In case you haven’t heard, the Lions can pass the ball. Only problem is that the running game is falling behind.
Tailbacks Eddie Moss and Nabil El-Amin combined for 65 yards on 33 totes – that is a little less than two yards per carry. For a team that averaged 183.1 yards and passed for 67.7 yards a game, it seems like a reverse of fortune. Through three games, the Lion offense has almost eclipsed last year’s passing total.
Not the end of the world, if you’re offensive coordinator Jaime Critchlow. The offense is scoring points and while the running game statistically not spectacular, has the talent to correct the problem and get the job done.
A&M-Commerce looked impressive defensively, only allowing a touchdown and 129 yards of total offense from Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Junior quarterback Trent Miller looked good in his first start filling in for the injured Terry Mayo. The Sam Houston State transfer was poised, throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Lions to their first victory of the season, 24-7.
Miller made all the right reads, took the sack when he needed to and didn’t force any bad throws.
It seems like no matter who is behind center, the Lions continue to roll. That is a testimate to the scheme and the explosive core of receivers on this year’s roster.
Conley should love what he is seeing out of the players. This team is passionate and selfless – and it was evident by Mayo, the first one to congratulate his teammates on the sidelines.
These Lions may have what it takes to end the 11-year “A&M curse.” (last playoff appearance in 1995, East Texas State vs. Portland State)
A win this weekend would be a step in the right direction.
Revenge in mind this weekend
The Lions haven’t forgot about last year’s meeting with West Texas A&M.
With 39 seconds left in last year’s contest and the game out of reach for the Lions, the Buffaloes inserted back-up quarterback Keith Null for what appeared to be a kneel down to end the game. Instead, Null dropped back to pass a hit Charley Martin for a 37-yard touchdown – his seventh catch and second touchdown of the game.
“My definition of what is right is different than [WTAMU coach Don Carthel],” head coach Scotty Conley said at last year’s post game interview. “Our team would never do that.”
It is and unwritten rule in football, when the game is out of reach, to show respect to your opponent by either kneeling or rushing to run out the clock.
Apparently, the memo didn’t reach the boys in Canyon.
The boys in blue and gold held tough through three quarters last year and with this chip on their shoulder don’t be surprised to see a barnburner.
Though, I have a feeling karma will bite the Buffaloes back in favor of the Lions.