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.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
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.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Playoffs in full swing
The play-in games are over and now the crowning of the champion begins.
I have to say there are some really interesting match-ups. South Dakota State gets a shot at its arch-rival North Dakota State. NDSU won this year, but a second shot should be fun to watch even if I think NDSU ought to come out on top.
Eastern Washington hosts Wagner, and Montana State hosts Stony Brook. I actually think Stony Brook with their Walter Payton award finalist has a chance here. Cal Poly travels to Sam Houston State to round out the Big Sky involvement.
Coastal Carolina comes into Old Dominion. Give the obvious edge to ODU. But New Hampshire has to travel to Wofford in probably the most interesting game of the afternoon. Wofford has their own Walter Payton finalist, but is a newer power program. This clash ought to be entertaining. How healthy Wofford is should be a factor. Can their starting QB Brian Kass go, or is he still hampered?
The other SoCon games include Appy State taking on Illinois State. It is hard to pick against the experience of App. St. and the fact they are at home. Georgia Southern also has a home game versus Central Arkansas. A couple of high powered offenses here, but it is crazy to ever pick against Georgia Southern. They are the winningest program in I-AA playoff history.
I have to say that I am excited. The fun starts at 2pm eastern time, and next week while you are bemoaning the lack of BCS football, join in the FBS fun as the winners move on.
I have to say there are some really interesting match-ups. South Dakota State gets a shot at its arch-rival North Dakota State. NDSU won this year, but a second shot should be fun to watch even if I think NDSU ought to come out on top.
Eastern Washington hosts Wagner, and Montana State hosts Stony Brook. I actually think Stony Brook with their Walter Payton award finalist has a chance here. Cal Poly travels to Sam Houston State to round out the Big Sky involvement.
Coastal Carolina comes into Old Dominion. Give the obvious edge to ODU. But New Hampshire has to travel to Wofford in probably the most interesting game of the afternoon. Wofford has their own Walter Payton finalist, but is a newer power program. This clash ought to be entertaining. How healthy Wofford is should be a factor. Can their starting QB Brian Kass go, or is he still hampered?
The other SoCon games include Appy State taking on Illinois State. It is hard to pick against the experience of App. St. and the fact they are at home. Georgia Southern also has a home game versus Central Arkansas. A couple of high powered offenses here, but it is crazy to ever pick against Georgia Southern. They are the winningest program in I-AA playoff history.
I have to say that I am excited. The fun starts at 2pm eastern time, and next week while you are bemoaning the lack of BCS football, join in the FBS fun as the winners move on.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
PLAYOFFS!!!!
Yes, it is playoff time. The field is set and this year no one conference dominated the selection. Thus, we can say that the CAA is down (only three teams in) the Big Sky is up (three teams in), the SoCon is the same (still three teams in), and Missouri Valley is officially a power conference (three teams this year).
All that at the opening round games are today.
Colgate plays at Wagner today. Colgate from the Patriot League and Wagner won the NEC. Both a bit of a surprise, and these conferences usually play in the opening round. Both are 8-3, so I am going to give the edge to the home team and go with Wagner.
Coastal Carolina plays at Bethune-Cookman. Coastal Carolina won the Big South and Bethune Cookman won the MEAC. Bethune-Cookman has more experience in the playoffs and I think plays in a better conference. Coastal had some rough out of conference losses this year. I am picking Bethue-Cookman.
Eastern Illinois plays at South Dakota State. Eastern Illinois comes from the Ohio Valley Conference, and SDSU is from the Missouri Valley. SDSU at one time led the MVC this year, but collapsed a bit when they got into the meat of their schedule including a loss to their rival NDSU. It was an amazing year for SDSU, but I am a bit surprised they got in. So, I am going upset here, Eastern Illinois takes down SDSU. As an aside, let me just say that SDSU has made the jump to Division I and has excelled. They came up a few years ago with NDSU. Their athletic are very good. Women's volleyball and basketball have made the tournament and now so has football. Amazing job.
Villanova takes on Stony Brook. Villanova is a team from the CAA, and Stony Brook another from the Big South. Now I said earlier that the MEAC is probably better conference than the Big South, and I think it is, but the Big South is on its way up and Stony Brook is the class of the Big South. Stony Brook has playoff experience, and had Syracuse beat earlier this year. Villanova does still have some people from their national championship, but I am going with Stony Brook. Villanova has had big wins, but lost winnable games at home against Richmond and Townsen. This one could go either way.
Don't forget the Bayou Classic. I know that neither Grambling or Southern had a very good season, but it is usually a good game and the half time is always the best in the nation. Check it out.
All that at the opening round games are today.
Colgate plays at Wagner today. Colgate from the Patriot League and Wagner won the NEC. Both a bit of a surprise, and these conferences usually play in the opening round. Both are 8-3, so I am going to give the edge to the home team and go with Wagner.
Coastal Carolina plays at Bethune-Cookman. Coastal Carolina won the Big South and Bethune Cookman won the MEAC. Bethune-Cookman has more experience in the playoffs and I think plays in a better conference. Coastal had some rough out of conference losses this year. I am picking Bethue-Cookman.
Eastern Illinois plays at South Dakota State. Eastern Illinois comes from the Ohio Valley Conference, and SDSU is from the Missouri Valley. SDSU at one time led the MVC this year, but collapsed a bit when they got into the meat of their schedule including a loss to their rival NDSU. It was an amazing year for SDSU, but I am a bit surprised they got in. So, I am going upset here, Eastern Illinois takes down SDSU. As an aside, let me just say that SDSU has made the jump to Division I and has excelled. They came up a few years ago with NDSU. Their athletic are very good. Women's volleyball and basketball have made the tournament and now so has football. Amazing job.
Villanova takes on Stony Brook. Villanova is a team from the CAA, and Stony Brook another from the Big South. Now I said earlier that the MEAC is probably better conference than the Big South, and I think it is, but the Big South is on its way up and Stony Brook is the class of the Big South. Stony Brook has playoff experience, and had Syracuse beat earlier this year. Villanova does still have some people from their national championship, but I am going with Stony Brook. Villanova has had big wins, but lost winnable games at home against Richmond and Townsen. This one could go either way.
Don't forget the Bayou Classic. I know that neither Grambling or Southern had a very good season, but it is usually a good game and the half time is always the best in the nation. Check it out.
Monday, October 22, 2012
What an unbelievable week
I did not get up a preview, and for that I am sorry.
NDSU is still my pick to win it all, and would be my number 1 in the nation despite the surprise loss. They took out there anger this week with a huge win. South Dakota State dropped its first tough conference game and gave up its grip on the top spot in the Missouri Valley. Wofford rebounded from its Georgia Southern defeat to take down Appalachian State at Appy.
The Sports Network has Eastern Washington in the top spot followed by Georgia Southern and then NDSU. James Madison drops all the way to 9 after the surprise loss to Richmond, who jumps onto the poll at 25. Sam Houston at 5, Leigh at 8, Stony Brook at 10, and Cal Poly at 11 all got first place votes.
The Coaches Poll is the same in the top three with Eastern Washington sitting a top it all. Those are the only three teams getting first place votes and James Madison dropped to 10. Villanova makes its first appearance on the Coaches' Poll, and Harvard is featured at 24 while Richmond has not shown up on this poll.
The coming days will see bigger and bigger match ups. Eastern Washington vs. Montana State looms in the future as does a Cal Poly team that will get a shot at both. Lots of room for movement up and down, but the playoffs is starting to take shape. How many teams make it from the CAA is one of the big questions and how many from the Missouri Valley? Does Missouri Valley go three deep this year? Could it go four?
We will see.
NDSU is still my pick to win it all, and would be my number 1 in the nation despite the surprise loss. They took out there anger this week with a huge win. South Dakota State dropped its first tough conference game and gave up its grip on the top spot in the Missouri Valley. Wofford rebounded from its Georgia Southern defeat to take down Appalachian State at Appy.
The Sports Network has Eastern Washington in the top spot followed by Georgia Southern and then NDSU. James Madison drops all the way to 9 after the surprise loss to Richmond, who jumps onto the poll at 25. Sam Houston at 5, Leigh at 8, Stony Brook at 10, and Cal Poly at 11 all got first place votes.
The Coaches Poll is the same in the top three with Eastern Washington sitting a top it all. Those are the only three teams getting first place votes and James Madison dropped to 10. Villanova makes its first appearance on the Coaches' Poll, and Harvard is featured at 24 while Richmond has not shown up on this poll.
The coming days will see bigger and bigger match ups. Eastern Washington vs. Montana State looms in the future as does a Cal Poly team that will get a shot at both. Lots of room for movement up and down, but the playoffs is starting to take shape. How many teams make it from the CAA is one of the big questions and how many from the Missouri Valley? Does Missouri Valley go three deep this year? Could it go four?
We will see.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Week 7 Preview
This is a big week for the FCS. Pretenders will be separated out and the conferences will come into focus.
Let us start with Youngstown St. vs. Illinois St. Both teams have one loss, and still in the hunt for the Missouri Valley title. Youngstown is coming off that amazing loss to NDSU. Both teams are ranked, but a loss here by Youngstown will virtually knock it out of the conference race and make a long string of must win games to stay in the playoff race.
Eastern Washington travels to Montana St. to see who ought to be ranked second nationally. Montana St holds that honor now. The winner is in control of the Big Sky, but neither team has played Montana, so it is not a lock. The winner will have a clear path to homefield in the playoffs, and that is no small thing.
Wofford vs. Georgia Southern is another battle of top 10 ranked schools. Wofford is 5-0, but really only has one decent win. Georgia Southern had an early stumble, but has been rolling lately. The winner is in control of the SoCon, but if Wofford wins, then Georgia Southern is going to have to win several big games (including App St) to ensure playoff appearances. This is a big test to see if Wofford is for real.
We can't forget NDSU vs. Indiana St. NDSU should not lose in the Fargo Dome, but Indiana State is having a nice year at 4-2.
Central Arkansas vs. McNeese St. is an important game in the Southland conference. Both teams have one loss in conference and another would finish their hopes. Central Arkansas is the team I favor, but they are playing at McNeese, so this will be a game to watch.
And before we give the Big Sky to the Montana St or Eastern Washington winner, we ought to stop and remind ourselves that Cal Poly is undefeated. That ought to continue as they host Northern Colorado.
The CAA has a trio of games to watch. William and Mary at James Madison ought to end with Madison winning, but rivalry games cannot be taken for granted. Villanova rolls into Old Dominion and tries to dethrone the undefeated Monarchs in a battle for the top of the conference. And New Hampshire hosts Richmond in a game that has playoff implications.
One other game of ranked teams should not be forgotten either is Samford hosting App St. The Mountaineers have not looked dominate this year and Samford has looked pretty good. They both have one loss in conference, and the loser could be on the outside looking in come playoff time. The SoCon usually sends three teams, the loser of this game would be sitting in fourth.
Enjoy the great games. Things are heating up!
Let us start with Youngstown St. vs. Illinois St. Both teams have one loss, and still in the hunt for the Missouri Valley title. Youngstown is coming off that amazing loss to NDSU. Both teams are ranked, but a loss here by Youngstown will virtually knock it out of the conference race and make a long string of must win games to stay in the playoff race.
Eastern Washington travels to Montana St. to see who ought to be ranked second nationally. Montana St holds that honor now. The winner is in control of the Big Sky, but neither team has played Montana, so it is not a lock. The winner will have a clear path to homefield in the playoffs, and that is no small thing.
Wofford vs. Georgia Southern is another battle of top 10 ranked schools. Wofford is 5-0, but really only has one decent win. Georgia Southern had an early stumble, but has been rolling lately. The winner is in control of the SoCon, but if Wofford wins, then Georgia Southern is going to have to win several big games (including App St) to ensure playoff appearances. This is a big test to see if Wofford is for real.
We can't forget NDSU vs. Indiana St. NDSU should not lose in the Fargo Dome, but Indiana State is having a nice year at 4-2.
Central Arkansas vs. McNeese St. is an important game in the Southland conference. Both teams have one loss in conference and another would finish their hopes. Central Arkansas is the team I favor, but they are playing at McNeese, so this will be a game to watch.
And before we give the Big Sky to the Montana St or Eastern Washington winner, we ought to stop and remind ourselves that Cal Poly is undefeated. That ought to continue as they host Northern Colorado.
The CAA has a trio of games to watch. William and Mary at James Madison ought to end with Madison winning, but rivalry games cannot be taken for granted. Villanova rolls into Old Dominion and tries to dethrone the undefeated Monarchs in a battle for the top of the conference. And New Hampshire hosts Richmond in a game that has playoff implications.
One other game of ranked teams should not be forgotten either is Samford hosting App St. The Mountaineers have not looked dominate this year and Samford has looked pretty good. They both have one loss in conference, and the loser could be on the outside looking in come playoff time. The SoCon usually sends three teams, the loser of this game would be sitting in fourth.
Enjoy the great games. Things are heating up!
NDSU vs. Youngstown wrap
For those of you who did not get to watch the NDSU v Youngstown State game, you missed an amazing performance by NDSU. They dominated both sides of the ball.
What really stood out to me was the dominance of the NDSU line. They were able to open holes for Crockett to run, and then he made the second level miss. When Jensen went to pass, he had all the time in the world. I do not remember even a knock down. On the other side of the ball, NDSU was hitting Kurt Hess over and over and over again. The first drive by Youngstown had NDSU off balance. It was a nice mix of run and pass and they gained some big yards on what I think was a zone read. They got to the goal line and they brought in their bruiser and he went to work. The passes were pretty good, but even a few of those in the first drive were on the run. After that drive, the running game went away, and the passing was always rushed, and they hit the quarterback over and over. I am not sure why Youngstown did not try some more option or screen passes because the line was coming and it did not stop. That led to interceptions and punts.
Youngstown is not as bad as they looked last Saturday. NDSU is hard to beat in the Fargo Dome. But, if they can get that kind of running from Crockett, then NDSU is going to repeat because Jensen is a good quarterback, and the defense is nicely balanced.
I expect another banner this year for Coach Craig Bohls and the Bison.
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