BEAUMONT, Texas – As we approach the end of the 2025 regular season (just two games remaining), the chase for the Southland Conference title begins to heat up. Three teams sit within a game of each other and two of those will faceoff Saturday in Nacogdoches when No. 19 Lamar University steps on the field to face No. 15 Stephen F. Austin. But the focus for the Cardinals should be nothing more than going 1-0 on Saturday.
 
For Lamar fans who have patiently waited since 1971 to be in this position (the last time Lamar won at least a share of the conference title), I can appreciate their frustration if they feel like just "going 1-0 Saturday" is in some way lessening their excitement for another college football Saturday. The facts are a win Saturday does not assure the Cardinals of anything other than remaining in contention. There are still two regular season games on the docket. So, for now, the only goal for Saturday is to go 1-0.
 
The good news for Lamar is the setting for Saturday will be nothing new. It will be the second-straight week, and the third time this season, LU has stepped on the field against a nationally ranked foe. The Cardinals are currently tied for second in the league (8-2/5-1 SLC) after last week's thrilling victory over then-No. 19 Southeastern Louisiana. Lamar is just a game back of SFA (8-2/6-0 SLC).
 
While Lamar has the lead in the all-time series it is by just a game, 16-15 (.516), over SFA But, the Lumberjacks have had the upper hand lately winning three consecutive and four of the last five.
 
Saturday's contest was originally slated to kick at 6 p.m. but has been moved to a 4 p.m. start from Homer Bryce Stadium. The game against the Lumberjacks will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.
   
LU vs. the Lumberjacks
The Cardinals lead the all-time series against Stephen F. Austin by one game, 16-15 (.516), a mark which includes a 7-6 (.538) record in Nacogdoches. While the Lumberjacks have won three straight and four of the last five, Saturday's contest will be just the second meeting in the last four years. The last LU victory came in 2018 in Nacogdoches, 24-17.
 
Claiming a Piece of History
Saturday's victory was Lamar's eighth of the season and tied a single-season school record (as a four-year institution). The Cardinals have won at least eight games in a season nine times in program history but 2025 is the first since 2014. The Cardinals still have a chance at tying the overall record of 10 which was set in 1949 as a junior college program.
 
Winning Record
Lamar has now secured a winning season in three consecutive years which is the program's longest run of success since the 1965 through 1967 seasons. Saturday's win over No. 19 Southeastern Louisiana also secured a step forward for a third-straight season under head coach Pete Rossomando. After guiding the Cardinals to six wins (a five-win improvement from the previous season) in his first year, the Cardinals won seven games last year.
 
Texas Two Step
LU's victory over Southeastern was LU's second over a nationally ranked program in 2025. It is the first time Lamar has defeated two ranked teams in the same year since 2018. LU is one of just eight FCS teams who have recorded multiple top 25 wins this season. Oddly, one of Lamar's two losses is to one of the other eight teams who have multiple top 25 wins – UIW.