LSC Football Fans-

Sorry for the delay in my post but that is what a 60 plus hour work week does to a person.


Week 3 Previews and Predictions:


Oklahoma Panhandle State (1-1) v. Western New Mexico (0-2), Noon Kickoff

Silver City, NM

The WNMU Mustangs welcome the OPSU Aggies to Silver City, New Mexico on Saturday. This will be OPSU’s 3rd straight road game, as they have traveled to 3 state in 3 games: Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico.

For WNMU, the offense has struggled over 2 weeks of play, only scoring a total of 16 points. The offense has 120 rushing yards and 391 passing yards for the season. The bright spots for the offense came in the 4th quarter last week with 13 points. QB Javia Hall is leading the team with 299 passing yards with 2 TDs and 3 INTs. His favorite target is Wideout Xavier Ayers (134 yards). The defense has given up 975 total yards in 2 contests, as they attempt to slow down their opponents. The rush defense has given up 658 rushing yards to opposing teams.

For OPSU, they are coming off one of their biggest wins in school history and their first over an FCS opponent. That was accomplished on some late scoring passes from QB Shane Truelove. The offense is scoring 20 points per game, off 2 FCS opponents. That makes things a little more difficult to calculate for a Division 2 opponent. QB Shane Truelove has already passed for 447 yards with 4 TDs for the Aggies and made the late rally last week to pull out the win. The rushing game has struggled, as they attempt to remain balanced. The Aggies have an overall 170 rushing yards, with no rushers over the century mark. The defense has already given up 1,000 plus yards to their first 2 opponents; however, that comes at playing a ranked FCS opponent and another FCS opponent.
Game Analysis: I look at the offensive struggles of WNMU in this game. The Mustangs have not been able to get a good rythem in either game and still are looking for their stride. OPSU has been getting it down offensively and has surprised us with their offensive play against their FCS foes. Look for OPSU to put up quite a few passing yards on the Mustangs.

Aggies take this one in their 3rd straight road game.

Prediction: OPSU 38 Western New Mexico 21


#11 Texas A&M Commerce (1-0) v. Eastern New Mexico (1-1), 2:00 p.m. Kickoff
Portales, NM

Commerce will travel again for their 2nd straight week to New Mexico and take on the ENMU Greyhounds.
The Lions got their season going right last week with a quality win over GSC’s Delta State. The Lions put up 322 passing yards for 2 TDs, along with an 87 yard rushing attack from Richard Cooper and his 2 rushing TDs. The biggest highlight came from a 17-23 passing attempt/completions from QB Luis Perez with no INTs. The turning point was definitely the 3 INTs from the Lions Secondary (that was thrown at 52 times). That was the difference maker.

The Lions have looked really good through 2 games. Last week the secondary gave up 275 passing yards with a bend but don’t break effort, giving up zero passing TDs. QB Luis Perez and RB Richard Cooper are two guys to watch in this Lions offense. Perez’s passing completion percentage and pass proficiency has impressed me the most from the offense. The offensive line has been giving Perez sufficient time in the pocket to make the necessary passes. Overall, the Lions appear to be the top team and the team to beat in the LSC.

ENMU’s Running Back Kamal Cass is definitely a front-runner for LSC RB of the year. He is averaging 190 rushing yards per game, with 381 total rush yards and 4 TDs. RB D’Maujeric Tucker and RB Tayshaun Gary are right behind him with a combined total of 308 rushing yards. The passing game has not been able to get back to where Buurma was but they continue to try and have some passing attempts each game. The big issue for the Hounds in 2 games has been the secondary, giving up 575 passing yards and 6 passing TDs. The overall defense has given up 844 total yards.

Like usual, the Greyhounds are really running the ball well. They are having to rely more on it this season than last season, with Buurma’s quality passing game that was needed from time to time to keep team’s guessing. However, the passing is just not there this season, so far. In order to turn some things in the right direction, it starts with the secondary and the passing game.

Game Analysis: TAMC has looked sharp and solid through two games. ENMU has struggled early but has the best rushing attack in the conference. The Commerce rush defense will need to be fearless against Cass and the rushing Hounds of ENMU.

I’ll take the Lions on the road...

Prediction: Texas A&M Commerce 42 ENMU 31


Angelo State (1-1) v. Tarleton State (0-2), 7:00 p.m. Kickoff

Stephenville, TX

Angelo State and Tarleton State both had an intriguing end to both of their out of conference contests. Unfortunately, one team prevailed with a trip overtime win; while, TSU fell on a FG by SBU in the final moments of the game. Just like that, both teams struggled with their non-LSC games and head into a difficult conference schedule.

The Rams have had both of their first games in hand; however, their game against McKendree slipped away in the 2nd half. Watching the game, it felt that the QB play and switching in and out the QBs contributed to possibly the end results. In the recent matchup against Northern Michigan, the Rams mostly utilized QB Jake Faber. The big difference in game 1 and game 2 for the Rams is the reliance upon the rushing game. Against NMU, the Rams ran 58 time compared to 32 pass attempts. The biggest concern for Angelo State is the turnovers; in 2 games, they have turned the ball over 9 times. It amazes me that they were able to pull a win with that type of turnover margin. They have to protect the ball to be able to improve each week. Their schedule gets even more difficult from here. The team has a good balance with 293 rush yards and 408 pass yards. However, I’ll repeat my previous point; it’s hard to win games with so many turnovers. A bright spot is RB Josh Stevens, who has accumulated 159 rushing yards with 1 TD.

Tarleton had such a letdown last week as the 23 yard SBU field goal sailed through the uprights with only 9 seconds remaining in the game. The Texans had a great offensive outing last week; but were out gained by Southwest Baptist in an offensive game that combined for 944 total yards. QB Zed Woerner played well with 24 for 35 in completions for 3 TDs and 257 passing yards. He was accompanied by standout performances from RB Joseph Sadler (101 rush yards) and WR Bubba Tandy (89 receiving yards, 1 TD).
As we all knew, the TSU defense was going to be an uphill battle with their struggles, as they have already given up 1,118 total yards. The big surprise is that the Texans offense has only generated 528 total yards. I fully expected them to have 250 more yards than they have now; however, McNeese has a really good defense.

Game Analysis: These two teams have their own separate set of issues that they are dealing with early in the season. Several of those have been major adjustments coming into the season. I expect another great matchup between these two teams.

Angelo State edges out...

Prediction: Angelo State 42 Tarleton State 35


West Texas A&M (1-1) v. UT-Permian Basin (2-0), 7:00 p.m. Kickoff (EPSN3)

Midland, Texas

The UTPB Falcons have started their initial season with a 2-0 mark. The opponents may have not been the top ranked teams in the country; but, confidence is need for a new program. I believe that was the goal heading into the season. Build confidence and team cohesion with a young ball club.

QB Kameron Mathis has played well through his first 2 collegiate games at UTPB, going 47-82 in pass completions for 531 passing yards with 5 TDs. He will be the leader of this young team, as other look to him to make those necessary plays to keep the drives going for the offense. In the running game, RB Brandon Infiesto has played exceeding well in his outing. He has totaled 189 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 37 attempts (5.1 average). The defense has been a little suspect with the opponents that they have played (giving up 878 total yards). They will need to work on the secondary as they have given up 504 yards. Additionally, the turnovers will play a big role if they continue to average 2.5 turnovers a game.

If you were to tell me that WT would be 1-1 heading into week 3, I probably would have believed it. However, I didn’t think that they would beat CSUP for a 2nd straight season and lose to Azusa for a 2nd straight season. History must be doomed to repeat itself. After seeing Azusa beat a ranked Humboldt State in week 2, I would have to offer up respect that they are better than most anticipated. I suspect that they will make the NCAA Playoffs if they can keep up their level of play.
The WT secondary has been absolutely stellar. At the current rate, they may be (if not are) the best secondary unit in the nation. Who would could believe that the WT defensive secondary has only given up 160 passing yards in 2 games? I’m shocked, as are many others. Additionally, they have 3 INTs to go with their strong pass defense. The rush defense has given up 402 rushing yards (563 total); not amazing but decent. Here is the kicker: the defense is better than the offense. This is such an unusual aspect to this Buffalo team. The offense has only gained 571 total yards with 429 coming in the air and 142 on the ground. The high-powered scoring offense may be a thing of the past. However, teams can still win that are not high-powered offenses.

Overall, I believe that we have not seen the full potential out of the Buff running attack with RB Devon Paye (162 rush yards, 1 TD).

Game Analysis: Every time that I think I know this WT team (who I watch the most because I live in Amarillo) they turn out to surprise me in one way or another. I expect this game against UTPB to be a good game and a real test for the Falcons; however, I just don’t think that UTPB is up to par with the rest of the LSC yet.
Buffaloes roll on...

Prediction: West Texas A&M 34 UTPB 20


Game of the Week: #10 Midwestern State (2-0) v. Texas A&M Kingsville (2-0), 7:00 p.m. Kickoff

Kingsville, TX, Javelina Stadium

This is the first real big LSC game of the year. Last week, we saw a great game of Commerce versus Delta State.
The Javelinas look to be rolling and making waves, while Midwestern appears to be taking care of business like they always have.
I would expect a big crowd in Kingsville at this contest, as they will need the home atmosphere to give them the extra advantage.
The Mustangs are a young team that is coming off a bye week to face an improved Kingsville team that awaits their arrival.
For Midwestern State, QB Quade Coward is the player to watch and leader of this Mustang offense. In game 1, he threw for 295 yards and helped lead the way for the Mustangs last season and on into the playoffs. His favorite target has been the Mustangs #1 receiver in Statron Jones (9 catches, 120 yards). Like usual, the MSU rushing attack is sharing the load amongst each other, totaling 177 combined rushing yards between: Adrian Seales, Vincent Johnson, Dante Taylor and QB Quade Coward. Also, let’s not forget this defense as they are always a quality unit each year. Against Truman, the defense only gave up 255 total yards. Expect them to be the best defense that the Javelinas have played to date. The Mustang Secondary will most definitely be tested against QB Myles Carr.

For Texas A&M Kingsville, QB Myles Carr and WR Anthony Autry are the most improved players coming into this season for the Javelinas. Carr is showing a significant amount of confidence in his passing game, especially the deep ball to Autry and throwing it to Jordan Thomas. His throwing almost looks like night and day from last season. I would not be surprised if Autry had a breakout season and landed the Wide Receiver of the Year. He is clearly a major factor for the Javelinas and will test all LSC secondaries each and every week. The RBs for Kingsville with Greg Pitre and Luis Lopez are great attributes for this high-powered offense. In 2 games, RB Greg Pitre has looked really good being the lead rusher and starting RB for the team. We should expect to see some big contributions from him in this game.

Game Analysis: I have really thought about this game all week; going back and forth on each team’s strength and weaknesses. Maybe it makes me a little crazy to have these debates in my head about LSC football or am I just an avid fan and observer...Here is what I think will happen: I believe this game will be back and forth between scoring from each team’s offense. I think it ultimately comes down to the 4th quarter and a few things working out for one team

In closing: Kingsville looks stacked and to be a stellar team. They are the sleeper in the LSC.
Mustangs headed to Kingsville.
The Javelinas by 4…….


Prediction: Texas A&M Kingsville 35 Midwestern State 31