Wednesday, October 30, 2013

LSC Basketball Preseason Polls Released


Tarleton State is favored by a meager three points in the 2013-14 Lone Star Conference men's basketball preseason poll announced Wednesday.

      The league's preseason polls reflect the opinions of LSC head coaches and sports information directors, plus various media representatives from throughout the region.

      TSU edged Midwestern State for the top spot with nine first-place votes for 166 total points.  MSU was second with 163 points including 12 first-place nods.  The Mustangs won last year's championship with a 14-4 league mark, while the Texans won the tournament title.

      Cameron was third with 124 points and two top votes, West Texas A&M fourth (118), and Texas A&M- Kingsville fifth (82).  Eastern New Mexico (63), Angelo State (59), and Texas A&M-Commerce (53) rounded out the poll.



      Additionally, CU's Craig Foster was named Preseason Player of the Year.  Foster was the top choice on 12 of the 23 ballots cast.  TSU's Chuck Guy received nine votes, while two others split the remaining votes.

      Foster, a senior from Lawton, Okla., was an All-American selection by the NABC and the LSC Player of the Year after leading the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. He also led CU in scoring (16.6) and assists (5.7).

      The LSC has eight teams set for this season and if the preseason poll is any indication the league race should be as close as ever.  The season begins November 8 with LSC teams playing a double round robin league schedule, in which each team plays a home and away contest against each of the other teams to determine the LSC champion.

      The LSC champion will be the regular season winner determined by league games, while the postseason tournament winner is designated as LSC Tournament Champion and earns the conference's automatic qualification.  The top eight teams in the final conference standings qualify for the postseason tournament set for March 5-8 in Allen, Texas.

MEN'S BASKETBALL 1st TOTAL
1  Tarleton State 9 166
Midwestern State 12 163
3 Cameron 2 124
4 West Texas A&M 118
5 Texas A&M-Kingsville 82
6 Eastern New Mexico  63
7 Angelo State  59
8 Texas A&M-Commerce 53










Midwestern State is the top choice to defend its Lone Star Conference title, according to the 2013-14 LSC preseason women's basketball poll announced Wednesday.

      The league's preseason polls reflect the opinions of LSC head coaches and sports information directors, plus various media representatives from throughout the region.

      MSU shared the LSC Championship with Abilene Christian and won the tournament title last season.  The Mustangs earned first-place votes on 20 of the 25 ballots for a total of 218 points.

      West Texas A&M finished second with one first-place nod and 190 points to edge Tarleton State.  The TexAnns were third with 188 points and three top votes.

      Angelo State was picked fourth (127), Texas A&M-Commerce fifth (126 and one first-place vote), and Texas Woman's sixth (84).  Cameron (75), Eastern New Mexico (69), and Texas A&M-Kingsville (48) rounded out the poll.


      In addition, TSU's Kiara Wright was honored as Preseason Player of the Year.  Wright was the top choice on 18 of the 25 ballots cast.  MSU's Andrea Carter received four votes, while two others collected the remaining votes.

      Wright led the TexAnns to their fourth straight NCAA regional tournament and the 10th straight Lone Star Conference tournament.  She led the nation in rebounding with 14.0 boards per game, was second in the nation in field goal percentage (.608) and 21st in scoring (18.6).  In addition to the All-American status, Wright also earned Regional Player of the Year and LSC Player of the Year honors as well as first-team all-region and all-conference and LSC Co-Defensive Player of the Year recognition.

      The LSC has nine teams set for this season and the competition should be as close as ever.  The season begins November 8 with LSC teams playing a double round robin league schedule, in which each team plays a home and away contest against each of the other teams to determine the LSC champion.

      The LSC champion will be the regular season winner determined by league games, while the postseason tournament winner is designated as LSC Tournament Champion and earns the conference's automatic qualification.  The top eight teams in the final conference standings qualify for the postseason tournament set for March 5-8 in Allen, Texas.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL 1st TOTAL
1  Midwestern State 20 218
West Texas A&M 1 190
3 Tarleton State  3 188
4 Angelo State  127
5 Texas A&M-Commerce 1 126
6 Texas Woman's 84
7 Cameron 75
8 Eastern New Mexico  69
9 Texas A&M-Kingsville 48


a

Friday, October 25, 2013

Game Previews - Week 8

This Saturday's football game between Texas A&M-Kingsville and Eastern New Mexico will be streamed live to the Fox Sports Southwest website.  Kickoff is set for a 4 p.m. CDT from Greyhound Stadium in Blackwater Draw, NM.

http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/pages/streaming_5




LSC Scoop Power Poll

  1. Midwestern State - playing their best ball of the year
  2. Tarleton State - no more margin for error with loss to Delta State
  3. West Texas A&M - woke up just in time to prevent a two game skid
  4. Texas A&M-Commerce - can shake things up this week
  5. Eastern New Mexico - nice road win at Northeastern State
  6. Angelo State - let another second half lead slip away.
  7. Texas A&M-Kingsville - still struggling to get offense going.


Game Previews

West Texas A&M (6-1) at McMurry (1-6) - 2:00
Yes, that was a huge collective sigh coming out of Canyon, as the Buffaloes had to come back from a 30-19 fourth quarter deficit to edge Angelo State last week.  There should be much less tension this week, as WT faces McMurry.  The Warhawks offense has shown the ability to move the ball and score some points against their future LSC bretheren, but their defense has not slowed anyone down.  WT wins big, 63-21.


Texas A&M-Kingsville (2-4) at Eastern New Mexico (3-3) - 4:00
The Greyhounds have gotten better as the season has progressed and with a couple of breaks could be 5-1 right now.  Meanwhile, the Javelinas are heading in the opposite direction, dropping four games in a row, by and average score of 16-50.  This may be the the last winnable game for ENMU and the game is in Blackwater Draw.  ENMU wins 28-21.


Midwestern State (5-1) at Angelo State (2-5) - 6:00
Last week was the best game of the year for both of these teams, even if the results were not the same.  The Rams led WT for most of the second half before falling 34-30 in Canyon, while Midwestern State dominated #8 West Alabama 45-21 at home.  The Mustangs have now won 5 in a row after dropping their season opener, and have averaged 51 points a game over the last three weeks.  Angelo has played better than their record indicates and could easily be sitting at 5-2.  Only Colorado State-Pueblo and Valdosta State have beaten them by more than 4 points, and they were both in the top 5 when the games were played.  Look for the Rams to give MSU some trouble, but the Mustangs to run away late.  MSU 45-24


Game of the Week
Texas A&M-Commerce (5-2) at Tarleton State (5-1) - 6:00
The Lions continue to be the surprise team of the LSC, but after three quarters against McMurry, it looked like TAMC might be surprised.  The Warhawks led 43-37 and had outscored Commerce by a 21-3 margin since late in the first half.  But the Lion offense put together three scoring drives and the defense allowed just one first down the rest of the way and returned an interception for a TD to seal the 65-43 win. Harrison Stewart threw for 370 yards in his first start.

Meanwhile, Tarleton State's ability to pull out tight wins came to an end, as Delta State kicked a 33 yard field goal with 7 seconds to play, giving the Statesmen a 38-36 win over TSU.  The Texans defense gave up 422 yards passing, not a good sign with TAMC coming to town.

Both of these teams are in playoff contention - Tarleton is a virtual shoo-in if they can win out, while the Lions need to win out and still might need a little help.  Both teams have the ability to win out the rest of their games, so this game is very, very important for both.  Tarleton has beaten both teams that defeated TAMC, while the Lions defeated Delta State earlier this year.  Can TAMC stop the Texans run game?  Can Tarleton slow down the Lions' passing attack?  This one should be close, which could work to Tarleton's advantage.  Texans edge the Lions, 31-28.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Breaking News - Eastern New Mexico NCAA Violations

Article from Clovis News Journal - Kevin Wilson
The school self-reported 113 violations to the NCAA.  They are recommending punishment that includes vacating all wins in football, volleyball, softball, baseball, men's and women's basketball, and men's and women's soccer for the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 seasons.  In addition, all wins in football, baseball and men's and women's soccer for the 2012-2013 seasons.  Also the 2011 and 2012 men's cross country championships and the 2011 South Central region championship.

Part of the corrective actions include creation of an assistant registrar and eligibility coordinator and the appointment of an advisor specifically for student-athletes.

(for the complete story, click on the CJN link above)




  • Hounds Horror

    ConnectAmarillo.com powered by KVII-34 minutes ago
    Eastern New Mexico is vacating all victories by eight teams over four ... severe punishment from the NCAA for more than 100 self-reported eligibility violations.
  • Eastern New Mexico vacates multiple victories

    SI.com-58 minutes ago
    CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) - Eastern New Mexico University says it is erasing ... even more severe punishment from the NCAA for more than 100 self-reported violations.
  • Eastern New Mexico vacates multiple victories in hopes of avoiding ...

    Washington Post-4 hours ago
    CLOVIS, N.M. — Eastern New Mexico University says it is erasing several seasons' worth of victories by nearly all of its sports programs because of eligibility ...
  • ENMU hopes self-imposed penalties will satisfy NCAA

    ABQ Journal-7 hours ago
    Eastern New Mexico University has asked for, and expects, severe ... 15 deadline, but he told the News Journal that he spoke Tuesday with the NCAA and was ...
  • Friday, October 18, 2013

    Game Previews - Week 7

    From some reason, last week's preview never went live.  From a glass half full point of view, it was a good thing as we were off on half of the games.


    Eastern New Mexico (2-3) at Northeastern State (0-6)
    Greyhound fans don't take much stock in Northeastern State's winless start.  They opened the 2013 season against teams with a combined 28-1 record.  That looked interesting (shocking actually), so a closer look at the MIAA standings was taken, something we haven't done since the super regions were reorganized.  What emerged was fascinating - a near perfect example of the haves and have nots.  Five teams are undefeated (AFCA poll ranked #2, #4, #7. #13 and #20) and one team has one loss, while seven teams have one or zero conference wins.  Those seven bottom feeders occupy spots 1-7 in the toughest schedule category according to the NCAA website.  The haves are outscoring their conference foes by a 1,490-587 margin, while the have-nots are getting blasted 760-1,700.  It would be hard to believe that this first half scheduling discrepancy was not intentional.  This weekend will start to separate the contenders from the pretenders as #2 Northwest Missouri and #7 Pittsburg State square off in their big game at Arrowhead Stadium and 5-1 Missouri Southern and #4 Missouri Western lining up in Joplin.  In fact, the top 6 toughest schedules for future opponents are NW Missouri, Missouri Western, Lindenwood, Emporia State, Missouri Southern and Washburn.  Pittsburg State has the easiest schedule among the MIAA contenders, but it is still the 15th toughest with future opponents currently holding 20-10 record.

    Okay, okay, what about the game?  The Riverhawks are winless, playing just one game within 21 points.  The offense has been hampered by the loss of QB Johnny Deaton and RB Joel Rockmore and are averaging just 11.5 points and 279 yards per game.  The defense has been victimized by five ranked teams and is allowing 41.5 points and 485 yards weekly.

    Down 28-0 and forced to punt with just over a minute to play in the first half, it sure looked like ENMU was going to drop another LSC game at Angelo State.  They had already lost two fumbles which led to two ASU TDs, and had been unable to get anything going when they were able to hold on to the ball.  But the Rams fumbled the punt and the Greyhound offense got going in the second half and ENMU came away with the win, 29-28.

    Last year, NSU opened with the same murderer's row and rebounded to win their last 4 games finishing the season 4-6.  But they were more competitive and had Deaton and Rockmore on the field.  Greyhounds sneak out with a 28-24 win in Tahlequah.



    Texas A&M-Kingsville (2-3) at North Alabama (3-2)
    These two have a bit of history.  Twenty years ago, UNA topped the Javelinas 27-25 in the semifinals (TAMK missed a PAT and two 2-point conversion attempts).  The next season, the Lions held on to win their second consecutive national championship 16-10, intercepting a TAMUK pass inside their 20 yard line with two minutes to play in the game.  This week's game carries no such importance - It's about two traditional powers playing for pride as they strive to return to their glory days.

    North Alabama sports wins over Miles, Shorter and West Georgia, while dropping games to Delta State and Jacksonville State.  They are averaging 35 points a game, scoring at least 21 every game.  The defense is giving up just 17.8 points and 333 yards per game.

    Since opening the season with two nice wins, the Javelinas have struggled the last three weeks.  Inexperience at QB, turnovers (because of the inexperience) and poor special teams have severely hindered their efforts, costing them at least 21, 27 and 24 points over the last three weeks.  That helps explain how the #2 LSC team in yards allowed (350) is dead last in points given up (39.8).

    Look for the growing pains to continue this week, as UNA wins at home 35-17.


    Angelo State (2-4) at #17 West Texas A&M (5-1)
    The only LSC game this week matches up two teams that let large first half leads slip away last week.  That's about all the Rams and Buffaloes have in common.  The Buffaloes are nationally ranked and still have the playoffs in their sights, while Angelo State is playing for pride the rest of the season.   WT leads the LSC in scoring, scoring defense, and yards gained, while a close third in yards allowed.  Angelo State is 6th in scoring offense and scoring defense, last in yards allowed and fourth in yards gained.  The strength vs. strength battle in this game will be ASU's running game vs. WT's run defense.  The strength vs. weakness battle will be WT's passing offense vs. ASU's defense.  Individually, Dustin Vaughan can pass Keith Null for TD passes with two, and Torrence Allen is 56 yards behind Keith Miller on WT's receiving charts.

    With no margin for any more errors, look for WT to come out angry and play well.  Buffs roll 52-17.


    McMurry (1-5) at Texas A&M Commerce (4-2)
    The dry run for McMurry isn't going too well.  The Warhawks have played 3 LSC teams this year (with two more to come) in preparation for joining the LSC as a football member next season.  They have dropped all three by an average margin of 29-55 and giving up 437 yards rushing per game.  They can move the ball (440 yards per game, 164 rushing, 276 passing) and score (28 per game), but they are small on defense, and have given up at least 48 points each game, with the exception of Panhandle State (who still scored 27).

    The Lions used big plays on offense, defense and special teams to knock off Texas A&M-Kingsville, but Tyrik Rollison was knocked out of the game   Harrison Stewart is listed as the starter this week.  No matter, the Lions should be able to control the game running the ball.  Freshman RB KJ Garrett has 137 yards rushing the past two weeks, emerging as running threat  Vernon Johnson continues to impress, averaging 19 yards per catch and 117 receiving yards per game.  With a win this week, the Lions will equal their win total for the last three seasons combined and they will be favored in three of the remaining games, setting up a potential 8 win season for the first time since 1995 (which was also the last time they made the NCAA playoffs).

    Happy Days in Commerce, as the Lions continue their turnaround 42-24.


    #14 Tarleton State(5-0) at Delta State (3-2)
    How many people saw last week's 31-27 win over West Texas A&M coming?  And how many thought the Texans could come back from a 27-3 halftime deficit?  (cliche alert, cliche alert)  That's why they play the game.  The improbable can and does happen.  The Texans' defense clamped down and the offense came alive and limited the mistakes in the second half, and Tarleton notched their biggest win since the 2009 playoffs.  Jake Fenske was clutch, going 12-16 for 215 and 3 TDs on the final three TSU scoring drives.  Tarleton has not been dominant this year (just one win by more than 7 points), but they have played a tough schedule and found ways to beat good teams.  That could serve them well the rest of the season.

    They will face a Delta State team that has wins over FCS Mississippi Valley State, North Alabama and Florida Tech and losses to Texas A&M-Commerce and 14-48 decision to West Alabama two weeks ago.  They like to throw the ball (366 yards per game), do not run particularly well (2.8 per carry average) and can put up some points (32.8 per game).  Junior Travis Champion is completing 72% of his passes, and has a 2-1 TD-Int ratio.  His top 3 receivers are combining for over 213 yards per game.  They are better against the run on defense (126) than the pass (248) and give up some points (34.4).

    You have to figure it will be a close game - that is Tarleton's MO.  And if it's close, you have to figure that the Texans will pull it out - Tarleton 35-28.

    #8 West Alabama (5-1) at # 24 Midwestern State (4-1)
    The Tarleton game kind of looks like a trap game, but this one reeks of that possibility for UWA.  The Tigers knocked off #1 and defending national champion Valdosta State in impressive fashion last week 49-30, with the offense putting together 4 scoring drives of 75 yards or longer in the second half.  UWA leads the Gulf South Conference at 569 yards per game (308 rushing and 261 passing) and scoring (49.5 points per game).  They have scored at least 42 points every game this year.  The defense has not been shabby either, giving up 18.5 points per game (13.4 if you take out the FCS McNeese State game).  The run defense has been stingy (83 yards per game, 2.3 per carry), but they are allowing 229 yards passing.  They are likely the best team in Super Region 2.

    The Mustangs continue to show improvement as the season progresses, scoring 109 points the last two weeks.  They are second in scoring in the LSC (40.2) and third in yards gained (453).  They are once again averaging over 300 yards rushing per week, but not getting much out of the passing game.  Keidrick Jackson is just 129 rushing yards behind Daniel Polk at the top of MSU's record book, and with a strong finish to the season, he could become just the 8th LSC player to top the 4,000 career mark.  Defensively, MSU leads the LSC in yards allowed (330) and is second in scoring (21.8).  They are giving up 128 yards rushing and 202 passing.  All of those averages are likely to rise after this week.

    So you have a team with one D2 loss facing a team with just a loss to an FCS team and coming off a big win over Valdosta State.  If you believe in de ja vu, then you have to feel pretty good about the Mustangs' chances.  That was the same scenario last year, and MSU not only won the game 42-27, but was able to keep winning through the rest of the regular season.  It didn't ruin UWA's season either, as the Tigers went two-deep into the playoffs.  But MSU was more dominant last year than this season, while UWA is having a better season to-date in 2013 than 2012.  UWA knocks off MSU 45-28.

    Monday, October 14, 2013

    LSC Football Roundup - Week 6

    LSC Scoop Players of the Week
    Offense - Jake Fenske, Tarleton State - led Tarleton State to a HUGE comeback win over West Texas A&M.  Fenske threw for 388 yards and 3 touchdowns in the last 8 minutes of the ballgame, with the game winning toss coming with just 44 seconds remaining.  With the Texans trailing 27-10, Fenske led the Texans on three consecutive scoring drives covering 76, 63 and 73 yards, completing 12-16 passes for 215 yards and the three TDs.

    Defense - Clayton Callicut, Angelo State  - was in the right place at the right time for the Rams, recovering three Greyhound fumbles, including one in the endzone, giving ASU a 21-0 lead late in the first quarter.

    Special Teams - Eastern New Mexico - three big special teams plays including in the fourth quarter sealed the win at Angelo State.  With the score 28-27 in favor of ASU, the Greyhounds got a two-point conversion as Jacob Johnson ran the ball in to give ENMU a 29-28 lead.  ASU was able to drive the ball down the field, but the Greyhounds blocked a 30 yard FG attempt and held on for the win.  Earlier, trailing 28-0, ENMU got a lift as they scored on a fumbled punt return, setting the stage for the comeback.


    --------------------------------------
    LSC Scoop Power Poll

    1. Tarleton State - came back from a 27-3 deficit to take over the LSC standings
    2. West Texas A&M - surprising loss, but their season is far from over
    3. Midwestern State - lurking in the background, big test this week
    4. Texas A&M-Commerce - big contributions from offense, defense and special teams
    5. Texas A&M-Kingsville - struggles continue for the Javelinas.
    6. Eastern New Mexico - wild finish to an unlikely comeback win on the road.
    7. Angelo State - appeared to have the game in hand with 28-0 second quarter lead.



    ------------------------------------------



    No. 21 Texans come back to upset No. 4 West Texas A&M


    The No. 21-ranked Tarleton State Texans outscored West Texas A&M 28-0 in the second half to come from behind and upset the No. 4-ranked Buffs 31-27 Saturday evening at Tarleton Memorial Stadium in Stephenville.

    Down 27-3 at halftime, the Texans (5-0, 4-0 LSC) piled on 28 unanswered points, which included Le'Nard Meyers touchdown with 5:38 left to play that pulled the Texans within three points of the Buffs, as well as his game-winning TD with just 44 seconds to play.

    The Buffs' (5-1, 2-1 LSC) last gasp at trying to drive down field in the waning moments went awry when the offense stalled at Tarleton's 47-yard line...Complete Release




    No. 25 Mustangs rush past McMurry, 66-20

    No. 25 Midwestern State pounded McMurry for 476 rushing yards en route to a 66-20 win Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.

    Senior running back Keidrick Jackson topped the century mark for the fourth straight week running for 168 yards on 14 carries including scoring runs from 66 and 58 yards to lead the rushing onslaught.

    Jackson was just one of five players to run for touchdowns for the Mustangs who delivered the second best team rushing performance in school history. Now, the top two games have come against McMurry as MSU rolled up 522 yards in a 31-27 win on Oct. 26, 1991...Complete Release



    Lions Retain Chennault Cup With 41-28 Victory Over Javelinas

    A&M-Commerce roared out to a commanding 41-7 lead early in the second half behind big plays on all facets of the game, notching its first Lone Star Conference victory of the season with a 41-28 win at rival A&M-Kingsville. The Lions retain the Chennault Cup with their second-straight victory over the Javelinas, notching their first road victory in the state of Texas since 2006.

    A&M-Commerce's defense showed up in a big way against its arch rival, holding A&M-Kingsville to just 198 total yards while stifling the vaunted Javelina rushing attack, holding them to -14 yards rushing on the night. The Lions generated seven sacks on the night, led by two from Charles Tuaau and one each from Davarus Shores, Brandon Turner and Gage Windsor, with 15 tackles for loss as Tuaau and Turner each recorded 2.5 while Cole Pitts notched a pair...Complete Release




    Rams Fall to Eastern New Mexico 29-28

    The Angelo State football team let a 28 point lead slip away in the second half as Eastern New Mexico defeated the Rams 29-28 at San Angelo Stadium on Saturday night.

    Eastern New Mexico (2-3, 1-1 LSC) scored with 5:18 to play on a Christian Long 17 yard run and setup for the PAT to tie the game. Jacob Johnson took the snap and rushed around the left end to put the Greyhounds up 29-28 to play.

    The Rams (2-4, 0-2 LSC) would take the ensuing drive 62 yards and setup for a 30-yard field goal. Rhett Peterson's attempt would be blocked and ENMU would run the clock out for the victory...Complete Release


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    AFCA Poll 
    Tarleton State jumps 7 spots to #14, while West Texas A&M drops 13 spots to #17.  Midwestern State edges up one to #24.

    Other Super Region 4 teams - #3 Colorado State Pueblo, #18 Ohio Dominican, #21 Indianapolis, receiving votes Saginaw Valley, Chadron State, Ferris State, and Colorado School of Mines.

    Also of note, West Alabama (who face Midwestern State this week) is #8 after knocking off defending national champion and #1 Valdosta State (who is now #12)

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    LSC Weekly football release 
    Tarleton State upset West Texas A&M to remain undefeated at 5-0 overall and 4-0 in Lone Star Conference action.
      
    This week features one Lone Star Conference contest among five non-conference matchups.  WT hosts Angelo State in the lone league game.  Three GSC-LSC First and Ten Challenge contests are on the schedule with West Alabama at Midwestern State,  TSU at Delta State, and Texas A&M-Kingsville at North Alabama.
      
    The LSC holds a 2-1 advantage in the GSC-LSC First and Ten Challenge with MSU's win over West Georgia and A&M-Commerce's triumph over Delta State, while Angelo State fell to Valdosta State.
      
    LSC football teams are 24-14 overall this season.  The squads are 3-2 versus Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference teams and have yet to play any teams from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Great Lakes Valley Conference, which also compete in NCAA Super Regional Four.



    PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
    OFFENSIVE
    Le'Nard Meyers, Tarleton State University, SO, WR, Gatesville, Texas, Gatesville HS

    Meyers played the best football of his young career on Saturday as he helped guide the Texans to a 31-27 upset victory over No. 4-ranked West Texas A&M. The Gatesville native hauled in eight catches for a game-high 168 yards and a pair of touchdowns, which included the game winning grab with 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter. He tallied 14 total points in a matter of 4:54, catching a 63-yard bomb and then the two-point conversion, to go along with his game-winning TD.

    DEFENSIVE
    Marquis Wadley, Tarleton State University, SR, LB, Dallas, Texas, Mesquite HS

    Wadley was just one tackle away from tying his career-high, as he ended Saturday's game with 15 tackles in Tarleton's 31-27 upset win over No. 4 West Texas A&M. He tallied eight solo tackles and was in on 1.5 tackles-for-loss as well. Wadley recorded one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry in the game to help the Texans hold the Buffs to 360 total yards,  149 below their average.

    SPECIAL TEAMS
    Dominique Williams, Midwestern State University, SO, PR/KR, Houston, Texas, Clements HS

    Williams became the first Midwestern player to return a punt for a touchdown in six seasons as he provided MSU third touchdown of the opening quarter in a 66-20 win over McMurry. Williams took the punt of McMurry's David McHugh at his own 32 and returned it straight up the middle for a 68-yard touchdown. It equaled the fifth-longest punt return in MSU history and was the first scoring punt return since a 70-yarder by BeeJay Mathis against Northeastern State on Sept. 15, 2007. It was Williams' second 60-yard return on the season, happening for only the second time in MSU history. Williams finished the night with three returns for 72 yards. Williams leads the LSC in punt returns with a 23.0 yard average.




    Monday, October 7, 2013

    LSC Football Recap - Week 5


    LSC Scoop Players of the Week
    Offense - Dustin Vaughan, West Texas A&M - Vaughan completed 32-40 passes for 401 yards and 7 TDs, leading the Buffaloes to a 72-0 win over Central State.  Vaughan threw six TD passes in the first half and one early in the fourth quarter, giving WT a 58-0 lead, before giving way to David Lehocky.  Vaughan surpassed the 10,000 yard career passing mark to become the all-time WT leader in passing yards, and just the third LSC player to pass the 10,000 plateau.  He needs just 3 TD passes to tie Keith Null for the WT record in that category.  

    Defense - Marquis Wadley, Tarleton State  - led the Texans with 16 tackles and forced an early fumble as Tarleton beat Eastern New Mexico, setting up the last game of undefeated LSC teams this season.

    Special Teams - Desmond Jackson, Tarleton State - Jackson returned 3 punts for 82 yards.  His returned a first quarter punt 72 yards to the ENMU 11 yard line giving the Texans some momentum after turning the ball over on their first two possessions.  He is now averaging 16.1 yards per punt return for the season, 9th best in the country.

    --------------------------------------------------------------

    LSC Scoop Power Poll
    1. West Texas A&M - Vaughan becomes third LSC QB to top 10,000 passing yards.
    2. Tarleton State - Still undefeated, but not dominating games like WT is.
    3. Midwestern State - Running game rounding back into form.
    4. Texas A&M-Commerce - Have won every game when passing for 300 yards.
    5. Texas A&M-Kingsville - QB carousel results in LSC worst offense.
    6. Angelo State - Rushed for 322 yards, but outgained 473-483 by McMurry?
    7. Eastern New Mexico - 3 Greyhound fumbles led to 17 UIW TSU points.
    --------------------------------------------------------------
    Game Recaps 


    --------------------------------------------------------------
    WT stays at #4, TSU moves up a spot to 21 and MSU re-enters the rankings at #25.  No other LSC team is receiving votes.

    Other Super Region 4 teams - #5 Colorado State-Pueblo, #19 Chadron State, #20 Ohio Dominican, #21 Indianapolis, #24 Grand Valley State.  Saginaw Valley and Ferris State are receiving votes.

    Big games this weekend - #4 WT at #21 Tarleton State, #5 C-SUP at #19 Chadron, and #24 Grand Valley at Ferris State.

    --------------------------------------------------------------
    LSC Weekly Football Release 
    West Texas A&M visits Tarleton State in a key Lone Star Conference game this week.  The Buffs and Texans are both nationally ranked and undefeated in 2013.
        
    Three other contests are on the slate as well, with Eastern New Mexico at Angelo State and A&M-Commerce at Texas A&M-Kingsville in league action.  Midwestern State hosts McMurry in the lone non-conference game.
        
    The LSC holds a 2-1 advantage in the GSC-LSC First and Ten Challenge with MSU's win over West Georgia and A&M-Commerce's triumph over Delta State, while Angelo State fell to Valdosta State.
        
    LSC football teams are 20-11 overall this season.  The squads are 3-2 combined versus the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Great Lakes Valley Conference and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference teams, which are also in NCAA Super Regional Four.


    PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
    OFFENSIVE
    Dustin Vaughan, West Texas A&M University, SR, QB, Corpus Christi, Texas, Calallan HS
    Senior quarterback Dustin Vaughan set the school career passing record in the Buffs' 72-0 win over Central State Saturday. Vaughan went 32 of 40 with no interceptions and a career-high and Lone Star Conference record tying seven touchdowns for 401 yards. He broke the school record on a 35-yard pass late in the first quarter as he surpassed Taylor Harris who had 9,799 yards. Vaughan finished the game with 10,085 career yards. His previous best in touchdowns in a game was six in the season-opener at Western State. He is just three career touchdown passes (89) from tying the school-record of 92 set by Keith Null. He also moved into the top spot in school history in career total yards with 10,244 surpassing Harris.

    DEFENSIVE
    Marqui Christian, Midwestern State University, SO, S, Spring, Texas, Spring HS
    The sophomore sensation for the Mustangs, Christian tallied a season-high 15 tackles in leading Midwestern State to a 43-10 win against Texas A&M-Kingsville. Christian led Midwestern to holding A&M-Kingsville to just 186 yards of total offense, half of the Javelinas average of 373.7 per outing entering the game. Of those 186 (the fewest gained by a Lone Star Conference team this season), TAMUK collected just 47 yards in the second half of the game televised regionally by Comcast SportsNet. The 6-1 sophomore strong safety from Spring, Texas also posted half a tackle for loss and chalked up a pass break up against the Javelinas. Christian's 15 tackles is ninth for a single game in MSU history, and is the most by a Midwestern player since Cody Thompson record 16 in an NCAA playoff game at Northwest Missouri State in on Nov. 25, 2006.

    SPECIAL TEAMS
    Cameron Frosch, Texas A&M University - Commerce, SR, P, Rowlett, Texas, Rowlett HS
    Frosch was a key figure in helping lead A&M-Commerce to the 31-29 victory over Southeastern Oklahoma Saturday. The senior punter had six punts, averaging 48.2 yards per kick with a long of 53 yards. He had two punts inside the 20 as both of those kicks were downed within the five-yard line, pinning the Savage Storm deep. Frosch has been one of the constants for the Lions for four years, ranking fourth in the LSC with a 40.1 punting average in 2013.

    Friday, October 4, 2013

    Game Previews - Week 5

    A very abbreviated preview this week...
    Note - most games are in the afternoon, with only the TAMK-MSU game at night.



    Angelo State (1-3) at McMurry (1-3) - 2:00
    Angelo Game Notes
    Live Stats
    Live Audio
    The Warhawks got into the win column last week with a 53-27 decision over Oklahoma Panhandle State.  Gabe Rodriguez threw for 423 yards and 7 TDs and Chris Simpson and Paxton Grayer combined for 223 yards rushing.  The defense did allow 434 yards to OPSU, including 203 on the ground.  For the season, they are giving up 47 points and 553 yards per game.  The run defense has been especially pourous, giving up 330 yards per game and 6.3 per rush.

    That should bode well for ASU, as they lead the LSC with 266 yards rushing per game.  Look for a big day for Calhoun, Smith and Washington.  But while we think ASU will definitely win this game, the margin could be determined by how well the Rams pass defense plays.  Angelo romps, 49-21.


    Texas A&M-Commerce (2-2) at SE Oklahoma (1-3) - 2:00
    TAMC Game Notes
    Live Stats
    Live Audio
    The Savages  Savage Storm have had a tough time defensively so far in 2013.  They have give up at least 42 points in every game (45.2 average).  They have been unable to stop either the run (181 yds per game, 5.5 per carry) or the pass (341 yds per game, 143.5 Efficiency rating).  The offense has moved the ball well (467 yards per game), and they scored 56, 34 and 35 points in their first three games. Seven turnovers last week resulted in a 45-7 blowout loss despite outgaining OBU in yardage.

    Should be a lot of points scored in this one.  Tyrik Rollison should have a fun day and continue his pace to break the Lions' single season passing records for yards and TDs.  TAMC wins a shootout, 42-35.


    Central State (0-4) at #4 West Texas A&M (4-0) - 3:00
    WT Game Notes
    Live Stats
    Live Audio
    Central State comes into this game winless and has every game by at least 21 points.  They are averaging 13 points, while giving up 48.8.  They are rushing for 167 yards and passing for 96.  They are allowing 302 yards rushing and 172 passing.  WT on the other hand averages 53 points and 508 yards per game (99 rushing 409 passing), while allowing 22 points and 312 yards (105 rushing and 207 passing).

    Dustin Vaughan should become WT's all-time leading passer this weekend, needing 116 to overtake Taylor Harris.  He has a good shot at 10,000 career yards as well - 316 yards gets that milestone out of the way.

    Look for the WT bench to empty in this one, possibly early in the second half.  WT continues rolling, 56-10.


    #22 Tarleton State (3-0) at Eastern New Mexico (1-2) - 3:00
    TSU Game Notes
    ENMU Game Notes
    Live Stats
    TSU Audio
    It's funny how just a few plays can make the difference between a successful season and a disappointing one.  Eastern New Mexico could easily be 3-0 if they could have converted a fourth and one in the season opener and not lost 3 fumbles at UIW last week.  Tarleton State could just as easily be 0-3, having outscored their three opponents by a total of 7 points in regulation.  But the reality is that Tarleton is undefeated and ranked in the AFCA top 25 and favored by everyone in this game.

    On paper the teams look pretty even, with the biggest differences on defense with Tarleton quite a bit better against the run and ENMU with better passing defense stats.  So with no clear paper advantage, why is Tarleton favored? Simply put, they have played, and found a way to win against three teams that are better than any ENMU has played (and found a way to lose to).

    Tarleton wins a pretty good game, TSU 35-21.


    Texas A&M-Kingsville (2-1) at Midwestern State (2-1) - 7:00
    Game to be broadcast on Comcast Houston
    MSU Game Notes
    TAMK Game Notes
    MSU Audio
    MSU Live Stats

    Wow, not only did the wheels come off, but the engine fell out as well last week for the Javelinas. At the 10:52 mark of the second quarter, they had just tied the game at 7 and had a 131-75 advantage in yardage.  From that point on they were outscored 62-0 and outgained 344-57, turned the ball over twice and allowed a kick return for a TD to open the second half.  All in all it was the worst home loss in team history.  The QB position was unclear coming into the season and with multiple injuries, it is even more so now. Word out of Kingsville is that true freshman Caleb Bedford will have his redshirt removed and will start his first college game Saturday.

    Midwestern State has yet to show the same form we saw from them the last two years.  They are running the ball well (247 yards), but not getting much from their passing game.  The end result so far is an offense not scoring as much as in 2011 (48.6) and 2012 (38.6).  The defense is about on par with the past two seasons allowing 26 points and 352 yards per game.

    Look for the Mustangs to try and make a statement this week for a couple of reasons.  Former offensive coordinator Roderick Taylor is now in the same position for Kingsville, and more importantly, because they need to pick up the pace this year if they are to contend for a playoff spot.  Winning by 10 at West Georgia and 6 at Commerce (after beating them by a combined 59 points in 2012) does not appear to be the makings of a playoff team.  On the flip side, Kingsville needs to rebound from last week's shellacking and build some confidence heading into the second half of the season.

    At home, look for the Mustangs to take this one, 31-17.

    Lone Star Conference

    Angelo State University

    Cameron University

    Eastern New Mexico University

    MSUMustangs.com

    Texas A&M-Commerce

    Tarleton State University

    Texas A&M-Kingsville

    Texas Woman's College

    University of Texas of the Permian Basin

    West Texas A&M University

    Western New Mexico