SLC Week 2 Review:
UCABEAR (AnyGivenSaturday.com), SLC Contributor | September 15, 2015
Southland RECAP 9-13-15
Saturday was day of extremes for the Southland Conference.It was a week dubbed “bloodbath and paycheck week” when SLC teams collect their annual paychecks from FBS schools or pay lower division schools for the “W”. Let’s take a look at the results for each game.
TCU 70, SFA 7
Stephen F. Austin took on their paycheck FBS opponent Texas Christian and it didn’t take long to see why TCU is ranked third in the nation in the FBS. One of the telling stats of the game was the offense by both teams. S.F.A was outgunned and outrun 627 to 167 yards. Heralded starting QB for SFA Zach Conque was held to just 9 passing yards on 11 of 18passes. Things don’t get easier for the Lumberjacks as they take on the Cowboys of McNeese next week at home.
Speaking of Cowboys….
McNeese 43, UIW 6
McNeese showed the SLC what a good QB and defense can do for a football team’s pride. The Cowboys defense led the way with four sacks, three fumble recoveries, and only allowed 12 yards rushing. On offense the Cowboys were led by transfer Daniel Sams who threw for nearly 200yards. UIW struggled all night with ball possession and in the fourth quarter coughed it to the tune of giving up 14 points to the Cowboys. McNeese travels to S.F.A next week to take on the Lumberjacks. UIW hosts Nicholls State next Saturday at2.p.m.
Yet more Cowboys…
Oklahoma State 32, UCA 8
UCA traveled to Stillwater Oklahoma for their paycheck game to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Again UCA had problems establishing their offense and the pass defense fell victim again to a barrage of passes that mercifully ended in the fourth quarter. UCA gave up over 400yards in the air and nearly 200 on the ground. But despite the huge yardage gained by Oklahoma State the score was actually closer than cowboy fans wanted.Halftime rolled around and the bears were only down 10-0. To the surprise of Bear fans the UCA’s defensive line was able to push back the much larger O.S.U.Offensive line all night. On several 2nd and 3rd and shorts UCA was unable to convert to first downs and had to punt. Overall Bear fans are happy with the effort and can’t wait for a home game in early October.UCA has a bye next week.
Southeastern Louisiana 28, (D2) Florida Tech 17
The lions of Southeastern Louisiana struggled to put away their “W” game but were able to do so by forcing 9 turnovers and scoring 3 defensive touchdowns. The offense struggled all night only scoring once. Starting QB D’Shaie Landon left the game early with an injury forcing the Lions to play their backup QB. The Lions play their FBS opponent Ohio next Saturday.
Baylor 66, Lamar 31
In a game where FCS fans were cheering for an upset, the Lamar Cardinals made the SLC proud as they hung close to the #3 team in the FBS the Baylor Bears for nearly a half. But it was the second half that proved too difficult for the Cardinals as the Baylor Bears pulled away to the tune of 785 yards of total offense and 66 points. Things don’t get easier for Lamar as they travel to Sam Houston State to take on the Bearkats at 6 p.m.on Saturday.
University of Louisiana – Lafayette 44, Northwestern State – 17
The Demons of Northwestern State traveled to Cajun field to take on the Rajun Cajuns in yet another FBS matchup for the Southland. The running game proved too much for the Demons as Elijah McGuire of the Rajun Cajuns scored 5 rushing touchdowns and the team amassed 360 yards on the ground. Life doesn’t get any easier for the Demons as they travel for another paycheck to Mississippi State next Saturday.
Northern Colorado 34, Houston Baptist 10
With even yardage the whole game this one turned into who turned the ball over less. Three critical turnovers allowed the UNC Bears to defeat the Huskies. The Huskies ran for 182 yards and passed for120 yards but it wasn’t enough. The Huskies go to Abilene Christian to take on the Wildcats next Saturday.
University of Louisiana- Monroe 37, Nicholls State 0
A second quarter 30 points offensive onslaught by the Warhawks of ULM put that game out of reach early. Nicholls State gave up nearly 600 yards of offense however they were able to amass 260 yards of offense. This one appeared to be over early. Nicholls travels to UIW next Saturday to open SLC play.
The good: Paychecks went to the Southland schools to fund their football budgets. Lamar showed it is tougher than last year. UCA showed it has improved in a game where they were heavy underdogs. McNeese showed swag on defense that had been missing to Cowboy fans.
The Bad: Injuries to starting QBs right before conference play may change how this conference will be perceived and how it will be determined. Many defenses are also exposed for conference foes.
