The first round is over and the games are really getting going this weekend. I still think it is NDSU's tourney to lose, but we will see.
And by the way Charleston Southern was ripped off by not getting into the playoffs. I would have left off Southern Utah and put in Charleston Southern.
The First Round did not see a lot of upsets. Furman beating South Carolina State could be considered one, but not a big one. Maybe Jacksonville State taking down Samford, but Jacksonville State was at home, so probably not. SDSU did travel to Northern Arizona, but I had SDSU in that game. Maybe another small upset. New Hampshire, Coastal Carolina, Sam Houston State, Tennessee St. and Fordham all went through without problem. Of note is that Butler became the first automatic qualifier from the Pioneer League, but they will have to wait until next year to have the first automatic qualifier score any points. Butler was shut out.
My big complaint about the playoff tree did not fully materialize. SDSU knocked off Northern Arizona, so Eastern Washington does not face a Big Sky team in Round 2. In fact, I think that this is the match up I am most excited to see. SDSU can beat Eastern Washington. So watch this game close.
However, New Hampshire did win and will now face Maine in a CAA rematch. Maine should not have to face a CAA team in their first game. I do expect Maine to pull it out, but New Hampshire has plenty of experience in the playoffs and that could benefit them here. Sam Houston State will also take on SE Louisiana. I hope SE Louisiana wins because it would be a real shame for such a great season to go down in a rematch. They have beat Sam Houston once, now they have to do it again with the stakes as high as can be.
Fordham vs. Towson is my second favorite game. Fordham probably deserved a bye, but will now face vaunted Townson. This should be a good game. We will see if the CAA is as dominate as it used to be. Fordham is not from a power conference. This match up will let us know if the playing field has really leveled or not.
I expect NDSU to run over Furman, Eastern Illinios to be a shoot out with Tennessee St., but come out on top, and McNeese State to have little trouble with Jacksonville State.
Enjoy the second round and see the beauty of playoff football!!!!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Race for the Playoffs
The race for the playoffs is under way and it could result in several new faces in the playoffs.
NDSU is still #1 and rightfully so at 9-0 and being the two time defending champ. They seem to have the Missouri Valley locked up, and with the drop off in SDSU and Northern Iowa, the MVC may not send more than 2 teams to the tourney.
The Big Sky will get three and Eastern Washington has a clear path to the automatic bid. Montana and Montana State will battle at the end of the year with the third spot probably on the line. Does the committee take a Montana squad with 3 conference losses? Probably not. However, if they beat Montana State, it would be hard to pass either one of the teams up perhaps gaining a fourth team in the playoffs. Of course Cal Poly has only two conferences losses as well and very well could upset the apple cart by beating Eastern Washington this week. Northern Arizona probably has a spot locked up, but you never know.
Sam Houston State is now #4 in the major polls despite losing to McNeese State, who has slipped out of the top 10 after losing to SE Louisiana. SE Louisiana has only one loss, is ranked in the top 15 and has a chance to really throw a monkey wrench into things by beating Sam Houston this week. It probably is the game of the week. Could the Southland conference get 3 bids? They probably deserve it, but two teams will be anxiously waiting to see if they get in.
The Colonial Athletic Association always sends more than two and this year will be no exception despite the early thoughts it looked weak. No other conference really stepped up to strip all its spots away. Maine is in the driver seat for the title. Towson is probably disappointed with their two losses, but they still make it baring a collapse. Delaware is a popular team and also has two loses. And William and Mary seems like their two losses ought to get them in. New Hampshire currently also has two losses, and should be in this hunt, but with a game remaining against Maine, they may end up with three. Three should be enough to keep them out.
The Southern Conference usually sends three teams, but this year, I don't think they will. Samford is playing for the automatic bid this week against Chattanooga. A win puts them in a tie with the tie breakers, a loss gives the UTC Mocs the SoCon title. However, I think Chatanooga is probably in either way. Samford is another story. A loss drops them below Wofford despite defeating the Terriers in the Conference. Wofford needs to win out to make the playoffs, which would bump Furman out of playoff hopes. Wofford's out of conference loss to Gardner Webb in that 3-0 monsoon looks bad and may require them to be outright in second place to get in. If Samford loses this weekend, the SoCon might only send one. A Samford win would lock up two and then Furman and Wofford would battle for a possible third spot, but neither team should hope for much.
The Big South could send two this year as Charleston Southern has a clear path to the title after last weeks big win over Coastal Carolina. Although coaches and Sports Network both have Coastal ranked higher still. Both should make the playoffs.
Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State should both make it from the MEAC although neither can afford a silly slip up in the last two games.
The NEC will be decided this week as Robert Morris takes on Sacred Heart. The winner gets the automatic bid and the loser in all likelihood goes home for the year.
The Ohio Valley belongs to Eastern Illinois who currently sits ranked 2nd by the major polls. This conference could send another, but the logjam for second place makes things murky. Tennessee St., Jacksonville St., Eastern Kentucky, and Tennessee Martin all have 4-2 records in the conference with one of those losses coming from Eastern Illinois. Jacksonville St. and Tennessee St. probably both make it, but it is too close to call.
The Patriot league is Fordham's to lose. They are undefeated and a team to keep your eye on during the playoffs. The surprise of the season so far. They beat Rhode Island and Villanova early in the season.
The first ever Pioneer automatic bid is still far from decided. San Diego, Butler, Marist, and Mercer are all sitting with 1 conference loss. Mercer has the best overall record with 9-1, but the league will probably only send one team, so it is win or go home for these last two weeks.
For those interested in the SWAC and Ivy which do not get automatic bids watch out for Princeton to win the Ivy and the SWAC is basically decided with Jackson State your champ. Grambling did recover from their boycott to get a win this year setting up the Thanksgiving Day show down with 2-7 Southern. No matter the record, it is always worth watching.
NDSU is still #1 and rightfully so at 9-0 and being the two time defending champ. They seem to have the Missouri Valley locked up, and with the drop off in SDSU and Northern Iowa, the MVC may not send more than 2 teams to the tourney.
The Big Sky will get three and Eastern Washington has a clear path to the automatic bid. Montana and Montana State will battle at the end of the year with the third spot probably on the line. Does the committee take a Montana squad with 3 conference losses? Probably not. However, if they beat Montana State, it would be hard to pass either one of the teams up perhaps gaining a fourth team in the playoffs. Of course Cal Poly has only two conferences losses as well and very well could upset the apple cart by beating Eastern Washington this week. Northern Arizona probably has a spot locked up, but you never know.
Sam Houston State is now #4 in the major polls despite losing to McNeese State, who has slipped out of the top 10 after losing to SE Louisiana. SE Louisiana has only one loss, is ranked in the top 15 and has a chance to really throw a monkey wrench into things by beating Sam Houston this week. It probably is the game of the week. Could the Southland conference get 3 bids? They probably deserve it, but two teams will be anxiously waiting to see if they get in.
The Colonial Athletic Association always sends more than two and this year will be no exception despite the early thoughts it looked weak. No other conference really stepped up to strip all its spots away. Maine is in the driver seat for the title. Towson is probably disappointed with their two losses, but they still make it baring a collapse. Delaware is a popular team and also has two loses. And William and Mary seems like their two losses ought to get them in. New Hampshire currently also has two losses, and should be in this hunt, but with a game remaining against Maine, they may end up with three. Three should be enough to keep them out.
The Southern Conference usually sends three teams, but this year, I don't think they will. Samford is playing for the automatic bid this week against Chattanooga. A win puts them in a tie with the tie breakers, a loss gives the UTC Mocs the SoCon title. However, I think Chatanooga is probably in either way. Samford is another story. A loss drops them below Wofford despite defeating the Terriers in the Conference. Wofford needs to win out to make the playoffs, which would bump Furman out of playoff hopes. Wofford's out of conference loss to Gardner Webb in that 3-0 monsoon looks bad and may require them to be outright in second place to get in. If Samford loses this weekend, the SoCon might only send one. A Samford win would lock up two and then Furman and Wofford would battle for a possible third spot, but neither team should hope for much.
The Big South could send two this year as Charleston Southern has a clear path to the title after last weeks big win over Coastal Carolina. Although coaches and Sports Network both have Coastal ranked higher still. Both should make the playoffs.
Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State should both make it from the MEAC although neither can afford a silly slip up in the last two games.
The NEC will be decided this week as Robert Morris takes on Sacred Heart. The winner gets the automatic bid and the loser in all likelihood goes home for the year.
The Ohio Valley belongs to Eastern Illinois who currently sits ranked 2nd by the major polls. This conference could send another, but the logjam for second place makes things murky. Tennessee St., Jacksonville St., Eastern Kentucky, and Tennessee Martin all have 4-2 records in the conference with one of those losses coming from Eastern Illinois. Jacksonville St. and Tennessee St. probably both make it, but it is too close to call.
The Patriot league is Fordham's to lose. They are undefeated and a team to keep your eye on during the playoffs. The surprise of the season so far. They beat Rhode Island and Villanova early in the season.
The first ever Pioneer automatic bid is still far from decided. San Diego, Butler, Marist, and Mercer are all sitting with 1 conference loss. Mercer has the best overall record with 9-1, but the league will probably only send one team, so it is win or go home for these last two weeks.
For those interested in the SWAC and Ivy which do not get automatic bids watch out for Princeton to win the Ivy and the SWAC is basically decided with Jackson State your champ. Grambling did recover from their boycott to get a win this year setting up the Thanksgiving Day show down with 2-7 Southern. No matter the record, it is always worth watching.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Week 7
With South Carolina State and Tennessee Martin having important conference victories already under their belt this week, let us see what Week 7 has to offer.
Harvard and Yale are both undefeated and headed for an Ivy League showdown at the end of the year. Hopefully they both can passes this week, as they ought.
The Southern Conference had everything work out like they wanted last week. Wofford hosts Elon as it gets back to its Conference schedule with Elon. Wofford needs to keep winning as does Stamford, who takes on App State.
NDSU should have a fairly easy week as does Youngstown St. SDSU tries to right the ship at Western Illinois, and Northern Iowa must rebound from its beating by NDSU hosting Southern Illinois.
The OVC gets a game of the week look with Jacksonville State hosting Tennessee State. Both teams looking for an OVC title. Both teams 5-1 on the season. This will be a good game.
Montana travels to UC Davis, and with one conference loss already Montana cannot afford another, especially to unbeaten in Conference UC Davis.
The other game of the week look comes from the CAA where Towson hosts Villanova. A big test for Towson, but they have National title hopes there. Keep an eye on the scoreboard for this one.
The Southland is waiting for next week as Sam Houston State should have no problem with Lamar. McNeese State is waiting in the wings, and they have the off week to prepare.
Conferences are heating up. A good week!
Harvard and Yale are both undefeated and headed for an Ivy League showdown at the end of the year. Hopefully they both can passes this week, as they ought.
The Southern Conference had everything work out like they wanted last week. Wofford hosts Elon as it gets back to its Conference schedule with Elon. Wofford needs to keep winning as does Stamford, who takes on App State.
NDSU should have a fairly easy week as does Youngstown St. SDSU tries to right the ship at Western Illinois, and Northern Iowa must rebound from its beating by NDSU hosting Southern Illinois.
The OVC gets a game of the week look with Jacksonville State hosting Tennessee State. Both teams looking for an OVC title. Both teams 5-1 on the season. This will be a good game.
Montana travels to UC Davis, and with one conference loss already Montana cannot afford another, especially to unbeaten in Conference UC Davis.
The other game of the week look comes from the CAA where Towson hosts Villanova. A big test for Towson, but they have National title hopes there. Keep an eye on the scoreboard for this one.
The Southland is waiting for next week as Sam Houston State should have no problem with Lamar. McNeese State is waiting in the wings, and they have the off week to prepare.
Conferences are heating up. A good week!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Week 6
Week 6 follows a great week 5.
Last week NDSU proved they were the best by shutting out SDSU. However, Towson won too and is starting to look like the best competition for the champs, but do not forget Sam Houston State who took down Eastern Washington.
This week we get some great games.
You might as well start with a battle of unbeatens when Lehigh takes on Fordham. This game has playoff implications.
The So Con needs Wofford to get back to its winning ways as it hosts Presbyterian, but the Elon versus Furman game could be just as important. Furman is undefeated in the conference and the So Con needs another one of those. Of course Samford could beat Georgia Southern, that would take of it as well.
The OVC sees Jacksonville St travel to Tenn-Martin. This should be a great game. Jacksonville State needs to win to stay in the postseason hunt, and Tenn-Martin needs it to keep pace for a conference title.
The CAA features Delaware versus Maine. Both teams are undefeated in conference and 4 and 1 overall with the lone losses coming to FBS teams. Both teams may make the playoffs, but if they wish to win the conference they need this game to stay with Towson, who should be New Hampshire today, but it won't be a cake walk.
The Missouri Valley continues to have hugely important games. Youngstown St marches on toward the postseason going to Indiana State, who is 1-0 in conference. But the bigger game is Northern Iowa going to NDSU. Two undefeated teams facing off. Both teams beat FBS teams this year. It is in the Fargo Dome, so I expect them to win, but this is a game to watch.
The MEAC has a big game with the surprising N Carolina A&T going to traditional power S Carolina St. A&T has proved itself all year, but defeating S Carolina St. would be an important conference road victory and a symbolic statement to the MEAC.
The Pioneer has an automatic bid this year and it very well may go to the winner of the Mercer at San Diego game. Mercer is undefeated and San Diego the preseason favorite who has played a much tougher schedule.
The Southland is also full of good teams this year and even though McNeese St fell from the ranks of the unbeaten they are still in line for a post season shot if they do not continue to fall. Central Arkansas is a good team, and McNeese needs to win today to keep hope alive. They have not yet taken on Sam Houston St., so this is a big game for both teams.
The Big Sky is built on huge games and Montana State hosts Northern Arizona. Both teams are undefeated in conference, but you cannot lose home games and hope to win the Big Sky. Montana State has to reassert itself here in this game.
Those are just a few of the big games this week. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Week 4 and going strong
Here comes another week of FCS football.
It is a bit slow, but the Ivy League finally kicks off. Most of the Ivy League schools are taking on Patriot League schools, so it will be fun to get the first look at these teams. Harvard is the exception as they take on San Diego.
The Big Sky sees only one conference game with Southern Utah taking on Sacramento State in what should be a win for Southern Utah. Eastern Washington and Cal Poly are taking a bye and Montana basically is playing a team a division down while Montana State travels to SF Austin.
Big South is looking very interesting, as Charleston Southern and Coastal Carolina are undefeated with Liberty's only loss coming to Kent St. and Gardner-Webb's to Marshall. This week the first two should win and Liberty gets Richmond, who just lost to Gardner-Webb while Gardner Webb travels to Wofford. This is going to be an exciting conference.
The Colonial Athletic Association is always entertaining and newcomer Stony Brook travels to Villanova, who is struggling this year. Rhode Island goes to William and Mary. However the favorites to win the CAA, Towson plays out of conference against NC Central and ought to win, Delaware hosts Wagner, which should be a win, and undefeated Maine goes to Northwestern where they will lose. Still to early to tell who is for real and who is not.
The MEAC conference is all out of conference and a lot of playing FBS teams as Bethune Cookman plays Florida St and Florida A&M plays Ohio State. and Savannah State goes to Miami. So we need to wait another week before we start to see North Carolina A&T who is off can dethrone Bethune Cookman as the odds on favorite to win this league as A&T are off this week. In a quirk of the schedule, NC A&T does not play Bethune Cookman this year. Could this mean that both teams make the playoffs? MEAC fans can only hope.
The Missouri Valley ought to have its big names win this week as NDSU and Youngstown St and Northern Iowa all have very winnable games. SDSU is the real interesting one as they travel to Nebraska, a team that looked very bad this past week, especially at stopping the run (Zack Zerner is averaging 180 for SDSU), and the starting quarterback is down for Nebraska. This is the best bet for an upset. I should note that I am looking forward to South Dakota versus Northern Arizona as well. That could be a good game.
The NEC is fairly uninteresting this week with Robert Morris and Bryant off. Sacred Heart, who is undefeated ought to stay that way hosting a team down a division. The others are going to lose.
The Ohio Valley Conference is another interesting conference in the long run. Eastern Illinois is undefeated including a big win over the FBS team, San Diego State. They have another shot at one this week against the much better Northern Illinois. Jacksonville State ought to win this week. Murray State is 2-1 as are Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and Tennessee Martin. Tech plays Tennessee State in a game that has potential to be the game of the week.
The Pioneer conference and new automatic bid is still up for grabs. San Diego should win over Harvard and Mercer is playing a team down a level as is Stetson. These are teams to watch for when league play heats up.
The Southern Conference is mostly out of conference too. Wofford hosts Gardner-Webb and Samford hosts SE Louisiana. Both teams need to win to hope to make the SoCon a two bid league this year. The in conference match up to watch is Elon and App. State. Both teams are underperforming and desperate for a win. It is really a must win for both teams.
The Southland is a good conference this year and Sam Houston State and McNeese State should continue on the path to their head to head showdown. NW St. may have the best chance to upset a FBS team as they go to UAB. Worth keeping an eye on. Central Arkansas needs a win over Missouri State to stay hopeful of post season play.
The SWAC does not have an automatic bid, but Jackson State is looking like a championship team as they destroyed Texas Southern Thursday night. Alcorn State maybe their only obstacle, who also ought to move up to 2-0 in conference after they play AR-Pine Bluff this week. For those keeping track, Grambling State has yet to win and Southern only has one win. Both are playing winnable games this week, both on the road.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Week 3
There are some real interesting games this weekend. In fact, I am betting some more FCS over FBS upsets. Here are a few that I am picking.
1. Cal Poly over Colorado St. The Rams are awful and Cal Poly is not. This is a probable upset.
2. Eastern Washington over Toledo. I know that Eastern Washington has already done it once this year, but Toledo is ripe for the picking . I think they pull off the rare, beat two FBS teams in one year.
I do think Navy beats Deleware and Southern Utah comes up short. Stony Brook versus Buffalo is a possibility, but Buffalo was okay against Ohio State, so I am not going to pick it.
The most interesting game is easily Georgia Southern at Wofford. Wofford was awful the first week, but great last week. This game counts despite Georgia Southern having more scholarships, but it is at Wofford. The SoCon is going to be fun, and if Wofford wants an early inside track, then this week is vital.
Another interesting one is NC A&T hosting Elon. NC A&T destroyed App St. last week in a huge surprise. It was their first game, so are they for real? SoCon hopeful Elon is a stern test, and we will see if they are or not. Also if Elon wants postseason tickets this is a must win.
Eastern Kentucky hosting Coastal Carolina is an important one, as is Central Arkansas visiting Tennessee Martin. Both big games for the OVC.
Montana taking a trip to play North Dakota could be entertaining as well as NDU has gotten better, but it should still be a Montana victory.
Enjoy the games!
1. Cal Poly over Colorado St. The Rams are awful and Cal Poly is not. This is a probable upset.
2. Eastern Washington over Toledo. I know that Eastern Washington has already done it once this year, but Toledo is ripe for the picking . I think they pull off the rare, beat two FBS teams in one year.
I do think Navy beats Deleware and Southern Utah comes up short. Stony Brook versus Buffalo is a possibility, but Buffalo was okay against Ohio State, so I am not going to pick it.
The most interesting game is easily Georgia Southern at Wofford. Wofford was awful the first week, but great last week. This game counts despite Georgia Southern having more scholarships, but it is at Wofford. The SoCon is going to be fun, and if Wofford wants an early inside track, then this week is vital.
Another interesting one is NC A&T hosting Elon. NC A&T destroyed App St. last week in a huge surprise. It was their first game, so are they for real? SoCon hopeful Elon is a stern test, and we will see if they are or not. Also if Elon wants postseason tickets this is a must win.
Eastern Kentucky hosting Coastal Carolina is an important one, as is Central Arkansas visiting Tennessee Martin. Both big games for the OVC.
Montana taking a trip to play North Dakota could be entertaining as well as NDU has gotten better, but it should still be a Montana victory.
Enjoy the games!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Week 2
There are not as many upset possibilities of FBS teams this week, although expect New Hampshire to be the best bet. Expect the FBS guys to be ready this time. But there are still several very important games.
Wofford vs. Citadel is a big game. With two teams not eligible for the SoCon title, these two teams have post season dreams. Wofford got destroyed by Baylor, and needs to be able cover the pass. Citadel has this early season test to be a legitimate contender.
Delaware vs. Delaware St is always important, but Delaware ought to roll in this game. They need to improve in pass defense to be a serious contender this year in the CAA.
Stony Brook vs. Rhode Island is the first game for Stony Brook. I am interested to see how they look this year, and they are opening on the road.
Enjoy the weekend.
Wofford vs. Citadel is a big game. With two teams not eligible for the SoCon title, these two teams have post season dreams. Wofford got destroyed by Baylor, and needs to be able cover the pass. Citadel has this early season test to be a legitimate contender.
Delaware vs. Delaware St is always important, but Delaware ought to roll in this game. They need to improve in pass defense to be a serious contender this year in the CAA.
Stony Brook vs. Rhode Island is the first game for Stony Brook. I am interested to see how they look this year, and they are opening on the road.
Enjoy the weekend.
10 Things to Watch for in the FCS this year
1 Three-Peat.
You have to watch to see if NDSU can win three straight times. They are returning enough starters and in key positions that this looks likely. Brock Jensen, Crockett, and a host of other players including a very tough defense. It is going to be a good season.
2. Can Sam Houston State get over the hump?
A related question to the first is Sam Houston State. They have had the best offense in the country the last two years, and they have dropped the national title game the last two years. Two years ago they were favored, and lost. Last year they were the underdog and they lost. Is the third time the charm?
3. Wild wild Southern Conference.
The SoCon is strange this year. Georgia Southern and Appalachin State are not eligible for the Conference automatic bid because in preparation for their jump up next year they have given away more than the FCS scholarship limit. However, they are still going to play this year and losses to them count in the SoCon standings. Can someone step up and beat them? Wofford has tied them the past couple of years for SoCon Titles, so maybe. But who else will step up? Will the SoCon drop from a three bid league to a one bid league?
4. Which Conference will be best?
The battle for the best conference is always entertaining. The three usual suspects are the SoCon, Colonial Athletic Association, and the Big Sky. Last year the Missouri Valley laid claim to be the best, and looks to be a permanent part of that equation. However, the Big Sky looks reloaded with an improved Montana, and the CAA is as good as ever too.
5. Who will win the first ever automatic bid from the Pioneer Conference?
The automatic bid will be given out to the Pioneer league for the first time. It should be a highly competitive league to boot. San Diego probably has the inside track, but it will be something to keep your eye upon all year. Then we can see how they do in the Playoffs as well.
6. South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
If I am a school president and was supposed to have a list of names for athletic director in my drawer just in case something happens, my list includes only one name. That names is the athletic director of South Dakota State University. In just a few short years of Division I competition he has the Jackrabbits good in many places. They made the FCS playoffs last year and won a game. They are in the top 10 this year. They have made the field of 64 in both mens and women's basketball, and I think they have made the tournament in women's volleyball too. Seeing how they continue to improve is a feel good story no one should over look.
7. Post Season Awards.
It is always fun to see who is going to win the Walter Payton Award and the Buck Buchanan and Jerry Rice Awards. This year there is a host of new candidates. These award winners can come from anywhere, so they are hard to predict.
8. NFL prospects.
Yes this is a completely different question than the pervious question. J.C. Sheritt was Buck Buchanan Award winner a few years ago and did not get drafted (he since has set the single season tackle record in the CFL). 2011 saw Bo Levi Mitchell win the Walter Payton, but not get drafted and Brian Quick be the first pick in the 2nd round. So, watching pro-prospects is different altogether than Award winners. Some of the states with no FBS school always seem to have prospects. See Billy Turner, OL, and Marcus Williams, DB, of NDSU and Jordan Tripp, LB, along with Danny Kistler, OL, of Montana. Delaware always seems to get transfers from FBS schools that end up as prospects, and this year is no exception with Zach Kerr a transfer from Maryland. App State always seems to put people in the NFL, so just watch their games and take their best player. They put as many people in the NFL draft last year as Nebraska, so scouts know about the program. It seems every year there are more and more. Keep an eye out.
9. Beating the FBS.
We know now that this has already happened a few times. NDSU beat K-State, and Southern Utah defeated South Alabama. More are sure to follow, and these games make a lot of fun. It does not always translate into FCS success, but it is fun to try and predict. And it is always a big moment for that program. (7 in week one)
10. Great Rivalries.
There is always discussion about the greatest rivalries in sports every year, and the FCS is overlooked in those conversations. "The Game" between Harvard and Yale has to be in that discussion. And "The Bayou Classic" between Grambling and Southern is not to be missed for more than just the battle of the bands. This year we also get to see Delaware and Delaware St. face off, and the history behind that one is amazing. Add in Montana vs Montana State, which seems to have title implications every year, and NDSU vs. SDSU which is starting to have the same implications and you have several big games to watch.
You have to watch to see if NDSU can win three straight times. They are returning enough starters and in key positions that this looks likely. Brock Jensen, Crockett, and a host of other players including a very tough defense. It is going to be a good season.
2. Can Sam Houston State get over the hump?
A related question to the first is Sam Houston State. They have had the best offense in the country the last two years, and they have dropped the national title game the last two years. Two years ago they were favored, and lost. Last year they were the underdog and they lost. Is the third time the charm?
3. Wild wild Southern Conference.
The SoCon is strange this year. Georgia Southern and Appalachin State are not eligible for the Conference automatic bid because in preparation for their jump up next year they have given away more than the FCS scholarship limit. However, they are still going to play this year and losses to them count in the SoCon standings. Can someone step up and beat them? Wofford has tied them the past couple of years for SoCon Titles, so maybe. But who else will step up? Will the SoCon drop from a three bid league to a one bid league?
4. Which Conference will be best?
The battle for the best conference is always entertaining. The three usual suspects are the SoCon, Colonial Athletic Association, and the Big Sky. Last year the Missouri Valley laid claim to be the best, and looks to be a permanent part of that equation. However, the Big Sky looks reloaded with an improved Montana, and the CAA is as good as ever too.
5. Who will win the first ever automatic bid from the Pioneer Conference?
The automatic bid will be given out to the Pioneer league for the first time. It should be a highly competitive league to boot. San Diego probably has the inside track, but it will be something to keep your eye upon all year. Then we can see how they do in the Playoffs as well.
6. South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
If I am a school president and was supposed to have a list of names for athletic director in my drawer just in case something happens, my list includes only one name. That names is the athletic director of South Dakota State University. In just a few short years of Division I competition he has the Jackrabbits good in many places. They made the FCS playoffs last year and won a game. They are in the top 10 this year. They have made the field of 64 in both mens and women's basketball, and I think they have made the tournament in women's volleyball too. Seeing how they continue to improve is a feel good story no one should over look.
7. Post Season Awards.
It is always fun to see who is going to win the Walter Payton Award and the Buck Buchanan and Jerry Rice Awards. This year there is a host of new candidates. These award winners can come from anywhere, so they are hard to predict.
8. NFL prospects.
Yes this is a completely different question than the pervious question. J.C. Sheritt was Buck Buchanan Award winner a few years ago and did not get drafted (he since has set the single season tackle record in the CFL). 2011 saw Bo Levi Mitchell win the Walter Payton, but not get drafted and Brian Quick be the first pick in the 2nd round. So, watching pro-prospects is different altogether than Award winners. Some of the states with no FBS school always seem to have prospects. See Billy Turner, OL, and Marcus Williams, DB, of NDSU and Jordan Tripp, LB, along with Danny Kistler, OL, of Montana. Delaware always seems to get transfers from FBS schools that end up as prospects, and this year is no exception with Zach Kerr a transfer from Maryland. App State always seems to put people in the NFL, so just watch their games and take their best player. They put as many people in the NFL draft last year as Nebraska, so scouts know about the program. It seems every year there are more and more. Keep an eye out.
9. Beating the FBS.
We know now that this has already happened a few times. NDSU beat K-State, and Southern Utah defeated South Alabama. More are sure to follow, and these games make a lot of fun. It does not always translate into FCS success, but it is fun to try and predict. And it is always a big moment for that program. (7 in week one)
10. Great Rivalries.
There is always discussion about the greatest rivalries in sports every year, and the FCS is overlooked in those conversations. "The Game" between Harvard and Yale has to be in that discussion. And "The Bayou Classic" between Grambling and Southern is not to be missed for more than just the battle of the bands. This year we also get to see Delaware and Delaware St. face off, and the history behind that one is amazing. Add in Montana vs Montana State, which seems to have title implications every year, and NDSU vs. SDSU which is starting to have the same implications and you have several big games to watch.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Another year of FCS football is about to get underway.
There are lots of story lines as always, like can North Dakota State threepeat. But the first few weeks of the season are always about who can pull the upset over a FBS team. Let me go ahead and spell out some guesses at this years upsets.
1. Northern Iowa over Iowa State.
I think that this is the biggest chance for an upset because Iowa State is young and Northern Iowa has a history of playing both Iowa State and Iowa very close. Iowa State's young team combined with their defensive strength being in the secondary could give Northern Iowa's running game a chance to get going. They have traditionally done well on defense, and Iowa State is not going to have a great offense. So, I think UNI beats ISU tomorrow.
2. North Dakota State over Kansas State.
Coach Craig Bohl is very good at defeating FBS teams, and NDSU is the defending champs. We are going to see early if the pounding NDSU style can defeat KSt., which always had trouble with Nebraska when they were both in the Big 12.
3. Wofford over Baylor.
The third most likely upset is Wofford over Baylor. Mainly because Baylor no longer has RGIII, and they are going to be overlooking this team. Wofford's ball control offense will move the ball, and automatically stop the possibility of a blow out. Wofford is returning only 5 starters on offense and 5 more on defense, but Coach Ayers always has a good defense, and the situation on offense is not as dire as it looks. Jeff Ashley their best receiver is back, as is Johnson a solid running back. Also they are returning Cam Flowers, who had a great freshman campaign and saw plenty of touches, even though he does not count as one of the 5 returning starters. The real question is about James Lawson, the QB. How will he fare in his first start.
4. McNeese St. over South Florida
McNeese State is always full of athletes. They are almost always competing for their league title, and South Florida has never been a power house football program. I am not sure McNeese State has the horses to get it done, and they do have a small history of not performing in big games, but this is a new year. One can only wait and see.
5. Southern Illinois over Illinois
This in-state rivalry gives it some added flair, but Southern Illinois can impress if over looked. Illinois is coming off a fast start last year, but they faded. Will they over look their opening day opponent? It is possible, and if so Southern Illinois could do the unthinkable.
6. Eastern Washington over Oregon State.
This is the fifth most likely, although I think we are now in the unlikely category. Eastern Washington has defeated Pac 10 teams in the past, so they may not get over looked. Oregon State is probably over rated at 25, but Eastern Washington is going to have to bring their A game to win this one. Still it is more likely than Howard beating Eastern Michigan or Austin Peay beating Tennessee or even NC Central beating Duke. Although I almost went with Villanova over Boston College, but could not do it.
There are other match ups of importance not involving FBS teams. Again this year the App State v. Montana game is going to be a huge one. Last year App State won, but this year it is at Montana. This game carries some extra weight as Montana State destroyed Monmouth 42-24 and it was really not even that close of a game. If Montana wants a Big Sky title, they are going to need to win here against App State.
Delaware did beat Jacksonville 51-35, but they were tied at half, and giving up that many points to Jacksonville is not a good sign for the Blue Hens. They may have trouble in the CAA this year.
South Dakota State taking on Butler could be fun too. SDSU made the playoffs last year and the attempt to prove it is not a fluke is on. They should be able to handle Butler, but you never know how a team is going to handle success. Keep an eye on this game just to make sure the Jackrabbits are ready for a tough MVC schedule.
I don't care much for pre-season polls. Let's wait to start paying attention until next week at least.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Signing Day 2013
So Signing Day has come and gone and teams hopes and dreams now have a face and names.
Signing Day in the FCS is a little different than in the FBS. You get a lot of kids that are not rated at all, and it is more about protecting your territory than getting the best from around the country.
Most experts (which I am not) think James Madison and Portland State cleaned up and won the Signing Day contests. That should make the Big Sky a little more competitive. But let us take a look at some of the other signing day classes that were interesting.
We ought to start with two time national champions North Dakota State, and their class, which I think was pretty impressive. They only signed two kids from ND, but some of the Minnesota players are really in NDSU's back yard too. Coach Bohl expects some to play right away, and that means they had a good class. They raided Wisconsin for 6 guys and got players from Sioux Falls, SD, which is in rival SDSU's back yard. In all probability Gee-Tucker will be one of those who plays right away. He is from the Metro St. Louis area, and chose the Bison from among 12 scholarship offers. Coach Bohl continued his work in Nebraska as well getting two more from that state including Linebacker Nick DeLuca from Omaha where some had him as the 4th best player in Nebraska. Nick may also get a shot to see time right away.
If you are judging about stealing talent right out from under your rivals nose, Appalachian State may have done the best. They signed 5 from South Carolina including one from Dorman High School in Spartanburg, literally in Wofford's house because Dorman plays in the same stadium sometimes. They also took two from York, which is not far either. They also stole 7 from Georgia which is sure to upset Georgia Southern fans. They did protect their own yard to some degree as well as Anthony Covington from Charlotte, NC signed. Rivals has him as a three star recruit.
However, it was not all great news. App State had been targeting Lincoln Stewart from Florida, who chose to go to Wofford College instead. They did get two running backs, who will forever be linked to replace the greatest running back in Wofford history, so no pressure there. It will be an interesting year to see if Wofford can keep pace in the Southern Conference.
Georgia Southern was even more interesting. They had a class of 23, and 7 of them are running backs. You read that right. Seven. Adding to the confusion they should be returning Dominique Swope, who is a back to back 1,000 yard rusher. Surely not all seven can red shirt, so it will be interesting to see which ones come in and contribute right away. It would appear that perhaps the quarterback of the future was signed as Alfred Ramsby from Cincinnati, who had 1,600 yards on the ground and in the air, signed with the Eagles.
Sam Houston State also tried to address some needs by signing 5 offensive linemen. This back to back title game team needs to replace a lot, and they protected their area as almost everyone was from Texas. Time will tell if they can remain a FCS powerhouse.
Signing Day in the FCS is a little different than in the FBS. You get a lot of kids that are not rated at all, and it is more about protecting your territory than getting the best from around the country.
Most experts (which I am not) think James Madison and Portland State cleaned up and won the Signing Day contests. That should make the Big Sky a little more competitive. But let us take a look at some of the other signing day classes that were interesting.
We ought to start with two time national champions North Dakota State, and their class, which I think was pretty impressive. They only signed two kids from ND, but some of the Minnesota players are really in NDSU's back yard too. Coach Bohl expects some to play right away, and that means they had a good class. They raided Wisconsin for 6 guys and got players from Sioux Falls, SD, which is in rival SDSU's back yard. In all probability Gee-Tucker will be one of those who plays right away. He is from the Metro St. Louis area, and chose the Bison from among 12 scholarship offers. Coach Bohl continued his work in Nebraska as well getting two more from that state including Linebacker Nick DeLuca from Omaha where some had him as the 4th best player in Nebraska. Nick may also get a shot to see time right away.
If you are judging about stealing talent right out from under your rivals nose, Appalachian State may have done the best. They signed 5 from South Carolina including one from Dorman High School in Spartanburg, literally in Wofford's house because Dorman plays in the same stadium sometimes. They also took two from York, which is not far either. They also stole 7 from Georgia which is sure to upset Georgia Southern fans. They did protect their own yard to some degree as well as Anthony Covington from Charlotte, NC signed. Rivals has him as a three star recruit.
However, it was not all great news. App State had been targeting Lincoln Stewart from Florida, who chose to go to Wofford College instead. They did get two running backs, who will forever be linked to replace the greatest running back in Wofford history, so no pressure there. It will be an interesting year to see if Wofford can keep pace in the Southern Conference.
Georgia Southern was even more interesting. They had a class of 23, and 7 of them are running backs. You read that right. Seven. Adding to the confusion they should be returning Dominique Swope, who is a back to back 1,000 yard rusher. Surely not all seven can red shirt, so it will be interesting to see which ones come in and contribute right away. It would appear that perhaps the quarterback of the future was signed as Alfred Ramsby from Cincinnati, who had 1,600 yards on the ground and in the air, signed with the Eagles.
Sam Houston State also tried to address some needs by signing 5 offensive linemen. This back to back title game team needs to replace a lot, and they protected their area as almost everyone was from Texas. Time will tell if they can remain a FCS powerhouse.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Was this 2013 or 2012?
So the championship game was the same as last year. NDSU vs. Sam Houston St. And the outcome was similar with NDSU proving once again to be the best in the FCS.
What can you say, the Bison put the boots to Sam Houston St, and they never looked back. With the exception of one inexplicable slip up, NDSU was the best team start to finish. Brock Jensen was the cool hand leading a great attack, and the NDSU defense stole the show. You have to like where this program is heading.
The one disappointment is that NDSU vs. Georgia Southern was not the championship game. Georgia Southern came up short again in the semis, but what an amazing game that was. It had everything. Lots of offense, big passes and last second heroics and heartbreaks.
The focus now turns to the draft and recruiting. Which FCS players are going to be drafted and where will they go? It is not too long until we will know.
I hope everyone enjoyed the season as much as I did. Until signing day, so long.
What can you say, the Bison put the boots to Sam Houston St, and they never looked back. With the exception of one inexplicable slip up, NDSU was the best team start to finish. Brock Jensen was the cool hand leading a great attack, and the NDSU defense stole the show. You have to like where this program is heading.
The one disappointment is that NDSU vs. Georgia Southern was not the championship game. Georgia Southern came up short again in the semis, but what an amazing game that was. It had everything. Lots of offense, big passes and last second heroics and heartbreaks.
The focus now turns to the draft and recruiting. Which FCS players are going to be drafted and where will they go? It is not too long until we will know.
I hope everyone enjoyed the season as much as I did. Until signing day, so long.
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