Story by Cade Kennedy
Photos By: Jara Reeder
After a tough loss to Arkansas Tech, the Rangers are home for senior day against Southwestern.
This is the last game of the season for the Rangers, and they have an opportunity to defeat their rival. However, the Ranger defense must show up if they are going to defeat the Bulldogs.
The Ranger defense is currently giving up 46.8 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 283 rushing yards per game. Northwestern has had trouble defending in the redzone as well, as the Rangers allow teams to score on them 92% of the time from inside the 20-yard line.
However, Southwestern only gives up 188 passing yards per game, which is 25 less yards than what Northwestern gives up.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Rangers and the Bulldogs are similar in scoring, as Southwestern averages 20 points per game, and Northwestern scores 21 per game. Both teams have struggled to run the ball all season, but they have been able to have some success in the passing game.
The Rangers have maintained a 4-4 record against the Bulldogs since 2011, with the previous meeting ending in a 28-16 Ranger victory over the Bulldogs. The Rangers have won the previous three meetings with the Bulldogs, with the last Southwestern win coming on November 12, 2016.
Northwestern has a 1-9 record, with the lone win being a 47-27 win over Southern Nazarene on October 23. Southwestern has a 0-10 record on the season, and has not won a game since November 2, 2019. Four of the Bulldogs’ losses have been by one possession.
If Northwestern can find a way to stop the run and control the game, the Rangers will have a chance to finish the season with a victory.