Abilene Christian 2022 Football Season Preview
Abilene Christian 2022 Football Season Preview
DENVER – As the countdown continues to the start of the 2022 NCAA football season, the next team featured in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) football preview series is Abilene Christian.
ABILENE CHRISTIAN READY FOR SECOND WAC FOOTBALL SEASON
After taking part in the rebirth of WAC football during the 2021 campaign, Abilene Christian is back in the fold chasing a conference championship in 2022. The Wildcats went 2-2 in conference play last season and finished the year 5-6 overall.
THE WILDCAT DEFENSE MADE ITS MARK IN 2021
Abilene Christian finished the 2021 season as the second-ranked passing defense in the WAC, yielding 2,309 yards through the air for an average of 209.9 yards passing per contest. The Wildcats returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns and recovered a conference-high 12 fumbles over 11 games with one scoop and score.
COACH PATTERSON FINALLY GETS HIS CHANCE TO LEAD AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN
Head coach Keith Patterson, a well-regarded defensive coach and top-flight collegiate assistant for the last 19 years, was officially named Abilene Christian’s head man in December of 2021. Patterson most recently served as the defensive coordinator at Texas Tech from 2019-21, and brings additional FBS experience that has included stops at Utah State (2018), Arizona State (2014-2017), West Virginia (2012-13) and Pittsburgh (2011).
SMITH, HARGROVE LOOK TO TAKE STRIDES IN 2022
Abilene Christian running back Anthony Smith ranked third on the team as a junior last season with 264 yards rushing and added three touchdowns, gaining 4.1 yards per carry. Smith scored touchdowns in back-to-back games against Louisiana College (Sept. 11) and UT Permian Basin (Sept. 18).
Linebacker Tory Hargrove enjoyed a career year for Abilene Christian as a junior last season, registering 50 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
2022 ABILENE CHRISTIAN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 1 vs. Lamar, 7 p.m. CT
Sept. 10 vs. Prairie View, 7 p.m. CT
Sept. 17 at Missouri, 11 a.m. CT
Sept. 24 vs. Western New Mexico, 7 p.m. CT
Oct. 1 at Utah Tech, 8 p.m. CT (Conference game)
Oct. 8 at Stephen F. Austin, 6 p.m. CT
Oct. 15 vs. Southern Utah, 3:25 p.m. CT (Conference game)
Oct. 29 at North Dakota, 3 p.m. CT
Nov. 5 at Tarleton, 2 p.m. CT (Conference game)
Nov. 12 at Sam Houston, 2 p.m. CT (Conference game)
Nov. 19 vs. Stephen F. Austin, TBA (Conference game)
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