ursus arctos horribilis
September 20th, 2021, 02:37 PM
TICKETSMARTER WAC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK ANNOUNCED
Stephen F. Austin’s Xavier Gipson, Abilene Christian’s Jordan Paup and Lamar’s Bailey Giffin have been named TicketSmarter Western Athletic Conference Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for September 13 through September 19.
Gipson, a junior wide receiver from Dallas, was lightning in a bottle for the ‘Jacks on Saturday, night, hauling in three receptions for 131 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 48-yard scamper in the first quarter to open the scoring. He also made an impact on special teams, running back a punt 70 yards for his third touchdown of the game. His 112.3 yards per game rank first in the WAC this season and his three receiving touchdowns tie him for second in the league.
Paup, a redshirt-freshman defensive end from Central City, Neb., had a breakout game to lead the Wildcat defense in a 34-9 win over UT Permian Basin. In addition to recording three tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack, he took an interception 22 yards to the house to swing the momentum back towards ACU late in the first half.
Giffen, a senior kicker from Bryan, Texas, enjoyed a sunny afternoon kicking at altitude, tying the game with just six seconds left to play on a 26-yard field goal and making both PATs following Lamar touchdowns as part of a 17-10 overtime win at Northern Colorado. In addition to splitting the uprights, he averaged 42.1 yards per punt to leave the Bears deep in their own territory all game long.
Other offensive nominees: Abilene Christian’s Kobe Clark moved into fifth all-time on ACU’s career receptions list with nine catches, adding a score in a 34-9 win over UT Permian Basin … Dixie State’s Kenyon Oblad threw for 342 yards with four touchdowns in the Trailblazers’ 60-27 loss to 12th-ranked UC Davis on Saturday night … Lamar’s Chaz Ward scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime as the Cardinals knocked off Northern Colorado, 17-10, on the road … Tarleton’s Tariq Bitson scored three touchdowns on the first three Texan drives in a 40-35 loss to Southern Utah.
Other defensive nominees: Dixie State’s Tyrell Grayson tied the school’s single-game record with 19 tackles, including 15 solo, in the Trailblazers’ loss on the road at 12th-ranked UC Davis … Lamar’s Desmond Veals finished the day with four tackles, including 3.5 behind the line of scrimmage, as the Cardinals earned a 17-10 overtime road win at Northern Colorado … Stephen F. Austin’s Myles Brooks picked off his third pass of the season, returning it 14 yards for a touchdown, in the ‘Jacks 58-13 win over Mississippi Valley State … Tarleton’s Devin Hafford had a pair of interceptions in the Texans’ 40-35 loss to future WAC foe Southern Utah.
Other special teams nominees: Dixie State’s Jalen Powell racked up 106 yards on five kickoff returns, adding 107 receiving yards for 213 all-purpose yards … Stephen F. Austin kicker Chris Campos was 3-for-4 on field goals and 7-for-7 on PATs in the ‘Jacks 58-13 win over Mississippi Valley State … Tarleton’s Jake Walrath averaged 43.5 yards per punt and was the holder as the Texans were 5-for-5 on PATs.
KICKING OFF
The WAC-ASUN Challenge, also known as the AQ7, officially begins this week as top-ranked Sam Houston travels to 24/25th ranked Central Arkansas for a 4 p.m. CT kick on ESPN+. In other game, WAC members Abilene Christian and Lamar will meet up in a non-conference game in Beaumont, Stephen F. Austin will host first-year Division II program Lincoln (Calif.) and Tarleton plays host to New Mexico Highlands.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
As a team, Sam Houston leads the WAC in scoring offense (47.0), scoring defense (15.0), yards per offensive play (7.78), total offense (560.5), rushing offense (291.0), yards per rush (7.56), rushing yards (291.0) and third-down conversion percentage (50.0). Stephen F. Austin in the leader in total defnese (293.0), defensive pass efficiency (88.8), passing offense (317.3), passing defense (170.0), field goals made (8), punt return average (16.6), interceptions (7), turnover margin (+2.7), opponents third-down conversion (30.8) and time of possession (33:18). Abilene Christian has the lead in touchdowns scored (14), pass effiency (155.1) and pass completion percentage (66.7) while Tarleton has the lead in first downs (25.0).
Individually, SHSU’s Ramon Jefferson is the leader in rushing (148.0) and all purpose yards (148.0). SFA’s Trae Self is tops in total offense (278.33) and passing average (264.0) while teammate Chris Campos has the lead in scoring at 11.33 points per game. SFA wide receiver Xavier Gipson is tops in receiving yards (112.33) and Dixie State’s Jalen Powell is tops in receptions/game (7.67). SFA punter Max Quick is the leader in punting yards (48.27) while Campos is the leader in field goals (8). On defense, Dixie State’s Tyrell Grayson is the leader in tackles (12.33) and SFA’s BJ Thompson has the lead in total sacks (3). Thompson and teammate Amad Murray also share the lead in fumbles forced (2) while fellow Jack Myles Brooks has a WAC-high three interceptions on the year.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
Sam Houston remains the top team in the two major FCS polls, ranking first in both the STATS Perform Top 25 and AFCA Coaches’ Top 25. The Bearkats are also second in the College Sports Madness Top 25 and fourth in the Athlon Sports Top 25. Stephen F. Austin is among those receiving votes in both the STATS and AFCA polls.
FREE FOOTBALL
Lamar’s 17-10 win over Northern Colorado was the WAC’s first overtime game of the FCS era and the 59th in the conference’s history since college overtime was introduced in 1996.
GUESS WHO’S BACK?
It’s a new era as football returns for the WAC for the first time since 2012, this time at the Football Championship Subdivision. Led by defending FCS national champion Sam Houston, the new incarnation of WAC football will also include Abilene Christian, Dixie State, Lamar, Stephen F. Austin and Tarleton. In 50 years at the FBS level, the WAC was home to the consensus 1984 national champion (Brigham Young), the winner of the 1990 Heisman Trophy (Ty Detmer, QB, Brigham Young) and the first pick of the 2002 NFL Draft (David Carr, QB, Fresno State).
PRESEASON HONORS
Fresh off winning the tophy, Sam Houston had a pair of players pick up Preseason All-America honors, earning a spot on the Athlon Preseason All-America team. Defensive lineman Jahari Kay and teammate Jequez Ezzard (punt returner) earned the recognition.
Seven WAC football players were recognized on the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Teams. Kay, Ezzard and Sam Houston defensive back Zyon McCollum earned first team honors. Sam Houston Quarterback Eric Schmid was joined by teammate Joseph Wallace and SFA receiver Xavier Gipson on the second team. SHSU offensive lineman Colby Thomas was a third team selection.
IN THE RUNNING
Sam Houston quarterback Eric Schmid and wide receiver/returner Jequez Ezzard are among 35 players named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List, which is presented to the top offensive player nationally in collegie football’s Division I championship subdivision.
On the other side of the ball, SHSU’s Jahari Kay and Zyon McCollum are on the watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player nationally in FCS.
PLAYING THE BEST
Not looking to shy away from anyone, Dixie State has one of the toughest schedules in FCS, taking on four non-conference opponents that played in last spring’s FCS tournament, in addition to traveling to WAC-foe Sam Houston. The four members of the AQ7 will also take on Jacksonville State, who represented the Ohio Valley Conference in the FCS playoffs.
Non-Conference Games Against 2020 FCS Playoff Teams
Sep. 11 - Weber State at Dixie State
Oct. 2 - Dixie State at South Dakota State
Oct. 9 - Stephen F. Austin at Jacksonville State (AQ7)
Oct. 23 - Jacksonville State at Sam Houston (AQ7)
Oct. 30 - Dixie State at Delaware
Nov. 6 - Abilene Christian at Jacksonville State (AQ7)
Nov. 13 - Jacksonville State at Lamar (AQ7)
Nov. 20 - Missouri State at Dixie State
WAC FOOTBALL ON ESPN
As part of an expanded multi-year, multi-platform media rights agreement announced on Aug. 24, all home football games in the WAC for the next four years will reside on ESPN platforms. In addition, all home men’s and women’s basketball, as well as other select events, will be housed on ESPN digital platforms.
COACHES SELECT SAM HOUSTON, SCHMID, KAY AS PRESEASON FAVORITES
With college football returning to the Western Athletic Conference for the first time since 2012, defending national champion Sam Houston is the favorite to win the 2021 WAC title while Bearkats quarterback Eric Schmid and defensive lineman Jahari Kay were selected WAC Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively, in a vote of the league’s six head coaches, who could not vote for their own team or players.
Schmid led the Preseason All-WAC Offense and is joined by teammates Ramon Jefferson, Jequez Ezzard, Isaac Schley, Eleasah Anderson, Prince Pines and Colby Thomas. Stephen F. Austin was represented by Xavier Gipson and Zach Ingram while Tarleton earned honors from Tariq Bitson and Zachary Perry. Dixie State running back Quali Conley earned the final offensive spot.
On defense, Kay was joined by teammates Trace Mascorro, Joseph Wallace, Quentin Brown, Trevor Williams, Zyon McCollum and Jaylen Thomas. SFA’s Brandon Thompson Jr. and Brevin Randle were recognized, as was Tarleton duo Ronnell Wilson and Devin Hafford. Lamar’s Anthony Ruffin represented the Cardinals in the preseason awards.
On special teams, Sam Houston kicker Seth Morgan and punter Matt McRobert were recognized and Ezzard earned the spot reserved for kick returner.
Sam Houston earned all five possible first place votes to earn 20 points. Stephen F. Austin earned the final first place votes and 16 points to earn second place. Tarleton is picked third with 11 points, followed by Lamar and Abilene Christian. Dixie State, who will be eligible for all individual awards, will not be playing a full WAC schedule due to previous non-conference game contracts.
SAM HOUSTON PICKED TO WIN AQ7
After lifting the NCAA FCS National Championship trophy in May, the Sam Houston Bearkats are expected to return to the postseason as AQ7 champions as voted on by the seven head coaches of the alliance, which made up on four institutions from the Western Athletic Conference and three from the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The Bearkats earned all seven first place votes to score a perfect 49 points. Central Arkansas was picked second with 40 points, followed closely by Jacksonville State in third with 37 points. Stephen F. Austin is fourth with 27 points, followed by Eastern Kentucky, Abilene Christian and Lamar.
COMING SOON
The WAC will expand yet again on July 1, 2022 as Southern Utah University joins the party. The Thunderbirds are currently members of the Big Sky Conference and will make the switch in all sports.
Chris Thompson
Assistant Commissioner - Media Relations
Stephen F. Austin’s Xavier Gipson, Abilene Christian’s Jordan Paup and Lamar’s Bailey Giffin have been named TicketSmarter Western Athletic Conference Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively, for September 13 through September 19.
Gipson, a junior wide receiver from Dallas, was lightning in a bottle for the ‘Jacks on Saturday, night, hauling in three receptions for 131 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 48-yard scamper in the first quarter to open the scoring. He also made an impact on special teams, running back a punt 70 yards for his third touchdown of the game. His 112.3 yards per game rank first in the WAC this season and his three receiving touchdowns tie him for second in the league.
Paup, a redshirt-freshman defensive end from Central City, Neb., had a breakout game to lead the Wildcat defense in a 34-9 win over UT Permian Basin. In addition to recording three tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack, he took an interception 22 yards to the house to swing the momentum back towards ACU late in the first half.
Giffen, a senior kicker from Bryan, Texas, enjoyed a sunny afternoon kicking at altitude, tying the game with just six seconds left to play on a 26-yard field goal and making both PATs following Lamar touchdowns as part of a 17-10 overtime win at Northern Colorado. In addition to splitting the uprights, he averaged 42.1 yards per punt to leave the Bears deep in their own territory all game long.
Other offensive nominees: Abilene Christian’s Kobe Clark moved into fifth all-time on ACU’s career receptions list with nine catches, adding a score in a 34-9 win over UT Permian Basin … Dixie State’s Kenyon Oblad threw for 342 yards with four touchdowns in the Trailblazers’ 60-27 loss to 12th-ranked UC Davis on Saturday night … Lamar’s Chaz Ward scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime as the Cardinals knocked off Northern Colorado, 17-10, on the road … Tarleton’s Tariq Bitson scored three touchdowns on the first three Texan drives in a 40-35 loss to Southern Utah.
Other defensive nominees: Dixie State’s Tyrell Grayson tied the school’s single-game record with 19 tackles, including 15 solo, in the Trailblazers’ loss on the road at 12th-ranked UC Davis … Lamar’s Desmond Veals finished the day with four tackles, including 3.5 behind the line of scrimmage, as the Cardinals earned a 17-10 overtime road win at Northern Colorado … Stephen F. Austin’s Myles Brooks picked off his third pass of the season, returning it 14 yards for a touchdown, in the ‘Jacks 58-13 win over Mississippi Valley State … Tarleton’s Devin Hafford had a pair of interceptions in the Texans’ 40-35 loss to future WAC foe Southern Utah.
Other special teams nominees: Dixie State’s Jalen Powell racked up 106 yards on five kickoff returns, adding 107 receiving yards for 213 all-purpose yards … Stephen F. Austin kicker Chris Campos was 3-for-4 on field goals and 7-for-7 on PATs in the ‘Jacks 58-13 win over Mississippi Valley State … Tarleton’s Jake Walrath averaged 43.5 yards per punt and was the holder as the Texans were 5-for-5 on PATs.
KICKING OFF
The WAC-ASUN Challenge, also known as the AQ7, officially begins this week as top-ranked Sam Houston travels to 24/25th ranked Central Arkansas for a 4 p.m. CT kick on ESPN+. In other game, WAC members Abilene Christian and Lamar will meet up in a non-conference game in Beaumont, Stephen F. Austin will host first-year Division II program Lincoln (Calif.) and Tarleton plays host to New Mexico Highlands.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
As a team, Sam Houston leads the WAC in scoring offense (47.0), scoring defense (15.0), yards per offensive play (7.78), total offense (560.5), rushing offense (291.0), yards per rush (7.56), rushing yards (291.0) and third-down conversion percentage (50.0). Stephen F. Austin in the leader in total defnese (293.0), defensive pass efficiency (88.8), passing offense (317.3), passing defense (170.0), field goals made (8), punt return average (16.6), interceptions (7), turnover margin (+2.7), opponents third-down conversion (30.8) and time of possession (33:18). Abilene Christian has the lead in touchdowns scored (14), pass effiency (155.1) and pass completion percentage (66.7) while Tarleton has the lead in first downs (25.0).
Individually, SHSU’s Ramon Jefferson is the leader in rushing (148.0) and all purpose yards (148.0). SFA’s Trae Self is tops in total offense (278.33) and passing average (264.0) while teammate Chris Campos has the lead in scoring at 11.33 points per game. SFA wide receiver Xavier Gipson is tops in receiving yards (112.33) and Dixie State’s Jalen Powell is tops in receptions/game (7.67). SFA punter Max Quick is the leader in punting yards (48.27) while Campos is the leader in field goals (8). On defense, Dixie State’s Tyrell Grayson is the leader in tackles (12.33) and SFA’s BJ Thompson has the lead in total sacks (3). Thompson and teammate Amad Murray also share the lead in fumbles forced (2) while fellow Jack Myles Brooks has a WAC-high three interceptions on the year.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
Sam Houston remains the top team in the two major FCS polls, ranking first in both the STATS Perform Top 25 and AFCA Coaches’ Top 25. The Bearkats are also second in the College Sports Madness Top 25 and fourth in the Athlon Sports Top 25. Stephen F. Austin is among those receiving votes in both the STATS and AFCA polls.
FREE FOOTBALL
Lamar’s 17-10 win over Northern Colorado was the WAC’s first overtime game of the FCS era and the 59th in the conference’s history since college overtime was introduced in 1996.
GUESS WHO’S BACK?
It’s a new era as football returns for the WAC for the first time since 2012, this time at the Football Championship Subdivision. Led by defending FCS national champion Sam Houston, the new incarnation of WAC football will also include Abilene Christian, Dixie State, Lamar, Stephen F. Austin and Tarleton. In 50 years at the FBS level, the WAC was home to the consensus 1984 national champion (Brigham Young), the winner of the 1990 Heisman Trophy (Ty Detmer, QB, Brigham Young) and the first pick of the 2002 NFL Draft (David Carr, QB, Fresno State).
PRESEASON HONORS
Fresh off winning the tophy, Sam Houston had a pair of players pick up Preseason All-America honors, earning a spot on the Athlon Preseason All-America team. Defensive lineman Jahari Kay and teammate Jequez Ezzard (punt returner) earned the recognition.
Seven WAC football players were recognized on the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Teams. Kay, Ezzard and Sam Houston defensive back Zyon McCollum earned first team honors. Sam Houston Quarterback Eric Schmid was joined by teammate Joseph Wallace and SFA receiver Xavier Gipson on the second team. SHSU offensive lineman Colby Thomas was a third team selection.
IN THE RUNNING
Sam Houston quarterback Eric Schmid and wide receiver/returner Jequez Ezzard are among 35 players named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List, which is presented to the top offensive player nationally in collegie football’s Division I championship subdivision.
On the other side of the ball, SHSU’s Jahari Kay and Zyon McCollum are on the watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award, which goes to the top defensive player nationally in FCS.
PLAYING THE BEST
Not looking to shy away from anyone, Dixie State has one of the toughest schedules in FCS, taking on four non-conference opponents that played in last spring’s FCS tournament, in addition to traveling to WAC-foe Sam Houston. The four members of the AQ7 will also take on Jacksonville State, who represented the Ohio Valley Conference in the FCS playoffs.
Non-Conference Games Against 2020 FCS Playoff Teams
Sep. 11 - Weber State at Dixie State
Oct. 2 - Dixie State at South Dakota State
Oct. 9 - Stephen F. Austin at Jacksonville State (AQ7)
Oct. 23 - Jacksonville State at Sam Houston (AQ7)
Oct. 30 - Dixie State at Delaware
Nov. 6 - Abilene Christian at Jacksonville State (AQ7)
Nov. 13 - Jacksonville State at Lamar (AQ7)
Nov. 20 - Missouri State at Dixie State
WAC FOOTBALL ON ESPN
As part of an expanded multi-year, multi-platform media rights agreement announced on Aug. 24, all home football games in the WAC for the next four years will reside on ESPN platforms. In addition, all home men’s and women’s basketball, as well as other select events, will be housed on ESPN digital platforms.
COACHES SELECT SAM HOUSTON, SCHMID, KAY AS PRESEASON FAVORITES
With college football returning to the Western Athletic Conference for the first time since 2012, defending national champion Sam Houston is the favorite to win the 2021 WAC title while Bearkats quarterback Eric Schmid and defensive lineman Jahari Kay were selected WAC Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively, in a vote of the league’s six head coaches, who could not vote for their own team or players.
Schmid led the Preseason All-WAC Offense and is joined by teammates Ramon Jefferson, Jequez Ezzard, Isaac Schley, Eleasah Anderson, Prince Pines and Colby Thomas. Stephen F. Austin was represented by Xavier Gipson and Zach Ingram while Tarleton earned honors from Tariq Bitson and Zachary Perry. Dixie State running back Quali Conley earned the final offensive spot.
On defense, Kay was joined by teammates Trace Mascorro, Joseph Wallace, Quentin Brown, Trevor Williams, Zyon McCollum and Jaylen Thomas. SFA’s Brandon Thompson Jr. and Brevin Randle were recognized, as was Tarleton duo Ronnell Wilson and Devin Hafford. Lamar’s Anthony Ruffin represented the Cardinals in the preseason awards.
On special teams, Sam Houston kicker Seth Morgan and punter Matt McRobert were recognized and Ezzard earned the spot reserved for kick returner.
Sam Houston earned all five possible first place votes to earn 20 points. Stephen F. Austin earned the final first place votes and 16 points to earn second place. Tarleton is picked third with 11 points, followed by Lamar and Abilene Christian. Dixie State, who will be eligible for all individual awards, will not be playing a full WAC schedule due to previous non-conference game contracts.
SAM HOUSTON PICKED TO WIN AQ7
After lifting the NCAA FCS National Championship trophy in May, the Sam Houston Bearkats are expected to return to the postseason as AQ7 champions as voted on by the seven head coaches of the alliance, which made up on four institutions from the Western Athletic Conference and three from the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The Bearkats earned all seven first place votes to score a perfect 49 points. Central Arkansas was picked second with 40 points, followed closely by Jacksonville State in third with 37 points. Stephen F. Austin is fourth with 27 points, followed by Eastern Kentucky, Abilene Christian and Lamar.
COMING SOON
The WAC will expand yet again on July 1, 2022 as Southern Utah University joins the party. The Thunderbirds are currently members of the Big Sky Conference and will make the switch in all sports.
Chris Thompson
Assistant Commissioner - Media Relations