FB: American Southwest Conference

[Ralph Turner]

Or HPU's Adam Johnson is a better QB than HSU's Jordy Bernhardt.

[Toby Taff]

MHB's D looked really strong.  Much better than they did against TLU.  The people sitting around me said this looked like a different team from the last few games.

[Kelly Boggs]

Say it loud and say it proud! GO UMHB!

How about that Purple CRUsh defense? They came up like I thought they could - I predicted UMHB 17 HSU 10. The offense is starting to look like the CRU we saw last season.

One game at a time CRU... keep it up and get in the playoffs.

[dballa]

Ut is blasting Tech right now...former HPU DB Khalid Naziruddin had one of the early interceptions for Tech.  Good to see him playing well, definitely miss him on defense here at HPU.

[PurpleHSUAlumna]

There are two (2) reasons why Hardin-Simmons lost today. 1. Stupidity, 2. Bernhards inability to be a team player. Check the states and see how many penalities/yards occured that pushed UMHB closer to the end zone. Late hit after late hit caused HSU to forget about who they are. It was embarassing to watch the train wreck for four quarters as guys would take cheep hits and become a disrespect not only to the fans but to their teammates. As I looked across the crowd, heads hung low in shock and disgust wondering, thinking this might not be the year for HSU. As being a part of the group that started when the same rivarly began, I couldn't understand the same uncertainity myself.
I am certain that a large part to do with the whole year's confusion so far, is how the Boys are winning when their quarterback isn't capable of seeing down the field or his teammates. He doesn't understand the plays and second guesses it when the ball is snaped. Then he holds it too long and eats it. That is partially not his fault since the O-line forgot this is college ball and not peewee league where we better be careful or we'll hurt some one-type attitude. I guess they wanted a Fall Break like the rest of the school.
There were brief moments when there was a glimmer when HSU scored or we got some good first downs. But then what would happen? You guessed it. Yellow flag would come flying out because HSU lost their minds and get a late hit penalty and then have Keeling in their face.
I'll give UMHB credit, they do have a great running game. It was amazing to see you guys run right down the middle. You looked more relax and it paid off. HSU just looked spastic not knowing what to do. At least it wasn't Homecoming, uh UMHB ? Well at any rate HSU needs to get their act together. McMurry isn't going to be a cake walk like it has been in the past. Their win today might give them something to go on for next Saturday. I'm looking forward to the night game though. Finally might feel like football season. Go Go HSU!!!

[evacuee]

One thing I noticed before the game.  UMHB has about a 6" height advantage per man.   HSU has width, but not height. 

Stupidity was not the difference today.  UMHB has a superior football team.  The game was not as close as the score might suggest.   Who knows how good the HSU quarterback might have been if the UMHB was blockable?  In fairness, he didn't help himself by running backwards and failing to throw the ball away, but one team was finesse and the other physical.  The physical team absolutely outclassed the Cowboys today and I would say 6 out of 7 days, they would do exactly the same.  HSU didn't make it past mid field until late in the third quarter.   It was utter domination from the very beginning and it really lasted until the end.

One other thing I noticed was that HSU receivers don't run forward as much as they dance around. 

All that said, it was good to be around fans that don't consider the shortcomings of their football team as the end of the world.  Players got hugs and overall, everyone was very supportive after a really ugly game.  Good people, beautiful day.  I was happy to be there, my first trip to Abilene.   

[bulldog33]

This was THE worst game i have ever sat through.....PurpleHSUAlumna hit the nail right on the head. i dont know what was going on today. i had to take my rings off for this one. All we did all game was walk out on the field, turn around and bend over.

[Josh Bowerman]

Hats off to the Crusaders.  A complete and total trip to the woodshed today.  Really hard to be a HSU fan now.   

Hopefully, HSU will be able to use this as motivation to go on the same type of run UMHB did last year.  I hope so--because performances like today just aren't acceptable.

[Kelly Boggs]

TU2698,

I appreciate the observations.

I am a long way from Texas and only on rare occassions do I get to watch UMHB play. I listen to at least part of every game. Today I listened to the first half before leaving to watch Linfield. If I didn't have season tickets, I might have stayed home to listen to the entire HSU game. However, I was receiving phone calls updating the Cru's second half progress.

Considering the past two seasons (fully aware there is still a lot of football left to play this year) , it seems as if these Crusaders are more comfortable with the underdog role when it comes to big games. When their backs are against the wall they show up big time.

The playoffs began for the Cru this weekend. Every game matters and I think they know it. They certainly played like it today!

I am still holding out hope the Cru can manage a rematch with Linfield.  For this alumnus, that would be very sweet.

[dballa]

Hey Josh you were right when you said McM/SRSU was going to be one of the better games of the day...at least better in scoring and more excitement...seemed like there were quite a few games that were close...a few upsets around the nation...

[Josh Bowerman]

Thanks, dballa.  How 'bout that LC/ETBU game, huh?

[dballa]

That was very surprising too although LC's offense has shown it can be pretty good and ETBU has been squeaking by in a lot of their games. 

and then there's the TLU/MC game...What was the deal with Salina's?

[cover2]

Playoff Question:  

Assuming both teams win out (and I know that could be a large assumption) how will home field be determined for the playoffs?  

I realize that HSU would get the auto bid and UMHB a Pool C but considering that was due to playing less games and UMHB has the head to head victory, would UMHB get to host a game in the playoffs?  What about a possible rematch?

Although, home field hasn't been to friendly between HSU/UMHB recently!!

Anyone have thoughts?...

[Toby Taff]

Just thought I'd drop some info on Shaun Rochon, former UMHB WR now at Baylor.  He's having a big game against the Sooners: 1 reception for 7 yds and a TD, 3 Kickof returns for 130yds and a TD.  Go Shaun.

[Josh Bowerman]

On behalf of all HSU fans out there, could we pesuade our Baptist brethren to offer PJ Williams a scholarship, too?