FORT WORTH - Texas Wesleyan University (6-4, 6-1 SAC) aims to rebound from a tough loss as it hosts Wayland Baptist University (6-2, 5-2 SAC) in a pivotal regular-season finale Saturday at 2 p.m. at Crowley ISD Stadium.

The Rams, coming off a 42-35 defeat to unbeaten Ottawa University Arizona, look to secure a strong finish on Senior Day against a Pioneers team riding a six-game winning streak.

Texas Wesleyan led much of its last outing but faltered in the fourth quarter, allowing 14 unanswered points. Running back Zykeelan Hadnot paced the Rams with 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, while defensive back Javari Sanders contributed a 60-yard interception return for a score.

Quarterback Cole Francis completed 9 of 24 passes for 133 yards but threw three interceptions. Kicker Freddy Joya was flawless on five extra points. The loss dropped the Rams to 6-4 overall, snapping their momentum heading into this match-up.

Wayland Baptist, meanwhile, has turned its season around after an 0-2 start in conference play. The Pioneers opened with lopsided road losses — 49-7 to No. 18 Ottawa Arizona on Sept. 6 and 43-37 to Louisiana Christian on Sept. 13 — but have since reeled off six straight victories, including a 45-27 home win over Nelson University (Texas) on Nov. 1.

That streak ties the program's longest and features balanced offense, averaging over 42 points in the last five games. Key wins include a 73-47 shootout against Texas College on Sept. 27, their highest-scoring game, and a 45-8 rout of Arkansas Baptist on Oct. 25.
The Pioneers boast a perfect 4-0 home record but are 2-2 on the road, where Saturday's contest will be played. A victory could boost them to 7-2 overall and improve their SAC standing for potential postseason play.

Texas Wesleyan, undefeated at home in the series, holds a 6-1 edge over Wayland Baptist since 2017, including a current five-game win streak. The Rams' most recent triumph was a 66-35 road win on Oct. 26, 2024, but their only series loss came in Plainview in 2018 (41-30).
History favors Texas Wesleyan, outscoring the Pioneers 290-172 across seven meetings, averaging 41.4 points per game. Largest margin: a 63-7 blowout in 2021. Smallest: 24-13 in 2023.

Wayland Baptist's hot streak and offensive firepower could challenge the Rams' defense, which struggled against Ottawa's Luke Giron (299 passing yards, four TDs). Stakes are high: A Rams win leaves playoff hopes alive; for the Pioneers, it's a chance to snap the skid and cap a resilient year.