The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl matchup is set between the K-State Wildcats and the LSU Tigers. Both teams had a season full of up and downs with thrilling victories and disappointing loses. From the highs and the lows let’s take a look at what led the Wildcats and Tigers to Houston.

LSU’s road to Houston.

Beginning of the season: 
LSU started out 3-1 and looked like they could easily reach bowl eligibility with just a few more wins. A disappointing loss and then three straight wins had the Tigers looking like they would enter the hard part of their schedule in good standing. A string of tough SEC matchups set the course for the rest of LSU’s season and their fight to get to a bowl game. 

Middle of the season:
Six straight ranked opponents is a daunting task for any team specially for one in the SEC. A bad start to their conference schedule with 2 straight losses against Auburn and Kentucky left the Tigers sitting at 3-3 with four more ranked opponents on their schedule. Then an upset win over #20 Florida put the Tigers back over .500 as they got through the middle of their conference schedule showing that they could still put up a fight. After the high of the Florida win came the lows of some crushing defeats. 

End of the season:
To end the season LSU lost three straight, including two one score loses to #2 Alabama and #25 Arkansas, before setting themselves up for a bowl game with two straight wins. Going into the final week 5-6 against #15 Texas A&M with bowl eligibility on the line was not ideal but in a big upset the Tigers managed to take a 27-24 win and reach bowl eligibility. It wasn’t pretty but the Tigers managed to get a big win to end the season against a tough opponent. 

K-State’s road to Houston.

Beginning of the season: 
Three straight wins to start the season had the Wildcats thinking of a bowl game at the end of the season. After cruising to three straight wins K-State struggled against an Oklahoma State team that was surging up the rankings. This loss started a streak that would leave K-State sitting at 3-3 at the midpoint of the season. 

Middle of the season: 
Three straight losses and a 3-3 record later K-State faced a Texas Tech team that was also fighting for their bowl eligibility. At the half the Wildcats trailed 24-10 and their chances of winning weren’t ideal, then the offense put up 15 straight and the ‘Cats came out with the win. 

End of the season: 
The one point win at Texas Tech started a four game winning streak for the Wildcats that locked up their bowl eligibility for the season. Their win streak ended with a 20-10 loss vs #11 Baylor and then they closed out their season with a 22-17 loss at Texas. With a 7-5 record the ‘Cats returned to a bowl game after a year of not being eligible. 

HOUSTON – Kansas State and LSU have accepted bids to play in the 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl, the bowl organizing committee announced today. The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl will be played at 8 p.m. CT on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN with a local radio broadcast available on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM). Tickets and suites are now available for purchase www.taxacttexasbowl.com.

“We are excited to announce the 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl between the Kansas State Wildcats and LSU Tigers, two excellent institutions from the Big 12 and SEC,” remarked David Fletcher, executive director, TaxAct Texas Bowl. “The Bowl is one of the largest annual events in our community and we’re excited to welcome Kansas State and LSU to Houston. We look forward to hosting these teams and their fan bases for a festive bowl week of Texas-themed events that will culminate in a primetime showdown at NRG Stadium on January 4.”

Kansas State will represent the Big 12 Conference, while LSU will represent the SEC. The two programs have met just once before, when LSU earned a 21-0 victory over Kansas State on September 13, 1980. The 2021 TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark Kansas State’s third appearance and first since 2016, when the Wildcats earned a 33-28 win over Texas A&M. LSU will make its second appearance in the TaxAct Texas Bowl and first since 2015, when the Tigers beat Texas Tech, 56-27. 

The 2021 edition of the TaxAct Texas Bowl will mark the event’s eighth year of affiliation with the Big 12 and the SEC. The game was most recently played in 2019, when the Texas A&M Aggies emerged with a narrow 24-21 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys, with quarterback Kellen Mond receiving MVP honors.

Entering its 16th year, the TaxAct Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since 2016, the TaxAct Texas Bowl has the fifth-highest attendance among all college football bowls, trailing only the Rose, Peach, Fiesta and Orange bowls. The TaxAct Texas Bowl and its sister event, the Texas Kickoff, have combined to create an economic impact of close to $80 million annually for the city of Houston while raising over $2 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support for DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston’s oldest children’s charity and the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary.

For more information about the game and affiliated Bowl Week activities, fans can visit www.taxacttexasbowl.com or follow along on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

About TaxAct
TaxAct is a savvy, tax-filing solution that provides filers with affordable DIY tax software to successfully navigate the U.S. tax code. As a pioneer in the industry, TaxAct’s products enable all users – regardless of profession, tax bracket or complexity of their return – to quickly and accurately file their taxes all while discovering new ways to leverage their tax situation and improve their financial well-being. At TaxAct, taxes are our expertise, but we don’t see them as the end goal. Rather, we believe taxes are a stepping-stone to possibility. Possibilities that are unique as every filer. Possibilities that help each hardworking American not only claim the money they deserve but also enable them to make smart money decisions. We deliver the power of possibility through straightforward technology to help filers secure their best tax outcome and elevate their financial lives.

To learn more about TaxAct, a business of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), visit www.taxact.com or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. For more information on Blucora, visit www.blucora.com.

About ESPN Events 
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of 35 collegiate sporting events nationwide. The roster includes five early-season college football games, 17 college bowl games, 12 college basketball events and a college softball event, which accounts for approximately 400 hours of live programming, reaches nearly 64 million viewers and attracts over 800,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in more than 10 markets across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to the TaxAct Texas Bowl and the Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups. LSSE has also reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring country superstars including George Strait, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney.

Nothing goes together quite like pumpkin pie and football. As we look forward to watching rivalry week stuffed with Thanksgiving leftovers, we look back at the top five, season-defining wins so far this year.

Read on for our take on which key wins (and losses) teams should be most thankful for heading into the final week of regular season. Don’t forget to check out our latest @TexasBowl Twitter post to tell us which win (or loss) you are most thankful for this season!

Week 1 | Georgia 10, Clemson 3

We knew from the get-go this was going to be a big-time game. Clemson set out to prove themselves with a QB not named Lawrence and Georgia looked at this season as the one to prove they belong in the playoffs. For all the fans of gritty defensive battles, this faceoff was a fun one to watch. Defense held strong on both sides as neither offense reached the end zone and the Dawgs pick-six won them the game. 

Georgia is very thankful for a top five win in week one, setting their season on a course for success. Now leading the College Football Playoff Rankings at No. 1, we are looking ahead to their potential semi-final match-up this Bowl Season. 

Week 3 | Alabama 31, Florida 29

While Alabama is surely thankful for a narrow win against a solid Florida team, Texas A&M is equally as thankful for the Gators revealing the chinks in the Alabama armor. It was this game where all of college football (unless you’re a Bama fan) sat licking their chops, seeing that Alabama was not the invincible squad they were last season.  

Week 4 | Arkansas 20, Texas A&M 10

Arkansas single-handedly swept the state of Texas in September. With this season-defining win, Arkansas snapped the Aggies nine-game winning streak over the Razorbacks dating back to 2011. With an impressive display of force, Arkansas proved their run game can beat the best of them. They can be thankful for this win for elevating their season expectations to more than their typical average SEC West finish.

Week 6 | Texas A&M 41, Alabama 38

Did someone say upset? Every playoff hopeful is thankful for this game. Both teams had been inconsistent to this point, and one final blow from Aggies kicker Seth Small took down the mighty Crimson Tide. With six of the current top ten teams sitting at 10-1, this game took the playoff selections from pretty predictable to very debatable. We hope you enjoy the debate with your friends and family this holiday!

Week 9 | Houston 44, SMU 37

Straight off their Big 12 announcement, Houston proved they could play with the big boys—knocking off the previously undefeated SMU Mustangs. Marcus Jones’ 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 17 seconds left made a major statement for the Cougars. Things are looking good for the soon-to-be Big 12 Coogs to make a run at the AAC title against Cincinnati in a few weeks. Should Houston fall to Cincinnati, the Bearcats would use this top-25 win as another feather in their hat for their playoff campaign.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Week 2 | Arkansas 40, Texas 21 – The one where the Arkansas said, ‘we’re baaaack’

Week 6 | Oklahoma 55, Texas 48 – The one where OU finally decided on a starting QB

Week 11 | Baylor 27, Oklahoma 14 - The one where Baylor beat OU for the first time since 2014 and took away their chance at being undefeated

College football in November has always had one certainty: an inevitable helping of chaos as the game wraps up its final regular season month. Should the unprecedented happen, rivalries could cut even deeper at the Thanksgiving dinner table this year. Looming around is the possibility, though unlikely, of a six-way SEC West tie as teams trudge on to week eleven.

Read on to realize the possibilities of the wild SEC west heading into the end of conference and make sure to check out our latest @TexasBowl Twitter post to give us YOUR opinion.

Every team besides LSU could stake a claim at the top of college football’s most competitive division with a 5-3 conference record. Here’s the complete breakdown to what creates college football pandemonium and resolving who would set a date with Georgia on December 4 in the SEC Championship:

Arkansas and Mississippi State win out

The Bulldogs and Razorbacks had perhaps the most exciting match-up in the SEC this past weekend. A back-and-forth affair saw a last-minute go-ahead touchdown and a heartbreaking miss on a game-winning field goal attempt as time expired, letting the Hogs emerge victorious.

Arkansas (6-3, 2-3), and in the CFP rankings for the first time at No. 25, needs to beat LSU, Alabama, and Missouri to close their schedule. Meanwhile, Mississippi State (5-4, 3-3), must take care of business against Auburn and Ole Miss.

First up: The Golden Boot. LSU is mathematically eliminated from contention after falling short of a blindside win against Alabama in a scrapy effort from the Tigers this past weekend. They’ve proven tough all year long and could be a challenge for Sam Pittman’s Hogs. As LSU and Texas A&M revealed, Alabama is beatable. A trip to Tuscaloosa isn’t the lost cause that it has seemed in years past. Finally, Arkansas wraps up the season in the Battle Line Rivalry against SEC East bottom-dweller Missouri. 

Mike Leach’s air raid attack has been ether high-flying or grounded and canceled with little in-between this season. They face an Auburn squad who didn’t manage to step foot in the endzone last week against Texas A&M but is hungry and always dangerous with Bo Nix behind center. The Bulldogs wrap up the season on Thanksgiving night in one of college football’s most under-rated rivalries, the Egg Bowl. The Egg Bowl always manages to surprise, but even more so now with two of the most creative minds in charge with Leach and Lane Kiffin. 

Auburn and Ole Miss win two and lose one

Considering the scenarios above, No. 17 Auburn (6-3, 3-2), needs to beat South Carolina and Alabama after losing to Mississippi State. South Carolina shocked the Gators last weekend and will be more of a test than anyone assumed earlier this season. Then, the Iron Bowl. There are few things Alabama fans dislike more than facing the Tigers in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn has won three-of-the-last-four on the Plains and will have an opportunity to take another victory against an Alabama team that has largely underperformed as of late.

Ole Miss (7-2, 3-2), must beat Texas A&M and Vanderbilt. ESPN’s College Gameday returns to Oxford this weekend as No. 11 Texas A&M takes on No. 15 Ole Miss. The trip marks the crew’s first time back in the Magnolia State since October 2014, when the college football landscape was rattled by a pair of upsets featuring Ole Miss and Mississippi State in back-to-back weeks. Katy Perry will need to come ready to compete to beat a Texas A&M team who seems to have figured it out in recent weeks. After this week, don’t expect the Rebels to have much trouble with Vandy.

Texas A&M needs one more win

Texas A&M (7-2, 4-2) concludes their season in Baton Rouge, in what will be Coach Orgeron’s last game in Death Valley at the helm for the team he led to a national championship just two years ago. The Aggies will need to make a statement in that game to make the 5-3 conference mark.

Alabama loses their final two

The Crimson Tide (8-1, 5-1), have come out with sluggish starts in back-to-back weeks against Tennessee and LSU. If the Tide can’t get back to their usual course of routing opponents, losing to Arkansas and Auburn, though a longshot, isn’t out of the realm of possibility. 

So, who wins?

If the SEC West has six teams with a 5-3 record conference record, they would enter the Conference’s tie-breaking procedure.

Step One: Combined head-to-head record among tied teams. This step would look at how each team faired against the other 5-3 contenders. In this scenario, Arkansas, Auburn, and Mississippi State would remain candidates with 3-2 records against the other five tied-up opponents. On the flip side, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M would be eliminated with their 2-3 records. 

Step Two: Record of the tied teams in within the division. This step looks at how each team performed in the SEC West. Both Arkansas and Auburn would sit at 4-2, while Mississippi State would be eliminated via their 3-3 division mark. 

Step Three: With two teams remaining, the two-team conference tie-breaker is used. Simply, the head-to-head result. With six teams tied atop the SEC West, the division’s fate is decided by an October 16 trip to Fayetteville, where the 38-23 Auburn victory sends them to Atlanta.

Absurd? Yes. Possible? Not Likely. Everything we want from college football in November? Absolutely. Regardless of if we get to bear witness to circumstances unseen in the SEC before, the remaining three weeks will have enormous implications on the postseason landscape. It is far more plausible to see Alabama or A&M take on Georgia in the SEC Championship, but here’s hoping the spectacle in the west is bigger than any other feast by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.

Forget trick-or-treating, Week 9 is bringing us some scary good matchups for our Top 25 contenders in preparation for the College Football Playoff rankings debuting on Nov. 2. Who should be haunted by this weekend’s competition and who has the upper hand?

Read on to see which teams should be ready for fright night this Halloween weekend. Don’t forget to check out our latest @TexasBowl Twitter post to give us your opinion.

Michigan vs Michigan State: This Top-10 thriller headlines the weekend. Not only with a wicked rivalry but these two 7-0 teams are playing to stay undefeated in the Big 10.

Auburn vs Ole Miss: Both teams are still riding high off big wins last week and will compete to see who Alabama’s top foe in the SEC West will be.

Florida vs Georgia: Georgia is the heavy favorite for this game, but they can’t look past the Gators this weekend. With the thrill of a rivalry and a Florida squad that’s proven they can compete (flashback to their two-point loss to Alabama) the Bulldogs will need to put their best foot forward.

Texas vs Baylor: The Bears and the Longhorns are both fighting for hopes of competing in the Big 12 Championship. Thus far, Baylor has been more consistent but with the Longhorns hanging on to playoff hopes by a thread, they may be scary good on the field this weekend.

Mississippi State vs Kentucky: Kentucky’s record says that they should take the win this weekend but Mississippi State’s impressive offensive showing against Vanderbilt last week says this game should be a thriller.

Houston vs SMU: The Mustangs barrrrrely edge out the Cougars as the favorite this weekend. With SMU snubbed on the Big 12 transition and Houston with Big 12 shoes to fill, this will be a fun faceoff.

Week 6 brought some unexpected upsets *cough* Alabama *cough* but how much does one week of wins and losses really mix up Bowl Season projections? Honestly, it depends on who you ask.

Read on to see which experts are predicting the predictable and who is expecting an upset for Big 12 and SEC matchups. Don’t forget to check out our latest @TexasBowl Twitter post to give us your opinion and enter to win some fun prizes.

CFP Series

Orange Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
USA Today: Alabama vs Ohio State
Athlon Sports: Georgia vs Cincinnati
CBS Sports: Georgia vs Cincinnati
247Sports: Georgia vs Cincinnati

Cotton Bowl (CFP Semifinal)
USA Today: Oklahoma vs Georgia
Athlon Sports: Iowa vs Alabama
CBS Sports: Iowa vs Oklahoma
247 Sports: Iowa vs Alabama

CFP Title Game
USA Today: Alabama vs Georgia
Athlon Sports: Alabama vs Georgia

Big 12 and SEC Bowl Games

Sugar Bowl (Big 12 vs SEC)
USA Today: Texas vs Kentucky
Athlon Sports: Ole Miss vs Oklahoma
CBS Sports: Alabama vs Texas
247Sports: Ole Miss vs Oklahoma

Texas Bowl (Big 12 vs SEC)
USA Today: Baylor vs Mississippi State
Athlon Sports: Baylor vs LSU
CBS Sports: Baylor vs Texas A&M
247Sports: Baylor vs Texas A&M

Outback Bowl (Big Ten/ACC vs SEC)
USA Today: Michigan vs Mississippi
Athlon Sports: Wisconsin vs Arkansas
CBS Sports: Nebraska vs Arkansas
247Sports: Nebraska vs Arkansas

Citrus Bowl (Big Ten vs SEC)
USA Today: Michigan State vs Florida
Athlon Sports: Michigan State vs Florida
CBS Sports: Michigan State vs Kentucky
247Sports: Michigan State vs Arkansas

Gator Bowl (ACC vs SEC)
USA Today: Clemson vs Texas A&M
Athlon Sports: Clemson vs Texas A&M
CBS Sports: Pittsburgh vs Florida
247Sports: Florida vs Clemson

Duke’s Mayo (ACC vs SEC)
USA Today: Virginia vs Arkansas
Athlon Sports: North Carolina State vs Auburn
CBS Sports: Virginia Tech vs Auburn
247Sports: Virginia Tech vs Auburn

Music City Bowl (Big Ten vs SEC)
USA Today: Wisconsin vs Tennessee
Athlon Sports: Minnesota vs Tennessee
CBS Sports: Minnesota vs Ole Miss
247Sports: Minnesota vs Ole Miss

Cheez-It Bowl (ACC vs Big 12)
USA Today: Wake Forest vs Iowa State
Athlon Sports: Notre Dame vs Texas
CBS Sports: Clemson vs Kansas State
247Sports: Pittsburgh vs Kansas State

Alamo Bowl (Big 12 vs Pac-12)
USA Today: Oklahoma State vs Oregon
Athlon Sports: Oklahoma State vs Arizona State
CBS Sports: Oklahoma State vs Arizona State
247Sports: Oklahoma State vs Arizona State

Guaranteed Rate (Big 12 vs Big Ten)
USA Today: Texas Tech vs Purdue
Athlon Sports: Kansas State vs Purdue
CBS Sports: West Virginia vs Wisconsin
247Sports: Iowa State vs Wisconsin

Gasparilla Bowl (ACC/American/SEC)
USA Today: Georgia Tech vs Central Florida
Athlon Sports: Miami vs Air Force
CBS Sports: Miami vs Air Force
247Sports: Miami vs Air Force

HOUSTON – The 2021 Texas Bowl, featuring teams from the Big 12 and SEC, will kick off in primetime on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 8 p.m. CT. The 15th edition of the game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston and will air on ESPN and ESPN Radio, with a local radio broadcast on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM).

The Texas Bowl is a top-five most attended bowl game in the country and the most attended non-New Year’s Six game since 2016, trailing only the Rose, Peach, Fiesta and Orange Bowls. The Texas Bowl and its sister event, the Texas Kickoff, have grown to become two of the most popular annual college football games in the country, combining to create an economic impact of close to $80 million annually for the city of Houston while raising over $2 million in financial support and millions more in promotional support to DePelchin Children’s Center, Houston’s oldest children’s charity and the bowl’s official charitable beneficiary. 

In 2019, the Texas Bowl featured the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Texas A&M Aggies, marking the sixth year of the Bowl’s affiliation with the Big 12 and the SEC. With an Aggies 24-21 victory over the Cowboys, then Texas A&M and current Minnesota Vikings QB Kellen Mond was named the 2019 Texas Bowl MVP.  Last year’s Texas Bowl was scheduled to feature TCU and Arkansas but was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols.  

Ticket information for the event will be shared in the near future.  To be the first to get these updates and for more information around the game, fans can sign up for the Texas Bowl Waitlist at http://www.thetexasbowl.com/.  

About the Texas Bowl 
The Texas Bowl is owned and operated by ESPN Events, and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. The Texas Bowl has showcased teams from the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the country’s premier conferences since 2014. The Texas Bowl has been a tremendous success both on and off the field over its first 14 years as it is the fifth most-attended bowl in the country since 2016.

ESPN Events 
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide. The roster includes five early-season college football games, 17 college bowl games, 11 college basketball events and a college softball event, which accounts for approximately 400 hours of live programming, reaches nearly 64 million viewers and attracts over 800,000 attendees each year. With satellite offices in more than 10 markets across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.

For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.

-LONE STAR SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT-

“I don’t know if you can get this game any more intense than it has been.” – K.C. Keeler

The 95th Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B, featuring the top-ranked Sam Houston Bearkats and the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, is back at NRG Stadium on Saturday. Known as one of the oldest college football rivalries in Texas, this matchup again promises to be one of the top FCS games of the 2021 season. 

This is the first time in the series history that either team has entered the game ranked No. 1 in the nation (at any level). 

The defending national FCS champion Bearkats are ranked No.1 in the nation following a 3-0 start to their season. Head Coach K.C. Keeler’s team currently leads the WAC in scoring offense (46.3), total offense (533.0), rushing offense (259.0), rushing defense (77.33), third down conversions (.500) and sacks against (3). 

This spring, Sam Houston wrapped up its final season in the Southland Conference as FCS national champions. The 10-0 Kats won the program’s first FCS national title with a dramatic 23-21 win over top-seeded South Dakota State in the 2020 FCS Championship game in Frisco. All 11 starters on offense and defense, in addition to specialists, from the Bearkats championship roster are back for the 2021 season. 

Colby Carthel, now in his third season as head coach at SFA, has turned the Lumberjacks program around from a 3-9 finish in 2019 to a 6-4 record in 2020. This season, the Lumberjacks are 3-1 entering this matchup and have won eight straight games at Homer Bryce Stadium. The 2021 SFA team leads the league in a number of defensive and special teams categories, including total defense (266.5), scoring defense (16.0), defensive pass efficiency (86.2), passing offense (287.0), field goals made (9), net yards per punt (52.5), punt return average (22.1), punt return TDs (3), interceptions (8), turnover margin (+1.3), fourth-down conversions (.571), sacks by (14) and time of possession (31:42). 

Last week against a nationally-ranked Central Arkansas team, Sam Houston QB Eric Schmid was named Western Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week. The redshirt junior quarterback from the Woodlands completed 19-of-37 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns, all before halftime. He also rushed for 48 yards on 10 carries. Seth Morgan, a freshman from Houston, earns his second WAC Special Teams Player of the Week honor after going 3-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points in a 45-35 win over nationally-ranked Central Arkansas. Now a perfect 17-for-17 on extra points and 4-for-4 on field goals, his scores against UCA came from twice from 22 yards and once from 32 yards. 

Stephen F. Austin has outscored its opponents 119-26 in the past two weeks following a hard-fought 28-22 loss to Texas Tech. The Lumberjacks forced four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumbles), including pick returned for a touchdown in their only loss of the season. In last week’s 61-13 win over Lincoln (California), Lenard Lemonds had a 67-yard punt return for a TD and 23 yards on kick returns. Rayshad Nichols recorded seven tackles, including three tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.

Individually, Bearkats RB Ramon Jefferson is the WAC’s leader in rushing yards per game (133.3) and has scored four touchdowns, while Schmid is the leader in total offense (288.0) and passing yards per game (267.0).  Sam Houston DB Jaylen Thomas and Stephen F. Austin CB Myles Brooks are tied for the lead in interceptions with three each.

The Texas rivalry dates back to 1923 with Sam Houston winning the last nine meetings and holding a 57-35-2 record over Stephen F. Austin. Nine of the past 11 BOTPW winners have gone on to advance to the NCAA postseason playoffs.

Kickoff for the Battle of the Piney Woods presented by H-E-B takes place Saturday 4 p.m. CT from NRG Stadium. The game will be televised on Bally Sports Southwest and ESPN Plus.  

Two weeks into the season and there aren’t many teams without a loss on their record. As the undefeated teams become scarce, so do those season-shaping games that can turn the tide of team from undefeated success stories to desperate for a win heading into more conference play.

Continue reading to get for the top undefeated battles to watch in Week 3 head to @TexasBowl Twitter to let us know who YOU think will keep that zero in the loss column another week. 

Being undefeated two weeks into the season isn’t some crazy feat that’s rarely achieved but playing against another undefeated team is not something football fans get to watch every week. We can’t wait to see these teams battle to keep their perfect record.

(1) Alabama vs (11) Florida
So far Alabama’s first two matchups haven’t even been a close. The defending champions have scored over 40 and held their opponents to under 20 points. While Florida has posted similar stats, they’ve played weaker opponents in closer games. Despite the Gators top 25 ranking, this matchup looks like an easy Alabama win. 

South Carolina vs (2) Georgia
Georgia started off the season with a defensive statement holding Clemson to only three points and then proceeded to obliterate UAB 56-7. Meanwhile, South Carolina barely edged out East Carolina in Week 2. Maybe Georgia doesn’t score 56 again but don’t expect this to be a close one. 

(22) Auburn vs (10) Penn State
The only other ranked matchup up of undefeated teams features an Auburn team that’s sleepwalked through its first two games winning them with a combined score of 122-10. Meanwhile Penn State took down a ranked Wisconsin team in a close matchup to start off the season with a bang. This game leans towards Penn State but don’t be surprised if Auburn comes out with a close win. 

(19) Arizona State vs BYU
Arizona State has cruised to wins in the first two weeks, but this week should be a little different as they face a BYU. Don’t sleep on the Cougs as they look to prove they belong in the big leagues after officially accepting an invite to the Big 12.   

Purdue vs (12) Notre Dame
Neither team boasts a very impressive resume so far with two games down. As the ranked team all the pressure is on Notre Dame to win and not join the list of ranked teams that have fallen out of the top 25. This should be a win for Notre Dame, maybe not a blowout, but a win is a win. 

New Mexico vs (7) Texas A&M
This won’t even be close. Texas A&M should have this one locked up by half time. Our bet is on New Mexico waving bye-bye to that undefeated record, but you never know, anything can happen in college football.

Mississippi State vs Memphis
This is one of those matchups that isn’t very interesting outside of fans of the teams. Mississippi State should come out with a win, but it wouldn’t be totally shocking if Memphis managed the upset. Either way, these fan bases are licking their chops at the thought of going 3-0.

Nevada vs Kansas State
Even though neither of these teams are ranked, it’s honestly one of the matchups we’re looking forward to most. You could honestly just flip a coin to try and predict this matchup, there’s no clear-cut favorite. This will be a battle to the end to keep the title of undefeated.

Utah State vs Air Force
The final undefeated matchup is also a little bit of a toss-up. While there is no clear winner in this faceoff, both Utah State and Air Force have historically been a little streaky. It will be fun to see which team will step up to the plate.

It’s FINALLY Week One for the Big 12 and SEC! Per usual, there are a lot snooze fest matchups as teams boost their confidence (and attempt to avoid an upset) to start off the year. However, there are a few buzz-worthy games we will definitely be tuning into this weekend.

Keep reading for our top three Big 12 and SEC matchups to watch this weekend and respond to the CFB Insider post on @TexasBowl Twitter to share which games YOU will be watching and why.

Big 12 Games to Watch in Week One

1.      (23) Louisiana vs (21) Texas: The Ragin’ Cajuns have proven that they are not to be underestimated with a Big 12 upset over Iowa State in 2020. Their performance earned them top 25 honors in the preseason polls and they have Texas in their sites with a chip on their shoulder as the little guys with a lot to prove. We’re excited to watch running back Chris Smith and quarterback Levi Lewis as they team up to see what they can do against Texas in Week One. The Ragin’ Cajuns aren’t the only ones with a lot to prove. This will be the first true test of the Steve Sarkisian era. How will the Longhorns fair with a top 25 match-up to start the season?

2.      Kansas State vs Stanford: The Wildcats face off against the Cardinal for the first time since 2016 to start off the 2021. While this isn’t quite the top 25 match-up you were necessarily looking for in Week One, this game could do a lot to set the tone for the Big 12 in 2021. K-State looks to prove they deserve to be in the mix at the top of the Big 12 with a returning senior quarter back in Skylar Thompson and running back Deuce Vaughn after a breakout year. They will have to fight past Standford who is coming off of four consecutive wins to close out the 2020 season with a star running back of their own in sophomore Austin Jones.

3.      Texas Tech vs Houston: Once again, while this matchup might not have top AP Poll rankings, this will be a fun one as two Texas teams face off in what could potentially be a season defining start for both programs in the Good Sam Texas Kickoff in Houston. The Texas Tech coaching staff has not received raving reviews after their past few seasons, but the Red Raiders did some major work in the transfer portal and look to make a statement with a new QB1 in Oregon transfer Tyler Shough. Houston’s squad is poised for a breakout season under coach Dana Holgersen’s attack as he returns eight key starters along with a few transfers—including Texas Tech transfer and Ta’Zawn Henry. Who doesn’t love a good revenge game against old teammates?

SEC Games to Watch in Week One

1.      (5) Georgia vs (3) Clemson:

2.      (14) Miami vs (1) Alabama:

3.      LSU vs UCLA: