ECU Preps For an Upset Win Over Conference Leader
ADA , Okla. – The two hottest teams in the Great American Conference will meet in an early-week matchup as East Central University meets Ouachita Baptist. The kickoff is set for Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. in Arkadelphia, Ark.
ECU (6-2) brings in a six-game win streak, including impressive wins over Southern Arkansas and Henderson State. None of which would be bigger than beating undefeated and 12th-ranked Ouachita Baptist (8-0). OBU has dominated the series, winning 17-of-21 games since the series started in 1988.
In 2021, ECU came close to pulling off the upset, leading 28-17 late in the third quarter. Ouachita then rolled to 26 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to win 43-28.
"Ouachita has been the most dominant team in the GAC this year," ECU Head Coach Kris McCullough said. "They don't win games, they win by a lot of points. They are a well-oiled machine that rattles off conference championships year after year."
Ouachita leads the conference in both points scored (48.3 ppg) and fewest points allowed (16.0 ppg). The plus-32 margin is the largest in NCAA Division II. Ouachita has scored 60 or more points three times this season, including a 63-31 last week against Southern Arkansas.
ECU has shown rapid improvement since an 0-2 start. The Tigers have scored over 40 points twice this season, including 42 in a Homecoming win against Southwestern Oklahoma last week.
"We are a hot football team with great football players," McCullough said. "We believe in each other and can't wait for kickoff Thursday night. Our guys are ready, our coaches are ready, and our school and community are fired up for this matchup."
The Tigers have an abundance of talent and matchup well with Ouachita with four top-10 players in statistical categories. Kenny Hrncir ranks third in passing, averaging 238 yards per game. Nemier Herod is fourth in rushing at 102 yards per game. La'Quan Wells has 404 yards receiving and ranks 10th. Devon Roush has 70 tackles and is in third place, one off the lead.
