2021 FCS Season Preview: Abilene Christian
Abilene Christian (1-5) struggled during an abbreviated fall season, dropping a game to D-II Angelo State, and playing three FBS opponents.
It is a disappointing trend for a program that cleared the .500 mark in 2018.
Quarterback Peyton Mansell emerged as a capable option under center, completing 62 percent of his passes for 1,237 yards in six games. Adam Dorrel added several high-profile transfers, including former Texas offensive lineman Reese Moore, Texas State running back Anthony Smith and linebacker John Brannon.
Impact Players
WR Kobe Clark: Had 26 catches for 362 yards and four touchdowns last fall.
RB Jermiah Dobbins: Had 42 carries for 222 yards and five touchdowns in six games a year ago.
DE Jordan Paup: ACU’s top returning pass-rusher with 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Key Game: November 13 vs. Tarleton
Abilene Christian
| Home | Time/Results | Away | Venue | Match Day | TV/Streaming | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abilene Christian  | 9 - 56 |  SMU | Gerald Ford Stadium | Dallas, TX | - | - |
Louisiana College  | 7 - 62 | Abilene Christian | Wildcat Stadium (Abilene Christian) | Abilene, TX | - | - |
UT Permian Basin  | Abilene Christian | Wildcat Stadium (Abilene Christian) | Abilene, TX | - | - | |
| Abilene Christian |  Lamar | Provost Umphrey Stadium | Beaumont, TX | - | - | |
Central Arkansas  | Abilene Christian | Wildcat Stadium (Abilene Christian) | Abilene, TX | - | - | |
| Abilene Christian |  Eastern Kentucky | Roy Kidd Stadium | Richmond, KY | - | - | |
| Lamar | Abilene Christian | Wildcat Stadium (Abilene Christian) | Abilene, TX | - | - | |
| Abilene Christian |  Stephen F. Austin | Homer Bryce Stadium | Nacogdoches, TX | - | - | |
| Abilene Christian |  Jacksonville State | JSU Stadium | Jacksonville, AL | - | - | |
Tarleton  | Abilene Christian | Wildcat Stadium (Abilene Christian) | Abilene, TX | - | - | |
Sam Houston  | Abilene Christian | Wildcat Stadium (Abilene Christian) | Abilene, TX | - | - |
Worst Case: The many transfers Adam Dorrell are bringing in fail to come together, and by the time the Central Arkansas game rolls around, a reeling Wildcat team streaks to the bottom of the ASUN-WAC challenge.
Best Case: A feather-light out-of-conference schedule, including two sub-D-I’s and a non-conference tilt against Lamar, allow the team to come together and challenge Central Arkansas and Eastern Kentucky in back-to-back weeks.
Rob Butler is a lifelong Texas A&M football fan – his family is full of A&M graduates. He graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas with two degrees – a BBA in Finance and an MBA. His hobbies include jogging and reading books pertaining to college football.
