Lions hope for rebound against A&M-Kingsville

Overview: A&M-Commerce (1-1) looks to rebound after a 21-point loss to Angelo State (1-1) against Lone Star Conference opponent A&M-Kingsville (2-0). The two teams played last season in Commerce at Memorial Stadium for A&M-Commerce's homecoming. Two late fumbles in that game gave the Javelinas the 35-34 victory and this year the Lions are hungry for payback.

"That was a devastating blow for us," A&M-Commerce senior offensive lineman John Marshall said. "I know personally I'm going to be playing with a chip on our shoulder. Last year they came to our house and we had them. Some of the things that are beating us now are the same things that beat us last year."

Defeating A&M-Kingsville will be a tough task for the Lions. The Javelinas, who will have the home field advantage, won the Lone Star Conference last season. They're led by senior running back Fred Winborn (245 yards, 1TD) and sophomore defensive lineman Matt Romig (4.5 sacks). A&M-Kingsville's defense has been particularly tough this season, letting up only seven points a game.

The Lions Must: Protect the quarterback. A&M-Commerce will have to do a better job of giving quarterback Adam Farkes more time, and that will begin by getting the running game off to a fast start. Running back Marcus Graham has had solid performances in both of the Lions first two games, and should be poised for a breakout game against the Javelinas. With heavy emphasis on starting the game off strong and establishing the running game, expect Graham to have his first 100-yard game of the season.

If those two things happen, then Farkes will be able to get into a rhythm and begin to get the ball to the playmakers the Lions have at receiver, including freshmen Kenzee Jackson and Tevin Godfrey.

Prediction: On paper, A&M-Kingsville is the clear favorite. They're undefeated defending LSC champions who are playing at home. The Javelinas defeated #1 overall Northwest Missouri State 16-7 in their first game of the season. A&M-Commerce struggled greatly in the last game and have to travel all the way to A&M-Kingsville.

However, the Lions are a better team than they showed on Saturday and they have plenty of motivation against A&M-Kingsville. It will be a tall order for them to defeat the Javelinas, but I expect an upset in Kingsville.

A&M-Commerce 17 defeats A&M-Kingsville 14.