Stephen F. Austin Rallies Past Abilene Christian, 41–34, in FCS Playoff
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin scored the final 10 points of the fourth quarter to rally past Abilene Christian 41–34 in an FCS playoff game Dec. 6 at Homer Bryce Stadium.
The teams traded control throughout an afternoon in which neither led by more than seven points. Abilene Christian carried a 17–14 advantage into halftime before SFA moved ahead in the third quarter on Jerrell Wimbley’s 4-yard touchdown run.
ACU answered later in the quarter. Stone Earle connected on a 17-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 24, and Brandon Perez added a 31-yard field goal to put the Wildcats ahead 27–24 entering the fourth.
The lead changed hands twice more early in the final period.
Wimbley scored from 10 yards out to give SFA a 31–27 advantage with 11:56 remaining. Less than two minutes later, Jordon Vaughn broke free for a 66-yard touchdown run, his third rushing score of the afternoon, putting Abilene Christian back in front 34–31.
SFA responded with the game’s final scoring drive for a touchdown. Sam Vidlak found Kylon Harris for a 9-yard score with 7:46 remaining, giving the Lumberjacks a 38–34 lead. Carlos Alvarado’s 26-yard field goal with 1:56 left provided the final margin.
Vidlak completed 26 of 35 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns as SFA finished with 502 yards of total offense. Harris was his leading target, catching 11 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown.
Abilene Christian countered with a productive ground game. Vaughn rushed 10 times for 100 yards and three touchdowns, while Earle added 72 yards and a score on 13 carries. Earle completed 19 of 36 passes for 206 yards as the Wildcats finished with 419 total yards.
The statistical contrast reflected the different ways the teams moved the ball. ACU held a 211–145 advantage in rushing yards, while SFA outgained the Wildcats 357–208 through the air.
The Wildcats also controlled possession for 34 minutes, eight more than SFA, but the Lumberjacks produced 7.5 yards per play and did not turn the ball over. ACU’s lone turnover came on an interception.
The game drew an announced crowd of 8,645 to Homer Bryce Stadium. Conditions were cool for the early-afternoon kickoff, with temperatures around 55 degrees. Skies that were slightly overcast early gave way to increasing sunshine as the game progressed.
Stephen F. Austin improved to 11–2 with the victory, while Abilene Christian finished the game at 9–5.
