Let There Be Football! TX A&M Commerce is a National Champion!

[Joe Price]

NEWSEastern New Mexico v. Missouri S&T: Thursday, August 30th 7 PM
Rolla, MOGame AnalysisEastern New Mexico 37 Missouri S&T 36


Delta State v. Tarleton State: Thursday, August 30th 7 PM
Stephenville, TXDelta State 31 Tarleton 26


Texas A&M Kingsville v. #1 Texas A&M Commerce: Thursday, August 30th 7 PM
Commerce, TXGame AnalysisTexas A&M Commerce 47 Texas A&M Kingsville 17



SATURDAY GAMES


Western New Mexico v. San Diego (FBS): Saturday, September 1st 4 PM
San Diego, CAGame Analysis: WNMU has played San Diego for many years now. They have come close many times, but I suspect this year will be no different.

San Diego 42 WNMU 27




The Falcons enter their 3rd year in Division 2 Football and the Lone Star Conference. Head Coach Justin Carrigan will lead his Falcons and should start becoming a factor in the LSC. The team obtained their first LSC Conference win over Western New Mexico last season. On the 2 seasons, UTPB has obtained 4 wins. Hopefully, the team will take the next step this season in becoming a major competitor in the LSC.

The UTPB offense will see Kameron Mathis (1,806 pass yards, 12 TDs) return as the #1 QB in week 1 and WR Mitchell Leonard (601 receiving yards, 3 TDs). Mitchell returns for his senior season, as the receiving leader over the past 2 seasons, going over 600 yards each season. The Falcons lose Infiesto at RB; but have Marquis Simmons (388 rush yards, 2 TDs) returning and will be the #1 back for the Falcons. The team has several players with years of XP on the team now, with many juniors and seniors on the team.

The defense returns a whole host of players, similar to the offense. The Falcons have quite a bit of players coming back in their units. The Defense brings back many of their tackling leaders in: LB Chris Hoad, LB Keegan Gray, S Montique Coles and many more!

I think all of us are wondering if the Falcons will take that next step and win a few more games or will they completely surprise us like a West Florida? I watch this team pretty closely because I am intrigued with the birth of a new football program and I get to watch this one up close and personal.

Here is what we need to see: The defense to continue to step-up. We need the experienced defense to find their groove and make some stops. The team gave up nearly 500 yards per game on average, last season. I do expect to see some more out of the Offensive Line this season; but, they have to get the playmakers involved in the offense.

Game AnalysisTexas Southern 38 UTPB 27


Humboldt State v. #11 Midwestern State: Saturday, September 1st 7 PM
Wichita Falls, TXGame AnalysisMidwestern State 34 Humboldt State 31


Angelo State v. Western Oregon: Saturday, September 1st 3:05 PM
Monmouth, OR

The Rams of Angelo State come off a 6-5 season in the Lone Star Conference. The Rams had a fairly good defense, only allowing 348 yards on average. The offense sputtered at times but had good overall production. Jake Faber ended his career last year and the QB position comes down to QB Charlie Rotherham (10 games, 1,553 pass yards, 6 TDs) and Texas Tech Transfer QB Payne Sullins. Additionally, RB Josh Stevens was also lost to graduation, who nearly gained 1,000 yards last season. Overall, I felt that the Rams had a pretty decent team last season. They dropped a few games here and there that were winnable and they were in those contests, every step of the way. They even earned a bowl berth to the Heart of Texas Bowl and fell to Washburn.

The passing offense (318/game) and rushing offense (176/game) had a balanced approach last season and kept teams guessing. Josh Stevens with Tyrese Nathan really helped with this balance.

The Angelo defense will need to take the next step to get those extra wins for the contention of the LSC title. I look forward to seeing who is named QB and what to expect from the Rams.

Game AnalysisAngelo State 35 Western Oregon 30


West Texas A&M v. Azusa Pacific: Saturday, September 1st 8 PM
Glendora, CAGame Analysis: Azusa Pacific is coming in with a 7-4 season from last season. I have a lot of respect for what Victor Cruz has been able to do with this team over the years. I have no doubt that they will be ready for the buffs.

This game comes down to 1 thing: can the Buffaloes get things going and get into sync? If they can, they will be in this game, if not, they have no chance. They are young; but, they are improving.

I believe APU has the experience and cohesion on their side. I expect WT to make them earn it but in the end, APU prevails.

Azusa Pacific 37 West Texas A&M 21

TO THE SIDS:

I want to give a shout out to several of the Sports Information Directors in the Lone Star Conference that have moved-on to other opportunities, as we have had several the past 2 seasons. Thank you to each of you for all that you do behind the scenes to make things possible and for being accommodating. I have become good friends with several of you and will miss each of you.

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This first game of the season was a tough loss Texas A&M-Kingsville. I suppose that the Lions would be tough opponent for every team. Still, this game did give me some hope for the Javelinas though. The Javs took the defending National Champions to double overtime in Commerce.

[Joe Price]

Thank you Chris. Your kind comments are much appreciated. This opportunity has been incredibly rewarding. I was in attendance at the National Title Game and it will be a memory that I always will treasurer. I had my doubts on ever seeing an LSC Champ crowned. It was great seeing all the D2 posters and D2 Staff at the game. We have great people here that follow the LSC closely and their respective team.

[Joe Price]

The Javelinas played an incredible game and the team should hold their heads high. They were a couple of FGs and XPs away from winning it. Detmer was really on tune with the offense. I could not turn away from this game.