by Cade Kennedy
Photos by Jara Reeder
After a brutal loss to Harding, the Rangers go on the road for the final time this season to take on Arkansas Tech.
There are only two games left for Northwestern, and both games are winnable. However, the Ranger defense must show up if they are going to defeat the Wonder Boys.
The Ranger defense is currently giving up 45.8 points per game, which is last in the GAC. The Rangers are also last in the conference in rushing defense, as the Rangers have given up an average of 285 rushing yards per game. Northwestern has had trouble defending in the redzone as well, as the Rangers allow teams to score on them 90.5% of the time from inside the 20-yard line.
However, Arkansas Tech gives up 228 passing yards per game, which is 13 yards more than what Northwestern gives up.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Rangers and the Wonder Boys are similar in scoring, but different in how they score. Arkansas Tech averages 26 points per game, but Northwestern only score 21 per game. Arkansas Tech prefers to run the ball, while the Rangers like to throw the ball.
Northwestern has a 1-8 record, with the lone win being a 47-27 win over Southern Nazarene on October 23. The Rangers are 0-4 on the road this season.
Arkansas Tech has a 3-6 record on the season, with wins over Southwestern, Southern Nazarene and Oklahoma Baptist. Three of the Wonder Boys’ six losses have been by one possession.
The Rangers have maintained a 1-7 record against the Wonder Boys since 2012, with the previous meeting ending in a 21-14 Arkansas Tech victory over the Rangers. The Rangers’ only win over the Wonder Boys came on October 13, 2018, when the Rangers won, 21-0.
If Northwestern can find a way to stop the run and control the game, the Rangers will have a chance to get their second win of the season.
