HOUSTON, Texas – The Louisiana Christian University football program faces what is likely its most difficult road test this century on Saturday in Space City against Houston Christian University.
The Wildcats take a shot at topping their first FCS-level or higher opponent since 1964 when they took down Louisiana-Monroe (13-12) and North Alabama (13-0). But in those days, Louisiana College was in the college division category along with then-Northeast Louisiana and Livingston (now North Alabama). Saturday’s matchup is not on even footing.
The game kicks at 6 in south Houston. It will be available to watch via the ESPN+ streaming service.
LCU opened its campaign in south Florida last week and found the going very tough against a like opponent, a fellow Top 25 NAIA program. But St. Thomas, ranked 12th, was dominating in a 56-10 rout of the Wildcats, who trailed 42-0 after 20 minutes.
Punter/kicker Levi Hilborn was the LCU player of the week. A junior from La Porte, Texas, who logged just three punts in his first 17 games on “The Hill” booted away seven in his debut as the first string punter.
He averaged 38.6 yards with two of those going for 50-plus and another being downed inside the Bobcats’ red zone while also making his lone field goal attempt from 25 yards out.
LCU opened the season ranked 22nd nationally on the heels of last year’s NAIA playoff run. The NAIA rankings have not been refreshed yet, but if somehow the Wildcats can stun the NCAA Division I Huskies Saturday night, they will certainly stay in the poll.
Houston Christian is 0-2. The Huskies, who produced a first-round NFL Draft pick last spring, opened this season at SMU and were drubbed 59-27, then came home to meet in-state foe Tarleton State. The Texans, ranked 18th in FCS, won 35-18.
LCU will finally play at home in Week 3 on Sept. 21 as Langston visits Wildcat Field.
Live stats for Saturday evening’s game are available at https://hcuhuskies.com/sidearmstats/football/summary