OK, got a bit of a late start as I got here just as the anthem was playing. Been that kind of day.

But ACU's already forced a three-and-out and, on its first play from scrimmage Billy Malone just overthrew an open receiver on what would have been a 46-yard touchdown.

It's the sort of thing I expect to see today. Northeastern is giving up around 300 a game through the air and scoring just over 11 offensively. ACU, meanwhile, is scoring a bit over 45 per game, so I've picked ACU by 37. I actually expect it to be up into the 40s. It's gonna be really, reallly, really ugly.

The good thing, though, is that the backups will certainly get some work in today - always an important thing in a long season. The most important of the guys needing in-game experience is QB Nick Bird. If Malone gets hurt -- like he did last year in the playoffs against WT -- ACU will need to be able to have the option to still go to the air, even with a ground game that has thus far proven to be pretty potent.

10:55 remaining -- The Cats are just methodically working down the field, taking up 5 and 10 yard chunks at a time both on the ground and through their air. They're down to the 13, though, facing a third-and-2 and the RiverHawks made a nice stop on the sideline to force a field goal.

9:31 remaining -- Matt Adams knocked in a 29-yarder, giving ACU the first points of the night.

7:55 remaining -- A Wildcat pick at the ACU 40 gives the ball back to Malone and the Cats deep in RiverHawk territory. They start the drive at the 29.

7:09 remaining -- Edmund Gates scores from 29 out on an end around, breaking a few tackles and running a tightrope along the sideline. 10-0 ACU.

5:35 remaining -- Note to Northeastern: I'm pretty sure ACU proved last week it can defend the option. Another punt and another short field for the Cats.

3:39 remaining -- Gotta love LSC penalties. ACU on the RiverHawk 27, offsides. Where does the ball go? Well, yeah, it should have been the 32. But you forget ... LSC penalty. Ref spots it at the 33. (ACU still gets 12 on the pass play, so no biggie ... but still .... )

2:44 remaining -- Kebron Lampkin is going to get some time here, and that's good. The redshirt freshman is a speedy utility back and just ran in a screen from 15 out, ACU's up 17-nill.