FB: American Southwest Conference

[DFWCrufan]

For my 2 pennies, I think the TLU/ HSU game will be a good one. Kyle Grona is a serious QB, (I thought last season that I'd love to see him at UMHB but oh well) and Austin Mathews can move the ball on the ground, the guy just has the "get five more yards" kinda heart. TLU is a solid team, pretty much balanced out just like HSU is, both can get the job done. I don't see a weak susan for either side (Not to put any susans down who may be reading, just saying) Both can bring pretty disciplined RPOs and both have QB's who don't mind moving downfield if things start getting warm.
Where I do think HSU has a bit of an edge is the Defense. Unless TLU stiffens up a bit on the defensive side of the ball, the Defense for HSU seems, and I am only saying from observation, seems to be a bit more stout. That does not mean a fired up TLU cannot raise their game and be that very stubborn defense infact, TLU HAS done that this season so I would not put it past them.  it's just an observation so please TLU fans put away the pitchforks. HSU brings a very solid game and does not seem to let the game situation get to them, well disciplined and dynamic in the game.
So I would say this one is up in the air - I plan on watching, I like these two sides (Of course my Cru is primary) and see this is going to be an enjoyable game. TLU delivered last week! So did HSU...get the adult beverages, tasty meats and just enjoy the game.

[Coolrey]

The HSU vs. TLU matchup has been very competitive since 2012, for the most part.  High scoring games with HSU winning all but the one in 2014 in Abilene.  I contend the 2015 team was better than HSU, but turnovers, uncharacteristic penalties and an opportunistic HSU team cost TLU that game.  I think this TLU team is similar to the 2014 and 2015 teams, which are considered the best teams in TLU's DIII-era.  TLU's offense is pretty consistent and their defense is playing well.  TLU has had some very good safeties the last few years, and the Bell kid is another one.  Looking forward to this game.  Should be a good one.

[txtiger1]

HSU will beat TLU by ~30 points if they play an average game.

Obviously I'm biased, but ETBU should have beat TLU by a couple scores if literally 1 play didn't happen. In the 4th qtr with ~6 min left ETBU was up 21-14 and had driven the ball just past the 50. One of our runners unfortunately tried to do too much on a sweep and ended up running backwards 20 yds and then losing a fumble (unforced) on our own ~25. That killed us and we muffed the kickoff return (still got possession on the 5-10yd line) and then fumbled the snap on the following punt to basically give TLU the ball back at the ETBU 40 with 1 min left. Obviously, thats on us but still feel like we played good enough to win comfortably for 3 1/2 qtrs.

HSU and TLU, from watching both games, are not on the same level.

[HSUDAD]

HSU will beat TLU by ~30 points if they play an average game.

Obviously I'm biased, but ETBU should have beat TLU by a couple scores if literally 1 play didn't happen. In the 4th qtr with ~6 min left ETBU was up 21-14 and had driven the ball just past the 50. One of our runners unfortunately tried to do too much on a sweep and ended up running backwards 20 yds and then losing a fumble (unforced) on our own ~25. That killed us and we muffed the kickoff return (still got possession on the 5-10yd line) and then fumbled the snap on the following punt to basically give TLU the ball back at the ETBU 40 with 1 min left. Obviously, thats on us but still feel like we played good enough to win comfortably for 3 1/2 qtrs.

HSU and TLU, from watching both games, are not on the same level.

Oh how I want to believe you 100%, history does not show that.  I guess it is a match up kind of thing, but two of the past three years were nail biters literally till the last drive, Childress with a game winning catch in '15 and I think it was Strambler with an interception last year.  2016 wasn't easy either, a ten point win I am pretty sure.  I am so nervous about this weekend I can't stand it.  There have only been a couple of games this year that we looked crisp.  Everything is heightened knowing that a loss means no playoffs....

[DFWCrufan]

HSUDAD exactly, this outcome determines who has a shot at a Pool C and like I had mentioned HSU is a very solid side, but TLU has that bad habit of being stubborn.

[Coolrey]

HSU will beat TLU by ~30 points if they play an average game.

Obviously I'm biased, but ETBU should have beat TLU by a couple scores if literally 1 play didn't happen. In the 4th qtr with ~6 min left ETBU was up 21-14 and had driven the ball just past the 50. One of our runners unfortunately tried to do too much on a sweep and ended up running backwards 20 yds and then losing a fumble (unforced) on our own ~25. That killed us and we muffed the kickoff return (still got possession on the 5-10yd line) and then fumbled the snap on the following punt to basically give TLU the ball back at the ETBU 40 with 1 min left. Obviously, thats on us but still feel like we played good enough to win comfortably for 3 1/2 qtrs.

HSU and TLU, from watching both games, are not on the same level.

I disagree.  This has been a tight game for the past few years.  TLU is playing well and matches up well with HSU.  Good coaching staff and dedicated players with talent.  We'll see.  HSU may very well be the better team and they may win big, but HSU is going to have to play very good, not just average, to beat TLU. 

[crufootball]

HSU will beat TLU by ~30 points if they play an average game.

Obviously I'm biased, but ETBU should have beat TLU by a couple scores if literally 1 play didn't happen. In the 4th qtr with ~6 min left ETBU was up 21-14 and had driven the ball just past the 50. One of our runners unfortunately tried to do too much on a sweep and ended up running backwards 20 yds and then losing a fumble (unforced) on our own ~25. That killed us and we muffed the kickoff return (still got possession on the 5-10yd line) and then fumbled the snap on the following punt to basically give TLU the ball back at the ETBU 40 with 1 min left. Obviously, thats on us but still feel like we played good enough to win comfortably for 3 1/2 qtrs.

HSU and TLU, from watching both games, are not on the same level.

I disagree.  This has been a tight game for the past few years.  TLU is playing well and matches up well with HSU.  Good coaching staff and dedicated players with talent.  We'll see.  HSU may very well be the better team and they may win big, but HSU is going to have to play very good, not just average, to beat TLU.

Question for you Coolrey, does TLU see HSU as a rival game in any way. They do seem to play HSU very well so I am wondering if they are playing up to beat them or as mentioned there have been match up issues that have helped TLU/hurt HSU.

[DFWCrufan]

Some news - Blake Jackson on the 16th signed to the Cleveland Browns Practice Squad... https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/transactions/

And a report with Blake on his signing... https://www.kcentv.com/video/sports/blake-jackson-speaks-about-signing-with-cleveland-browns/500-8285288

[DFWCrufan]

TDT News article with Coach Fred : Crusaders seek chemistry; Fredenburg wants more development from players http://www.tdtnews.com/sports/article_409a916e-d0e7-11e8-ba4f-0b22d00994a8.html

[Coolrey]

HSU will beat TLU by ~30 points if they play an average game.

Obviously I'm biased, but ETBU should have beat TLU by a couple scores if literally 1 play didn't happen. In the 4th qtr with ~6 min left ETBU was up 21-14 and had driven the ball just past the 50. One of our runners unfortunately tried to do too much on a sweep and ended up running backwards 20 yds and then losing a fumble (unforced) on our own ~25. That killed us and we muffed the kickoff return (still got possession on the 5-10yd line) and then fumbled the snap on the following punt to basically give TLU the ball back at the ETBU 40 with 1 min left. Obviously, thats on us but still feel like we played good enough to win comfortably for 3 1/2 qtrs.

HSU and TLU, from watching both games, are not on the same level.

I disagree.  This has been a tight game for the past few years.  TLU is playing well and matches up well with HSU.  Good coaching staff and dedicated players with talent.  We'll see.  HSU may very well be the better team and they may win big, but HSU is going to have to play very good, not just average, to beat TLU.

Question for you Coolrey, does TLU see HSU as a rival game in any way. They do seem to play HSU very well so I am wondering if they are playing up to beat them or as mentioned there have been match up issues that have helped TLU/hurt HSU.

Good question, but I am not in a position to believe I have even a clue as to how the team views any opponent in terms of "rivalry".  I think that is sort of for the fans in most cases.  I believe that Trinity University, at least in the past, has been more of a rival to TLU than HSU.  I do believe that TLU respects HSU and knows they are a good team.  TLU will have to play a near flawless game to beat HSU and I think HSU will have to be at their best to beat TLU.  I again go back to 2015 in which the teams were very evenly matched, but TLU turned the ball over and was penalized heavily and barely lost the game. 

[DFWCrufan]

I think the main rivalry in ASC would be UMHB/ HSU - Both Have Hardin family ties so to me that is more of a reason for a rivalry by namesake.

[TLU02SA]

HSU will beat TLU by ~30 points if they play an average game.

Obviously I'm biased, but ETBU should have beat TLU by a couple scores if literally 1 play didn't happen. In the 4th qtr with ~6 min left ETBU was up 21-14 and had driven the ball just past the 50. One of our runners unfortunately tried to do too much on a sweep and ended up running backwards 20 yds and then losing a fumble (unforced) on our own ~25. That killed us and we muffed the kickoff return (still got possession on the 5-10yd line) and then fumbled the snap on the following punt to basically give TLU the ball back at the ETBU 40 with 1 min left. Obviously, thats on us but still feel like we played good enough to win comfortably for 3 1/2 qtrs.

HSU and TLU, from watching both games, are not on the same level.

I disagree.  This has been a tight game for the past few years.  TLU is playing well and matches up well with HSU.  Good coaching staff and dedicated players with talent.  We'll see.  HSU may very well be the better team and they may win big, but HSU is going to have to play very good, not just average, to beat TLU.

Question for you Coolrey, does TLU see HSU as a rival game in any way. They do seem to play HSU very well so I am wondering if they are playing up to beat them or as mentioned there have been match up issues that have helped TLU/hurt HSU.

Good question, but I am not in a position to believe I have even a clue as to how the team views any opponent in terms of "rivalry".  I think that is sort of for the fans in most cases.  I believe that Trinity University, at least in the past, has been more of a rival to TLU than HSU.  I do believe that TLU respects HSU and knows they are a good team.  TLU will have to play a near flawless game to beat HSU and I think HSU will have to be at their best to beat TLU.  I again go back to 2015 in which the teams were very evenly matched, but TLU turned the ball over and was penalized heavily and barely lost the game.

This is correct. Trinity has developed into the rivalry for TLU since TLU moved to D3.  The proximity of the two schools and the fact they are both in the SCAC (except for football) helps generate that rivalry.  In every other sport, TLU and Trinity play each other 2 to 3 times (or series) every year.  Even before TLU joined the SCAC, TLU and Trinity would schedule non-conference games in almost every sport.  Trinity has a very good athletics department and competes well on a national level in numerous sports.  I think that TLU likes to measure itself up to Trinity because if you can compete with Trinity, you are competing on a national level.  Similar to comparing your football team to UMHB's.

I do think that TLU sees UMHB and HSU as rivals too.  Not to the extent of Trinity though.  Regardless of rivalry, this Saturday's game is big.  In a game like this, the person accross the line from you does not need to be a "rival" for you bring your best effort.

Also, I liked DFWCrufan saying TLU "has that bad habit of being stubborn" except I would say this is a good habit  .  Really nails the Bulldog persona.  Tenacity with a never-say-die mentality.

[Coolrey]

I think it goes without saying that UMHB is in a class by itself in the ASC.  There have been a few times in which other conference members have given them a run for their money or even knocked them off (TLU was close in 2014, ETBU and HSU also have stepped up against them as well).  TLU has made great strides since 2012 and is no longer the doormat it was before Padron and Gustafson arrived.  Hopefully, some big wig will step up and take the next step in finishing the stadium and upgrading facilities.  Makes a big difference in terms of recruiting.

[umhb2001]

Stellar game for The Cru today. UMHB looked great on offense and defense. The announcers mentioned that UMHB, for the first time in school history, has had three shutouts in a row. This is saying something. Luke looked great again. He really is the best all around, I believe, as his performance week in and week out has been constant with a slight uptick. I wish the coaches would give him a chance to start. Things are lining up well. Looking forward to HOCO!

[DFWCrufan]

Luke does look good, nice smooth day today, running plays, getting experience, our freshmen line still need to gel but hey, first season they'll fill the slots. Just glad everyone walked away without any injuries.

HSU is solid...period... nuff said