2019 NCAA Division I College Football Team Previews: Abilene Christian Wildcats
Abilene Christian Wildcats
Location: Abilene, TX
Coach: Adam Dorrell (8-14), 3rd Season at Abilene Christian
Stadium: Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium (Capacity 12,000)
CSJ Projections:
6th: Southland
13th: Texas
53rd: FCS
177th: Division I
2018 In a Sentence: For a team that has only been in the FCS since 2013, a 6-5 overall record was a step in the right direction for Abilene Christian. The Wildcats left a good taste in the mouths of their fan base winning 4 of their last 5 games including victories over top Southland teams Nicholls and Sam Houston State.
Biggest Shoes to Fill: Expectations. Abilene Christian returns all of their top players on both sides of the ball. They will be expected to improve on the 6-5 record. The key for this team will be to continue to work hard and not listen to the outside noise.
Key Player: QB Luke Anthony had a huge year in 2018 throwing for 3019 yards and 23 touchdowns with just 9 interceptions while completing 66% of his passes. The rising junior is the unquestioned leader of an offense that returns its top backs and receivers. Anthony has the potential to flirt with the 3500 yard mark. Keep your eye on him as an outside contender for the Walter Payton award.
Fearless Prediction: With all the experience that Abilene Christian returns, CSJ’s projection of 6th in the conference seems low. Look for the Wildcats to far exceed that prediction and threaten for a playoff spot if not the Southland title if everything falls just right.
Jamie is a proud 2002 graduate of James Madison University. He’s witnessed the growth of the program from no one in the stands in 1998, to the hiring of Mickey Matthews, to the 2004 National Championship, to the 2008 team, to the struggles in the early 2010s, and finally the rebuild under Mike Houston. He also allegedly really enjoys Washington, DC-based Stanley Cup winners.
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