FB: American Southwest Conference

[Josh Bowerman]

RE:  HSU's last scoring drive...

I don't think the UMHB defense was playing soft, I think HSU finally called some plays designed to get the ball down the field.  This coupled with probably the best pass protection of the day, resulted in the score.

It may be surprising to some, but HSU's passing game actually revolves around fairly short, quick hitting passes that get the ball into the hands of athletic receivers and lets them make plays after the catch.  The Crusader defense was fast enough in their pursuit and sure enough in their tackling to limit the YAC for HSU, significantly.  HSU started letting it fly down the field, though on the last drive, and had some success doing so.

To be fair to the UMHB defense, the final HSU scoring drive was helped immensely by an outstanding diving catch by Mychal Carrillo (he was well covered) and another great catch by Will Galusha.  I was right next to the Galusha play on the sidelines, and honestly thought the UMHB corner had intercepted the ball--how Galusha came down with it still baffles me.  

Personally, I'd have liked to see a few more three step drop wheel routes or fades to the outside with the UMHB CBs in one-on-one coverage--calls which basically take the strength of the Crusader defense out of the play.  But that's just me playing "Monday Morning QB".   I have to admit, it's hard to do those things when you're getting the up-front pressure the UMHB defense was applying on Saturday. 

[Josh Bowerman]

That was definitely true in my case! 

I still have much love for your game, Weak Safety!   

[Bill McCabe]

Josh,  I agree with you on the catches on the last drive.  It is easy to see why HSU wanted Galusha on the offense.  I too thought the corner had at least knocked away the ball.  He was completely lost on the TD pass.  Great throw by Neal.  I don't believe UMHB came with many blitzes on the last drive.  

[Josh Bowerman]

Speaking of the diving catch by Carrillo...

Be sure to check out the Weekly Phlogging (when Ryan gets it up and running) and the image gallery from the game via the Photo Galleries link on the front page. 

Me thinks there might be some visual goodies from that play to take in!   

[Toby Taff]

Man, you use the term "lock down" one time and it generates so much response.  I'll say that Barcek is good.  He seems fast; he makes good plays... The two games I've seen this season have shown me that the dbacks for UMHB are pretty good, even against good speed.  I'll agree with Josh here, however, if your great you get a scholarship.  I think defensively UMHB is good to go.  BUt the offense needs to generate something more.  

[Toby Taff]

RE:  HSU's last scoring drive...
 I was right next to the Galusha play on the sidelines, and honestly thought the UMHB corner had intercepted the ball--how Galusha came down with it still baffles me.  

From my point of view, it was intercepted, but Galusha came over the top and took the ball away.  It was a magnificent play by Galusha.  It looked like he switched into d-back mode.

[Bill McCabe]

We're not talking about scholarship players here, D3 players.  In that perspective, Barcek is a very good corner.  In the Stagg Bowl 2 years ago, he made a "great" interception against Linfield's Elliot.  Personally, I don't understand how the scholarship schools let Kubiak get away.  Their loss is UMHB's gain.

[Bill McCabe]

Galusha's catch was awesome.  I wish he was still playing at my alma mater. 

[Toby Taff]

 Personally, I don't understand how the scholarship schools let Kubiak get away.  Their loss is UMHB's gain.

I won't say I'm happy they missed that pick, but I am.

[Josh Bowerman]

Galusha's catch was awesome.  I wish he was still playing at my alma mater. 

Didn't know you were a Rice man, Bill.  That's a great school, and I've been fortunate enough to know several good people from there over the years--a list to which I'm glad to add your name to!

[Bill McCabe]

They could have used Kubiak, too!   

[billybaroo]

Ok since the scholarship question got brought up I will pose this question does anybody think that Kubiak has a chance to get looked at for the next level?

[Bill McCabe]

That's a big jump, but I would think he would get a combine chance or a workout somewhere. 

[minni]

i really just want HSU to start the "Mike Leach" effect on the rest of their opponets.  

[Bill McCabe]

minni, what does that mean?