Stephen F. Austin 2014 FCS Football Playoff Capsule

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
Southland

 

Stephen F. Austin has had some ups and downs this season, but the Lumberjacks have played a pretty tough Southland schedule. Home losses were a problem for this team, as all three conference losses were at home. But this team can score points and control the clock and that is a great way to win a playoff game or two.

2014 Record: 8-4, 5-3
Coach: Clint Conque

Big Wins: 10/25 Southeastern Louisiana (27-17), 11/8 at McNeese State (31-16)
Bad Losses: 10/4 Central Arkansas (39-49), 11/15 Abilene Christian (35-37)

Strengths:
Running back Gus Johnson has rushed for 1,601 yards and 22 touchdowns on the year. He is a tough senior back who can grind out the tough yards. Johnson may not have breakaway speed, but Coach Clint Conque will keep feeding him the ball and Johnson will keeping picking up yards. When Johnson doesn’t have the ball in his hands, quarterback Zach Conque will. Conque is extremely dangerous with his feet and rushed for 628 yards and 13 scores. He added 2,650 yards and 15 more touchdowns through the air. With Johnson and Conque, the SFA offense has versatility. This team can throw when they fall behind and work the clock when ahead.

Weaknesses:
The Lumberjacks are susceptible on defense. In their loss to Sam Houston State, the team allowed 357 yards on the ground. Against Abilene Christian, Stephen F. Austin allowed 532 total yards. That is not going to cut it in the playoffs. But the defense will get to the quarterback. Ishmiah Miles, Lance Skyler and Kedri Harrison are always a threat to get into the backfield. However, the secondary does need to take advantage of their opportunities and grab more interceptions. They have forced just 17 turnovers this season and, while the offense will not commit too many of their own, this is a team that will likely need a couple big plays on defense to pull off an upset in the playoffs.

Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Gus Johnson, 1,601
Passing: Zach Conque, 2,650
Receiving: Tyler Boyd, 726 yards
Tackles: Collin Garrett, 91
Sacks: Lance Skyler, 6.0
Interceptions: 4 tied with 2

2014 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 214.2 (23rd in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 262.8 (22, 3)
Total Offense: 477.0 (15, 2)
Scoring Offense: 35.3 (19, 5)
Rushing Defense: 183.4 (79, 5)
Pass Defense: 218.0 (68, 6)
Total Defense: 401.4 (73, 5)
Scoring Defense: 27.5 (67, 3)
Turnover Margin: 0.18 (50, 5)
Sacks: 2.91 (13, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 2.18 (72, 6)

Recent Playoff Appearances:
2010    Second Round    Lost to Villanova
2009    First Round    Defeated Eastern Washington
2009    Quarterfinals    Lost to Montana
1995    First Round    Defeated Eastern Illinois
1995    Quarterfinals    Defeated Appalachian State
1995    Semifinals    Lost to Montana
1993    First Round    Lost to Troy
1989    First Round    Defeated Grambling
1989    Quarterfinals    Defeated Southwest Missouri State
1989    Semifinals    Defeated Furman
1989    Championship    Lost to Georgia Southern
1988    First Round    Defeated Jackson State
1988    Quarterfinals    Lost to Georgia Southern

*all team stats through 11/15

 

Playoff Central