FB: American Southwest Conference

[trickytroy32]

I agree with you umhbalum. Umhb is by far the most talented team in the asc. I'm so surprised by the talent year after year even getting athletes that are d1 talent. It speaks volumes of the program that was built and winning attitude at umhb. Remind me of my playing days at HSU( long time ago and can say my teams I played on  never lost to mhb lol) However, UMHB is starting to remind me of HPU back in late 90's. They depend on their talent instead of being a team like the once were and for the first time it showed. That one WR that 6'6 was the x factor in the game. If he wasn't in the game umhb loses by multiple tds. Its the first time in twenty years I've seen umhb win by depending on one player not the
team. I will say they will not win against Mt. Union, North Central, and UW-Whitewater, if they don't learn to be a team like they usually are. Are we seeing the end of a era? HPU the next umhb and HSU? Umhb again is the most talented in the asc, but for the first time in a long time they are not playing as a team.

[Toby Taff]

My take on the game last night... 1st -  i expected the first half to be like the 2nd half. Seeing the talent level and how they have played in the first 3 games, I expected more. What I saw was sloppy defense, over pursuing and being out of position. THose are things that have cost us in the playoffs many times. The chippiness of HSU to start added fuel to that fire, and the Cru didn't play within themselves. HSU made them pay. Watching replays: Kings first fumble was a fantastic hit low combined with a hit high from behind. Great defensive play by HSU. The 33 yd td was great O-line play and teh 65 yd td was stellar running. don't know how he squeezed his way through, but his legs never stopped and he squirted free. Amazing

The 2nd half was the Cru i expected to see that caused me to pick the ridiculous point spread in the pick-em. Oline was blocking and giving King time, King was patient and made the throws count. Cormier was a beast, and punished defenders. Jefferson Fritz was making it happen everywhere on the field. (I'm just waiting for him to line up in the backfield or as a reciever and take one to the house), and the defense settled in and handled their business.

In the end, the game I saw was the game I always want when my 2 alma maters meet. A close game, hard fought by both sides with a UMHB win to cap it off. (I bleed purple gold AND white) It was a game that put my blood pressure into stroke ranges and the adrenaline crash when I got back to Abilene let me sleep well. Here's to a great rest of the season, and lets all hope neither of these teams sleeps on Howard Payne. Those boys are flinging the rock.

[Etchglow]

What a game... That is the atmosphere I've been missing this year. Like everyone said, the Cru came out super flat and just weren't playing to the whistle in the first half. That cost them a lot. Great adjustments in the second half by coach Fredenburg. The Cru needs to do a better job of not getting chippy back though and I bet several players are going to get a talking to this week...

I actually think that when this team is firing, it is one of our more complete offenses and deep offenses in a long time. At least 3 receivers who could go off for 100+ yards a game in Jordan, Miller, and Martin. Super deep at running back with Thomas (who needs to work on some ball control probably), Cormier (who hopefully isn't hurt too bad), and Miller. Heck, even coach Austin from Southwestern (who isn't known for his love for umhb) said he, and his defensive coordinator) think this is the most complete offense they've seen out of the Cru.

In other thoughts, I wonder if Howard Payne starts receiving top 25 votes. They played a heck of a game against etbu (who were receiving votes) and have one hell of a quarterback and receiver corps.

All in all, I think this game was great for the Cru because it hopefully serves as a wake up call. Hopefully, everyone who was hurt has time to heal up before the playoffs come.

[crufootball]

I agree with you umhbalum. Umhb is by far the most talented team in the asc. I'm so surprised by the talent year after year even getting athletes that are d1 talent. It speaks volumes of the program that was built and winning attitude at umhb. Remind me of my playing days at HSU( long time ago and can say my teams I played on  never lost to mhb lol) However, UMHB is starting to remind me of HPU back in late 90's. They depend on their talent instead of being a team like the once were and for the first time it showed. That one WR that 6'6 was the x factor in the game. If he wasn't in the game umhb loses by multiple tds. Its the first time in twenty years I've seen umhb win by depending on one player not the
team. I will say they will not win against Mt. Union, North Central, and UW-Whitewater, if they don't learn to be a team like they usually are. Are we seeing the end of a era? HPU the next umhb and HSU? Umhb again is the most talented in the asc, but for the first time in a long time they are not playing as a team.

I am a little confused by this statement.

Was Brandon Jordan the X factor and one of the main reason we won yesterday, probably but when you see a mismatch it would seem wise to abuse it and I am guessing we will see that mismatch a lot this year.

But also in the game we had 2 RBs go for 90 yards, had 2 other WRs catch TDs in the game, not to mention our QB completed nearly 70% of his passes to 8 WRs for 5 TDs.

In regards to HPU, I hope they are getting better, they certainly can put some points on the board so far. I will hold off judgement for this season until they play Belhaven, who also appears to be getting better, then HSU and then UMHB. If they can win 2 or more of those games I think then we can start talking about them being the next anything.

[trickytroy32]

Jordan was the x factor hands down. Anybody who watch the game knows that. Yes it's a match up that favors umhb. The other stats mattered little because it was Jordan that got the umhb key third downs conversion,+25yd plays, and I believe 3tds. I'm not downing umhb. I'm saying it's the first time since 1999 that I've seen umhb depend on one player than a defense that just dominated and a offense that   oline and rbs dominate as a team with help from all WRS in key situations. Without Jordan, umhb loses the game by multiple tds. Only one drive(1st drive in second half) rbs did anything or really anybody on the team other than Jordan. The whole game. Give Jordan the respect he deserves. Without him umhb loses big. 

[umhb2001]

I agree with you umhbalum. Umhb is by far the most talented team in the asc. I'm so surprised by the talent year after year even getting athletes that are d1 talent. It speaks volumes of the program that was built and winning attitude at umhb. Remind me of my playing days at HSU( long time ago and can say my teams I played on  never lost to mhb lol) However, UMHB is starting to remind me of HPU back in late 90's. They depend on their talent instead of being a team like the once were and for the first time it showed. That one WR that 6'6 was the x factor in the game. If he wasn't in the game umhb loses by multiple tds. Its the first time in twenty years I've seen umhb win by depending on one player not the
team. I will say they will not win against Mt. Union, North Central, and UW-Whitewater, if they don't learn to be a team like they usually are. Are we seeing the end of a era? HPU the next umhb and HSU? Umhb again is the most talented in the asc, but for the first time in a long time they are not playing as a team.

I think I'm missing what you are saying here.

Teams will use the advantage they have to win a game. Had HSU not been using a single Safety overtop and stacking the first 7 yards, you probably would have seen a lot more run. Aphonso has got to figure out the fumbling issue. That being said, KJ Miller can take over a game, Brenton Martin can take over a game, and Kenneth Comier can take over a game as well. So, saying they aren't playing as a team is a misunderstanding to me.

The D was not playing well in the first half as highlighted by Fritz's comments to Frank in the post game interview. In the second half, they shut out an offense that put 28 on them in the first half. That was definitely a team effort.

Nobody wants to go to Brownwood. Word is they have a bunch of Juco transfers, and that is fine. We need a strong league. HPU has been up and coming for a few years since Braxton Harris was the coach.

There were a LOT of recruits on the field yesterday who saw our facilities and our team win a big game and come together to make it happen. I think UMHB is going to continue to be strong for several reasons for many, many years.

[umhb2001]

Jordan was the x factor hands down. Anybody who watch the game knows that. Yes it's a match up that favors umhb. The other stats mattered little because it was Jordan that got the umhb key third downs conversion,+25yd plays, and I believe 3tds. I'm not downing umhb. I'm saying it's the first time since 1999 that I've seen umhb depend on one player than a defense that just dominated and a offense that   oline and rbs dominate as a team with help from all WRS in key situations. Without Jordan, umhb loses the game by multiple tds. Only one drive(1st drive in second half) rbs did anything or really anybody on the team other than Jordan. The whole game. Give Jordan the respect he deserves. Without him umhb loses big.

Without Jordan, KJ went off for over a 100 yards and 3 touchdowns a couple weeks ago, so there are other options out there, but you also take what the D is giving you.

[trickytroy32]

Let me clarify. All the WRS except Jordan( coverage was there though) was shut down the whole game. Minus one drive the umhb rb were shut down. Now out of all the games I've seen umhb since '99 it's the first time I've seen this type of win. Usually it is a defense (as a unit) that is unbreakable. A running attack unstoppable no matter who is rb.  Again not downing umhb. Its just not umhb team that umhb makes. A team depending on match up instead of imposing it's will regardless of the team. If they play like this in the playoffs they won't make it past quarterfinals if that.

[trickytroy32]

Enough HSU/UMHB talk. HPU is a big question mark. Are they legit or a pretender. Only facing  big dogs will tell. Jordan from UMHB is a baller. Is he a Jr or Sr? I was also impress with the DEs of umhb. ETBU qb seems he can't handle game situation pressure to me. HSU youth surprised me with most being freshman and sophomore. It reminds me of the umhb team of 2000. Any comments on McMurray? Being devil's advocate, What if HPU, UMHB, and HSU finish 9-1. Will ASC get a pool c bid?

[Etchglow]

Let me clarify. All the WRS except Jordan( coverage was there though) was shut down the whole game. Minus one drive the umhb rb were shut down. Now out of all the games I've seen umhb since '99 it's the first time I've seen this type of win. Usually it is a defense (as a unit) that is unbreakable. A running attack unstoppable no matter who is rb.  Again not downing umhb. Its just not umhb team that umhb makes. A team depending on match up instead of imposing it's will regardless of the team. If they play like this in the playoffs they won't make it past quarterfinals if that.

Whaaaa?  Cormier had 80+ yards of rushing in the second half.  That is more than "one series", and Thomas had another 40 or so (granted, 30 of that was the final play).  The coverage was decent, but KJ Miller was open on a lot of slant routes and Ruckman managed to get open a lot too but not targeted a lot. 

[crufootball]

Let me clarify. All the WRS except Jordan( coverage was there though) was shut down the whole game. Minus one drive the umhb rb were shut down. Now out of all the games I've seen umhb since '99 it's the first time I've seen this type of win. Usually it is a defense (as a unit) that is unbreakable. A running attack unstoppable no matter who is rb.  Again not downing umhb. Its just not umhb team that umhb makes. A team depending on match up instead of imposing it's will regardless of the team. If they play like this in the playoffs they won't make it past quarterfinals if that.

All the other WRs scored 3 touchdowns in the game, they didn't have the yardage Brandon had but as a team they found the end zone when they needed too.

This comment is just interesting to me because for years we have heard that UMHB relies too much on its running game or athleticism to score, now we actually use a skilled WR to a big degree (in one game) and we are doomed to fail in the playoffs?

[trickytroy32]

Did y'all actually watch the game? Most of Comiers yards came on one drive. WRS  open all over lol. Come on miller was seldom open minus a few short passes. The others aren't worth mentioning. After reading all week how deep umhb and how this will be a blow out.(I thought the same) Well, very let down by what I saw against a very young HSU team. always liked the umhb defense and running attack. Their team play is always impressive until now to me. That game play will not cut it against Mt. Union, North Central, UW-Whitewater, or even Saint Johns. Umhb got exposed major on both offense and defense. Let's be honest only teams HSU or UMHB faces that are playoff type team is each other until playoff time. What I saw are two teams that might make it to the quarterfinals no further. If you honestly believe they played great and that will cut it to make a deep run in playoffs tell me I'm wrong. Otherwise, see ways to improve and fix mistakes like better tackling, hitting holes harder especially the back up rbs, ball handling to cut down on fumbles, and middle and short coverage better( If HSU kept with what they did in first half instead of throwing deep instead of short and middle could of made for a more interesting second half) Like to see ASC rep the champ instead of out before the semis. Umhb has the talent, I question their attitude and team unity. So did y'all by the comments y'all wrote in first half.  Especially with the talent y'all have no team in the ASC should even be close.

[Etchglow]

Did y'all actually watch the game? Most of Comiers yards came on one drive. WRS  open all over lol. Come on miller was seldom open minus a few short passes. The others aren't worth mentioning. After reading all week how deep umhb and how this will be a blow out.(I thought the same) Well, very let down by what I saw against a very young HSU team. always liked the umhb defense and running attack. Their team play is always impressive until now to me. That game play will not cut it against Mt. Union, North Central, UW-Whitewater, or even Saint Johns. Umhb got exposed major on both offense and defense. Let's be honest only teams HSU or UMHB faces that are playoff type team is each other until playoff time. What I saw are two teams that might make it to the quarterfinals no further. If you honestly believe they played great and that will cut it to make a deep run in playoffs tell me I'm wrong. Otherwise, see ways to improve and fix mistakes like better tackling, hitting holes harder especially the back up rbs, ball handling to cut down on fumbles, and middle and short coverage better( If HSU kept with what they did in first half instead of throwing deep instead of short and middle could of made for a more interesting second half) Like to see ASC rep the champ instead of out before the semis. Umhb has the talent, I question their attitude and team unity. So did y'all by the comments y'all wrote in first half.  Especially with the talent y'all have no team in the ASC should even be close.

We will just have to agree to disagree then. I don't know how anyone can argue that the Cru didn't play lights out in the second half. Yes, they played like garbage in the first half, I guess that counts as getting "exposed". But, the team that came out in the second half was executing at a completely different level... Unless you believe that the cowboys gave up and choked?

[OzJohnnie]

Really, it was the 2/3 the third quarter where UHMB had the wood on HSU.  After that HSU recomposed themselves and played UHMB to a near draw.  And if it weren't for the goal line INT on HSU's last drive (where they were putting some plays together and had marched the length of the field with purpose) then I think we would have seen overtime.

I think HSU had UHMB's number and but for a 15-minute emotional burst would have won.

EDIT: This post may come across as harsh when then wasn't intended.  UHMB is very good, as always.  I just reckon HSU had 'em yesterday but for that 15-minute burst.  I don't think UHMD dominated the entire second half.  After HSU settled they were back competitive and other than an INT on the UHMD 2-yard-line the game would have been in OT.

[Etchglow]

Really, it was the 2/3 the third quarter where UHMB had the wood on HSU.  After that HSU recomposed themselves and played UHMB to a near draw.  And if it weren't for the goal line INT on HSU's last drive (where they were putting some plays together and had marched the length of the field with purpose) then I think we would have seen overtime.

I think HSU had UHMB's number and but for a 15-minute emotional burst would have won.

EDIT: This post may come across as harsh when then wasn't intended.  UHMB is very good, as always.  I just reckon HSU had 'em yesterday but for that 15-minute burst.  I don't think UHMD dominated the entire second half.  After HSU settled they were back competitive and other than an INT on the UHMD 2-yard-line the game would have been in OT.

It didn't come across harsh honestly. Without the interception, UMHB might well have lost. But, I'd consider 300 yards of offense and 4 touchdowns to 97 (or 87?  Do you double count that 10 yards that HSU lost on the holding play?) and zero points a pretty dominant half. Before the 6 minute mark of the 4th quarter UMHB held the cowboys to 27 yards of offense for the second half.

Edit, added "a pretty dominant half" instead of pretty dominant.