It could possible be that home field advantage is the only advantage the Fort Hays State University football team has going for it this season, but what if, what if, the Tigers are a legitimate contender in the MIAA?

The message boards were abuzz with talks of the Washburn Ichabods getting lost in a deep prairie dog hole en route to Hays for last Saturday’s game. In some ways, that probably is true. Jake Iverson seemed to be off his game a little bit and never really could get the Washburn offense rolling. Of course, about 80 percent of it was the Tiger defense. This defense is no doubt legit, and has been for two seasons. Example? The Tigers won with mere 190 yards of offense and beat one of the best offensives teams in the MIAA.

Boy, would that just shake things up among the elite in the MIAA if the Tigers were somehow able to keep together a contender this season. But, the only way, still, the Tigers are going to prove themselves as a legit competitor is to, of course, win a road game. This weekend presents the perfect opportunity to get that done.

It’s been 14 tries since the Tigers have accomplished this feat and the road woes are starting to take their toll in the heads of everyone involved. Two things will have to happen in order for the Tigers to get out of Emporia with a win this weekend. No. 1, Fort Hays will have to cut down on brainless penalties and keep their heads in the game for the full 60 minutes — 93 yards in penalties at Mines was the ultimate deciding factor. No. 2, the Tigers have to get Anthony Smith involved in the passing game (on the receiving end). Smith is the most athletic receiver in the unit and has the best hands. In 10-yard patterns, Smith can grab the ball and he has the footwork to make something happen. Opponents have figured out that Bryan Haynes is the Tigers’ favorite target. Get Smith involved and some other guys, like tight end Adam Jones and Haynes will be open a time or two.

That being said, the Tigers have the capability to be one of the conference’s best running teams, if they can sneak a 10 to 15 yard pass play in here or there. Jacobb Irvin has come on strong and it will only be a matter of time before Anthony Dickson gets himself a solid 100-yard game. The offensive line will also continue to improve.

Many neigh-sayers are expecting a fall after last week’s big win, but don’t look for that to happen. This group has worked too hard to get to where they are to go lay an egg in Emporia. Though, the Hornets are surprising with a 2-1 record, they are still a young squad and will undoubtedly make a few mistakes.

Here are my picks for this week around the MIAA. Last week, I went 4-1, nearly pulling off the 5-0 with an upset by Truman State.

Fort Hays at Emporia
Andre Sloan El is the most athletic quarterback in the MIAA and has the ability to make big plays. He also has a quality backup who proved he can get in the mix with the big boys and make plays, as in last week’s 41-20 loss to Nebraska-Omaha. The Hornets, however, are still young and costly mistakes (such as penalties) will get the better of them as the season goes on and it could start early. The same can be said for Fort Hays. The TIgers have to keep a cool head as the Hornets’ first three opponents have averaged more penalty yards than opponents of any other MIAA team in the first three weeks. Still, the Tigers get the upper hand this week in Emporia, and the offense finally has a decent game with some points this time. PICK — FORT HAYS 32, EMPORIA 12

Game of the week
Washburn at Central Missouri
One team I am glad I don’t have to be on the sidelines for this week is Central Missouri. I called the upset last week, but it didn’t quite happen. As much as the Mules have improved from a few somewhat overrated past seasons, it seems as though the Mules are for real. Washburn, though, is a better team, and is coming off a disappointing loss in Hays. Iverson will get things going early and the Ichabods will be too much for the Mules to overcome. The Mules gave up 405 passing yards to Matt Ticich last week in Kirksville, and Iverson can put up similar numbers in a bounce back game. PICK — WASHBURN 35, CENTRAL MISSOURI 21

Pitt State at Missouri Western
The Griffons did bounce back with a solid game against Northwest Missouri and are looking for a solid win to get them back on track. Pitt State, though, seems to have the complete package right now, and the Griffons won’t be able to tackle it this week. Missouri Western is tough at home, but the Gorillas are on the warpath and will climb in the rankings with a convincing win. PICK — PITTSBURG STATE 40, MISSOURI WESTERN 25

Nebraska-Omaha at Missouri Southern
The weather kept the Lions and Gorillas from putting up any big numbers last week, but look for this one to climb the ladder well into the 70s, possible 80s. Omaha, right now, seems almost unbeatable, though, and will find a way to win a close one in Joplin against a stubborn Lions team. PICK — UNO 45, SOUTHERN 38

Northwest at Truman State
The Bulldogs are a scary team, but last week would have been the week to pull out an upset and break in the new turf with a victory. That will have to wait a while. The Bearcats, while somewhat porous on defense, won’t allow Ticich another game like he had last week. PICK — NORTHWEST MISSOURI 32, TRUMAN 10

Rankings as I see them after one week.
1. Nebraska-Omaha — They will be here until someone either challenges or knocks them off.
2. Pittsburg State — The complete package right now.
3. Northwest Missouri — They are the Bearcats, and won’t be denied by anyone other than Washburn, Pitt, or UNO.
4. Washburn — The Ichabods tripped in Hays, and Iverson was off his target. Look for the Bods to bounce back.
5. Central Missouri — The Mules might actually back up some of the hype with a couple of big wins, just not this week.
6. Missouri Western — Close games, tough losses, but the Griffons are a resilient team.
7. Missouri Southern — Pesky, hang around, and have one of the best quarterbacks around.
8. Fort Hays — Defense can win ball games, but the offense needs to come around, especially on the road.
9. Truman State — Great offense, great QB.
10. Emporia State — Predicting a downhill slide coming the Hornets’ way.

This will be a rather short summary as we are pressed for time on a busy weekend in Hays, America. A big congratulations go out to both local high schools that came away with a 2-0 record on Friday night. Hays High claimed a road win 28-21 in Ulysses, holding off a late rally while senior Clint Taylor posted a career night on homecoming for the TMP-Marian Monarchs. Taylor rushed for 214 yards and two scores as the Monarchs downed Ness City-Dighton 21-7, with all their points coming in the second half. Now, Hays teams have a chance go 3-0 on the weekend, a rarity during the fall in recent seasons.

So, without further ado, let’s kick this thing off. First off, we’ll start with the game here in town as Washburn visits the Tigers, coming off a 35-28 win over I-AA Missouri State. Impressive as that victory was, the same cliche holds as true as it ever has. Every week in the MIAA presents a new challenge, and Washburn won’t just come in to 1-1 Fort Hays and roll away with a victory. Key to the game for the Tigers? Keep the game close early, and don’t let Washburn high-potency passing game break anything big too early. Sophomore gunslinger Jake Iverson will kill you deep if you let him and the Tigers can’t afford too big of a hole early on. The way the Tiger defense is set up, Iverson might have the opportunity to do this, but for a Tiger win, they’ll have to force Iverson to chip away if he wants to score. Still, if it’s close in the first half, and it will be, expect a Tiger victory in front of a home crown. They were embarrassed on the road last week and are hungry to get back on track. Fort Hays 27, Washburn 24.

Missouri Western at Northwest Missouri
Western has to be hurting after their loss last week, while Northwest had a cake walk over Southwest Baptist to move to 1-1. The advantage, again, has to go back to the home team. The loss to Abilene Christian was the first in 17 tries for the opposing team in Maryville, and after the loss, I don’t think Missouri Western has what it takes to get it done. Northwest 35, Missouri Western 15

Emporia at UNO
Surprising as the Hornets have been early on, UNO is just too good, especially at home, and will make short work of the much younger Hornets. UNO 45, Emporia 10

Missouri Southern at Pittsburg State
The Pitt will be rocking with the unveiling of the “jungle-tron” the largest video screen in Div. II football for this rivalry game. Pittsburg State is rolling after the toughest non-conference schedule of any MIAA team. Southern quarterback Adam Hinspeter will give a valiant effort but the Gorillas won’t be denied in their home opener after two gritty road wins. Pitt State 35, Missouri Southern 21

Central Missouri at Truman State
Time to break in the new rug. Truman State will do it in impressive fashion with a win over the MIAA’s largest school. Still, I think Central Missouri is the weakest of the 2-0 teams thus far in the conference, and Truman State is itching to get things going on their new turf at Stokes Stadium. Last week, the defense got it done for the Bulldogs, so let’s again see what this offense can do. Matt Tichich has a big game. Truman State 30, Central Missouri 20.

That’s all for now and have a great college football weekend. For those Tiger fans thinking of staying home watching Ohio State-USC — don’t bother. Get your butt out to TailGreat 2008. Your game at home in front of the television? BLOWOUT CITY. USC 50, Ohio State 10

In the third quarter of the Fort Hays State University football team’s loss to Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo. over the weekend, fourth-year Tiger coach Kevin Verdugo was whistled for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for getting on an official for a no-call.It was the first time in his career at Fort Hays and probably ever the normally calm and collected Verdugo had been flagged for going a little overboard. From the press box, and from an avid follower of Div. II football for the last five years, Verdugo probably under-reacted, and the unsportsmanlike call was probably the best one made all day.

Saturday’s game saw so many no-calls and bad calls on both ends of the field, but the worst of these was in the third quarter when Tiger freshman punt returner Ethan Ungles made his first appearance in a Tiger uniform, and quite honestly, could have been his last for the season. In headhunting fashion, a Colo. Mines defender was at a dead sprint and clocked Ungles immediately following his catch of a punt.The result was a fumble that eventually set up another Mines score, which is all part of the game.

Fans would take a look at that play and use it as an excuse the Tigers lost the game, but utlimately it was their own mistakes that handed them their first loss of the season. But, the NCAA makes rules for a reason, and Ungles has to consider himself fortunate at this point. He later came back and made a 20-yard reception, trying to wash the taste out of his mouth of fumbling the football — but there was little he could do.

Completely defenseless with his head still pointed up to watch the ball into his arms, Ungles was hammered, which by rule, should result in a penalty. In his weekly news conference Monday, Verdugo briefly addressed the issue, but only when asked. Verdugo’s anger during Saturday’s contest was more about his concern for the safety of those on the field.“I still will differ, until they stop playing football about that punt catch,” Verdugo said.

“The punt returner is defenseless and he is supposed to have the opportunity to catch it and make a move. Our young man was given neither.”

The following was taken from the NCAA 2008 rulebook online. Pay attention to the very end, because the play Saturday could have just as easily resulted in an ejection.

Fr-9PROTECTION OF DEFENSELESS PLAYERS—The 2008 committeeintroduced a separate rule prohibiting initiating contact with and targeting adefenseless opponent (Rule 9-1-3).The following are situations in which defenseless players are susceptible toserious injury:
• The quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage who has handed orpitched the ball to a teammate, and then makes no attempt to participatefurther in the play;
• The kicker who is in the act of kicking the ball, or who has not had areasonable length of time to regain his balance after the kick;• The passer who is in the act of throwing the ball, or who has not had areasonable length of time to participate in the play again after releasing theball;
• The pass receiver whose concentration is on the ball;
• The pass receiver who has clearly relaxed when the pass is no longercatchable;
• The kick receiver whose attention is on the downward flight of the ball;
• The kick receiver who has just touched the ball;
• The player who has relaxed once the ball has become dead; and
• The player who is obviously out of the play.These players are protected by rules that have been in place for many years. Itis of the utmost importance that participants, coaches and game officials carefullyand diligently observe safety rules.
Fr-10 POINTS OF EMPHASISIntentional helmet-to-helmet contact is never legal, nor is any other blowdirected toward an opponent’s head. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified. 

Aside from that, it was great to see Verdugo not coming out and making excuses. The Tigers were embarrassed by what they thought was a winnable game in Golden, and quite frankly, the Tiger defense was beaten by about three plays — repeated several times over the course of the game by a mistake-free Mines offense. It resulted in a 1-1 record heading into this Saturday’s MIAA opener with Washburn, one of the two hottest MIAA teams coming out of the non-conference season.Here’s a look at my own power rankings as far as the MIAA is concerned as the best conference in Div. II football begins play.

1. Nebraska-Omaha — It’s not very hard to put this MIAA newcomer at the top of the list, even with just one game under their belt. Until someone beats them or comes close, the No. seventh-ranked Mavericks will remain at the top of my list.

2. Pittsburg State — The Gorillas played the toughest non-conference schedule and did it on the road, capping it with an impressive win at Chadron State. Though the Eagles were Woodhead-less, it’s still an impressive win.

3. Washburn — Defeating Missouri State was just the tip of the iceberg. With a sophomore gunslinger in Jake Iverson, the Ichabods pose a difficult offensive scheme for any team to defend. Watch out for the Washburn-Truman game later on in the season.

4. Northwest Missouri — Sure, the Bearcats are 1-1, but in the MIAA, don’t count them out. Don’t expect them to lose again at home this season. Abilene Christian is no slouch, and the experience against one of the best should prove an advantage in the grind of the MIAA.

5. Missouri Southern — Quarterback Adam Hinspeter is on pace for several MIAA records and the Lions won over one decent non-con opponent and were dominant in their other.

6. Central Missouri — Of the 2-0 teams, the Mules might have had the weaker schedule. Minnesota-Mankato is, of course, no slouch, but a win over Ark. Tech did little to impress.

7. Missouri Western — Getting blown out at home didn’t help the Griffons much as far as making the Griffons a feared opponent, but don’t come anywhere close to counting them out. They could just as easily be No. 2 on this list behind UNO. Any of these teams can have one bad week.

8. Emporia State — Maybe the newbies and young guys on the Hornets are too young to realize how good they can be and that has helped. A Week 2 victory over Augustana might have surprised a few people, and certainly has MIAA opponents of their matchup.

9. Truman State — It’s hard to get a feel for the Bulldogs after only one game, but they beat a quality opponent and did it while dealing with everything that has been going on at their home facility. Truman State’s offense should put up some good numbers this season.

10. Fort Hays — The Tigers were the only team in the first two weeks of the season to lose a non-conference game against an un-ranked opponent. I thank my partner in crime, reporter Conor Nicholl (a Truman State grad) for pointing this out, but it rings true, and helped me choose between 9 and 10. The Tigers, more than in recent years, have the ability to be explosive (405 yards this week) and quite honestly, can play with anyone in the conference — as long as they are at home. Until they prove they can get over the hump and win a road game over teams of equal caliber (5 through 9 on this list), they will be facing an uphill battle. They also have to travel this season to both Northwest Missouri and Nebraska-Omaha.

Check back Friday for some last-minute observations and my picks for the weekend’s games as the Tigers set to host Washburn in their conference opener, part of TailGreat 2008 at Lewis Field Stadium.

It dawned on me early this morning that I might not have the most reliable internet connection at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, so the pre-game thoughts might be a bit early. As I write this, I am looking at a nice hazy mountain view out in Colorado. I can’t stress this fact enough. That is the ONLY miss-able factor about the Tigers competing in the RMAC.

The extensively long trips in Fort Hays’ former conference were highlighted by some nice scenery, but making a couple trips through mountain passes during basketball season was not a fun chore.

Now, on to today’s game. It’s been said that last week, Colorado Mines didn’t feel they played well early against Washburn in the Orediggers’ 27-3 loss in Topeka. The game was shortened by lightning in the area, but I don’t think it would have mattered. I think Washburn is just that good. They made the ticker on ESPN on THursday for defeating Missouri State University, something not normally seen for the MIAA until Pitt State plays Northwest at Arrowhead Stadium.

Granted the Orediggers offer up a different game when playing in Golden. The grass turf could give the Tigers some problems. It will be the only game the Tigers will play on grass all season. The elevation could create an interesting obstacle as well, as Colorado Mines is used to the conditions in Golden. Still, I like the Tigers in this matchup. Judging by what happened last week, the Tigers aren’t going to go lightly to anyone this season. Their ability to adjust was the most impressive and I think they’ll do well with the conditions here in Golden.

The forecast is calling for the lower 70s, but just like every day in the Denver area, you never know what the mid-afternoon is going to bring.

i think you see a big game this week from junior running back Anthony Dickson. Provided better play early on Fort Hays’ offensive line, Dickson should have an opportunity against Mines’ defensive scheme to break some good yardage early and sail his way to a good game. We also see junior quarterback Mike Garrison take the air out of the ball a little bit today. As a good buddy (a non-Broncos fan) said about playing at Mile High. “The ball flies farther in Denver”. Fort Hays wins 35-15.

Here’s a look at today’s other games in the MIAA.

Pittsburg State at Chadron State
I mentioned Pittsburg State earlier, and the Gorillas today, have the marquee matchup for MIAA teams, traveling to Chadron, Neb. to take on No. 8 ranked Chadron State. Without Danny Woodhead, are the Eagles really that good. And, the fact that the 14th-ranked Gorillas had a little trouble on the road last week going — is it going to be a problem? Probably not. Pitt State has the toughest non-conference schedule of any team in the MIAA, playing both games on the road against solid opponents. I still think the Gorillas overcome — and claim a 24-17 win in Chadron.

Augustana at Emporia
Emporia State showed last week they are a defensive team to be reckoned with in a shellacking of Western State (Colo.) College. This doesn’t mean the Hornets are going to hold everyone back, but it could mean they will be in tight ball games this year and be able to make some plays. Still, Emporia might struggle with Augustana. The Vikings are riding some momentum coming off an overtime win over St. Cloud in Week 1, and will likely keep it going at Emporia. Pick — Augustana 13, Emporia State 10

Minnesota-Duluth at Missouri Western
This should be an interesting matchup. UMD is the preseason favorite to win the Northern Sun Conference, and Missouri Western ranks near the middle of the MIAA in terms of preseason. This game, provided a Missouri Western win, should provide everyone with a little more proof that the MIAA is dominant when it comes to Div. II football — top to bottom. It will be a close in in St. Joe — Western 30, Duluth 27

Nebraska-Kearney at Nebraska-Omaha
What will the Lopers muster after a loss to Wayne State last week? Probably not much. The Mavericks have to be itching to go and will likely pull out a blowout win at home. Kearney has traditionally played UNO close, but they will likely be down after the debacle last week. Pick — UNO 40, Kearney 10

Southern Arkansas at Truman State (not in Kirksville)
The Bulldogs are still waiting to break in their new turf — and the 2008 season. Truman State not only couldn’t play their season opener last week at their own stadium, but they flat out couldn’t play it because of the weather. The Bulldogs are raring to get out of the gate, and it will show with some big offensive numbers in a 35-21 win.

Southwest Baptist at Northwest Missouri
SBU got out of the MIAA because it couldn’t play with teams like Northwest Missouri. Sorry, not much has changed. Now, throw in the fact that Northwest Missouri is coming off its first home loss in three years in Maryville, and it makes for one angry Bearcat team — and not SBU’s. Baptist, though, should put up some points as they always have, but still get pounded — NWMS 63, SBU 14