FB: American Southwest Conference

[DFWCrufan]

Wipe the board clean.. this is a new season...its the only solution for both of these powerhouse programs. At one point, if the bracket holds. we will see a repeat UMU/ UMHB match up....if we both shake this malaise off...

[zipmac22]

I have to agree that The Cru failed to step up and play like the defending National Champions they are. The offense is still having an issue with the QB position. The defense at times looked like the 3rd string was out there, nothing against the current 3rd string. It seemed that ETB kept getting an extra 3 or 4 yards because the defense kept trying bang into the ball carrier to jar the ball loose instead of wrapping up and using fundamentals. The pass coverage appeared to be playing loose and there wasn't the sticking to the receiver that so many have praised The Cru defense for.

Was it may imagination or did the officiating crew seem to see a lot of calls one sided? When ETB went for the two point conversion it sure looked like both of the QB's knees were both down on the turf. 

Hats off to ETB, they came ready to play and if they had gotten a few more breaks there could of been a different outcome to the game.

I look forward to seeing what the selection committee come up with for the brackets. I would love for them to use projection brackets from D3 Football. It would be nice not to have the same set up, putting some new pairings together.

[Ralph Turner]

Wow!  Look at the middle of the ASC.

You got some good teams there.

Congrats to McMurry for holding HSU to 14-0 going into the 4th Q.

[UMHB03]

As frustrating as it has been to see the UMHB defense give up 20+ the last two weeks, I have to remind myself that two of last week's scores were on fluke plays, one of which was late in the game against the backups. As aggravating as the it was to see so much YAC given up against ETBU yesterday, we have to give ETBU's high powered offense credit. I think the defense will rebound next week.

The real concern is with that offense. Only scoring 24 offensive points against a very poor defense is a bit alarming. Last year's team would have put up 50+ against them, and even teams like Belhaven and LC scored significantly more against them than we did. Robinson had an uncharacteristically bad game yesterday, and I expect him to bounce back, but that O-Line has been weak all year and hasn't gotten any better. It will take a lot more than that kind of half hearted effort from the guys in the trenches to make it very far in the post season.

[UMHB03]

On a more positive note, I absolutely LOVE the latest bracket projection. I don't expect the NCAA penny pinchers to resist putting UMHB against the Linfield/HSU winner in the second round, but I would be ecstatic if this prediction turned out to be accurate. Being on the opposite side of the bracket from MU and Oshkosh is huge as well.

[Toby Taff]

My two-cents on the current state of UMHB:

The defense Dominated with a capital D through eight games. The final two contests The CRU looked good, but not great. Against LC and ETBU there were some blown coverages and too many penalties that resulted in drives being kept alive that in turn ended in touchdowns. The past two games saw penalties on field-goal attempts that gave the opponents first downs which then resulted in touchdowns. The run defense has remained solid all season. UMHB must reset the defense to the intensity it had over the first eight games in order to have any hope for a return to the Stagg Bowl.

The offense has been a season-long adventure. The line has been banged up and several freshmen have seen significant playing time.  This bodes well for the future (if everyone comes back, UMHB will have 9 starters returning on offense next year) but has resulted in some inconsistency. Quarterback play has been all over the map. Freshman CR3 had looked great in his initial appearances - and in his first start against LC - and seemed to be the missing piece of the puzzle of an offense with lots of potential. Against ETBU, CR3 made some freshman mistakes in throwing two INTs into double coverage. Enter Kyle Jones who looked sharp.  He came off the bench and, as one of my old coaches used to say, "saved our bacon."Reflecting on Kyle, I think most CRU fans - and those who post here - know that given protection Jones throws lasers. It is when a play breaks down that he has struggled. However, IMO, against ETBU he showed more pocket presence than any other game. The O-line run blocked well in the second half and Markeith Miller just bowed his neck and ran downhill. UMHB offense just needs to take care of the ball, move the chains and points will come. The playoffs will be a perfect opportunity for players to rise to the occasion and improve the offensive consistency for The CRU. As far as who gets the start at QB next week, the coaches will make the right decision before, and if necessary during, the game.

On another subject: IMO, ETBU's Brian Baca (#7) had the best game of any QB UMHB has faced in the past two seasons. He extended plays well, was always a threat to run, threw well and was tough. He did, however, take a beating. I think all the hits took their toll on him in the 4th quarter.

Southwestern will be a team to really look out for going forward. Joe Austin has done a great job thus far and is recruiting some quality athletes that fit his system very well. I think Southwestern vs UMHB has the possibility to be a great and intense rivalry. How does the "I-35 Showdown" sound?

Well, like I said, just my two-cents worth. Now - ready or not - it's playoff time!

I am holding out for "the battle of the republic" since both schools claims charters from the Republic of Texas.

[DFWCrufan]

Great point KB..
I previously had hopes for KJ but I just did not see the run threat that we have had in previous QBs, that is my only issue I have had with Kyle. Of they can get a scramble threat mindset into KJ I think he'd be great, but when the opposition knows he's not going to run, it takes an element off the table that hurts.
CRIII just needs some more experience but he is still and outstanding QB, just young.
I would say let's not panic Crunation, this is still a solid side, probably a bit tired with Conference play and now they can get enthused about post conference.

[umhb2001]

Great point KB..
I previously had hopes for KJ but I just did not see the run threat that we have had in previous QBs, that is my only issue I have had with Kyle. Of they can get a scramble threat mindset into KJ I think he'd be great, but when the opposition knows he's not going to run, it takes an element off the table that hurts.
CRIII just needs some more experience but he is still and outstanding QB, just young.
I would not say let's panic Crunation, this is still a solid side, probably a bit tired with Conference play and now they can get enthused about post conference.

I agree that CRIII will be fine. he needs more reps, and unfortunately, we don't have the time to figure that out right now. I think right now, you have to start Kyle.  Although he doesn't run well, he showed improvement Saturday, and he is cautious with the ball.

I also agree that the D has been tired. Facing ETBU, a solid Offense, your'e going to give up points. HSU gave up twice the amount UMHB gave up. I think the intrigue of facing someone new, and conceivable a less talented team, should help. We'll see.

[cover2]

Pretty much a repeat of last season.  SCIAC champ to Belton and then HSU vs. Linfield, this time in Oregon. 

[cover2]

Seems to me that Del Val got the easiest of the 4 quadrants.  Interesting since they're the 4 seed overall. 

[D O.C.]

Bring the umbrellas Cowboys.
No injuries.

[umhb2001]

Another year, same ol story. ASC gets the shaft every year. NCAA needs to do what is right for the players, not their piggy banks. Not surprised, but definitely disappointed. 

[RFB]

Another year, same ol story. ASC gets the shaft every year. NCAA needs to do what is right for the players, not their piggy banks. Not surprised, but definitely disappointed. 

No empathy here for you.

Signed,

The SCIAC

[MonroviaCat]

Another year, same ol story. ASC gets the shaft every year. NCAA needs to do what is right for the players, not their piggy banks. Not surprised, but definitely disappointed. 

ASC is the new NWC!  At least the rematch isn't till round 2.

[UMHB03]

Another year, same ol story. ASC gets the shaft every year. NCAA needs to do what is right for the players, not their piggy banks. Not surprised, but definitely disappointed. 

Yep. I held out a slight hope that the selection committee might see things the same way as the DIII staff in their projections, and separate the ASC/Linfield pod, but unfortunately I gave them too much credit. As always, the cheapskates at the NCAA care more about pinching pennies than they do about fairness and equitability. It is what it is.