FB: American Southwest Conference

[Kelly Boggs]

I am keeping my calendar open for the CRU's playoff run... and if it entails a rematch with HSU, I will be there and prepared to be loud.

But first things first... the CRU needs to take care of HPU so their regional ranking does not slip. A home playoff game or two would be nice.

[Josh Bowerman]

Just an early "head's up" for parents, players and fans of both McMurry and Hardin-Simmons--I'll be at the game shooting images for d3football.com.  Stop by and say "hello" if you get a chance!

Also, I'd like to encourage anyone with special photographic requests to send me a private message or email me offline, and I'll make sure I do my best to accommodate it.

[Zmotion10 out on 2]

As long as HSU wins against McM and we make the playoffs I could care less where we are ranked.  Although it would be nice to get a home playoff game.  But I'm up for some road trips.  With one more win the Cowboys should be in the playoffs.  So lets take care of McM this week Cowboys.

Congrats to UMHB on winning the conference.  I hope the Cowboys get another chance to play the Cru.  What great games these two have had.

I can't wait!

[Pat Coleman]

Ralph,
I'm not saying that HSU should be ranked higher than anybody else.....I think they are probably where they should be.....they did lose to UMHB......

What I find interesting is that some losses don't really count as losses.....look at Linfield....I know they played a D2 school, that was their choice to play them...they lost....they played HSU, and HSU beat them 21-6.....fairly close game...still a loss......they play Whitworth this past weekend....and lose a close one....still a loss.....

I think you're mistaking these rankings for standings. When you lose, you automatically fall in standings. In rankings, however, sometimes a loss can indicate that you don't need to move at all. This is a ranking of how good teams are. Strength of schedule is of utmost importance.

[Josh Bowerman]

In rankings, however, sometimes a loss can indicate that you don't need to move at all. This is a ranking of how good teams are. Strength of schedule is of utmost importance.

Couldn't we use the same logic to assess a two loss team that needed a last minute score to beat a [then] 3-6 ETBU team who had been previously outscored by 100 points, Pat? 

[Bill McCabe]

A win is a win.  I don't think the ASC is as strong as most of us thought earlier in the year.  MC, TLU, SRSU.  HSU beat a fair to good Linfield team and lost to UMHB.  The Wisconsin team they played is not that strong.  UMHB lost to an unpredictable CNU (I really don't know how good they are) and an outstanding UWW.  I think UMHB has a better team than HSU and that should be reflected in the polls.  I put a lot of stock in the head to head game.

[Kelly Boggs]

As I posted earlier... in D3 the polls don't mean a thing... they are just a number. While it might FEEL good to be ranked high in a poll, the only benefit you derive is a warm fuzzy feeling and the ire from everyone you play. Just ask Mount Union. 

I couldn't care less what UMHB or Linfield or HSU are ranked in any poll. The bottom line for those three teams is that the CRU is the ASC champion and is in the playoffs. Linfield's hope for the post season is very, very slim. Some say the Cats post season aspirations are gone. I think Wildcat fans would trade their ranking in the D3football poll for a spot in the playoffs in a heartbeat. HSU has to win on Saturday or they will be staying at home like last year.  While I believe the Cowboys will win on Saturday - and handily, I would not be shocked if they lost. Anything can happen and almost did to UMHB against ETBU.

If UMHB and HSU do meet again, it is likely the CRU will be ranked higher in the polls.  A lot of good it will do them come game time. Their next meeting will be a dog fight and the team that makes the least mistakes will win.

[Bill McCabe]

Regional rankings are critical.  UMHB had a better team in 2003 than in 2004 (IMO), yet they stayed home because of their late loss to ETBU.  No one griped more than me about the Cru being left out, but it wouldn't have been an issue had we beaten ETBU.  HSU would have been in that same year, but they lost to UMHB and a non-conference game.  Getting to the playoffs is the key and then winning your games.

[Kelly Boggs]

'Tis best to go out and win your way into the playoffs and not leave it up to a selection committee to decide whether or not you continue to play or not.

[Josh Bowerman]

Agreed, Bill.  Catland, the regional rankings make a hell of a lot of difference as to whom has to play where.  You know this....

Anyway, I would like to point out a potential calculation error in the UMHB QOWI score.  Based on my math, the Crusaders get points in the following manner:

07  L  @ CNU (.778)
13 W  @ SRSU (.625)
12 W vs. TLU (.556)
11 W  @ McM (.333)
14 W vs. HSU (.875)
13 W  @ LC (.500)
10 W vs. MC (.444)
06 L  vs. UW-W (1.000)
09 W  @ ETBU (.300)
------------------------------------
95 total points/9 games = 10.555 as opposed to 10.778

[Kelly Boggs]

Josh,

I am not talking about regional rankings... I referenced that earlier... I am talking about poll rankings such as D3football... AFC... etc...

From my understanding the regional rankings have a formula that  determines them ( which I suppose is to help aid in objectivity) I understand that regional rankings make a difference. But the original discussion was about top 25 polls.

[Bill McCabe]

Anyone given any thought to all-conference selections and the MVPs?  I would have Neal for offensive MVP and Kubiak for defensive MVP.  Pretty good stretch! 

[Josh Bowerman]

I'd get behind those two for the MVP spots, Bill.

[Kelly Boggs]

Bill,

No argument here on those choices.

[Bill McCabe]

It will be strange not seeing the 2 of them on the field next year.  Those will be BIG shoes to fill for both teams.