The 15th-ranked Abilene Christian Wildcats started their season with a notable preseason ranking, the highest in program history. They faced off against No. 20 Lamar, a team they had defeated in the playoffs the previous season. The Wildcats were still in the process of determining their quarterback, with two redshirt sophomores in consideration.

The team's performance against Lamar is reported, with their late surge ultimately falling short. Further details about the game and the Wildcats' season opener are available from the source.

The Wildcats' encounter with Lamar took place in Beaumont, Texas, as part of their season-opening schedule. For more information about the game and its outcome, readers can refer to the original report.