Gameday Links

ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University's football team will finally get a helping of "home cooking" this Saturday when it plays its first game of the season at Wilford Moore Stadium, versus Oklahoma Panhandle State. The War Hawks, who are 0-3, will be searching for victory No. 1 this year, while the Aggies will put their 1-3 record on the line.

"We're excited to play at Wilford Moore Stadium and for people to come out to 'The Moore'," McM head coach Mason Miller said. "We're excited about the new stadium and the new turf. It's 'Military Appreciation Day' and we'll be wearing the 'camo' uniforms, so the kids are excited about that.

"Just to be able to play in front of our home crowd; there's lots of stuff going on around campus and lots of spirit. Our fans want to see their team play. We're excited to come home."

OPSU and McMurry will clash on the gridiron for the 23rd time on Saturday. The War Hawks own a 15-7 advantage over the Aggies in the series. McM is on the longest win-skein in the series – five straight – and have come out on top in eight of the last nine match-ups.

Included in that total was last year's 42-33 win by McM in Goodwell, Okla.  In last year's outing, OPSU held McM to a minus-18 yards on the ground.  But what they lacked on land, the War Hawks more than made up for by air. Then quarterback Jake Mullen completed 34-of-45 passes for 440 yards and five aerial touchdowns in the win.

Eric Shaffer had six grabs for 133 yards. Greg Livingston added nine catches for 96 yards and two TDs. Joshua Chatman, Paxton Grayer and Chris Simpson all had TD receptions, as well.

Ryan Williams and Malique Cage had eight and seven tackles, respectively, to lead the defense.

Thus far in 2013, both of these teams have lost to some perennial powers and upper-division opponents. OPSU has a victory over Sterling College, while dropping games at Lamar University, Adams State and Montana (the #9-ranked team in the NCAA I FCS).

McMurry has lost at NCAA I FCS foes Abilene Christian and Stephen F. Austin, as well as at Lone Star Conference member Texas A&M-Kingsville.

In last week's action, both teams battled back from early deficits to give creditable performances in tough losses. The Aggies trailed Montana 31-0 after one quarter, but fought back to make the final score 47-14 in  Missoula, Mt.

Similarly, McMurry found itself down 28-0 in partisan Javelina Stadium at Kingsville. Like the Aggies, the War Hawks clawed their way back into the game with a strong second half, but were not able to overtake TAMUK, 52-32. McM freshman quarterback Gabe Rodriguez came off the bench to complete 29-of-52 passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns.

"(OPSU) is a good outfit," said Miller. "Coach Gaskamp does a good job and I know he just got off of a long bus trip, too, playing at Montana. They're kind of in the same boat we are, having played up (a division) in two games.

"We've got to be ready to go."