This isn’t the spot the Arkansas Tech University and Southern Arkansas University football teams expected to be in after six weeks of the 2026 season.
The Wonder Boys (2-4) and the Muleriders (2-4) were both picked in a preseason poll of league head coaches to finish in the top five of the Great American Conference standings this year.
Their seasons have been a study in how tiny the margin is between winning and losing, and both teams now face the challenge of needing at least four wins in the final five weeks to finish 2026 with a winning record.
Kickoff for the 89th meeting between ATU and SAU is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Simmons Bank Field at Thone Stadium in Russellville.
Game tickets are available at www.arkansastechsports.com/tickets.
“One of our goals was to have a second consecutive winning season,” said Roy Thompson, ATU head football coach. “The opportunity to go 6-5 is still there, and that’s really the message I’m trying to tell our guys. It’s been a tough four weeks, but there are still opportunities out there. The most important thing is to get win No. 3, and that’s the opportunity this week. We’re focused on trying to improve each and every day.”
Arkansas Tech rushed for 361 yards and sophomore running back Tracy Daniels of Russellville scored four touchdowns in the Wonder Boys’ 58-56 loss to East Central University last Saturday. It was ATU’s highest single-game rushing output since Nov. 4, 2017, and Daniels’ four rushing touchdowns were tied for second-most all-time in a single game by a Wonder Boy.
“I’m extremely proud of how our offense performed overall,” said Thompson. “(Offensive coordinator Kevin Wewers) and those guys did a really good job. They controlled the line of scrimmage, did a good job of dominating East Central up front in the run game and created some opportunities for explosive plays.”
Southern Arkansas fell to 0-3 away from home last week with a 28-18 loss at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. With uncertainty at quarterback, the Muleriders have leaned into their running game in recent weeks. That emphasis will put a focus on Arkansas Tech’s ability to tackle.
“We spent a lot of time in practice this week trying to be better players in space,” said Thompson. “Our defensive run game has gotten a little bit better over the past couple of weeks. Now it’s about taking care of the perimeter piece. I feel like if we can put together a solid performance in the box with our defensive line and linebackers, and we get our perimeter players to execute at a high level, we’ll have a chance to be successful.”
Live coverage of the ATU-SAU game will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday on KCJC 102.3 FM, www.rivervalleyradio.com/river-country and www.arkansastechsports.com.
Talk to you on the radio.
Tech Tidbits is a column written by Sam Strasner, ATU director of university relations and radio play-by-play voice for ATU football and basketball.
