LC vs McMurry Preview

One week after a heartbreaking 64-62 shootout loss to rival East Texas Baptist on homecoming and senior night, the Wildcats will look to respond with a quality performance agaisnt one of the conferences toughest defenses in McMurry. The War Hawks rank third in the American Southwest Conference in total defense this year. They allow just over 400 yards per game on average but what make the War Hawks so dangerous is the playmakers they have on that side of the ball.  Defensive back #24 Jordan Washington has had a tremendous run over the past few weeks with an interception return for a touchdown in three consecutive games and four interceptions total over that span. In total this year McMurry has 22 takeaways and eight defensive touchdowns on those takeaways.

The Wildcats have done a better job the past two weeks limiting the turnovers that killed them in previous weeks.  After a combined eight turnovers in the losses to Hardin-Simmons and Sul Ross, LC has only turned the ball over three times in the last two games, all against ETBU, while forcing seven turnovers during that same span.  Easton Melancon and Shedrick Davis are coming off of record breaking performances against ETBU last week and the matchup in the secondary with players like Washington will the one to keep an eye on throughout the game.

The War Hawks offensively have been something of a mix bag this year.  The numbers that the War Hawks have put up this year rank towards the bottom of the ASC, especially in the passing categories.  McMury ranks last in the conference in passing offense with only 937 yards through the air in their six games, a 156.2 yard per game average. They have had some success in the run game thus far with a 149.3 yard per game average to this point.  Most of the offensive attack runs through quarterback B.J. Ross, who is the team's leading passer and rusher this year. Between the two Ross averages close to 200 yards of offense per game and has the ability to break away and make big plays with his feet.

The Wildcats were able to have some success against a similar attack at Sul Ross keeping their quarterback rushes in check for much of the game, and they will have to do much of the same this week against McMurry.  Ryan DeMattie has had a career year so far and he and linebacker Mike Collins will be tasked with making sure Ross does not get to far away from their reach.  If LC are able to contain the McMurry scramble and force him to through, the Wildcats secondary could have another exciting game.

The Wildcats play the final two games of the 2016 season on the road, they take on McMurry this week and will travel to Mary Hardin-Baylor next week in the season finale.  Kickoff for the game Saturday in Abeline, TX against McMurry is scheduled for 2pm and can be heard on 104.3 FM The Bridge or watched via live stream at lcwildcats.net.