FB: American Southwest Conference

[DFWCrufan]

For me this is one of the games I have been waiting for all this year. Huge respect for Linfield and in my pea brain built a bracket that Yes, had this match up (All the others were off but hey) To me this is what the playoffs are all about, clearing the field in the tournament and seeing just who is going to pull themselves together for a Win each game because at this point stats are nice, but a win is preferable, whether by 1 or 100 the main point is to move on.
I've become a D3 obsessive, watching three or even four games a weekend and during the week I scan for game footage from any program that hosts their game online. Linfield footage is hard to find, at least for me, so they remain that elusive team out there. I can get the mini highlights but not the full game, which has intrigued me about this team. But I was able to catch the Chapman game and was impressed with the athleticism displayed, I believe we are going to see a very athletic game and Although UWW looms for either of these who progress I think this is the game to watch.

Safe travels Linfield

[DFWCrufan]

Before we devour UMHBs performance too much, we do have to consider that they did reach the end zone three more times than it shows. On Saturday there was a picsix called back - Ok holding seems to happen. Blake Jackson made a stellar run for a touchdown, which was called back for a (from what we were told over the broadcast) Ineligible block or blocker? Ooook...and then a third called back for (I believe because no one talked about it and it was off camera) a low or illegal block. now sure, these do not go in the books for points but it does show that we were able to penetrate far more than the stats show. Yes, the O was not in a smooth rhythm and the majority of the game the D line was on the field, but let's also consider the time was being gobbled up by TLU as their game plan, the majority of which was waiting for the playcall to be sent in. And while the Offense had statistically low numbers but the points on the board vs. time in possession tell me we were effective. Give me points on the board and low stats than huge stats and no points. And that is not to take anything away from TLU and their plan, one failure for them was the last 4 minutes and I know they were containing their players and play discipline but to me that was the time to get very aggressive.

It was a Novocaine game, give it time and it becomes effective, Barolle is an outstanding athlete, a smart and talented player with a unbelievable work ethic, but  he is just one, after time even the best of in shape players get gassed. I believe they (TLU) were hoping for huge breakouts from him and the Cru Defense bent and gave but held that to zero. So big numbers, zero points I have to give it to UMHB. I'd rather have points and low stats and win then monster stats and lose.
But if we are going to face Linfield, our Offense has got to really ramp it up, Linfields O line is very effective and their D seems to be far less bending.

[CruFrenzy]

DUDE! What the heck is going on with D-Kinsey???
He was in a big knee brace for the Saturday kickoff and did not play at all in the Sunday RE-DO. Our defense is good but we aren't a championship caliber D without Deshon Kinsey. I sure hope he is okay. If anyone has an update it would be appreciated.

[Bill McCabe]

Taking nothing away from TLU at all, the Bulldogs played well and Barrolle is a quality back, but this was far and away the worst performance by a CRU defense in many a day - especially the line. Teams don't normally rush for 200 yards against UMHB, much less one player.

Hats off to the TLU coaching staff.  To get beat like they did in Seguin and come back with the performance this weekend is outstanding.  They had a plan and stuck with it.  I think they caught the Cru at the right time, with the right conditions, and the right plan. 

[DFWCrufan]

Now UMHB friends we have got to get our video production staff to get it together. Please please please....quit putting the logo up during playtime, we missed the 4th quarter on side kick as that graphic was on the screen, and other plays missed while the silly graphics were up. That is purely directors calls, just quit putting it up there period unless an injury or some other issue. It's not slaved to the board because you can keep the cameras up and get good shots of the crowd (which they kinda do) Show us the substitutions, anything please. The images were really grainy and pix-elated, what was up with that we know we have better cameras....SO if any crunatics have an in with the video crew PLEASE get in their ear and stop the grapics, there is no good reason to clear the screen and snap back in the formation.

[GillCJ1]

I know the videographer for Cru Athletics.  I'll let him know of the issues.  Quality has ranged from excellent to spotty all season.  I don't know the technical reasons for it, though.

[Kelly Boggs]

Given the fact UMHB held on to win over TLU, I believe Saturday's/Sunday's game could be a good thing for The CRU. It is a wake up call for the defense for certain.

UMHB simply must be more intense against Linfield. If The CRU plays defense the way it did all season - and the way it dominated TLU in the regular season game - UMHB will be just fine. Play the way The CRU played this past weekend and UMHB will 0-3 against Linfield.

Additionally, hopefully more fans will show to support The CRU in the tough games to come.

I believe UMHB will shake off the dust of the first round game and come to play on Saturday.

UP with the PURPLE!

[Kelly Boggs]

I believe a loaded and inspired Linfield squad is going to show up at The CRUthedral on Saturday. UMHB has to show up and we need a crowd to show up that will be CRU-proud and CRU-loud! Get the word out, we need a lot of purple clad fans to be present and accounted for in order give the Wildcats a proper Texas and UMHB (noisy) welcome!

[D O.C.]

Purple is fine with LINFIELD Saturday.

Is the video production staff students from a class? That might account for things not going so smoothly.

[Kelly Boggs]

I need to point out, D.O.C., UMHB has a manly shade of purple - royal in appearance and dark in hue. 

[Kelly Boggs]

Here is a video from the first game in The CRUthedral last season. I thought it might wet everyone's appetite for the game Saturday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOROVeZHzmU

[GillCJ1]

Purple is fine with LINFIELD Saturday.

Is the video production staff students from a class? That might account for things not going so smoothly.

That might account for some of it.  The one guy is not (he's a FT employee), but there are always student assistants.  It's a pretty small department from what I understand.  It could be they just don't have the necessary resources at this time.

[CalCat]

I need to point out, D.O.C., UMHB has a manly shade of purple - royal in appearance and dark in hue. 

Doc it sounds like the same as the Cal Lu Kingsman 😈

[couchcru11]

DUDE! What the heck is going on with D-Kinsey???
He was in a big knee brace for the Saturday kickoff and did not play at all in the Sunday RE-DO. Our defense is good but we aren't a championship caliber D without Deshon Kinsey. I sure hope he is okay. If anyone has an update it would be appreciated.

He aggravated his injury Saturday. He came limping off the field, and was only dressed Sunday far an "as needed" case

[couchcru11]

I know everyone is sayin our D needs to step up, but, they have been on the field for almost 200 plays the past 2 weekends and STILL didn't give up a rushing TD to Barolle. The scores TLU had were basically on the coverage. TLU's line was blocking like crazy and we "didn't get pressure" because Barolle was already outside by the time they got into the backfield. They did get a few sacks and pressure, to their credit. There were a lot of factors that contirbuted, 3 warm up sessions saturday, 9 hours of delay, short night and early morning to come and play in the heat to finish. I respect the heck out of our D. They stepped up when it was absolutely vital for them to do so. Yeah our 3rd down D wasn't as strong, but we still got the W. Coaches will figure out what to do for Linfield and rock the house.

Saturday was the first time I've ever seen Pete address a player personally to ask if they were hurt or can continue to play after a defensive stand. I was floored. He wanted to be perfect, kind of reminded me of Herman Boone!