FORT WORTH – The Texas Wesleyan University Rams (1-2) hit the road Saturday for their return to Sooner Athletic Conference play, facing off against the Nelson University Lions (1-2, 1-1 SAC) in a match-up that carries the weight of a growing rivalry.
Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CT at Lions Stadium in Waxahachie, Texas, where the Rams aim to shake off a non-conference defeat and reassert their dominance in the series.
Texas Wesleyan enters this week after a 61-13 loss at UT Rio Grande Valley on September 20. The Rams showed early flashes, including a touchdown drive, but couldn't sustain momentum against the Vaqueros' explosive offense, allowing over 500 yards on the ground alone. Prior to that, TXWES opened the season with a convincing 52-13 rout of Texas College on September 13, highlighting a balanced attack that racked up 450 yards of total offense. With veteran defenders like redshirt senior linebacker
Sir Hill and senior defensive lineman
Daniel Aigbogun anchoring the front seven, the Rams will need to rediscover their physicality to avoid another defensive meltdown.
Meanwhile, Nelson is riding high after securing their first win of the season, a wild 59-40 shootout victory over Arkansas Baptist on September 20. The Lions overcame a sluggish 0-2 start—marked by narrow losses in non-conference tilts—with a second-half explosion, outscoring the Buffaloes 37-6 after halftime. Running back Traveon Jones and wide receiver Judah Holtzclaw combined for over 250 yards and four touchdowns in the win, while defensive back Ronnie Murphy's opportunistic play (including a key pick-six from teammate Smith) flipped the script. Nelson's offense has averaged 26.3 points per game but has struggled to contain opponents, surrendering 35 per contest.
The history between these two programs adds intrigue to the "287 Showdown" as both schools sit along the Dallas-Fort Worth corridor. Since their first meeting in 2017—a 42-7 Nelson blowout—the series has tilted firmly in Texas Wesleyan's favor. The Rams hold a 5-3 edge over the last eight encounters, including a dominant 76-19 rout of the Lions on October 19, 2024, where TXWES piled on 600+ yards. Nelson's lone recent win came in 2021 (24-21), but the Rams have won the last four meetings by an average margin of 35 points, often exploiting mismatches in the trenches. This will be the ninth clash overall, with Texas Wesleyan seeking to extend its streak in Waxahachie, where the Rams have won their last two visits.
Key Things to Watch For:
- Rams' Run Defense vs. Lions' Ground Game: Nelson leaned on Jones' legs for 120 yards last week, but TXWES allowed UTRGV to gash them for 550 rushing yards. Can Hill and Aigbogun stuff the box and force Holtzclaw into third-and-long situations?
- Francis' Redemption Arc: After completing 15-of-32 passes for 217 yards and a score against UTRGV, the junior QB needs to air it out against a Nelson secondary that's intercepted just two passes this season. Look for early rhythm passes to wideouts like Paul Summers.
- Special Teams Spark: Both teams have thrived on return yards—Nelson averaged 25 per kickoff last week—making field position crucial in a stadium known for its windy afternoons.
- Conference Implications: In the return to SAC play for TXWES (preseason No. 1 in the coaches' poll), a win keeps them in the playoff hunt early, while Nelson eyes an upset to build on their thriller momentum and climb from the cellar.
As the Texas Wesleyan Rams and Nelson University Lions gear up for their SAC showdown in Waxahachie, both teams know the stakes are high in this pivotal early-season clash. With the Rams looking to continue their dominance in the series and the Lions hungry to pull off an upset behind their dynamic offense, Saturday's 2 p.m. CT kickoff promises an electric atmosphere at Lumpkins Stadium.
Whether it's Francis finding his groove, Nelson's playmakers breaking loose, or a game-changing special teams play, this "287 Showdown" will set the tone for both squads' conference campaigns.
