ABILENE, Texas -- As season 2.0 for United Athletic Conference (UAC) Football gets set to kickoff, we will preview each of the nine league members as we countdown to the opening of the 2024 campaign and the "Chase for the Crown". Abilene Christian looks to utilize some valuable experience on both sides of the ball.

NOTEWORTHY
* The Wildcats finished 5-6 overall and 3-3 in their UAC debut... Two of ACU's losses were by seven points or less including a down-to-the-wire one point defeat against in-state foe Tarleton State late in the season

* Head Coach KEITH PATTERSON, begins his third season guiding the Abilene Christian program, returns a lineup that features several experienced players on both offense and defense... Patterson, 12-10 in his two seasons in Abilene, has amassed over 40 years of coaching experience including more than 20 years at the collegiate level highlighted by several stints as a successful defensive coordinator

* ACU tallied five honorees on the preseason All-UAC squad including Alan Hatten (OL), Cirby Coheley (LB), Darius Moore (LB), Elijah Moffett (DB) and Grant Nickel (P)

* Abilene Christian is set to play eight consecutive weeks to open the 2024 season and will close their ledger with three straight road games, capped by a rivalry match-up with former UAC member Stephen F. Austin... Wildcats open the season against FBS member Texas Tech, place where Patterson served as defensive coordinator

ABILENE CHRISTIAN QUICK FACTS
2023 Record: 5-6 (3-3 UAC / 6th)
Program Best FCS Record: 7-4 (2022) 
NCAA FCS Playoff Appearances: 0 (6x NCAA DII Playoffs)
Head Coach: Keith Patterson
Career Record: 12-10 (3rd Season)

KEY RETURNERS
- MAVERICK McIVOR (QB, GR) - Two-year starter for the Wildcats having totalled 1972 yards passing (169-of-294) last year while connecting on 17 touchdown tosses... Threw for over 2,000 yards and 16 TDs during his first season as a starter
- ELIJAH MOFFITT (S, RS-JR) - Preseason All-UAC in the secondary after posting 75 tackles (53 solo) and eight TFLs last season... Also had seven PBU's, an interception and a pair of fumble recoveries

2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 31 | @Texas Tech
Sept. 7 | West Georgia*
Sept. 14 | @Northern Colorado
Sept. 21 | Idaho
Sept. 28 | @Utah Tech*
Oct. 5 | Central Arkansas*
Oct. 12 | @North Alabama*
Oct. 19 | EKU*
Nov. 2 | Southern Utah*
Nov. 9 | @Austin Peay*
Nov. 16 | @Tarleton State*
Nov. 23 | @Stephen F. Austin

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