 79 yards and a touchdown while adding 51 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. 

The Verdict: The Rangers will make the SWJCFC playoffs with a win this week. They could still make the playoffs with a loss, but they would possibly need to rely on tiebreakers to earn their spot in the playoffs. 

This Week: Kilgore returns home this week to finish the regular season as they host Tyler Junior College (4-4, 3-3) at 3 p.m. Saturday.

No. 16 Blinn Buccaneers (5-3, 3-3)

Last Week: Blinn battled No. 12 Kilgore College (6-2, 4-2) throughout the game Saturday but was unable to score late as they fell 28-21. Brock Landis completed 13-of-25 passes for 173 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in his first career start for the Buccaneers. Corey Henderson caught three passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Tuciano Pope led the defense with 12 tackles, seven solo, with one tackle for loss.

The Verdict: This week is a must win for Blinn as they face the worst team in the conference this season at home. The Buccaneers will also need some help to make the playoffs outright but can also make the playoffs with a win and being on the right side of possible tiebreakers.

This Week: Blinn finishes the regular season in the final game of their two-game homestand this week as they host New Mexico Military Institute (3-5, 1-5) Saturday at 3 p.m.

Cisco Wranglers (5-3, 3-3)

Last Week: Cisco used an efficient offense and timely defensive stops to pull off a 44-34 win on the road over Tyler Junior College (4-4, 3-3). Blain Kruemcke completed 25-of-37 passes for 429 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Bradley Rozner led all receivers as he caught six passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Seth Wood and Brendan Vaughn each intercepted a pass to lead the Wranglers defense.

The Verdict: The Wranglers were able to keep their playoff hopes alive this week with the victory. They must win at home this week against a tough team to earn a playoff game or rely on tiebreakers to earn a spot in the playoffs.

This Week: Cisco finishes the regular season at home this week as they host No. 11 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (6-2, 4-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Navarro Bulldogs (5-3, 3-3)

Last Week: Navarro had a bye this week.

The Verdict: The Bulldogs face a must win game this week on the road against a tough team. Even with a win Navarro will possibly also need a tiebreaker to earn a spot in the conference playoffs as five teams enter this week with a 3-3 conference record.

This Week: Navarro finishes the regular season on the road this week as they face Trinity Valley Community College (4-4, 3-3) Saturday at 3 p.m.

Trinity Valley Community College Cardinal (4-4, 3-3)

Last Week: TVCC had a bye this week.

The Verdict: The Cardinal are in a must win situation this week with five teams tied with 3-3 conference records. TVCC need to win and may still need the tiebreaker to go their way to earn a spot in the conference playoffs.

This Week: TVCC finishes the regular season at home this week as they host Navarro College (5-3, 3-3) at 3 p.m. Saturday. 

Tyler Apaches (4-4, 3-3)

Last Week: Tyler was unable to convert on third downs last Saturday as they lost 44-34 at home to Cisco College (5-3, 3-3). Jeremiah Crawford completed 31-of-53 passes for 292 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Kevon Thompson was huge for the Apaches as he gained 139 yards rushing and three touchdowns on only 11 carries. Chanler Ferguson had an outstanding game for the defense as he registered 17 tackles and two quarterback hurries.

The Verdict: This loss hurts as the Apaches no longer control their own fate for a spot in the SWJCFC playoffs. Tyler must now win on the road this week against possibly the hottest team in the conference and then wait to see if they have earned a spot in the playoffs. 

This Week: Tyler finishes the regular season on the road this week as they face No. 12 Kilgore College (6-2, 4-2) at 3 p.m. Saturday.