FB: American Southwest Conference

[Toby Taff]

my .02. the defense is good. a few games of seasoning won't hurt anything but when the D turns it up they're stout. Running game looks solid. Oline tonight was a little soft at times, but that could be because of SRSUs solid D. 13 was  a beast. I liked what i saw from TJ. He's a more definitive runner than Jackson was so there's less flash. when he sees the hole he goes and gets positive yards. he slipped a few tackles and showed some elusiveness. All in all a good game, A W, and homework for the week

[umhb2001]

Great first week for the Cru, but we have a lot to work on.

The D looked really good most of the game. Our Dline, as a whole, may be better this year. The secondary got crossed up on the lone TD, so they will fix that this week. The one thing I love is that when we tackle, you don't get away. My standout player on D other than Fananay, the freshman safety.  Kid had a burst of speed that stopped a should be first down. He had one error on a possible pick, but other than that, he was very good.

The Oline looked lost at times, and TJ had to scramble for his life. I don't know why he scrambled, or perhaps it was a designed roll, to his off side which made it difficult to throw.  TJ looked good when he was able to set and throw. Hopefully the line will get some work this week. The standout, Markeith Miller. He took the load of the plays and really did nice with it. He looked faster to me.

I watched long portions of the Linfield vs Chapman game. Linfield's D look good against and above average Chapman. Their offense didn't impress me as hty are post Sam Riddle. Next week's game may be a grudge match.

[Kelly Boggs]

I agree Toby & 2001.

[DFWCrufan]

Yes 2001 I watched Linfield and chapman as well, Linfields D line is very good and yes the O line seemed not as jelled in my thought. But given we are in the same boat so to speak it is going to be the team that brings that up spirit to the game that may prevail, basically for the next four games we are in a seriously tight schedule.

[wildcat11]

Yes 2001 I watched Linfield and chapman as well, Linfields D line is very good and yes the O line seemed not as jelled in my thought. But given we are in the same boat so to speak it is going to be the team that brings that up spirit to the game that may prevail, basically for the next four games we are in a seriously tight schedule for us.

We're super young/inexperienced (especially on offense) in multiple spots. 35 of the 60 players that traveled where first timers on the travel squad.  That's a pretty big rarity for Linfield. We have talent but we have a long ways to go from a finished product.

[GillCJ1]

Well, it wasn't the most exciting game ever, but about what I expected from a first [conference] game against a much improved opponent.  Josey has a ton of potential.  Hope he's able to grow as the season progresses - especially with his down field passing game.  I have no complaints about his running/scrambling ability except to say that he needs to be more careful about protecting himself.  He's the QB now.

Next up is the 'Cats.  No more Riddle vs. Smith.  Time for a new era 

[CruGuy]

Game one on the books for the Cru. It's going to be a growing process as most programs are year to year, weird for me since TJ is a lefty, From last night game I would say this, I think our guys played as they should have given a first game and it being a game that counted... alot on their minds and I think it went well all considerations taken.
Sul Ross... Gonna go along way, even, dare I say it, beating HSU? I think they are at that level of play but time will tell. Caught some of the HSU game, they played as expected as well so I was not surprised, they are a strong side.
Southwestern to me as well as Sul Ross will be the probable spoilers. Cannot take either as a easier side, both bring surprises.

I would be going the other way at this point. I think HSU should be the conference favorite right now.

[Coolrey]

Here are my two cents on TLU football this season.

A lot of new faces in Seguin.  New head coach and new defensive coordinator.  Danny Padron retired and TLU hired Carl Gustafson as the new head coach.  Coach Gustafson has considerable head coaching experience at the high school level in the San Antonio area.  I believe he was the head man at San Antonio Churchill and New Braunfels Canyon during his career.  Just a couple of seasons ago, he was the offensive line coach at TLU before returning to San Antonio to be the head coach for San Antonio Christian.

Ricky Matt is the new defensive coordinator.  Comes from Converse Judson where he was also the defensive coordinator.  He brings a new look to the defensive side of the ball.  TLU's base defense will be the 3-4.  Curious how the 3-4 will work against the spread offenses that you see week in and week out in the ASC.   

The offense should be good and hold its own.  TLU has experience with its two returning QBs, a good offensive line, and a great set of receivers.  Running game is a question mark but I suspect they will be fine there.

The concern is defense.  Last year, TLU struggled with an inexperienced group of players.  Unfortunately, it looks like more of the same this year.  This week's game notes shows ten true freshmen on TLU's two deep on defense.  There is only one Senior on the two deep on defense.  Wow!  Seems like the defense has hit the reset button for the second season in row.  While last year was a result of several defensive players graduating, it seems TLU has had a retention problem this year.  Probably related to the coaching changes but this defense is going to be inexperienced while learning a new defensive scheme.

I hate to say this but TLU could be an also run in the ASC this year.  If the defense proves itself early in the season, I will change my tune but that needs to be proven first.  Without a solid defense in the ASC, you are going to have a lot of track meets let alone dealing with UMHB and HS.  A record of .500 or better would be an exceptional season.

TLU is young, especially on the defensive side. They did play a pretty explosive team this past week and TLU had a couple of breakdowns that young teams tend to make which resulted in big plays for Hendrix.  They have a ways to go to be up to the same level as the 2013-2015 teams, but Coach Gustafson has assembled a good staff that will work hard and prepare these players week in and week out and they have the potential to grow into be a very good team over the course of the next couple of years.  Belhaven will be another challenge offensively, but if TLU can keep up with them and maybe stop them a couple of times, they got a shot.

[DFWCrufan]

in case ya'll missed it here is the vid opener... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bTjKyImdcM

[D O.C.]

Can't say that Wildcat11's work over the years hasn't set us up for it - nice end zone shot of the worst mistake Sam Riddle ever made.

[DFWCrufan]

Video of opening day and Champions marker at Cru Stadium... https://vimeo.com/233219234

[DFWCrufan]

Messing around and put together a fan made kinda video... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_py5oqwKbk

[TLU02SA]

TLU is young, especially on the defensive side. They did play a pretty explosive team this past week and TLU had a couple of breakdowns that young teams tend to make which resulted in big plays for Hendrix.  They have a ways to go to be up to the same level as the 2013-2015 teams, but Coach Gustafson has assembled a good staff that will work hard and prepare these players week in and week out and they have the potential to grow into be a very good team over the course of the next couple of years.  Belhaven will be another challenge offensively, but if TLU can keep up with them and maybe stop them a couple of times, they got a shot.

I thought TLU played really well last week.  Not the result they wanted but the offense moved the ball and the defense made several big stops that kept them in the game. TLU played really hard and never quit on the game.  The difference in the game was the three turnovers TLU had vs. Hendrix's zero and Hendrix scored three touchdowns on breakdowns by the secondary.  I also thought that TLU had some untimely penalties and some unfortunate unsportsmanlike penalties.  But...the game was encouraging.  I see talent.  I see a system.  Most importantly, I see room for improvement and potential talent to fill that void.  I look forward to watching the game against Belhaven this week.   

[wildcat11]

Safe travels Cru faithful. 

Breakfast tomorrow...I would hit up "Morning Thunder Cafe" on 3rd street.  It's a small shop but the food is fantastic.  Owner is a deadhead and loves his comfort food in large sizes.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Morning+Thunder+Cafe/@45.2102044,-123.1926412,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x5afb073297cd16ed!8m2!3d45.2102044!4d-123.1926412?sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjOn43YwKfWAhVJ0iYKHTcQB0IQ_BIIhAEwCg

[DFWCrufan]

Noticed something.. how about those Jones brothers??? A Belton product right?