FB: American Southwest Conference

[golden_dome]

Bill,
   This game is a tough call this year. It's just hard to bet against UMHB after the last 3-4 years. But the Cru haven't dominated this year and their game Saturday at Sul Ross wasn't impressive. They led 28-13 entering the 4th quarter. The previous week I watched MC dismantle Sul Ross and led 38-10 entering the 4th quarter.

HSU has put up some impressive numbers down the stretch, but their last four game were against the four worst teams in the ASC. Hardin-Simmons has the second worst rush defense in the ASC allowing just under 200 yards per game, that makes it hard to pick them considering UMHB averages about 264 on the ground.

It should be an interesting game.

[crudbdad]

Purple Reign... That may be one of the worst posts ever added to this board... thanks for sharing cru dad. Looking forward to a good game this weekend, whatever the weather brings.

Guess you are not a Prince fan.... All kidding aside the key to this game is how well does the Cru defense play. Aside from the SOU game I thought the HS game was our worst showing of the year. Not enough front 7 penetration and too many blown coverages in the 1st meeting.

[Toby Taff]

Purple Reign... That may be one of the worst posts ever added to this board... thanks for sharing cru dad. Looking forward to a good game this weekend, whatever the weather brings.

Guess you are not a Prince fan.... All kidding aside the key to this game is how well does the Cru defense play. Aside from the SOU game I thought the HS game was our worst showing of the year. Not enough front 7 penetration and too many blown coverages in the 1st meeting.

I'm going to disagree with you on this one.  The defensive line played pretty well most of the game.  Feaster was running all over the backfield.  Feaster deserves the credit for escaping and making plays.  There were a few breakdowns in pass coverage, one let HSU back in the game.  If the defense can get the same pressure on Feaster and turn a few of those pressures into sacks it'll likely be a long day for HSU, but if Feaster plays as well as he did the first time out, I think the game will be close again.

[crudbdad]

Purple Reign... That may be one of the worst posts ever added to this board... thanks for sharing cru dad. Looking forward to a good game this weekend, whatever the weather brings.

Guess you are not a Prince fan.... All kidding aside the key to this game is how well does the Cru defense play. Aside from the SOU game I thought the HS game was our worst showing of the year. Not enough front 7 penetration and too many blown coverages in the 1st meeting.

I'm going to disagree with you on this one.  The defensive line played pretty well most of the game.  Feaster was running all over the backfield.  Feaster deserves the credit for escaping and making plays.  There were a few breakdowns in pass coverage, one let HSU back in the game.  If the defense can get the same pressure on Feaster and turn a few of those pressures into sacks it'll likely be a long day for HSU, but if Feaster plays as well as he did the first time out, I think the game will be close again.

Unfortunately I am very familiar with the one breakdown on the pass by the receiver. Should have clarified the penetration in more detail. I should have said we didn't penetrate enough to contain Feaster. If we can keep him in the pocket and get some sacks this time we can slow down their passing attack.

[SRX16]

I'm thinking the pokes might make a run at this...umhb's running game has suffered since the last match-up, they're down on depth at key positions, and qb play hasn't been their strongest. Frankly, the CRU sucks on d-fense. Have you seen those midgets out there? I mean, I know this is D3, but really....Heck, ole sully put 21 on 'em. It might be a long day for da 'saders.

[CRU96]

It seems to me that the Cru will have to dominate both sides of the line for the victory.  Pressure must come from our front seven, and pressure on the Cowboys defense from a consistent UMHB running attack.  HSU historically plays well when we meet and I know that they will bring great intensity on Saturday.  I just took a deep breath and it is so good to be in the playoffs again.  I can sense the playoff excitement in the air.  I can't wait until Saturday.  Here's to another great rivalry game between two great teams and the right to continue to represent D3 Texas teams in the playoffs!

Go CRU!

[Bill McCabe]

Bill,
   This game is a tough call this year. It's just hard to bet against UMHB after the last 3-4 years. But the Cru haven't dominated this year and their game Saturday at Sul Ross wasn't impressive. They led 28-13 entering the 4th quarter. The previous week I watched MC dismantle Sul Ross and led 38-10 entering the 4th quarter.

HSU has put up some impressive numbers down the stretch, but their last four game were against the four worst teams in the ASC. Hardin-Simmons has the second worst rush defense in the ASC allowing just under 200 yards per game, that makes it hard to pick them considering UMHB averages about 264 on the ground.

It should be an interesting game.

Chris, if you look at comparative scores they are about even.

[Bill McCabe]

I'm thinking the pokes might make a run at this...umhb's running game has suffered since the last match-up, they're down on depth at key positions, and qb play hasn't been their strongest. Frankly, the CRU sucks on d-fense. Have you seen those midgets out there? I mean, I know this is D3, but really....Heck, ole sully put 21 on 'em. It might be a long day for da 'saders.

SRX16, the Cru again has a break away threat at RB.  It should be an exciting game.

[Bill McCabe]

cowboyfan,  you bring up a good point about the kicking game.  It has been a major factor in all of the games these 2 play against each other.  Whoever wins the kicking game, will probably win the game.

[CRU96]

It looks to me that the Cru is almost back to full strength at running back. (Minus QD)  Though I believe it is going to be an incredible game, I still think the Cru have the advantage with their defense.  Coach Fred and staff have built the Cru on two strengths.  Defense and running the football. I know that we throw some, you have to in college football, but UMHB has built itself on ball control and the run.  It will not be a shock to HSU or UMHB when they meet on Saturday to watch the two different styles of play collide.  (UMHB defense/run oriented, HSU high-powered throwing attack) Both teams are good in the special teams play and they will be important again on Saturday.
I have always respected HSU and will continue to do so, but make no mistake about it UMHB will be prepared to defend the home field.  
Wow, what a game it will be, I sure wish they could play tonight.  

[minni]

As an HSU fan and former I have much respect for UMHB.  This game has always been one for the ages.  I expect nothing less on saturday!!!  I am just disappointed i'll be in Norman for the tech-ou game.  But i will be glued to the computer at 1:00pm on saturday.

[Bill McCabe]

Bill,
   This game is a tough call this year. It's just hard to bet against UMHB after the last 3-4 years. But the Cru haven't dominated this year and their game Saturday at Sul Ross wasn't impressive. They led 28-13 entering the 4th quarter. The previous week I watched MC dismantle Sul Ross and led 38-10 entering the 4th quarter.

HSU has put up some impressive numbers down the stretch, but their last four game were against the four worst teams in the ASC. Hardin-Simmons has the second worst rush defense in the ASC allowing just under 200 yards per game, that makes it hard to pick them considering UMHB averages about 264 on the ground.

It should be an interesting game.

Being 2nd worst against the rush in the ASC will be a problem for HSU this Saturday.  UMHB is much improved at RB with Tucker playing there.  He has rushed for 355 yards on 47 carries.  All of that in 3 games.  He went for over 100 yards against ETBU and SRSU.  Here is a quote from Coach Fred earlier this month in the Temple paper:

      "After running for 138 yards and a touchdown on only 18 carries, he might be cemented in his new role.

"We kept hoping against hope that we could move somebody in at tailback and be fine," Fredenburg said. "But in order to really move our offense well, you have to have a pretty special player there. I think Bryson Tucker is the guy.

"We knew he was fast, but we didn't know that he had the vision that he does until he got in there. He has a real knack for finding the little seams that open up..."

This is the kind of RB that makes the UMHB offense so dangerous.  In the first game, the UMHB line opened big holes, but the RB didn't have the speed to take it all the way.

I think HSU might try to put 8 or 9 guys up close to stop the run.

[Bill McCabe]

As an HSU fan and former I have much respect for UMHB.  This game has always been one for the ages.  I expect nothing less on saturday!!!  I am just disappointed i'll be in Norman for the tech-ou game.  But i will be glued to the computer at 1:00pm on saturday.

minni, not a bad alternative!   

[Pat Coleman]

I'm sure if HSU had played Curry or Plymouth State's schedule it would have a better statistical ranking.

[umhb2001]

As an HSU fan and former I have much respect for UMHB.  This game has always been one for the ages.  I expect nothing less on saturday!!!  I am just disappointed i'll be in Norman for the tech-ou game.  But i will be glued to the computer at 1:00pm on saturday.

The game is at noon, so you better be on the computer then.