The Optimist

Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brian Schmidt Wildcat middle linebacker Cody Stutts dives across the line toward Bobcats' quarterback Bradley George in the first half of ACU's 45-27 win against Texas State on Saturday.

After losing its season opener to the University of Central Oklahoma, an ACU win against Texas State in week two was possible but unlikely.

Then ranked at No. 24, the Wildcats were coming off of a loss to an unranked UCO team in week one and were facing a nationally ranked Division I-AA team at Texas State's home stadium. But after an ACU offensive onslaught that overpowered and outran the Texas State defense, the Wildcats proved that divisions were irrelevant on Saturday.

"It doesn't matter what division you're in," said junior running back Bernard Scott. "We just wanted to go out there and make a statement."

ACU made more than a statement by upsetting Texas State Bobcats 45-27 after scoring its most points since Oct. 19, 2006, when the Wildcats posted 49 points against West
Texas A&M. The win was ACU's first against a DI-AA team, now named the Football Championship Subdivision, since 1996 when the Wildcats beat Prairie View A&M 30-14.

"Every week we prepare to win," said junior wide receiver Johnny Knox. "We just played together."

ACU jumped up three spots to No. 21 in the American Football Coaches Association Poll but is the lowest ranked team behind No. 14
West Texas A&M, No. 16 Midwestern State and No. 17 Tarleton State.

ACU's offense was able to do what they wanted when they wanted against the Bobcat defense tallying a total of 458 offensive yards and six touchdowns in the win.

Leading the way was Scott, who scored three rushing touchdowns, one receiving touchdown and ran for a total of 135 yards. Scott's longest rush was a 33-yard breakaway in the
second quarter that was ACU's second
touchdown of the game. Scott received the Lone Star Conference South Division Offensive Player of the Week for his performance and is now tied for second in LSC's individual scoring category.

"We just wanted to go out there and play hard," Scott said. "We knew we were gonna make a run eventually."

Continued...

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