FB: American Southwest Conference

@d3jason · November 16, 2012, 11:24:52 AM

Anybody complaining about UMHB going to the pistol lately??? lol.

I think that the Cru may have the best offensive and defensive players in the country in Bailey and Jones. They have raised the level of play on this team compared to the past two seasons. After a third consecutive undefeated regular season, they now need to lead the team throughout the playoffs. I think the level of play by these two has made them a better team than the previous two editions despite not being as strong maybe in some other areas. They are true play-makers, you can do everything right scheme or technique-wise and they can hurt still you.

Bailey consistently made plays in the game I saw against Wesley where they Wolverines did everything right, but he still picked up the first down or touchdown. It will be interesting see if he can go on a run like McSweeny did for Wesley last season. I still think that your best bet it to try and contain him and make him throw from the the pocket b/c if he gets outside, forget about it. He make a big run or buy time until a receiver gets open. (At least, against Wesley that was Wilson out of the backfield) He has improved greatly as a pocket passer but I'd still take my chances there rather than have him on the run. I would make him beat me throwing it down the field from the pocket.

Jones just seems to make incredible plays every week. A couple that were missed in the discussion of the Wesley game I saw were the ankle tackles he had on Steve Koudoussou, who may the the best open field runner in D-III. If he didn't get a piece of him on those plays, he may have been off to the races for a couple of long TDs. It may have altered the complexion of that whole game. And of course the return at the end of the first half of the blocked field goal against LC.

Coach Fredenberg set the bar high for his program in the press conference after the Wesley loss in the playoffs last season. He said " We are going to win a national championship here." You could hear/see his conviction and the pain in Bailey's face at the podium. The time maybe this year.

I think that LC is really going have to play a clean game to have a chance tomorrow. They are going have to run the ball better than last time and Bunting cannot turn the ball over. I think they have the talent to pull the upset, but that still may not be enough unless they make some game-changing plays that they didn't against Wesley or UMHB. Who will make a play for LC when they need it in a big game?

umhb2001 · November 16, 2012, 05:18:05 PM

@D3Jason

This is a great post. Several things that you noted are the intangables I talked about over on the Bracket blog under general football.

The win at Wesley, the comeback against HSU late, and constant road battles are things that I feel are what are going to make this UMHB team different. We've not had these intangables going into a postseason before, so I think we have a great chance, but it aint like anyone is going to roll over. We still have to play our game.

The one area where I do slightly disagree is with Bailey. Although we don't have the two outside receivers we had last year, the four guys we do have play with a chip as they feel they were overlooked going into the season. They have made some exceptional catches, to Bailey is going to beat you deep, or he'll dink you on the outside. And, his feet are steady. In the past, he's had happy feet, too anxious. Now he is patient and willing to take the check down, throw it away, or scramble. In the past, he was too willing to scramble.

It will be a great weekend.

Kelly Boggs · November 17, 2012, 08:56:33 AM

Game day!

Jerry Bawcom · November 17, 2012, 10:48:43 AM

It's going to be a beautiful football day in the neighborhood!!!

umhbalum · November 17, 2012, 01:43:30 PM

Cru looking good so far. Defense with a couple big INT's. 21 - 0 UMHB start of the 2nd qtr

umhbalum · November 17, 2012, 01:47:47 PM

Cru takes the ball and scores on their first possession of the 2nd qtr and go up 28 - 0 over LC

umhbalum · November 17, 2012, 01:51:56 PM

LC completes a big pass for 54 yards to get into the red zone. A few plays later they score a TD. Extra Point blocked

UMHB 28 - LC 6

Kelly Boggs · November 17, 2012, 03:38:01 PM

Dominating performance by The Cru today. Congrats to LC on a fine and memorable season.

DE Wesley Fan · November 17, 2012, 04:11:48 PM

Sounds like a tough day for LC - hope you guys are proud of all you've accomplished and appreciate that this kind of year lays the foundation for future success. Congrats to the Cru on a good one.

umhb2001 · November 17, 2012, 05:14:23 PM

Quote from: DE Wesley Fan on November 17, 2012, 04:11:48 PM
Sounds like a tough day for LC - hope you guys are proud of all you've accomplished and appreciate that this kind of year lays the foundation for future success. Congrats to the Cru on a good one.

Definitely, especially with the RB, #2 Ryan Montague, because he is a stud. Lots of positive things going on in Pineville. Looking forward to our next match up in the in new stadium next year.

Ralph Turner · November 17, 2012, 08:05:54 PM

Dominant performance. Congratulations to the CRU!

@d3jason · November 17, 2012, 08:51:18 PM

Quote from: Ralph Turner on November 17, 2012, 08:05:54 PM
Dominant performance. Congratulations to the CRU!

Definitely a wow performance. I thought it would be a little closer. The Cru is rolling.

LaCollegeFan · November 19, 2012, 11:23:31 AM

Extremely proud of LC and everything they have accomplished this year. Thanks to all the UMHB fans there as they welcomed us with open arms and we're extremely nice to us our entire time in Belton.

If UMHB plays like they did Saturday for the rest of the playoffs, there is not a team in this country (not even MU) that will be able to score enough points to keep up. Only thing that worries me is the QB play- with Bailey they were unstoppable, but with the back up in- not even close. I will be cheering on the Cru and really hope they can bring home the title back to the ASC.

umhbalum · November 19, 2012, 12:07:02 PM

Quote from: LaCollegeFan on November 19, 2012, 11:23:31 AM
Extremely proud of LC and everything they have accomplished this year. Thanks to all the UMHB fans there as they welcomed us with open arms and we're extremely nice to us our entire time in Belton.

If UMHB plays like they did Saturday for the rest of the playoffs, there is not a team in this country (not even MU) that will be able to score enough points to keep up. Only thing that worries me is the QB play- with Bailey they were unstoppable, but with the back up in- not even close. I will be cheering on the Cru and really hope they can bring home the title back to the ASC.

Did Bailey get injured or are you saying that if something happens you would be concerned about the level of play from the backup?

LaCollegeFan · November 19, 2012, 02:56:26 PM

Quote from: umhbalum on November 19, 2012, 12:07:02 PM
Quote from: LaCollegeFan on November 19, 2012, 11:23:31 AM
Extremely proud of LC and everything they have accomplished this year. Thanks to all the UMHB fans there as they welcomed us with open arms and we're extremely nice to us our entire time in Belton.

If UMHB plays like they did Saturday for the rest of the playoffs, there is not a team in this country (not even MU) that will be able to score enough points to keep up. Only thing that worries me is the QB play- with Bailey they were unstoppable, but with the back up in- not even close. I will be cheering on the Cru and really hope they can bring home the title back to the ASC.

Did Bailey get injured or are you saying that if something happens you would be concerned about the level of play from the backup?

Both. He got hit pretty hard and left for one drive. The back-up had a lot of trouble getting the play in on time- causing a delay of game penalty, fumbled a snap, and they just couldn't really seem to get going with him- Bailey returned the very next drive and they scored in 3 or 4 plays. I think Bailey was okay, probably got the wind knocked out of him or something- nothing serious. Now if Bailey was to get hurt... I would really be worried.