WACO, Texas - HBU notched its program-best fourth-straight victory by rolling past Texas Southern 68-31 Saturday and has earned the first-ever national ranking in program history, entering the AFCA Coaches Poll tied for 25th, the organization released Monday.
The Huskies lead the nation in first downs (151) and passing offense (384.8 yards per game) and rank second nationally in scoring with 52.2 points per game. Junior quarterback
Bailey Zappe, who was named the STATS FCS National Offensive Player of the Week and Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week, leads the nation with 1,819 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, while junior wide receiver
Ben Ratzlaff is tied for ninth in receptions per game (8.0), ranks second in receiving yards (601) and leads the nation with eight receiving touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver
Jerreth Sterns ranks third in receptions per game (9.0), 19th in yards (413) and tied for 15th with four touchdowns. Junior running back
Dreshawn Minnieweather ranks 15th nationally with 438 rushing yards and is tied for third in the nation with eight total touchdowns, five rushing and three receiving.
On the defensive side, junior linebacker
Caleb Johnson ranks second in the nation with 11.8 tackles per game and senior defensive end
Andre Walker ranks second with eight sacks. The Huskies have also been solid on special teams, with freshman kicker
Gino Garcia ranking ninth nationally in scoring with 53 points, hitting 8-of-10 field goals, including a pair from 50-plus yards. Junior punter
Blake Patterson ranks 25th with a 42.4-yard average and senior kickoff returner
Gamar Girdy Brito ranks second nationally with a 35.2-yard average.
HBU received 86 votes in the STATS FCS Top 25, the fifth-most among teams receiving votes, but not among the top 25.
The Huskies return to Southland Conference play to wrap up a three-game homestand against defending league co-champion UIW Saturday at 6:05 p.m. at Husky Stadium.
