2009 Preview - Angelo State

2008 Recap
The Rams 2008 season appeared to be off to a promising start. In the season opener against FCS Texas State (who would qualify for the NCAA playoffs), the Rams found themselves leading the Bobcats 14-7. Things went downhill from there. First, Texas State scored two TDs to take a 21-14 lead with under two minutes to go. Then starting QB Josh Neiswander suffered a season ending injury on the Rams final (and futile) drive.

The offense never recovered, finishing the season last in the LSC in scoring (14 pts per game) and second to last in yardage (268 yds per game). RB Daniel Thomas was the workhorse, rushing for 1,020 yds and 5 TDs despite opposing defenses keying on him. Terrell Lee chipped in with 365 yds, and both backs averaged 4.9 yds per carry. With Neiswander out, it fell to redshirt freshman Will Mezger and true freshman Michael Cochran to lead the offense. They combined for almost 1,400 yds passing with 9 TDs, but also 17 interceptions. The Rams were held to 14 or fewer points in 7 of their 11 games and only broke the 30 point mark one time (East Central).

The defense, which was at the bottom of the LSC in 2007, improved dramatically, finishing in the middle of the LSC in both points (24.7) and yards (360.6) allowed. Through the first six weeks, the Rams were 3-3, giving up just 15 pts per game, and a few breaks away from being undefeated. However, over the last 5 weeks, the defense cratered, allowing 36 pts and 486 yds.

2009 Outlook
Out with the old
RB Daniel Thomas - 3,094 career yds rushing, 26 TDs
WR Sam Tindol - 83 receptions, 1,136 yds, 5 TDs career
WR Drew Peterson - 82 receptions, 826 yds, 7 TDs career
TE Jason Watson - 1st Team All-LSC South
OL Joey Faken -
OL Jorrie Adams -
LB Jordan Cortez - 184 career tackles
DB Quinton Butler - 65 tackles, 5 Ints in two seasons
DB Tarric Jones - 94 tackles, 2 Ints in two seasons
DB Michael McLeod - 98 tackles, 3 Ints in two seasons

Welcome Back
Josh Neiswander, QB - 1,900 yds in 2007
Brian Dickey, OL
Zack Bradley, OL
Ronnie Dewitt, OL
Cody Smith, NG - 46 tackles, 11.5 TFL (HM LSC South)
Dustin Arthur, DE - 23 tackles, 7 TFL
Zach Petitt, DE - 16 tackles, 5 TFL
Ian Ritchey, LB - 71 tackles, 10 TFL
Edward Cantrell, LB - 56 tackles, 4 TFL (HM LSC South)
Pete Parker, OLB - 31 tackles, 2 TFL
Rickey McKinley, CB - 39 tackles, 6 passes broken up

In with the new
V’Keon Lacy, WR
Johnathan Norcott, FB
Cornelius Rosenbaum, DL
Devin McDonald, DL

All Conference Candidates
Josh Neiswander, QB
Brian Dickey, OL
Cody Smith, NG
Ian Ritchey, LB
Rickey McKinley, CB

Big Games
Midwestern State 9/9
@ Eastern New Mexico 10/3
@ Texas A&M-Kingsville 11/7

Best Case Scenario
6-5 The defense continues to improve and the offense returns to, or improves on its 2007 form, while avoiding injuries to key players. The defense does return 7 starters, including 6 DL/LBs, and two of the touted newcomers are DL as well - the run defense should be stout. Even with such a rosy scenario, its hard to see Angelo State strike lightning ala 2005.

Worst Case Scenario
2-9 No one steps up to replace Daniel Thomas, allowing teams to key on Neiswander and the passing game. The defense plays all year like it did the second half of last season.