“Anyone can beat anyone at this point in the year,” ACU looks at historic playoff upset over NDSU | KTAB

ABILENE, Texas (BCH Sports) -We talked a lot about meaningful football for Abilene Christian in November…but now the Wildcats are doing it in December!

ACU is still dancing in its first-ever appearance in the FCS playoffs.

Even without their starting quarterback Maverick McIvor, the Wildcats dominated in their 24-0 victory over Northern Arizona!

But as their head coach Keith Patterson says, winning at this time of year only makes the games get tougher… and they’ll face a tough test in the second round…

They will travel to Fargo, North Dakota to take on North Dakota State, one of the most decorated programs in FCS history.

This is a big moment in program history, but the team is focused not on the hustle and bustle surrounding the game but on the task at hand.

Patterson said: “You have to have a lot of respect for them, but on the other hand you can’t get caught up in the nostalgia of, ‘Oh my God, we’re playing North Dakota State.'” I think you have to approach it and focus on: “This is what we have to do to win the game.” Here’s what it takes to execute the plans in all three phases of the game. And then you had to go in there and get to know their intensity both mentally and physically. When you do that, you give yourself a chance.”

This is a big moment in program history, but the team is focused not on the hustle and bustle surrounding the game but on the task at hand.

Patterson said: “We just have to focus on doing what we’re doing, focus on ourselves and our performance on both sides of the ball. “If we do that, you never know. At this time of year, anyone can beat anyone. It’s just about developing that mindset… that’s what you need to go into a hostile environment and give yourself a chance to win the game.”

Kickoff for ACU’s playoff game is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Fargodome.