BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University jumps to No. 20 in the STATS Perform Top 25 poll and entered the AFCA Coaches Poll at 25^th after their thrilling win over Central Arkansas Saturday. In addition to those two polls, the Cardinals remain 13^th in the FCS Nation Top 25 poll, who has consistently had the Cardinals ranked the highest this season. The Cardinals also climbed to 17th in the FCS Triumvirate poll. Each poll was released Monday morning.
 
It marks the fourth consecutive week that Big Red has been ranked in at least one poll, and the second-straight season that LU has been ranked for four weeks.
 
The Cardinals' 35-32 victory over traditional FCS power Central Arkansas pushed Big Red's record to 3-1 (.750) on the season for a second-consecutive year. The 3-1 start the past two seasons is the best for LU since 2014, but two of those wins came against non-DI institutions.
 
Lamar now turns its focus to the start of Southland Conference play with Nicholls coming to town. The Colonels sit tied atop the league standings after opening up the season with a stunning upset of then No. 5 UIW. Saturday's contest is slated for a 3 p.m. kick off from Provost Umphrey Stadium.