FB: American Southwest Conference

[CRU96]

Minni,

Sounds like you will get two great games in one day.  Have fun in Norman.

[umhb2001]

I'm thinking the pokes might make a run at this...umhb's running game has suffered since the last match-up, they're down on depth at key positions, and qb play hasn't been their strongest. Frankly, the CRU sucks on d-fense. Have you seen those midgets out there? I mean, I know this is D3, but really....Heck, ole sully put 21 on 'em. It might be a long day for da 'saders.

Yeah, we were down in the RB spot, but we have now cemented our backfield with BT!  The kid is a stud.  So watch out.  Also, our other guys, Hearst, Landrum, and Sanchez are't any slouches either.  Sounds like depth to me.  If anything, the loss of Quincy has really bolstered our lineup.  We have guys now with expierience coming into this game.  Sure, I'd love to have QD, but these guys have stepped up and played hard and they can get the job done.  Also, our D has been banged up, and with the conference title and automatic bid wrapped up as of last week, I believe we had other guys in there and not the starting D/O the whole time, so that could be a reason as to why the game was closer last week. Besides, we were playing the worst team in the division and the drive was like, well, we could have flown to Colorado before the bus trip was over to Alpine, so that played into it as well.  This is a rivalry game and we will be ready!

[cowboyfan]

I'm sure if HSU had played Curry or Plymouth State's schedule it would have a better statistical ranking.

I love it when Pat post on this board because no one disagree's with him. LOL good point Pat.

Bill I hope you are right about how bad HSU is and how good UMHB is but if you aren't then your off season starts sunday. I hope that is the case because i'd like to see HSU continue in the playoffs. The good thing about this is that whoever wins this weekend should be primed to represent the ASC this playoff season.

[Bill McCabe]

cowboyfan,  I've never said HSU was bad.  All I've said is their run defense is not the best in the conference.  Just like every year, it comes down to HSU stopping the run and UMHB putting pressure on the HSU passing game.  As far as what Pat said, I don't think HPU, SRSU, HPU and TLU are among the elite running games in d3 football.  And they didn't play the Curry or Plymouth State schedule.  They play in the ASC.  Whatever, HSU is 2nd to the last in run defense in the ASC.  For the most part, the ASC is a pass happy conference.

[cowboyfan]

I'm thinking the pokes might make a run at this...umhb's running game has suffered since the last match-up, they're down on depth at key positions, and qb play hasn't been their strongest. Frankly, the CRU sucks on d-fense. Have you seen those midgets out there? I mean, I know this is D3, but really....Heck, ole sully put 21 on 'em. It might be a long day for da 'saders.

Thanks for the support SRX16 I was a bit shocked at the Sully Vs UMHB score too. However when you are at the top you get everyone's best. The HSU vs MCM score from 2 weeks ago was also a bit suprising as well. I think we have a very competative conference and even the bottom 4 teams as they are referred to often here, have the desire to play had and pull off the upset. I know most folks will say UMHB blah Blah Blah but i'm expecting to see an HSU victory this weekend. One thing I do know is if UMHB wins i'll cheer them the rest of the way. If HSU wins i think UMHB fans will do the same. Thats what makes this rivalry and conference so great in my humble opinion. Good luck to both teams hope everyone has an injury free game and whoever the victor is this weekend.


Lets go COWBOYS.

[Bill McCabe]

I found some interesting stats from the ASC website regarding the kicking game.

Punting:  UMHB 1st, HSU 9th
KO Coverage:  UMHB 1st, HSU 4th
Field Goals:  UMHB 2nd, HSU 3rd
PAT:  UMHB 3rd, HSU 7th
Punt Ret:  UMHB 1st, HSU 3rd
KO Return:  UMHB 1st, HSU 6th

Most of us can remember how important the kicking game has been when these two meet, from blocked punts to kick off returns.  They were game changing plays.

A couple of other stats:

Sacks:  UMHB 2nd, HSU 7th
INTs:  HSU 1st (18 on the year)  UMHB 5th

3rd down conversions:  HSU  51.7%  Amazing!  UMHB 47.3%

[umhb2001]

I found some interesting stats from the ASC website regarding the kicking game.

Punting:  UMHB 1st, HSU 9th
KO Coverage:  UMHB 1st, HSU 4th
Field Goals:  UMHB 2nd, HSU 3rd
PAT:  UMHB 3rd, HSU 7th
Punt Ret:  UMHB 1st, HSU 3rd
KO Return:  UMHB 1st, HSU 6th

Most of us can remember how important the kicking game has been when these two meet, from blocked punts to kick off returns.  They were game changing plays.

A couple of other stats:

Sacks:  UMHB 2nd, HSU 7th
INTs:  HSU 1st (18 on the year)  UMHB 5th

3rd down conversions:  HSU  51.7%  Amazing!  UMHB 47.3%

That third down percentage is what worries me.  It seems as though UMHB does well on first and second down, but when they are defending on 3rd down, watch out, because at times, we have been very porous on 3rd down defense.  I would like to know what the percentage of conversion against is on 3rd down.  I would say that conversion against UMHB, without looking at the stats, is high.  But I don't know.  I just know that the games I have been to, which have been three home games and one away, our third down D has been scary, and not in a good way.

[Bill McCabe]

umhb2001,

Opponents 3rd Down Conversion:
     UMHB 2nd  29.6%
     HSU 7th  38.8%

[Josh Bowerman]

Teams have not been able to pass the ball on HSU much at all this year.  This is evidenced by their team interception total.

Carlisle and McKnight are the two best corners I've seen for HSU in the last few years.  Not taking anything away from some of the good guys that have been there (i.e. Hansen, Galusha), but I've not seen both sides of the ball this solid at the same time since Terrance Fryer and DeNarious Robinson.  That's why they're #1 in the conference in pass defense (and 35th, nationally).

IMO, that's the reason HSU has given up more yardage on the ground this year.  Teams are having zero success throwing the ball against them.  What the statistics don't show is that HSU has given up only 3 rushes of more than 20 yards this year (with a long rush against them of only 34 yards, which came in the first game of the season)--so the rush defense has very much been a bend-but-don't-break effort.

I anticipate a very similar game to last time on Saturday.  Just hoping for a different outcome. 

[Weak Safety]

IMO, that's the reason HSU has given up more yardage on the ground this year.  Teams are having zero success throwing the ball against them.  What the statistics don't show is that HSU has given up only 3 rushes of more than 20 yards this year (with a long rush against them of only 34 yards, which came in the first game of the season)--so the rush defense has very much been a bend-but-don't-break effort.

Great point Josh.  I think you're right.  I can't believe the Temple paper didn't share those tidbits with their loyal readers.     Media Bias!

[Josh Bowerman]

Thanks, GB.  You going Saturday?

Bill, I'd also point out that HSU only punted 29 times this season (which would explain why they're 9th in the conference in that statistic), versus 42 times for UMHB (who is first in the ASC in punting).

Field goals and extra points will be critical for HSU, though, as we saw in the first UMHB game this year.

[Weak Safety]

As much as it kills me, I think I'm going to have to stick around here.  I'm only 3 or 4 weeks or so away from having another future Cowboy on the ground!  It's getting to the point where I'm a little nervous to travel for fear that I might miss something and I really need to spend time with the family before the (welcome) chaos ensues!  Here's to a home game next weekend though!

[Bill McCabe]

Thanks, GB.  You going Saturday?

Bill, I'd also point out that HSU only punted 29 times this season (which would explain why they're 9th in the conference in that statistic), versus 42 times for UMHB (who is first in the ASC in punting).

Field goals and extra points will be critical for HSU, though, as we saw in the first UMHB game this year.

Josh, it is done on net.  28 yards net is not very good for any team and could be a problem if it is the same on Saturday.  The kicking game hurt HSU in the first game big time.  In the past , the punting game has swung games to UMHB.

[Weak Safety]

QB quick punt from the 40 trying to pin it deep doesn't help your net.

[golden_dome]

Carlisle and McKnight are the two best corners I've seen for HSU in the last few years.  Not taking anything away from some of the good guys that have been there (i.e. Hansen, Galusha), but I've not seen both sides of the ball this solid at the same time since Terrance Fryer and DeNarious Robinson.  That's why they're #1 in the conference in pass defense (and 35th, nationally).

IMO, that's the reason HSU has given up more yardage on the ground this year.  Teams are having zero success throwing the ball against them.  What the statistics don't show is that HSU has given up only 3 rushes of more than 20 yards this year (with a long rush against them of only 34 yards, which came in the first game of the season)--so the rush defense has very much been a bend-but-don't-break effort.

Josh,
  The pass defense is very good and forces turnovers, no doubt. But it's not just the total yards on the ground, it's the 4.7 yards per carry that is still 3rd worst in the ASC. That's pretty bad compared to the other playoff teams. The two best rushing teams they played were MC and UMHB. MC ran for 296 yard on 53 carries (5.6 ypc) and UMHB went for 358 on 73 carries (4.9 ypc).

   I think HSU is solid and is probably the ASC's best team for a possible matchup with Millsaps, but the matchup with UMHB exposes their one weakness. I think you could do some damage in the playoffs if you can just get past UMHB.