SLC Preview Stories from Around the League

[TexasTerror]

Thought I'd start a post which would have preview stories from around the league as we should see plenty of these coming out over the next few days, weeks. Please feel free to post links!

Thomas ready to get Colonels going (Baton Rouge Advocate)
http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/51706532.html

[MaximumBobcat]

Here's one from our local newspaper's blog, hadn't seen this story on AGS yet. Maybe not a preview story, but this needed to be posted on here somewhere.

Texas State got a University of Oklahoma Transfer who was ranked the #1 Center in the 2007 recruiting class by Rivals.

We lost our starting center to graduation, and this guy played more time at Center for OU last year than any of our returning OL did for TxState last season. Very nice pick up.

It's at the bottom of the post.

http://smdrcatscradle.blogspot.com/2009/07/bobcat-notes-from-7-on-7.html

[TexasTerror]

Kevin Gore (Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel) does a preseason "Q&A"..
.
Summary...

UCA will have a "solid defense"
SFA is the "flier team" - Gore has them finishing fourth in the league
Says the League MVP will be either George, Bush, Pendlnd or Moses
Says UCA is a team that could have the league's best record and for the second straight year, "the league will have to give the SLC trophy to the second-place team."

http://www.dailysentinel.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/07/26/southland_colum_7_26.html

[BEAR]

Says UCA is a team that could have the league's best record and for the second straight year, "the league will have to give the SLC trophy to the second-place team."


xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx

Now that is funny!

[TexasTerror]

Keeper's statistical break down of the SLC...


Power O-adj D-adj Sched Home _SOUTHLAND__________ Conf 2009 PSM GWP
67.03 -0.56 2.76 51.52 2.87 Central Arkansas --- 7-0 11-1 15.21 65%
60.78 3.32 2.77 50.95 2.79 Stephen F Austin --- 5-2 8-3 9.28 59%
59.22 -0.30 3.05 59.10 2.79 Northwestern State - 5-2 7-4 -0.61 49%
59.20 -0.60 -3.95 55.65 2.98 McNeese State ------ 5-2 7-4 3.92 54%
56.11 0.99 -2.01 55.45 2.89 Texas State -------- 3-4 6-5 0.82 51%
50.25 1.23 -0.06 56.54 2.68 SE Louisiana ------- 2-5 4-7 -6.19 44%
51.69 -1.96 -3.97 57.40 2.84 Sam Houston State -- 1-6 2-9 -5.40 45%
48.65 -3.38 -0.84 58.08 2.70 Nicholls State ----- 0-7 1-10 -10.39 40%

http://home.att.net/~keepers.football/wsb/html/view.cgi-html2.html--SiteID-898113.html

[lionsrking2]

Keeper's statistical break down of the SLC...



http://home.att.net/~keepers.football/wsb/html/view.cgi-html2.html--SiteID-898113.html

I think it's safe to say the final standings and records won't resemble these predictions.

[McNeese75]

I think it's safe to say the final standings and records won't resemble these predictions.

Agreed!!

[TexasTerror]

Thanks to our friends at UCAFans.com...

Q&A with head coach Clint Conque, Central Arkansas

http://www.ucasports.com/questionswith.asp?qw=25

[TexasTerror]

Huntsville Item articles...

Bearkats feeling optimistic about ’09
http://www.itemonline.com/shsu/local_story_211002728.html

Bearkats picked sixth in SLC's preseason football polls
http://www.itemonline.com/sports/local_story_211002509.html?keyword=topstory

And another one I thought was of note for all the obvious reasons...

SLC coaches hope for no hurricanes
http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/52038707.html

[MaximumBobcat]

TXST's 2-deep released...

http://smdrcatscradle.blogspot.com/2009/07/texas-state-football-two-deeps-released.html

[TexasTerror]

Glad to see Gary Laney providing some SLC coverage! ;)


Brian Babin, the quarterback who tends to get lost in the talented shuffle of the pass-happy Southland Conference, found himself on SportsCenter this summer.

But not as a quarterback.

The senior signal caller for Southeastern Louisiana was snapping the ball to Brett Favre at a workout in Hattiesburg, Miss., during the height of the “will Favre play again” story in June. Favre was throwing passes with a local high-school team when Babin and Lions teammate Merrick Lanaux, a wide receiver, were invited into the workout by a former SLU player connected to the team.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/52233712.html

[TexasTerror]

Nicholls coach embraces underdog role
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20090730/ARTICLES/907309941/1032?Title=Nicholls-coach-embraces-underdog-role

Hundley named starting quarterback at Northwestern State
http://www.neworleans.com/sports/local-sports-news/northwestern-state-news/179140-hundley-named-starting-quarterback-at-northwestern-state.html

[TexasTerror]

NWST in the BR Advocate...


Bradley Dale Peveto still knows the lunch lady at Texas’ Orangefield High School, his alma mater.

If he’s down that way, he might stop by his old stomping grounds for turkey gumbo.

“They’ll let me get three bowls,” said the first-year Northwestern State football coach.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/featured/52321057.html

[TexasTerror]

Defense causes concern for offense-heavy Bearkats


One might think that with Rhett Bomar gone, Sam Houston State's biggest hole to fill is at quarterback. But fifth-year coach Todd Whitten doesn't agree with that assessment.

The Bearkats appear to be in good hands at that position with Bryan Randolph and Blake Joseph, a transfer from the University of Houston. Randolph, Bomar's backup in 2008, passed for 418 yards and three touchdowns in the Orange-White spring game, and Joseph, who was granted a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA, played in 22 games at UH over three seasons.

Whitten said the team's defense, which broke down in three close loses last season, is his biggest concern.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/college/6562263.html

[TexasTerror]

Colonels preview...


THIBODAUX – Jay Thomas knows his 2008 Nicholls State football team was better than its 3-6 record, but that doesn’t mean he’s taking anything for granted this year.

Right now, he’ll settle for just playing an 11-game schedule and letting the chips fall where they may, instead of the chips being scattered to the winds by the devastation of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike last September.

http://www.neworleans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=184005&Itemid=578

[TexasTerror]

SFA preview from Houston Chronicle...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/fbc/6563803.html

[BEAR]

From the Arkansas Democrat Gazette this morning. (Believe me, this is all we get in terms of coverage.xcoffeex )

From the ADG this morning:

UCA opens camp today

Central Arkansas begins preparation for its defense of last year’s first-place finish in the Southland Conference today when they open camp at 3:45 p.m. in Conway. Coach Clint Conque said he hopes Thursday’s check-in was a sign of things to come. “That’s about as smooth a first day as I can remember,” said Conque, whose team finished 10-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play last season. “All 90 players reported for the first day of fall camp, and the coaching staff was done checking in by 2 p.m.” One newcomer who didn’t make it into camp was freshman Nick Partridge, an offensive lineman from Watson Chapel. Conque said Partridge had decided not to play. UCA also lost Tyler Stauch, a freshman offensive lineman from Vilonia, over the summer when it was determined that Stauch had a torn labrum. Conque said Stauch would join the team as a scholarship player in January. The Bears have added freshman Jackie Hinton Jr., a transfer from the University of Houston. Hinton played two games for the Cougars last season at running back before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury. The NCAA granted Hinton a medical redshirt He was moved to safety this spring and listed on Houston’s two-deep before deciding to transfer. Conque said the Bears plan to use Hinton in the secondary as well.

[crossfire07]

NWST in the BR Advocate...



http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/featured/52321057.html

Featured LSU Stories? lol

[TexasTerror]

Today's story...


Chris Poullard is right where he wants to be, back on the field and ready to contribute to the Sam Houston State football team.

It has been two years since the junior running back has taken a snap for the Bearkats. He redshirted last season because he was ruled academically ineligible.

It was a big blow to Sam Houston State in 2008, but the 1,000-yard rusher is back and ready to go to work with senior running back James Aston, who had a break-out season while filling in for Poullard a year ago.

http://www.itemonline.com/sports/local_story_219000007.html?keyword=topstory

[TexasTerror]

Another SHSU story...


The first few days of fall practice are not the most entertaining. It is hot and there is not a lot of action going on.

In fact, there has been only a few die-hard fans who have made their way out to Bowers Stadium this week to watch the latest version of the Sam Houston State football team get the 2009 season under way.

While most folks are probably waiting to show up at practice when the Bearkats go full pads and start hitting on Monday, these first four days without contact are just as important as the rest. It gives the coaches a chance to work on the little things, teaching fundamentals and technique.

http://www.itemonline.com/sports/local_story_219234208.html

[TexasTerror]

A little UCA coverage...


Clint Conque is like a kid on a sugar high.

During his nine years as University of Central Arkansas head football coach, I’ve rarely seen him more energized — and it’s not just because he’s taking a team to Hawaii in less than a month.

It all relates to the change in atmosphere about the football program and the benefits and challenges that offers.

http://thecabin.net/interact/opinion/columns/2009-08-06/mccollums-column-incline-steeper-excitement-heightened-uca

[TexasTerror]

Battle at QB...


There are plenty of intriguing stories to follow as the Sam Houston State football team gets ready for the upcoming season.

Head coach Todd Whitten said last week that he is most interested in seeing how the defense is going to improve under new coordinator Scott Stoker. He also pointed out that the Bearkats are going to put an emphasis on running the ball more. Whitten wants to make the most of a double-headed attack of senior James Aston and junior Chris Poullard.

But the one story that has fans buzzing is who is going to replace record-setting quarterback Rhett Bomar. Is it going to be last year’s backup Bryan Randolph or University of Houston transfer Blake Joseph?


http://www.itemonline.com/sports/local_story_220223317.html?keyword=topstory

[TexasTerror]

One on the Demons from the SFA beat writer.


How badly did Bradley Peveto want to be a head football coach?

He left a $200,000 per year position as LSU's co-defensive coordinator for his first head coaching job at Northwestern State, where he will earn $106,000.

"I'm reminded twice a month about the financial commitment that I made to become a head coach," Peveto said. "I'm 46. In four years, I'll be 50. At 55, then you're too old.

http://www.dailysentinel.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/08/09/NORTHWESTERN_PREVIEW_SLC.html

Yes, BDP wanted a head coaching job - who doesn't? - but I'm wondering if those who follow the purple and gold think he was about to be shown the door anyway. Can't say I can stomach too much LSU talk, so I do not know anything on the subject.

Either way, good opportunity for BDP. He's really taken to the community and the university. The fans are tripping over themselves with excitement and that can not be a bad thing...

[GeauxLions94]

A couple from Southeastern Louisiana Media Day

Freshman Jones Looks To Replace Lucas in Backfield (http://hammondstar.com/articles/2009/08/09/top_sports_stories/8938.txt)

Lanaux Right At Home For Lions (http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/52816422.html)

[TexasTerror]

Here's one on the Bobcats, talks about consistency in coaching staff - something coach Wright does not recall in the last 20+ years...

http://www.newstreamz.com/2009/08/10/bobcats-begin-practice-with-continuity-and-hope/

[MaximumBobcat]

Here's one on the Bobcats, talks about consistency in coaching staff - something coach Wright does not recall in the last 20+ years...

http://www.newstreamz.com/2009/08/10/bobcats-begin-practice-with-continuity-and-hope/

That is a really good article. Better than any SMDR or AAS or SA-EN crud I've seen printed lately.

I think our defense will be definitely be improved. Finally some consistency under DC Coach Bleil. One of our standout defensive players, Travis Houston (DE/LB) said at the SLC media days that this was the first year he'd been at TxSt that the defense didn't change the scheme from the previous season. Trying to teach a defense during a season can be challenging. I think we will benefit from retaining our entire coaching staff, especially on defense.

[TexasTerror]

Two stories...

SHSU camp report: http://www.itemonline.com/sports/local_story_223002401.html?keyword=topstory

Riley Smith feature: http://www.itemonline.com/sports/local_story_223002056.html

[TexasTerror]

SFA story...

http://sfajacks.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081009aaa.html

[TexasTerror]

TP had some stories...

NWST: http://www.nola.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/sports-71/1250067745103630.xml&storylist=louisiana

NICH: http://www.nola.com/sportsflash/index.ssf?/base/sports-71/1250068337103630.xml&storylist=nola_sports

McN: http://www.nola.com/sportsflash/index.ssf?/base/sports-71/1250068237103630.xml&storylist=nola_sports

SLU: http://www.nola.com/sportsflash/index.ssf?/base/sports-71/1250068098103630.xml&storylist=nola_sports

[TexasTerror]

SLU preview from Nacgodoches Daily Sentinel...

http://www.dailysentinel.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/08/12/southeastern_La.html

[TexasTerror]

Another piece about how Peveto is bringing about change at NWST...

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090814/SPORTS0405/908140323/1001/SPORTS

[TexasTerror]

More SLC QB talk, this time coming from Nacogdoches...

http://www.dailysentinel.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/08/16/southland_qbs.html

[TexasTerror]

Nicholls preview...

THIBODAUX — A season ago, two of Nicholls State's toughest opponents may have been hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The storms forced the Colonels to cancel their first two home games. Nicholls ended up playing its first three games on the road and lost all of them, then went 3-3 the rest of the way to finish at 3-6 overall and 3-4 in the Southland Conference.

Now head coach Jay Thomas hopes to be a contender again.

http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20090824/SPORTS/908240310

[TexasTerror]

From SLC Web Site...

UCA: http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.dbml?temp_site=NO&DB_OEM_ID=18400&ATCLID=204780699

McN: http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.dbml?temp_site=NO&DB_OEM_ID=18400&ATCLID=204781228

[TexasTerror]

From Daily Comet...a late recap of SLC Media Day and the parity of the league...


“The first-place votes go all the way down to the fourth or fifth-place teams,” Texas State defensive end Travis Houston said. “That’s what’s good about the Southland Conference. Each week, you know that you are going to play against another quality team. It’s good to be noticed by others, but you still have to win the games on the field to win the league.”

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20090826/ARTICLES/908269953?Title=Southland-Conference-expected-to-be-as-competitive-as-ever

[TexasTerror]

From SLC web site...

NWST: http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.dbml?temp_site=NO&DB_OEM_ID=18400&ATCLID=204781266

Nicholls: http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=90019&SPID=10812&temp_site=NO&DB_OEM_ID=18400&ATCLID=204781235

[TexasTerror]

From the SLC web site...

SHSU: http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.dbml?temp_site=NO&DB_OEM_ID=18400&ATCLID=204781309