FB: American Southwest Conference

[DFWCrufan]

I know a lot of thr Cru faithful may want to come down on the Cru but I would ask just not yet. HSU we said even in the beginning would be the test. HSU played a phenomenal defensive game as did the Cru and we knew this would happen. I would say it was not a bad offense for the cru as much as a go at a very strong defense. Face it, they were scary fast going east/west as is UMHB, they had great coverage that made life really tough...this solidifies my thought that HSU is a team under rated. UMHB played a strong game against a strong defense, HSU did the same and no one merely marched anywhere, footage was paid for each series. So a 2015 final is a statement both ways, HSU can adapt and is quick, they have one hell of a QB and their receiving lineup is solid. UMHB can face a stiff resistance and get it done, sure everyone wants a blowout, but a close fought struggle is a good thing from time tontime.

[umhb2001]

I know a lot of thr Cru faithful may want to come down on the Cru but I would ask just not yet. HSU we said even in the beginning would be the test. HSU played a phenomenal defensive game as did the Cru and we knew this would happen. I would say it was not a bad offense for the cru as much as a go at a very strong defense. Face it, they were scary fast going east/west as is UMHB, they had great coverage that made life really tough...this solidifies my thought that HSU is a team under rated. UMHB played a strong game against a strong defense, HSU did the same and no one merely marched anywhere, footage was paid for each series. So a 2015 final is a statement both ways, HSU can adapt and is quick, they have one hell of a QB and their receiving lineup is solid. UMHB can face a stiff resistance and get it done, sure everyone wants a blowout, but a close fought struggle is a good thing from time tontime.

I completely agree. +k

A couple years ago when Whitewater beat us, they said our defense is What prepared them for Mt. Union. I would say that this defensive game played by HSU has found holes in UMHB's game and given them plenty of things to work on. I'm glad for that.

I wouldn't jump on the HSU/UMHB train too quickly for the first round of playoffs. We'all have to wait and see on what the rest of the south and west do, but we could see a different team 1st round.

[crufootball]

I know a lot of thr Cru faithful may want to come down on the Cru but I would ask just not yet. HSU we said even in the beginning would be the test. HSU played a phenomenal defensive game as did the Cru and we knew this would happen. I would say it was not a bad offense for the cru as much as a go at a very strong defense. Face it, they were scary fast going east/west as is UMHB, they had great coverage that made life really tough...this solidifies my thought that HSU is a team under rated. UMHB played a strong game against a strong defense, HSU did the same and no one merely marched anywhere, footage was paid for each series. So a 2015 final is a statement both ways, HSU can adapt and is quick, they have one hell of a QB and their receiving lineup is solid. UMHB can face a stiff resistance and get it done, sure everyone wants a blowout, but a close fought struggle is a good thing from time tontime.

I would agree, while I was frustrated that we didn't dominant I give so much credit to HSU. They came in, with a great crowd, and pushed us to our limits. These are truly the games that UMHB has to know how to win come playoff time and today even though we got beat in almost every statistical category we found a way to win. It truly is a shame that both of these teams could easily make a big dent in the playoff but we all know that is not likely as one will defeat the other, most likely on November 19th. 

[Coolrey]

I would like to revise my earlier comments because I don't think I gave the credit due to HSU for the game they played.  I do need to also credit UMHB in being able to pull out the win in spite of being challenged to the limit by a determined team.  UMHB will get everyone's best shot and the team must be prepared every week for that...regardless who the opponent is.  Unless there is a total collapse by HSU (which I believe is unlikely), these two will likely face each other first round as a result of what I believe to be a flaw in the NCAA's playoff pairing procedure (based solely on economics).  But it is what it is, and it will be interesting to see if UMHB is able to withstand the challenge again.

[Ralph Turner]

I know a lot of thr Cru faithful may want to come down on the Cru but I would ask just not yet. HSU we said even in the beginning would be the test. HSU played a phenomenal defensive game as did the Cru and we knew this would happen. I would say it was not a bad offense for the cru as much as a go at a very strong defense. Face it, they were scary fast going east/west as is UMHB, they had great coverage that made life really tough...this solidifies my thought that HSU is a team under rated. UMHB played a strong game against a strong defense, HSU did the same and no one merely marched anywhere, footage was paid for each series. So a 2015 final is a statement both ways, HSU can adapt and is quick, they have one hell of a QB and their receiving lineup is solid. UMHB can face a stiff resistance and get it done, sure everyone wants a blowout, but a close fought struggle is a good thing from time tontime.

I completely agree. +k

A couple years ago when Whitewater beat us, they said our defense is What prepared them for Mt. Union. I would say that this defensive game played by HSU has found holes in UMHB's game and given them plenty of things to work on. I'm glad for that.

I wouldn't jump on the HSU/UMHB train too quickly for the first round of playoffs. We'all have to wait and see on what the rest of the south and west do, but we could see a different team 1st round.

Root for Hendrix as SAA champ to be sent south in the first round, but that got a little more remote with the loss last week to Berry.

I would hope that they would ship Pool C HSU out of region/area and not have to face UMHB until the 3rd or 4th round, but... we all know about the Texas Sub-bracket.

[Hooyah Cowboys]

Assuming HSU and MHB win out, is there any chance an 8-2 etbu team could get a pool c bid? They would have only 2 losses to top 10 teams. The only thing that worries me is their lack of a quality win. If that were the case, I would have to assume they'd split HSU and MHB at least until round 2.

[Coolrey]

Based on last year, I would say "no".  TLU was in that same situation...lost a very tight game to HSU and a fairly competitive game to UMHB for their only losses of the year.  I know the dynamic is different every year and it would depend on how other teams are faring, but I wouldn't count on it.

[DFWCrufan]

So in looking at the top 25 I want to say a huge congratulations to HSU, even with a loss you moved up in the polls to 10...and you deserve it. This supports my point that this program is a top 10 capable program easily, and the Cowboy faithful should be rejoicing tonight! And by the way, thank you Cowboy fans for yesterday, I sat for the first half in the Cowboy side to take in the game from the opposite sides perspective. It was a blast, ya'll we're just the right amount rowdy and downright fun. Second half I rejoined the Cru Faithful and of course enjoyed the rest of the game, equally rowdy and loud and fun.
Also it is great to see the Cru pick up #1 votes as well, keep up the play guys, just focus on the next game on the schedule.

So we are three games left in regular season play and then of course the bracket play begins, I really hope, we don't have a Texas bracket first round but you know NCAA, two teams that close they are not going to change that but we can hope.

[newcru]

Been awhile since i posted last been flowing the boards every week though.  Just wanted to say that was a fun game to be apart of watching.  I think that the HSU coaching staff came in with a great game plan to mess with our O playing with the RPO Offence of the CRU.  Hope that the coaches from UMHB take a hard look at what HSU did to the O and learn from it.  As for the HSU Offence wow did they have a plan to move the ball  , keeping the front 4 of UMHB off the QB is impressive.  I have been to every UMHB game this year and this was the first game where the front 4 where for the most part contained. It seemed like every passing down the D ends were chipped or double teamed this is concerning as a fan as to why we couldn't get pressure on the HSU Qb......... this also concerns as to why the D Tackles should have dominated on some 1 on 1 blocking but didnt seem to take advantage of those situations.  Can't wait for this match up again, knowing that the "Texas Island" is always a Playoff match up.  Good luck to the HSU team the rest of the year

[Kelly Boggs]

Current SOS for the top 4 teams in the D3Football poll, per the NCAA:

1. Mount Union - 172
2. Whitewater - 13
3. UMHB - 15
4. St. Thomas - 71

If Mount gets the nod to host a semi-final game this year, the NCAA will lose all credibility with me. While I understand Mount - and any other team - has no control over its conference opponents, it can play someone of stature in its one non-conference game. UMHB - and others - have shown it will play any one in the nation. UMHB has played Whitewater, Wesley and Linfield - all when those teams were ranked in the top 10 - in the regular season. If SOS is supposed to mean something, then the NCAA should reward teams that step-up to the plate and schedule tough opponents. 

Next season, UMHB will travel to Oregon to play Linfield in the second game of the season. As UMHB goes to nine conference games beginning next year, I do hope The CRU will pursue playing tough opponents in its lone non-conference game.   

[Toby Taff]

Been awhile since i posted last been flowing the boards every week though.  Just wanted to say that was a fun game to be apart of watching.  I think that the HSU coaching staff came in with a great game plan to mess with our O playing with the RPO Offence of the CRU.  Hope that the coaches from UMHB take a hard look at what HSU did to the O and learn from it.  As for the HSU Offence wow did they have a plan to move the ball  , keeping the front 4 of UMHB off the QB is impressive.  I have been to every UMHB game this year and this was the first game where the front 4 where for the most part contained. It seemed like every passing down the D ends were chipped or double teamed this is concerning as a fan as to why we couldn't get pressure on the HSU Qb......... this also concerns as to why the D Tackles should have dominated on some 1 on 1 blocking but didnt seem to take advantage of those situations.  Can't wait for this match up again, knowing that the "Texas Island" is always a Playoff match up.  Good luck to the HSU team the rest of the year

i work with a couple of Olinemen from HSU. they were talking before the game that coach had a few things for the Cru, but most importantly they weren't going in scared of UMHB. HSU is a good team that has gotten better each week you can't bet if game 2 happens it will also be a dogfight. As an alumnus of both schools i feel that every game between the two should be like this. I'm just grateful that it worked out the way it did.

[DFWCrufan]

Kelly I second that...but not knowing the inside workings on things I've kept myself mum.

[HSUDAD]

Ok I finally recovered from Saturday, I'm not gonna lie that one took it out of me. just some random thoughts and observations.   
1.  Good call on whoever recommended millers BBQ.  Fantastic
2.  UMHB classy, love the way many many have posted their respect for HSU
3. Mullins punting absolutely killed us, although we did dig out of the one yard line it played a huge part in the field position battle.   
4. Missing extra points come back to haunt you, would of should of could of's but if we don't miss the first one, we don't chase the two point conversion, we are down by three and kick a field goal in the fourth when we had the ball around the twenty, instead we had to go for it.   
5. Our QB is a hoss and I will never place anything on one person, he seemed rattled after gettting his arm hit in the endzone attempting his pass.  Again I've watched him for two years now and will take him into battle anytime, but he just seemed to over throw and rush his reads as the game went on, uncharacteristic. 
6. Our D was lights out, by far their best game of the year.   
7. The atmosphere was so electric, by far the closest we will ever come to a big time Saturday atmosphere like you see on tv.
8. Using walker Texas ranger was cheating, just kidding haha, what true American can't root for chuck Norris!! He is the man. 
9. Nice honoring of Freeman at halftime. 
10. As for UMHB, you guys are as advertised, I have nothing but respect for your players, fans , and stadium personnel.  I truly enjoyed myself Saturday, except for the outcome haha. 
11.  It truly upsets me that if we take care of our business, we most definitely will meet round one,  it is a shame, one might say oh well, you will have to play each other eventually so what's the big deal.  However questions were posed in previous posts about what the ASC can do to get a little more respect and most feel scheduling differently would help, but I also add how good would it look for the asc if two teams are going three rounds deep in the playoffs.  Just venting, sorry.
12.  I loved the young ladies prayer at the beginning, we all know purple and yellow are his favorite colors. 
13.  In the end it was a tremendous game, the Cru just made more plays when it counted and got the Win.  Congratulations. 
14. Prayer for me as I make the arduous trek to Mississippi, long drive and an 11 o'clock start time, gonna need some no doz and Red Bull haha

[DFWCrufan]

HSUDad stay awake and safe travels. The Cru have to make that ungodly run out to Sul Ross...

[GillCJ1]

Ok I finally recovered from Saturday, I'm not gonna lie that one took it out of me. just some random thoughts and observations.   
1.  Good call on whoever recommended millers BBQ.  Fantastic
2.  UMHB classy, love the way many many have posted their respect for HSU
3. Mullins punting absolutely killed us, although we did dig out of the one yard line it played a huge part in the field position battle.   
4. Missing extra points come back to haunt you, would of should of could of's but if we don't miss the first one, we don't chase the two point conversion, we are down by three and kick a field goal in the fourth when we had the ball around the twenty, instead we had to go for it.   
5. Our QB is a hoss and I will never place anything on one person, he seemed rattled after gettting his arm hit in the endzone attempting his pass.  Again I've watched him for two years now and will take him into battle anytime, but he just seemed to over throw and rush his reads as the game went on, uncharacteristic. 
6. Our D was lights out, by far their best game of the year.   
7. The atmosphere was so electric, by far the closest we will ever come to a big time Saturday atmosphere like you see on tv.
8. Using walker Texas ranger was cheating, just kidding haha, what true American can't root for chuck Norris!! He is the man. 
9. Nice honoring of Freeman at halftime. 
10. As for UMHB, you guys are as advertised, I have nothing but respect for your players, fans , and stadium personnel.  I truly enjoyed myself Saturday, except for the outcome haha. 
11.  It truly upsets me that if we take care of our business, we most definitely will meet round one,  it is a shame, one might say oh well, you will have to play each other eventually so what's the big deal.  However questions were posed in previous posts about what the ASC can do to get a little more respect and most feel scheduling differently would help, but I also add how good would it look for the asc if two teams are going three rounds deep in the playoffs.  Just venting, sorry.
12.  I loved the young ladies prayer at the beginning, we all know purple and yellow are his favorite colors. 
13.  In the end it was a tremendous game, the Cru just made more plays when it counted and got the Win.  Congratulations. 
14. Prayer for me as I make the arduous trek to Mississippi, long drive and an 11 o'clock start time, gonna need some no doz and Red Bull haha

1.  Glad you liked it.  I've never had a bad meal there.
6.  It really was.  I came away quite impressed.
11.  Ah, the "good" ol' Texas sub-bracket.  It's a shame, but it is what it is.  Assuming UMHB/HSU get paired up again in Round 1, I think the winner will have a great shot at moving past the second round.  2 very strong teams.
14.  Good luck (especially with that early start time... yuck).  I've made the trip to metro Atlanta many times (I used to live there and still have family in the area).  It's a long, boring drive.  I usually stop somewhere in Mississippi for lunch.