Led by first-year head coach Ken Collums, the Wildcats compiled an overall record of 7–4 with a mark of 4–4 in conference play, tying for fifth place in the LSC.
Mitchell Gale and Morgan Lineberry (placekicker) were selected first team All-American and Taylor Gabriel (WR) made the third-team.
10 ranked team while McMurry had one of the best offenses in NCAA Division III the previous season.
[23] Defensive end Nick Richardson tied the school record with six sacks in Abilene Christian's first shutout since 2006.
The Wildcats were without starting outside linebacker Chris Summers who suffered a right knee injury against McMurry and was out for the season.
[27] Mitchell Gale arguably had his worst game in his college career with only 13 completed passes out of 31 for only 137 yards and his 23-game streak with a least one touchdown throw was snapped.
The Wildcats enter the game 0–1 in the conference and 1-1 overall while Tarleton was still unbeaten after a win on opening day against Midwest State.
[33] ACU became only fourth team from the state of Texas to have won both in the Cowboys Stadium and the Cotton bowl.
[36] Abilene Christian was held to only 9 rushing yards the whole game while giving up 7 sacks in the 23–28 loss to Angelo State.