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.