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Week 4 Previews and Predictions:





Western New Mexico (1-2) v. UT-Permian Basin (2-1), 7:00 p.m. Kickoff

Odessa, Texas

The UTPB Falcons and Mustangs of Western New Mexico get underway this evening in a quality matchup. These are 2 LSC newcomers that will go at it for the first time, as they try to assert who is the better LSC team.



On the other side, the Falcons had their fair of issues last week against the WT secondary, as Mathis and Coots could only muster a combined total of 145 passing yards with 1 TD and 3 INTS. QB Kameron Mathis has a 52.8% completion percentage with 5 TDs and 605 passing yards for the season. They faced their first big test against a good LSC defense and it showed that they still have some adjustments and improvements to make as the season continues. There are no surprises here. RB Brandon Infiesto is averaging 5.1 yards per rush (249 total, 2 TDs). I believe he will play a vital role in this game, as the WNMU Mustangs are giving up 281.3 rushing yards per game. Watch for UTPB DE Diego Assad, who has looked really good for this defense and must put some pressure on Javia Hall to get him to make a mistake or bring him down for a loss. Assad is already at 3.5 sacks and 6 TFLs on the year for the Falcons.

I really do like this matchup and it will tell us almost everything that we need to know about both of these LSC teams that are in their first season with the conference. We should have a pretty good idea on where they are going to fall against LSC opponents after this game.

Game Analysis: This game really comes down to the defenses. Both have seen their fair of struggles in 3 games. On paper, the WNMU have seemed to have some difficulties getting to the QB s they only have 5 team sacks and 4 QB hurries. I think that could be a bad thing for trying to take on the UTPB passing game. However, if these UTPB Falcons want any chance to win this game, I believe that RB Infiesto is the key to their strategy. He is playing well and WNMU has a hard time against a good rushing attack (as we saw against ENMU). The UTPB secondary will have to play better than last week or it will be their doom again this week, as well.


Prediction: WNMU 47 UTPB 24


Oklahoma Panhandle State (1-2) v. #9 Midwestern State (2-0), 7 p.m. Kickoff

Wichita Falls, TX

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For OPSU, they are looking to improve their defense as it has several early season struggles. Now, they have played some FCS teams that more than likely inflate those numbers; however, there is still an issue in the defense, especially the secondary. Giving up 490.7 total yards per game does not win very many games, if any. QB Shane Truelove has been the standout this season, maybe trying to do too much at times. Last week he ran 14 times for 31 yards and passed 31 times for 15 completions for 200 passing yards with 1 INT and 1 TD. One of his favorite targets this season WR Andrew Hernandez was pretty quite last week with only 3 catches for 35 yards (248 total receiving yards, 2 TDs). Until this defense can step up and make some stops, it may be a long and arduous road for the OPSU Aggies. They are going to need more than 2 takeaways (in 3 games) to make a difference.




Midwestern State at home.

Prediction: Midwestern State 45 OPSU 18


Angelo State (1-2) v. Eastern New Mexico (1-2), 6 p.m. Kickoff
San Angelo, TX









Prediction: ENMU 33 Angelo State 30


West Texas A&M (2-1) v. Tarleton State (1-2), 6 p.m. Kickoff

Canyon, TX

Maybe I will get this game right, as I completely missed on both of their games last week in my predictions.

The Texans made a clear statement that they are on their way back up to being competitive. The defense has accumulated 20 TFLs and 14 sacks in 3 contests. LB EJ Speed and LB Cody Burtscher are having great seasons with an accumulated 8.5 TFLs and 7 sacks. These two are flying to the ball, as they lead this defense that needed improvement over last season. The defense still has a ways to go (1,340 yards to opposing offenses) but I think they are moving in the right direction. The offense has been efficient at times and needs to continue to strive for a good amount of production. RB Joseph Sadler has been great the past 2 weeks and went over the century mark each week. QB Zed Woerner has been great at times; however, I did expect a little more passing production from Woerner (421 passing yards, 5 TDs). His production has been good so far, just expected a little more than what he has now. The secondary will need to step up to the plate this week against a good WT passing game.






West Texas A&M at home...

Prediction: West Texas A&M 34 Tarleton State 27




Game of the Week: Texas A&M Kingsville (2-1) v. #10 Texas A&M Commerce (2-0), 7 p.m. Kickoff

Commerce, TX

The Javelinas get another game of the week recognition as the play the 2nd top dog in a matter of 2 weeks. I am actually very intrigued by this game. I actually believe that this game will be a more competitive game for the Lions than their game against Delta State. Coach Wilkinson is clearly the real deal for the Javelinas.





Game Analysis: I saw Midwestern State start to get pressure on QB Myles Carr last week by blitzing almost every down in the 2nd half. I suspect that the Lions caught on to this and will try the same approach. This will be a real test for the Javelinas, especially their defense.



Prediction: Texas A&M Commerce 41 Texas A&M Kingsville 30