FB: American Southwest Conference

[Etchglow]

"Nobody alive today remembers HSU playing in Sun Bowls."

Of course they don't!  That's the point and why I included a reference from the stone ages.  Past successes are awesome, but present success depends on the current players on the field. 

You're absolutely correct, tradition helps recruiting, helps build mystique and intimidation, etc.  But in the end, the current players have to maintain.  If you have past success that does definitely help you get better players and put your team in the position to maintain dominance. 

Better individual athletes don't always translate to a better team. UMHB has the tradition, the facilities, and an ideal location for recruiting.  None of that mattered this year.  The HSU game wasn't lost because of inferior talent. Discipline looked to be an issue though.

Do I like UMHB?  Of course not!  For quite some time, until this year, they've had the upper hand against the team I root for.  Do I respect UMHB?  Absolutely.  How could anybody not respect what they've built? 

Will they return to dominance?  Time will tell. This season erased some of the mystique. Would I be surprised if they recover and return to form?  No.  As an HSU fan, I like the recent trajectory of both programs.

I enjoy having two great teams in the conference.  It's good for the conference and it's good for fans. 

That said, it looks like Jordan Neal is doing great things at McMurry.  I wouldn't be surprised if they are in the conversation very soon.

McMurry might be in a conversation, but not in an ASC conversation as they're scheduled to join the SCAC in the 24-25 calendar year. 

I'm not sure how "That's a Shame" in reference to being down starting offensive linemen translates to HSU living in UMHB's head rent free...  But, if that helps you sleep at night go ahead.

Edit: Dang you Ron, beat me to McMurry leaving

[Weak Safety]

Thanks Ron, you're right!  I've been trying to ignore that situation hoping it would go away.

But I'll sleep great tonight either way!

[Riley Zayas]

UMHB RB Kenneth Cormier has entered the transfer portal. Rushed for over 2,000 yards in 4 years at UMHB. Had 618 yards this season with 6 TDs.

https://twitter.com/KDCJ19/status/1726704971679412521

[CruFrenzy]

WOW. That makes 6 key starters since the spring that have now left our program. Kenneth Cormier RB1 hits the portal... unreal man. We are becoming a juco program. If you still can't see it idk what to tell you. Hugely disappointing.

Not even the most buttoned up program in the nation retains every player from year to year, but handfuls of starters leaving like they're running from the plague... alarming.

[Etchglow]

UMHB RB Kenneth Cormier has entered the transfer portal. Rushed for over 2,000 yards in 4 years at UMHB. Had 618 yards this season with 6 TDs.

https://twitter.com/KDCJ19/status/1726704971679412521

Honestly, I had forgotten he had an extra year of eligibility.  Hopefully he lands somewhere.  It is a little disappointing that so many guys who have been here so long are leaving instead of stepping up to become student leaders.  It was really interesting to hear Harmon talk about how he was trying to get guys to step up and be vocal, but not many were willing to do it...  I don't know if that is true, or he lost them, or what.  But the Defense really stepped up in the later half of the year.  Discipline and putting the D in really bad positions made several of the games looks really bad that should've been much closer than they were.

[Crubacker]

It's sad!  Cormier was a starter as well.  Sure hope he gets playing time wherever he goes.  He had a starting job and giving it up.  Time for the young players to step up and fill those shoes.  I think Padron needs to do a better job with the talent that he was given, don't think he utilized it the best.  He also became too predictable in his play calling.  Get up in the box Andy, get a better view of the field before you start calling plays again.  this years offense was lackluster and often times stagnant!

[Riley Zayas]

ETBU QB Carlos Garibay has entered the transfer portal. Started for most of the season at ETBU as a sophomore. Threw for 1,026 yds, 7 TDs, 6 INTs.

https://twitter.com/ykitslos3/status/1726762737085153667

[Ralph Turner]

An off-season question....

Is UMHB facing the "Bear Bryant Dilemma"? How long did it take Alabama to get the coach that it believed it deserved?

[Ron Boerger]

TLU says goodbye a year early ...

https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2023/11/21/texas-lutheran-football-to-join-the-scac-for-the-2024-season

[Etchglow]

TLU says goodbye a year early ...

https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2023/11/21/texas-lutheran-football-to-join-the-scac-for-the-2024-season

I think this basically forces the ASC to run a double round robin w/championship as then the 4 teams would only need 12 total non-conference games.  That is pretty similar to the number that the SCAC will need with 10.  It'll be interesting to see what happens to any scheduling agreements that might be in play... 

[Ron Boerger]

TLU says goodbye a year early ...

https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2023/11/21/texas-lutheran-football-to-join-the-scac-for-the-2024-season

I think this basically forces the ASC to run a double round robin w/championship as then the 4 teams would only need 12 total non-conference games.  That is pretty similar to the number that the SCAC will need with 10.  It'll be interesting to see what happens to any scheduling agreements that might be in play...

The ASC will need 16.  In a four-team double round-robin you only have six conference games.   A lot harder for four teams to find four non-conference games than for five teams to find two each.

[D3fanboy]

TLU says goodbye a year early ...

https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2023/11/21/texas-lutheran-football-to-join-the-scac-for-the-2024-season

[Etchglow]

TLU says goodbye a year early ...

https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2023/11/21/texas-lutheran-football-to-join-the-scac-for-the-2024-season

I think this basically forces the ASC to run a double round robin w/championship as then the 4 teams would only need 12 total non-conference games.  That is pretty similar to the number that the SCAC will need with 10.  It'll be interesting to see what happens to any scheduling agreements that might be in play...

The ASC will need 16.  In a four-team double round-robin you only have six conference games.   A lot harder for four teams to find four non-conference games than for five teams to find two each.

40 - ((Double round robin (3 + 3) + championship week (1)) * 4) = 12, .  Do the championship similar to 2020 with 1+2 and 3+4 playing. 

[CruFrenzy]

An off-season question....

Is UMHB facing the "Bear Bryant Dilemma"? How long did it take Alabama to get the coach that it believed it deserved?

Seems like an appropriate comparison. We have every advantage in the book at the D3 level. Best stadium/facilities in the country, some of the best financial aid for athletes, pedigree (3 national titles in the last decade), recruiting location. I certainly hope it doesn't take UMHB as long as it did to find the right guy 

[Ron Boerger]

TLU says goodbye a year early ...

https://www.texasfootball.com/article/2023/11/21/texas-lutheran-football-to-join-the-scac-for-the-2024-season

I think this basically forces the ASC to run a double round robin w/championship as then the 4 teams would only need 12 total non-conference games.  That is pretty similar to the number that the SCAC will need with 10.  It'll be interesting to see what happens to any scheduling agreements that might be in play...

The ASC will need 16.  In a four-team double round-robin you only have six conference games.   A lot harder for four teams to find four non-conference games than for five teams to find two each.

40 - ((Double round robin (3 + 3) + championship week (1)) * 4) = 12, .  Do the championship similar to 2020 with 1+2 and 3+4 playing.

Hadn't thought about there being a championship with only four teams but it would make life easier for all.  +1