West Texas A&M passed another test Thursday night.
The Lady Buffs played their second ranked team in as many games and showed they are ready for prime time. Against UCO, in an 86-79 win, the Lady Buffs learned the prime show is 40 minutes, not 30. A 22-point lead was whittled to five with under a minute to go but WT prevailed.
Until WT slacked off, the team played well. The Lady Buffs slowed the Gallopin' Bronchos, who had scored 100 points three times in five games. UCO had 44 points at halftime and had not hit the 60s with 10 minutes to play. That's because WT made the shots harder to fall and guard Courtney Lee kept UCO ballhandlers from moving unabated up the court.
WT has toughed up the last two games. Against physical opponents who like to take it to the hoop, the Lady Buffs have held their ground. And except for three players each missing two successive foul shots, WT has been great at the free throw line.
Those are the kinds of things that help WT win on the road and when the playoffs roll around.
Showing posts with label Greg Jaklewicz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greg Jaklewicz. Show all posts
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Lady Buffs impressive in early season
The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs peered into the crystal ball Saturday and got a good look at the postseason.
WT faced Drury in a battle of top-10 Divison II teams. WT has not fared well against teams from the Midwest but stepped up to the challenge with an 80-62 win over the Lady Panthers.
Drury lost by 20 points at No. 2 Washburn before coming to Canyon. The Lady Buffs' margin of victory suggests unbeaten WT deserves its No. 3 national rankings.
WT has a better inside game to go with super scorer Emily Brister. Jamie Dreiling is becoming a force and keep an eye on newcomer Ashley Leven. She's making freshman mistakes, sure, but she's playing without hesitation and the confidence she had as a senior at Amarillo High.
The Lady Buffs are playing good defense and adjusting well on the court. After Drury went back door several times for easy baskets, WT stopped that and forced the Lady Panthers to shoot the 3. Some fell in, most didn't and WT built a lead of more than 20 points.
It's way early yet but the Lady Buffs may be better prepared for a postseason run than in past years with good teams.
WT faced Drury in a battle of top-10 Divison II teams. WT has not fared well against teams from the Midwest but stepped up to the challenge with an 80-62 win over the Lady Panthers.
Drury lost by 20 points at No. 2 Washburn before coming to Canyon. The Lady Buffs' margin of victory suggests unbeaten WT deserves its No. 3 national rankings.
WT has a better inside game to go with super scorer Emily Brister. Jamie Dreiling is becoming a force and keep an eye on newcomer Ashley Leven. She's making freshman mistakes, sure, but she's playing without hesitation and the confidence she had as a senior at Amarillo High.
The Lady Buffs are playing good defense and adjusting well on the court. After Drury went back door several times for easy baskets, WT stopped that and forced the Lady Panthers to shoot the 3. Some fell in, most didn't and WT built a lead of more than 20 points.
It's way early yet but the Lady Buffs may be better prepared for a postseason run than in past years with good teams.
New-look Buffs start season fast
And now on to basketball.
With one starter and a couple of guys who got playing time last season back, most teams would be in a serious rebuilding mode.
But Rick Cooper has gotten his rebuilt West Texas A&M team out of the gate with four wins in five games.
The Buffs got a shot in the arm Saturday with a come-from-behind 77-76 win over a good South Dakota team. WT led only once until going ahead late in the game. USD kept answering Buffs buckets, then took a one-point lead with 14.5 seconds to go. WT scrambled downcourt but somehow got the ball to the open man, Nick Burns, who hit a jump shot with 0.07 seconds to play for the win.
As usual, WT won with a lot of hustle and 3-pointers at the right time. Cooper's teams do that, which is why in his 16th season at WT he's one win away from No. 300. He's averaging right at 20 wins a year. He passed career 450 wins in the Buffs' previous victory.
As players have come and gone, Cooper has been a constant.
With one starter and a couple of guys who got playing time last season back, most teams would be in a serious rebuilding mode.
But Rick Cooper has gotten his rebuilt West Texas A&M team out of the gate with four wins in five games.
The Buffs got a shot in the arm Saturday with a come-from-behind 77-76 win over a good South Dakota team. WT led only once until going ahead late in the game. USD kept answering Buffs buckets, then took a one-point lead with 14.5 seconds to go. WT scrambled downcourt but somehow got the ball to the open man, Nick Burns, who hit a jump shot with 0.07 seconds to play for the win.
As usual, WT won with a lot of hustle and 3-pointers at the right time. Cooper's teams do that, which is why in his 16th season at WT he's one win away from No. 300. He's averaging right at 20 wins a year. He passed career 450 wins in the Buffs' previous victory.
As players have come and gone, Cooper has been a constant.
Northwest's win over ACU not a shocker
A surprise, but not a shock.
Many of those who saw Abilene Christian play this season thought the Wildcats could go to the national championship game. Unstoppable offense, good defense, great placekicker.
But this is the playoffs and things are different.
ACU trounced Northwest Missouri by 17 points in Maryville, Mo., in the season opener. The Bearcats were had some holes to fill, most notably at running back, where Xavier Omon left after four 1,000-yard seasons for the NFL. The Wildcats were locked and loaded on offense and the edge went to ACU, which put up 44 points.
ACU scored only 36, its season low in the rematch with the playoff-season Bearcats. This is the team that has played in three straight national title games and won back-to-back championships in the late 1990s, all under coach Mel Tjeerdsma.
The playoff experience likely had a lot to do with Saturday's game in Abilene. Northwest proved to be a team even the Wildcats didn't want to play twice.
Many of those who saw Abilene Christian play this season thought the Wildcats could go to the national championship game. Unstoppable offense, good defense, great placekicker.
But this is the playoffs and things are different.
ACU trounced Northwest Missouri by 17 points in Maryville, Mo., in the season opener. The Bearcats were had some holes to fill, most notably at running back, where Xavier Omon left after four 1,000-yard seasons for the NFL. The Wildcats were locked and loaded on offense and the edge went to ACU, which put up 44 points.
ACU scored only 36, its season low in the rematch with the playoff-season Bearcats. This is the team that has played in three straight national title games and won back-to-back championships in the late 1990s, all under coach Mel Tjeerdsma.
The playoff experience likely had a lot to do with Saturday's game in Abilene. Northwest proved to be a team even the Wildcats didn't want to play twice.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Two great offenses dominated in Abilene
The surface of P.E. Shotwell Stadium has cooled enough now that another college football game can be played.
After West Texas A&M and Abilene Christian combined for more than 1,500 yards and 161 points, their Division II playoff game could be called the Lone Star Conference fall track and field meet.
How does a team give up 93 points?
When two great offenses -- the best two in Division II -- are at the top of their games, even good defenses are left defenseless. That happened Saturday.
The surface of P.E. Shotwell Stadium has cooled enough now that another college football game can be played.
After West Texas A&M and Abilene Christian combined for more than 1,500 yards and 161 points, their Division II playoff game could be called the Lone Star Conference fall track and field meet.
How does a team give up 93 points?
When two great offenses -- the best two in Division II -- are at the top of their games, even good defenses are left defenseless. That happened Saturday.
The surface of P.E. Shotwell Stadium has cooled enough now that another college football game can be played.
After West Texas A&M and Abilene Christian combined for more than 1,500 yards and 161 points, their Division II playoff game could be called the Lone Star Conference fall track and field meet.
How does a team give up 93 points?
When two great offenses -- the best two in Division II -- are at the top of their games, even good defenses are left defenseless. That happened Saturday.
Also, with it looking as if ACU was unstoppable on offense, WT players tried to make something happen and often were caught out of position. That's why Bernard Scott was able to rip off so many long runs; once he got the first line of defense, he was gone.
Obviously, WT must improve its defense to advance in the playoffs. But on Saturday, the Buffs were up against an ACU offense that no team in D-II may hold down.
The surface of P.E. Shotwell Stadium has cooled enough now that another college football game can be played.
After West Texas A&M and Abilene Christian combined for more than 1,500 yards and 161 points, their Division II playoff game could be called the Lone Star Conference fall track and field meet.
How does a team give up 93 points?
When two great offenses -- the best two in Division II -- are at the top of their games, even good defenses are left defenseless. That happened Saturday.
Also, with it looking as if ACU was unstoppable on offense, WT players tried to make something happen and often were caught out of position. That's why Bernard Scott was able to rip off so many long runs; once he got the first line of defense, he was gone.
Obviously, WT must improve its defense to advance in the playoffs. But on Saturday, the Buffs were up against an ACU offense that no team in D-II may hold down.
The surface of P.E. Shotwell Stadium has cooled enough now that another college football game can be played.
After West Texas A&M and Abilene Christian combined for more than 1,500 yards and 161 points, their Division II playoff game could be called the Lone Star Conference fall track and field meet.
How does a team give up 93 points?
When two great offenses -- the best two in Division II -- are at the top of their games, even good defenses are left defenseless. That happened Saturday.
Also, with it looking as if ACU was unstoppable on offense, WT players tried to make something happen and often were caught out of position. That's why Bernard Scott was able to rip off so many long runs; once he got the first line of defense, he was gone.
Obviously, WT must improve its defense to advance in the playoffs. But on Saturday, the Buffs were up against an ACU offense that no team in D-II may hold down.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Purple vs. maroon: Get your game on
There's 10 minutes to go before WT vs. ACU.
It's a sea of purple on the home side and two sections on the visitors side are full of maroon-clad Buffs fans.
It's about 50 degrees and breezy out of the south. The wind could be a factor for placekickers.
One team from the Lone Star Conference will advance to the Division II quarterfinals for the first time.
Will it be the Buffs?
We'll know in three or so hours.
P.S. No buffalo mascot. Boo.
It's a sea of purple on the home side and two sections on the visitors side are full of maroon-clad Buffs fans.
It's about 50 degrees and breezy out of the south. The wind could be a factor for placekickers.
One team from the Lone Star Conference will advance to the Division II quarterfinals for the first time.
Will it be the Buffs?
We'll know in three or so hours.
P.S. No buffalo mascot. Boo.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Job 1 for WT: Pressure ACU QB Malone
There are many angles to Saturday's game pitting West Texas A&M and Abilene Christian. One of the most important may be pressuring ACU quarterback Billy Malone.
In the Oct. 18 game between the two teams, Malone was not sacked and not often put under the gun. He could afford to wait until Johnny Knox (10 catches) got open or to set up the screen to Bernard Scott (34-yard catch and run for TD). Give any QB time and he'll make better decisions; give Malone time and there's hardly any way to slow Division II's top offense.
Malone has been sacked five times in 10 games. WT must pressure Malone this time, much like the Buffs did Central Washington's Mike Reilly. Perhaps the best QB in D-II, Reilly has hit 39 times in the game either passing or rushing. The pounding took its toll. While Reilly had a good game, he went 0-for-4 on half-ending drives and finished under 50 percent passing (30-of-61). WT did not let Reilly win the game for his team.
The Buffs can't let Malone beat them Saturday.
In the Oct. 18 game between the two teams, Malone was not sacked and not often put under the gun. He could afford to wait until Johnny Knox (10 catches) got open or to set up the screen to Bernard Scott (34-yard catch and run for TD). Give any QB time and he'll make better decisions; give Malone time and there's hardly any way to slow Division II's top offense.
Malone has been sacked five times in 10 games. WT must pressure Malone this time, much like the Buffs did Central Washington's Mike Reilly. Perhaps the best QB in D-II, Reilly has hit 39 times in the game either passing or rushing. The pounding took its toll. While Reilly had a good game, he went 0-for-4 on half-ending drives and finished under 50 percent passing (30-of-61). WT did not let Reilly win the game for his team.
The Buffs can't let Malone beat them Saturday.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Which team has the most momentum?
Which team will have momentum at kickoff when West Texas A&M plays Abilene Christian on Saturday?
Each team will say it does. But probably amend that to say its opponent is on a roll.
WT has some mo. The Buffs have won straight after losing to ACU. There have been two shutouts, a defeat of No. 8 Central Washington and the return of RB Keithon Flemming, who has 227 yards rushing and six TDs in two games.
The Buffs also will take a 22-game winning streak to Abilene, where WT is 2-0 under Don Carthel.
How will ACU be affected by a week off? The Wildcats capped a 10-0 regular season with an impressive win over Midwestern. QB Billy Malone is back from a thumb injury and Wildcats fans will show up in droves to see the school's best football team in 30 years.
And after winning by 17 points in Canyon, you'd think ACU believes it can win on its own turf.
Ol' Mo. On whose side will he be Saturday?
Each team will say it does. But probably amend that to say its opponent is on a roll.
WT has some mo. The Buffs have won straight after losing to ACU. There have been two shutouts, a defeat of No. 8 Central Washington and the return of RB Keithon Flemming, who has 227 yards rushing and six TDs in two games.
The Buffs also will take a 22-game winning streak to Abilene, where WT is 2-0 under Don Carthel.
How will ACU be affected by a week off? The Wildcats capped a 10-0 regular season with an impressive win over Midwestern. QB Billy Malone is back from a thumb injury and Wildcats fans will show up in droves to see the school's best football team in 30 years.
And after winning by 17 points in Canyon, you'd think ACU believes it can win on its own turf.
Ol' Mo. On whose side will he be Saturday?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
WT on a roll going into ACU rematch
West Texas A&M appears ready for another crack at ACU.
The Wildcats opened the season at Northwest Missouri, giving them a chance to see how they stacked up against one of the best teams in the nation. Winning big in Maryville, Mo., gave ACU momentum and confidence heading into the season.
WT, on the other hand, struggled at Mesa State and then didn't play a heavyweight until meeting ACU. It probably was a shock to the system for the Buffs when they ran headlong into a good Wildcats team.
Now, having played ACU and a Central Washington team that was every bit as good as advertised, the Buffs will be better prepared for an ACU team that is hard to stop on offense and opportunistic on defense.
ACU may be the better team but the Wildcats will have to handle an improved WT squad to advance in the playoffs.
The Wildcats opened the season at Northwest Missouri, giving them a chance to see how they stacked up against one of the best teams in the nation. Winning big in Maryville, Mo., gave ACU momentum and confidence heading into the season.
WT, on the other hand, struggled at Mesa State and then didn't play a heavyweight until meeting ACU. It probably was a shock to the system for the Buffs when they ran headlong into a good Wildcats team.
Now, having played ACU and a Central Washington team that was every bit as good as advertised, the Buffs will be better prepared for an ACU team that is hard to stop on offense and opportunistic on defense.
ACU may be the better team but the Wildcats will have to handle an improved WT squad to advance in the playoffs.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Perfect fall day for a dandy college game
Work crews were still busy at Kimbrough Memorial after midnight preparing the stadium, which hosted the Muleshoe-Bushland high school shootout, for today's WT-Central Washington game.
You want great football on a crisp autumn afternoon? You got it.
Today's game should be a dandy. And WT has a new chip on its shoulder, getting overlooked at quarterback again in Lone Star Conference first team awards.
Keith Null has a chance to star today, as does Central's Mike Reilly, when two pass-first, doing-everything-else second teams collide. Expect both defenses to have an impact, but if these two QBs are as good as advertised, they will expertly lead their teams.
CWU believes its a bit of unknown coming out of the Northwest. WT wants a rematch with ACU and has two dozen seniors who want more out of this season than 10 wins. In a first meeting, you never know how it'll go.
Less than four hours to kickoff. Better be there, Buffs fans, or you'll miss a classic.
You want great football on a crisp autumn afternoon? You got it.
Today's game should be a dandy. And WT has a new chip on its shoulder, getting overlooked at quarterback again in Lone Star Conference first team awards.
Keith Null has a chance to star today, as does Central's Mike Reilly, when two pass-first, doing-everything-else second teams collide. Expect both defenses to have an impact, but if these two QBs are as good as advertised, they will expertly lead their teams.
CWU believes its a bit of unknown coming out of the Northwest. WT wants a rematch with ACU and has two dozen seniors who want more out of this season than 10 wins. In a first meeting, you never know how it'll go.
Less than four hours to kickoff. Better be there, Buffs fans, or you'll miss a classic.
Once again, LSC sacks Buffs QB
The streak continues.
The top passing school in Division II football has yet to have a first-team quarterback in the Lone Star Conference.
Dalton Bell? Zero for two.
Keith Null? Zero for two.
Null this year is second team to ... guess who? ... Abilene Christian's Billy Malone. It doesn't add up.
The quarterback of the LSC champs previously is not honored. Until this year.
Last year, the knock on Null was that he was injured and missed two games. This year, Malone was injured and missed two games and still was first team.
There's always a surprise or two. I like the awards for Seth Hayden and J'Marcus Webb and Eldon Grimslid. But overlooking WT at quarterback again is a shock.
No disrespect to Billy Malone, who has put up impressive career numbers. I just think Null is better.
The top passing school in Division II football has yet to have a first-team quarterback in the Lone Star Conference.
Dalton Bell? Zero for two.
Keith Null? Zero for two.
Null this year is second team to ... guess who? ... Abilene Christian's Billy Malone. It doesn't add up.
The quarterback of the LSC champs previously is not honored. Until this year.
Last year, the knock on Null was that he was injured and missed two games. This year, Malone was injured and missed two games and still was first team.
There's always a surprise or two. I like the awards for Seth Hayden and J'Marcus Webb and Eldon Grimslid. But overlooking WT at quarterback again is a shock.
No disrespect to Billy Malone, who has put up impressive career numbers. I just think Null is better.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Martin vs. Spevak: Duel of receivers
No team West Texas A&M has faced this year has a receiver like Charly Martin.
Until now.
On Saturday, two receivers out of the same mold will be running pass patters in Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. Martin for the Buffs and Johnny Spevak for Central Washington.
Martin has caught 73 passes for 1,372 yards and 16 touchdowns. He ranks first in career receptions, yardage and touchdown catches at WT. His 38 TDs also is a Lone Star Conference record. Martin goes 6-foot-2, 210 pounds and was born in Walla Walla, Wash.
Spevak has 82 receptions for 1,313 yards and 16 touchdowns. He goes 6-3, 200 pounds. He is from Edgewood, Wash.
Both are the go-to receivers on their teams and both are All-American candidates.
Ironically, Martin has friends who are friends with Spevak.
You can bet your shiny red apple there will be a friendly but intense rivaly on the field as both try to lead their teams on to the next round of the Division II playoffs.
Watch for them: Martin is No. 17, Spevak is No. 84.
Until now.
On Saturday, two receivers out of the same mold will be running pass patters in Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. Martin for the Buffs and Johnny Spevak for Central Washington.
Martin has caught 73 passes for 1,372 yards and 16 touchdowns. He ranks first in career receptions, yardage and touchdown catches at WT. His 38 TDs also is a Lone Star Conference record. Martin goes 6-foot-2, 210 pounds and was born in Walla Walla, Wash.
Spevak has 82 receptions for 1,313 yards and 16 touchdowns. He goes 6-3, 200 pounds. He is from Edgewood, Wash.
Both are the go-to receivers on their teams and both are All-American candidates.
Ironically, Martin has friends who are friends with Spevak.
You can bet your shiny red apple there will be a friendly but intense rivaly on the field as both try to lead their teams on to the next round of the Division II playoffs.
Watch for them: Martin is No. 17, Spevak is No. 84.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Beware of flying footballs
Get ready for an afternoon of flying footballs.
Central Washington coach Blaine Bennett said teams in his conference think pass first, run second. Probably moreso than in Texas.
Well, that's scary because we know how much teams like to pass in the Lone Star Conference.
Saturday's playoff game between CWU and West Texas A&M likely will showcase quarterback's Mike Reilly and Keith Null. A difference-maker may be which teams is more effective running the ball.
For Central, it's the scrambling of Reilly. For WT, it's the running of Keithon Flemming, Wayne McKnight and Kelvin Thompson.
Also, it may come down to which quarterback is most accurate. Null had a stretch of nine interceptions in three games, but otherwise threw five. Reilly has thrown five all season. If one team can make some picks, it could tilt the game in its favor.
One thing is for sure: Football fans who enjoy watching Tech's Graham Harrell throw it around won't be disappointed seeing Null and Reilly battle.
Central Washington coach Blaine Bennett said teams in his conference think pass first, run second. Probably moreso than in Texas.
Well, that's scary because we know how much teams like to pass in the Lone Star Conference.
Saturday's playoff game between CWU and West Texas A&M likely will showcase quarterback's Mike Reilly and Keith Null. A difference-maker may be which teams is more effective running the ball.
For Central, it's the scrambling of Reilly. For WT, it's the running of Keithon Flemming, Wayne McKnight and Kelvin Thompson.
Also, it may come down to which quarterback is most accurate. Null had a stretch of nine interceptions in three games, but otherwise threw five. Reilly has thrown five all season. If one team can make some picks, it could tilt the game in its favor.
One thing is for sure: Football fans who enjoy watching Tech's Graham Harrell throw it around won't be disappointed seeing Null and Reilly battle.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Small bites equal big reward
Bet you didn't know that West Texas A&M has changed its mascot.
Yep. It's the Elephants.
The theme this year has been this question: How do you eat an elephant?
With a fork and knife? Baked, grilled or raw? Sunday through Saturday?
The answer, WT coaches told players, was "one bite at a time."
The analogy is to winning the national championship. To do that, a team must play one game at a time and get one win at a time. Sometimes, you hit some grizzle (ACU). But you keep on.
It has been funny listening to different players explain the process. Defensive end Marvin Wash, for example, has told the story Mississippi style and Delta blues somehow got into it.
At Sunday's Division II playoffs announcement party, the players were served elephant-shaped sugar cookies.
And Cindy Carthel, head coach Don's wife, has been seen wearing elephant socks.
WT would not mind coming back from Florence, Ala., with a championship trophy in the ... trunk.
Yep. It's the Elephants.
The theme this year has been this question: How do you eat an elephant?
With a fork and knife? Baked, grilled or raw? Sunday through Saturday?
The answer, WT coaches told players, was "one bite at a time."
The analogy is to winning the national championship. To do that, a team must play one game at a time and get one win at a time. Sometimes, you hit some grizzle (ACU). But you keep on.
It has been funny listening to different players explain the process. Defensive end Marvin Wash, for example, has told the story Mississippi style and Delta blues somehow got into it.
At Sunday's Division II playoffs announcement party, the players were served elephant-shaped sugar cookies.
And Cindy Carthel, head coach Don's wife, has been seen wearing elephant socks.
WT would not mind coming back from Florence, Ala., with a championship trophy in the ... trunk.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Buffs open playoffs vs. Central Washington
It's official. West Texas A&M will play Central Washington at 1 p.m. Saturday at Kimbrough in a Division II first-round playoff game.
The schools never have played in football.
Fans will see mirror images on the field. Both teams are 10-1, both defeated Mesa State and Azusa Pacific this season and both have big-time offenses. Like WT, Central has a great quarterback in Mike Reilly and a great receiver in Johnny Spevak. Reilly and WT's Keith Null are considered the best in Division II, along with ACU's Billy Malone. Spevak and WT's Charly Martin have been the two top receivers in D-II this season.
A lot of points may be scored, though the WT defense certainly has looked good the past three games. Reminded of last year's 40-39 nailbiting win over Washburn in the first round, WT coach Don Carthel said, "I'd take a one-point win."
The schools never have played in football.
Fans will see mirror images on the field. Both teams are 10-1, both defeated Mesa State and Azusa Pacific this season and both have big-time offenses. Like WT, Central has a great quarterback in Mike Reilly and a great receiver in Johnny Spevak. Reilly and WT's Keith Null are considered the best in Division II, along with ACU's Billy Malone. Spevak and WT's Charly Martin have been the two top receivers in D-II this season.
A lot of points may be scored, though the WT defense certainly has looked good the past three games. Reminded of last year's 40-39 nailbiting win over Washburn in the first round, WT coach Don Carthel said, "I'd take a one-point win."
Buffs defense looks like it's supposed to
A defensive that was supposed to be very good looked very good Saturday against a very good offensive team.
West Texas A&M held Tarleton State, a team that could run and pass with equal skill, to under 300 yards. The performance boosted the Buffs to No. 2 in total defense in the Lone Star Conference, 300 ypg, and No. 2 in scoring defense, 18.9 ppg. WT notched its second shutout, the second straight season the Buffs have blanked an opponent. That's impressive in this day of spread offenses that give even the least potent offenses a chance for points.
To be successful in the playoffs, three things have to happen:
* No turnovers: The Buffs had none vs. Tarleton
* Rushing yards needed: WT had 253, a season high, vs. Tarleton.
* Defense is a must: WT had its best game.
Bring on the playoffs, the Buffs look ready.
West Texas A&M held Tarleton State, a team that could run and pass with equal skill, to under 300 yards. The performance boosted the Buffs to No. 2 in total defense in the Lone Star Conference, 300 ypg, and No. 2 in scoring defense, 18.9 ppg. WT notched its second shutout, the second straight season the Buffs have blanked an opponent. That's impressive in this day of spread offenses that give even the least potent offenses a chance for points.
To be successful in the playoffs, three things have to happen:
* No turnovers: The Buffs had none vs. Tarleton
* Rushing yards needed: WT had 253, a season high, vs. Tarleton.
* Defense is a must: WT had its best game.
Bring on the playoffs, the Buffs look ready.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
WT, Tech flex muscles on the Plains
What a day.
West Texas A&M and Texas Tech fans were wondering about how good their teams were in pressure games. Both answered in big ways.
The Buffaloes pulled off a stunning 51-0 win over a good Tarelton team while the Red Raiders showed no signs of letdown in pounding Oklahoma State 56-20.
WT's win provides a quicker reward. The Buffs will enter the Division II playoffs next week, probably playing at home against Central Washington. There's a long trip for you.
Tech, of course, still has Oklahoma. That's in two weeks.
Attendance at Buffs home playoffs games always is down, for two reasons. One, there are high school football and volleyball playoffs at the same time. Two, it's an NCAA game and everyone has to pay to get in.
But the Buffs have followed their lone loss, to ACU, with their best football of the season. Keithon Flemming is back and the defense has two shutouts in three games.
With Tech open next week, the big game on the South Plains is Canyon.
West Texas A&M and Texas Tech fans were wondering about how good their teams were in pressure games. Both answered in big ways.
The Buffaloes pulled off a stunning 51-0 win over a good Tarelton team while the Red Raiders showed no signs of letdown in pounding Oklahoma State 56-20.
WT's win provides a quicker reward. The Buffs will enter the Division II playoffs next week, probably playing at home against Central Washington. There's a long trip for you.
Tech, of course, still has Oklahoma. That's in two weeks.
Attendance at Buffs home playoffs games always is down, for two reasons. One, there are high school football and volleyball playoffs at the same time. Two, it's an NCAA game and everyone has to pay to get in.
But the Buffs have followed their lone loss, to ACU, with their best football of the season. Keithon Flemming is back and the defense has two shutouts in three games.
With Tech open next week, the big game on the South Plains is Canyon.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
WT won't be distracted
Just what West Texas A&M needed, an off-the-field distraction.
But don't count on the news concerning quarterbacks coach Ryan Leaf disrupting things.
For starters, senior quarterback Keith Null is at the controls. Null had a terrific game against Tarleton State last year, even when he was ordered to stay in the pocket and not run. Tarleton knew that and dropped back in coverage. Still, Null picked apart Tarleton 462 yards and 4 TDs.
Secondly, WT thrives on adversity. Whether it's injuries or being picked low in a poll or having to win on the road, the Buffs take a challenge and carry it was gold.
While the accusations against Leaf are investigated, coach Don Carthel and his staff will make sure their team focuses on Saturday's game with the Texans.
After all, it's just a playoff berth that's on the line.
But don't count on the news concerning quarterbacks coach Ryan Leaf disrupting things.
For starters, senior quarterback Keith Null is at the controls. Null had a terrific game against Tarleton State last year, even when he was ordered to stay in the pocket and not run. Tarleton knew that and dropped back in coverage. Still, Null picked apart Tarleton 462 yards and 4 TDs.
Secondly, WT thrives on adversity. Whether it's injuries or being picked low in a poll or having to win on the road, the Buffs take a challenge and carry it was gold.
While the accusations against Leaf are investigated, coach Don Carthel and his staff will make sure their team focuses on Saturday's game with the Texans.
After all, it's just a playoff berth that's on the line.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
WT could see schedule strength improve
West Texas A&M fans know a lot is riding on Saturday's game vs. Tarleton State.
For the Buffs, Priority 1 is winning the game and getting into the playoffs.
But there are other factors at work. If WT can beat a Texans team with eight wins, Texas A&M-Kingsville gets its seventh win by beating Angelo State, Mesa State reaches seven wins by taking out Nebraska-Kearney (6-5) and Central Oklahoma ends its season with its seventh straight win, WT's strength of schedule gets much better. Perhaps enough to lift the Buffs past Pittsburg State to No. 3 in the Super Region Four rankings.
If that happens, WT still plays at home but gets the No. 6 seed, which could be Tarleton.
If WT stays at No. 4, the Buffs probably would face No. 5 Central Washington. The winner gets Abilene Christian, a daunting task but one the Buffs would eagerly accept.
Fans enjoy pondering playoff scenarios but the bottom line is this: the Buffs have to beat Tarleton to guarantee a playoff berth. Who they'll play after that will be known soon enough.
For the Buffs, Priority 1 is winning the game and getting into the playoffs.
But there are other factors at work. If WT can beat a Texans team with eight wins, Texas A&M-Kingsville gets its seventh win by beating Angelo State, Mesa State reaches seven wins by taking out Nebraska-Kearney (6-5) and Central Oklahoma ends its season with its seventh straight win, WT's strength of schedule gets much better. Perhaps enough to lift the Buffs past Pittsburg State to No. 3 in the Super Region Four rankings.
If that happens, WT still plays at home but gets the No. 6 seed, which could be Tarleton.
If WT stays at No. 4, the Buffs probably would face No. 5 Central Washington. The winner gets Abilene Christian, a daunting task but one the Buffs would eagerly accept.
Fans enjoy pondering playoff scenarios but the bottom line is this: the Buffs have to beat Tarleton to guarantee a playoff berth. Who they'll play after that will be known soon enough.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Buffs-Texans playoff election too close to call
Welcome to Election Day!
In talking to West Texas A&M players the past two months, it was clear that the team believed Barack Obama would be the next president.
Whichever candidate wins, Saturday's football game will be played. The Buffs, 9-1, take on 8-2 Tarleton State with an NCAA playoff berth on the line. Tarleton coach Sam McElroy said his team has been aiming for this game all season, as have Don Carthel's Buffs.
The outcome could hinge on which teams has the better day rushing the ball. The Texans are No. 2 in the Lone Star Conference in rushing offense (190 ypg). If the running game is effective, so will TSU's passing game.
WT will counter with Keithon Flemming, who's back in the backfield after missing four games with a broken bone in his right hand. How he performs will be key for WT.
Go vote, if you haven't. Then cast your vote Saturday by attending the WT-Tarleton game.
In talking to West Texas A&M players the past two months, it was clear that the team believed Barack Obama would be the next president.
Whichever candidate wins, Saturday's football game will be played. The Buffs, 9-1, take on 8-2 Tarleton State with an NCAA playoff berth on the line. Tarleton coach Sam McElroy said his team has been aiming for this game all season, as have Don Carthel's Buffs.
The outcome could hinge on which teams has the better day rushing the ball. The Texans are No. 2 in the Lone Star Conference in rushing offense (190 ypg). If the running game is effective, so will TSU's passing game.
WT will counter with Keithon Flemming, who's back in the backfield after missing four games with a broken bone in his right hand. How he performs will be key for WT.
Go vote, if you haven't. Then cast your vote Saturday by attending the WT-Tarleton game.
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