CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Austin Peay football team picked up a convincing win over Morehead State in Week 2. The Govs had no trouble in the contest, and most of the starters didn’t even have to play in the second half.
Getting back in the win column was essential because the Govs start conference play in Week 3. Their first conference matchup is against the West Florida Argonauts down in Pensacola, Florida. This is the first season at the DI level for the Argonauts, and thus will be the first-ever matchup between West Florida and Austin Peay.
As a result, many fans are likely unfamiliar with the Argonauts. Today, let’s dive in and find out what we need to know ahead of this conference opener.
What to know about West Florida
This being West Florida’s first season at the DI level doesn’t mean they’ll be an easy foe, as the Argonauts have been insanely impressive so far.
West Florida knocked off then-No. 16 Southern Illinois 34-31 in the opener. It was a shocking result, as Southern Illinois is typically a very tough FCS team, and they entered the contest as a big favorite. The Argonauts weren’t done with the surprises, though, as they destroyed conference rival Central Arkansas 42-14 in their second game.
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The Argonauts are leading the UAC in scoring through week 3, with an average of 38 points scored per game. The defense has also been dominant, as the Argonauts have collected eight sacks, four interceptions, and they’ve forced four fumbles. West Florida is also third in the conference in points allowed per game and fourth in yards allowed per game.
West Florida prefers to run the ball, and they are averaging 191.0 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Ty’Ray Davis has been incredible so far, as he has thrown for 336 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions through two games. Davis has also added 163 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
The Argonauts are trying to win their third straight game against a ranked opponent and their third straight game overall.
Game prediction: Govs win a close one
Last year, playing on the road was a big problem for the Govs. The team went 6-0 at home, but just 1-5 on the road. Austin Peay didn’t win a single conference road game in 2025, but they have an opportunity to right that wrong early in 2026.
It won’t be an easy task. West Florida puts up a ton of points, and they play a ferocious style of defense that generates turnovers. The thing is, the Argonauts have yet to play an offensive line as talented as the one the Govs have, or a quarterback as talented as Chris Parson.
As long as Parson is protected, I’m not sure West Florida has the talent in the secondary to keep these Govs’ pass-catchers in check. On defense, the Govs have been very effective against the run, which means they are a bad matchup for the Argonauts. Ultimately, I think the Govs’ offense is able to make enough plays to outscore the Argonauts and hand the program its first DI loss.
The game is at 6 p.m. Saturday at PenAir Field in Pensacola. For tickets, go to the Austin Peay page on Ticketmaster or call 931-221-PEAY (7329).