FRISCO, Texas — Three Southland teams are within the scope of the FCS Playoff picture; however, one team has separated itself from this triumvirate. No. 2 SFA's dominance through its first seven games has been unparalleled, not only in the SLC but on the national stage as well. The 'Jacks' +24.3 average margin of victory against Division I opposition is the highest mark in the nation and increased after a 56-0 win at Nicholls in Week 7. One of three remaining unbeatens in FCS, SFA was ranked No. 4 in the FCS Playoff Committee's first Top 10 reveal earlier this week.
The 'Jacks have the opportunity to enhance their perception with their second matchup against a ranked opponent this season. No. 23/24 Southeastern visits Homer Bryce fresh off an upset victory over Lamar a week ago, clawing their way back into the at-large discussion. This tilt not only has SLC implications, but has also garnered the attention of the national FCS audience.
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SLC Commissioner's Game of the Week: No. 23/24 Southeastern at No. 2 SFA
It will be the first battle of unanimously and simultaneously ranked teams in SLC play when Southeastern visits SFA. The Lumberjacks come off a demolition of Nicholls, a 56-0 win that matched the best start in the program’s history. Quarterback Gavin Rutherford continues to be a model of consistency for the high-powered ‘Jacks offense, now boasting 1,721 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and a 174.5 passing efficiency. Southeastern faces a ranked foe for the second consecutive week after a 34-31 win over Lamar in Hammond, floating right around the bubble of the FCS Playoffs picture. The Lions found some explosive plays on the ground to help spring that upset, finishing with 224 yards on the ground. The Lions will have their hands full facing an SFA group that has not lost a regular season game since Sept. 6, 2025.
RV/NR HCU at No. 16/15 Lamar
Two hours South of Nacogdoches and two hours prior to the Southeastern/SFA kickoff, there’s another intriguing matchup between two of the SLC’s top three teams in the standings. No. 16/15 Lamar hosts HCU, hoping to right their course after their loss at Southeastern last week. The Cardinals are unbeaten at home this season but the Huskies have impressed through their last two games, collecting wins over Nicholls and East Texas A&M. With both set to face current SLC leader SFA in the next two weeks, the winner of this matchup would have an opportunity to leapfrog into first place in the waning weeks of the regular season.
McNeese at UIW
Two programs looking to break out of the middle tier collide in San Antonio as McNeese visits Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium. Both teams sit at 2-2 in Southland play, making this a critical crossroad game for their respective seasons. The Cowboys enter on a two-game conference winning streak and will hand the ball off early and often to senior running back Omiri Wiggins, who shares the top spot in the SLC with 396 total rushing yards. UIW will counter with a high-flying, explosive offense that historically dominates at home. The Cardinals need a victory to stay relevant in the playoff hunt, while McNeese is fighting to climb above .500 in league play this late in the year for the first time since 2019.
Nicholls at Northwestern State
One of the Southland’s oldest and most passionate state rivalries writes its next chapter in Natchitoches. Nicholls hits the road aiming to spark a late-season surge and correct their 1-3 conference start. They face a Northwestern State team that is still searching for its first win of the season but enters Homecoming week with renewed belief. The Demons are coming off a razor-thin 24-21 loss to McNeese where their defense forced multiple turnovers and shut down the league's top ground game.
Other Games on the Schedule
UTRGV at Central Arkansas
Prairie View A&M at East Texas A&M
Week 8 Schedule