Predictions

East Central at Northeastern State - Which ECU offense will show up - the one that scored 48 and amassed over 600 yds against Angelo State, or the one that score 49 in their other 4 games combined? Will the defense show up this year at all? Northeastern has yet to win a game losing close ones to Arkansas Tech and ENMU, before getting blown out by Midwestern State and West Texas. They'll get their first this year 24-21.

Texas A&M-Kingsville at West Texas A&M - On paper this is a mismatch. WT is scoring 50 points a game and gaining 545 yards, while the defense has shown improvement since the week one shootut with South Dakota. TAMK is improving on offense after a slow start, but has not been anywhere nearly as prolific as WT. The Javelinas defense is vastly improved over last years, but will have their biggest challenge to date this Saturday and remember SEO put up over 500 yds on them last week. Buffs win, but closer than some might think 31-17.

Midwestern State at Angelo State - Could Midwestern State be the best team in the LSC? They lead the LSC in total yardage offensively and defensively. Angelo is middle of the pack on offense, but second from the bottom defensively. Daniel Thomas has been the key to Angelo's offense so far, but he will have a tough time running the ball Saturday. I don't see this as being especially close. Midwestern State 43-14

Central Oklahoma at Texas A&M-Commerce - Tough defense, good running game, horrible passing game. That was the Lion's last year, and the Bronchos this year. The Lion's are a passing team this year, but the defense is not up to the same level as last year. This game is a toss-up, but if UCO continues to turn the ball over, the Lions will take advantage of the short field. TAMC 17-14.

Southwestern Oklahoma at Tarleton State - SWO looked good early on, but were exposed against ACU and MSU. Tarleton should have an easy day, but SWO has tripped them up in the past. Not this time. Tarleton 35-10.

Eastern New Mexico at Abilene Christian - Game of the Week.
Running vs. balance. Preseason favorite vs. preseason cellar-dwellar. ENMU is running for over 400 yards per game, but has only passed for 22 per game. QB Michael Benton is having a great season rushing with an LSC best 188 per game and 8.3 per carry, but he has completed only 3 of 10 passes in 4 games. Meanwhile ACU has the balance that most teams strive for 215 rushing, 253 passing. RB Bernard Scott is second with 138 per game and 7.4 per carry, Billy Malone is 3rd in efficiency for starters and has 10 TDs vs 1 Int to go with 994 yards. Defensively they have played evenly with ENMU giving up 312 yds per game and ACU allowing 317. The numbers alone don't allow for enough difference to make a solid pick. Where the difference comes in is in who they have played. Bacone, Northeastern State, East Central and Central Oklahoma for ENMU, while ACU has played Central Oklahoma, IAA Texas State, SEO and SWO. I'll take ACU 38-24.

--LSC South--