PENSACOLA, Fla. — West Florida has an opportunity to shake up the FCS playoff picture Saturday when unbeaten Tarleton State visits PenAir Field. The Texans arrive with a perfect record and a chance to secure at least a share of the United Athletic Conference title, giving the Argonauts a significant challenge on Senior Day.
UWF enters 4-4 overall and 1-4 in conference play. Tarleton State is 10-0 and 5-0 after defeating Abilene Christian 40-27, becoming the only remaining unbeaten FCS team following Stephen F. Austin’s loss to Lamar.
The Texans’ first 10-0 start since moving to Division I has been fueled by an offense capable of changing games in seconds.
Against ACU, running back Tylan Hines scored on a 75-yard run on Tarleton’s first offensive play. On the Texans’ next offensive snap, quarterback Kaden Anderson connected with Marquis Willis for a 75-yard touchdown.
Those two plays provide a clear picture of the challenge facing West Florida. Missed tackles and coverage breakdowns can quickly become touchdowns against this group.
Hines finished with 145 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries. Willis caught three passes for 166 yards and two scores, while Anderson completed seven of nine attempts for 213 yards and two touchdowns.
However, Tarleton’s latest victory also showed that its success extends beyond explosive offense.
Abilene Christian controlled possession for 43 minutes, 25 seconds and outgained the Texans 427-419. Tarleton still won by 13 points, getting help from a blocked field goal and a fourth-quarter fumble recovery that set up another touchdown.
For UWF, keeping the football must come with finishing drives in the end zone. Protecting the quarterback, avoiding negative plays and converting scoring opportunities would give the Argonauts their best chance to stay within striking distance of a team averaging 40.3 points per game.
Tarleton has outscored opponents 403-232 and won all four of its road games. West Florida’s defense will need disciplined pursuit and secure tackling to force the Texans into sustained drives, while the offense must avoid turnovers that create short fields.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT Saturday, Nov. 14, at PenAir Field. UWF will celebrate Senior Day and Salute to Service.
On Senior Day, UWF has a chance to give its departing players a signature win and hand Tarleton State its first loss.
