MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (September 22, 2023)- The St. Thomas University (STU) Football team is on the road once again, this time heading to Fort Worth, Texas to face off against the #13 Texas Wesleyan Rams. This will be the Bobcats final non-conference matchup before they come back to take on Webber International in Babson Park.
 
With back to back heartbreaking losses to Stetson and Carroll College, the Bobcats are in dire need to get back in the win column. This will be another huge test for this STU team, as Texas Wesleyan has been rolling to start this 2023 season. The Bobcats have had time to rest however with the recent bye week, and an extra week to prepare for a team is always good.
 
Two weeks ago in Helena, Montana the Bobcats struggled to get anything going on the offensive side of the ball. This was the first time STU has been able to move the ball on the ground, and that is something this team has always relied on since the birth of the program in 2019. Star running back Rontavoius Farmer was held to just 53 yards on 26 carries, as the holes just never seemed to open up.
 
Sophomore QB Keely Watson had a strong second half under center, throwing for 142 yards on 10 completions. The Fighting Saints had a strong defensive line constantly getting pressure leaving little to no time for plays to develop. The Bobcats defense played well despite the offense turning the ball over 4 times throughout the game. Kendall Wilson had a monster game with 5 tackles 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
 
Texas Wesleyan has remained perfect starting their season 3-0. Last season Texas Wesleyan was in the same position that we were. They went 9-2 finishing the season off strong, and hoped for a bid to get into the playoffs and felt disrespected when they were outside looking in, just like the Bobcats. The most impressive win for the Rams came in week one, when they defeated #17 Ottawa University Arizona who is always a power in the NAIA.
 
Rams QB Carson Rodgers threw 32 times for 18 completions for a total of 257 yards and 3 touchdowns. Their star running back Ernest Ceasar rushed for 139 yards on 17 attempts, and also carried one in for a touchdown. Kobe Adams on the defensive side is a game wrecker with 13 solo tackles, 3 assists, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks.
 
The Bobcats and Rams play a similar style of football, so this one will come down to resiliency. The Bobcats will need to get the run game moving more that last game, to open up the passing game which is something they were having trouble with against Carroll. Game time is 12 pm Central time,  1 pm Eastern time.