Welp, pretty clear which version of TLU made the trip out west.

Congrats to the CRU. Unfortunately, this game likely won't move the needle to fix the island-school playoff pairing issues, which is shameful.

No team should have to play a team twice in a the regular season; beat them both times; and then play that team in their first playoff game. Yes people will say the round-robin was their own choice - whatever.

None of that takes away from the fact that there is really no comparison to the short end of the stick that the top island teams get again and again.

Obviously thrilled for UMHB since they beat my tigers last week, but this is getting really REALLY old. 

Rough start for TLU. Looks like they were in man coverage with no help over the top on first play of game; DB fell down making tackle, and Linfield WR had a clean 70+ yard after the catch for the TD. Ensuing possession, WR (maybe?) made catch but was immediately hit from behind and ball fell to the ground and recovered by Linfield. They rule it was a fumble. Sure didn't look like anything close to a football move to me, so I think Linfield benefitted from what should have been ruled an incomplete pass. Quickly 14-0 Linfield.

Credit to Ron for the scoop: "ETBU freshman QB Kaden Brown (176-251-2, 23 TDs, 2376 yards), the ASC Offensive Player of the Year, has entered the transfer portal."

I assume he may get some higher level looks, but if not (and assuming he has the grades), Urban needs to get him to Trinity ASAP.

Quote from: Ralph Turner on November 23, 2024, 11:28:18 PMVachon kicks the extra point for Auburn in OT. 38-all, and then a 41-yd FG in 2nd OT.

Love it. Some brightness for SAA on an otherwise tough day

Unrelated - randomly watching Texas A&M/Auburn game late and they are focusing on kicker, Ian Vachon, who broadcast noted transferred from BSC after they shut down. #1, had absolutely no idea who he was; #2, freaking awesome - you still have something to cheer for @BSCpanthers!; #3 hope he gets a shot to win this (as much as I'd love the A&M comeback)

Quote from: Ron Boerger on November 23, 2024, 10:38:12 PMA DB with no INTs and fewer PBUs than a LB. 

I know right? The only Berry player even on the NCAA national PBU rankings is Whitten's teammate, Kristofer Thomas, who is ranked 182. Would appreciate some input from a coach or Berry fan to provide some insight here. Again, I know CB/Safety are thankless positions so I am not dismissing that fact; just hard to rationalize from a purely statistical standpoint.

Quote from: Ron Boerger on November 23, 2024, 07:56:40 PMYeah, the defense really kept us in the game despite all the offensive miscues until they just got worn down on that last drive.   We could have still won it if we'd gotten a break or two along the way, but it didn't happen and credit the Cru for changing their offensive game plan in the second half to focus on the run.  But getting into the playoffs was a bonus, and a lot of the guys on the field today will be back next year.

I hate to sound like a broken record, but here's a comparison of Cade Rabson's performance with the SAA DPOY in their loss:

SAA DPOY:  4 tackles (2 solo), 0.5 TFL (1 yard)
Rabson:  15 tackles (7 solo), 2.5 TFL (6 yds), 0.5 sack (1 yd), 1 QBH, 1 INT (18 yards)

A shout out to both Rabson and James Ogunrin; in his last game, the Katy LB also had an outstanding game with 15 tackles (5 solo) and 0.5 TFL (1 yard).   They will both be missed next year. 

I understand that Whitten is a DB/Safety and that comes with "stats" that aren't reflected (aka, great coverage that probably results in no pass even in their direction to lead to PBU), but this one is a head-scratcher for me.

Good game CRU - give HSU hell!

Back looked out of it on the last three plays and clearly hurt. I know you hate to send someone in fresh at end of game but he looked out of it. Urban used one timeout all game. Truly bizarre. Special teams ends up being the difference.

Great season and much better than my expectations. Good luck to the Cru.

Trinity's special teams is losing the Tigers this game so far. Blocked punt that lead to TD; high snap that lead to missed field goal; bobbled hold that led to missed PAT; and now fumbled kickoff return. Incredibly sloppy and it has literally been the difference.

Pretty entertaining game so far in SA. Trinity has shot itself in the foot several times, and special teams is having a disaster of a day so far. Ryan Back stepping up in the pocket today rather than Tony Romo-ing each time has been nice to see and led to some great plays.

Quote from: D3Navy on November 21, 2024, 07:10:12 PMAny Trinity Tiger players here?  Parents?  If so, realize that you guys are an afterthought to the "experts":

https://www.d3football.com/columns/around-the-nation/2024/playoff-surprises-disappointments

To heck with that!  Dig in, focus, and prove 'em wrong.

Hope the secondary can hold up.

Quote from: Ralph Turner on November 17, 2024, 05:21:29 PM

Quote from: tigerguy on November 17, 2024, 05:14:21 PMTrinity draws UMHB 1st round, winner plays Hardin Simmons second round. So sick of this setup and was really hoping Trinity or UMHB would get to play someone new for once. TLU gets shipped out to play Linfield.

Really disappointing since it is more of the same, but then again I didn't expect either Trinity or UMHB to be in the playoffs.

Quote from: Ralph Turner on November 17, 2024, 05:21:29 PM

Quote from: tigerguy on November 17, 2024, 05:14:21 PMTrinity draws UMHB 1st round, winner plays Hardin Simmons second round. So sick of this setup and was really hoping Trinity or UMHB would get to play someone new for once. TLU gets shipped out to play Linfield.

Really disappointing since it is more of the same, but then again I didn't expect either Trinity or UMHB to be in the playoffs.

...or you could get shipped out to Linfield and let TLU play UMHB.

I think Linfield is tougher than UMHB  this year.

just would love for any of the Texas island teams to get to play someone new.

...or you could get shipped out to Linfield and let TLU play UMHB.

I think Linfield is tougher than UMHB  this year.

To be clear, I'm not complaining about being matched up with a stronger/weaker opponent. The Texas teams get the same matchups almost every year, so I would have loved to have a new opponent for once to see some cross-region comparison. At least TLU is getting that opportunity.

Trinity draws UMHB 1st round, winner plays Hardin Simmons second round. So sick of this setup and was really hoping Trinity or UMHB would get to play someone new for once. TLU gets shipped out to play Linfield.

Really disappointing since it is more of the same, but then again I didn't expect either Trinity or UMHB to be in the playoffs.