The FBS schools sure left a high standard last weekend. However, the small schools across the state provided plenty of drama as well. Texas Southern has a winning streak, the Lone Star Conference preseason rankings were not close to correct, and Trinity is seizing control of the Southern Athletic Association.

The Michael Strahan Effect

Texas Southern has won two consecutive games. While the wins will be on coach Clarence McKinney’s record, TSU alum Michael Strahan is responsible for the program’s first two-game winning streak since 2016.

We’re kidding, but the current positive streak began following a generous donation from Strahan. The former NFL great paid for new helmets for the entire TSU team, and the Tigers debuted those helmets in a 69-0 homecoming win over Northern American.

Well, the Tigers still haven’t lost in the new buckets after TSU took down Southern with an incredible 35-31 win at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington.

The win over the Jaguars ended two other significant losing streaks - a 13-game on-field losing streak to SWAC competition and was the first win for TSU over the Jaguars since 2011.

Imagine how many consecutive wins Texas Southern would achieve with new uniforms.

What Do the Experts Know?

The LSC preseason poll consisted of votes from the head coaches, Sports Information Directors, and select media. Texas A&M-Commerce was the overwhelming favorite to win the LSC title, with Angelo State expected to finish second.

It seems we were all wrong.

West Texas A&M handed ASU its second conference loss of the season with a resounding 31-15 homecoming win last Saturday. The Rams’ previous loss was to current LSC co-leader Midwestern State.

The troubles are worse in the land of the Lions.

Everyone from fans to players to coaches to administration expected Texas A&M-Commerce to make a run at its second national title in four years, and this was the week where things began to come together with the return of quarterback Miklo Smalls.

Instead, the Lions were upset 20-17 at home by Saginaw Valley State in overtime, which marks the third loss for TAMUC this season.

While some unhappy Lions fans took to social media to express their displeasure with the football team, TAMUC could still earn a share of the LSC title with only one conference loss on the season.

Coach David Bailiff and staff will try and refocus their team for their remaining LSC schedule.

Want More Press?

The Trinity Tigers enjoyed the press they received last week so much that they decided to continue their domination this week.

The Tigers took another step towards securing the SAA title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs with a dominating 27-7 win at home over Centre.

In the win, Trinity continued to display a championship-level defense, holding the Colonels to 180 total yards of offense, including a measly 63 yards rushing on 21 attempts.

The Tigers offense contributed in a big way against Centre with 405 total yards. Former Graham High School quarterback Tucker Horn led the offense, completing 21-of-33 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. An incredible ten different Tigers players caught a pass in the victory.

We hope Trinity continues to give us good reasons to talk about them.

Helmet Stickers

Sam Houston Defensive Line

The Bearkats defensive line was stingy against Lamar last Saturday allowing the Cardinals 23 yards rushing on 40 attempts. Jahari Kay, Kamren Washington, Trace Mascorro, and Joseph Wallace combined for six tackles for loss and four sacks.

Andrew Body, Texas Southern

Body was a huge reason why the Tigers won their second straight game completing 28-of-35 passes for 338 yards while adding 85 yards on 16 rushing attempts.

Keaton Dudik, SAGU

SAGU nearly pulled off an upset over Texas Wesleyan but Keaton Dudik had a great day for the Lions gaining 191 yards and two touchdowns on 25 attempts.

Plays of the Week

Each week, we scour social media to find the top plays. However, we are sure to miss some incredible plays from the 35 small college teams in Texas, so we are seeking your assistance. 

If you find a great play worthy of a nomination, use hashtag #dctftopplays to make sure we notice.

Here are the top plays from Week 5: