The Northwestern Rangers kick off the 2017 football season this evening at Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The game was moved up a day due to anticipated problems from Hurricane Harvey. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.

Matt Walter is in his third year as NWOSU head coach after improving the team’s record to 4-7 last year. The Rangers would really enjoy a win tonight as the last time they defeated OUA was in 1996. This is the tenth meeting of the two teams. The Tigers hold a 6-3 advantage in the series.

A new quarterback will be running the offense for the Rangers as All-GAC selection Reid Miller graduated in May. Another standout, All-American Joby Saint Fleur, is now playing with the Miami Dolphins.

The defensive squad is going into the game with a brand new defense with Ken Gordon taking over as defensive coordinator.

Following the trip to OUA, the Rangers will play their next game at home on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. when they take on Arkansas-Monticello in Alva.