McMurry, Austin College clash in ASC battle of winless football teams

MCMURRY (0-6, 0-4) AT AUSTIN COLLEGE (0-5, 0-3)

1 p.m. Saturday ✮ Apple Stadium, Sherman ✮ 101.7 KTJK-FM

What’s riding on the game: One team not only will notch its first win of the season, but its first American Southwest Conference victory as well. McMurry is 2-2 all-time against the Kangaroos. The War Hawks won last year’s meeting 48-13 in Abilene but haven’t won since. It was the first game between the two teams since Austin College won 21-14 in Sherman in 2008. Live video and stats will be available at mcmurrysports.com and hpusports.com.

Last week: Texas Lutheran stopped Austin College 38-7 in Sherman. Howard Payne held off McMurry 30-18 in Brownwood.

Scouting Austin College: This is the Kangaroos second season in the ASC after competing in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Roos are averaging 186.6 yards – just 16.6 passing – and 8.6 points per game. They are giving up 485.2 yards and 34.6 points. Ben Meraz (50-254, 3 TDs) is the leading rusher and passer (1-6-1, 59 yards, 1 TD).

War Hawks update: McMurry is averaging 283.3 yards, including 191.5 passing, and 15.5 points per game. The War Hawks are allowing 374.7 yards (216.1 passing) and 32.3 points. Dexter Wyble made his second straight start last week, throwing for 167 yards, a TD and a pick. Anson grad Drew Hagler, a quarterback converted to running back, led the War Hawks with 51 yards and a TD on 15 carries. He had a team-high 77 yards on 19 carries the previous week.

What the War Hawks need to do to win: Quite frankly, this is a game the War Hawks should win rather easily. But they still need to be efficient offensively and protect the ball. If they can do that, then the defense, which has been playing well, should take care of the rest.

Joey D. Richards’ prediction: McMurry 35, Austin College 14

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: McMurry War Hawks, Austin College Kangaroos meet in ASC football game