2016 Southland Conference Previews/Predictions

[BEAR]

Here's the link to last year's predictions by us fans:

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/showthread.php?169413-2015-Southland-Preview-and-Predictions&highlight=southland+preview


Let's use that same format for this year:

2016 Southland Previews and Predictions

Let’s go ahead and get this started! It’s early I know but it’s always interesting to see how well we can predict the SLC as fans. Just fill in the blanks below and we’ll compare them when the season is over! Not all of your answers below have to be for your team. If you’ve got more to add please do so. Remember, this is all in fun. If any of us knew the future we wouldn’t spend it on anything else but lottery tickets. J

2016 Season

Predicted SLC Champion(s):
Your team name:
Your team’s final 2016 SLC Record:
Your team’s final 2016 overall record:
Most significant win:
Most significant loss:
One player on offense to look out for:
One player on defense to look out for:
One player on special teams to look out for:
Predict a spectacular/devastating play for your team:
SLC Offensive Player of Year (any team) :
SLC Defensive Player of Year (any team) :
SLC Special Teams Player of Year (any team) :
SLC Freshman of Year (any team) :
Cellar Dweller team:
Fired head coach(es):

[BEAR]

Here's my attempt xlolx

2016 Season

Predicted SLC Champion(s): Sam and/or McNeese
Your team name: UCA
Your team’s final 2016 SLC Record: 6-3
Your team’s final 2016 overall record: 7-5
Most significant win: Lamar
Most significant loss: Nicholls
One player on offense to look out for: Jatavious Wilson
One player on defense to look out for: Juan Jackson
One player on special teams to look out for: Patrick Ponder, punter
Predict a spectacular/devastating play for your team: 55 yard field goal by Ponder
SLC Offensive Player of Year (any team) :
SLC Defensive Player of Year (any team) :
SLC Special Teams Player of Year (any team) :
SLC Freshman of Year (any team) :
Cellar Dweller team: Nicholls...yes we lose to them.
Fired head coach(es):

UCA lost 30 players to attrition, graduation, or whatever. That's HUGE. It's a reloading year. Last year injuries to both starting QBs really let the air out of the team toward the end of the year. It was what it was I guess.

This year I'm coming to McNeese, SFA, and Arkansas State games.

Thu. 9/1/2016 Houston Baptist University CONWAY TBA Details- WIN
Sat. 9/10/2016 Samford University CONWAY TBA Details- Toss up toward a loss
Sat. 9/17/2016 Northwestern State University CONWAY TBA Details- Win
Sat. 9/24/2016 Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR TBA Details- Loss
Sat. 10/1/2016 Abilene Christian University Abilene, TX TBA Details- win but really thinking loss
Sat. 10/8/2016 OPEN Details
Sat. 10/15/2016 McNeese State University Lake Charles, LA TBA Details- loss
Sat. 10/22/2016 Lamar University CONWAY TBA Details-win
Sat. 10/29/2016 Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, LA TBA Details-win but really thinking loss
Sat. 11/5/2016 Stephen F. Austin Nacogdoches, TX TBA Details- win
Sat. 11/12/2016 Nicholls State University CONWAY TBA Details- loss, we just have trouble with them.
Sat. 11/19/2016 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX TBA Details- easy loss

This will not be an easy year for Bear fans. :(

[McNeese72]

Don't have time to fill all that out.

Here is a quick synopsis of McNeese:

New coaching staff + breaking in new QB(s) + no depth on the OL = trouble for this season.

Doc

[Daytripper]

2016 Season

Predicted SLC Champion(s): SHSU
Your team name: SHSU
Your team’s final 2016 SLC Record: 9-0 (I worry about SFA most - they're tired of losing to us in BOTPW)
Your team’s final 2016 overall record: 11-0
Most significant win: McNeese
Most significant loss: None
One player on offense to look out for: WR Davion Davis
One player on defense to look out for: LB Mouf Adebo
One player on special teams to look out for: Yedi Louis returning kicks
Predict a spectacular/devastating play for your team: Taking a knee in the Natty for the win
SLC Offensive Player of Year (any team) : Cade Harrington - Lamar
SLC Defensive Player of Year (any team) : P.J. Hall
SLC Special Teams Player of Year (any team) : Yedi Louis
SLC Freshman of Year (any team) : No clue
Cellar Dweller team: Houston Baptist
Fired head coach(es): None

The Bearkat offense will be better this year than it was last year. All of the players have another year in the system and the QB (Briscoe) is Keeler's guy. The defense is the big question. We don't really know much about the new DC (Sherrod) brt we are hoping that he can bring more consistency than we had with Collins.

I think undefeated is a real possibility because we don't have a body bag game this year. As always, UCA and McNeese can jump up and bite us in the ass. I think we destroy Lamar in Beaumont as payback for that embarrassing loss in Huntsville last year.

If we do run the table, I think we should get a top 2 seed in the playoffs.

[SFA 93]

SFA

Return 7 offensive starters (all seniors)
Return 9 defensive starters

New OC

Conque's 3rd season

Plenty of Depth at every position

Stay healthy and I like our chances

[Sammy94]

2016 Season

Predicted SLC Champion(s): SHSU
Your team name: Bearkats
Your team’s final 2016 SLC Record: 8-1
Your team’s final 2016 overall record: 10-1
Most significant win: McNeese
Most significant loss: SFA, UCA, or someone its always hard to run through the SLC undefeated
One player on offense to look out for: RB - Corey Avery
One player on defense to look out for: CB - Jalen Campbell
One player on special teams to look out for: Tyler Scott
Predict a spectacular/devastating play for your team: Taking a knee in the Natty for the win (I like this one)
SLC Offensive Player of Year (any team) : Cade Harrington - Lamar
SLC Defensive Player of Year (any team) : P.J. Hall - SHSU
SLC Special Teams Player of Year (any team) : Jatavious Wilson - UCA
SLC Freshman of Year (any team) :
Cellar Dweller team: Nicholls
Fired head coach(es): None

[BEAR]

Alright, since the list I made is too tedious let's predict an order of finish for the conference. Here's last year's records:



School
SLC
Pct.
Overall
Pct.
Home
Away
Neutral
Streak


McNeese State (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=539)
9-0
1.000
10-1
0.909
5-1
5-0
0-0
L1


Sam Houston State (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=544)
7-2
0.778
11-4
0.733
7-1
3-3
1-0
L1


Central Arkansas (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=537)
7-2
0.778
7-4
0.636
3-2
4-2
0-0
L1


UIW (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=550) *
5-4
0.556
6-5
0.545
4-1
2-4
0-0
W1


Lamar (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=545)
4-5
0.444
5-6
0.455
2-3
3-3
0-0
L1


Northwestern State (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=547)
4-5
0.444
4-7
0.364
3-2
1-5
0-0
W1


Stephen F. Austin (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=540)
4-5
0.444
4-7
0.364
3-2
1-4
0-1
L1


Southeastern La. (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=549)
3-6
0.333
4-7
0.364
2-3
2-4
0-0
L4


Abilene Christian (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=536) *
3-6
0.333
3-8
0.273
3-2
0-6
0-0
L1


Nicholls (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=546)
3-6
0.333
3-8
0.273
1-3
2-5
0-0
W1


Houston Baptist (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=538)
0-8
0.000
2-9
0.182
2-5
0-4
0-0
L6



* ineligible for regular-season championship and posts


I'll go with:

1. Sam Houston
.
2. McNeese
.
.
3. Lamar
4. SFA
.
.
5. UCA
6. ACU
7. SLU
.
.
8. NWST
9. UIW
10. Nicholls
.
.
.
11. HBU

My only questions to the above predictions are how good is UIW and ACU? Rebuilding year for UCA so they will be middle of the pack unless some upsets happen.

[BEAR]

One thing I've noticed with the Southland, since I don't follow other conferences closely, is that the teams that are the healthiest at the end of the year are the ones that tend to get the best results and make the playoffs. McNeese for a few years there might as well have had a M*A*S*H unit set up near their endzone. UCA is going through that now. But it never fails for most teams that they are so injured, so worn down from playing money games and how similar teams in this conference really are that by the end of the season most are beat down. Sam has had success with staying healthy lately and that's impressive. The SLC can't use that as an excuse because all the teams in the other conferences are going through it too. But I think if we can get our football programs to somehow avoid the injury bug more SLC teams would go to the post season where they've done fairly well lately when they are healthy. Maybe one of the Southland headquarters guys can contact NDSU's staff and hire away whoever is keeping that team healthy. xlolx

[Nickels]

One thing I've noticed with the Southland, since I don't follow other conferences closely, is that the teams that are the healthiest at the end of the year are the ones that tend to get the best results and make the playoffs. McNeese for a few years there might as well have had a M*A*S*H unit set up near their endzone. UCA is going through that now. But it never fails for most teams that they are so injured, so worn down from playing money games and how similar teams in this conference really are that by the end of the season most are beat down. Sam has had success with staying healthy lately and that's impressive. The SLC can't use that as an excuse because all the teams in the other conferences are going through it too. But I think if we can get our football programs to somehow avoid the injury bug more SLC teams would go to the post season where they've done fairly well lately when they are healthy. Maybe one of the Southland headquarters guys can contact NDSU's staff and hire away whoever is keeping that team healthy. xlolx
We've had as many key injuries as every other SLC team but a strong bench has made the difference.

[SFA 93]

Having depth is the key.

[BEAR]

Any SLC fans want to talk about players at whatever positions?

If so I'll start at who we will think will be the "best" of the conference at each position. Yes, I know that "best" is a general term that can encompass many things.

Let's start with QB.

QB- UCA's Hayden Hildebrand will be an above average QB but not the league leader. If he stays healthy he will be in the top 5 IMO. But he gets hurt waaaaay too much.

QB- UCA's backups are not league ready plus we didn't get any FBS or FCS transfers at that position.

Who's next? I'll put up a poll once we come up with the top ? candidates.

Last year's leaders:



R
PASSING (Min Att/GP of 15)
G
COMP
ATT
INT
PCT
YDS
TD
LONG
AVG/G
EFFIC


1.
Brittain, Trent (UIW)
11
183
352
13
52.0
2254
9
90
204.9
106.8


2.
Conque, Zach (SFA)
11
177
303
8
58.4
1919
16
66
174.5
123.8


3.
Hildebrand, Hayden (UCA)
10
132
208
4
63.5
1707
12
56
170.7
147.6


4.
Parker McKenzie (ACU)
11
161
247
9
65.2
1855
14
58
168.6
139.7


5.
Jared Johnson (SHSU)
14
168
292
2
57.5
2216
18
86
158.3
140.3


6.
Rivers, Stephen (NWST)
9
108
166
5
65.1
1394
9
65
154.9
147.5


7.
Sams, Daniel (MCN)
11
137
278
9
49.3
1666
13
78
151.5
108.6


8.
Landor D'shaie (SLU)
9
93
185
4
50.3
1228
7
76
136.4
114.2


9.
Jeremiah Briscoe (SHSU)
14
135
246
5
54.9
1883
14
55
134.5
133.9


10.
Minden, Joe (LU)
10
116
201
11
57.7
1296
12
45
129.6
120.6


11.
Staver, Max (HBU)
10
84
192
9
43.8
1109
5
49
110.9
91.5


12.
Figaro, Tuskani (NICH)
9
91
164
6
55.5
925
4
52
102.8
103.6

[Daytripper]

Any SLC fans want to talk about players at whatever positions?

If so I'll start at who we will think will be the "best" of the conference at each position. Yes, I know that "best" is a general term that can encompass many things.

Let's start with QB.

QB- UCA's Hayden Hildebrand will be an above average QB but not the league leader. If he stays healthy he will be in the top 5 IMO. But he gets hurt waaaaay too much.

QB- UCA's backups are not league ready plus we didn't get any FBS or FCS transfers at that position.

Who's next? I'll put up a poll once we come up with the top ? candidates.

Last year's leaders:



R
PASSING (Min Att/GP of 15)
G
COMP
ATT
INT
PCT
YDS
TD
LONG
AVG/G
EFFIC


1.
Brittain, Trent (UIW)
11
183
352
13
52.0
2254
9
90
204.9
106.8


2.
Conque, Zach (SFA)
11
177
303
8
58.4
1919
16
66
174.5
123.8


3.
Hildebrand, Hayden (UCA)
10
132
208
4
63.5
1707
12
56
170.7
147.6


4.
Parker McKenzie (ACU)
11
161
247
9
65.2
1855
14
58
168.6
139.7


5.
Jared Johnson (SHSU)
14
168
292
2
57.5
2216
18
86
158.3
140.3


6.
Rivers, Stephen (NWST)
9
108
166
5
65.1
1394
9
65
154.9
147.5


7.
Sams, Daniel (MCN)
11
137
278
9
49.3
1666
13
78
151.5
108.6


8.
Landor D'shaie (SLU)
9
93
185
4
50.3
1228
7
76
136.4
114.2


9.
Jeremiah Briscoe (SHSU)
14
135
246
5
54.9
1883
14
55
134.5
133.9


10.
Minden, Joe (LU)
10
116
201
11
57.7
1296
12
45
129.6
120.6


11.
Staver, Max (HBU)
10
84
192
9
43.8
1109
5
49
110.9
91.5


12.
Figaro, Tuskani (NICH)
9
91
164
6
55.5
925
4
52
102.8
103.6










I will be interested to see how Jeremiah Briscoe fares. He split time with JJ last season and was maddeningly inconsistent. But since JJ transferred, JB will be getting all of the 1st team reps in camp and have confidence that the job is his. Whether he takes advantage is another story. He has the potential to be great, but.....you never know.

And if he goes down, we only have two freshmen as backup.

[BEAR]

And if he goes down, we only have two freshmen as backup.

Sounds familiar. xlolx Depth may play a key role in both our teams. Let's see what the other fans have to say about their QBs.

UCA's backups.



12
Hayden Hildebrand (http://www.ucasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2895&path=football)
QB
6-3
196
JR.
Bossier City, La. / Airline


http://www.ucasports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?image_path=/images/2015/8/11//perkins_riley_2015.jpg&thumb_prefix=rp_roster
14
Riley Perkins (http://www.ucasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3027&path=football)
QB
6-0
180
SO.
Little Rock, Ark. / Arkansas Baptist


http://www.ucasports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?image_path=/images/2015/8/11//baugh_kirk_2015.jpg&thumb_prefix=rp_roster
18
Kirk Baugh (http://www.ucasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2983&path=football)
QB
6-2
210
SO.
White Hall, Ark. / White Hall


http://www.ucasports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?image_path=/images/2015/8/11//harfield_kolton_2015.jpg&thumb_prefix=rp_roster
19
Kolton Harfield (http://www.ucasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2984&path=football)
QB
6-7
215
SO.
Sugar Land, Texas / Clements HS



Watching practices I can imagine one or more of those QBs may want to transfer if they don't get playing time this year.

UCA also recruited a local kid from Conway High as QB but he seems more like an athlete or option QB, more of a runner than a passer. Our QB recruit last year transferred out early. Put up gawdy numbers in high school but got to UCA and the game was different. LBs chased him down. Guess he will end up at Arkansas Tech or a division II school.

[Daytripper]

Sounds familiar. xlolx Depth may play a key role in both our teams. Let's see what the other fans have to say about their QBs.

UCA's backups.



12
Hayden Hildebrand (http://www.ucasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2895&path=football)
QB
6-3
196
JR.
Bossier City, La. / Airline


http://www.ucasports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?image_path=/images/2015/8/11//perkins_riley_2015.jpg&thumb_prefix=rp_roster
14
Riley Perkins (http://www.ucasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3027&path=football)
QB
6-0
180
SO.
Little Rock, Ark. / Arkansas Baptist


http://www.ucasports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?image_path=/images/2015/8/11//baugh_kirk_2015.jpg&thumb_prefix=rp_roster
18
Kirk Baugh (http://www.ucasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2983&path=football)
QB
6-2
210
SO.
White Hall, Ark. / White Hall


http://www.ucasports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?image_path=/images/2015/8/11//harfield_kolton_2015.jpg&thumb_prefix=rp_roster
19
Kolton Harfield (http://www.ucasports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2984&path=football)
QB
6-7
215
SO.
Sugar Land, Texas / Clements HS



Watching practices I can imagine one or more of those QBs may want to transfer if they don't get playing time this year.

UCA also recruited a local kid from Conway High as QB but he seems more like an athlete or option QB, more of a runner than a passer. Our QB recruit last year transferred out early. Put up gawdy numbers in high school but got to UCA and the game was different. LBs chased him down. Guess he will end up at Arkansas Tech or a division II school.

SHSU has two fairly highly recruited freshmen coming in. One, Caleb Griffin, graduated HS early and was able to participate in spring camp. All reports said he looked really good. The other recruit, Cody Brewer, has a lot of potential, but will be way behind Griffin when practice begins this summer. Of course, history tells us that one of them will likely not even finish at Sam or will be a perennial backup.

[FormerPokeCenter]

McNeese has a New Quarterback, New Position Coach, New Offensive Coordinator, New Scheme...

I think that probably spells new McProblems...

[SFA 93]

The Jacks are in good shape at QB but with a new OC we will see.

In the 2015 season SFA ranked 3rd in the Southland Conference in total passing yards, TDs, and yards per game.

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11076045.jpeg
QB: #2 Zach Conque 6-6; 237 (Sr.)
GP:24;ATT:688;COMP:426;PCT:.62%;YDS:4,666;TD:31;IN T:17;R:293;YDS:1,180;TD:24
TYDS:5,846;TD:55 (Career)

- 2017 NFL Draft Quarterback Watch List
- All-SLC (HM)
- Started in 10 games playing 11 in total for the season.
- SLC Offensive Player of the Week (Nov. 16)
- Ranked second in the conference for passing TDs and Yards per game
- Ranked 3rd in the conference for rushing TDs (11)
- Accountable for the most TDs by any player in the SLC last season (27)

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11076436.jpeg
QB: #18 Hunter Taylor 6-1; 192 (Sr.)
GP:11;ATT:111;COMP:59;PCT:53%;YDS:548;TD:5;INT:3 (Career)

- Started against McNeese State going 19 of 33 for 187 yards and 2TDs 0 INTs
- Came in for Conque @#21 Southeastern Louisiana in the second quarter trailing 20-0 going 20 of 37 for 214 yards and 3TDs 0 INTs leading the Jacks to a 28-27 upset.

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11259366.jpeg
QB: #15 Ryan Cottingame 6-3; 220 (So.)

- Played in one game last season against HBU.
- JUCO transfer from Trinity Valley C.C.

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11129152.jpeg
QB: #10 Jake Blumrick 6-2; 202 (R/Fr.)

- Redshirted last season

QB RECRUITS (2)

http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/sasu/graphics/snell-sdc-16.jpg
QB: #9 Paten Snell 6-3; 190 (Fr.) Scurry, Texas (Rosser) ** (247sports) #69 Dual Threat QB
TYDS:10,693;TDS:102 (Prep Career) <School Record>

- 3X All-District Player (2X First Team)
- District Newcomer of the Year
- All State (HM)
- Blue-Grey All-American
- Blue-Grey All-Star Game MVP

http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/sasu/graphics/ferre-sdc-16.jpg
QB: #17 Tyler Ferre 6-3; 210 (Fr.) Magnolia, Texas (West) ** (247sports) #120 Pro QB; ** (Rivals)
PYDS:5,770;TDS:72 (50 passing; 22 Rushing)

- Offers from Texas State, Georgia Southern, among others, and interest from several FBS programs but elected to be a preferred walk on at SFA as he wanted to be a Lumberjack after attending a SFA football camp.

- District 19-5A Offensive MVP
- 2X All-District and All-County

[lionsrking2]

We've got some unknowns with a new OC and Ron Roberts taking over the defense, but I think the pieces are in place to hopefully put last year's disaster behind us. I expect we'll be very good on defense and strong in the running game. Juice Maracalin returns at RB and Rasheed Harrell is back strong after redshirting last year with an injury, and we've added some pieces on the offensive line. Passing game will be a question, but we return two QBs with experience, in D'Shaie Landor and Donovan Isom, and judging from the spring, looks like both have taken a step forward. We have some talent returning at WR but we'll definitely need some newcomers to step up in the fall. Defensive line will be the strength of the team and should be our biggest, deepest, strongest D line yet as a program. We have to replace a couple of starters at LB and some guys in the secondary but we have some good players coming back, and coming in.

In 2015, we lost four games by 5 points or less, and turned the ball over 28 times. We had the second ranked D in the league but gave up an alarming number of big plays, which cost us at crucial times. Both issues have been major points of emphasis during the off-season.

[Nickels]

Here's an interesting read regardless if you care for the Kats or not.

Mike Leach Praises Sam Houston State Air Raid Study
https://xandolabs.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2878:interview-with-mike-leach&catid=94:offense&Itemid=162

[BEAR]

Alright..anymore RB candidates before I put up the poll about who we think will be the "best" RB in the conference?

Best defined? Hard to do..but maybe...
most total yards
most total yards per carry
most TDS
most carries
least negative yards

anymore ideas?

[Daytripper]

Alright..anymore RB candidates before I put up the poll about who we think will be the "best" RB in the conference?

Best defined? Hard to do..but maybe...
most total yards
most total yards per carry
most TDS
most carries
least negative yards

anymore ideas?

For second place in the RB category - nobody in their right mind should nominate anybody except Lamar's Harrington for first - I nominate Corey Avery of SHSU.

[BEAR]

For second place in the RB category - nobody in their right mind should nominate anybody except Lamar's Harrington for first - I nominate Corey Avery of SHSU.

Exactly what I was thinking. xlolx Was Flanders as good as Harrington?

[Daytripper]

Exactly what I was thinking. xlolx Was Flanders as good as Harrington?

Not sure. They seem very similar in body type and style. Harrington may have more pure speed.

[BEAR]

Not sure. They seem very similar in body type and style. Harrington may have more pure speed.

I'll have to look at their stats. I didn't think Flanders and Harrington were similar in body style. Flanders looked bigger than Harrington in body type..but then I didn't see him every game every year. Harrington looks like Welker. IMO. But he will hit the SLC Hall of Fame VERY quickly...IMO.

[FormerPokeCenter]

Harrington is tiny....he gets his yardage because he's small and sneaky...

Flanders, from what I recall, was more physically gifted...

[BisonFan02]

Harrington is tiny....he gets his yardage because he's small and sneaky...

Flanders, from what I recall, was more physically gifted...

Was he? I would be curious what his "yards after contact" stats looked like.

[SFA 93]

OK, since we are talking RB who do you have?

SFA

RUNNING BACKS

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11076570.jpeg
RB: #23 Joshawa West 5-10; 194 (Sr.)
GP:35;ATT:183;YDS:1,115;AVG:6.1;TD:4/REC:57;YDS:411;TD:1;TYDS:1,526;TD:5

- Started in 8 games in 2015
- Had 903 All-Purpose yards during the 2015 season.
- Rushed for 133 yards @ACU on 12 carries and caught 5 passes for 50 yards
- Rushed for 106 yards on 11 carries against HBU
- Had 136 total yards @Central Arkansas

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11129224.jpeg
RB: #7 Loren Easly 5-11; 205 (So.)
GP:10;ATT:126;YDS:759;AVG:6.0;TD:4/REC:7;YDS:43;TD:0;TYDS:802;TD:4

- Started in 2 games as a true freshman for the 2015 season.
- Stats FCS National Freshman of the Week (Oct. 5)
- CFPA National Freshman of the Year Nominee
- Lead the Lumberjacks in rushing
- Holds two of the Top-10 longest rushes in program history.
- Rushed for 213 yards and a TD against Sam Houston Sate
- Rushed for 93 yards on 6 carries @#3 TCU
- Rushed for 148 yards on 31 carries and a TD against Nicholls

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11076574.jpeg
RB: #27 Jacolby Whitaker 5-10; 194 (So.)
GP:5;ATT:15;YDS:122;AVG:8.1;TD:1

- Red Shirted his freshman year
- Had 97 total yards and a TD against HBU

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11640811.jpeg
RB: #25 Kijana Amous 5-11; 210 (Jr.) ** (247sports) #145 RB; ** (Rivals)
RYDS:1,140;TD:12 (JUCO Career)

- JUCO Transfer from Navarro College

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11075979.jpeg
RB: #46 Jabralon Allen 6-0; 241 (Sr.)
GP:31;REC:4;YDS:61;TD:0 (Career)

- Used at FB; mainly for blocking


RB RECRUITS (2)

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11928416.jpeg
RB: #32 Jamall Shaw 5-11; 205 Broken Bow, Oklahoma (Broken Bow)

- Senior season rushed for over 2,000 yards on 300 plus carries scoring 27 TDs
- All-Time Leading Rusher and TD holder in Broken Bow History (3,461 YDS; 50 TD)
- District (6A) Player of the Year
- All State
- Oklahoma Player of the Year

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11928430.jpeg
RB: #29 Joshua McGowen 5-9; 190 McAllen, Texas (McAllen)
YDS:1,892;TD:28;AVG:7.4 (School Records) Senior Season

- Had a 340 yards rushing game (including a run of 99 yards) in 2015.
- 2016 track star who ran a 10.66 in the 100 meter; 22.22 in the 200-meter; 13.84 in 110 meter hurdles; 36.67 in 300 meter hurdles; 23’ 7.50 in the long jump; 48’ 4.50 Triple Jump

[Daytripper]

Was he? I would be curious what his "yards after contact" stats looked like.

Flanders had a low center of gravity and was shifty in small spaces. He wasn't very big...about 5'9'' or so and a very generous 205 or so lbs. He ran a about a 4.6 forty if I remember correctly. My recollection is he had pretty good YAC, but nothing exceptional.

[BEAR]

Alright..let's pick ONE RB from each team that we want to consider the best RB for that team this next year. I'll start. You guys copy and paste and add your ONE guy.

ACU
UCA- Kelton Warren.
HBU
UIW
Lamar- Kade Harrington. 2092 yards rushing in 2015.
McNeese
Nicholls
NWST
Sam
SLU
SFA

[Daytripper]

Alright..let's pick ONE RB from each team that we want to consider the best RB for that team this next year. I'll start. You guys copy and paste and add your ONE guy.

ACU
UCA- Kelton Warren.
HBU
UIW
Lamar- Kade Harrington. 2092 yards rushing in 2015.
McNeese
Nicholls
NWST
Sam -Corey Avery (Remus Bulmer will get a lot of touches, but Avery will be primary)
SLU
SFA

[SFA 93]

ACU
UCA- Kelton Warren.
HBU
UIW
Lamar- Kade Harrington. 2092 yards rushing in 2015.
McNeese
Nicholls
NWST
Sam -Corey Avery (Remus Bulmer will get a lot of touches, but Avery will be primary)
SLU
SFA - Loren Easly (Lead the Jacks in rushing; 802 total yards as a true freshman; CFPA National Freshman of the Year Nominee)

[clutchcitykat]

http://www.texasfootball.com/the-50-most-important-college-players-in-texas-in-2016-no-40-sam-houstons-corey-avery/

Corey Avery listed as the #40 most important college player in Texas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BEAR]

Anymore SLC fans want to throw a RBs name in the hat?

ACU
UCA- Kelton Warren.
HBU
UIW
Lamar- Kade Harrington. 2092 yards rushing in 2015.
McNeese
Nicholls
NWST
Sam -Corey Avery (Remus Bulmer will get a lot of touches, but Avery will be primary)
SLU
SFA - Loren Easly (Lead the Jacks in rushing; 802 total yards as a true freshman; CFPA National Freshman of the Year Nominee)

[lionsrking2]

Anymore SLC fans want to throw a RBs name in the hat?

ACU
UCA- Kelton Warren.
HBU
UIW
Lamar- Kade Harrington. 2092 yards rushing in 2015.
McNeese
Nicholls
NWST
Sam -Corey Avery (Remus Bulmer will get a lot of touches, but Avery will be primary)
SLU
SFA - Loren Easly (Lead the Jacks in rushing; 802 total yards as a true freshman; CFPA National Freshman of the Year Nominee)

Southeastern Louisiana has sophomore, Juice Maracalin, who rushed for 590 yards last year as a freshman, despite missing two full games and most of a couple of others. He played hurt most of the year.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycVPu-o6JBs

We also have Rasheed Harrell back after a redshirt year in 2015. He was a 2.5 year starter prior to getting injured and has over 1,400 career rushing yards. He looked very good this spring. Looking forward to having both young men on the field and healthy.

[BEAR]

Anymore SLC fans want to throw a RBs name in the hat?

ACU
UCA- Kelton Warren.
HBU
UIW
Lamar- Kade Harrington. 2092 yards rushing in 2015.
McNeese
Nicholls
NWST
Sam -Corey Avery (Remus Bulmer will get a lot of touches, but Avery will be primary)
SLU- Juice Maracalin, who rushed for 590 yards last year as a freshman
SFA - Loren Easly (Lead the Jacks in rushing; 802 total yards as a true freshman; CFPA National Freshman of the Year Nominee)

[McNeese72]

Anymore SLC fans want to throw a RBs name in the hat?

ACU
UCA- Kelton Warren.
HBU
UIW
Lamar- Kade Harrington. 2092 yards rushing in 2015.
McNeese-Ryan Ross, but look out for his bigger younger brother, LaWayne "The Train" Ross, especially in short yardage situations.
Nicholls
NWST
Sam -Corey Avery (Remus Bulmer will get a lot of touches, but Avery will be primary)
SLU- Juice Maracalin, who rushed for 590 yards last year as a freshman
SFA - Loren Easly (Lead the Jacks in rushing; 802 total yards as a true freshman; CFPA National Freshman of the Year Nominee)

What you mean my message is too short. ;)

[FormerPokeCenter]

OK, since we are talking RB who do you have?

SFA

RUNNING BACKS

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11076570.jpeg
RB: #23 Joshawa West 5-10; 194 (Sr.)
GP:35;ATT:183;YDS:1,115;AVG:6.1;TD:4/REC:57;YDS:411;TD:1;TYDS:1,526;TD:5

- Started in 8 games in 2015
- Had 903 All-Purpose yards during the 2015 season.
- Rushed for 133 yards @ACU on 12 carries and caught 5 passes for 50 yards
- Rushed for 106 yards on 11 carries against HBU
- Had 136 total yards @Central Arkansas

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11129224.jpeg
RB: #7 Loren Easly 5-11; 205 (So.)
GP:10;ATT:126;YDS:759;AVG:6.0;TD:4/REC:7;YDS:43;TD:0;TYDS:802;TD:4

- Started in 2 games as a true freshman for the 2015 season.
- Stats FCS National Freshman of the Week (Oct. 5)
- CFPA National Freshman of the Year Nominee
- Lead the Lumberjacks in rushing
- Holds two of the Top-10 longest rushes in program history.
- Rushed for 213 yards and a TD against Sam Houston Sate
- Rushed for 93 yards on 6 carries @#3 TCU
- Rushed for 148 yards on 31 carries and a TD against Nicholls

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11076574.jpeg
RB: #27 Jacolby Whitaker 5-10; 194 (So.)
GP:5;ATT:15;YDS:122;AVG:8.1;TD:1

- Red Shirted his freshman year
- Had 97 total yards and a TD against HBU

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11640811.jpeg
RB: #25 Kijana Amous 5-11; 210 (Jr.) ** (247sports) #145 RB; ** (Rivals)
RYDS:1,140;TD:12 (JUCO Career)

- JUCO Transfer from Navarro College

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11075979.jpeg
RB: #46 Jabralon Allen 6-0; 241 (Sr.)
GP:31;REC:4;YDS:61;TD:0 (Career)

- Used at FB; mainly for blocking


RB RECRUITS (2)

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11928416.jpeg
RB: #32 Jamall Shaw 5-11; 205 Broken Bow, Oklahoma (Broken Bow)

- Senior season rushed for over 2,000 yards on 300 plus carries scoring 27 TDs
- All-Time Leading Rusher and TD holder in Broken Bow History (3,461 YDS; 50 TD)
- District (6A) Player of the Year
- All State
- Oklahoma Player of the Year

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/11928430.jpeg
RB: #29 Joshua McGowen 5-9; 190 McAllen, Texas (McAllen)
YDS:1,892;TD:28;AVG:7.4 (School Records) Senior Season

- Had a 340 yards rushing game (including a run of 99 yards) in 2015.
- 2016 track star who ran a 10.66 in the 100 meter; 22.22 in the 200-meter; 13.84 in 110 meter hurdles; 36.67 in 300 meter hurdles; 23’ 7.50 in the long jump; 48’ 4.50 Triple Jump

i watched the McGowen kid....he's got really impressive speed...probably the mist impressive thing is he's running sub 14 in the hurdles with a TERRIBLE trail leg. I'm not knocking him, because he's getting it done...but with a stronger trail leg, ****...he'd be down around 13.1 or 13.2....

I'm seriously impressed...

For you old timers familiar with the SLC, this kid's turning in times that are faster than Stephen Starring was at a comparable age.

He's only 5'9, and the hurdles get 3 inches taller in college, so he might not be able to transition into a college hurdler, but his other times are really nice...

Of course, Starring ended up running 10.28 in the 100 meters and 13.6 over college highs, but the kid SFA signed is the first HS athlete I've seen in a long time who's turned in anything that I'd consider to be in Stephen's wheelhouse...

Impressive...

[SFA 93]

http://www.krgv.com/story/31976147/state-track-and-field-day-three

https://twitter.com/956sports/status/726498920969306112

https://twitter.com/McG_Xavier/status/709221805123194880

https://twitter.com/Ztg180/status/703793729451110400

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CidNtPEVAAE5zhJ.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CgweAJhU8AAaRgw.jpg
5 gold medals (LJ, TJ, 110H, 100, 300H)

[SFA 93]

Another player we have on the track circuit is Junior starting WR Aaron Piper who took 2nd in the 100 meters. Time: 10.19

https://twitter.com/SFA_Football/status/730095087426801668

[Catatonic]

Anymore SLC fans want to throw a RBs name in the hat?

ACU-De'Andre Brown. Brown showed a lot of promise as a rs-freshman in 2014, but disappointed during his sophomore season in 2015. Sophomore slump or past his prime? As Brown goes, so goes ACU this fall.

UCA- Kelton Warren.
HBU
UIW
Lamar- Kade Harrington. 2092 yards rushing in 2015.
McNeese
Nicholls
NWST
Sam -Corey Avery (Remus Bulmer will get a lot of touches, but Avery will be primary)
SLU- Juice Maracalin, who rushed for 590 yards last year as a freshman
SFA - Loren Easly (Lead the Jacks in rushing; 802 total yards as a true freshman; CFPA National Freshman of the Year Nominee)

De'Andre Brown from ACU is something of an enigma. Drew All-SLC attention his freshman year, followed by a below average year as a sophomore behind a beaten up offensive line.

[BEAR]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChngcXDUYAAnQ-4.jpg

[SU DOG]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChngcXDUYAAnQ-4.jpg

Get that Bear Head outta here. That's illegal here in Alabama.

[Catatonic]

Alright, since the list I made is too tedious let's predict an order of finish for the conference. Here's last year's records:



School
SLC
Pct.
Overall
Pct.
Home
Away
Neutral
Streak


McNeese State (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=539)
9-0
1.000
10-1
0.909
5-1
5-0
0-0
L1


Sam Houston State (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=544)
7-2
0.778
11-4
0.733
7-1
3-3
1-0
L1


Central Arkansas (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=537)
7-2
0.778
7-4
0.636
3-2
4-2
0-0
L1


UIW (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=550) *
5-4
0.556
6-5
0.545
4-1
2-4
0-0
W1


Lamar (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=545)
4-5
0.444
5-6
0.455
2-3
3-3
0-0
L1


Northwestern State (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=547)
4-5
0.444
4-7
0.364
3-2
1-5
0-0
W1


Stephen F. Austin (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=540)
4-5
0.444
4-7
0.364
3-2
1-4
0-1
L1


Southeastern La. (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=549)
3-6
0.333
4-7
0.364
2-3
2-4
0-0
L4


Abilene Christian (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=536) *
3-6
0.333
3-8
0.273
3-2
0-6
0-0
L1


Nicholls (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=546)
3-6
0.333
3-8
0.273
1-3
2-5
0-0
W1


Houston Baptist (http://southland.org/schedule.aspx?schedule=538)
0-8
0.000
2-9
0.182
2-5
0-4
0-0
L6



* ineligible for regular-season championship and posts


I'll go with:

1. Sam Houston
.
2. McNeese
.
.
3. Lamar
4. SFA
.
.
5. UCA
6. ACU
7. SLU
.
.
8. NWST
9. UIW
10. Nicholls
.
.
.
11. HBU

My only questions to the above predictions are how good is UIW and ACU? Rebuilding year for UCA so they will be middle of the pack unless some upsets happen.


My question as well. ACU will probably be picked lower than 6th by coaches , AD's and prognosticators. That's to be expected after a dismal season last year.

last year i took SFA93's approach...we have awesome players and will strike fear in the hearts of all who dare step onto the field to face us. I'm taking the McNeese approach this year. We suck.

[BEAR]

Get that Bear Head outta here. That's illegal here in Alabama.

When we picked up our head coach Steve Campbell from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College his pedigree opened up doors across the south! We now have players from Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, ...... Our former coach was great at recruiting Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. But Campbell opens up MORE doors...

[Daytripper]

UIW is a sleeper this year. They have gotten better each consecutive year. They will upset some some people.

[SFA 93]

Well, my prediction is SFA, as we have awesome players and will strike fear in the hearts of all who dare step onto the field to face us.

AXE'EM JACKS!

[FormerPokeCenter]

I'm taking the McNeese approach this year. We suck.

The great thing about that approach is that if it comes to pass, you look prophetic. If it doesn't come to pass, it looks like your coaching staff did a helluva job coaching up the bare cupboard...

My good friend Doug Ireland has been the SID at Northwestern for years. Doug was one of the best features writers I'd ever seen when he was a staffer at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk and I worked for them part-time as a stringer.

He got the SID job at Northwestern and for years he did press releases about recruiting, etc., like he was writing features. There were several years where Northwestern had the number one ranked recruiting class in all of FCS, based in large part on Doug's florid prose.

Unfortunately, the on-field results didn't match up with the hype, so the Northwestern coaches looked like massive underachievers...

Meanwhile McNeese has always taken the "We suck" approach. Sometimes we hit the nail on the head. Other times, we've greatly exceeded expectations, which is why half of our staff moved up to FBS this last year! ;)

[Catatonic]

Well, my prediction is SFA, as we have awesome players and will strike fear in the hearts of all who dare step onto the field to face us.

AXE'EM JACKS!

Every team should have a cheerleader like you who sees nothing but good things ahead.

[Catatonic]

The great thing about that approach is that if it comes to pass, you look prophetic. If it doesn't come to pass, it looks like your coaching staff did a helluva job coaching up the bare cupboard...

My good friend Doug Ireland has been the SID at Northwestern for years. Doug was one of the best features writers I'd ever seen when he was a staffer at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk and I worked for them part-time as a stringer.

He got the SID job at Northwestern and for years he did press releases about recruiting, etc., like he was writing features. There were several years where Northwestern had the number one ranked recruiting class in all of FCS, based in large part on Doug's florid prose.

Unfortunately, the on-field results didn't match up with the hype, so the Northwestern coaches looked like massive underachievers...

Meanwhile McNeese has always taken the "We suck" approach. Sometimes we hit the nail on the head. Other times, we've greatly exceeded expectations, which is why half of our staff moved up to FBS this last year! ;)

I can see the wisdom in your logic. Definitely the route I am going this year. After we went 6-6 two years ago, I was convinced we would have a banner year last fall. Instead we took a couple of giant steps backward. So until proven otherwise, we suck.

[BEAR]

Well, my prediction is SFA, as we have awesome players and will strike fear in the hearts of all who dare step onto the field to face us.

AXE'EM JACKS!

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2403/480/1600/teddy_star_search_5_stars.jpg

[McNeese72]

The great thing about that approach is that if it comes to pass, you look prophetic. If it doesn't come to pass, it looks like your coaching staff did a helluva job coaching up the bare cupboard...

My good friend Doug Ireland has been the SID at Northwestern for years. Doug was one of the best features writers I'd ever seen when he was a staffer at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk and I worked for them part-time as a stringer.

He got the SID job at Northwestern and for years he did press releases about recruiting, etc., like he was writing features. There were several years where Northwestern had the number one ranked recruiting class in all of FCS, based in large part on Doug's florid prose.

Unfortunately, the on-field results didn't match up with the hype, so the Northwestern coaches looked like massive underachievers...

Meanwhile McNeese has always taken the "We suck" approach. Sometimes we hit the nail on the head. Other times, we've greatly exceeded expectations, which is why half of our staff moved up to FBS this last year! ;)

tl,dr

We suck!!

Doc

[McNeese72]

Every team should have a cheerleader like you who sees nothing but good things ahead.

I consider SFA 93 to be the RoyalLion of SFA. ;)

[lionsrking2]

I consider SFA 93 to be the RoyalLion of SFA. ;)

xeyebrowx :)

[McNeese72]

xeyebrowx :)

As in always positively posting about your team.

[Daytripper]

As in always positively posting about your team.

No such fan exists for Sam Houston State...xnonox

[McNeese72]

No such fan exists for Sam Houston State...xnonox

And certainly not McNeese. :)

[McNeese75]

No such fan exists for Sam Houston State...xnonox

Where is that Nickels guy when you need him huh :D

[BEAR]

Anybody else want to run the SLC Prediction game this year? I've got a Dave Ramsey job ahead of me starting in June.

[Daytripper]

Anybody else want to run the SLC Prediction game this year? I've got a Dave Ramsey job ahead of me starting in June.

*crickets*

I can't. Sorry.

[BEAR]

Oh well. Guess we'll just skip it if no one will take it. I've noticed a huge slump of interest in the SLC lately anyway....xrotatehx

[FormerPokeCenter]

I consider SFA 93 to be the RoyalLion of SFA. ;)


They're both like Chattownmocs, except without the redeeming humor value...

[Sammy94]

Well, my prediction is SFA, as we have awesome players and will strike fear in the hearts of all who dare step onto the field to face us.

Still in basketball mode I see.

[FormerPokeCenter]

Still in basketball mode I see.

Nicely done!