FORT WORTH — No. 21 Texas Wesleyan University (3-2, 3-0 SAC) looks to maintain its unblemished Sooner Athletic Conference record as it hosts Arkansas Baptist College (2-2, 1-1 SAC) in its home opener Saturday at 2 p.m. CT at North Crowley High School Panther Stadium.
The Rams, riding a three-game conference win streak, aim to continue their dominance over the Buffalos, whom they've shut out 139-0 across two prior meetings (62-0 in 2023, 77-0 in 2024).
Texas Wesleyan's recent 37-21 victory over Nelson on Sept. 27 showcased their offensive balance and defensive prowess. Quarterback Cole Francis threw for 190 yards and three touchdowns—a 24-yard strike to TJ Curtis, a 34-yard pass to Cameron Smith, and a 5-yard toss to Darren White—building a 30-7 halftime lead.
Running back Mark Benjamin added a 1-yard touchdown plunge, while kicker Freddy Joya nailed a 38-yard field goal and went 4-for-4 on extra points. The Rams' defense was relentless, intercepting four passes, with Jaiden Jones grabbing two, and recording three sacks to limit Nelson to just 48 rushing yards on 36 carries.
Special teams sealed the win with Darion Brown recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown. Texas Wesleyan controlled possession for over 43 minutes, converted 7 of 16 third downs, and benefited from punter Tyler Strumila's 49.3-yard average per kick.
Arkansas Baptist, coming off a 35-0 exhibition rout of Community Christian College for homecoming on Sept. 27, has shown resilience but struggles defensively. The Buffalos began 2025 with a 69-0 loss to Houston Christian, managing only 110 yards of offense.
They rebounded with a 34-27 win over Texas College on Sept. 8, where Tyler Strickland threw for 129 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown to Taylor Poole, and Sedrick Hill Jr.'s 9-yard pass to Tavion Rupert clinched the game. A 20-19 comeback at Lyon on Sept. 13 featured Strickland's two long touchdown passes to Cameron Marshall and a game-winning 65-yard run.
However, Nelson exposed their defense in a 59-40 loss, despite Strickland's 426 passing yards and four touchdowns to Jeremiah Rice (59 and 88 yards), Marshall (73 yards), and Jacory Walton (5 yards).
The Rams, who held Nelson to 331 yards compared to Arkansas Baptist's 626 allowed, are poised to exploit the Buffalos' defensive gaps. A win keeps Texas Wesleyan climbing the NAIA polls ahead of Louisiana Christian on Oct. 11.
