FB: American Southwest Conference

[CruGuy]

well i was not in dover today, nor was I in whitewater earlier this year so I can not really comment on either of those games...however, i can comment on crusader history...maybe they're just interesting notes, but they certainly give me hope...

the last time UMHB got blown out in the regular season they lost 49-22 to UMHB-abilene, they then met in the playoffs and UMHB won 42-28 in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicates....funny enough that Crusader team followed that win up with one over Mt. Union a couple of week later.

I think several other people have also commented on the fact that UMHB started off losing their first two games to Trinity, and their first two to Wesley, and now they find themselves 0-2 against UWW. Let's hope the third time's a charm for the third time.

Realistically, for UMHB to have a chance they need to focus on two things, winning the turnover battle and preventing the deep ball. They're turnover margin is +34 in their twelve victories (right at +3 a game) and -5 in their loss. The teams that historically have been able to beat UMHB (Wesley, UMHB-abilene, Linfeild), have done it with big passing plays. Trinity and Mississippi College both showed that this team is still susceptible to giving up big yardage in the air.

In the first meeting UMHB was able to keep Beavers mostly contained allowing one run of 23 yards, holding him to 92 yards on 29 carries for a very modest 2.7 yards/carry. 3 different receivers had an individual receptions for over twenty yards on the play but none went any longer than 26. Hopefully the CRU defense will play in a similar manner, and the offense will take care of the ball and we'll see a much more competitive game this time around.

[yessir]

Congrats to the Crusaders, great win for the program today. I have no doubt that next weeks meeting against UWW will be way different than the first.

Just a glance at the 10 day forecast and it says High of 40 low of 28 with 10% chance of precip. I know that's a long ways away but if it holds true, i doubt the weather will effect the Crusaders. We all remember the MUC game in 2004, cold and snowing. The Cru plays well in the snow, so bring it on.

Looking forward to seeing the Cru play UWW again. Wisconsin/Chicago was a nice trip earlier in the season for me and the wife. Hope this one will be even better. I'm definately going to pack the warm clothes. Thank you Wal-Mart for the Freezer gear.

To touch on WesleyDad's comment. Fumbles....Shumbles, it's all part of the game. No matter who's fault it was, we still won the game. EXCUSES!!!!

[Bill McCabe]

UMHB will have to have their running game clicking next week.  INTs killed them in the first meeting.  If you look at the play by play of that game, the Cru was moving the ball on the ground.  Pound the ball and let the defense get the O a short field.  I think this game will be very close.

[wesleydad]

yessir, make sure you go back and read my post that you obviously didnt read completely.  i didnt make excuses, simply stated that wesley had 5 turnovers and disagreed with rick about who the better team was.  turnovers are part of the game, wesley made to many, they lose.  again, umhb posters cant have it both ways, you guys cant keep mentioning that you lost the first time to uww because of turnovers, not give them credit for being the better team, them win because the opponent made 5 turnovers and claim to have been the better team.  as far as this week goes, good luck, if the forecast is correct that will be good, just like yesterday in dover.  the only difference is that i am sure the field condition at uww will not be as good as it was at wesley.

[Ralph Turner]

well i was not in dover today, nor was I in whitewater earlier this year so I can not really comment on either of those games...however, i can comment on crusader history...maybe they're just interesting notes, but they certainly give me hope...

the last time UMHB got blown out in the regular season they lost 49-22 to UMHB-abilene, they then met in the playoffs and UMHB won 42-28 in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicates....funny enough that Crusader team followed that win up with one over Mt. Union a couple of week later.

I think several other people have also commented on the fact that UMHB started off losing their first two games to Trinity, and their first two to Wesley, and now they find themselves 0-2 against UWW. Let's hope the third time's a charm for the third time.

Realistically, for UMHB to have a chance they need to focus on two things, winning the turnover battle and preventing the deep ball. They're turnover margin is +34 in their twelve victories (right at +3 a game) and -5 in their loss. The teams that historically have been able to beat UMHB (Wesley, UMHB-abilene, Linfeild), have done it with big passing plays. Trinity and Mississippi College both showed that this team is still susceptible to giving up big yardage in the air.

In the first meeting UMHB was able to keep Beavers mostly contained allowing one run of 23 yards, holding him to 92 yards on 29 carries for a very modest 2.7 yards/carry. 3 different receivers had an individual receptions for over twenty yards on the play but none went any longer than 26. Hopefully the CRU defense will play in a similar manner, and the offense will take care of the ball and we'll see a much more competitive game this time around.

Good post, Crukkid!

I laughed at  your UMHB-abilene.

For out-of-ASC readers, one might re-state that as...


university of mary HARDIN-baylor and HARDIN-simmons university.

Back in the depression, the John G. Hardin family of Wichita Falls TX gave large trusts to Baylor Female College (UMHB), Simmons College (HSU), Howard Payne College (HPU) and Abilene Christian College (D-2 ACU) and donated $400,000 ($5,679,970.87 in 2006 dollars) which was matched locally, to start Hardin Junior College, which is now D-2 Midwestern State University.

John Gresham Hardin

[Llamaguy]

Come One Come All to Stone Station's 4th Annual Christmas Party

Saturday December 15th, 2007

9am - 9pm

Salem Stadium Parkinglot , Salem, VA

Menu
BBQ Chicken Quarters
BBQ Pork
Fried Turkey
Potatoes
Chips
& Olinemom's Brownies!

As always, first come, first served. Join us as we watch the crowning of another D3 Football Champion!

In lieu of presents, just bring your favorite flavor of Boone's Farm by the bottle! 

[Olinemom]

Come One Come All to Stone Station's 4th Annual Christmas Party

Saturday December 15th, 2007

9am - 9pm

Salem Stadium Parkinglot , Salem, VA

Menu
BBQ Chicken Quarters
BBQ Pork
Fried Turkey
Potatoes
Chips
& Olinemom's Brownies!

As always, first come, first served. Join us as we watch the crowning of another D3 Football Champion!

In lieu of presents, just bring your favorite flavor of Boone's Farm by the bottle! 

and for those who show in the morning there will be yummy breakfast goodies besides brownies!!!

[yessir]

Congrats to the Crusaders once again. We're all really proud of you. Now lets take care of finals, get ready for UW-W, and get some more perdium (sp) money. Go Crusaders!!!

[Barber Greene]

Hey guys, I posted the following on the WIAC board. Show me the mistakes in my thinking  (I mean this in a friendly way, hence the smiley face)

Some reflections on the upcoming MHB game:

1. Turnovers in the last game killed MHB early on, particularly interceptions. The MHB QB didn't appear to have a very strong arm and floated several passes that were subsequently intercepted.
2. The MHB running attack had some success in the first half with the option but the Hawks figured it out and controlled the MHB running game in the second half.
3. MHB has a quick defense that controlled Beaver and limited his yardage.

It appears the field this week will be clear but probably muddy and/or frozen. Wind at the Perk at this time of year is usually pretty strong and constant.

So, I would expect the Crusaders to stick to the run more than they did the first game. However, the
Warhawks controlled their running game in the second half of the first game. And they can focus on stopping the run since the MHB passing game didn't pose a significant threat in the first game.

Can the quickness of the Crusader defense stop Beaver on a sloppy field? I don't think so. I think the sloppy field neutralizes the Crusader speed. The Hawks have played on a sloppy field throughout the playoffs and the o-line should be able to open more holes for Beaver than he got in the first game.

Probably the biggest factor in favor of the Hawks in this game is the passing game. The Hawks have an efficient and effective one and MHB not so much.

Prediction: UWW 31, MHB 21

Here are the stats from the first game: http://www.uwwsports.com/sports/football/2007/uwwmhb07.htm#GAME.NEW

[Ralph Turner]

+1 Barber Greene,

Welcome to the ASC Board!

Good points!  I am interested in what the CRU intelligentsia has to say!

[Toby Taff]

Hey guys, I posted the following on the WIAC board. Show me the mistakes in my thinking  (I mean this in a friendly way, hence the smiley face)

Some reflections on the upcoming MHB game:

1. Turnovers in the last game killed MHB early on, particularly interceptions. The MHB QB didn't appear to have a very strong arm and floated several passes that were subsequently intercepted.
2. The MHB running attack had some success in the first half with the option but the Hawks figured it out and controlled the MHB running game in the second half.
3. MHB has a quick defense that controlled Beaver and limited his yardage.

It appears the field this week will be clear but probably muddy and/or frozen. Wind at the Perk at this time of year is usually pretty strong and constant.

So, I would expect the Crusaders to stick to the run more than they did the first game. However, the
Warhawks controlled their running game in the second half of the first game. And they can focus on stopping the run since the MHB passing game didn't pose a significant threat in the first game.

Can the quickness of the Crusader defense stop Beaver on a sloppy field? I don't think so. I think the sloppy field neutralizes the Crusader speed. The Hawks have played on a sloppy field throughout the playoffs and the o-line should be able to open more holes for Beaver than he got in the first game.

Probably the biggest factor in favor of the Hawks in this game is the passing game. The Hawks have an efficient and effective one and MHB not so much.

Prediction: UWW 31, MHB 21

Here are the stats from the first game: http://www.uwwsports.com/sports/football/2007/uwwmhb07.htm#GAME.NEW

Going back over the stats I would disagree about the UMHB run getting shut down in the second half.  The stats seem to suggest, and I did watch game one so I already thought this, UMHB was out of character.  They were throwing the ball tons because they got too far down.  They managed to run pretty effectively in the second half.  i'll take 3-4 yds a carry, but it doesn't work when your down big.

[Kelly Boggs]

Toby,

I don't know if you saw an earlier post, but sorry I missed you at the NCW game. For some reason my cell phone stopped working. I don't know if moisture got into it somehow. However, the next day it was working fine.

At half-time I walked down to the front of section D (I couldn't remember what row or seats you indicated you would be sitting in) and scanned the crowd. However, with everyone attired like homeless Eskimos, I couldn't tell if you were among the bundled-up throng.

We left at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Perhaps at a game next year we can meet up.

And ditto on your most recent post.

[Barber Greene]

Hey guys, I posted the following on the WIAC board. Show me the mistakes in my thinking  (I mean this in a friendly way, hence the smiley face)

Some reflections on the upcoming MHB game:

1. Turnovers in the last game killed MHB early on, particularly interceptions. The MHB QB didn't appear to have a very strong arm and floated several passes that were subsequently intercepted.
2. The MHB running attack had some success in the first half with the option but the Hawks figured it out and controlled the MHB running game in the second half.
3. MHB has a quick defense that controlled Beaver and limited his yardage.

It appears the field this week will be clear but probably muddy and/or frozen. Wind at the Perk at this time of year is usually pretty strong and constant.

So, I would expect the Crusaders to stick to the run more than they did the first game. However, the
Warhawks controlled their running game in the second half of the first game. And they can focus on stopping the run since the MHB passing game didn't pose a significant threat in the first game.

Can the quickness of the Crusader defense stop Beaver on a sloppy field? I don't think so. I think the sloppy field neutralizes the Crusader speed. The Hawks have played on a sloppy field throughout the playoffs and the o-line should be able to open more holes for Beaver than he got in the first game.

Probably the biggest factor in favor of the Hawks in this game is the passing game. The Hawks have an efficient and effective one and MHB not so much.

Prediction: UWW 31, MHB 21

Here are the stats from the first game: http://www.uwwsports.com/sports/football/2007/uwwmhb07.htm#GAME.NEW

Going back over the stats I would disagree about the UMHB run getting shut down in the second half.  The stats seem to suggest, and I did watch game one so I already thought this, UMHB was out of character.  They were throwing the ball tons because they got too far down.  They managed to run pretty effectively in the second half.  i'll take 3-4 yds a carry, but it doesn't work when your down big.

I didn't mean to imply that the UMHB was shut down...but for a team that was averaging something like 350 yards a game on the ground coming into the game I think the Hawks did a pretty good job of limiting their yardage...the team average was 3.5 yards/carry and the long run was 14 yards

I do think this game will be more of a strength on strength game...the strong UMHB run game against the stout UWW rush defense...it will be nice to see some smashmouth football compared to the spread offenses that the Hawks have seen in the last two playoff games (though those spread offenses served up a few interceptions  )

[Toby Taff]

Toby,

I don't know if you saw an earlier post, but sorry I missed you at the NCW game. For some reason my cell phone stopped working. I don't know if moisture got into it somehow. However, the next day it was working fine.

At half-time I walked down to the front of section D (I couldn't remember what row or seats you indicated you would be sitting in) and scanned the crowd. However, with everyone attired like homeless Eskimos, I couldn't tell if you were among the bundled-up throng.

We left at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Perhaps at a game next year we can meet up.

And ditto on your most recent post.

No problem.  It was hard keeping my phone dry.  I understand.

[umhb2001]

Hey guys, I posted the following on the WIAC board. Show me the mistakes in my thinking  (I mean this in a friendly way, hence the smiley face)

Some reflections on the upcoming MHB game:

1. Turnovers in the last game killed MHB early on, particularly interceptions. The MHB QB didn't appear to have a very strong arm and floated several passes that were subsequently intercepted.
2. The MHB running attack had some success in the first half with the option but the Hawks figured it out and controlled the MHB running game in the second half.
3. MHB has a quick defense that controlled Beaver and limited his yardage.

It appears the field this week will be clear but probably muddy and/or frozen. Wind at the Perk at this time of year is usually pretty strong and constant.

So, I would expect the Crusaders to stick to the run more than they did the first game. However, the
Warhawks controlled their running game in the second half of the first game. And they can focus on stopping the run since the MHB passing game didn't pose a significant threat in the first game.

Can the quickness of the Crusader defense stop Beaver on a sloppy field? I don't think so. I think the sloppy field neutralizes the Crusader speed. The Hawks have played on a sloppy field throughout the playoffs and the o-line should be able to open more holes for Beaver than he got in the first game.

Probably the biggest factor in favor of the Hawks in this game is the passing game. The Hawks have an efficient and effective one and MHB not so much.

Prediction: UWW 31, MHB 21

Here are the stats from the first game: http://www.uwwsports.com/sports/football/2007/uwwmhb07.htm#GAME.NEW

Going back over the stats I would disagree about the UMHB run getting shut down in the second half.  The stats seem to suggest, and I did watch game one so I already thought this, UMHB was out of character.  They were throwing the ball tons because they got too far down.  They managed to run pretty effectively in the second half.  i'll take 3-4 yds a carry, but it doesn't work when your down big.

I'm not at all going to compare NCW to UWW, but to say that we can't run on a sloppy, cold field is not correct.  I'm pretty sure we ran well against NCW even though our field is turf, and our coaching staff preped the guys well to play against Union in 04, another cold, sloppy day.  We killed our selves that game.  If we don't turn the ball over, we have a geat chance to win.  This team is entirely different than the team that got beat earlier in the year.  I expect a close, hard nosed battle. 

27-24 UMHB