Week 7 Previews and Predictions:



Texas A&M Commerce (4-1) v. Western New Mexico (2-4), 12 p.m. Kickoff

Silver City, NM

The Lions come off their first loss of the season in a 1 point loss to the MSU Mustangs. Oddly enough, the Lions did not drop far in the rankings after their loss to the Mustangs. The Lions lost in the final 28 seconds of game that went back and forth through the contest. The Lions just gave up too many yards last week (484 total yards) in order to beat MSU. They even won the turnover battle 2-0; however, it proved to not be enough. The Lions passing game has been consistent and the running game did better last week with a 5.1 avg. per rush (162 total yards). These are the types of yards they need every week heading into the later of the season. The passing game is there; the running game appears to be improving; can they get the defense onboard (giving up 398.8 yards per game)? Like they always say, defense wins championships. I believe that to be true.

For the 2nd straight week, the Lions face the Mustangs this time the WNMU Mustangs. WNMU threw everything they had at Tarleton State in Stephenville; taking it all the way to the end. The Texans escaped with a 3-point win over WNMU. The crazy video game like offense for the Mustangs put up 515 total yards and outgained the Texans by 65 yards. Javia Hall had another stellar game going 32 for 45 with 447 passing yards and 4 TDs (1 INT). In the receiving department, 2 receivers went over 100 yards. The defense is still suspect with giving up 450 total yards last week; but, that is becoming a standard in the LSC. This team is close to getting that big victory that they are striving for.



Prediction: Texas A&M Commerce 41 WNMU 28


UT-Permian Basin (2-4) v. Texas A&M Kingsville (3-3), 7 p.m. Kickoff
Kingsville, TX

The Falcons get their first dose of a trip down to Kingsville, Texas; the land of the Javelinas. The offense and defense both struggled last week against ENMU. The offense only accumulated 208 total yards with 147 of it coming through the air. QB Kameron Mathis had a difficult time with pressure from the ENMU front line and went done 4 times for sacks. The defense also had no answer for the triple-option ENMU offense; who oddly enough put up 273 passing yards and a total of 524 yards on the game. LB Chris Hoad had a great game last week with 3 TFLs followed by LB Cameron Hurd with 1 TFL and 1 sack. The Falcons continue to try and find their rhythm but the woes of being a new team in Division 2 Football can make things difficult.
The Javelinas broke their LSC game losing streak in a big way last week against the WT Buffs (51-34 win); and led by 30 plus points at one time in the game. They scored the 2nd most points that they have all season against West Texas. They put up 445 total yards with 267 of the yards coming on the run. The Javs capitalized on 3 WT INTs to help send them to victory. The Javelinas defense put on a top performance by bringing the Buff QBs down 9 times in the backfield. Brandon Jones could not be stopped as he had Madden-like statistics with 6 TFLs and 4 sacks.
Game Analysis: The Javelinas put on another stellar performance as the Falcons continue to have their struggles and woes.


Prediction: Texas A&M Kingsville 56 UTPB 18


West Texas A&M (3-3) v. Oklahoma Panhandle State (1-5), 1 p.m. Kickoff

Goodwell, OK


The West Texas A&M Buffaloes made it 2 straight LSC losses last week as they fell behind early to the Javelinas and lost QB Ethan Brinkley in the 2nd quarter. QB Arbuckle had some costly mistakes early that resulted in Javelina scores but helped fight their way back to within 10 points; only to have the Javelinas seal the deal with a late touchdown. The offense had their best outing with 510 total yards with a non-existent running game held in check by Kingsville and a 476 yard passing day (most pass yards in a game this season). The WT defense just has not had the rush defense that we come to expect from WT; but, the secondary still proves to be one of the best units of the team. The question this week is who will come out at the QB position; will it be Brinkley or Arbuckle?
OPSU had their lowest offense scoring performance against an Angelo State team that no one has been sure about. The Aggies could only put up 3 field goals and were held out of the end zone. They were almost doubled-up in the amount of yards and just could not get enough going against the Rams, who sacked QB Shane Truelove 6 times. The defense was able to get 3 INTs on the Rams; but could not capitalize to make the difference. The offense really surprised me this week, as they have not struggled this much all season.
Game Analysis: The closest team to Goodwell, Texas makes another trip up north to play the Aggies. The Buffs have had their struggles but should be able to get enough offense with either Brinkley or Arbuckle to outscore the Aggies
WT gets back on the winning path...

Prediction: WTAMU 35 OPSU 24


Angelo State (3-2) v. Midwestern State (5-0), 7 p.m. Kickoff

Wichita Falls, TX

A few weeks ago I would not think this game would be a big game because of the way that the Rams had been playing. Well, the storyline has changed for the Rams. 3rd string QB Carsen Cook appears to be the answer that the Rams have needed in the passing game; he also is a competent runner with having 47 rushing yards last week. He did have quite a few INTs; however, he has helped make the team competitive with throwing the ball (147 pass yards with 2 TDs). On top of his performance and a continuing stellar season for RB Josh Stevens (131 rush yards, 1 TD); the defense held the Aggies in check all game long and have only been giving up an average 335 yards per game. They have a tough road ahead with Commerce on the radar and a LSC-leading Midwestern team this week.

Game Analysis: Both of these teams are coming in with momentum. I like what I see in this up and coming Rams team. I also like this no quit mentality and play from the Mustangs. Overall, I think the MSU Mustangs are just a better-rounded team and will continue to overcome the odds.



Prediction: Midwestern State 33 Angelo State 28


Tarleton State (3-3) v. Eastern New Mexico (4-2), 4 p.m. Kickoff

Portales, NM





Game Analysis: ENMU will have a big test this week as they welcome the Texans to Greyhound Stadium. It comes down to whether the Texans can keep the ENMU offense off the field or not.
ENMU in a close game.

Prediction: ENMU 37 Tarleton State 34