A day of celebration and festivities across campus is highlighted by McMurry University taking on Texas Lutheran University in its 2022 Homecoming Game Saturday, Oct. 22. It's also Senior Day 2022 for cheerleading and football pre-game and the marching band at halftime. The 2021 American Southwest Conference women's cross country champions will receive their rings during a special halftime ceremony proceeding with the introduction of the Homecoming royalty and the band seniors and their performance.

Kickoff at Wilford Moore Stadium is 1 p.m.

This War Hawks weekly football outlook is presented by First Financial Bank.

SERIES HISTORY: Two of the previous five meetings against the Bulldogs have been decided by 10 points or less. TLU held off a pair of potential fourth-quarter scoring chances by the War Hawks to claim a 28-21 triumph in Seguin last year.

Texas Lutheran has won five in a row and leads 20-13 all-time against McMurry. The War Hawks last triumph occurred in 2011 when they posted 60 points on the road in a 60-16 final.

Saturday's match-up will be the first played in Abilene since 2017.

OPPORTUNISTIC DEFENSE GUIDES MCMURRY: Two sacks, a scoop and score, and six tackles for losses helped provide a roadmap for McMurry to its first overall and American Southwest Conference victory on Oct. 15.

The War Hawks, looking to snap a 10-game program skid that dated back to the mid-stages of 2021, used a 21-0 blitzkrieg over the first 25 minutes at Austin College's Jerry Apple Stadium to fuel a 24-21 decision. The roll started with the host 'Roos crossing midfield on their first offensive attempt.

A forced fumble caused by senior defensive lineman Devin Nixon (Vidor, Texas) was picked up on a dead sprint by sophomore defensive back Timothy Leatherman (Ingram, Texas), who cruised 58 yards to the end zone. Head coach Jordan Neal's defensive unit kept the pressure coming on the ensuing home team possessions, allowing only 51 yards on 16 plays. The offense responded with two impressive 80-plus-yard marches that wound up with touchdowns, as senior running back Rajan Cunningham (Dallas, Texas) crashed in from three yards out in the first instance. Junior running back Jack Ishmael (Paradise, Texas), taking advantage of an appearance in the offensive backfield, weaved his way to pay dirt from 12 yards for a three-score lead early in the second frame.

Austin College made a few nervous moments for their guests down the stretch. Even with a turnover on downs inside their own 30, the 'Roos still battled to within 24-21 thanks to a blocked field goal and touchdowns late in the third and fourth stanzas. The home team nearly brought it all the way back, recovering an onside kick after their final score, but a 54-yard field goal with less than a minute remaining was missed.

Senior defensive back Ke'Shaun Jnofinn (Baytown, Texas) led the defensive output with nine tackles, one for a loss, and a pass breakup. The sophomore duo of linebacker Herman Lee (Prosper, Texas) and defensive lineman Kane Strohman (Katy, Texas) each tallied a sack, too.

Offensively, it was a second straight 150-yard-plus passing outing for junior quarterback Dexter Wyble. The Humble, Texas, native threw for 218 yards, as senior wide receiver Jermond Lovely (Dayton, Texas), Cunningham, and the sophomore wide receiver trio of Reed Hughes (Abilene, Texas), Xavier Williams (Waco, Texas), and Kyle Canada (Breckenridge, Texas) each had two-or-more receptions.

NCAA STATISTICS CHECK: Four categories reside in the high-rent district of the NCAA Division III national numbers through Oct. 15.

Along team lines, head coach Jordan Neal's special teams unit is allowing the second-lowest punt return yardage average. The War Hawks are sixth in the fewest fumbles lost (one).

Individually, senior placekicker Jared Mendoza (Fort Worth, Texas) stands eighth nationally in field goals per game (one). Junior special teams standout Kristopher Martin (El Paso, Texas) is 13^th in punt return yardage per attempt (14.6).

TUNE IN TO THE WAR HAWKS: Fans can view live audio, stats, and video by going to the McMurry University football schedule home page and clicking on the link next to the game date against Texas Lutheran University. David Bacon and John Blackwell, The Voice of War Hawks football, provide each exciting moment along 101.7 FM, The Raider, by visiting https://www.1017theraider.com/ and clicking on the "Listen" link at the top of the page.

NEAL NOTES: "It was a thrill to see our players put it all together and get the win against Austin College," McMurry's head coach said. "We took advantage of an early mistake by Austin College and managed to build a solid lead from there.

Austin College never quit and made things very difficult for us late, but our guys stepped up and did what it took to win. We talk about the fact that you can't let your foot off the accelerator at any time in the ASC," Neal continued. "Every team in the ASC is competitive, and you can never take anything for granted."  

"As we move into the season's final stages, I see our team playing with great confidence and unity," Neal said. "A homecoming win against TLU would be a huge deal for our program, and we have had a great week of preparation to play to our maximum potential this Saturday." 
 
ALPINE AWAITS: A southwestern Texas trip is next for McMurry when they take on Sul Ross State University Saturday, Oct. 29. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at Jackson Field.