Current Super Regions:

SR1
CIAA, MEC, NE-10 & PSAC
SR2
GSC, SAC & SIAC
SR3
GAC, GNAC, NSIC & MIAA
SR4
LSC, GLIAC, RMAC & GLVC

The changes ultimately come down to these variables (which are not being met in the current setup):
  • Equal Teams amongst Regions
  • Geography of the Regions (Conferences located fairly close to each other)

These are the main ones that have been the big factors. The current regions range from 30 football schools to regions with 49 schools. The goal is to get as close across the board in number of teams per region. Second, geography is a big concern because the NCAA pays for travel in the NCAA playoffs and the schools pay for it during the regular season. You may recall they did change the driving distance to 600 mile for school destinations in championship policy, instead of the previous 500. Additionally, they have also added 7 teams to each region playoffs, for a total of 28 teams in the NCAA playoffs this year.

See article for full details: http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/division-ii-championships-committee-supports-new-seeding-model-men-s-basketball-elite-eight

There have been some speculation that the NCAA desired separating the supposed elite conferences (MIAA, NSIC, GSC, GLIAC) into separate regions. However, I am not sure that this was the highest priority in their needs/wants.

Here is what the future holds for the LSC in regards to the proposed regions changes:

SR1
GMAC (new forming conference), MEC, NE-10 and PSAC
SR2
GSC, SAC, SIAC & CIAA
SR3
GAC, GLIAC, GLVC & MIAA
SR4
LSC, RMAC, GNAC & NSIC

Super Region 4 is not awful; but, we get a little shafted in the travel department. However, talking with several coaches. They desire equal teams amongst the bar and can handle travel. They state that they realize when it comes down to the NCAA playoffs that traveling long distances almost cannot be helped.




With the new alignment, just get ready to start traveling to Minnesota and the Rockies. It does get awfully cold up there. Most of the LSC knows the GNAC after being aligned with them in the previous regions and we are currently aligned with the RMAC. The NSIC consists of these teams (16 total): Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota State, Sioux Falls, Augustana, Bemidji State, Concordia-St. Paul, Mary, Minnesota-Crookston, Minot State, MSU Moorehead, Northern State, Southwest Minnesota, St. Cloud, Upper Iowa, Wayne State (Neb.) and Winona State. [Lots of well-known Division 2 Football Teams]

The Division II Management Council will vote on the realignment model in October and, if approved, the model will take effect in September 2017.
I would expect this to become a reality very soon.



  1. Eastern New Mexico (2-2) (0-2) - ENMU played close with Commerce last week and even took the lead near the end of the 3rd quarter. However, the 4th was all Lions. The greyhounds have been in every game that they have played this season. A few things here and there for them and they are just as easily 4-0. It has been a strong showing for this team and I expect them to still make a push throughout the season. They just need to find a way to win those close games. Hounds set to play Javelinas this week. Hounds are #8 nationally in rushing offense: 290.3 yards per game.


Week 5 Previews and Predictions:


Texas A&M Kingsville (1-3) v. Eastern New Mexico (2-2), 4 p.m. Kickoff

Portales, NM, Blackwater Draw Greyhound Stadium
Weather: High: 74 degrees Low: 50 degrees with southeast wind around 10 to 15 MPH
(50% chance of showers and thunderstorms)



ENMU is a few plays away from being undefeated. They have really struggled in winning those close games this season (Midwestern, Commerce). Buurma has played well throughout the season and looked good last week. The Hounds already have 1,161 rushing yards this season and will easily double that before it is all said and done. Buurma has yet to throw an INT in 63 attempts.



Prediction: ENMU 38 Texas A&M Kingsville 21


#17 Texas A&M Commerce (3-1) v. Tarleton State (0-3), 7:00 p.m. Kickoff
Stephenville, TX, Memorial Stadium
Weather: High: 79 degrees Low: 57 degrees with northeast wind around 5 MPH, partly cloudy



QB Stewart is getting 255.75 yards passing per game and has only thrown 2 INTs all season. Overall, this is a good team offensively. I still think their struggles are in the secondary; but, they do have 6 picks on the season.

The Lions defense will be pushed to the test with a good TSU offense. Expect a lot of yards and scoring from the Lions this week.
Looking at Tarleton, has this team fallen to the wayside? Are they doomed to go winless? I know Cary Fowler is over there scheming to utilize everyone on this team.







Prediction: Texas A&M Commerce 65 Tarleton State 35


Game of the Week: (AFCA #20) Midwestern State (4-0) v. #10 Angelo State (4-0), 7:00 p.m. Kickoff
San Angelo, TX, LeGrand Stadium
Weather: High: 88 degrees Low: 58 degrees with east wind around 5 to 10 MPH, partly cloudy

The only unbeaten teams in the Lone Star Conference will face off this weekend.

I stated that I would be heading down from Amarillo, TX to San Angelo to catch this game in live action. I am expecting to see a great game between Midwestern State and Angelo State.

I see it pretty much it like this, 2 men enter, 1 man leave. This has conference title implications on the line, as well as, vying for a playoff spot.

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

Joe: What are your thoughts about last week's game performance?
Coach Wagner: I thought it was one of our best overall team performances. Other than the punt return, I thought we played very well in all phases of the game. Our defense played lights out and carried the team in the 2nd half when the offense was struggling to find the end zone.

Joe: What will be the offensive and defensive keys to defeating Midwestern State?
Coach Wagner:
Defensively we have to continue to stop the run and put pressure on the QB. Winning the turnover battle will be vital this week.

Joe: How did the team feel breaking the losing streak against West Texas?
Coach Wagner:

Joe: The defensive line was relentless last week, what are your thoughts about their play this season?
Coach Wagner: I was proud of how well they played. We challenged them all week that they had to create a new LOS and limit the Mitchell kid. It was awesome watching them play at a high level. The great thing about those kids is that they were not satisfied from their performance. They felt like they left some more sacks and tackle for losses out there.

Joe: The offense looks to be clicking very well, what are your thoughts on their overall play?
Coach Wagner: The offense continues to get better each week. Our guys are working hard each week to correct their mistakes and be the top offense in the country.

Joe: Clayton Callicutt looked like he was living in the backfield last week, please give your thoughts on his play this season?
Coach Wagner: Clayton has put in a lot of hard work to get to this point. He is a great leader and plays at a high level each week. Clayton strives each and every day to make himself better along with his teammates. What he has done so far this season is no surprise to our staff and his teammates.

I was able to catch up with Midwestern State Head Coach Bill Maskill this week and here was our conversation:

Joe:
Coach Maskill: I am pleased at how much we improved from week 3 to week 4. This helped propel in the game and the offense came alive. We had a lot more production offensively than we have seen all season. We were able to limit the turnover, overcame a blocked punt and a big kickoff return. We actually had several TDs called back last week, due to penalties.

Joe: What will be the offensive and defensive keys to defeating Angelo State?
Coach Maskill: Offensively, we have to protect the Quarterback and the football, as well as, have success agasint their very good defensive front. Defensively, we cannot give up the big plays; we have to stop Kyle Washington because he makes their offense go. They have really good running backs, a good offensive line. We absolutely have to limit them moving the ball.

Joe: How does it feel having this much success with such a young team?
Coach Maskill: To begin the season, we had 37 players that had never seen action in a college football game; about half of our team. I really like this team because of their attitude and great work ethic. They are getting out there and putting the work in and have fun at the same time. These kids are very excited to play.

Joe: What are your thoughts about using dual quarterbacks and do you have a certain way that you are using them (Hutchinson and Coward)?
Coach Maskill:

Concluding Thoughts:
This looks to be a classic in the making. MSU had their biggest offensive game last week and Angelo looked unbeatable against WT. Does this come down to the defenses? I think so. My concern is can Midwestern State stop Angelo in their tracks? Keys to this game: Can MSU stop Washington? Can the Angelo state offensive have success against a good MSU defense? Can MSU have good offensive production against the Angelo Defensive Line?

In order to have success in this one: limit turnovers and move the ball.
Angelo State rolls at home and stays perfect.

The Rams in a good one!

Prediction: Angelo State 34 Midwestern State 24