After a two-game road swing, Texas A&M University-Commerce returns to Memorial Stadium this Saturday. The Lions host McMurry University at 6 p.m. The Lions and War Hawks renew an old-school Lone Star Conference rivalry. The two schools will meet for the first time since 1971.
A&M-Commerce and McMurry get together for the 15th time Saturday. The two schools use to wage battle annually as Lone Star Conference opponents. The Lions have a 9-5 edge in the all-time series, including a 53-6 decision at Memorial Stadium in 1971, the last meeting between the two schools. A&M-Commerce has been consistently strong against McMurry at home, posting a 6-1 all-time mark against the War Hawks in Commerce. The Lions' only loss was a 40-0 decision in 1927, the first meeting between the two schools.
McMurry enters Saturday’s game with a 1-5 mark, including an 0-3 record against Lone Star Conference opponents. The War Hawks, who will become a football-only member of the LSC next season, dropped a 52-32 decision at Texas A&M-Kingsville, lost at home to Angelo State 48-35, and succumbed to 25th-ranked Midwestern State 66-20 last week. McMurry comes into the week averaging 28.3 points per game with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 163.5 rushing and 276.3 passing yards per game. But the War Hawk defense has struggled through the first half of 2013, giving up 50.5 points, 340.2 rushing and 208.2 passing yards per game.
Lions enter game following victory at Kingsville
The Chennault Cup will stay in Commerce for one more season. A&M-Commerce earned a decisive 41-28 victory at Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday evening. The final score made the game seem closer than it actually was. The Lions took a 27-7 lead into halftime and led 41-7 midway through the fourth quarter before the Javelinas scored three late touchdowns. A&M-Commerce held the vaunted A&M-Kingsville rushing attack in check, holding the Javelinas to a grand total of -14 yards rushing for the game, a far cry from the 223.3 yards the Javelinas were averaging heading into the game. The game marks the first time in the history of the Chennault Cup the Lions have defeated the Javelinas in back-to-back seasons. The Lions improved to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the LSC.
After facing McMurry this week in Memorial Stadium, it’s back on the road for A&M-Commerce. The Lions will face arguably one of its toughest road trips of the season, heading to Stephenville to battle LSC-leading Tarleton State on Saturday, Oct. 26. Opening kick against the Texans is set for 7 p.m. The Lions’ next home game will be on Saturday, Nov. 2, when A&M-Commerce hosts Angelo State for homecoming. The Lion will kick off against the Rams at 2 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
SCOUTING THE WAR HAWKS
2013: 1-5 overall
Last Week: Lost to Midwestern State, 66-20, in Wichita Falls, Texas
Head Coach: Mason Miller-First season at McMurry (1-5, .167)
Key Offensive Players:
• #16 Gabe Rodriguez (Fr., QB): 106-185, 1,213 yards, 18 TD, 6 INT
• #3 Chris Simpson (Jr., RB): 84-390 yards, 3 TD, long of 40
• #5 Paxton Grayer (So., RB): 45-366 yards, 3 TD, long of 72
• #10 Jeret Smith (Jr., WR): 44-686 yards, 7 TD, long of 80
Key Defensive Players:
• #17 Desmond Guy (Jr., DB): 66 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 2 PD, 1 FR
• #21 Jonathan Blair (Jr., LB): 53 tackles, 8.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 2 INT, 2 PD, 2 QBH
• #2 Cory Pippen (Sr., DB): 33 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.0 sacks, 2 INT, 2 PD
• #91 Markell Rice (Sr., DT): 32 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1.0 sacks, 1 PD, 1 FF
