FB: American Southwest Conference

[Pat Coleman]

I think we see regional rankings from the NCAA after weeks 8, 9 and 10.

[Zmotion10 out on 2]

WANTED

FOR THEFT



Josh Kubiak

The known assailant stole a win from the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys on Saturday.  If found please lock him up for ASC Player of the year.

[Zmotion10 out on 2]

Ok hold back on all the negative Karma just my objective assessment of the game:

The kick that Kubiak blocked was the difference in this game.  Had the Cowboys not jumped offsides and scored a TD there at the 1 and gone up 17-7 I think this is a totally different game that the Cowboys go on to win.

Kubiak totally changed the complexion of the game with that block. Then the Cru offense travels the entire length of the field and scores.  That was tough.  Then throw on the Interception on our next offensive series and the short field combined with that half back pass (great call) and our back was broke.  That was it...the ball game.  I don't care how many times the guys on the radio said that Neal is dangerous and can come back and all that jazz that second touchdown within a minute or so was the game.  I could see it in the UHMB players on the field.  Those guys at that point knew they had won the game and anyone who was watching could see it.

UMHB has a fantastic football team.  Defense swarmed us all day.  Really the best defense by far I have seen all year.   Kubiak is just awesome.  A game breaker.  The UMHB offense also ran to the outside well in the second half.  The play calling was very good.  They mixed in just enough pass to keep us honest.  Great coaching.  I read that one poster from CNU had written that UMHB was out coached in their loss -- after seeing them Saturday I find that hard to believe.  Great mix on offense and great calls on defense.  Overall an A+ execution by both sides of the ball.

Back to the game -- I left the game sick to my stomach. Not like after last years loss because the Cru whipped us bad, but just knowing that things didn't go right for us and I felt like we could have played much better.  We had a few dropped balls a few overthrown balls and a few balls thrown to where no one was (as a spectator you don't know if it was the QB or receivers fault -- knowing Neal I would say that a receiver didn't get where they should have been but I'm not sure).  We just looked off in the second half. We also gave up an apparent touchdown pass (long play over the middle that was called back).  After the blocked field goal we just looked out of sync for the rest of the second half.

I think the Cowboys regroup this week and can win out to grab a pool C spot.  We still have some tough games in HPU and TLU for sure then throw in the McM game and who knows about Sul Ross.  But I believe in the Cowboys.   I also would like to see a rematch with the Cru.  Bottom line is to make that happen we need to win out. 

I will take my Crow rare and bleeding as I made a bold prediction of a double digit win for the Cowboys. Don't worry it won't upset my stomach anymore than it already is.

[Bill McCabe]

I think you are underestimating the Cru secondary.  Kubiak is the best player in the conference.  Barcek is a lock down corner.  He made a huge breakup in the 3rd quarter.  Don't forget, the LBs are involved in pass coverage and they are as fast as safeties.  I hope teams continue to underestimate the Cru pass defense.  The front 4 did a very good job in pressuring Neal.  He had to throw off balance many times during the game.  He is the best QB UMHB will play.  Yards don't matter, 16 points is what is important.

[Bill McCabe]

Josh, 80 of those yards for HSU came on their final drive.  Neal and Galusha will sharp on that drive, but the game was basically over.

[Bill McCabe]

We really haven't talked too much about the kicking game, but it definitely favored UMHB.  The partially blocked punt that Kubiak returned to the 5 led to 7 points.  His blocked FG led to a long scoring drive.  Hamrick had one long punt that changed field position.  The UMHB coverage team did a nice job of containing the HSU returners. 

[Kelly Boggs]

Great insights and analysis... most appreciated since I have yet to see the CRU in person this year (In fact I did not get to see them at all last year  ). Now that I am back in the region I hope to see them at least a couple of times a year. I also look forward to seeing all the other teams in the ASC.

mhb8904,

I agree with you concerning the CRU passing game. I would love to see them open up the offense a bit more. I know Welch can handle it. I have follwed him since he was in junior high. He is a savvy field general, has an adequate arm and is usually very accurate. Most important of all, he rarely makes poor decisions or mistakes that are going get you beat.

Go CRU, looking forward to the game Saturday in Pineville!

[Weak Safety]

Josh, 80 of those yards for HSU came on their final drive.  Neal and Galusha will sharp on that drive, but the game was basically over.

Just as 80 of UMHB's 201 came on one drive.  (Against the defense giving up the second most yards per game in the conference coming into the game)

Like I said in the post above, if the defense lays an egg for UMHB the game will be over.  That goes for any team left on your schedule this year.  Don't pound your chest too hard.

[Kelly Boggs]

Weak,

I agree with you that UMHB's defense has been the absolute key to its success thus far. I think your point was made for you in the CNU game. The defense was hurt in the air by the Capitans and thus the lone "L" for UMHB this year. If the CRU is going to win the ASC and make some noise in the playoffs, the offense must produce. UMHB fans can only hope that the offense turned a corner in the 2nd half Saturday.

On the point about total yards. The only obesrvation that I would make - and it might have been the point of an earlier post - is the HSU drive (80ish yards) came when the game was no longer in doubt. Was the CRU playing a little soft? I don't know. I was not there. The UMHB drive (85 yards, I believe) came when the CRU was down by three and needed points. It also came on the heels of an anemic (and that is being kind) offensive showing in the first half. Just a few thoughts...

But all the talk about total yards is really moot. Points on the board is what wins games. The argument could also be made that UMHB did not have more yards than they did (2nd half) because they did not have to drive very far for their scores.

When all is said and done, the old junior high cheer rings true, "Watermelon, watermelon, watermelon rind, look on the scoreboard and see who's  behind."

[Weak Safety]

UMHBalum,

I can't argue with any of your post, other than the playing soft part on HSU's last scoring drive.  I don't think Kubiak just gives up, and he was guilty of one of those "run through the receiver when you've been beaten and he's gonna score" instances.  He got called for the pass interference, but the receiver caught the ball anyway.  The DB on the touchdown catch on that drive had nice coverage, just got outplayed for the ball.  Great defenses don't give up, and UMHB has a great defense.

But you're right, the offense had a short field due to outstanding defense and special teams play.  They may very well have had quite a few more yards otherwise.  Maybe the same can be said about the McMurry game.  I just base my statements on the offensive execution I saw Saturday compared to the production and execution I've seen in the past.  In years past, every UMHB drive was like their long scoring drive (and I give them credit for making that drive in crunch time). 

The talk of total yards is moot when it comes to this game.  The defense, special teams, and even the offense with the clutch drive were good enough to win. I'm simply stating that if UMHB falls behind more than a couple of scores they will be vulnerable, especially if there is not much time left on the clock.  Cumby looks like he could very well be a deep threat though.

Bottom line is UMHB won the game because they found ways to win the game.  They excel at that every year.  (And I'm tired of it!  )

[CruAlum39]

I revert back to my previous statement a few weeks ago that I was hammered a little for.  "Josh Kubiak is the fastest white boy I have ever seen."

As for the rest of the DB's, I would like to think they are a little more than just serviceable.  I remember when Barcek was a sophomore wide receiver and was asked to play cornerback for the first time for the CRU the week of the Trinity game in the first round of the playoffs.  I believe he ended up with 4 picks in 5 playoff games against 5 very good teams.  I have not seen them play this year so this is pure speculation, but it is what I would like to think.  As for the other db's, Im not sure, but you can usually get away with having an excellent free safety and one lockdown corner, because most teams don't have more that 1 STUD receiver, which allows you to key him with your lockdown corner and get free safety help where it is needed.  Hopefully the rest will come along if they need to.

I would also like to give a congrats to the UMHB players and coaches for a much needed win.  UMHB did what it took to get the job done when their backs were against the wall.  Now I just hope we don't have to play HSU again in the same season because I think we all know how that could turn out!!!

[Kelly Boggs]

Weak,

You wrote: "I'm simply stating that if UMHB falls behind more than a couple of scores they will be vulnerable, especially if there is not much time left on the clock." I agree with you... at this point in time, they would be in real trouble. And unless some things change offensively, it could well be the case in the future. Here's hoping the offense has turned a corner.

And concerning my "playing soft" comment... it was just a "food for thought comment." I have no idea what the UMHB defense was doing during HSU's last scoring drive. I was not at the game and was only listening via the radio. However, you are probably right, Kubiak and Compnay do not sound like they would ever lighten up during a game.

UMHB had better be ready for LC. I am a Johnny-come-lately to Central Louisiana, but Dennis Dunn has the Wildcats believing they can play with anybody. They have some speed at the skill positions and one big, quick D-lineman. A win over UMHB would be a huge lift for the LC program. I would not advise looking past them. The CRU is coming off an emotiona win over HSU, they need to get up and get ready for LC so they can take another step toward an ASC championship.

GO CRU!

[Josh Bowerman]

Just a philisophical opinion, here...

I think the DBs (anywhere, on any team in D3) are rarely more than just "good".   Reason:  covering the pass is the toughest thing to do in all of football, IMO.  The guys that are "great" at this usually get scholarships to go play in a 80,000 seat palace on Saturday afternoons.  

I don't think there's any such thing as a "lock down" corner at our level.

[Bill McCabe]

I think the 2 corners were out for the CNU game.  CruAlum39 is right in his assesment of Barcek.  He can cover and he will go get the ball.

[Weak Safety]

I think the DBs (anywhere, on any team in D3) are rarely more than just "good".  

That was definitely true in my case!