(Courtesy of MSU Athletics)

The LSC Festival did not disappoint. The first 2 games of the festival lived up to a lot of excitement. Bacone (NAIA) was completely out matched and out gunned by the ASU Rams. However, ENMU-MSU and WT-TSU really showed some exciting moments. Outside of the festival, we had the Javelinas hosting a group of Lions from Commerce, Texas. This game also proved to show some excitement, with the Javelinas really stepping up.

Typically, I don’t talk much about the LSC referees in the football games. This may be one of my first mentions of the zebra crews of the LSC in a posting. However, it just appears that through 3 weeks of games that I and many others have seen some terrible and troubling calls. These guys seem to be too flag happy at times and missing big glaring calls at other times. I have seen this in several games and not just 1 or 2 of them. I won’t go into the details on which specific games because there are too many and it would take too much time to look at each game.

It just feels like these guys need to calm down a little bit and watch what is going on a little more closely. I know they are not perfect and are human. I would say that ultimately most times the flags don’t reflect the end results of games; probably 9 out of 10 times it is not on officiating for end results. I do feel the need to say that it seems to be a little ridiculous at times with all the flags. More or less though, the losing team will have other problem areas that ultimately resulted in their loss and not just solely on officiating (e.g. fumbles, INTs, etc.).

We just have to remember, there are no instant replays in Division 2 Football and the flags can make a world of difference at any given time and can ultimately change the results of a game. Throughout the years, I have read several articles or seen games where Division 2 football referees have actually cost a team a game. I think it was several years back when this cost a team the game and actually a playoff bid (team name escapes me). The conference even went on record and actually apologized to the University for the bad call and I believe ended up firing the referee that made the call.

Heck, in 2014, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) sent Grand Valley State a letter of apology to Head Coach Matt Mitchell and Athletic Director Tim Selgo for 2 terrible (maybe even egregious) calls made in the game against Ohio Dominican, which caused the Lakers to lose 28-24, a game that they could or would have won if not for these calls (watched this game and it was a close one). In the letter, the GLIAC specifically acknowledged both calls being incorrect and that a letter of internal reprimand would be issued to the referee and the rest of the crew. Is the refereeing in the LSC getting to this point?

I certainly hope that the LSC is not moving in this direction…


Game of the Week: Final: Midwestern State 28 ENMU 24
This game lived up to the Game of the Week title. A heart-breaker for one team and a hard-fought win for the other. I watched this game closely, being that it was the Game of the Week. The Mustangs did a good job defensively holding ENMU to only 179 rushing yards. I thought Jeremy Buurma (rushing 88 yards, passing 197 yards) and the receivers of ENMU did a heck of a job stepping up and making some big plays. The Greyhounds actually had more passing yards than receiving yards (197-179). Strange for a triple option team like ENMU. Somehow or another, the Mustangs were able to overcome 3 turnovers to win the game in the final minutes of the 4th quarter with QB Quade Coward scampering for a 2 yard score to put them up with 21 seconds left on the game clock. My only conundrum with this game was that ENMU could have won this game if they had kicked field goals in two situations, once in the 3rd and once in the 4th quarters. The Greyhounds went for it on 4th down in both situations when they were at the MSU27 and MSU8. If they kick FGs, the score could have been ENMU 30-28. However, the turnover on downs may have been a deciding factor in this one. I’m sure the coaching staff had their reasons. Just an interesting thought.

Final: WT 52 Tarleton State 38
Before I get into this game, I want to give a shout out to Tarleton State Wide Receiver Bubba Tandy. Yep, that guy that wears #8 in a Texans jersey. Tandy took a big hit against WT and went out for the rest of the game. Unsure of his return and I won’t dive into the details, other than it was a big hit. Here is to a speedy recovery Bubba Tandy and we look forward to your return!
This was a game that everyone could expect when these two teams are on the field (a war and battle to the end). This game was all about momentum swings. WT went scoreless in the 1st and then scored 28 in the 2nd quarter. Tarleton struck first going up 14 in the 1st quarter; then, scored 21 in the 3rd and 0 in the 4th quarter. Momentum, momentum, momentum; wait, did I mention momentum. In the end, WT made more of the ‘big’ plays than the Texans could and took home the win. The yardage shows that the teams only had a total yardage difference of 2 yards. WT: 501 yard and TSU: 499 yards. The things that stood out were the WT rush defense (39 attempts for 172 yards by TSU) and the Tarleton passing game (3-57-2 for 327 passing yards). The end result? Tarleton’s 2 INTs and 1 fumble proved costly (1 INT returned for a TD, fumble returned to the TSU21); along with big passing plays by WT, inevitably took down the Texans. WT won this game in the 4th quarter.

Final: Angelo State 56 Bacone (NAIA) 0
Like I indicated last week, not much to say about this one. In my prediction I had more faith in the Bacone offense against the backups of Angelo State, which did not happen. This one was over at halftime with a 49 to 0 lead by Angelo State. During the half, Bacone requested to reduce the quarter time from 15 minutes to10 minutes. The Rams accepted the request; heck, it was 49 to 0 at halftime. Imagine if the Rams came back out and reciprocated that scoring in the 2nd half with 15 minute quarters. It could have been 98 to 0 or even worse…One take away was that several key players at the RB position finally obtained TDs. Why do I say that? Because, before this game, QB Kyle Washington accounted for every rushing TD and passed for the rest of the TDs. Byrd, Green, Middleton and Burtch all changed that on Saturday night. In fact, Kyle Washington only rushed once for 10 yards. Overall, a pretty disappointing game for the Saturday night game at Jerry World.

Final: Texas A&M Commerce 37 TX A&M Kingsville 17
Let me ask this: Did anyone expect this game to be tied halfway through the 3rd quarter? I sure as the heck didn’t. A strong 3rd quarter and score in the 4th quarter lifts the Lions over the Javs. Kingsville did great in the passing game and struggled running the ball, which isn’t surprising because Commerce has been solid in the rush defense (16th nationally in rushing defense with 80.3 yards per game). Both teams pretty much offset each other with turnovers at 2 apiece. Strange thing about this game? Texas A&M Commerce only passed the ball 22 times. Yea, I know…Strange for a Colby Carthel team. However, 3 passes went for scores, so that did not help the Javelina cause. The Javelinas also had 12 penalties for 94 yards, another problem that they have been working on. Richard Cooper and Theo Wofford both had huge days running the back. Cooper ranks #9 nationally in rushing yards per game (147.3). Surprise: Kingsville holding Commerce until the mid-3rd quarter.


Week 4 Previews and Predictions:


West Alabama (3-0) v. Texas A&M Kingsville (1-2), 7 p.m. Kickoff

Kingsville, TX, Javelina Stadium
Weather: High: 91 degrees Low: 68 degrees with east wind around 5 to 8 MPH
(40% chance of rain during the day)

GSC’s West Alabama will making their way over to Javelina Stadium to take on Texas A&M Kingsville.
As most can see on the records above, UWA is 3-0. However, the teams that they played have not been very impressive.

The Tigers almost lost to (0-2) Miles last week and trailed all game until late in the 4th quarter. They beat Miles 13-10 and all their points were scored in the 4th quarter. Overall, the Tigers have not looked impressive through 3 weeks of play. Most know them as a real contender in the Gulf South Conference. However, the tide may have turned with the changing of the guard when Head Coach Will Hall went to West Georgia.

Last week, UWA generated only 267 total yards (rush-108 pass-159). Defensively, their numbers look amazing; almost mind-boggling. However, we have to remember that they have not played any big foes (like UNA, Delta and Valdosta). The Tigers are no longer throwing the ball nearly as much as in years past (run attempts-122 pass attempts-77). Under Head Coach Brett Gilliland, the Tigers of West Alabama are more focused on the ground game but have balanced yardage between passing (596 yards) and rushing (568 yards).

For UWA, QBs Trent Thompson (34-55-2 427 pass yards, 4 TDs) and Dezmon Huntley (17-21-0 169 pass yards, 2 TDs) seem to be sharing some time with Thompson getting the majority of time between the two. Huntley is leading the team in rushing yards with 202 yards and 2 rushing TDs. RB Tyreek Hill leads in the receiving yards game with 196 yards and 2 TDs. Wide Receiver Randy Satterfield is close behind him with 151 receiving yards and 4 TDs. Defensively, the Line backing Corp are leading the team. However, it is hard to gauge the defense with the teams they have played. On paper, they have technically only give a TOTAL of 99 rushing yards.

Last week, the Javelinas looked good. These guys are unfortunately not yet ready to contend for a National Title but I like what I see. Here is what I saw last week: The Javelinas got to QB Harrison Stewart multiple times; the defense could not slow the Commerce running down enough to make a difference; the offense gave up 5 sacks and QB Myles Carr had good passing efficiency but 2 INTs hurts; the running game has somethings left to be desired; and the defense needs more pressure in the backfield against the run game. Overall, I thought the team played well with all things considered. However, they need to find ways to score points. Scoring 17 points per game in the LSC will not get you many victories. Time will tell if they can get their offensive going more this season. Bright spots: QB Myles Carr, RB Shawn Vasquez, WR Anthony Autry and WR Jordan Thomas.

Concluding thoughts: I look to see how the Javelinas rebound after last week’s loss. I would say the same with West Alabama’s close win last week against Miles, too. I’m looking for more from this Javelina defense and for a star to emerge. I have liked what I have seen out of LB Trevor Moses so far, but need to see more from this defense. Scoring points right now is the Javelinas issues. I think this week they put a few more points on the board and get a much needed win against West Alabama. I think this one will be a low scoring game.

Javelinas roll at home…

Prediction: Texas A&M Kingsville 20 West Alabama 17


(Courtesy of TX A&M Commerce Athletics)

Eastern New Mexico (2-1) v. #18 Texas A&M Commerce (2-1), 7:00 p.m. Kickoff

Commerce, TX, Memorial Stadium
Weather: High: 90 degrees Low: 64 degrees with northeast wind around 5 MPH, mostly clear

Commerce got in a small rut last week, until late in the 3rd quarter when they pulled away. The team decided to be dedicated to the run game (47 attempts) for almost the entire game. However, the capitalized on their few passing plays when it mattered most. I did think last week’s game was a little closer than I anticipated. However, it was a good game to watch.
One of the most impressive things that I have seen this year from the Lions is their ability to limit the turnovers. They have only 5 total turnovers through 3 games with only 1.6 turnovers per game. The rush defense has been unstoppable through 3 weeks, only allowing 2.2 yards per rush and a total of 241 yards. This will be interesting to see against a potent rushing offense in ENMU. It should be entertaining to watch if the Commerce rush defense can hold against the ENMU triple-option that is averaging 301.3 yards per game.
ENMU is coming into this game with a much-needed win. After losing late last week against Midwestern State, the Greyhounds will be looking to have success early against the Lions of A&M Commerce.

You can expect this from ENMU: run a lot and control the time of possession.

Honestly, ENMU should try to pass the ball more if they want to take control of this game and have a chance to win. Commerce is giving up 315 passing yards per game on average. This number may be a little skewed because of all the passing in the Delta State game. However, that is definitely a weakness for this ENMU team to try and exploit.

Let’s talk about some of the key individual offensive players for ENMU and TAMC.

TAMC’s Running Back Richard Cooper has really stepped into a major role this season. He currently leads the team in rushing with 442 yards and 3 TDs. Nationally, he ranks #9 in rushing yards per game (147.3) and #8 in total rushing yards. He provided some stability in the Lions running game. Let’s not forget Theo Wofford, though. He is also a major playmaker in the running game (246 yards, 2 TDs).

ENMU’s Running Back Kamal Cass has been the most successful back for the Greyhounds. However, they have 5 players over 100 plus rushing yards on the season. Cass ranks #24 in rush yards per carry with a 6.97 average.

What are some of the problem areas for these teams in this game?
ENMU: passing the ball and pass defense
TAMC: pass defense and penalties (104.67 per game)

The Greyhounds can really run the ball well. They were tripped up a little last week against Midwestern State and Commerce will be trying to implement the same strategy. Commerce will have to force ENMU out of their comfort zones and maximize on the big plays, while trying to keep their defense fresh. If Commerce keeps the same game plan from last week, the defense won’t be nearly as tired. ENMU will try to hold on to the ball the entire game if possible, Commerce has to limit their time of possession or their defense will get fatigued and start becoming susceptible.

Concluding Thoughts: MSU has a good run defense, and the certainly showed that last week. However, I think Commerce may have an even better run defense. ENMU will be their first big challenge to see if this true or false. The Lions are only giving up 80.3 rushing yards per game, currently. I think that they will be a real nightmare for this ENMU offense. Look for the Greyhounds to look for more options through the air this week. Can Buurma win a game with his arm?

I’ll take the Lions at home…

Prediction: Texas A&M Commerce 41 ENMU 27


(AFCA #25) Midwestern State (3-0) v. Tarleton State (0-2), 7:00 p.m. Kickoff

Wichita Falls, TX Memorial Stadium
Weather: High: 88 degrees Low: 64 degrees, partly cloudy.

I enjoyed watching this game last year and throughout the past several seasons. It always appears to be a great matchup and wonderful entertainment. These two schools are only about 135 miles from each other and a manageable driving distance. Last year, Midwestern barely edged the Texans 27-23 early in the season; however, the Texans got revenge and beat them 44-41 in the LSC playoffs. Tarleton beat the Stangs in 2013 by another close score of 27-24. In 2012, the Texans opened the season with Midwestern and won 20-17. For 4-straight games, these two teams have won by 3 or 4 points, such a small margin for the LSC standard offensive fire powers. This is why I truly believe this is one of the great matchups of the LSC. I put this one right up there with other big games that are instant classics. Yes, every LSC game is a classic, but I’m talking of the games like WT-ENMU (Wagon Wheel), Commerce-Kingsville (Chennault Cup), etc.

QB Quade Coward and Hagen Hutchinson are still sharing time in the Mustang offense. I thought Coward looked a little better, mainly because he ran the ball quite a bit last week (43 rushing yards, 1 TD). The Mustangs have not really had a running back emerge like a Keidrick Jackson or some of their past runners. They have an assortment of RBs carrying the work load on the offense. The defense appears to be the brought spot on this team; however, they are still giving up 303 yards per game on average. With absolutely no disrespect, I think the Mustangs are not quite there to being a top 25 ranked team in Division 2. They were put at #25 in the AFCA poll. I have watched them play several times and I am not quite convinced that they are quite there yet with how young this team is. The offense still has some kinks to work out and needs to find more ways to score.

Tarleton had a great offensive showing against WT last week and suffered with giving up the big play on several occasions throughout the game. They are now down with one of their best wide receivers in Bubba Tandy. Wideout Le’Nard Meyers had a good game, as well as, did Cooper Cole. The Texans certainly have the offensive firepower. They just need to find ways to make some more key stops and turnovers to help them out along the way. QB Zed Woerner had a good passing day with 327 yards but did give up some INTs along the way. He played well overall, though.

The key issued for Tarleton is that they are actually giving up more yardage than they are producing. They have given up 1,099 yards and their offense has generated 983 yards. This makes for a difficult task to win games down the stretch. However, this team is no slouch and will get back on track. The defense is just still the main cause for concern.

Concluding Thoughts: I think that points will be scored in this game and that this game will be a long hard fought drawn out win for whoever comes out on top. Midwestern is not the greatest passing team but they will need some it to help them win. Expect the records to be thrown out in this one as the TSU offense versus the MSU defense commences in a showdown!
Tarleton State finally gets in the win column with a great game from the offense.

Texans surprise the Mustangs in Wichita Falls…if history is doomed to repeat itself, I’ll take the Texans by 3.

Prediction: Tarleton State 34 Midwestern State 31


(Courtesy of West TX A&M Athletics and Manny Flores)

Game of the Week: #10 Angelo State (3-0) v. West Texas A&M (2-1), 5:00 p.m. Kickoff

Canyon, TX, Kimbrough Memorial Stadium
Weather: High: 82 degrees Low: 58 degrees; mostly clear with south southeast wind around 10 mph
WTAMU HOMECOMING

Angelo State will be welcomed to Canyon, Texas by a Homecoming crowd for the WT Buffaloes.
The Rams completely and utterly demolished Bacone last week in the final LSC Festival game. The Rams have had a pretty powderpuff schedule to date and have yet to have a real test.

That will likely change this week in Canyon.

I mentioned early on that before last week’s game, QB Kyle Washington had accounted for every TD for the Rams, either in the passing game or in the rushing game. It appears that he is taking the ball most times himself when it is close to the end zone. His biggest run comes on a 74 yards scamper against OPSU.
Overall, the offensive has soon a good share of balance this season (749 rushing yards and 991 passing yards). The Rams certainly can score on the offense, this will not be a problem at all.
They will certainly score points against WT.

The real surprise to me at the present time comes on the defensive side. The defense has only allowed a total of 347 rushing yards. The Rams have a stout defensive line that will look to challenge WT’s Geremy Alridge-Mitchell.

I am still skeptical about somethings with the Rams because the teams that they have played have a combined win-loss of (1-8). Ouch! Let’s get to the Coaches comments.

I was able to catch up with Angelo State Head Coach Will Wagner this week and here was our conversation:

Joe: What are your initial thoughts coming into this game?
Coach Wagner: Our kids are excited! WT is playing at a high level, we must be able to match it to have a chance this weekend.

Joe: What will be the offensive and defensive keys to defeating West Texas?
Coach Wagner: Offensively, we have to eliminate turnovers and maintain drives throughout the game. Defensively, we have to cause more turnovers and limit the big plays from WT.

Joe: Coach Wagner, you and I know that WT has been one of the LSC schools that Angelo State has struggled to win against over the past 5 or more seasons. What would a win over WT do for the Rams?
Coach Wagner: A win would allow us to stay in contention for the LSC title and add to our team’s confidence.

Joe: How do you feel that the defense has adjusted with coming into the 2015 season?
Coach Wagner: The defense has been playing well. Our goal each week is for us to continue to improve and play at a high level.

Joe: How excited is your team heading into this game playing their first LSC game of the season?
Coach Wagner: There is a lot of excitement with our team and how well we are playing. I hope that we can continue to improve and play at a high level each week.

Joe: Last question Coach; Kyle Washington has been looking really good this season, what are your thoughts on his play through 3 games?
Coach Wagner: Nothing that Kyle does surprises me. He is one of our hardest workers and does everything he can to improve his play and leadership of our team.

I was able to catch up with West Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Nesbitt this week at the WT Media Interviews and here was our conversation:

Joe: How does the team feel this week after a win over Tarleton?
Coach Nesbitt: They are excited. Last couple of weeks, we should be excited and get in and enjoy it. We have to make sure we are working hard and enjoy it when we are successful and feel that pain and sick feeling when you don’t win. We have had some players that have really stepped up for us to help in several phases of the game and we are excited about that.

Joe: What is the status of Ethan Brinkley starting at QB this week?
Coach Nesbitt: Ethan will start for us this week because of the ankle injury to Preston Rabb. We will see how Rabb goes. This no slight against Ethan, he is playing great and we will access things on a day-by-day basis and how things go with Rabb. We sure cannot complain about the way that Ethan is playing right now and how he is handling himself with the team and what he is doing at the line of scrimmage. Ethan is handling himself excellent right now. His success and work ethic certainly does surprise the coaching staff. He and Coach Lee are doing great work together every day and are getting prepared to play every day. Ethan is always watching film and taking notes and getting himself prepared to go out and play.

Joe: How solid are the Rams on the offensive side of the ball at every position?
Coach Nesbitt: Their quarterback play is really good right now. Kyle Washington is doing a great job, he’s the offensive player of the year and coming back to lead the team. The ASU receiver core looks really solid right now and they are playing very well at running back. They are a really mature group and they have a lot of talent and experience. This team knows how to win games. They have been to the playoffs now and you would assume that they really have that fever and taste to wanting to get back there. This is not a group that you can sit there and say; well we’ve had their number. This is a proven group and they want to win another conference championship.

Joe: What do you attribute to Running Back Geremy Alridge-Mitchell’s success in the WT running game?
Coach Nesbitt: First, he is in great physical shape and has worked hard at staying in shape the past few summers and springs; from lifting to running and staying conditioned. He has done a great job of taking care of his body the past several years with all the beatings he has gotten in running the ball in the LSC. Second, the steadiness of the offensive line has really helped. The guard and center positions have stayed constant throughout the past several seasons and that really allows us to stay consistent. Third, Geremy has a really good understanding of the flow of the game, which made for big success for him running the ball for us.

West Texas looked really good last week and that the offense has smoothed out a little more. Geremy Alridge-Mitchell went all out with 236 rushing yards and 3 TDs. Wide Receiver Word Hudson accumulated 129 receiving yards from QB Ethan Brinkley passing the ball. WT ranks #2 nationally in turnovers gain (11) and tied at #1 in passes intercepted. For as many yards that the defense gave up, they are sure taking the ball away, quite a bit. This secondary has looked good in the INT department. However, what was not impressive last week was this: 18 penalties for 227 yards. Surprisingly, the team prevailed with this many penalty yards. They definitely have some work cut out for them cleaning up their play in this area.

Concluding Thoughts: The analysis on this game are not as cut and dry as we all wish they would be. First, Angelo has not played an opponent with a winning record. Second, in 4 games, this will be WT’s 3rd ranked opponent. Third, Angelo is hungry to make a push back to the playoffs. Fourth, WT is playing at home. Fifth, Angelo knows that WT has beaten them for 9 straight seasons. Fifth, WT is banged up some. Sixth, Angelo State has Kyle Washington (arguably the best player in the LSC).

I think this come to whether the Angelo defense can slow down or stop the WT running game. The Angelo State defensive line has been playing very well and is one of their primary strengths. However, the Linebackers are a younger group for the Rams. This will also come down to if the WT defense can keep Kyle Washington in check. If Washington is allowed to do whatever he wants, he will run wild on the buffaloes and bring home the win. Like Coach Wagner mentioned, the Rams have to minimize the turnovers, which WT is really good at forcing this season like previously stated. If they can do that, this will be one that comes down to the wire. I see this being a real back and forth game.

In closing: For some reason or another, Angelo State just can never seem to beat West Texas for some reason or another. I believe WT has beaten Angelo State for like 9-straight seasons dating back to 2006.

WT, in Canyon, the trend continues this week.

The Buffs by 3…….

Prediction: West Texas A&M 45 Angelo State 42