10 reflections from Week 8 of the sub-FBS season

Courtesy of Angelo State Football

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The wind played a part in nearly every sub-FBS game in Week 8, leading to crazy results and even crazier stats. Some of the best punters in the country struggled to punt the ball into the wind on Saturday.

But as the saying goes, it was the same for both teams. So let’s look at ten reflections from a crazy Week 8 of the sub-FBS season.

1. Angelo State is on a different level: It has felt for most of this season that Angelo State was on a different level compared to every other team in the Lone Star Conference. The Rams proved that feeling true with a dominating 34-7 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Jeff Girsch’s squad still has challenges ahead with a trip to play Simon Fraser near Canada next week, followed by games against Central Washington and rival Midwestern State. However, if they remain focused, the Rams can earn the top seed and home-field advantage in Super Region Four.

2. Jump for joy: The Austin College defense kept East Texas Baptist out of the end zone until the fourth quarter, and the Kangaroos offense never attempted a pass in the 13-10 upset.

The victory ended a 13-game losing streak for the ‘Roos. Ben Meraz led the offense with 98 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, while Kennon Magers added 40 yards rushing on 13 attempts. Colton Gerken led the ‘Roos defense with 13 tackles and a fumble recovery.

3. Andrew strong-arming people: Texas A&M-Commerce wide receiver Andrew Armstrong has been one of the best college football players this season. He was named to the Walter Payton Award watch list, given to the best FCS offensive player in the country last week.

Armstrong registered his sixth 100-yard receiving performance of the year on Saturday. He gained 102 yards and a touchdown on six receptions to lead the Lions to a 31-3 win over Houston Christian and set up a showdown against UIW next week. His 12 receiving touchdowns on the season are the most in the FCS.

4. Chaos in the SWAC West: Texas Southern threw another wrench into the SWAC West Division standings with a 34-27 road win over Alcorn State. The Tigers scored on offense, defense, and special teams.

Southern currently controls the West Division with a 3-1 record but has games against Jackson State and rival Grambling remaining. Prairie View has a 3-1 conference record but is sitting behind the Jaguars due to Southern’s big win two weeks ago. The Panthers still have games against Alcorn State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

At this point, Alcorn and Texas Southern can’t be ruled out from the West Division title despite two losses in conference play.

5. Didn’t see that coming: Entering Week 8, Texas Wesleyan was in the conversation for a bid to the NAIA playoffs. But, unfortunately, that conversation is over following a shocking 33-9 loss at Louisiana Christian.

The Rams had their worst offensive performance of the season, gaining a mere 138 yards of total offense. TxWes averaged 2.5 yards per play against the Wildcats and only converted 1-of-13 third down conversion attempts.

Meanwhile, in other Sooner Athletic Conference action, SAGU running back Keaton Dudik had a spectacular day for the Lions, gaining 306 and two touchdowns on 33 attempts in a 31-6 win over Lyon.

6. Swinging the axe: Stephen F. Austin remained undefeated in the WAC with a 41-38 victory over Southern Utah. Trae Self scored the game-winning touchdown with a 21-yard run with 6:14 remaining, and the Lumberjacks defense held the Thunderbirds off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game.

As of now, it appears SFA and Abilene Christian are on a collision course to determine the conference title when they meet in Abilene on Nov. 19. However, the Wildcats have a road game at Tarleton, and the ‘Jacks need to defeat Utah Tech next week to set up the showdown, which leaves plenty of time for things to get WACky.

SFA wide receiver Xavier Gipson set the program record for most receiving yards in a game with 256 yards and two touchdowns on ten receptions.

7. Order more whiteout: Whoever is responsible for changing the Mary Hardin-Baylor record book should be treated to dinner by quarterback Kyle King. The senior from Milano continued his assault on the Crusaders record book on Saturday.

King completed 19-of-31 passes for 250 yards and four touchdowns to set the program record for career passing touchdowns. He has thrown 68 career touchdowns and will continue to add to that total, with the Cru positioning themselves for another deep playoff run.

8. Trinity remains undefeated with questions: The Trinity Tigers have done nothing but win this year. So, why would there be any questions about a Tigers team entirely in control of their destiny?

Because the score does not represent the story told by the stats, and it’s been this way for many games this season. Saturday is a great example. Trinity outgained Berry by nearly 200 total yards (375-190) but still needed its offense to have a big drive at the end of the game to secure a 21-14 victory.

When the Tigers offense begins to produce points consistent with its yardage, they will be a difficult team to beat.

9. Trinity Valley controls the SWJCFC, for now: Trinity Valley took control of the SWJCFC with a 24-14 win over Kilgore. The Cardinals scored all their points in the second half to remain undefeated in the conference play with a 5-0 record.

But things change quickly in the SWJCFC, and TVCC has a road trip to the reigning national champions, New Mexico Military Institute, on ESPN+ next week. The Cardinals can claim the top seed in the SWJCFC playoffs with two more wins.

NMMI and Tyler are sitting in a tie for second with a 4-1 record, while the fourth and final seed in the playoffs looks to be between Navarro and Kilgore. The Bulldogs and the Rangers have a game against Tyler in the next two weeks.

10. Consistently inconsistent: Outside of Angelo State and Texas A&M-Kingsville, consistently inconsistent is the perfect phrase to describe the LSC. Following the Rams and Javelinas, the next six spots in the conference are occupied by teams with between two and four losses. It’s a good thing the LSC no longer has a playoff at the end of the regular season.

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