Saturday is quickly approaching, another weekend of questions surrounding the Southland Conference. Week 3 provides one more chance for improvements before the conference season kick off in week 4. Each team has the chance to turn their fortunes this week, but what will the result be from Saturday’s festivities? Here’s what I believe to be the keys to each Southland team (except HBU-bye week) this weekend.
Nicholls at Southeast Missouri
As part of the exchange between the Ohio Valley Conference and the Southland scheduling allliance, Nicholls travels to SEMO on Sept. 17. The Colonels, 0-2 after battling against South Alabama and University of Louisiana-Monroe, looks to being their first win of the season and end their road stretch. If the Colonels can run into a fast start like they did against ULM and keep the lead, expect fireworks for this team. High standards take over with the loss of quarterback Lindsey Scott, but Nicholls can bring a fight against SEMO and potentially bring that momentum into conference play.
Texas A&M Commerce at Sam Houston
The Lions compete against the Bearcats of Sam Houston, currently in transition mode moving up to FBS next year. A series that dates back to 1919, both teams meet for the first time since 2015, which was the first meeting since 1985. On Sept. 15, according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Texas A&M-Commerce quarterback Jagger LaRoe left the football program. LaRoe transferred to the Lions from Ohio State during the offseason and saw action in both games this season. The only thing standing in the way of Commerce and victory is consistency at quarterback. The Lions can improve on their first season in Division I with Rodriguez under center and a complete game turnaround from last week’s loss against Tennessee Tech.
UIW at Prairie View A&M
Incarnate Word looks to remain undefeated as they face off against HBCU opponent Prairie VIew A&M. The Cardinals come away from last week as the only team hitting the Top 25 in the Southland—for good reason. Once UIW has the ball in their hands, almost nothing can prepare opposing teams for what’s about to happen. It seems as though quarterback Lindsey Scott has found his way into this Cardinals team. With the help of wide receivers Taylor Grimes and Darion Chafin and a strong offensive line, UIW can keep their foot on the gas and drive right into conference play with a win.
Central Connecticut State at Southeastern Louisiana
The SLU Lions will look to bounce back from a 42-9 loss at FAU. In its second straight game versus a FBS opponent to start the season, SLU was outgained, 631-246. The loss of quarterback Cole Kelley has put the Lions in a tough spot so far in 2022. Last season, the lions finished 9-4 overall and 6-2 in conference play with Kelly under center. In the 2021 FCS Playoffs, SLU defeated Florida A&M and fell short against James Madison. The key was getting Kelly and SLU receivers to excel at pass receptions. Now, with the Lions at 0-2, a true test to the season will come against their first FCS opponent Central Connecticut State.
Northern Colorado at Lamar
Despite their 0-2 record, Lamar returns home against Northern Colorado in what should be a better result than weeks 1 and 2. In week 2, Lamar trailed by just 14 points at halftime. However, SMU outscored the Cardinals 21-6 in the second half to pull away for the 45-16 victory Saturday night. Lamar, who returned back to the Southland this season, looks to reverse fortunes after a 2-9 season in the Western Athletic Conference. It will take more than Southland Special Teams Player Of The Week Chris Esqueda’s leg to cultivate a winning atmosphere—everyone has rise to the occasion.
Northwestern State at Southern Miss
Northwestern State will travel east to play against Southern Miss, their only FBS opponent in 2022. The last two weeks proved to be brutal; a 47-0 loss against Montana and a 47-21 loss against Grambling. Both games provided NSU with a need to fix discipline issues within the team. Penalties, turnovers and beatdowns covered the Demons so far. With new quarterback Miles Fallin getting more reps and legit playing time, the Demons can walk out of Hattiesburg with a win if penalties don’t become a factor. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if week 3 turns into week 1 or 2.
- Alcorn State at McNeese
McNeese can pull away with a win this weekend if the offense can turn on the burners early. Under first year head coach Gary Goff, poor execution and slow action caused the Cowboys to fall 52-10 against Rice. Rice out-gained McNeese 487-263 in total offense and 26-14 in first downs. The Cowboys finished with 172 rushing yards, led by McMahon’s 101-yard game, the fourth in his career. If new quarterback Knox Kadum can outperform and keep his composure versus the Braves, McNeese can walk right into conference play with a win and much-needed momentum.