Friday, September 22, 2017

LSC Weekend Preview 9-22

#24Strong


From the papers 9/22
MSU sophomore passes away after injury - Andy Newberry, Times Record News
Grays small in stature, but large on impact- Andy Newberry, Times Record News
MSU mourns loss of Robert Grays -  Times Record News
Vornkahl leads way up front - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com
LSC Power Rankings - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com
Q&A - Basil Jackson - Brad Keith, The Flash Today
Javelinas prepare for No. 3 Commerce after tragedy - Quinton Martinez, Corpus Christi Caller


#24Strong


Football Game Previews
UT-Permian Basin at Western New Mexico
They almost did it.  They almost shocked the LSC-world.  But they couldn't quite overcome the Buffs and dropped a 17-6 decision in Canyon.  A week after giving up 642 yards to Lamar, the Falcon defense was spectacular, holding WT to 222 yards, piling up 9 tackles for loss and picking off two passes.  The offense never found a rhythm, putting together just three drives of more than 40 yards, and throwing two interceptions that led to 10 WT points.  They're getting closer and could really surprise someone this year.

Three games into the season, and we still can't figure out Western New Mexico.  Take last week's game against Western Oregon.  After a scoreless first quarter, WOU outscored the Mustangs 33-7, taking control of the game.  Three interceptions on three consecutive drives (including a pick-six) helped the Wolves to great incredible unbelievable field position (average starting point was the WNMU 35 yd line) and they took full advantage.  Javia Hall threw 5 picks on the day and now has 7 for the season.  On the plus side, he's averaging 386 yards per game, and when he gets on a roll is extremely dangerous.

With the way these teams played last week, you might want to pick UTPB.  But it's another road game, and we can't imagine Hall struggling so mightily again.  WNMU 28-21.


#3 Texas A&M-Commerce at Texas A&M-Kingsville
The Lions (23) and Javelinas (27) have combined to win 50 LSC titles, far and away leading the conference schools.  This was supposed to be a possible title matchup.  The Lions have held up their end of the bargain, starting off 3-0 and reaching #3 in the AFCA poll.  Luis Perez has rebounded from a rough opening week, and leads the LSC in passing efficiency (166.2), and is averaging 257 yards per game, with 9 TD passes.  They appear to be the cream of the LSC at this point in the season.

The Javelinas are going through some growing pains.  They dropped a 35-13 decision to Midwestern State, that doesn't look as bad as the score would indicate.  They outgained the Mustangs 420-387, holding the MSU running game to 157 yards.  There were a couple of areas that really hurt - falling behind 21-0, giving MSU great field position on the second and third TD drives, and the red zone discrepancy.  Both teams had four trips into the red zone - MSU scored four TDs, while the Javelinas could muster just 2 FGs and 2 failed 4th down attempts.  On the bright side, redshirt freshmen QB Cade Dyal (236 yds, 1 TD, 0 Ints) and RB Marcus Younger (116 yds) appear to have a lot of upside.

The Javelinas absolutely cannot allow the Lions to get off to a quick start.  They should play better at home, but it won't be enough.  TAMC 42-24


West Texas A&M at Tarleton State
Both teams picked up big LSC wins last week.  The Buffs can't feel too great about their win, edging UT-Permian Basin 17-6, scoring a TD with 5:29 to play to get that margin.  The offense struggled mightily, gaining just 222 yards.  The defense was very good again, giving up just 314 yards, picking off two passes which set up 10 of the 17 points.  A win is a win, but this took away some of the momentum WT thought they had after the Colorado Pueblo game.

The Texans have to be feeling much better about their win.  First of all it was against a better opponent.  Second they were outplayed on both sides of the ball, but took advantage of five turnovers and a blocked punt, adding up to 20 of their 30 points.  Finally, after Angelo pulled to within 30-24, Tarleton was able to run out the final 6:58 of the game, with an 11 play, 63 yard drive, converting 3 third downs and killing the clock.

This could be a defensive struggle, with the team holding on the ball best having the edge.  Tarleton takes another step forward, 24-17.


Angelo State at Eastern New Mexico
Last weekend saw both squads lose their first game of the 2017 season, which makes this a huge game for LSC title and NCAA playoff aspirations.  The Rams literally gave away last week's game with Tarleton, turning the ball over five times, including 2 fumbles returned for TDs, an interception that led to a FG, and an interception inside the Texans 10 yard line.  To top it off, the Rams outgained Tarleton 545 yards to 291 (of which 63 came on a game icing drive that consumed the final 6:58 of the game).

The Greyhounds were simply outplayed at Commerce.  They traded blows early, trailing just 13-9 early in the second quarter, but the Lions outscored ENMU 28-9 the rest of the half, taking a commanding 41-15 lead into the break.  Kamal Cass had his best game of the year, with 118 yards, but it wasn't nearly enough.

Can Angelo contain the ENMU running game?  Can ENMU slow down ASU's offense? Can Angelo hang on to the ball?  Gonna go with the Rams with a road win, ASU 31-28.



Volleyball Matchups
Some really big matches this week, specifically these

Tarleton State at Angelo State - TexAnns win 3-1, giving ASU it's third straight loss
WTAM at Tarleton State - tonight at 6:00
WTAM at Angelo State - tomorrow at 2:00


Also Friday night
TWU at TAMK
ENMU at Cameron
WNMU at Midwestern State
UTPB at Angelo State

Saturday
TAMC at TAMK
UTPB at Tarleton State
WNMU at Cameron
ENMU at Midwestern State



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