FB: American Southwest Conference

[crufootball]

Did y'all actually watch the game? Most of Comiers yards came on one drive. WRS  open all over lol. Come on miller was seldom open minus a few short passes. The others aren't worth mentioning. After reading all week how deep umhb and how this will be a blow out.(I thought the same) Well, very let down by what I saw against a very young HSU team. always liked the umhb defense and running attack. Their team play is always impressive until now to me. That game play will not cut it against Mt. Union, North Central, UW-Whitewater, or even Saint Johns. Umhb got exposed major on both offense and defense. Let's be honest only teams HSU or UMHB faces that are playoff type team is each other until playoff time. What I saw are two teams that might make it to the quarterfinals no further. If you honestly believe they played great and that will cut it to make a deep run in playoffs tell me I'm wrong. Otherwise, see ways to improve and fix mistakes like better tackling, hitting holes harder especially the back up rbs, ball handling to cut down on fumbles, and middle and short coverage better( If HSU kept with what they did in first half instead of throwing deep instead of short and middle could of made for a more interesting second half) Like to see ASC rep the champ instead of out before the semis. Umhb has the talent, I question their attitude and team unity. So did y'all by the comments y'all wrote in first half.  Especially with the talent y'all have no team in the ASC should even be close.

You keep saying that things aren't worth mentioning despite them directly affecting the final score like touchdown catches by our receivers and 182 yards by running backs. Those didn't all happen on one drive.

And yes there were lots of questions about the team after the first half on a number of subjects, good thing there was a second half where questions about their attitude and team unity seemed to be put away for now.

[umhb2001]

Let me clarify. All the WRS except Jordan( coverage was there though) was shut down the whole game. Minus one drive the umhb rb were shut down. Now out of all the games I've seen umhb since '99 it's the first time I've seen this type of win. Usually it is a defense (as a unit) that is unbreakable. A running attack unstoppable no matter who is rb.  Again not downing umhb. Its just not umhb team that umhb makes. A team depending on match up instead of imposing it's will regardless of the team. If they play like this in the playoffs they won't make it past quarterfinals if that.

I think UMHB showed us something we haven't seen in a while...the ability to win in a way that is against their MO. That being said, there are obviously areas where they need to improve. Game 4 of a 10 game season is a nice place to discover those areas and make improvements. I like our chances moving forward.

[HSUCowboy2015]

Really, it was the 2/3 the third quarter where UHMB had the wood on HSU.  After that HSU recomposed themselves and played UHMB to a near draw.  And if it weren't for the goal line INT on HSU's last drive (where they were putting some plays together and had marched the length of the field with purpose) then I think we would have seen overtime.

I think HSU had UHMB's number and but for a 15-minute emotional burst would have won.

EDIT: This post may come across as harsh when then wasn't intended.  UHMB is very good, as always.  I just reckon HSU had 'em yesterday but for that 15-minute burst.  I don't think UHMD dominated the entire second half.  After HSU settled they were back competitive and other than an INT on the UHMD 2-yard-line the game would have been in OT.

I'll agree to an extent. UMHB flexed their muscles in the second half, and it took a little too long for HSU to respond. I've read where HSU got away from the first half game plan offensively and I fully agree. From there our defense was on the field way too much. Our OC has to be better in making in game adjustments. It's nice when you can out athlete opposing teams to beat them like 80% of our games, but past history against teams like MHB and Linfield that just doesn't work in our favor for the entirety of the game. 

I also disagree about OT, I think if we stick to our original plan and punch the ball in our kicker makes the PAT and HSU wins the game! Haha.

As always props to MHB, they seem to always find a way to put a dagger in the hearts of the HSU faithful. We are not out of the woods as we have to travel to Marshal and to Brownwood. Good luck to MHB the rest of the way.

I have a question about the playoff structure now, did I read somewhere that Pool C teams won't necessarily have to play their conference opponents in the first round? Or am I making this up. I know not having the D1 March Madness hurt the NCAA budget, but did not know how it would affect our playoff system. Obviously, HSU has their work to do and I'm looking way ahead, but I'm curious about this.

[umhb2001]

Really, it was the 2/3 the third quarter where UHMB had the wood on HSU.  After that HSU recomposed themselves and played UHMB to a near draw.  And if it weren't for the goal line INT on HSU's last drive (where they were putting some plays together and had marched the length of the field with purpose) then I think we would have seen overtime.

I think HSU had UHMB's number and but for a 15-minute emotional burst would have won.

EDIT: This post may come across as harsh when then wasn't intended.  UHMB is very good, as always.  I just reckon HSU had 'em yesterday but for that 15-minute burst.  I don't think UHMD dominated the entire second half.  After HSU settled they were back competitive and other than an INT on the UHMD 2-yard-line the game would have been in OT.

I'll agree to an extent. UMHB flexed their muscles in the second half, and it took a little too long for HSU to respond. I've read where HSU got away from the first half game plan offensively and I fully agree. From there our defense was on the field way too much. Our OC has to be better in making in game adjustments. It's nice when you can out athlete opposing teams to beat them like 80% of our games, but past history against teams like MHB and Linfield that just doesn't work in our favor for the entirety of the game. 

I also disagree about OT, I think if we stick to our original plan and punch the ball in our kicker makes the PAT and HSU wins the game! Haha.

As always props to MHB, they seem to always find a way to put a dagger in the hearts of the HSU faithful. We are not out of the woods as we have to travel to Marshal and to Brownwood. Good luck to MHB the rest of the way.

I have a question about the playoff structure now, did I read somewhere that Pool C teams won't necessarily have to play their conference opponents in the first round? Or am I making this up. I know not having the D1 March Madness hurt the NCAA budget, but did not know how it would affect our playoff system. Obviously, HSU has their work to do and I'm looking way ahead, but I'm curious about this.

Pat, Wally, or Frank would have to answer this question about Pool C. I imagine it will be like it has been in the past. I do know that in 19 they worked hard to limit in conference games in the first round.

I agree, if HSU gets the TD, they get the XP to win.

I don't get this comment I see from time to time where folks say that, "well, if UMHB hadn't gotten that pick they would have lost. HSU was driving and could have easily punched it in." Does it really matter where the turnover comes or when it comes. It's all between the goal posts and came at a very make or break time. That's sport. You could easily say the same thing about Buckner getting pulled for a more agile first baseman, Bonds having a stronger arm to throw out Sid Bream, Russell not sliding on the court against Jordan, or a myriad of other coulda shoulda wouldas.

HSU played their best half of the season. UMHB played their worst half of the season. The difference between 1-7 in the polls is so minute, but the difference between 1-7 and 8-25 is HUGE. Only a few teams can say they've played and won a top 7 showdown this year. I believe UMHB is in the top 4 and will make the semis. They will have to put a full game together to win and move on. Game #4 will help them get there.

[HSUCowboy2015]

Really, it was the 2/3 the third quarter where UHMB had the wood on HSU.  After that HSU recomposed themselves and played UHMB to a near draw.  And if it weren't for the goal line INT on HSU's last drive (where they were putting some plays together and had marched the length of the field with purpose) then I think we would have seen overtime.

I think HSU had UHMB's number and but for a 15-minute emotional burst would have won.

EDIT: This post may come across as harsh when then wasn't intended.  UHMB is very good, as always.  I just reckon HSU had 'em yesterday but for that 15-minute burst.  I don't think UHMD dominated the entire second half.  After HSU settled they were back competitive and other than an INT on the UHMD 2-yard-line the game would have been in OT.

I'll agree to an extent. UMHB flexed their muscles in the second half, and it took a little too long for HSU to respond. I've read where HSU got away from the first half game plan offensively and I fully agree. From there our defense was on the field way too much. Our OC has to be better in making in game adjustments. It's nice when you can out athlete opposing teams to beat them like 80% of our games, but past history against teams like MHB and Linfield that just doesn't work in our favor for the entirety of the game. 

I also disagree about OT, I think if we stick to our original plan and punch the ball in our kicker makes the PAT and HSU wins the game! Haha.

As always props to MHB, they seem to always find a way to put a dagger in the hearts of the HSU faithful. We are not out of the woods as we have to travel to Marshal and to Brownwood. Good luck to MHB the rest of the way.

I have a question about the playoff structure now, did I read somewhere that Pool C teams won't necessarily have to play their conference opponents in the first round? Or am I making this up. I know not having the D1 March Madness hurt the NCAA budget, but did not know how it would affect our playoff system. Obviously, HSU has their work to do and I'm looking way ahead, but I'm curious about this.

Pat, Wally, or Frank would have to answer this question about Pool C. I imagine it will be like it has been in the past. I do know that in 19 they worked hard to limit in conference games in the first round.

I agree, if HSU gets the TD, they get the XP to win.

I don't get this comment I see from time to time where folks say that, "well, if UMHB hadn't gotten that pick they would have lost. HSU was driving and could have easily punched it in." Does it really matter where the turnover comes or when it comes. It's all between the goal posts and came at a very make or break time. That's sport. You could easily say the same thing about Buckner getting pulled for a more agile first baseman, Bonds having a stronger arm to throw out Sid Bream, Russell not sliding on the court against Jordan, or a myriad of other coulda shoulda wouldas.

HSU played their best half of the season. UMHB played their worst half of the season. The difference between 1-7 in the polls is so minute, but the difference between 1-7 and 8-25 is HUGE. Only a few teams can say they've played and won a top 7 showdown this year. I believe UMHB is in the top 4 and will make the semis. They will have to put a full game together to win and move on. Game #4 will help them get there.

Totally agree about the "That's sport", I absolutely hate those comments as well as blaming officials. Which I have to admit I have done in the past... 2019 in Belton. LOL. MHB just always finds a way to make that big play against us, and I hate y'all for that, but also respect y'all for it. I want so badly to think we're in that top tier, but I'm not 100% on that. I fully agree with you on the gap that exists.

[wally_wabash]

I have a question about the playoff structure now, did I read somewhere that Pool C teams won't necessarily have to play their conference opponents in the first round? Or am I making this up. I know not having the D1 March Madness hurt the NCAA budget, but did not know how it would affect our playoff system. Obviously, HSU has their work to do and I'm looking way ahead, but I'm curious about this.

In 2019, teams from the same conference could not play in the first round by rule.  We'll have to wait for the pre-championship manual to publish to know if that rule makes it back for 2021.   

[crufootball]

Really, it was the 2/3 the third quarter where UHMB had the wood on HSU.  After that HSU recomposed themselves and played UHMB to a near draw.  And if it weren't for the goal line INT on HSU's last drive (where they were putting some plays together and had marched the length of the field with purpose) then I think we would have seen overtime.

I think HSU had UHMB's number and but for a 15-minute emotional burst would have won.

EDIT: This post may come across as harsh when then wasn't intended.  UHMB is very good, as always.  I just reckon HSU had 'em yesterday but for that 15-minute burst.  I don't think UHMD dominated the entire second half.  After HSU settled they were back competitive and other than an INT on the UHMD 2-yard-line the game would have been in OT.

I'll agree to an extent. UMHB flexed their muscles in the second half, and it took a little too long for HSU to respond. I've read where HSU got away from the first half game plan offensively and I fully agree. From there our defense was on the field way too much. Our OC has to be better in making in game adjustments. It's nice when you can out athlete opposing teams to beat them like 80% of our games, but past history against teams like MHB and Linfield that just doesn't work in our favor for the entirety of the game. 

I also disagree about OT, I think if we stick to our original plan and punch the ball in our kicker makes the PAT and HSU wins the game! Haha.

As always props to MHB, they seem to always find a way to put a dagger in the hearts of the HSU faithful. We are not out of the woods as we have to travel to Marshal and to Brownwood. Good luck to MHB the rest of the way.

I have a question about the playoff structure now, did I read somewhere that Pool C teams won't necessarily have to play their conference opponents in the first round? Or am I making this up. I know not having the D1 March Madness hurt the NCAA budget, but did not know how it would affect our playoff system. Obviously, HSU has their work to do and I'm looking way ahead, but I'm curious about this.

Pat, Wally, or Frank would have to answer this question about Pool C. I imagine it will be like it has been in the past. I do know that in 19 they worked hard to limit in conference games in the first round.

I agree, if HSU gets the TD, they get the XP to win.

I don't get this comment I see from time to time where folks say that, "well, if UMHB hadn't gotten that pick they would have lost. HSU was driving and could have easily punched it in." Does it really matter where the turnover comes or when it comes. It's all between the goal posts and came at a very make or break time. That's sport. You could easily say the same thing about Buckner getting pulled for a more agile first baseman, Bonds having a stronger arm to throw out Sid Bream, Russell not sliding on the court against Jordan, or a myriad of other coulda shoulda wouldas.

HSU played their best half of the season. UMHB played their worst half of the season. The difference between 1-7 in the polls is so minute, but the difference between 1-7 and 8-25 is HUGE. Only a few teams can say they've played and won a top 7 showdown this year. I believe UMHB is in the top 4 and will make the semis. They will have to put a full game together to win and move on. Game #4 will help them get there.

Totally agree about the "That's sport", I absolutely hate those comments as well as blaming officials. Which I have to admit I have done in the past... 2019 in Belton. LOL. MHB just always finds a way to make that big play against us, and I hate y'all for that, but also respect y'all for it. I want so badly to think we're in that top tier, but I'm not 100% on that. I fully agree with you on the gap that exists.

Depends on your definition of top tier, if that is a true national championship contender then it is hard to put HSU in that category. However, I have long thought that HSU has never received a true fair shot of even going a couple rounds through a seeded bracket. You have had a couple of chances to break free, both against Linfield and couldn't beat them but that is something about 98% of D3 couldn't do either.

As for a rematch in the playoffs, obviously A LOT has changed since 2019 but as the linked articles states it is a rule that we can't play each other in the first round. With that in mind I remind everyone that a much better looking Trinity plays Berry this upcoming weekend in what could be a battle for the top prize in the SAA and could save the NCAA some money if they could bus one of the potential trio of Texas schools to the other in the first round.

https://www.d3football.com/notables/2019/10/football-playoffs-welcome-change


Edit: Looks like Wally beat me to the punch but either way the comment about Trinity stands, and I think Hendrix may be less than 500 miles from Belton but I am not sure.

[OzJohnnie]

I don't get this comment I see from time to time where folks say that, "well, if UMHB hadn't gotten that pick they would have lost. HSU was driving and could have easily punched it in." Does it really matter where the turnover comes or when it comes.

I think it's relevant and I'll explain why.

UHMB's office ran wild in the third quarter but after that burst the HSU defense managed to keep them out of the endzone but for one more score in the fourth.  The HSU offense, on the other hand, had been utterly shutdown.  But on their last drive they started on their own 25 and managed to steadily march down to the UHMB 22.  They had finally figured out how to move again and with one last chance to do it (I forgot that UHMB had a six point lead and HSU could win with a major score).  And with :38 seconds to go and their backs against the wall UHMB got the INT on their own two yard line to save the game.

It was the winning moment.  That's why it's relevant.  And good on whoever it was who made the pick.  I reckon he won a game that UHMB could have easily lost.  And HSU had victory in their grasp and saw it slip away.

[Toby Taff]

I don't get this comment I see from time to time where folks say that, "well, if UMHB hadn't gotten that pick they would have lost. HSU was driving and could have easily punched it in." Does it really matter where the turnover comes or when it comes.

I think it's relevant and I'll explain why.

UHMB's office ran wild in the third quarter but after that burst the HSU defense managed to keep them out of the endzone but for one more score in the fourth.  The HSU offense, on the other hand, had been utterly shutdown.  But on their last drive they started on their own 25 and managed to steadily march down to the UHMB 22.  They had finally figured out how to move again and with one last chance to do it (I forgot that UHMB had a six point lead and HSU could win with a major score).  And with :38 seconds to go and their backs against the wall UHMB got the INT on their own two yard line to save the game.

It was the winning moment.  That's why it's relevant.  And good on whoever it was who made the pick.  I reckon he won a game that UHMB could have easily lost.  And HSU had victory in their grasp and saw it slip away.

Not gonna lie. I was fighting to keep 2019 out of my brain. I was watching the pat Avila missed thinking, "what if he misses and HSU wins it by a point like we did in 2019." then i was like get that bad mojo out of your head.

[Ron Boerger]

[...]

As for a rematch in the playoffs, obviously A LOT has changed since 2019 but as the linked articles states it is a rule that we can't play each other in the first round. With that in mind I remind everyone that a much better looking Trinity plays Berry this upcoming weekend in what could be a battle for the top prize in the SAA and could save the NCAA some money if they could bus one of the potential trio of Texas schools to the other in the first round.

https://www.d3football.com/notables/2019/10/football-playoffs-welcome-change


Edit: Looks like Wally beat me to the punch but either way the comment about Trinity stands, and I think Hendrix may be less than 500 miles from Belton but I am not sure.

Hendrix has not looked great this fall but a lot of that depends on whether HPU is legit.  Should know more about them after they play unbeaten Centre this week.  But Google says it's 477 miles from Conway to Belton - not the official NCAA mileage but should be enough of a fudge factor that it would be within their bus limits.

Trinity has done very well against soft opponents (Macalester 1-2 and TLU 1-3 after losing at Sul Ross).  Berry will be a good test of whether or not they will challenge for the SAA title, but they also have to play at Birmingham-Southern (3-0 with a monster RB Shufford averaging 166 yards/game only playing 2-3 quarters in three blowout wins) and a Centre team that will possibly be undefeated when they come to town in a couple of weeks. 

[crufootball]

[...]

As for a rematch in the playoffs, obviously A LOT has changed since 2019 but as the linked articles states it is a rule that we can't play each other in the first round. With that in mind I remind everyone that a much better looking Trinity plays Berry this upcoming weekend in what could be a battle for the top prize in the SAA and could save the NCAA some money if they could bus one of the potential trio of Texas schools to the other in the first round.

https://www.d3football.com/notables/2019/10/football-playoffs-welcome-change


Edit: Looks like Wally beat me to the punch but either way the comment about Trinity stands, and I think Hendrix may be less than 500 miles from Belton but I am not sure.

Hendrix has not looked great this fall but a lot of that depends on whether HPU is legit.  Should know more about them after they play unbeaten Centre this week.  But Google says it's 477 miles from Conway to Belton - not the official NCAA mileage but should be enough of a fudge factor that it would be within their bus limits.

Trinity has done very well against soft opponents (Macalester 1-2 and TLU 1-3 after losing at Sul Ross).  Berry will be a good test of whether or not they will challenge for the SAA title, but they also have to play at Birmingham-Southern (3-0 with a monster RB Shufford averaging 166 yards/game only playing 2-3 quarters in three blowout wins) and a Centre team that will possibly be undefeated when they come to town in a couple of weeks.

Found what I believe is the NCAA mileage calculator and UMHB/Hendrix is 480, HSU/Hendrix is 524, but I would agree that there chances of winning the SAA are small however since they haven't played any SAA games the chance is still there.

Your concern on Trinity is probably valid as well but I have hoped for the return to more success for years now, this weekend will be a big test to see how ready they are.

[MUC57]

Cru fans

Congrats on your victory Saturday. You did what the really good teams do, that is, refuse to give up. I'd say you're in for a great season.
Good luck the rest of the way. 

[CowboyAlum261]

Personally, I'm not so sure that the "throw it up to Jordan" strategy isn't good enough by itself to get y'all to the semis. There is nobody in Division 3 who can cover that guy. If King keeps throwing pretty deep balls and stops fumbling that is a devastating combination.

[crufootball]

You are not wrong CowboyAlum261, if we can prove that we can go to that option a handful of times a game that is going to open up the running game a lot down the line.

Opening things up a bit it would appear that while the top of the ASC probably won't stray from tradition, the bottom 7-8 teams look like there could be a lot of good competition this year. Every team has won at least 1 conference game already and based on results you can't assume you know who is going to beat who on a week to week basis.

The big mystery right now appears to be Howard Payne, their opponents are a combined 5-9 so hard to make conclusions but they are really putting some points on the board so far. One more victory and they match their best season in recent memory (2019) and they haven't won more than 5 since 2005 when they took down UMHB.

[Etchglow]

You are not wrong CowboyAlum261, if we can prove that we can go to that option a handful of times a game that is going to open up the running game a lot down the line.

Opening things up a bit it would appear that while the top of the ASC probably won't stray from tradition, the bottom 7-8 teams look like there could be a lot of good competition this year. Every team has won at least 1 conference game already and based on results you can't assume you know who is going to beat who on a week to week basis.

The big mystery right now appears to be Howard Payne, their opponents are a combined 5-9 so hard to make conclusions but they are really putting some points on the board so far. One more victory and they match their best season in recent memory (2019) and they haven't won more than 5 since 2005 when they took down UMHB.

I'm pretty sure the broadcast Saturday for the Howard Payne game said they were 8 of their last 11. So 9 out of 12 games is a long way from where they were a few years ago.