Week 7 in the Lone Star Conference

This season of football continues to impress and not disappoint. I finally made it this time to a 4-0 week and did not miss out on any games this week. I move to 21-7 on the season for a 72% prediction rating. The craziness of the season will ramp up this week with Commerce and WT punching it out for conference supremacy.

For all of those that missed the Angelo-Commerce game, you missed one of the best games of the season. It was everything that we all thought it would be. Despite having 4 turnovers, the Commerce Lions eked out a win over the Rams on a great day of football. With the recent suspension of Joe Bergeron, Richard Cooper was looked at to carry the load in the backfield for the Lions. He stepped up and accumulated 132 rushing yards with an average of 5.5 yards per carry. A much needed run game was need for a balanced attack. Rollison came back after an injury and put up 388 yards threw the air to complement the play of Cooper and help lead the team to victory. I will continue to give to Angelo for not putting the ball on the ground. They are incredibly discipline at ball control. They have only had 4 turnovers on the season, with none of them being fumbles. For all of those that did not see or follow this game, the ending was such a heartbreaker for the Rams. The score at 41-40 in favor of Commerce, Angelo gets the ball at their 23 yard line with only 2:04 remaining in the game. Angelo methodically drives the ball down on Washington's arm. The Rams stall at the Commerce 30 with 4 yards to go for the 1st down and they elect to kick the field goal (47 yard attempt). The kick is missed wide left; however, there is an offside penalty on Commerce and Angelo gets a new set of downs. Washington continues to drive and gets all the way to the Commerce 15. With 4 seconds on the clock, the Rams lineup to kick a 32 yard field goal. The kick is up and it goes wide right; time expires and the Lions win the game. This is exactly how games should end. What a classic matchup between 2 stellar programs! Hats off to both of these great teams for going the distance.

Javelina Head Coach David Calloway relieved of duties
For those of you who haven't heard, Head Coach David Calloway has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately. Coach Calloway has been with the Texas A&M Kingsville Javelinas for 8 seasons and was in his 2nd season as head coach. Coach Calloway was the successor to Coach Atterbury, serving as the Defensive Coordinator under Atterbury and being the mind behind the potent defense. Wehope for the best for Coach Calloway and his future.

Thoughts around the LSC:

-Angelo State falls in a heartbreaker; but these Rams are a talented team.

-ENMU annihilates the WarHawks; still waiting to see a spark like last season's team.

-Midwestern State was shut down by the WT defense and could only get 72 yards passing.

-McMurry had trouble from the get-go last week and now has to deal with the Mustang defense.

-Tarleton scored 80 points on the Javelinas. Enough said...

-Texas A&M Commerce has talent but can they survive without Joe Bergeron who averages 81 yds/gm?

-Texas A&M Kingsville loses a coach, a game where 80 points were scored on them;what comes next?

-West Texas A&M looked good last week but the Midwestern passing game doesn't compare to the Lions.

　

J
Strangely enough, the rankings will remain unchanged this week. This week will see the #1 team going against the #2 team. They will lay it all on the line this weekend.
  1. [*=left]Texas A&M Commerce (5-1) (4-0The Lions overcame the odds last week with having 4 turnovers last week and 3 of them coming off Rollison in the form of interceptions, as well as, having a fumble in the end zone that turned into a safety. The fourth fumble came on a special teams play. 3 of the turnovers were converted in to touchdowns by Angelo and 1 was converted into a field goal. Ultimately, the Lions field goal late in the 4th quarter helped Commerce win, with Angelo missing their field goal in the final seconds. This should illustrate just how much fire power that the Lions have to be able to come back and win with 4 turnovers, a safety and missing a field goal. They will need to play better this week as they welcome the fire hot Buffaloes of West Texas.
    [*=left]West Texas A&M (4-2) (3WT comes into this game on a 4-game win streak and has looked great in their last 4 contests. Preston Rabb has shown improvement at the QB position and will be looking to air it out this week. He has had really good pass percentages in the past 4 games and continues to show he is the leader of the offense. The buffs have shown good balance on the offense and really played a full game last week with Midwestern. Last week, Geremy Alridge-Mitchell looked good running the ball and was dragging people to the end zone on him. The defense still needs a few adjustments but they are pretty much equal in the pass defense and rush defense on the amount of yards that they are giving up. The Buffs have a tough road trip down to Commerce, can they put themselves up for the LSC title with all the departures of the players last season?
    [*=left]Angelo State (3-2) (2-2Angelo comes off a loss that came down to the wire and walked away with nothing. The Rams pushed and fought hard. The only concern that I have was that they should have won with the Lions turning the ball over 4 times and getting a safety on the Lions. The Rams cashed in on every turnover but still came up short in the game. The Rams couldn't quite stop the Lions potent passing game and it cost them in the end. This is still and will continue to be a good Rams team. Definitely, one of the best I have seen in the LSC, since the arrival of Wagner. The Ram's season is not over yet. No one has blown this team out of any game. They are there every game. They still have to contend with ENMU and Tarleton State for a top 4 spot in the LSC playoff.
    [*=left]Midwestern State (3-2) (2-2MSU started on a 3-game winning streak and now convert to a 2-game skid. This is a tough year in the LSC for every team, without a doubt. The Mustangs have several good things going but cannot afford to get off-track anymore this season with having Commerce on the schedule still. The passing woes of Glover and the Midwestern offense definitely came into play in the loss to West Texas. The offense only could generate 79 passing yards against the WT secondary. Glover only completed 8 passes. The lack of balance and good play by the WT secondary stuck out like a soar thumb and the Buffs had control the whole way. The Stangs will need to focus on the passing games to make the necessary adjustments moving forward.
    [*=left]Tarleton State (2-3) (2-2We thought the Texans were down and out. All of a sudden, there is 80 points on the scoreboard. They accumulated 43 First Downs, 644 offensive yards and 80 points. One of the worst beatings against Kingsville in their entire history. Before the Javelina game, the Texans were on a 3-game skid. Hopefully this win will help them get some momentum and back on the right track. They could win out but they still have to get through a tough ENMU team this weekend in the Draw. There hasn't been two many deficiencies about this Texan team, except that they haven't had enough fire power to win several games. The defense has played pretty well. The Texans will need to take it one game at a time from here on out. And yes, they could win out but it won't be easy.
    [*=left]Eastern New Mexico (4-2) (2-2) - ENMU has not been quite the dominant force that it was in the later part of the season last year. The Hounds went to Abilene last week and took down the WarHawks with considerable ease. This team may be closer to the bottom but there is not that much separation between them and the top team.The Hounds will end their schedule on a tough stretch with Tarleton, Angelo and WT. This will prove if they can handle the gauntlet. I expect they will drop at least 2 of the 3 and maybe all 3. Let's see if they can prove me wrong.
    [*=left]McMurry(2-3) (1-3) - Like I stated last week, Jeret Smith is a really good receiver and is among the top of the LSC receivers. McHugh does a great job on getting the ball to him. The only problem is that he is the only major firepower on the offense. The run game is still not accumulating hardly any yards and forces the McMurry offense to go to Jeret Smith. Eventually, teams catch on to this and then it is all over for the WarHawks. Their end of the season is brutal: Midwestern, Tarleton and Commerce.
    [*=left]Texas A&M Kingsville (1-4) (0-4What does one say about the Javelinas after last week's game and the loss of a head coach? Change is needed. I doubt anything will happen this season but maybe their will be some signs of life before the season is out. I just don't see them beating Angelo, Midwestern or WT. Sorry Javelina fans.



Week 7 Previews and Predictions:

This coming week features several good contest and a game with title implications on the line.

Texas A&M Kingsville (1-5) v. Angelo State (3-2), Saturday, 7 p.m. Kickoff
Kingsville, TX, Javelina Stadium

The Javelinas were sent home last week in embarrassment and it may have lead to the dismissal of head coach David Calloway. Kingsville has changed QBs multiple times and have not gotten anything going this year, including their win over Mesa. While on the other side, Angelo has been battling out for the LSC title and bragging rights in the LSC. The Rams still have not fumbled the ball but have just not had the edge against WT or TAMC, partially because their secondary has been suspect at times. The Rams can play and beat anyone. Look for the Rams to get some good running in this week as the Javs are giving up 225 yards per game and have given up 19 rushing TDs.

Unfortunately, for Kingsville the Rams are coming off a very close loss to Commerce and will be looking to be getting back in the win column. Should be lots of fireworks in this one but only on the Angelo State Rams side of the ball. The Javelinas struggle and Angelo gets a lop-sided win.

Prediction: Angelo State 48 Texas A&M Kingsville 17


McMurry(2-3) v.Midwestern State (3-2), 8 p.m. Kickoff
Wichita Falls, TX MemorialStadium

The Warhawks were dominated by ENMU last week with all of it starting with Seth Bailey's interception for a TD. This week they will be facing another run game that is one of the best in the league and will be looking for a much-needed win. The Mustang defense has been pretty steady this year but last week gave up 505 yards to WT. They couldn't pass to help save themselves or the game might have been closer. They will have their work cut out for them against the talented passing attack from Abilene; but, the Stangs should move the ball easily on the McMurry defense that has not seemed to stop anyone yet this season. The WarHawk defense has had trouble stoping the run and is giving up 224 yards per game, while Midwestern is rushing for 246 yards per game.

Look for the Mustangs to score on the majority of their drives but struggle on completely stopping the pass. McMurry will score some points. However, it just won't be enough to win. Mustangs rebound with a win at home and roll on to welcome the Commerce Lions to Wichita Falls, next week.

Prediction: Midwestern State 42 McMurry24

Tarleton State (2-3) v. Eastern New Mexico (4-2), 7 p.m. Kickoff
Portales, NM Blackwater Draw

The Hounds had a very convincing win against McMurry last week. I was honestly surprised how much ENMU dominated McMurry. I figured that the WarHawk offense would have had a lot more success with their passing game. That apparently wasn't the case as the Hounds held them to 271 yards and 80 rushing yards, while ENMU had 426 rushing yards! ENMU has been a little up and down this season. One item that still stands out is their defense. The rush defense has only given up a total of 333 yards through 6 games (55.5 yards per game); however, the passing game has given up a significant amount of yards (1,743 yards). Yes, it is hard to be truly balanced on defense but the passing defense is definitely not keeping passing teams in check. Tarleton comes into the Draw looking to prove their worth to the LSC. I know Coach Fowler didn't anticipate going on a 3-game skid but now he has his plate full trying to get this team winning and a good spot in the LSC. He did a good job last week with the domination of Kingsville. This should be a good game. I just think that the Texans have a little more firepower and than ENMU.

The Texans will keep a balance game plan and try to put it into high gear with the accelerator down against the dangerous Hounds that can sneak up and get anyone. Texans roll on this week with a win but will not score 80 points on the Hounds.

Prediction: Tarleton State 42 ENMU 28


Game of the Week : West Texas A&M (4-2) v.Texas A&M Commerce (5-1), 7 p.m. Kickoff
Commerce, TX, Memorial Stadium

Well, the Colby Carthel team coached Lions versus the old team has come around for the 2nd year. What a remarkable turnaround for the Lions. The Commerce fans definitely have a lot more to talk about nowadays with a team they can be proud of. Not to take anything away from the coaches of the past but the Lions have been down for a long time.

I will be taking the road trip from my home in Amarillo, Texas to see this showdown in person. The television view of the game won't cut it for me this week as I need to view it in real life. Hopefully, I get to see several of you D2Football Lion message board posters this weekend at the game.

I was able to catch up with Coach Colby Carthel and get some comments about the team this great matchup. "Coach Carthel:
Deric Davis played so well when he needed to step-up. I asked Coach Carthel about Deric and if he will continue to be a factor, as well as the play of Running Back Richard Cooper. "Coach Carthel:

"Coach Carthel: I think this game has (1990 was the last LSC title won by the East Texas State Lions)."


Both of these teams are very talented and extremely athletic. I think they are about equal in the talent department and team speed. Where is the ***** in the armor? Who is coming out on top?

I think this games comes down to the turnovers and the secondary that can come up with a few more plays than the other team. I also expect lots of pressure coming off the defensive line coming straight for both quarterbacks all game long.

West Texas is giving up quite a bit less passing yards on the defensive side of the ball compared to the Lions (WT-1,335 yards//TAMC-1,775 yards). It appears that the Buffaloes may have a slight advantage when it comes to defending the pass and that will need to come into play this week for them to have a chance. However, the WT rush defense is giving up quite a few rushing yards and may be exposed if not careful.

The biggest standout for both teams is the turnovers. Commerce has turned the ball over 13 times compared to WT's 8 times. I know for a fact that if the Lions turnover the ball 4 times this week, they won't walk out with a win against West Texas. If the Buffs can knock Rollison off a little bit they could win it. If the Lions can get a lot of pressure on Rabb, he may be forced to run and have pressure on his game. The duel of the Quarterbacks begins on Saturday. RABB v. ROLLISON.
Expect a shootout in this game. They will throw it all out with the kitchen sink.

I'll give a slight advantage to the Buffs because theyhave looked a little better in the turnover battle and the game last week for the Lions almost cost them because of it. The Buffs appear to be playing better as of late. Buffs win in a nail bitter...

Prediction: West Texas A&M 45 Texas A&M Commerce 42



Super Region 4 Games - The Fans Vote

Ohio Dominican v. Ferris State - ODU 13 votes (62%) and Ferris 8 votes (38%) - Fan's pick to win: Ohio Dominican.
My instinct tells me that Ferris will win this game. Vander Laan is a beast and no one has stopped him yet. It's like watching a tight end playing quarterback. This is the biggest GLIAC game of the season.

Michigan Tech v. Grand Valley State - GV 16 votes (72%) and MT 6 votes (28%) - Fan's pick to win: Grand Valley State.
My thoughts are that the D2 fans are right about this one. MT has not played anyone yet. While GV has played stiff competition.

Chadron State v. Colorado State Pueblo - CSUP 11 votes (55%) Chadron 9 votes (45%) - Fan's pick to win: CSUP
Toss-up in my mind. No one knows where CSUP went and if they will return to there original self.