2009 Preview - Midwestern State

2008 Recap
The post-Daniel Polk era at Midwestern State began last year as expected - with a strong defense carrying the team, until the offense could find its footing. After four games, the Mustangs defense was allowing just 234 yards and 9 points per game. That was more than enough to overcome an offense that was struggling, scoring just 19 points per game. This set up a showdown with the #17 ranked Mustangs at #5 West Texas A&M. At the half, Midwestern State was within striking distance, down just by a 21-14 margin. But the second half saw the game slip away, and set the stage for a 2-4 finish to the 2008 season.

Offensively, the story was the progress Zack Eskeridge made throughout the season. Through five weeks, Eskridge had thrown for just 492 yards, completing 54% of his passes, and just 3 TDs. The final five weeks saw those numbers blow up to 1,190 yds, a 67% completion rate, and 15 TDs. Three of the top five WRs also return, though none had more than 26 receptions. The running game was more consistent, finishing third in the LSC at 144 yards per game, and only three games with less than 130 yards. A good indicator of the importance of a strong running game for Midwestern State: the Mustangs were 5-0 in games that they rushed for 160 or more yards. Marcus and Bee Jay Mathis led the ground game with 625 and 353 yards rushing. Four starters on the offensive line also return, so LSC defenses can expect another tough time trying to shut them down.

The defense was stellar overall, finishing third in the LSC in both points allowed (23) and yardage (322). While these numbers are impressive, they are also a bit misleading. In their 6 victories, the Mustangs gave up just 11 points and 251 yards per game. In their four losses, it was 41 points and 429 yards per game allowed. The run defense was especially tough - teams could muster just 86 yards per game. DLs Stephen Turner, Kennedy Ezimako, and LB Emmanuel Bagley all return, but will need some help to overcome some big losses. The pass defense finished in the middle of the LSC, but returns three starters - Antoine Cumby, Ryan Craven and Micah Hill.

2009 Outlook
Out with the old
WR Mookie Davis - 2nd on team in receptions - HM LSC South
WR Ahmad Lewis - tied for 5th in receptions
OL Eldridge Sims - 2nd LSC South
DE Jarrell Warren - 32 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks - HM LSC South
DT Todd Zoglmann - 26 tackles, 2.5 TFL - 1st LSC South
DT Kellen Belcher - 16 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack - HM LSC South
LB Jacob Martin - 2nd with 63 tackles, 2.5 TFL - HM LSC South
DB Herman Walker - 3rd with 58 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack, 4 INT, 8 passes BU - HM LSC South
DB Darius Bortters - 4th with 57 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT - HM LSC South

Welcome Back
QB Zack Eskridge - 159-254-1,682 18 TDs, 8 Ints, 135.3 efficiency rating
RB Marcus Mathis - 625 yds rushing, 5 TDs - HM LSC South
RB Bee Jay Mathis - 965 all purpose yards - 1st LSC South return specialist
WR Andy Tanner - leading receiver 26 catches for 287 yds and 4 TDs - HM LSC South
WR Tyron Morrison - 20-184-2
WR David Little - 15-231-3
TE JJ Ford - 8-98-2
TE Sasan Faradineh - 8-81-2
OL Lance Calloway - HM LSC South
OL Clifton Washington -
OL Dillion Sullivan - HM LSC South
OL Matt Hanson -
OL Hank Gilley -
DE Stephen Turner - 36 tackles, 8 TFL, 5 sacks
DL Kennedy Ezimako - 20 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks
LB Emmanuel Bagley - leading tackler with 65
DB Antoine Cumby - 43 tackles, 1 INT - HM LSC South
DB Ryan Craven - 49 tackles
DB Micah Hill - 32 tackles, 4 INT, 7 passes BU - HM LSC South

In with the new
WR Sheldon Galloway
OL Jordan Kulwitzky
DT Mack Lafaele
DB Kirk Risby

All Conference Candidates
QB Zack Eskeridge

RB Marcus Mathis

RS Bee Jay Mathis

OL Lance Calloway

OL Dillion Sullivan

WR Andy Tanner

DL Stephen Turner

LB Emmanuel Bagley

DB Micah Hill

DB Antoine Cumby

Big Games
Sep 5 at Southeastern Oklahoma

Oct 3 vs West Texas A&M

Oct 10 at Tarleton State

Oct 17 vs Midwestern State

Oct 24 vs Central Oklahoma

Nov 7 vs Abilene Christian

Best Case Scenario
9-2 The offense doesn't take half the season to hit its stride and the defense plays better against the top LSC offenses. The non-conference games are the easiest of any LSC team, the crossover games are all winnable and MSU could win 4 divisional games.

Worst Case Scenario

5-6 The defense is not up to 2008 standards, and the offense resembles the offense of the first half of the season. Playing New Mexico Highlands and Incarnate Word will give MSU two wins, but will do little to prepare the team for the tough LSC South battles, as well as Central Oklahoma and Southeastern Oklahoma.