FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University football returns to Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, for a non-conference match-up against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The Rams enter the contest 3-3 overall after falling to No. 16 Louisiana Christian University, 42-27, on Oct. 10 in Pineville, Louisiana. Texas Wesleyan is 3-1 in Sooner Athletic Conference play and will look to rebound against a Mary Hardin-Baylor squad that enters the match-up 4-1 following a 33-10 victory over Howard Payne University.
Saturday's contest marks the second consecutive season the programs have met, with the Crusaders earning a 28-19 victory over the Rams on Oct. 18, 2025, in Belton, Texas.
RAMS LOOK TO REBOUND AT HOME
Texas Wesleyan opened its SAC schedule with three consecutive victories over Texas College, Nelson University and Arkansas Baptist College before suffering its first conference loss of the season against Louisiana Christian.
The Rams defeated Texas College 56-20 on Sept. 12 before earning a 41-16 victory over Nelson on Sept. 26. Texas Wesleyan followed with a 34-27 road win over Arkansas Baptist on Oct. 3, continuing its strong start in conference play.
Against Louisiana Christian, the Rams put together 27 points but were unable to overcome the Wildcats' offensive production. Texas Wesleyan will look to use its return home as an opportunity to regain momentum against one of the region's established Division III programs.
With the SAC schedule continuing in the weeks ahead, Saturday's match-up provides another opportunity for the Rams to test themselves against quality competition while preparing for the final stretch of the regular season.
OFFENSE LOOKS TO SET THE PACE
Texas Wesleyan will look to establish its offensive rhythm against a Mary Hardin-Baylor defense that has helped the Crusaders to a 4-1 start.
The Rams have demonstrated their scoring potential throughout the season, including a 56-point performance against Texas College and a 41-point effort against Nelson. Maintaining that production against the Crusaders will be an important factor as Texas Wesleyan attempts to return to the win column.
The Rams will look to generate balance between the running and passing games, sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Ball security and execution in key situations will also be critical against a Mary Hardin-Baylor team that has won four of its first five games.
CRUSADERS BRING MOMENTUM TO FORT WORTH
Mary Hardin-Baylor enters Saturday's match-up following a 33-10 victory over Howard Payne on Oct. 10. The Crusaders also recorded wins over Rowan, Pacific Lutheran and Keystone this season, with their only loss coming in a narrow 28-27 decision against Endicott on Sept. 19.
The Crusaders have shown their offensive capabilities throughout the season, scoring at least 29 points in four of their five games. Their 64-14 victory over Keystone on Oct. 3 highlighted the team's ability to produce points in bunches.
Defensively, Mary Hardin-Baylor limited Howard Payne to 10 points in its most recent outing. The Crusaders will look to carry that defensive performance into Saturday's game while challenging the Rams to execute consistently on offense.
HISTORY
The two programs last met on Oct. 18, 2025, when Mary Hardin-Baylor claimed a 28-19 victory in Belton.
Texas Wesleyan will look to even the recent series and defend its home field in the return match-up. Saturday's contest also provides the Rams with an opportunity to measure their progress against a team that has consistently competed at a high level in NCAA Division III football.
UP NEXT
Following Saturday's match-up, Texas Wesleyan returns to SAC play with a road contest against Langston University on Oct. 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at W.E. Anderson Stadium in Langston, Oklahoma.
The Rams will then return home on Oct. 31 to host Oklahoma Panhandle State University for Senior Day at Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
