#1 Abilene Christian (8-0) at #3 Texas A&M-Kingsville (6-2)
How many teams can take on the #16 team in the nation without their All-American, record setting quarterback and win by a 37-17 margin? That's exactly what Abilene Christian did last week as they hosted Tarleton State. The defense limited the Tarleton rushing attack to just 75 yds (vs. 205 coming into the game), and kept the Texans from mounting consitent drives (both TSU touchdowns came after ACU turnovers inside the ACU 30). During one stretch in the third quarter and ACU ahead just 14-10, the Wildcat defense limited the Texans to just 9 plays in four possessions for negative yardage and stretched the lead to 31-10. The offense obviously wasn't as smooth as usual, but if 37 points is going to be your season low in scoring, you're still doing pretty good. Zach Stewart made is first collegiate start and was an effective 21-27 for 197 yds and 2 TDs. Bernard Scott took up the slack, carrying the ball 27 times for 259 yds and 3 TDs. He now has 1,378 yds rushing and 595 yds receiving (a 246.6 avg. for all-purpose yds, more than 100 yds per game more than LSC #2 Travis Evans) and has scored a combined 21 TDs.
TAMK Game Notes
At the other end of the spectrum, Texas A&M Kingsville struggled mightily at ENMU and nearly fell victim to the Blackwater Draw mystique. The Javelinas turned the ball over to the Greyhounds on their own 11 on a bad snap to the punter (just 2 minutes into the game), fumbled the ball on their own 8, and had a pass picked off, setting ENMU up inside the TAMK 20. But the mojo worked their way too, as Jabir Perkins returned another kickoff for a TD and picked off a pass and returned it to the ENMU 8, and Mardrick Johnson blocked a FG that would have tied the game. Any way that you look at it, it was an ugly win. Billy Garza set a team record for completed passes for a single game (28) and had 318 yds and 3 TDs passing. Jareko Taylor had 12 receptions (tied team record) for 158 yds and 2 TDs.
The Big Question for this game is whether or not Billy Malone will play. If he does, ACU is a big favorite - the team is just too cohesive and explosive with him at the helm. If he doesn't, ACU is still the favorite, but it puts more pressure on Bernard Scott. He proved last week that he can handle that additional burden. For the Javelinas to havea chance, they must cut down on the turnovers and play mistake-free ball - the level of the last two weeks just won't cut it. It's just too much to ask - ACU wins 42-24
Friday, October 31, 2008
Daily Football Roundup 10-31
Rams almost pull off shocker on national TV
ECU football coach fired in mid-season
The Rams nearly made some must-see TV.
In Angelo State's first-ever nationally televised football game, Tarleton State beat the Rams 31-24 in front of 6,314 fans here and a lot more watching around the country on CBS College Sports Network.
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"It's just interesting, because you know where they come from and you know a large part of their families," Collums said. "Many of their family members watched Chris and I play football in high school. It gives you a little different perspective in dealing with them every day. It's kind of neat, because we try to get to know all of these guys. We try to invest in them daily, and it's hard. But it's easier to invest in those (Vernon) guys, because you're almost drawn to them. You know where they've come from. You may not know exactly what they've been through, but you know them a little better than the first time they walk through the door."
Related: College Notebook 10.30.08
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"I feel I'm doing all right. My goal for this year is 44, and I'm averaging right below that, 43.7," said Smith, a junior from Kingwood who transferred from Stephen F. Austin. "So I can do better."
Related: Javelina Notebook: 10.31.08
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A&M-C students to vote on athletic fee Nov. 13-14
"The fee increase is about more than athletics," said Carlton Cooper, A&M-Commerce athletic director. "It's about improving student life and the overall college experience both on and off the field."
"Our goal is to be a nationally competitive Division II athletic program," Cooper said. "That increased notoriety will not only increase media attention and recruitment opportunities for our program, but will strengthen the value of the degree from A&M-Commerce."
Sooners castoff Mike Reed finds his place
ECU football coach fired in mid-season
Division 3 Football in Texas
Its hard getting any public exposure for NCAA Division II schools, but its a lot harder for Division III programs. The San Antonio Express takes a look at the Texas colleges and universities that compete at the Division III level.
D-III: Football's purest form
Trinity, Mary Hardin-Baylor build winning D-III programs in different ways
Recruiting may be toughest job of all at D-III level
Facts about NCAA Division III football
Texas' NCAA Division III teams FAQ
Division III Texas football colleges factsheet
D-III: Football's purest form
On a sunny afternoon this fall, Sul Ross State quarterback Monte Morales completed 13 of 25 passes and ran for a touchdown as the Lobos beat Howard Payne 17-0 at Alpine's Jackson Field.
Less than 24 hours later, Morales started an overnight shift at High Frontier, a residential school for teenagers who are, according to its Web site, “experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral and educational problems.”
Morales works at the center, which is between Alpine and Fort Davis in the mountains of West Texas, three nights a week. And takes a full course load at Sul Ross. And practices every day with the football team, makes the bone-wearying bus trips of the American Southwest Conference and
manages to have a small sliver of a life outside school and football.
“I'm dragging pretty much the whole week,” he said wearily. “It's pretty rough.”
But for a lot of young men, if they're going to play NCAA Division III football, it's life.
Trinity, Mary Hardin-Baylor build winning D-III programs in different ways
When Steve Mohr arrived as the head football coach at Trinity in 1990, the program was coming off a decade in which it had averaged less than three victories a season. The Tigers hadn't had a winning record since 1977. The school never had appeared in an NCAA Division III playoff game. The last string of success had come with three eight-victory seasons in the early 1970s.
Pete Fredenburg gave up a Division I job to help start a Division III program at Mary Hardin-Baylor, and there were times when he wondered if he had lost his mind. “It was awful, just awful,” he said of working out of a trailer behind the campus library that first year.
Recruiting may be toughest job of all at D-III level
One word sums up the recruiting process for NCAA Division III football coaches:
Challenging.
Facts about NCAA Division III football
Texas' NCAA Division III teams FAQ
Division III Texas football colleges factsheet
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Nichols: Program needs support
Ada Evening News
Bob Forrest Sports Writer
Ada — An official announcement on the employment of East Central University's head coach Kurt Nichols has yet to be made, but he feels he has done a good job under the circumstances.
Nichols said the current state of the ECU athletic program, coupled with the school’s lack of a winning football tradition, will make it tough for anybody to win as coach of the Tigers unless changes are made.
“As long as there is a lack of commitment out of the school for football, this program is going to struggle,” he predicted. “We have the most antiquated facilities, the smallest dressing room, the smallest weight room, the oldest field and the smallest budget of anybody in the Lone Star Conference.
“Our coaches also have the smallest salaries, with the smallest number of full-time (coaches on the staff).
“My budget is $45,000 less than I had in junior college,” Nichols added. “My predecessor (McCarty) was able to spend $40,000 to $60,000 more than I was, and (the administration) has cut scholarships since I’ve been here. I had to play Sam Houston to get the money to supplement my strength coach’s salary and my defensive coordinator’s salary just to make it liveable. I take one bus to games when everybody else in the conference takes two, because we can’t afford (to take two). Last year, I was out of money in the middle of October, and that’s not because of overspending — it was the result of very basic spending.”
Go to the Ada Evening News for the rest of the story.
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Any interested coaches might have second thoughts after reading this.
Bob Forrest Sports Writer
Ada — An official announcement on the employment of East Central University's head coach Kurt Nichols has yet to be made, but he feels he has done a good job under the circumstances.
Nichols said the current state of the ECU athletic program, coupled with the school’s lack of a winning football tradition, will make it tough for anybody to win as coach of the Tigers unless changes are made.
“As long as there is a lack of commitment out of the school for football, this program is going to struggle,” he predicted. “We have the most antiquated facilities, the smallest dressing room, the smallest weight room, the oldest field and the smallest budget of anybody in the Lone Star Conference.
“Our coaches also have the smallest salaries, with the smallest number of full-time (coaches on the staff).
“My budget is $45,000 less than I had in junior college,” Nichols added. “My predecessor (McCarty) was able to spend $40,000 to $60,000 more than I was, and (the administration) has cut scholarships since I’ve been here. I had to play Sam Houston to get the money to supplement my strength coach’s salary and my defensive coordinator’s salary just to make it liveable. I take one bus to games when everybody else in the conference takes two, because we can’t afford (to take two). Last year, I was out of money in the middle of October, and that’s not because of overspending — it was the result of very basic spending.”
Go to the Ada Evening News for the rest of the story.
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Any interested coaches might have second thoughts after reading this.
East Central head coach fired
Bob Forrest
Ada Evening News
Ada — East Central University football coach Kurt Nichols, in the midst of a third straight losing season, was informed Monday by school president Dr. Richard Rafes that he will be replaced at season’s end. This, despite the fact his release is just just two days removed from one of the biggest victories by an ECU team since the 1993 squad won the NAIA national title.
“They’re pulling the plug on me after the last game (Nov. 8 at Southeastern),” Nichols said Wednesday. His winning record is 7-23 since moving from Cisco Junior College in Texas to take over the ECU football program in December of 2005 following the resignation of Tim McCarty. “The president said the athletic director (Brian DeAngelis) and the alumni felt like the program wasn’t going in the right direction — that they didn’t like the product I was putting on the field.”
Go to the Ada Evening News for the rest of the story.
Game Notes and Picks 11-1 (and 10-30)
SOSU over NSU 28-3 (our pick SOSU 27-24) - SOSU's defense has been savage the last two weeks.
TAMK over ENMU 35-32 (35-21) - Javelina miscues gave Greyhounds a good shot at upset.
WTAM over ASU 27-0 (45-10) - Buffs offense sputtered a bit, Rams offense didn't show up.
ACU over TSU 37-17 (49-24) - Scott picking up the pace in latter part of the season.
ECU over SWO 42-21 (31-21 SWO) - Marcus Johnson explodes with 6 TD passes.
UCO over MSU 38-33 (24-17 MSU) - Bronchos with second longest win streak in LSC.
For the week 4-2 , for the year 54-11
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#9 Angelo State (3-5) at #4 Tarleton State (7-2)
ASU Game Notes
159. That is how many minutes it has been since Angelo State has scored. Daniel Thomas' 87 yd TD run against Abilene Christian on October 11 is the only playing keeping this from being a three game scoreless streak. With Will Mezger out with an injury, true freshman Michael Cochran got the call. The WT defense took advantage by shutting down the Rams running game (Lee, Thomas and Lewis combined for 18 carries for lust 51 yds) and pressuring Cochran (6 sacks, 9 QB hurries). The defense did its part in keeping the game somewhat respectable, forcing 4 turnovers and keeping WT well below their scoring average.
TSU Game Notes
A 12 yd Scott Graham to Devin Guinn touchdown pass pulled Tarleton State to with 4 of #2 ranked ACU last Saturday. Sadly for the Texans, they would get no closer. Bernard Scott took over in the thrid quarter, and ACU scored the next 23 points to pull away from the Texans and win 37-17. The defense did hold ACU to just 480 yds and a a season low 37 points, but the offense could must just 265 yards of offense (75 rushing). In the critical third quarter, four consecutive possessions resulted in just 9 plays for a negative 7 yards and two turnovers.
This should be a relatively quick game as the top two teams in the LSC in rushing attempts face off. The Texans are second in the LSC with 190 yds per game on the ground, while the Rams are 5th at 130 yds per contest. ASU's Daniel Thomas is second in rushing at 95 yds per game and just 144 yds short of 1,000 for the season and just 70 shy of 3,000 for his career. TSU's Roderick Smith is right behind Thomas with 94 yds per game and needs 150 to reach 1,000 for the season, and just 166 to reach 2,500 for his career (with another year remaining). Tarleton has the advantage passing and also has the top pass defense in yards allowed. The Rams need to create turnovers and capitalize when they have scoring opportunities. The Rams are playing for pride, while the Texans still have a shot at the playoffs if they can win out (WT next week). Tarleton takes a 28-7 win.
Tonight’s game can be viewed on the CBS College Sports Network. For Suddenlink subscribers, the game will be on channel 244. For Dish Network, channel 152. For DirecTV, channel 613.
#11 East Central (2-5) at #5 Central Oklahoma (5-4)
The Tigers put it all together last week, beating Southwestern Oklahoma 42-21. The offense put together long scoring drives (the first four averaged 65 yds) and didn't turn the ball over. The defense kept the Bulldogs to under 300 yds, and force 3 turnovers. Marcus Johnson tied his own school record with 6 TD passes. Johnson now has 2,472 yds and 17 TD passes this season. With 37 more passing yards, he will break his own single season record set last year (2,508).
#8 Southeastern Oklahoma (4-4) at #7 Texas A&M Commerce (4-3)
The Savage Storm defense has gotten stingy the last two weeks - shutting out Angelo State and holding Northeastern State to just a FG. This coming from a team that was allowing 39.4 pts and 420.5 yds per game after 7 contests. Cameron Sparks picked off two passes last week, and Alex Moore and Rocky Phillips each had 2 of the teams 7 sacks. Offensively, Brandon McCain continues to do well, throwing for 301 yds and 4 TDs against the Riverhawks. Daniel Nichols had 4 receptions for 129 yds and a TD.
Texas A&M Commerce had an off week, after defeating ECU in the inaugural Harvey Martin Classic the week before. That victory continued a trend this season that has not seen the Lions win or lose consecutive games (not a good omen for this week). That inconsistency has resulted in two 30 pt losses, and close games against teams they should have handled easily. The running game is averaging just 109 yds per game (only 3.1 per carry) and has just 8 rushing TDs. Terry Mayo and Trent Miller have combined for almost 1,500 yds passing with 11 TDs, but 9 Ints. Willie Thorton has been the lone threat at receiver with 37 catches for 731 yds and 9 TDs. The defense has played well for the most part, allowing just 314 yds per game. They lead the LSC in passing defense efficiency, have picked off 14 passes and lead the LSC in sacks with 32 (Ricky Hope and Luke Higgins each with 6.5, tied for first).
In the preseason, this looked like the game that should decide the LSC North (we had them 1-2 in the North as did the preseason LSC poll). Now it looks like the winner may have to settle for second spot. The loser faces the prospect of a losing season. The key to this game could well be the TAMC passing game. When the Mayo to Thorton connection is working, they are pretty good. When its off, they struggle. We're going to go against the grain of TAMC's see-saw season, and SOSU's recent resurgence. TAMC at home 24-21
#10 Eastern New Mexico (1-7) at#6 Midwestern State (5-3)
They Greyhounds seem to be getting better as the season progresses. The offense has broken the 20 pt mark for three weeks in a row, after averaging 13 the prior four weeks. The defense, despite giving up 35 pts did create 4 turnovers and set up the offense inside TAMK's 20 yd line three times. Special teams really hurt ENMU has they allowed a kick return for a TD, had a punt of negative 4 yards, and had a FG blocked (that would have tied the game). Still the team battled til the end and almost upset a playoff contending team. Freshman JJ Harp threw for 297 yds and 3 TDs, and Darian Dale had 12 catches for 117 yds and a TD. The ENMU run defense stuffed the Javelina running backs, limiting them to just 20 yds on 14 carries.
MSU Game Notes
The offense of the Mustangs continues to come around (390 yds and 33 pts), but three turnovers resulted in 2 first half TDs for UCO as they built an early lead and hung to give MSU their third loss in four weeks, 38-33. Zack Eskridge continues to improve, throwing for a career high 325 yds and 4 TDs, but the running game struggled, with just 65 yards. The defense played well, holding UCO to just 254 yds, but the turnovers and great early field position for UCO early in the game resulted in 38 points for the Bronchos. The loss likely ended any playoff hopes for the Mustangs, especially with Abilene Christian looming next week.
Eastern New Mexico is showing that they are a team for the future. That future is next year at the earliest though. MSU will try to get the running and passing games to click at the same time, and they should have some good success. MSU 31-17.
#13 Northeastern Oklahoma (1-8) at #2 West Texas A&M (7-1)
The offense, which had scored 147 pts the prior 4 weeks, was stymied by Southeastern Oklahoma last week, falling 28-3. Four possessions starting in SOSU territory resulted in two missed FGs, an INT, and the end of the first half. Defensively, the Riverhawks did a good job agains the rush, holding the Savage Storm to just 44 yds, but the pass defense allowed 305 yds and 4 TDs. Not a good omen for this week. Jarrett Byers continues to add to his NSU records - he now has 154 receptions for 2,419 and 28 TDs with two games left to add to those totals.
OPSU comes into the game 3-5 overall, but just 0-2 vs. D2 schools, losing to 2-7 Ft Lewis and first year program CSU-Pueblo. Incarnate Word, if you haven't completed your schedule for next year, here's a team you might want to give a call to. When this season concludes, they will have played 4 games vs. D2 schools and likely will have lost them all. For the season, the Aggies are averaging 19 pts and 234 yds of offense, 36 rushing and 198 passing. Defensively, they are allowing 28 pts per game, 309 yds, with 147 coming on the ground and 162 through the air.
TAMK over ENMU 35-32 (35-21) - Javelina miscues gave Greyhounds a good shot at upset.
WTAM over ASU 27-0 (45-10) - Buffs offense sputtered a bit, Rams offense didn't show up.
ACU over TSU 37-17 (49-24) - Scott picking up the pace in latter part of the season.
ECU over SWO 42-21 (31-21 SWO) - Marcus Johnson explodes with 6 TD passes.
UCO over MSU 38-33 (24-17 MSU) - Bronchos with second longest win streak in LSC.
For the week 4-2 , for the year 54-11
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#9 Angelo State (3-5) at #4 Tarleton State (7-2)
ASU Game Notes
159. That is how many minutes it has been since Angelo State has scored. Daniel Thomas' 87 yd TD run against Abilene Christian on October 11 is the only playing keeping this from being a three game scoreless streak. With Will Mezger out with an injury, true freshman Michael Cochran got the call. The WT defense took advantage by shutting down the Rams running game (Lee, Thomas and Lewis combined for 18 carries for lust 51 yds) and pressuring Cochran (6 sacks, 9 QB hurries). The defense did its part in keeping the game somewhat respectable, forcing 4 turnovers and keeping WT well below their scoring average.
TSU Game Notes
A 12 yd Scott Graham to Devin Guinn touchdown pass pulled Tarleton State to with 4 of #2 ranked ACU last Saturday. Sadly for the Texans, they would get no closer. Bernard Scott took over in the thrid quarter, and ACU scored the next 23 points to pull away from the Texans and win 37-17. The defense did hold ACU to just 480 yds and a a season low 37 points, but the offense could must just 265 yards of offense (75 rushing). In the critical third quarter, four consecutive possessions resulted in just 9 plays for a negative 7 yards and two turnovers.
This should be a relatively quick game as the top two teams in the LSC in rushing attempts face off. The Texans are second in the LSC with 190 yds per game on the ground, while the Rams are 5th at 130 yds per contest. ASU's Daniel Thomas is second in rushing at 95 yds per game and just 144 yds short of 1,000 for the season and just 70 shy of 3,000 for his career. TSU's Roderick Smith is right behind Thomas with 94 yds per game and needs 150 to reach 1,000 for the season, and just 166 to reach 2,500 for his career (with another year remaining). Tarleton has the advantage passing and also has the top pass defense in yards allowed. The Rams need to create turnovers and capitalize when they have scoring opportunities. The Rams are playing for pride, while the Texans still have a shot at the playoffs if they can win out (WT next week). Tarleton takes a 28-7 win.
Tonight’s game can be viewed on the CBS College Sports Network. For Suddenlink subscribers, the game will be on channel 244. For Dish Network, channel 152. For DirecTV, channel 613.
#11 East Central (2-5) at #5 Central Oklahoma (5-4)
The Tigers put it all together last week, beating Southwestern Oklahoma 42-21. The offense put together long scoring drives (the first four averaged 65 yds) and didn't turn the ball over. The defense kept the Bulldogs to under 300 yds, and force 3 turnovers. Marcus Johnson tied his own school record with 6 TD passes. Johnson now has 2,472 yds and 17 TD passes this season. With 37 more passing yards, he will break his own single season record set last year (2,508).
UCO Game Notes
The Bronchos have certainly surpassed all expectations (with all the turmoil, we had them picked last in the North, while the LSC preseason poll had them at fourth) coming into the season. With an 0-4 record (and three consecutive blowouts) it looked like we were dead on, but give Tracy Holland, his staff and the Broncho team all the credit in the world. They never gave up and last week's 38-33 win over Midwestern State gave them a 5 game winning streak (second only to ACU's 8) and a #10 regional ranking. Brandon Noohi continued his stellar play at QB, throwing for 225 yds and a TD and rushing for 2 more TDs, while Da'Marean Pullen added 69 yds rushing and a TD. The defense forced 3 first half turnovers, including Terry Hardeman's interception returned 69 yds for a TD. With the game on the line and MSU in Broncho territory, Mike Reed and Tucker Carson got the only two UCO sacks of the game to preserve the victory.
#8 Southeastern Oklahoma (4-4) at #7 Texas A&M Commerce (4-3)
The Savage Storm defense has gotten stingy the last two weeks - shutting out Angelo State and holding Northeastern State to just a FG. This coming from a team that was allowing 39.4 pts and 420.5 yds per game after 7 contests. Cameron Sparks picked off two passes last week, and Alex Moore and Rocky Phillips each had 2 of the teams 7 sacks. Offensively, Brandon McCain continues to do well, throwing for 301 yds and 4 TDs against the Riverhawks. Daniel Nichols had 4 receptions for 129 yds and a TD.
Texas A&M Commerce had an off week, after defeating ECU in the inaugural Harvey Martin Classic the week before. That victory continued a trend this season that has not seen the Lions win or lose consecutive games (not a good omen for this week). That inconsistency has resulted in two 30 pt losses, and close games against teams they should have handled easily. The running game is averaging just 109 yds per game (only 3.1 per carry) and has just 8 rushing TDs. Terry Mayo and Trent Miller have combined for almost 1,500 yds passing with 11 TDs, but 9 Ints. Willie Thorton has been the lone threat at receiver with 37 catches for 731 yds and 9 TDs. The defense has played well for the most part, allowing just 314 yds per game. They lead the LSC in passing defense efficiency, have picked off 14 passes and lead the LSC in sacks with 32 (Ricky Hope and Luke Higgins each with 6.5, tied for first).
In the preseason, this looked like the game that should decide the LSC North (we had them 1-2 in the North as did the preseason LSC poll). Now it looks like the winner may have to settle for second spot. The loser faces the prospect of a losing season. The key to this game could well be the TAMC passing game. When the Mayo to Thorton connection is working, they are pretty good. When its off, they struggle. We're going to go against the grain of TAMC's see-saw season, and SOSU's recent resurgence. TAMC at home 24-21
#10 Eastern New Mexico (1-7) at#6 Midwestern State (5-3)
They Greyhounds seem to be getting better as the season progresses. The offense has broken the 20 pt mark for three weeks in a row, after averaging 13 the prior four weeks. The defense, despite giving up 35 pts did create 4 turnovers and set up the offense inside TAMK's 20 yd line three times. Special teams really hurt ENMU has they allowed a kick return for a TD, had a punt of negative 4 yards, and had a FG blocked (that would have tied the game). Still the team battled til the end and almost upset a playoff contending team. Freshman JJ Harp threw for 297 yds and 3 TDs, and Darian Dale had 12 catches for 117 yds and a TD. The ENMU run defense stuffed the Javelina running backs, limiting them to just 20 yds on 14 carries.
MSU Game Notes
The offense of the Mustangs continues to come around (390 yds and 33 pts), but three turnovers resulted in 2 first half TDs for UCO as they built an early lead and hung to give MSU their third loss in four weeks, 38-33. Zack Eskridge continues to improve, throwing for a career high 325 yds and 4 TDs, but the running game struggled, with just 65 yards. The defense played well, holding UCO to just 254 yds, but the turnovers and great early field position for UCO early in the game resulted in 38 points for the Bronchos. The loss likely ended any playoff hopes for the Mustangs, especially with Abilene Christian looming next week.
Eastern New Mexico is showing that they are a team for the future. That future is next year at the earliest though. MSU will try to get the running and passing games to click at the same time, and they should have some good success. MSU 31-17.
#13 Northeastern Oklahoma (1-8) at #2 West Texas A&M (7-1)
The offense, which had scored 147 pts the prior 4 weeks, was stymied by Southeastern Oklahoma last week, falling 28-3. Four possessions starting in SOSU territory resulted in two missed FGs, an INT, and the end of the first half. Defensively, the Riverhawks did a good job agains the rush, holding the Savage Storm to just 44 yds, but the pass defense allowed 305 yds and 4 TDs. Not a good omen for this week. Jarrett Byers continues to add to his NSU records - he now has 154 receptions for 2,419 and 28 TDs with two games left to add to those totals.
A week after losing their title bout with Abilene Christian, the Buffalo defense tossed a shutout, and held Angelo State to a paltry 115 yds of offense. The run defense was especially tough, allowing just 15 yds. Daniel Thomas, one of the best running backs in the conference, could only manage 25 yds on 10 carries. Eugene Sims had 3 of the teams 6 sacks, and 2 of WT's 9 QB hurries. The offense gained 468 yds, but 4 turnovers limited them to just 27 points. Charly Martin is now the LSC all-time leader in receiving yards (3,442), receiving TDs(37), and is just 23 receptions away from the mark for receptions.
Look for WT to tune up for the Tarleton State season-finale by getting out to a big lead early and letting the reserves get some playing time. WT wins 49-14.
Oklahoma Panhandle State (0-2) at #12 Southwestern Oklahoma (1-7)OPSU comes into the game 3-5 overall, but just 0-2 vs. D2 schools, losing to 2-7 Ft Lewis and first year program CSU-Pueblo. Incarnate Word, if you haven't completed your schedule for next year, here's a team you might want to give a call to. When this season concludes, they will have played 4 games vs. D2 schools and likely will have lost them all. For the season, the Aggies are averaging 19 pts and 234 yds of offense, 36 rushing and 198 passing. Defensively, they are allowing 28 pts per game, 309 yds, with 147 coming on the ground and 162 through the air.
Did the Bulldogs just have a letdown after so many tough contests, most of which found them on the short end of the score? After jumping to a 7-0 lead on their first possession, SWO was outscored 42-14 the rest of the way. ECU put together 4 long drives to take control of the game, and their defense held SWO to just 283 yds of offense. Junior Steve Day continues to add to his school record for passing yards - he now has 4,937. Ruzell McCoy also continues to have an outstanding season - he now leads the team with 83 tackles, an LSC leading 17 for losses and has 4.5 sacks.
The Bulldogs should be able to relieve their frustrations in this weeks game, and prepare for next weeks game vs. Texas A&M Commerce. Closing out the season with two wins would take away some of the bitter taste. SWO wins 31-10.
#1 Abilene Christian at #3 Texas A&M-Kingsville
(check back tomorrow)
Daily Football Roundup 10-30
Rams game against Tarleton State on TV tonight - San Angelo Standard Times
ACU comes to Kingsville on a roll - Corpus Christi Caller
LSC Rankings: ACU's backup shines at QB - Amarillo Globe News
The Warren Report - Times Record News
"We didn't feel any more pressure than we had at the beginning of the season,"
ASU defensive back Michael McLeod said. "We didn't feel any more pressure
because he was starting because he has played a little bit. We were just trying
to hold them and score some points."
ACU comes to Kingsville on a roll - Corpus Christi Caller
"I think we're like everybody else, trying to get better and trying to still
figure out things offensively and defensively that you can do better," Thomsen
said. "I really don't know how good we are."
LSC Rankings: ACU's backup shines at QB - Amarillo Globe News
7. Texas A&M-Commerce (4-4): Lions took the week off to bask in afterglow of
big win in Cotton Bowl over East Central.
8. Southeastern Oklahoma State (4-5): Savage Storm needs to win in Commerce to produce a winning record. After giving up three points in two straight wins, that may be possible.
The Warren Report - Times Record News
Although Jarrell Warren is the sack leader for the Midwestern State
Mustangs this season with 4.5, its the one that got away that the senior
defensive end remembers most.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Daily Football Roundup 10-29
From the Bullpen
Tarleton on TV Thursday
Midwestern State’s loss to Central Oklahoma last Saturday didn’t
just crush the Mustangs’ playoff chances, it also made the season meaningful for
a couple of teams that were probably about ready to give up hope.
Tarleton on TV Thursday
“This is an excellent opportunity to showcase both Tarleton and the Stephenville
community,” said athletics director Lonn Reisman. “Thursday night games have
always been popular with our student body and our local fan base. We’re hoping
to set a new stadium attendance record and put forth a positive image in front
of a national viewing audience.”
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
AFCA Poll 10-28
1. Grand Valley 8-0 (LW 1)
2. Abilene Christian 8-0 (2)
3. Northwest Missouri 8-1 (3)
4 . Bloomsburg 9-0 (4)
5. Delta State 7-1 (5)
6. North Alabama 8-1 (8)
7. California, PA 8-1 (6t)
8. Minnesota-Duluth 9-0 (6t)
9. Central Washington 8-1 (10)
10. West Texas A&M 8-1 (11)
12. Pittsburg State 8-1 (13t)
20. Tarleton State 7-2 (16)
Receiving Votes - Central Missouri, Nebraska-Omaha, Midwestern State
Top National Matchups
#4 Bloomsburg at #19 West Chester
#23 Ark-Monticello at #6 North Alabama
#16 Wingate at #15 Carson-Newman
2. Abilene Christian 8-0 (2)
3. Northwest Missouri 8-1 (3)
4 . Bloomsburg 9-0 (4)
5. Delta State 7-1 (5)
6. North Alabama 8-1 (8)
7. California, PA 8-1 (6t)
8. Minnesota-Duluth 9-0 (6t)
9. Central Washington 8-1 (10)
10. West Texas A&M 8-1 (11)
12. Pittsburg State 8-1 (13t)
20. Tarleton State 7-2 (16)
Receiving Votes - Central Missouri, Nebraska-Omaha, Midwestern State
Top National Matchups
#4 Bloomsburg at #19 West Chester
#23 Ark-Monticello at #6 North Alabama
#16 Wingate at #15 Carson-Newman
Daily Football Roundup 10-28
Advance Sale Tickets $1 for Tarleton State - Angelo State Game
Saturday game full of surprises
Bronchos transform into winners
WT won't move up start for Tech-Texas game
WT's Martin earns first LSC Player of the Week
West Texas A&M remains fourth in Super Region 4
Saturday game full of surprises
But nothing I saw in more than a quarter-century at the races — and before,
during and since as a sports writer and fan — really prepared me for the
reversal of form I witnessed Saturday night at Norris Field.
Bronchos transform into winners
“I can’t say enough about the faith in the players, and in the coaches,” Holland
said after the Bronchos’ 38-33 win over No. 25-ranked Midwestern State on
Saturday. “We’re confident we can compete with anyone and that win gives
credence to what we’ve been preaching.”
WT won't move up start for Tech-Texas game
"We thought about calling Tech and making them move their starting time,"
joked Michael McBroom, WT's athletic director.
"Somewhere around there. It's not a marquee game but it's an LSC game and
one we have to win," McBroom. "But let's say this, parking won't be a
problem."
WT's Martin earns first LSC Player of the Week
West Texas A&M remains fourth in Super Region 4
Monday, October 27, 2008
Regional Rankings 10-27
Team, D2 record, Last Week's Ranking, and remaining opponents
- Abilene Christian 8-0 (1) - Texas A&M Kingsville, Midwestern State
- Northwest Missouri State 8-1 (2) - Emporia Missouri Southern
- Pittsburg State 8-1 (3) - Washburn, Emporia
- West Texas A&M 7-1 (4) - Northeastern State, Tarleton
- Central Washington 8-0 (6) - Azusa Pacific, Western Washington
- Nebraska-Omaha 5-3 (NR) - Fort Hays, Washburn
- Central Missouri 6-3 (5) - Missouri Western, Fort Hays
- Texas A&M-Kingsville 6-2 (9) - Abilene Christian, Angelo State
- Tarleton State 7-2 (7) - Angelo State, West Texas A&M
- Central Oklahoma 5-4 (NR) - East Central, Northeastern State
Top matchups this week:
#1 ACU at #8 TAMK
#3 Pitt St vs Washburn
LSC Weekly Release 10-27
Complete Release
Players of the Week
North Offensive
Brandon Noohi, Central Oklahoma, Jr., Quarterback, Oklahoma City, Okla./Mount St. Mary
Junior led the Bronchos to their fifth straight win, accounting for 238 of UCO's 254 total yards and three touchdowns in a 38-33 upset of No. 25 Midwestern State. Noohi completed 21-of-37 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 12 yards and two scores. He gave UCO an early 7-0 lead with a 14-yard TD pass, made it 31-16 in the third quarter with a seven-yard scoring run that was set up by a 45-yard pass and made it 38-27 with a three-yard TD keeper with 6:09 left to play.
North Defensive
Terry Hardeman, Central Oklahoma, Jr., Linebacker, Spencer, Okla./Star Spencer
Junior linebacker was the defensive catalyst for the Bronchos in a 38-33 upset of No. 25-ranked Midwestern State. Hardeman made a career-high 16 tackles, including one for a three-yard loss, scored on a 69-yard interception return and also broke up a pass. He stopped an MSU drive and gave UCO a 21-7 second-quarter lead when he picked off a screen pass and ran it back 69 yards for his first college touchdown. Hardeman had eight tackles in each half for the Bronchos, who limited MSU to 65 yards rushing in 33 attempts.
North Special Teams
Brandon Noohi, Central Oklahoma, Jr., Quarterback, Oklahoma City, Okla./Mount St. Mary
Noohi helped keep Midwestern at bay with his punting in UCO's 38-33 upset of the No. 25-ranked Mustangs, averaging 43.5 yards on eight punts. Six of his eight punts were at least 42 yards and he got off a 48-yarder in the final minutes to get the Bronchos out of trouble and force MSU to start from its own 29 on its final drive of the game.
Co-South Offensive
Charly Martin, West Texas A&M, Sr., wide receiver, Farmington, N.M./Piedra Vista
Martin became the all-time LSC receiving yardage leader with his 147 yard performance at Angelo State. He now has 3,442 career receiving yards, surpassing Central Oklahoma's Dee Dee Carter (3,357). Martin has caught at least one TD pass in eight of the Buffs' nine games this season and has extended his LSC record to 37 TD receptions.
Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian, Sr., Running Back, Vernon, Texas/Wichita Falls
With the second-ranked ACU Wildcats playing without starting quarterback Billy Malone on Saturday, Bernard Scott was a one-man wrecking crew as he topped the 200-yard rushing mark for the second straight week in ACU's 37-17 win over No. 16 Tarleton State. Scott -- who last week had 268 yards rushing and 409 all-purpose yards in ACU's 52-35 win at West Texas A&M -- put up another 259 rushing yards and scored three more touchdowns in Saturday's win over the Texans. Just like the week before, Scott did most of his damage in the second half as he had 17 carries for 166 yards and two scores in the game's final 30 minutes. He scored on a 22-yard first-quarter run and then had third-quarter touchdown runs of 4 and 30 yards. His 30-yarder came on the first play after a sack and fumble by TSU quarterback Scott Grantham and put ACU ahead 30-10 with 3:03 left in the third quarter. Scott now has 700 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns in the last two games.
South Defensive
Fred Thompson, Abilene Christian, So., Linebacker, Houston, Texas/St. Pius X
Thompson has played some of the best football of his ACU career the last few weeks, and Saturday was no exception as he helped the Wildcat defense post one of its best efforts of the season in No. 2 ACU's 37-17 win over No. 16 Tarleton State. Thompson had six tackles, two of ACU's three sacks, one its six pass breakups and two of its eight quarterback hurries. The Wildcats held the league's second-ranked rushing offense (averaging 204 yards per game entering the contest) to just 75 yards on the ground and 19 points below its season average.
South Special Teams
Jabir Perkins, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Sr., Safety, Dallas, Texas/Irving Nimitz
Perkins is putting together the best kick returning season in school history. Earlier in the season he set a school record for kick off returns yards in a game and had a 91-yard touchdown against West Texas A&M. Since that time, opponents have avoided kicking to him, but ENMU made the mistake in the first quarter on Saturday and he made them pay with an 84-yard touchdown. He is one of just three players in school history with two kick return touchdowns in a season and is averaging a school record 40.3 yards per return. He also intercepted a pass setting up another touchdown for the Javelinas.
Players of the Week
North Offensive
Brandon Noohi, Central Oklahoma, Jr., Quarterback, Oklahoma City, Okla./Mount St. Mary
Junior led the Bronchos to their fifth straight win, accounting for 238 of UCO's 254 total yards and three touchdowns in a 38-33 upset of No. 25 Midwestern State. Noohi completed 21-of-37 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 12 yards and two scores. He gave UCO an early 7-0 lead with a 14-yard TD pass, made it 31-16 in the third quarter with a seven-yard scoring run that was set up by a 45-yard pass and made it 38-27 with a three-yard TD keeper with 6:09 left to play.
North Defensive
Terry Hardeman, Central Oklahoma, Jr., Linebacker, Spencer, Okla./Star Spencer
Junior linebacker was the defensive catalyst for the Bronchos in a 38-33 upset of No. 25-ranked Midwestern State. Hardeman made a career-high 16 tackles, including one for a three-yard loss, scored on a 69-yard interception return and also broke up a pass. He stopped an MSU drive and gave UCO a 21-7 second-quarter lead when he picked off a screen pass and ran it back 69 yards for his first college touchdown. Hardeman had eight tackles in each half for the Bronchos, who limited MSU to 65 yards rushing in 33 attempts.
North Special Teams
Brandon Noohi, Central Oklahoma, Jr., Quarterback, Oklahoma City, Okla./Mount St. Mary
Noohi helped keep Midwestern at bay with his punting in UCO's 38-33 upset of the No. 25-ranked Mustangs, averaging 43.5 yards on eight punts. Six of his eight punts were at least 42 yards and he got off a 48-yarder in the final minutes to get the Bronchos out of trouble and force MSU to start from its own 29 on its final drive of the game.
Co-South Offensive
Charly Martin, West Texas A&M, Sr., wide receiver, Farmington, N.M./Piedra Vista
Martin became the all-time LSC receiving yardage leader with his 147 yard performance at Angelo State. He now has 3,442 career receiving yards, surpassing Central Oklahoma's Dee Dee Carter (3,357). Martin has caught at least one TD pass in eight of the Buffs' nine games this season and has extended his LSC record to 37 TD receptions.
Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian, Sr., Running Back, Vernon, Texas/Wichita Falls
With the second-ranked ACU Wildcats playing without starting quarterback Billy Malone on Saturday, Bernard Scott was a one-man wrecking crew as he topped the 200-yard rushing mark for the second straight week in ACU's 37-17 win over No. 16 Tarleton State. Scott -- who last week had 268 yards rushing and 409 all-purpose yards in ACU's 52-35 win at West Texas A&M -- put up another 259 rushing yards and scored three more touchdowns in Saturday's win over the Texans. Just like the week before, Scott did most of his damage in the second half as he had 17 carries for 166 yards and two scores in the game's final 30 minutes. He scored on a 22-yard first-quarter run and then had third-quarter touchdown runs of 4 and 30 yards. His 30-yarder came on the first play after a sack and fumble by TSU quarterback Scott Grantham and put ACU ahead 30-10 with 3:03 left in the third quarter. Scott now has 700 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns in the last two games.
South Defensive
Fred Thompson, Abilene Christian, So., Linebacker, Houston, Texas/St. Pius X
Thompson has played some of the best football of his ACU career the last few weeks, and Saturday was no exception as he helped the Wildcat defense post one of its best efforts of the season in No. 2 ACU's 37-17 win over No. 16 Tarleton State. Thompson had six tackles, two of ACU's three sacks, one its six pass breakups and two of its eight quarterback hurries. The Wildcats held the league's second-ranked rushing offense (averaging 204 yards per game entering the contest) to just 75 yards on the ground and 19 points below its season average.
South Special Teams
Jabir Perkins, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Sr., Safety, Dallas, Texas/Irving Nimitz
Perkins is putting together the best kick returning season in school history. Earlier in the season he set a school record for kick off returns yards in a game and had a 91-yard touchdown against West Texas A&M. Since that time, opponents have avoided kicking to him, but ENMU made the mistake in the first quarter on Saturday and he made them pay with an 84-yard touchdown. He is one of just three players in school history with two kick return touchdowns in a season and is averaging a school record 40.3 yards per return. He also intercepted a pass setting up another touchdown for the Javelinas.
LSC Football Power Poll 10-27
- Abilene Christian 8-0 (Last Week 1) - Defense, Scott pick up pace with Malone sitting out game.
- West Texas A&M 7-1 (2) - Dominant defense, offense turned ball over 4 times
- Texas A&M Kingsville 6-2 (5) - Ugly but a win; 4 turnovers on offense almost cost them
- Tarleton State 7-2 (3) - Hung tough for half, but offense did not get untracked
- Central Oklahoma 5-4 (6) - turned two 1st half turovers into 14 pts; can taste the LSC North title
- Midwestern State 5-3 (4) - Eskridge continues to improve; two 2nd half drives started inside UCO 15, 2 FGs
- Texas A&M Commerce 4-3 (7) - Did not Play
- Southeastern Oklahoma 4-4 (8) - allowed just 3 pts in two weeks;
- Angelo State 3-5 (9) - Defense played well; Offense a no show.
- Eastern New Mexico 1-7 (11) - Young team fights till the end; almost got big home win.
- East Central 2-5 (12) - Johnson with 6 TD passes
- Southwestern Oklahoma 1-7 (10) - Wheels have come off.
- Northeastern State 1-8 (13) - 6 drives inside SOSU 30 result in 3 pts.
Weekend Football Roundup
Scott, No. 2 ACU pull away from No. 16 TSU - Abilene Reporter News
No. 16 Tarleton has no answer for Scott - Stephenville Empire Tribune
Javelinas brush off adversity in victory - Corpus Christi Caller
Javs see faults in win - Corpus Christi Caller
Homecoming heartbreak as Javalinas win 35-32 - Portales News Tribune
Garza sets Javelina passing record - McAllen Monitor
NAIA playoff Hounds reunite after 25 years - Portales News Tribune
Rams shut out for second week in a row - San Angelo Standard Times
Rams hope to put last week's loss behind them - San Angelo Standard Times
Buffs take out frustrations - Amarillo Globe News
Buffs' defense shows it's Ram tough in win - Amarillo Globe News
State college football roundup- NewsOK
Mustangs drop 38-33 decision to Bronchos - Times Record News
MSU covering new ground at UCO - Times Record News
Huge Homecoming game for ECU - Ada Evening News
NSU looks to get conference win; Bacone looks to bounce back from ... - Muskogee Daily Phoenix
From the school websites
Scott puts up 259 yards as #2 ACU rolls to 8-0
Texans fall at ACU, 37-17
#11-West Texas A&M shuts out Angelo State, 27-0
No. 11 Buffs Hold Off ASU, 27-0
Javs Avoid Hex and Win
Hounds Take a Tough 35-32 Loss to Kingsville
Bronchos Win Thriller
Football: Mustangs come up short, fall 38-33 at Central Oklahoma
Football: Southeastern Downs Riverhawks, 28-3
Savage Storm Blow by RiverHawks
Johnson fires six TD passes as Tigers roll
Football Loses to ECU
No. 16 Tarleton has no answer for Scott - Stephenville Empire Tribune
Javelinas brush off adversity in victory - Corpus Christi Caller
Javs see faults in win - Corpus Christi Caller
Homecoming heartbreak as Javalinas win 35-32 - Portales News Tribune
Garza sets Javelina passing record - McAllen Monitor
NAIA playoff Hounds reunite after 25 years - Portales News Tribune
Rams shut out for second week in a row - San Angelo Standard Times
Rams hope to put last week's loss behind them - San Angelo Standard Times
Buffs take out frustrations - Amarillo Globe News
Buffs' defense shows it's Ram tough in win - Amarillo Globe News
State college football roundup- NewsOK
Mustangs drop 38-33 decision to Bronchos - Times Record News
MSU covering new ground at UCO - Times Record News
Huge Homecoming game for ECU - Ada Evening News
NSU looks to get conference win; Bacone looks to bounce back from ... - Muskogee Daily Phoenix
From the school websites
Scott puts up 259 yards as #2 ACU rolls to 8-0
Texans fall at ACU, 37-17
#11-West Texas A&M shuts out Angelo State, 27-0
No. 11 Buffs Hold Off ASU, 27-0
Javs Avoid Hex and Win
Hounds Take a Tough 35-32 Loss to Kingsville
Bronchos Win Thriller
Football: Mustangs come up short, fall 38-33 at Central Oklahoma
Football: Southeastern Downs Riverhawks, 28-3
Savage Storm Blow by RiverHawks
Johnson fires six TD passes as Tigers roll
Football Loses to ECU
Friday, October 24, 2008
Game of the Week
#3 Tarleton State (7-1)
TSU Game Notes
If only the Texans hadn't dropped their game to Texas A&M-Kingsville, the LSC could very well have the eyes of the D2 nation upon them once again. But they did, and so this goes from a marquee matchup to a merely really good one. The Texans disposed of ENMU 42-21, but much like the first half of the UCO game, and the SWO game, let an inferior team hang around withing striking distance. The Greyhounds twice pulled to within 14 points in the fourth quarter, but TSU responded both times with TDs.
The focus of this weeks' game will be on the Tarleton defense. The Texans have not allowed an opponent to score more than 27 points in any game, and have allowed 20 just 3 times. TSU leads the conference in yards allowed at just 275, and is second in points allowed at just 16 per game. Of course they have not faced either Abilene Christian or West Texas A&M. The defense will benefit if the offense can run the ball effectively, and not turn the ball over. The Texans do average over 200 yds a game rushing, with Roderick Smith (106 yds per game, 11 TDs) and Travis Evans (73.3 yds per game, 4 TDs) are both in the top 6 in the LSC. Scott Grantham is quietly having a very nice sophomore season (1,483 yds, 12 TDs, 137.8 QB efficiency rating). Eric Foreman and Devin Guinn each have 28 receptions and have combined for 791 yds and 7 TDs.
#1 Abilene Christian (7-0)
ACU Game Notes
Our concerns about ACU not being sharp due to lack of being challenged since the opening game were unfounded. The Wildcats came out of the gate on fire, taking a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, and going into the half up 31-7. A strong WT third quarter pulled WT to within 10, but ACU responded in the fourth quarter with two TDs to put the game away. ACU's scoring drives covered 85, 71, 39, 67, 56, 67 and 83 yards - no gimmes in there. Billy Malone was great (386 yds, 3 TDs, no INTs), as was Johnny Knox (10 catches, 203 yds, 2 TDs), but Bernard Scott was unbelievable, breaking his own LSC record for all-purpose yards with 409 (268 rushing, and 141 receiving) and scoring 3 TDs. The defense was up the challenge, "limiting" WT to 480 yds of offense, and forcing 5 turnovers. Mike Kern had 11 tackles, Nick Fellows had 9 (1 for loss), and Craig Harris had 6, forced a fumble and picked off two Keith Null passes.
TSU Game Notes
If only the Texans hadn't dropped their game to Texas A&M-Kingsville, the LSC could very well have the eyes of the D2 nation upon them once again. But they did, and so this goes from a marquee matchup to a merely really good one. The Texans disposed of ENMU 42-21, but much like the first half of the UCO game, and the SWO game, let an inferior team hang around withing striking distance. The Greyhounds twice pulled to within 14 points in the fourth quarter, but TSU responded both times with TDs.
The focus of this weeks' game will be on the Tarleton defense. The Texans have not allowed an opponent to score more than 27 points in any game, and have allowed 20 just 3 times. TSU leads the conference in yards allowed at just 275, and is second in points allowed at just 16 per game. Of course they have not faced either Abilene Christian or West Texas A&M. The defense will benefit if the offense can run the ball effectively, and not turn the ball over. The Texans do average over 200 yds a game rushing, with Roderick Smith (106 yds per game, 11 TDs) and Travis Evans (73.3 yds per game, 4 TDs) are both in the top 6 in the LSC. Scott Grantham is quietly having a very nice sophomore season (1,483 yds, 12 TDs, 137.8 QB efficiency rating). Eric Foreman and Devin Guinn each have 28 receptions and have combined for 791 yds and 7 TDs.
#1 Abilene Christian (7-0)
ACU Game Notes
Our concerns about ACU not being sharp due to lack of being challenged since the opening game were unfounded. The Wildcats came out of the gate on fire, taking a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, and going into the half up 31-7. A strong WT third quarter pulled WT to within 10, but ACU responded in the fourth quarter with two TDs to put the game away. ACU's scoring drives covered 85, 71, 39, 67, 56, 67 and 83 yards - no gimmes in there. Billy Malone was great (386 yds, 3 TDs, no INTs), as was Johnny Knox (10 catches, 203 yds, 2 TDs), but Bernard Scott was unbelievable, breaking his own LSC record for all-purpose yards with 409 (268 rushing, and 141 receiving) and scoring 3 TDs. The defense was up the challenge, "limiting" WT to 480 yds of offense, and forcing 5 turnovers. Mike Kern had 11 tackles, Nick Fellows had 9 (1 for loss), and Craig Harris had 6, forced a fumble and picked off two Keith Null passes.
The defense now leads the LSC in scoring defense (15.9 pts per game) and is second in yards allowed (291 per game). They are first in 3rd down conversions, turnovers forced (30) and turnover margin (+21, 15 more than second place Tarleton). They are second in sacks (25) and have scored an impressive 7 TDs this year. Of course, its the offense that gets most of the attention, and no wonder. They lead the nation in total offense and scoring. Bernard Scott is second in rushing and first in all purpose yards (30 more than number two). He is also first in scoring. Billy Malone leads the nation in QB efficiency (203.8) and he has thrown for 2,299 yds and 24 TDs. The third leg of the trio, Johnny Knox, is moving up the ranks with 16 catches for 435 yds and 6 TDs the past two weeks. He is now ninth in the nation in receiving yards per game with 104.7 per game. The Wildcats have scored at least 44 points in every game this year.
The Game
The Wildcats are just on a different level offensively than anyone else right now, and their defense is playing good enough for a deep playoff run. Tarleton desperately needs to upset either ACU or WT to have a shot at the playoffs. As long as ACU doesn't have a big letdown, or suffer a major injury, the Texans will have to hope they can upset WT. ACU wins 49-24
Daily Football Roundup 10-24
Javelinas looking to go Hog Wild
New formation mimics Miami's tricky scheme
George Vondracek
KINGSVILLE -- There aren't too many positives that emerge for a team coming off a loss. Any potential momentum built is stilted, frustrations increase, players get frustrated, embarrassed and disappointed.
To be sure, Texas A&M-Kingsville's Javelinas have run the gamut of those emotions the last two-plus seasons. The upside is the Javelinas have made concerted efforts to improve. Some strides have been tangible, some not so.
But A&M-Kingsville is not want for trying, especially when it comes to introducing wrinkles into its offense.
Go to Caller.com for the rest of the story.
Related:Javelina Notebook: 10.24.08
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ENMU set for homecoming weekend
Sarah MeyerEastern New Mexico University students and alumni are set for a weekend packed with homecoming events.
This year’s theme is “Greyhounds Go Hawaiian.” Brooke Cordova of ENMU’s Alumni Affairs said students select the homecoming theme each year by voting on their favorite.
One of the main attractions is the annual homecoming parade, which draws participants from all over the county. “A lot of people are involved,” Cordova said.
Go to CNJonline.com for the rest of the story.
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Abilene Christian quarterback’s heart wouldn’t let him quit
Troy Phillips
At 25, Abilene Christian senior quarterback Billy Malone knows he should be in the work world earning a paycheck, paying bills, etc.
"My degree should say 'Undecided,’ " said Malone, now the Lone Star Conference’s career passing leader with 11,098 yards and 102 touchdowns.
A general-studies major stumped for a career plan, Malone was on the brink of not playing college football. Saturday, he’ll lead No. 2 ACU (7-0) against No. 16 Tarleton State (7-1) in an LSC and NCAA Division II showdown in Abilene.
Go to Star-Telegram.com for the rest of the story.
Related: ACU to induct Lamberti, 3 others
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Bullitt Trying To Follow In Family’s Footsteps
Joe Buie
Tyler Junior College linebacker Bradley Bullitt wants to follow in the footsteps of his brother, Melvin, a second-year free safety with the Indianapolis Colts.
But the Apache sophomore sees himself losing ground in that pursuit. Already well-traveled and 22 years old, Bradley will have two years of eligibility remaining at an NCAA Division II school after this season.
Bullitt is hopeful of playing those two years at West Texas A&M in Canyon, located in the Panhandle, where he excelled as a freshman.
Go to Tylerpaper.com for the rest of the story.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Game Notes and Picks10-25
NSU over SBU 45-20 (our pick NSU 24-21)- finally in the win column
TAMC over ECU 27-15 (31-21) - overcame penalties and lethargic start
UCO over SWO 23-16 (24-21) - Bronchos winning pretty and ugly
TSU over ENMU 42-21 (35-14) - Texans face big challenges these last three weeks
SOSU over ASU 35-0 (28-17 Rams) - Outcome surprising; Margin shocking
MSU over TAMK 38-16 (27-17 TAMK) - Mustangs shut down the Javelinas
ACU over WTAM 52-35 (35-31 WTAM) - Round One??? to the Wildcats; will there be a playoff rematch?
For the week 4-3, for the year 50-9
#13 Northeastern State (1-7) at #8 Southeastern Oklahoma (3-4)
The Riverhawks orchestrated three long TD drives in the first half, totalling 199 yards, and 3 short ones in the second half totalling 97 yards to soundly defeat Southwest Baptist. John Kelly rushed for 102 yds and 2 TDs and Prince McKinney added 94 yds. Kenny Davis and Kaelin Woods combined for 257 yds and 3 TDs passing. Jarrett Byers had 6 catches for 71 yds and 2 TDs, and Damien Henderson added 5 catches for 105 yds and the other TD reception. Jon Evans and Broderick Mondy each had 9 tackles and an INT to pace the defense.
Even more surprising was the dominating performance of the Savage Storm in defeating Angelo State 35-0. The Storm outgained the Rams 470-263 and converted two ASU first half turnovers into TDs. The defense collected 11 tackles for losses, including 4 sacks, and limited ASU to 2-13 on third downs. Brandon McCain led the offense with a 14-22 performance for 206 yds and 2 TDs. Danile Nichols had 4 catches for 153 yds and a TD, and Jay Rose caught 5 passes for 99 yds and 2 TDs. Baylen Laury picked up 78 yds rushing on just 11 carries, and scored a TD.
Northeastern State finally got the monkey off their back, winning their first game of the season. After losing their last three games by a total of 8 points, it had to be especially sweet. The Savage Storm continue their seesaw season with a very impressive win, but can they build off of it? Since they are at home we'll take SOSU 27-24.
#10 Southwestern Oklahoma (1-6) at #12 East Central (1-5)
The Bulldoges continued their recent trend of close games, falling to UCO 23-16. SWO lead at half 9-7 on three Chad McIntosh FGs, and tied the game at 16 with 7 minutes to play, but UCO scored on a 56 yd pass with 2:24 to go and the Bulldogs could get no closer than the Bronchos 21 yd line. Jason Burgess had 17 tackles, one for loss, and an INT to lead the defense. Ruzell McCoy chipped in with 11 tackles. Kyle Wimberly caught 8 passes for 130 yds and the lone SWO TD of the game. Steve Day threw for 239 yds with one TD and an INT to become the all-time SWO leader in passing yards. He has now thrown for 4,744 yards and still has a year of eligibility remaining.
Marcus Johnson also became his school's all-time leader in passing yards (4,688 and another season as well), but the Tigers fell to Texas A&M-Commerce 27-15. The Tigers tooka a 9-7 lead in the third quarter on Corey Dozier's 41 yd FG, but the Lions answered with 21 unanswered points to take control of the game. ECU outgained the Lions 389-388, but 6 turnovers (2 inside the red zone) were too much to overcome. For the day, Johnson was 26-51 for 311 yds and 2 TDs and he led the team in rushing with 47 yds. Tyrone Gibbs and Keewan King each broke the 100 yd receiving mark.
SWO, like NSU, has been on the short end of some very close games and have played better than their record would indicate. ECU will get their passing yards, but SWO should be able to use a balanced offense to break out to a 31-21 victory.
#5 Texas A&M Kingsville (5-2) at #11 Eastern New Mexico (1-6)
Billy Garza and the Javelinas started out hot, with Garza hitting 15 of his first 17 passes for 133 yds and the team amassing 222 yds all in the first half and all on just three possessions. TAMK cooled off in the second half gaining a total of 103 yds and Garza hitting on just 8 of 19 passes for 90 yds and 2 Ints. The teams final three possessions ended in turnovers. Defensively Eric John with 9 tackles and an INT and Jimmy Saddler-McQueen with 8 tackles, 2 for losses, a sack and a broken up pass led the Javelinas.
Joseph Banyard finally got untracked, rushing for a season high 91 yards on 11 carries against the tough Tarleton State run defense and JJ Harp threw for 208 yds and 2 TDs, but the Greyhounds fell to the Texans 42-21. Trailing 28-7 entering the fourth quarter, ENMU continued to battle, pulling to within 14 points twice, but unable to get any closer. Jeremy Hibbler continues to rack up the tackles, with 10 in the game. Mark Patterson (11) and Texavier Henry (10) joined him in double digits.
TAMK dropped from 7th to 9th in the regional rankings and now only have a slim chance at the playoffs. They must win this week, at Angelo the last week of the season, and may need to upset Abilene Christian at home next week to do so. Blackwater Draw mojo or not, the road warriors will take this one 35-21.
#2 West Texas A&M (6-1) at #9 Angelo State (3-4)
The Buffs fell behind early, 21-0 after 16 minutes, and 31-7 at halftime. They played better in the second half, outscoring ACU 21-7 in the third quarter and pulling to within 38-28 heading into the fourth quarter. Keith Null threw for 415 yds and 4 TDs, but also had 3 passes picked off for the second week in a row. Carl Johnson and Charly Martin combined for 15 catches for 221 yds and 3 TDs. The running game was once again stalled, picking up just 65 yds. The defense was victimized by ACU (just like everyone else) for 687 yds and 52 points. Curtis Jefferson and Jared Brock each had 10 tackles and Anthony Scott had 9.
What happened to the Rams last week? Only the ACU Wildcats had scored more than 24 pts against the Ram defense, but the Savage Storm got 5 TDs and shutout ASU 35-0. Daniel Thomas led the offense with 63 yds rushing, and now has 831 yds with 3 games remaining. Freshmen QBs Michael Cochran and Will Mezger combined to go 14-31 for 193 yds and 2 Ints. The defense allowed 470 yds and 4 TD drives of 72 or more yards. Jordan Cortez had 10 tackles and Ian Ritchey 9 to pace the defense. Things don't get any easier for ASU as the still have Tarleton State and Texas A&M Kingsville after this week's game.
The Rams best shot is to run the ball effectively, and not put too much on their young QBs' shoulders, but WT knows this and the Buffs should take out their frustrations on the Rams 45-10.
#4 Midwestern State (5-2) at #6 Central Oklahoma (4-4)
Midwestern State kept their slim playoff hopes alive, beating Texas A&M Kingsville 38-16, their fourth straight win over the Javelinas. The Mustang defense tightened up after allowing TAMK to score TDs on their first two drives. The forced 4 turnovers, including a momentum changing fumble recovery right before halftime as the Javelinas were driving the football. Zack Eskeridge threw for 250 yds and 3 TDs, two of which went to Andy Tanner. Bobby Ransom picked up 67 yds and a TD on just 11 carries. The Mustang defense held TAMK to about 100 yds below their season average.
TAMC over ECU 27-15 (31-21) - overcame penalties and lethargic start
UCO over SWO 23-16 (24-21) - Bronchos winning pretty and ugly
TSU over ENMU 42-21 (35-14) - Texans face big challenges these last three weeks
SOSU over ASU 35-0 (28-17 Rams) - Outcome surprising; Margin shocking
MSU over TAMK 38-16 (27-17 TAMK) - Mustangs shut down the Javelinas
ACU over WTAM 52-35 (35-31 WTAM) - Round One??? to the Wildcats; will there be a playoff rematch?
For the week 4-3, for the year 50-9
#13 Northeastern State (1-7) at #8 Southeastern Oklahoma (3-4)
The Riverhawks orchestrated three long TD drives in the first half, totalling 199 yards, and 3 short ones in the second half totalling 97 yards to soundly defeat Southwest Baptist. John Kelly rushed for 102 yds and 2 TDs and Prince McKinney added 94 yds. Kenny Davis and Kaelin Woods combined for 257 yds and 3 TDs passing. Jarrett Byers had 6 catches for 71 yds and 2 TDs, and Damien Henderson added 5 catches for 105 yds and the other TD reception. Jon Evans and Broderick Mondy each had 9 tackles and an INT to pace the defense.
Even more surprising was the dominating performance of the Savage Storm in defeating Angelo State 35-0. The Storm outgained the Rams 470-263 and converted two ASU first half turnovers into TDs. The defense collected 11 tackles for losses, including 4 sacks, and limited ASU to 2-13 on third downs. Brandon McCain led the offense with a 14-22 performance for 206 yds and 2 TDs. Danile Nichols had 4 catches for 153 yds and a TD, and Jay Rose caught 5 passes for 99 yds and 2 TDs. Baylen Laury picked up 78 yds rushing on just 11 carries, and scored a TD.
Northeastern State finally got the monkey off their back, winning their first game of the season. After losing their last three games by a total of 8 points, it had to be especially sweet. The Savage Storm continue their seesaw season with a very impressive win, but can they build off of it? Since they are at home we'll take SOSU 27-24.
#10 Southwestern Oklahoma (1-6) at #12 East Central (1-5)
The Bulldoges continued their recent trend of close games, falling to UCO 23-16. SWO lead at half 9-7 on three Chad McIntosh FGs, and tied the game at 16 with 7 minutes to play, but UCO scored on a 56 yd pass with 2:24 to go and the Bulldogs could get no closer than the Bronchos 21 yd line. Jason Burgess had 17 tackles, one for loss, and an INT to lead the defense. Ruzell McCoy chipped in with 11 tackles. Kyle Wimberly caught 8 passes for 130 yds and the lone SWO TD of the game. Steve Day threw for 239 yds with one TD and an INT to become the all-time SWO leader in passing yards. He has now thrown for 4,744 yards and still has a year of eligibility remaining.
Marcus Johnson also became his school's all-time leader in passing yards (4,688 and another season as well), but the Tigers fell to Texas A&M-Commerce 27-15. The Tigers tooka a 9-7 lead in the third quarter on Corey Dozier's 41 yd FG, but the Lions answered with 21 unanswered points to take control of the game. ECU outgained the Lions 389-388, but 6 turnovers (2 inside the red zone) were too much to overcome. For the day, Johnson was 26-51 for 311 yds and 2 TDs and he led the team in rushing with 47 yds. Tyrone Gibbs and Keewan King each broke the 100 yd receiving mark.
SWO, like NSU, has been on the short end of some very close games and have played better than their record would indicate. ECU will get their passing yards, but SWO should be able to use a balanced offense to break out to a 31-21 victory.
#5 Texas A&M Kingsville (5-2) at #11 Eastern New Mexico (1-6)
Billy Garza and the Javelinas started out hot, with Garza hitting 15 of his first 17 passes for 133 yds and the team amassing 222 yds all in the first half and all on just three possessions. TAMK cooled off in the second half gaining a total of 103 yds and Garza hitting on just 8 of 19 passes for 90 yds and 2 Ints. The teams final three possessions ended in turnovers. Defensively Eric John with 9 tackles and an INT and Jimmy Saddler-McQueen with 8 tackles, 2 for losses, a sack and a broken up pass led the Javelinas.
Joseph Banyard finally got untracked, rushing for a season high 91 yards on 11 carries against the tough Tarleton State run defense and JJ Harp threw for 208 yds and 2 TDs, but the Greyhounds fell to the Texans 42-21. Trailing 28-7 entering the fourth quarter, ENMU continued to battle, pulling to within 14 points twice, but unable to get any closer. Jeremy Hibbler continues to rack up the tackles, with 10 in the game. Mark Patterson (11) and Texavier Henry (10) joined him in double digits.
TAMK dropped from 7th to 9th in the regional rankings and now only have a slim chance at the playoffs. They must win this week, at Angelo the last week of the season, and may need to upset Abilene Christian at home next week to do so. Blackwater Draw mojo or not, the road warriors will take this one 35-21.
#2 West Texas A&M (6-1) at #9 Angelo State (3-4)
The Buffs fell behind early, 21-0 after 16 minutes, and 31-7 at halftime. They played better in the second half, outscoring ACU 21-7 in the third quarter and pulling to within 38-28 heading into the fourth quarter. Keith Null threw for 415 yds and 4 TDs, but also had 3 passes picked off for the second week in a row. Carl Johnson and Charly Martin combined for 15 catches for 221 yds and 3 TDs. The running game was once again stalled, picking up just 65 yds. The defense was victimized by ACU (just like everyone else) for 687 yds and 52 points. Curtis Jefferson and Jared Brock each had 10 tackles and Anthony Scott had 9.
What happened to the Rams last week? Only the ACU Wildcats had scored more than 24 pts against the Ram defense, but the Savage Storm got 5 TDs and shutout ASU 35-0. Daniel Thomas led the offense with 63 yds rushing, and now has 831 yds with 3 games remaining. Freshmen QBs Michael Cochran and Will Mezger combined to go 14-31 for 193 yds and 2 Ints. The defense allowed 470 yds and 4 TD drives of 72 or more yards. Jordan Cortez had 10 tackles and Ian Ritchey 9 to pace the defense. Things don't get any easier for ASU as the still have Tarleton State and Texas A&M Kingsville after this week's game.
The Rams best shot is to run the ball effectively, and not put too much on their young QBs' shoulders, but WT knows this and the Buffs should take out their frustrations on the Rams 45-10.
#4 Midwestern State (5-2) at #6 Central Oklahoma (4-4)
Midwestern State kept their slim playoff hopes alive, beating Texas A&M Kingsville 38-16, their fourth straight win over the Javelinas. The Mustang defense tightened up after allowing TAMK to score TDs on their first two drives. The forced 4 turnovers, including a momentum changing fumble recovery right before halftime as the Javelinas were driving the football. Zack Eskeridge threw for 250 yds and 3 TDs, two of which went to Andy Tanner. Bobby Ransom picked up 67 yds and a TD on just 11 carries. The Mustang defense held TAMK to about 100 yds below their season average.
Central Oklahoma continues their amazing turnaround, coming from behind to edge out SWO 23-16. Brandon Noohi threw for 267 yds and 2 TDs and Da'Marean Pullen had 83 yds rushing. The Broncho defense had 10 tackles for losses, and was led by Terrence Hill with 11 stops. UCO has outscored their opposition 128-76 during their four game winning streak, and can sweep the LSC North with wins over ECU and NSU the final two weeks. They will be favored, but strange things are known to happen in the LSC.
UCO's recent surge makes this a much more difficult pick than it looked like 2 or 3 weeks ago. However, Midwestern State hung tough early in the season, relying on their defense. The past two weeks, it looks like the passing game is coming around, and they need to keep winning to have a shot at the playoffs. They should be able to take this one, MSU 24-17
Game of the week
#3 Tarleton State (7-1) at #1 Abilene Christian (7-0) - coming Friday
Daily Football Roundup 10-23
Tanner finally getting reconnected with Eskridge
J Scott Russell
Midwestern States Andy Tanner had every reason to believe that 2008 would be his breakout season.
After all, he was one of the top returning receivers for the Mustangs, and to make things even better, he would be hooking up with his former high school quarterback, Zack Eskridge.
But the MSU offense especially the passing game — struggled from the start, with a season-low 27 yards in a rain storm against Northeastern State and just 77 yards in near perfect conditions at home against Angelo State.
Go to the Times Record News for the rest of the story.
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Hounds let young pups off the leash
ENM adjusting to shift in offense
ENM adjusting to shift in offense
George Vondracek
In a year's time, Eastern New Mexico has chunked the old for the new and young -- very young.
With a large cast of underclassmen on both sides of the ball, the Greyhounds have transitioned from a grind-it-out, triple-option football program to a more modern, wide-open type of offensive attack.
The change was the idea of fourth-year Mark Ribaudo, and he is sticking to it. But he and the rest of the Greyhounds have resigned themselves to the fact that adjusting is going to be a gradual process after running the option for 14 seasons.
Go to Caller.com for the rest of the story.
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Patient Knox comes up big for ACU in key contests
Joey Richards
Johnny Knox, coming off a sensational season last year, didn't get many chances to catch the ball earlier this season. The senior receiver had a total of 19 catches for 298 yards and two touchdowns in Abilene Christian University's first five games. Yet Knox wasn't getting anxious. He knew his time would come.
"It wasn't anything I was mad about," he said. "I knew it would pick up sooner or later."
Boy did it ever.
Go to the Reporter News for the rest of the story.
Related: College Notebook 10.23.08
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Rams might be catching West Texas A&M at wrong time
Nathan WrightThis is the West Texas A&M University football team that Angelo State probably didn't want to see on Saturday.
Instead of a top-three team coming off a huge upset and possibly vulnerable to a letdown, the Buffs come in off a disappointing loss in a battle between the No. 3 and No. 4 teams in the country last Saturday against Abilene Christian.
The Buffs are no doubt angry, and the way that Angelo State has played the past couple of weeks - especially last week in a 35-0 loss to Southeastern Oklahoma - the Rams might be just the team for WTAM to take out its frustrations on.
Go to GoSanAngelo.com for the rest of the story.
Weekly Soccer Roundup
Complete LSC Release
Men's Soccer
Standings
Conference record, Overall Record
MSU 4-0-0, 12-1-0
ENMU 2-1-1, 4-6-2
WTAM 2-2-0, 8-5-0
MoSo 1-3-1, 1-11-1
NSU 1-4-0, 2-11-1
NSCAA/Adidas College Pool
As mentioned earlier, Midwestern State is the #1 team in the national poll, while West Texas A&M is just outside the top 25 (receiving votes). In the South Central Region, MSU is again #1 and WTAM is #4.
NCAA Regional Poll
Midwestern State is the only conference team ranked. They are currently #1 in the region.
Players of the Week
Offensive - Craig Sutherland, Midwestern State
Defensive - Robert Swann, Midwestern State
Women's Soccer
Standings
Conference record, Overall Record
WTAM 6-1-0, 12-2-1
ASU 4-1-1, 10-4-2
TAMC 4-1-0, 10-2-1
UCO 3-2-1, 6-4-3
ACU 3-2-1, 7-5-2
TWU 3-2-0, 8-6-0
MSU 3-3-0, 9-6-0
NSU 2-2-2, 5-6-3
ENMU 2-5-0, 8-8-0
ECU 0-5-1, 4-8-2
SWO 0-6-0, 2-13-0
NSCAA/Adidas College Pool
No teams are ranked in the national poll. In the regional poll, Texas A&M-Commerce is #5, West Texas A&M is #7, and Central Oklahoma is #10.
NCAA Regional Poll
Texas A&M-Commerce is #4, West Texas A&M is #8, and Central Oklahoma is #10 in the South Central Region.
Players of Week
Offensive - Meagan Lasley, Texas A&M-Commerce
Defensive - Evan Stanberry, Texas A&M-Commerce
Goalkeeper - Crissy Lawson, Abilene Christian
Newspaper Article Links
Rambelles reach 10-win mark
Rambelles, Central Oklahoma battle to 0-0 tie in soccer
MSU's Swann, Sutherland get SSC weekly honors
MSU men's soccer team ranked No. 1 in nation
MSU blasts Dust Devils, 7-0
Sutherland, Mustangs bury Eastern New Mexico
MSU women rout Northeastern State, 3-0
ASU soccer update for Oct. 17
WT Soccer Capsules 10/17/08
Lady Buffs lose first LSC game this season
WT Soccer: Buffs loses 1-0 to MSU 10/18/08
Lady Buffs defeats Texas Woman's, 2-0 10/18/08
Men's Soccer
Standings
Conference record, Overall Record
MSU 4-0-0, 12-1-0
ENMU 2-1-1, 4-6-2
WTAM 2-2-0, 8-5-0
MoSo 1-3-1, 1-11-1
NSU 1-4-0, 2-11-1
NSCAA/Adidas College Pool
As mentioned earlier, Midwestern State is the #1 team in the national poll, while West Texas A&M is just outside the top 25 (receiving votes). In the South Central Region, MSU is again #1 and WTAM is #4.
NCAA Regional Poll
Midwestern State is the only conference team ranked. They are currently #1 in the region.
Players of the Week
Offensive - Craig Sutherland, Midwestern State
Defensive - Robert Swann, Midwestern State
Women's Soccer
Standings
Conference record, Overall Record
WTAM 6-1-0, 12-2-1
ASU 4-1-1, 10-4-2
TAMC 4-1-0, 10-2-1
UCO 3-2-1, 6-4-3
ACU 3-2-1, 7-5-2
TWU 3-2-0, 8-6-0
MSU 3-3-0, 9-6-0
NSU 2-2-2, 5-6-3
ENMU 2-5-0, 8-8-0
ECU 0-5-1, 4-8-2
SWO 0-6-0, 2-13-0
NSCAA/Adidas College Pool
No teams are ranked in the national poll. In the regional poll, Texas A&M-Commerce is #5, West Texas A&M is #7, and Central Oklahoma is #10.
NCAA Regional Poll
Texas A&M-Commerce is #4, West Texas A&M is #8, and Central Oklahoma is #10 in the South Central Region.
Players of Week
Offensive - Meagan Lasley, Texas A&M-Commerce
Defensive - Evan Stanberry, Texas A&M-Commerce
Goalkeeper - Crissy Lawson, Abilene Christian
Newspaper Article Links
Rambelles reach 10-win mark
Rambelles, Central Oklahoma battle to 0-0 tie in soccer
MSU's Swann, Sutherland get SSC weekly honors
MSU men's soccer team ranked No. 1 in nation
MSU blasts Dust Devils, 7-0
Sutherland, Mustangs bury Eastern New Mexico
MSU women rout Northeastern State, 3-0
ASU soccer update for Oct. 17
WT Soccer Capsules 10/17/08
Lady Buffs lose first LSC game this season
WT Soccer: Buffs loses 1-0 to MSU 10/18/08
Lady Buffs defeats Texas Woman's, 2-0 10/18/08
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
LSC Team ranked #1 in the Nation
MSU men's soccer team ranked No. 1 in nation
Midwestern State is No. 1 for the first time in 24 years.
The Mustangs took over the top spot in the National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America/adidas poll Tuesday morning after Lynn (Fla.) fell 1-0 to Eckerd (Fla.) Saturday night in St. Petersburg.
“It’s good for the program and the school,” MSU coach Doug Elder said. “For me, I’m just concentrating on playing a good, hard match Friday. We’ll enjoy the moment, but continue to work hard.”
The Midwestern State men’s soccer program last reached No. 1 on Sept. 24, 1984, after finishing as NAIA national runner-up in each of the previous two seasons. MSU proceeded to fall to Hardin-Simmons (Texas) the next day by a 4-1 margin.
Go to the Times Record News for the rest of the story.
Daily Football Roundup 10-22
From the Bullpen
J Scott Russell
Midwestern State’s return this week to the AFCA top 25 poll at No. 25 is nice — and deserved — but at this point of the season it isn’t worth that much.
Both the AFCA and d2football.com polls — which didn’t have the Mustangs ranked — are based more on where you start the season than how good you really are.
Go to the Times Record News for the rest of the story.
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Buffs fall to No. 11 in poll
Greg Jaklewicz
With one loss, West Texas A&M tumbled in the American Football Coaches Association poll and stands one spot further back than the Buffs started the season.
WT dropped to No. 11 from No. 4 after a 52-35 loss to Lone Star Conference rival Abilene Christian. The Buffs began the season ranked No. 10.
Go to Amarillo.com for the rest of the story.
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Loss made road bumpier, but Buffs remain in hunt
Greg Jaklewicz
West Texas A&M has its work cut out now.
The Buffs fell out of love with voters ranking Division II teams after losing by 17 points to Abilene Christian. WT slipped from No. 4 to No. 11 in the national coaches poll but, more importantly, from No. 1 to No. 4 in the NCAA's Super Region Four rankings.
Unless two of the teams above the Buffs stumble, and that looks unlikely the next three games, the Buffs won't get a week off and will have to hit the road if they win a first-round game. WT is 0-2 in playoff games away from Canyon.
Of course, the Buffs still must earn a postseason berth. But they will do that.
Go to Amarillo.com for the rest of the story.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
AFCA Poll 10-21
1. Grand Valley (Last Week 1)
2. Abilene Christian (3)
3. Northwest Missouri (5)
4. Bloomsburg (6)
5. Delta State (7)
6. California (8)
6. Minnesota-Duluth (9)
8. North Alabama (2)
9. Valdosta State (10)
10. Central Washington (11)
11. West Texas A&M (4)
13. Pittsburg State (13)
16. Tarleton State (17)
18. Central Missouri (21)
25. Midwestern State (RV)
Receiving Votes - Washburn
Top National Matchups
#1 GVSU vs #23 Ashland
#2 ACU vs #16 Tarleton
#3 NWMSU vs RV Washburn
#8 UNA vs. #9 Valdosta
2. Abilene Christian (3)
3. Northwest Missouri (5)
4. Bloomsburg (6)
5. Delta State (7)
6. California (8)
6. Minnesota-Duluth (9)
8. North Alabama (2)
9. Valdosta State (10)
10. Central Washington (11)
11. West Texas A&M (4)
13. Pittsburg State (13)
16. Tarleton State (17)
18. Central Missouri (21)
25. Midwestern State (RV)
Receiving Votes - Washburn
Top National Matchups
#1 GVSU vs #23 Ashland
#2 ACU vs #16 Tarleton
#3 NWMSU vs RV Washburn
#8 UNA vs. #9 Valdosta
LSC Football Weekly Release
Complete Release
Players of the Week
Co-North Offensive
Nabil El-Amin, Texas A&M-Commerce, Sr., Running Back, Rochester, N.Y./SUNY-Alfred
El-Amin rushed for a career-high 194 yards and scored twice in the Lions' 27-15 win over East Central in the inaugural Harvey Martin Classic. It was his third multi-touchdown game of his career and first in 2008.
Brandon Noohi, Central Oklahoma, Jr., Quarterback, Oklahoma City, Okla./Mount St. Mary
Noohi led UCO to its fourth straight win, sparking a second-half comeback that carried the Bronchos to a 23-16 win at Southwestern Oklahoma. The junior quarterback completed 27-of-42 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns while adding a two-yard TD run. He was 16-of-22 for 203 yards and both TDs in the second half as UCO overcame a 6-0 deficit, hitting a 56-yard scoring pass with 2:24 remaining to break a 16-16 tie.
North Defensive
Bernard Daniel, Southeastern Oklahoma, Jr., Safety, Carrollton, Texas/Hebron
Daniel helped Southeastern get back in the win column with a 35-0 defeat of Angelo State. He helped guide a defense that pitched a shutout for the first time since 2006. Daniel had six tackles, five of which were solo. He also added an interception, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries.
North Special Teams
Chad McIntosh, Southwestern Oklahoma, Jr., K/P, Grand Prairie , Texas/Grand Prairie
McIntosh handled both kicking and punting chores for Southwestern Oklahoma in its 23-16 loss against Central Oklahoma. McIntosh had nine punts for an average of 42.6 yards, including a season-long kick of 62 yards. He was three-for-three on field goals from distances of 22, 29 and 47. His 47-yarder came as time expired in the first half to give the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead at the break.
South Offensive
Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian, Sr., Running Back, Vernon, Texas/Wichita Falls
Scott broke his own LSC single-game record for all-purpose yards Saturday night in the third-ranked Wildcats' 52-35 win over fourth-ranked West Texas A&M. Scott posted 408 all-purpose yards in the game, breaking his record of 383 yards that he posted last year in the Wildcats' playoff loss at Chadron State. Scott ran for 268 yards and two touchdowns and had 141 yards and one touchdown receiving as the Wildcats improved to 7-0 on the season with the victory. Scott had 185 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in the second half and 64 receiving yards in the final 30 minutes. He had a 47-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-one early in the third quarter that pushed ACU's lead back to 24 points, and his 65-yard touchdown run with less than six minutes to play sealed the Wildcats' victory.
South Defensive
Craig Harris, Abilene Christian, Jr., Cornerback, Bellville, Texas/Bellville
Harris was a big part of a clutch ACU defensive effort that forced West Texas A&M quarterback Keith Null into three interceptions and had five total takeaways Saturday night in the third-ranked Wildcats' 52-35 win over fourth-ranked WTAMU. Harris finished with six tackles (6 solo), two interceptions (for 27 yards in returns) and one forced fumble He had an interception near the end of the first half that kept the Buffs out of the end zone, but it was his interception with 7:18 left in the game that helped the Wildcats seal the game. With the Buffs trailing 38-28, they faced third-and-six at the ACU 49 when Null threw deep to the post for his all-America receiver, Charly Martin. Harris, however, went over the top of Martin to intercept the pass at the ACU 2-yard line. He returned the ball 15 yards to the ACU 17, and three plays later Bernard Scott went 65 yards for a touchdown to push ACU's lead to 52-35.
South Special Teams
Nick Williams, Angelo State, Fr., Returner/Cornerback, Moore, Okla./Edmond Memorial
Williams was bright spot for the Rams as he averaged 55 yards per kickoff return, including a career-long 78-yard return in the third quarter. On the season, Williams is averaging 40.4 yards per kickoff return, giving the Rams a solid one-two punt on special teams, along with Garrett Tidwell.
Players of the Week
Co-North Offensive
Nabil El-Amin, Texas A&M-Commerce, Sr., Running Back, Rochester, N.Y./SUNY-Alfred
El-Amin rushed for a career-high 194 yards and scored twice in the Lions' 27-15 win over East Central in the inaugural Harvey Martin Classic. It was his third multi-touchdown game of his career and first in 2008.
Brandon Noohi, Central Oklahoma, Jr., Quarterback, Oklahoma City, Okla./Mount St. Mary
Noohi led UCO to its fourth straight win, sparking a second-half comeback that carried the Bronchos to a 23-16 win at Southwestern Oklahoma. The junior quarterback completed 27-of-42 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns while adding a two-yard TD run. He was 16-of-22 for 203 yards and both TDs in the second half as UCO overcame a 6-0 deficit, hitting a 56-yard scoring pass with 2:24 remaining to break a 16-16 tie.
North Defensive
Bernard Daniel, Southeastern Oklahoma, Jr., Safety, Carrollton, Texas/Hebron
Daniel helped Southeastern get back in the win column with a 35-0 defeat of Angelo State. He helped guide a defense that pitched a shutout for the first time since 2006. Daniel had six tackles, five of which were solo. He also added an interception, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries.
North Special Teams
Chad McIntosh, Southwestern Oklahoma, Jr., K/P, Grand Prairie , Texas/Grand Prairie
McIntosh handled both kicking and punting chores for Southwestern Oklahoma in its 23-16 loss against Central Oklahoma. McIntosh had nine punts for an average of 42.6 yards, including a season-long kick of 62 yards. He was three-for-three on field goals from distances of 22, 29 and 47. His 47-yarder came as time expired in the first half to give the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead at the break.
South Offensive
Bernard Scott, Abilene Christian, Sr., Running Back, Vernon, Texas/Wichita Falls
Scott broke his own LSC single-game record for all-purpose yards Saturday night in the third-ranked Wildcats' 52-35 win over fourth-ranked West Texas A&M. Scott posted 408 all-purpose yards in the game, breaking his record of 383 yards that he posted last year in the Wildcats' playoff loss at Chadron State. Scott ran for 268 yards and two touchdowns and had 141 yards and one touchdown receiving as the Wildcats improved to 7-0 on the season with the victory. Scott had 185 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in the second half and 64 receiving yards in the final 30 minutes. He had a 47-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-one early in the third quarter that pushed ACU's lead back to 24 points, and his 65-yard touchdown run with less than six minutes to play sealed the Wildcats' victory.
South Defensive
Craig Harris, Abilene Christian, Jr., Cornerback, Bellville, Texas/Bellville
Harris was a big part of a clutch ACU defensive effort that forced West Texas A&M quarterback Keith Null into three interceptions and had five total takeaways Saturday night in the third-ranked Wildcats' 52-35 win over fourth-ranked WTAMU. Harris finished with six tackles (6 solo), two interceptions (for 27 yards in returns) and one forced fumble He had an interception near the end of the first half that kept the Buffs out of the end zone, but it was his interception with 7:18 left in the game that helped the Wildcats seal the game. With the Buffs trailing 38-28, they faced third-and-six at the ACU 49 when Null threw deep to the post for his all-America receiver, Charly Martin. Harris, however, went over the top of Martin to intercept the pass at the ACU 2-yard line. He returned the ball 15 yards to the ACU 17, and three plays later Bernard Scott went 65 yards for a touchdown to push ACU's lead to 52-35.
South Special Teams
Nick Williams, Angelo State, Fr., Returner/Cornerback, Moore, Okla./Edmond Memorial
Williams was bright spot for the Rams as he averaged 55 yards per kickoff return, including a career-long 78-yard return in the third quarter. On the season, Williams is averaging 40.4 yards per kickoff return, giving the Rams a solid one-two punt on special teams, along with Garrett Tidwell.
Monday, October 20, 2008
NCAA Regional Rankings 10-20
Super Regional Four
Team, D2 record, Last Week's Ranking, and remaining opponents
Team, D2 record, Last Week's Ranking, and remaining opponents
- Abilene Christian 7-0 (2) Tarleton, Texas A&M Kingsville, Midwestern State
- Northwest Missouri 7-1 (3) Washburn, Emporia, Missouri Southern
- Pittsburg State 7-1 (4) Fort Hays, Washburn, Emporia
- West Texas A&M 6-1 (1) Angelo State, Northeastern State, Tarleton
- Central Missouri 6-2 (6) Nebraska-Omaha, Missouri Western, Fort Hays
- Central Washington 7-0 (5) Western Oregon, Azusa Pacific, Western Washington
- Tarleton State 7-1 (8) Abilene Christian, Angelo State, West Texas A&M
- Midwestern State 5-2 (NR) Central Oklahoma, Eastern New Mexico, Abilene Christian
- Texas A&M Kingsville 5-2 (7) Eastern New Mexico, Abilene Christian, Angelo State
- Washburn 5-2 ( 9) Northwest Missouri, Pitt State, Nebraska Omaha
Top Matchups this week: ACU vs. Tarleton, NWMSU vs. Washburn, Central Missouri vs. Nebraska-Omaha, Central Washington vs. Western Oregon
LSC Football Power Poll 10-20
- Abilene Christian 7-0 (Last Week 1) - Jumped WT early; Malone-Scott-Knox really shone, defense getting fve turnovers cannot be overlooked
- West Texas A&M 6-1 (2) - Never gave up, but ACU got too far in front
- Tarleton State (7-1) (4) - Can Texans upset 1 or 2 and get in playoffs?
- Midwestern State 5-2 (5) - Still in hunt; need to upset ACU, but better not overlook UCO
- Texas A&M-Kingsville 5-2 (3) - Played flat at wrong time; playoff hopes almost gone.
- Central Oklahoma 4-4 (6) - winning pretty, winning ugly, doesn't matter a win is a win
- Texas A&M-Commerce 4-3 (8) - see UCO; week off to rest up and go for winning record
- Southeastern Oklahoma 3-4 (9) - hardest team in LSC to figure out.
- Angelo State 3-4 (7) - Didn't see that kind of game coming.
- Southwestern Oklahoma 1-6 (10) - Another close loss, but have two very winnable games upcoming.
- Eastern New Mexico 1-6 (11) - made a game out of it.
- East Central 1-5 (12) - Hung with the Lions, but didn't have an answer for El-Amin.
- Northeastern State 1-7 (13) - Got their first win of season; can they beat an LSC team?
Daily Football Roundup 10-20
For ACU, it was just another game
CANYON -- Abilene Christian University football coach Chris Thomsen and his players talked all last week about how Saturday's showdown against West Texas A&M was just another game.
Never mind that ACU came into the game ranked No. 3 in the nation in NCAA Division II, and West Texas A&M University was No. 4. Or that Saturday's winner would likely win the Lone Star Conference title, get a first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage for the next two playoff games.
Go to the Reporter News for the rest of the story.
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Too much to overcome
Early mistakes put Buffs in catch-up mode
Early mistakes put Buffs in catch-up mode
Greg Jaklewicz
Maroon-out night was washed out by purple reign Saturday at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium
Bidding the previous two seasons to unseat West Texas A&M as king of the Lone Star Conference, Abilene Christian ascended to the throne with a convincing 52-35 victory that disappointed most of a record nonhomecoming crowd of 19,380.
ACU looked every bit a team that could play for the Division II national championship in two months. The Wildcats on offense piled up 641 yards, the most given up by WT since Angelo State ripped the Buffs for 748 in a 2006 win at Kimbrough. On defense, ACU kept WT's offense off the field in the first half - the Buffs had the ball less than nine minutes - and held the Buffs to one touchdown
Go to Amarillo.com for the rest of the story.
Related: My Turn: Reporter takes hike to big game
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Loss to Mustangs hurts Javs
George Vondracek
KINGSVILLE -- The pangs Texas A&M-Kingsville's football players were feeling weren't quite as debilitating as they were following last year's record-setting loss to Midwestern State. But if Saturday night's 38-16 loss to the Mustangs were to be likened to a political race, analysts would deem it too close to call next to last season's 73-6 debacle.
The reason: Save for the second-half kickoff that was returned 61 yards by Clavens Charles, the Javelinas essentially vanished during the final 30 minutes. And that wasn't sitting well with the home faithful after the loss that snapped a two-game winning streak and ended any fairy-tale hopes of contending for a Lone Star Conference championship.
Go to Caller.com for the rest of the story.
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Texans blast Hounds in homecoming
Brad Keith
Tarleton quarterback Scott Grantham tossed 26 completions on Saturday, 14 of which were hauled in by Eric Foreman, who had 127 receiving yards and a touchdown to lead the Texans to a 42-21 homecoming defeat of Eastern New Mexico in front of 5,348 at Memorial Stadium.
Grantham finished the afternoon 26-36 passing for 292 yards and two scores. Both the completions and attempts were season-highs for the sophomore from El Paso, who also added his first rushing score of the year. Foreman’s 14 receptions were the third most in school history.
Go to the Empire Tribune for the rest of the story.
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