McMurry seeks consecutive wins for first time since 2016 with Texas Lutheran in town

Joey D. Richards, Abilene Reporter-News
·2 min read

TEXAS LUTHERAN (2-4, 1-3) AT MCMURRY (1-6, 1-4)

1 p.m. Saturday ✮ Wilford Moore Stadium ✮ 101.7 KTJK-FM

What’s riding on the game: McMurry has a chance to win consecutive games for the first time since beating Howard Payne 41-6 and Louisiana College 34-28 late in the 2016 season. Texas Lutheran has a chance to build momentum heading into the season finale with American Southwest Conference rival Hardin-Simmons on Nov. 12 in Seguin. Texas Lutheran leads the all-time series 6-3 and has won the past five meetings, including a 28-21 decision last year at home. This is McMurry’s homecoming. Live video and stats will be available at mcmurrysports.com and hpusports.com.

Last week: No. 4 Mary Hardin-Baylor dispatched Texas Lutheran 45-16 in Seguin. McMurry held off Austin College 24-21 in Sherman.

Scouting Texas Lutheran: Other than losses to nationally ranked Trinity (52-14) and UMHB, the Bulldogs played tough in their other two losses (Howard Payne 59-45 and Sul Ross 28-14). They have wins over North American University (45-17) and Austin College (37-15). TLU is averaging 371.3 yards, including 256.8 passing, and 28.5 points per game. It is allowing 414 yards, including 285.7 passing, and 36 points. Junior QB Seth Cosme (136-187-2) has thrown for 1,461 yards and 11 TDs. Junior RB Jacob Forton (94-320, 8 TDs) is the leading rusher, and senior WR Trent Stefka (25-314, 1 TD) is the leading receiver.

War Hawks update: McMurry is averaging 296.3 yards (195.2 passing/101 rushing) and 16.7 points. The War Hawks are giving up 362.7 yards (195.2 passing/167.4 rushing) and 30.7 points. Dexter Wyble (42-65-3, 475 yards, 1 TD) has been playing while Andrew McBride (54-120-4, 755 yards, 4 TDs) recovers from an injury, though McBride got some playing time last week. RB Rajan Cunningham (80-260, 1 TD) and Anson grad Drew Hagler (51-185, 2 TDs) are the leading rushers. Kristopher Martin (21-325, 1 TD) is the leading receiver.

What the War Hawks need to do to win: The defense, which has played well all season, provided a spark with Timothy Leather’s 58-yard fumble recovery for a TD, and the defense needs to feed the offense this week, too. The offense must be efficient and make the most of its opportunities.

Joey D. Richards’ prediction: Texas Lutheran 31, McMurry 24

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: McMurry plays Texas Lutheran in ASC football game