FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University's high-octane offense, fueled by quarterback Cole Francis' record-shattering performance last week, heads into uncharted territory Saturday when the Rams face the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders at 2 p.m. at Crusader Stadium.

The Rams (4-2, 4-0 SAC) enter the match-up riding a wave of momentum after a 61-28 demolition of Louisiana Christian last Saturday. Francis etched his name in school history by throwing for 526 yards on 27-of-44 passing, eclipsing the previous mark of 429 set by Carson Rodgers last season. His arsenal included bombs of 75 and 61 yards, powering a second-half surge that saw Texas Wesleyan amass 612 total yards.

Wideouts Mark Benjamin and Sean Smith were prime beneficiaries: Benjamin hauled in the 61-yard touchdown and added 38 rushing yards, while Smith snagged four catches for 96 yards, including the 75-yarder. Kicker Freddy Joya stole the show on special teams, setting a Rams record with 19 points on 4-of-5 field goals (including 34, 27 and 22 yards) and a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points. Joya's heroics earned him NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week honors. The Rams' defense chipped in with three forced turnovers, including two interceptions, and held the Wildcats to 375 yards while converting 8 of 15 third downs.

Texas Wesleyan's unbeaten conference streak underscores their dominance, but the cross-division clash against NCAA Division III's UMHB (2-3, 1-1 ASC) presents a unique challenge on the road. The Rams' explosive attack — averaging over 600 yards in their blowout — will test a Crusaders defense that has forced eight turnovers but struggles on third-down stops, with opponents converting at a 45% clip.

The Crusaders' season has been a grind of resilience amid setbacks. They kicked off with a 30-23 home win over NAIA's Bethel University on Sept. 6, where quarterback Jase Hammack passed for 200 yards and two scores, and linebacker Jacob Mueller's 12 tackles anchored a defense that snagged three turnovers in front of 3,500 fans.

UMHB's defense shone in a 26-6 loss to No. 16 Wisconsin-Whitewater on Sept. 20, but offensive fumbles doomed them against the Warhawks' stout unit. Running back Aphonso Thomas provided sparks with 80 rushing yards. A 21-7 road defeat to Division II Mars Hill followed on Sept. 27, with Hammack limited to 150 passing yards. The Crusaders dropped to 1-3 in a conference opener against East Texas Baptist on Oct. 4, though specifics remain sparse. Offensively, UMHB averages 320 yards per game, led by Thomas' 350 rushing yards; Mueller paces the defense with 40 tackles and two sacks.

Crusader Stadium's vibrant atmosphere, drawing average crowds of 3,800 with tailgates and themed events, could energize UMHB. With six games left, including home tilts against Wartburg and Hardin-Simmons, the Crusaders eye a 6-4 finish and DIII playoff push.

Saturday marks the first-ever meeting between Texas Wesleyan and UMHB, blending NAIA firepower against DIII grit in a matchup blending conferences and divisions. The Rams' record-setting offense clashes with a Crusaders squad hungry for momentum in Belton.