CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After a slow start to the season, Scotty Walden and the Austin Peay State University football team has won back-to-back contests, which earned them national recognition in the FCS Top 25 rankings.
While Austin Peay’s football program wasn’t voted into the top 25 yet, they are on the outskirts looking in after receiving 33 votes to be named on the list, according to the NCAA.
The Governors had two road contests against Southern Illinois and the Tennessee Volunteers to begin the year. While their game against the Salukis didn’t play out the way they wanted to, in which they lost 23-49, Austin Peay went into week two and held their own against a power five opponent in Tennessee. While they still lost the game, they fought until the final whistle.
When looking over Austin Peay’s production over those first two games, it was evident the Govs struggled in a couple of different areas, including rushing the ball, getting off the field on defense and limiting their opponents’ points scored.
Austin Peay only averaged 59 rushing yards per game against Southern Illinois and Tennessee University, and their defensive unit gave up an average of 444 total yards and 39.5 points per game.
| Week One | Week Two | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFF Rushing Yards | 39 | 79 | 59 |
| OFF Passing Yards | 214 | 260 | 237 |
| Total Yards | 253 | 339 | 296 |
| Total Points | 23 | 13 | 18 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 169 | 228 | 198.5 |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 263 | 228 | 245.5 |
| Total Yards Allowed | 432 | 456 | 444 |
| Total Points Allowed | 49 | 30 | 39.5 |
The Governors entered week three of the 2023-24 season ready to win their first game of the season, and they did so in dominating fashion against East Tennessee State. Austin Peay beat out ETSU by a total of 63-3 with senior quarterback Mike DiLiello leading the way.
The Govs second year quarterback finished the third game of the season completing 37 passes for 441 yards and 5 touchdowns. His played earned him United Athletic Conference (UAC) player of the week honors.
Austin Peay wasted no time building on their momentum heading into a week four matchup against Stephen F. Austin. That game was decided in the second half where the Govs outscored the Lumberjacks 15-6. Two of the Govs 15 second half points came on a safety, which broke a 20-20 tie and won them the game.
During Austin Peay’s two game winning streak, the Govs have improved in every statistical category.
| Week Three | Week Four | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OFF Rushing Yards | 171 | 227 | 199 |
| OFF Passing Yards | 441 | 81 | 261 |
| Total Yards | 612 | 308 | 460 |
| Total Points | 63 | 22 | 42.5 |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 191 | 131 | 161 |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 77 | 193 | 135 |
| Total Yards Allowed | 268 | 324 | 296 |
| Total Points Allowed | 3 | 20 | 11.5 |
The biggest statistics that stand out include the difference in their rushing attack between weeks one and two, and weeks three and four. Austin Peay averaged 199 rushing yards per game against East Tennessee State and Stephen F. Austin. When compared to the team’s rushing average during the first two games, that’s a difference of 140 yards.
It’s important to note, the Governors defense and the impact they’ve had throughout their winning streak has stood out as well. The team only allowed an average of 11.5 points per game and a total average of 296 yards per game.
Austin Peay will look to continue their winning ways against the Lindenwood Lions (2-2) as they try to fight their way into the FCS Top 25 rankings. The two are scheduled to go head-to-head at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 30 in St. Charles, MO.