Box Score Glendale, Ariz.- Playing for the first time on campus on the newly built ACU Football Field brought a charge of excitement to the ACU football team on a very windy Saturday. Unfortunately, thanks in large part to their six turnovers, the Firestorm dropped their first ever true home game 37-34 to Texas Wesleyan.
In game dictated by the wind and field position, the ACU defense held TXWES to just 103 yards passing and forced four fumbles while recovering two. But despite giving up only nine points off turnovers the ground game of the Rams proved to be the difference.
Offensively, the Firestorm racked up 509 yards (404 yards through the air) and were a badly wind blow missed field goal from a tie game despite losing four fumbles on a program worst eight fumbles and two interceptions. ACU was trailed by as many 17 points late in the third quarter but used a 21-0 run to move in front with seven minutes to play.
But the Rams answered with an eight play game winning drive in the closing minutes.
Game Info
- Game score: Texas Wesleyan- 37, Arizona Christian - 34
- Records: Arizona Christian - 3-1, Texas Wesleyan - 1-1
- NAIA Top 25 Rank: Arizona Christian- not ranked, Texas Wesleyan - not ranked
- Location: ACU Football Field, Glendale, AZ
Offensive Stars
Defensive Stars
Inside The Numbers
- Three of the first five drives for ACU resulted in fumbles with the other two ending with a punt and missed field goal attempt
- Duncan rushed for a touchdown and a field goal by Sophomore Nestor Higuera created a 10-7 lead with four minutes to play in the first half.
- TXWES scored two touchdowns in less than a minute of clock time to close out the second quarter
- Down 30-13, Cleveland and Cole converted receptions into touchdowns
- Ward found the end zone from 25 yards out to give ACU their brief 34-30 edge.
Thoughts from Coach Bowen
"It was a special day for the University playing our first game on our campus on our own field. Unfortunately, we just made too many mistakes to come out on top. The result of the game was disappointing, and we will look to rebound and improve as a team. These types of games always show the true character of a team. So I am excited to get back on the field next week with our guys to see who is ready to improve."
Up Next
Next Saturday, the Firestorm will close out the fall portion of their 2020-21 schedule as they travel to the other ACU. Kick-off at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX, will come at 2:00 pm (TX)/ 1:00 pm (AZ).
