STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Tarleton jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first quarter and went on to a 49-7 victory over HCU in the non-conference FCS regular-season finale Saturday afternoon at Tarleton Memorial Stadium. Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University (HBU), underwent a name change in September 2022.
 
Sophomore quarterback Justin Fomby went 17-for-32 for 152 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, which both were returned for touchdowns, for the Huskies (2-9). Senior Deon Cormier had five catches for 35 yards and freshman Deuce McMillan had two for 29 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown reception.
 
Xavier Toliver led HCU with 12 tackles, while Peyton Kennedy had nine and Devion Hargrove made eight. Freshman safety Caleb Flagg made four stops and returned a fumble 48 yards.
 
Derrell Kelley III rushed 24 times for 239 yards and two touchdowns for the Texans (6-5). Beau Allen was 13-for-23 for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Darius Cooper caught six passes for. 155 yards and a touchdown.
 
Qua'shawn Washington led Tarleton with six tackles, while Blaine Hoover and Bryson Collins each had five and each forced a fumble. Josh Kemp and Donovan Banks returned interceptions for touchdowns and former Husky Segun Ijiyera recovered a fumble.
 
Tarleton had 516 total yards, with 309 coming on the ground, while HCU had 135 total yards and 156 passing. The Texans recorded 22 first downs to the Huskies' 10. HCU turned the ball over four times and Tarleton twice.