FB: American Southwest Conference

[Josh Bowerman]

Kyle, I think the model you describe is more the rule than the exception in DII.  It's also used a lot in DI-FCS (the Patriot League, where I used to work, for example).

[d3Kyle]

Kyle, I think the model you describe is more the rule than the exception in DII.  It's also used a lot in DI-FCS (the Patriot League, where I used to work, for example).

Isn't that why I said there are "many, many" ?
I spelled it out because most people you talk to who haven't worked in collegiate athletics believe it's one big money fund.

[crufootball]

Interesting link from the "What we're reading" section on the front page looks at the recent ASC changes from LC's perspective.  Talks about D2, inviting teams to the conference, other ASC schools looking at FB ...

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/DK/20121011/SPORTS/210110310/ASC-explores-options-after-announced-departure

The most shocking point about this article is that the Lafayette paper even published an article about LC. It's tough enough at times to get them to acknowledge the D-I program that has their stadium across the street from The Advertiser's offices, let alone admit that a D3 program in the area is worth covering.

That said, there doesn't seem to be a lot of options open to LC beyond staying in the ASC.   I would think that a move to D2 would be tough for them because of the need to fund scholarships beyond just football.    And I'd agree with Ralph about who you would add new... only SWAG sounds like a good candidate to jump ship out of the NAIA ranks

Note that there are many, many Division II schools that don't raise the money to have a "physical" scholarship fund for athletics. This is often off-set by a combination of "physical" athletic scholarship funds and tuition discounts that serve as scholarships. Two unique things about D2 are 1) If an athlete walks on without an athletic scholarship - the amount of financial aid that student can receive is significantly reduced than that of a student in the gen pop; thus making them a more "full-paying" customer - enough of these types of walkons can offset the costs of scholarships or discounts 2) Of course D2 can split their 36 scholly's - you can entice bubble kids with something as little as $500 a semester in scholarship (reasons to do this - keep them from going to non-scholarship school in case they develop into more formidable players; and two obviously make the 36 scholly's stretch for the needs of a 60-80 man roster)

I left McMurry recently - and they took an almost exclusive tuition discount approach to their scholarship model in transition to D2.
Institutions have to consider the pressure on coaches to produce walk-ons and admissions departments must maintain or better their numbers. Best-case scenario, it can actually generate more revenue for your school or it could be quite the opposite.

One more note - those walkons won't stay forever if they don't receive a scholarship or get on the field - they'll find some place else to play, which means a constant battle for coaches to produce walkons, not only every year, but every semester.

Are the schools that are more successful those that do have the "physical" fund or does it make a difference?

[Kelly Boggs]

LC played a tough first half, especially defensively, but games consist of two halves. The turning point in the game was when UMHB blocked the FG just before halftime and returned it for a TD. When LC called timeout, I turned to my oldest son and said, "I won't be surprised if UMHB blocks this and I won't be shocked if it is returned for a touchdown. I've seen the Cru do it many times before." When it happened, my son suggested I might want to buy a lottery ticket. After the blocked FG, UMHB pretty much took control.

LC is a good program and will put together a playoff season in the near future. UMHB does what UMHB does, win.

Up with the Purple!

[umhb2001]

LC played a tough first half, especially defensively, but games consist of two halves. The turning point in the game was when UMHB blocked the FG just before halftime and returned it for a TD. When LC called timeout, I turned to my oldest son and said, "I won't be surprised if UMHB blocks this and I won't be shocked if it is returned for a touchdown. I've seen the Cru do it many times before." When it happened, my son suggested I might want to buy a lottery ticket. After the blocked FG, UMHB pretty much took control.

LC is a good program and will put together a playoff season in the near future. UMHB does what UMHB does, win.

Up with the Purple!

Kelly, thank you for the quick rundown. Since the video stream and audio stream were both NOT working, which really frustrates me, I couldn't see anything today or hear it on my phone. What was up with the 4th quarter? Did the Cru bring in their 2nd string or what? They dominated the 3rd, which doesn't surprise me, but then basically did nothing in the 4th. Your thoughts?

[umhb2001]

Great "Hype" video for this week's LC vs UMHB game! Very good stuff. The "Machine" came...

http://youtu.be/HKHwEUoApOQ

[tigerguy]

Very courageous comeback attempt by TLU right now against Sul Ross. TLU was down 63-24 with 4 left in the third and got it all the way back to 63-58 before giving up a big play TD to make it 70-58. They currently have the ball with 3:50 to go. I was getting excited because if they had managed to get on top it would be the biggest comeback in NCAA history. A Sul Ross player just set the ASC record for most TD's in a game with 8.

[tigerguy]

70-65 with 12 seconds left. TLU about to line up for an onside

[Ralph Turner]

Barnburner...

Final SRSU  70, TLU 65

Who had the over/under at 135?

[Kelly Boggs]

umhb2001,

The Cru seemed to be on cruse control in the 4th. They ran the ball a lot and penalties hurt them when they got down near the red zone. However, the defense was stifling.

LC is a good football team with a solid defense. The Cats played with UMHB in the first half, but the Cru did what they do so well: make big plays, play tough defense and move the sticks on offense. UMHB's offense picked up the pace in the 3rd quarter and it seemed to wear on the LC defense, they seemed gassed at times - they still played hard, though.  It also seemed as if the Cru's depth really wore LC down in the 4th.

Baily was very impressive. He is in control and comfortable running the Cru offense, very good decsion making.

[Major Rev]

Defenses were still at the tailgate    

[Major Rev]

Defenses were still at the tailgate    

Of course I mean the Sul Ross game ...

[Ralph Turner]

Defenses were still at the tailgate    

Of course I mean the Sul Ross game ...

Sully was up by more than 30 points in the 4th qtr and pulled their starters. TLU caught fire and came back.


Sully went up 63-24 with 4:30 left in the 3Q.

[LaCollegeFan]

Interesting playoff race now with both LC and BSC losing today. Gonna be interesting to see who wins out.

[Jerry Bawcom]

It seems the Machine (UMHB) wasn't fazed by the LC hype message!