TYLER, Texas — Things don't get any more simpler for Northeastern A&M next Saturday as the Golden Norsemen begin a three-game road trip with a 7 p.m. game against No. 10 ranked Tyler Junior College on Earl Campbell Field at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.


Last week coach Ryan Held's Golden Norsemen lost 42-3 to No. 21 rated Blinn College on Robertson Field to open play in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference. With the loss the Norse are 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in the league.
"We've already played two teams (College of Du-Page, Ill., and Blinn) that were nationally ranked and now we've got Tyler," Held said. "Just like our previous three games, we've got to be able to stop their running game if we're going to have a chance."
Coach Danny Palmer's Apaches rank seventh in the nation by averaging 510 total yards per game. Last week the Apaches crushed Arkansas Baptist College 63-18 in Tyler.
After opening the regular season with a 59-45 loss at No. 3 ranked Trinity Valley, the Apaches ambushed Blinn 72-65 in Brenham. Tyler is 2-1 on the season and 1-1 in the SWJCFC.
"They've got a great running back that leads the nation in scoring with 12 touchdowns through three games," Held said. "Then, their quarterback is very athletic and they have really good receivers.
"Just like Blinn, they are big up front," Held said. "Because they are so athletic, they make a lot of unscripted plays, so you have to keep everything in front of you."
Steeped in the tradition of being an intense, physical rivalry since the series began in 1954, the two war horses have battled through 47 games over the 60-year period. Tyler has a 24-22-1 edge.
Last season the then No. 4 ranked Apaches cruised to a 63-49 victory over the Norse-men at Robertson Field.
During the 2012 campaign, the teams split two games. Tyler defeated NEO 65-59 in a thrilling double-overtime game during the regular season.
Coach Dale Patterson's Norsemen advanced to the 2012 conference finals with a spectacular 37-35 victory in a semifinal matchup.