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Scores in Week 3:
Western Oregon 58
WNMU 21
Tarleton State 30
Angelo State 24
Midwestern State 35
Texas A&M Kingsville 13
Texas A&M Commerce 51
ENMU 22
West Texas A&M 17
UTPB 6
I was in quite a bit of shock of how well UTPB played last week against West Texas; while I was in disappoint for how WNMU played last week against Western Oregon.
UTPB QB Kameron Mathis got the start against WT last week and made several great pass plays for the Falcons, as they stayed in the game all 60 minutes. The Falcons still had their struggles in the rushing game but did have several big runs. Mathis averaged passing plays with 15 plus yards per completion and only threw 2 INTs in 39 attempts (246 passing yards). The biggest impact of the Falcons was the rush defense. UTPB really stymied the Buffalo running game the entire time and held them to 117 rushing yards. The rush defense by Chris Hoad, Keegan Gray, Frank Seiuli, Emilio Solis, Diego Assad and others stepped up to really deter the running game last week and it showed on the field. In all honesty, I feel that the UTPB defense really made a statement and stepped up last week. The offense still had their struggles; but did make several big game plays. Overall, I believe that UTPB took several steps forward. They still have some growing to do; however, this was one of the better games that they have played in their inception. The lack of offensive production has been the game changer for this Falcons team. In order for them to stay in this game against the Mustangs, they have to get their offense going early and often.
WNMU had a difficult time last week against Western Oregon. The Mustangs gave up a staggering 33 points in the 2nd quarter alone. QB Javia Hall looked to have his struggles and heaved the ball up multiple times on a prayer, walking away with 5 INTs. The team was trying to come back from a deficit and started to throw some passes that should have not been thrown. The Mustangs struggled again with the running game; however, the rush defense stepped-up against WOU and held them under 100 yards on 30 attempts. Ultimately, the turnover ratio of 6 to 1 lead to the Mustangs loss (5 INTs and 1 lost fumble); of which 2 INTs were returned for TDs. The pass defense also had their struggles with giving up 344 passing yards and getting 0 INTs. One of the best takeaways was RB Justin Harris and his performance (10 attempts, 81 yards and 1 TD).
Game Analysis: WNMU 30 UTPB 13
#3 (AFCA) / #3 (D2) Texas A&M Commerce v. Texas A&M Kingsville: Saturday, September 23rd 7 PM
Kingsville, TX
The battle for the Chennault Cup has arrived for Kingsville and Commerce. The Javelinas and Lions square off in their rivalry game to see who takes home the trophy. The Javelinas have had their fair share of offensive struggles this season. QB Cade Dyal took over the starting role last week for the Javelinas and went 27-43 for 236 passing yards and 1 TD; however, he was sacked 5 times during the game. He appears to be having a good completion percentage thus far. The offense is having success and good production; but, have struggled getting the ball into the end zone. The Javelina Offense had 420 total yards, 0 turnovers and only 13 points (actually outgaining Midwestern). The rushing game even had good success last week against Midwestern with 154 yards. It just appeared that the defense had their share of struggles getting into the backfield to bring down the QB and getting some TFLs. On paper, this team looks solid. They have only scored 58 points in 3 games with one of those being to a blowout win over SFU (19-point average). While the defense has been stellar against opponent rushing games, they have had some difficulty with the pass but not terrible by any means. I truly think that a lot of their woes comes from the turnover from so many key positions. WR Jordan Smith has looked really good this season and could have a breakout season, while LB Trevor Moses (20 tackles) have been wreaking havoc on the defensive side of the ball.
The Lions have clearly been the team to beat this season. QB Luis Perez showed last week why he is primed to be an All-American caliber quarterback. Before being relieved late in the 4th, he went 20 for 24, 357 passing yards, 5 TDs and 1 INT, as well as 1 run for 6 yards. Probably could not ask for a better performance in a starting QB. The Lions scored 41 first half points last week against ENMU. The team struggled out of the gates in week 1 and has shown good progression in getting their offense on the right track with several positions being filled from last season. As I have said, the Lions have to find a way to run the ball. I am still not convinced that they are there in that department. If the time comes for the NCAA playoffs, that may be the deciding factor on how deep they go. The team must be able to run the ball (87 total rush yards last week). The rush defense was stretched last week against a team that ran the ball 64 times (241 rush yards). I think that the rush defense did well with ENMU last week with giving up only 241, while the Lions secondary only saw 11 passes all game (78 total yards). The Vincent Hobbs touchdown was an incredible play and received some national attention. No one could bring the 6 foot 3, 255 pound receiver down as he plowed for 56 yards.
Game Analysis:Texas A&M Commerce 43 Texas A&M Kingsville 19
West Texas A&M v. Tarleton State: Saturday, September 23rd 7:05PM
Stephenville, TX
Game Analysis:West Texas A&M 27 Tarleton State 26
GAME OF THE WEEK
Angelo State v. Eastern New Mexico Saturday, September 23rd 7 PM
Portales, NMPlayers To Watch:
ENMU
RB Kamal Cass (#1)
QB Wyatt Strand (#16)
K Bailey Hale (#25)
LB Fe'ao Vunipola (#18)
LB Zach Johnson (#28)
LB Desmond Blue (#26)
ANGELO STATEGame Analysis:Angelo State 31 ENMU 30
Thanks Pops.