Conference play starts against nationally-ranked No. 19 Abilene Christian, bringing the Lions to a pivotal challenge to test United Athletic Conference play.
Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium, Texas, marking the start of UAC action for both teams.
UNA enters the matchup with a 2-1 win score against the Wildcats, including the historic 47-34 win last homecoming at Braly Stadium. The game marked the Lions’ first-ever win over a nationally-ranked Football Championship Subdivision opponent, and the rivalry dates back to a 2011 Division II showdown inside what is now AT&T Stadium.
Head Coach Brent Dearmon commented on the importance of having a bye week before what he called “the game that matters the most.” The coaching staff used this week to give players valuable reps while evaluating strengths and weaknesses ahead of the conference schedule. The time was also spent for the offensive and defensive lines to heal from ongoing injuries.
“I think the bye week fell at a perfect time for us,” Dearmon said. “We really liked putting the bye week before one of our top contenders in this conference, Abilene Christian, who won the league last year.”
On their way to face a “solid” opponent, Dearmon is confident about the offensive line.
The Lions have already rotated “eight to nine” offensive lineman, which few teams can afford. Dearmon reported two reliable tight-ends, a loaded running back room and two quarterbacks also capable of extending plays by rushing the football. He noted the situation “helps [him] to call home” to his father, a former O-line coach.
The starting quarterback race continues for Ari Patu and Destin Wade, and Dearmon emphasized the confidence the staff has in both. Wade showed what he could do with the football against Southeast Missouri, and Patu led the Lions against Illinois State.
“It’s very nice to have two,” Dearmon said. “People would always say, ‘If you got two [quarterbacks], you don’t have one.’ We really feel like we got two. They can really win us football games. Both have shown that.”
He knows Abilene Christian remembers the recent history between the two programs, so Dearmon expects the game to have plenty of intensity.
“We’re the only team in the conference that beat them,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of returners from that team, so they’re going to remember coming here, and we’re not losing a two possession game on our turf.”
Saturday’s game will stream live on ESPN+ with Andy Penney and Jim Reese on the call. Fans can also follow the Lions’ radio broadcast through The Varsity Network and other digital platforms, with coverage beginning at 1 p.m. featuring Benjamin Ray, Bryan Neece and Mike Ezekiel.
For those not traveling, UNA will host a watch party at Mugshots in Downtown Florence. Live stats will be available via StatBroadcast.
