2010 FCS (I-AA) Football Thread

[wade moore]

I know we still have some folks that follow I-AA football around here. So, starting a thread again this year - gonna try to keep it more up to date.


FOFC Teams of alumni/students/fans:

William and Mary - wademoore, lordscarlet, KingOfNewYork
Youngstown State - stevew
Coastal Carolina - Thomkal
Villanova - RedKingGold
Massachusetts - BishopMVP
Southern Illinois - I forget? Illinifan999?
Old Dominion University - HiFiRevival, Tim Tellean
Liberty University - HiFiRevival

The pre-season TSN Poll (I've highlighted teams I know people here follow/graduated from - if I'm missing any, let me know - would love to highlight for those fans as news comes about):



The Sporting Network Poll

<table width="100%" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#ccccdd"><th class="TSN2" align="left">Team (First-place votes)</th><th class="TSN2" align="center">Record</th><th class="TSN2" align="center">Points</th><th class="TSN2" align="center">Previous Rank</th></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 1. Villanova Wildcats (104) </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 14-1</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 3,112</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 1</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 2. Montana Grizzlies (9) </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 14-1</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 2,899</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 2</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 3. Appalachian State Mountaineers (8) </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 11-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 2,857</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 3</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 4. William & Mary Tribe (3) </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 11-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 2,631</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 4</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 5. Southern Illinois Salukis (1) </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 11-2</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 2,569</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 6</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 6. Richmond Spiders (1) </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 11-2</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 2,317</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 5</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 7. Elon Phoenix </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 9-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 2,243</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 9</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 8. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 10-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 2,041</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 10</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 9. South Dakota State Jackrabbits </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 8-4</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 1,863</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 11</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 10. New Hampshire Wildcats </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 10-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 1,837</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 7</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 11. South Carolina State Bulldogs </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 10-2</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 1,607</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 8</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 12. McNeese State Cowboys </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 9-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 1,475</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 12</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 13. Eastern Washington Eagles </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 8-4</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 1,422</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 13</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 14. Northern Iowa Panthers </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 7-4</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 1,269</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 18</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 15. James Madison Dukes </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 6-5</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 1,237</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> NR</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 16. Delaware Blue Hens </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 6-5</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 879</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> NR</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 17. Jacksonville State Gamecocks </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 8-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 833</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 16</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 18. Eastern Illinois Panthers </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 8-4</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 762</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 19</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 19. Weber State Wildcats </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 7-5</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 716</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 17</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 20. Prairie View A&M Panthers </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 9-1</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 709</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 15</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 21. Liberty Flames </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 8-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 633</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 22</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 22. Colgate Raiders </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 9-2</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 608</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 21</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 23. Penn Quakers </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 8-2</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 593</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 20</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 24. Montana State Bobcats </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 7-4</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 584</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> NR</td></tr> <tr><td class="TSN1" align="left"> 25. Holy Cross Crusaders </td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 9-3</td><td class="TSN1" align="center"> 560</td> <td class="TSN1" align="center"> 14</td></tr> </tbody></table> Others receiving votes: Illinois State 488, Wofford 311, Northern Arizona 286, Cal Poly 239, Furman 229, Texas State 206, Florida A&M 153, Lafayette 98, Maine 88, Harvard 85, Eastern Kentucky 81, UC Davis 61, Samford 61, Massachusetts 45, Southeastern Louisiana 45, Alabama A&M 45, Missouri State 40, Central Arkansas 39, Norfolk State 28, Lehigh 27, Old Dominion 25, Grambling State 24, Davidson 23, Georgia Southern 22, Princeton 21, Dayton 20, Portland State 18, Chattanooga 17, Youngstown State 15, Idaho State 15, Southern utah 14, Northwestern State 12, Indiana State 12, Stony Brook 12, Hampton 12, Gardner-Webb 11, Tennessee Tech 9, Robert Morris 9, North Dakota 8, Southern 8, Central Connecticut State 7, Morgan State 7, Jackson State 7, North Carolina A&T 6, VMI 5, North Dakota State 5, Austin Peay 4, Butler 4, Alcorn State 3, Jacksonville 2, Texas Southern 2, Brown 2, Howard 2, Cornell 1, Coastal Carolina 1.

Coach's Poll

<table width="424" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="5" class="rank_title" border="0" width="424" nowrap="nowrap">Preseason FCS Coaches Poll
(As of 08/23/2010) </td> </tr> <tr class="top_row"> <td class="rank" bgcolor="#cccccc">Rank</td> <td class="headers" bgcolor="#cccccc">School</td> <td class="headers" bgcolor="#cccccc" nowrap="nowrap">Points</td> <td class="headers" bgcolor="#cccccc" nowrap="nowrap">Prev</td> </tr> <!--team & records--> <!--1--> <!--nova--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Villanova (http://www.villanova.com/) (22)</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">667</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">1</td> </tr> <!--2--> <!--mont--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Montana (http://www.montanagrizzlies.com/) (2)</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">632</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">2</td> </tr> <!--3--> <!--appa--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Appalachian St. (http://www.goasu.com/) (4)</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">622</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">4</td> </tr> <!--4--> <!--wima--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">4</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">William & Mary (http://tribeathletics.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">587</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">3</td> </tr> <!--5--> <!--silu--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Southern Ill. (http://siusalukis.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">551</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">6</td> </tr> <!--6--> <!--rich--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">6</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Richmond (http://www.richmondspiders.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">484</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">5</td> </tr> <!--7--> <!--elon--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Elon (http://www.elon.edu/athletics) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">474</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">10</td> </tr> <!--8--> <!--sasu--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">8</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Stephen F. Austin (http://www.sfajacks.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">413</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">9</td> </tr> <!--9--> <!--nham--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">New Hampshire (http://www.unhwildcats.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">409</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">7</td> </tr> <!--10--> <!--sdst--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">10</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">South Dakota St. (http://www.gojacks.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">403</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">11</td> </tr> <!--11--> <!--mcne--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">11</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">McNeese St. (http://mcneesesports.cstv.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">376</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">12</td> </tr> <!--12--> <!--scst--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">12</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">South Carolina St. (http://scsusports.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">341</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">8</td> </tr> <!--13--> <!--niwa--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">13</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">UNI (http://www.unipanthers.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">333</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">18</td> </tr> <!--14--> <!--ewas--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">14</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Eastern Wash. (http://athletics.ewu.edu/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">327</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">13</td> </tr> <!--15--> <!--jame--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">15</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">James Madison (http://www.jmusports.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">290</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">NR</td> </tr> <!--16--> <!--eill--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">16</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Eastern Ill. (http://www.eiupanthers.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">236</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">15</td> </tr> <!--17--> <!--jkst--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">17</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Jacksonville St. (http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">208</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">16</td> </tr> <!--18--> <!--webs--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">18</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Weber St. (http://www.departments.weber.edu/athletics) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">186</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">17</td> </tr> <!--19--> <!--dela--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">19</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Delaware (http://www.udel.edu/sportsinfo) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">185</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">NR</td> </tr> <!--20--> <!--libe--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">20</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Liberty (http://www.libertyflames.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">171</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">21</td> </tr> <!--21--> <!--pvam--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">21</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Prairie View (http://sports.pvamu.edu/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">135</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">19</td> </tr> <!--22--> <!--colg--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">22</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Colgate (http://www.gocolgateraiders.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">98</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">20</td> </tr> <!--23--> <!--nazu--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">23</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Northern Ariz. (http://www.nauathletics.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">87</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">NR</td> </tr> <!--24--> <!--mtsu--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">24</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Montana St. (http://www.msubobcats.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">85</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">25</td> </tr> <!--25--> <!--cslo--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">25</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Cal Poly (http://gopoly.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">66</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">NR</td> </tr> <!--26--> <!--holy--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">26</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Holy Cross (http://www.goholycross.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">66</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">14</td> </tr> <!-- border row --> <tr> <td colspan="5" bgcolor="#cccccc">http://graphics.collegesports.com/graphics/spacer.gif
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- END border row --> <!-- N O T E S --> <table class="others" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td>OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Pennsylvania 60, Illinois St. 54, Texas St. 53, Florida A&M 44, Furman 36, Wofford 35, Eastern Kentucky 35, UC Davis 32, Massachusetts 24, Georgia Southern 23, Alabama A&M 22, Maine 19, Jackson St. 19, Alcorn St. 17, SE Louisiana 16, AR Pine Bluff 16, Southern 15, Morgan St. 14, Central Arkansas 14, Hampton 12, Bethune-Cookman 11, Nicholls St. 10, Missouri St. 10, Harvard 10, Sam Houston St. 9, Lehigh 8, Grambling St. 8, Youngstown St. 6, Alabama St. 6, Texas Southern 5, Lafayette 4, Albany 4, Butler 3, Southern Utah 3, Miss. Valley St. 3, Stony Brook 2, Central Conn. St. 2, Gardner-Webb 1, Chattanooga 1.
</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DROPPED OUT: No. 22 Florida A&M, No. 23 Pennsylvania, No. 24 Texas State, t-No. 25 Lafayette.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Any Given Saturday Poll:

<table width="424" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="5" class="rank_title" border="0" width="424" nowrap="nowrap">Preseason AGS FCS College Football Rankings
(As of 06/01/2010) </td> </tr> <tr class="top_row"> <td class="rank" bgcolor="#cccccc">Rank</td> <td class="headers" bgcolor="#cccccc">School</td> <td class="headers" bgcolor="#cccccc" nowrap="nowrap">Points</td> <td class="headers" bgcolor="#cccccc" nowrap="nowrap">Prev</td> </tr> <!--team & records--> <!--1--> <!--nova--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Villanova (http://www.villanova.com/) (81)</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">2344</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">1</td> </tr> <!--2--> <!--mont--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Montana (http://www.montanagrizzlies.com/) (7)</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">2106</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">2</td> </tr> <!--3--> <!--appa--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Appalachian St. (http://www.goasu.com/) (2)</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1965</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">4</td> </tr> <!--4--> <!--wima--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">4</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">William & Mary (http://tribeathletics.com/) (3)</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1909</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">3</td> </tr> <!--5--> <!--silu--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Southern Ill. (http://siusalukis.com/) (1)</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1825</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">6</td> </tr> <!--6--> <!--nham--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">6</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">New Hampshire (http://www.unhwildcats.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1644</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">7</td> </tr> <!--7--> <!--elon--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Elon (http://www.elon.edu/athletics) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1578</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">9</td> </tr> <!--8--> <!--rich--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">8</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Richmond (http://www.richmondspiders.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1414</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">5</td> </tr> <!--9--> <!--sdst--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">South Dakota St. (http://www.gojacks.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1359</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">11</td> </tr> <!--10--> <!--scst--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">10</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">South Carolina St. (http://scsusports.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1352</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">8</td> </tr> <!--11--> <!--sasu--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">11</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Stephen F. Austin (http://www.sfajacks.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1218</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">10</td> </tr> <!--12--> <!--niwa--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">12</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">UNI (http://www.unipanthers.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1028</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">18</td> </tr> <!--13--> <!--mcne--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">13</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">McNeese St. (http://mcneesesports.cstv.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1011</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">12</td> </tr> <!--14--> <!--ewas--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">14</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Eastern Wash. (http://athletics.ewu.edu/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">1002</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">13</td> </tr> <!--15--> <!--dela--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">15</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Delaware (http://www.udel.edu/sportsinfo) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">885</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">NR</td> </tr> <!--16--> <!--jame--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">16</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">James Madison (http://www.jmusports.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">871</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">25</td> </tr> <!--17--> <!--jkst--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">17</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Jacksonville St. (http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">720</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">15</td> </tr> <!--18--> <!--webs--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">18</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Weber St. (http://www.departments.weber.edu/athletics) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">639</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">16</td> </tr> <!--19--> <!--libe--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">19</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Liberty (http://www.libertyflames.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">582</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">20</td> </tr> <!--20--> <!--furm--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">20</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Furman (http://www.furmanpaladins.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">491</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">NR</td> </tr> <!--21--> <!--eill--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">21</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Eastern Ill. (http://www.eiupanthers.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">480</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">17</td> </tr> <!--22--> <!--mtsu--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">22</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Montana St. (http://www.msubobcats.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">377</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">23</td> </tr> <!--23--> <!--cslo--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">23</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Cal Poly (http://gopoly.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">319</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">NR</td> </tr> <!--24--> <!--penn--> <tr class="even"> <td class="rank">24</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Penn (http://www.pennathletics.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">277</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">21</td> </tr> <!--25--> <!--holy--> <tr class="odd"> <td class="rank">25</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">Holy Cross (http://www.goholycross.com/) </td> <td nowrap="nowrap">262</td> <td class="border_right" nowrap="nowrap">14</td> </tr> <!-- border row --> <tr> <td colspan="5" bgcolor="#cccccc">http://graphics.collegesports.com/graphics/spacer.gif
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- END border row --> <!-- N O T E S --> <table class="others" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td>OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Prairie View A&M (43), Texas State (41), Northern Arizona (36), Massachusetts (31), Maine (30), Colgate (25), Wofford (22), Eastern Kentucky (20), Lafayette (19), UC Davis (17), Chattanooga (15), Illinois State (15), Florida A&M (14), Georgia Southern (14), North Dakota State (13), Central Arkansas (11), Youngstown State (11), Harvard (10), Lehigh (10), Stony Brook (10), Southeastern Louisiana (9), Albany (8), Grambling State (7), Dayton (5), Missouri State (5).
</td> </tr> <tr> <td>DROPPED OUT: No. 19 Prairie View, No. 24 Texas State</td></tr></tbody></table> Some games were played yesterday, but nothing all that critical to the state of FCS.

[wade moore]

So three CAA teams in the top 10 and six in the top 25. Still the conference to beat and with an expanded playoffs this year, it's likely that at least 3 make it into the playoffs again this year, and as many as 5.

[wade moore]

W&M has a big game @ UMass on Saturday. We've had a 3-way QB battle this pre-season and surprising to most, a 5th year senior QB with no regular season action won out over transfer Mike Paulus from UNC (yes, that Paulus family). So, we'll be playing losing two defensive players to the NFL draft and a new QB. We have to win games early to get some momentum and confidence if we're going to live up to our #4 ranking.

[Izulde]

Thomkal follows Coastal Carolina I know.

I wonder how Montana will be this year without Coach Hauck.

[wade moore]

Thomkal follows Coastal Carolina I know.

I wonder how Montana will be this year without Coach Hauck.

Good call on Coastal, added.

I need to look for other polls - cause something is wrong with this one. ODU has votes, no way a legit poll has that - seriously. They're a second year startup program.

[stevew]

I go to youngstown state

[wade moore]

There we go, all 3 major polls are up.

I have no idea who participates in The Sporting Network, then you have the coach's poll, and I think that the AGS poll is just by posters on AGS.

[wade moore]

I've put a list of who follows what team at the top, so I'll keep updating that as others drop in.

[RedKingGold]

Was thinking of going to the Mayor's Cup ('Nova - Temple) game at the Linc tonight but it's a weather related game-time decision

[Tim Tellean]

Can't wait to see how ODU does before the intro to CAA next season, they've had great recruiting classes.

[Tim Tellean]

I saw a couple games last year and look forward to making the trip again this year, good excuse to see my son that goes to ODU.

[wade moore]

Can't wait to see how ODU does before the intro to CAA next season, they've had great recruiting classes.

I have a particular hatred for ODU (CAA Basketball related), but I'm happy to see their program doing well.

That being said, I can't wait to laugh in the faces of many of their obnoxious, overly cocky fans when we pwn them on 9/18.

Too bad it's impossible to get tickets, I'll have to watch on TV.

[wade moore]

Dola: And to add to that. They are doing well for a startup program, but they're quite a ways away from being a competitor in the CAA. They'll do it faster than most teams would, but it'll take at least 5 years for them to be competing for a playoff spot.

[Tim Tellean]

I have a particular hatred for ODU (CAA Basketball related), but I'm happy to see their program doing well.

That being said, I can't wait to laugh in the faces of many of their obnoxious, overly cocky fans when we pwn them on 9/18.

Too bad it's impossible to get tickets, I'll have to watch on TV.

Don't worry Gerald Lee graduated. But we're still very good. :)

[wade moore]

Don't worry Gerald Lee graduated. But we're still very good. :)

I don't worry, I know. Next year is the year I hope for something out of W&M BBall - we'll see.

[Thomkal]

Thanks for this thread Wade. Not really sure what to expect from Coastal Carolina this season...well except getting blown out by West Virginia this weekend that is. They start the season pretty healthy and some excitement generated around their TE's and secondary.

good luck to all you I-AA fans

[LloydLungs]

Went to the Superdome last night and saw SE Louisiana JUST miss knocking off Tulane. Hard to beat an FBS on the road if you commit four turnovers, but they were one Hail Mary away from pulling it off (27-21).

Always kept an eye on SELA but with the collapse of athletics at my alma mater, UNO, am really throwing myself into Lion football this year.

[GreenMonster]

Georgia State Alum here. GSU won it's inaugural game last night against Shorter College 41-7. Football Finally...

[wade moore]

Georgia State Alum here. GSU won it's inaugural game last night against Shorter College 41-7. Football Finally...

Oh no, now a GSU fan - the only team I want to see fail more than ODU ;).

Honestly, it's just because of some really, REALLY bad apples on the CAA boards.

[PilotMan]

North Dakota State Bison Alum here! After a couple of simply fantastic year we fell on our asses last year. I have no idea what the expectation is for this season, but it's got to be better than last year. I see we are at least getting some top 25 votes. We start the year off on the road at Kansas tomorrow.

[stevew]

I'm hoping to get to a game this year. I've determined over the years that I fuckin hate Penn State so if the Penguins win tomorrow(and they won't) I will be so happy.

[digamma]

Go Crimson.

[RainMaker]

Not an alum but a fan of Eastern Illinois since my brother recently graduated from there. Made the playoffs last year.

[Thomkal]

7 minutes into the WVU-Coastal game and CCU is only down 7-0! :)

[Philliesfan980]

Was at the Mayors Cup last night, and as a Temple Fan (Nova fan second), all I can say is what a game. Probably not the most well played game, but probably the most exciting game I've ever been to.

UMASS is about to take a 14-13 lead on William and Mary. Great game to start the season in the CAA.

[Thomkal]

Amazingly enough its just 10-0 WVU over Coastal at the half.

[BishopMVP]

UMass pulls it out late over W&M 27-23. Over 200 yards and 3 TD's from our two running backs.

[Thomkal]

WVU only beat Libery 33-20 last year and 13 was their biggest lead. With the new QB etc. you may be catching them at just the right time.

Unfortunately it wasn't the right time. 31-0. But that was actually better than I expected, so slight good news I guess. :)

[RedKingGold]

Was at the Mayors Cup last night, and as a Temple Fan (Nova fan second), all I can say is what a game. Probably not the most well played game, but probably the most exciting game I've ever been to.

UMASS is about to take a 14-13 lead on William and Mary. Great game to start the season in the CAA.

I wish I went, this is a must go next year. It's setting up to be a somewhat decent rivalry, especially if Nova does go D-I at some point in the future.

[PilotMan]

NDSU just knocked off Big 12 Kansas 6-3 in Kansas. Go Bison!

[sovereignstar]

NDSU just knocked off Big 12 Kansas 6-3 in Kansas. Go Bison!

Big Ten (Minnesota), Big Twelve. No Big Deal. ;)

[sterlingice]

NDSU just knocked off Big 12 Kansas 6-3 in Kansas. Go Bison!

Congrats, PM.

It's going to be a long year for us :(

SI

[BishopMVP]

I wish I went, this is a must go next year. It's setting up to be a somewhat decent rivalry, especially if Nova does go D-I at some point in the future.Unless there is a huge fallout from the BCS conferences splitting off and the rest of 1A dropping into a third tier with most of the CAA joining them, it will never happen. Villanova's administration seems 100% content with the status quo, and understand they wouldn't suddenly top 20,000 if they went 1A, nor have the alumni base to do so.

[henry296]

Penn Quaker alum here. Since we can't go to the playoffs, I just hope of the highest ranking possible.

My brother went to JMU, so I have a rooting interest there.

[RainMaker]

Penn Quaker alum here. Since we can't go to the playoffs, I just hope of the highest ranking possible.

My brother went to JMU, so I have a rooting interest there.
I still don't get why they won't allow it. The Finals excuse is bullshit too since other sports finish at the same time. And it's not like every team in the conference is going to be playing that late into the year. Maybe once every few years do you even have the possibility of a conflict.

[tarcone]

Im a UNI fan. Also, a Missouri St. fan.

[wade moore]

UMass pulls it out late over W&M 27-23. Over 200 yards and 3 TD's from our two running backs.

Didn't end up getting to watch the game, sounds like it was a great showing from your backs and/or bad showing from our defense.

I was gone all weekend and had no Internet access - I'll update the list of teams to follow at the top as soon as I can.

[PilotMan]

Congrats, PM.

It's going to be a long year for us :(

SI

Yeah, unfortunately neither team looked good. Last year we went from title contenders to 3-8 in one season. We play Northern Iowa this week, that's a team that wins. We are going to have to play a lot better if we want to climb back to the top of the FCS.

[lynchjm24]

I follow Central Connecticut - their votes in the polls are probably going away after this week's debacle at UNH.

[illinifan999]

SIU opened up their new stadium last week against a cupcake (Quincy) whose starting QB was an SIU backup last year. I believe it was a sellout which is absolutely incredible for SIU, and the stadium looks beautiful.

[RedKingGold]

Unless there is a huge fallout from the BCS conferences splitting off and the rest of 1A dropping into a third tier with most of the CAA joining them, it will never happen. Villanova's administration seems 100% content with the status quo, and understand they wouldn't suddenly top 20,000 if they went 1A, nor have the alumni base to do so.

Looks like the Big East is saying shite or get off the pot, though:

Villanova considering Big East invitation

<HR SIZE=1 width="100%" noShade>ESPN.com news services

PHILADELPHIA -- Villanova is studying a proposal to join the Big East Conference in football, the school's athletic director told the Philadelphia Daily News.


"The Big East very recently communicated its interest in adding Villanova as a football member," AD Vince Nicastro told the Daily News on Thursday. "As a result, we have decided to embark on an in-depth evaluation of this opportunity."

<!-- begin inline 1 -->Big East blog


http://assets.espn.go.com/i/columnists/bennett_brian_m.jpg ESPN.com's Brian Bennett writes about all things Big East in his conference blog (http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast). • Blog network:
College Football Nation (http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation)



<!-- end inline 1 -->

The Big East currently has eight members for football. Villanova is a member of the conference in other sports, including men's and women's basketball. A ninth member would allow the Big East to play eight conference games -- four home and four on the road. Currently, teams alternate playing more home than road conference games each year.


Villanova currently plays in the Football Championship Subdivision, where it is ranked second in the nation. The Wildcats won the national title a year ago.


The Big East declined to comment. Sources told the Daily News and ESPN.com that the Big East would like an answer from Villanova by the end of the year.


One issue for Villanova is its home field, which seats 12,000 -- 3,000 fewer than the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision minimum. The school also would need to fund 22 more scholarships for football, and a similar number for women's athletics to meet Title IX requirements. Upgrades to on-campus training facilities also would be needed.


Information from ESPN.com Big East blogger Brian Bennett is included in this report.

Report: Villanova considers Big East football invitation - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5553575)

[wade moore]

I'm slackin' on this thread, sorry guys - works been a bit nuts. I'll update as soon as I can.

[Thomkal]

Gardner Webb with the OT win at Akron.

Way to represent the Big South Conference.

Woot Big South! Hope Coastal will represent tonight against Towson. They lost to them last year but only by 3 or 4 points. But Coastal should be a healthier and better team this year.

[wade moore]

South Dakota over Minnesota and JMU over Tech - FCS is really representing this year!

[k0ruptr]

Yea they really are good, but also really get up for the FBS matchups. I am enjoying it.

[Thomkal]

According to the scoreboard, Coastal and Towson are into the 5th OT and Towson somehow scored 11 points in this OT to lead 47-39. Man this will be a hard loss for Coastal if it happens as they were leading in the 4th quarter

[Thomkal]

47-45 Towson over Coastal is the final score. :(

[BishopMVP]

Looks like the Big East is saying shite or get off the pot, though:

[/i]

Report: Villanova considers Big East football invitation - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5553575)They can say it all they want, but what does Villanova has to lose? The BE would never kick them out of other sports, nor could they with the current 8/8 split. It's not precisely the same, but UMass has done 3-4 "feasibility" studies in the decade+ since winning our national title at the requests of certain factions, and the answer has always been to stick with the status quo. Outside influences can push all they want, but without a major shake-up in the D1 landscape, Villanova is in their ideal position.

I mean, I like Villanova, but they drew 4319, 2661 and 4171 for their three playoff games last year. Teams naturally draw better against BCS opposition (and UConn is an example of this), but unless you plan on winning 10+ games a year like Boise State or scheduling Notre Dame every week, you need a decent alumni base (which Villanova's enrollment is too small to support) or a strong local following (which isn't happening in Philly because it's as strong a pro sports town as Boston, and the remaining college football fans are already Penn State fans.)

In other news, UMass smoked Holy Cross in the first half, but our constant 10+ year strong Achilles Heel of undisciplined penalties (and blocked punts) reared its head in the second half. I can't imagine we do a worse job containing Denard Robinson than Notre Dame did next week, but it might be even worse if we do contain him and then shoot ourselves in the foot with penalties.

[wade moore]

Huge year for FCS this year.

[tarcone]

My Dad is a South Dakota grad. I imagine he was excited yesterday.

[tarcone]

I think Villanova has money to lose. How big is their stadium? It has to be a certain size to get into the FBS. I know there are several other things that need tobe done. But I think building a stadium would be the hold up.

[PilotMan]

I knew NDSU was going to have it's hands full this week. If this was a FOF game I would say something like "11 effing sacks?! 11?!, WTF! -40 yards rushing?! Wow, just wow."

But in reality it was only 16-9, so the team now has 15 points in 2 games. Not so good so far there.

We have Morgan State in the home opener next week. They are coming off of their 62-3 loss yesterday against Maryland.

We better find an offense soon.

[stevew]

Looks like YSU won vs Butler yesterday. I'm kind of pissed that the start times are so late to every game. I might get to like 1 game towards the end of the year(indiana state) because it's the only one that starts at 1pm.

[illinifan999]

Ugh, SIU got dominated by Illinois. I'm still not sold on Dieker as our QB. When your "strength" is supposed to be your big arm, you shouldn't be one hopping the ball on a 6 yard out. McIntosh may not have as polished passing skills, but they're good enough and he can make plays happen with his feet.

[PilotMan]

So, NDSU beats on Morgan State to the tune of 35-9. The Bison lost their starting QB early in the game to a concussion. The RS who took over was very shaky and the momentum wasn't with the team. Gradually though, the defense kept overpowering the opposition and the offense eventually found their legs. I would have rather had the win last week over Northern Iowa. We are good, but I don't think we are anything other than above average.

[Thomkal]

yeah not a good week for the Big South. Coastal had to be pretty bummed losing a game in 5OT last week when they had a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter and showed it in losing to Georgia Southern. Haven't beaten them in three tries and were never really in this game, never taking the lead at any point I think. :(

[PilotMan]

NDSU had another good game after a shaky first half, came back with 21 3rd quarter points to take a 38-16 win over ranked South Dakota. NDSU seems to be playing really well at home, but with the conference schedule coming up, I wonder how we will do out on the road. We will no doubt be ranked much higher after this week, but I will reserve judgment until after some more conference games.

[wade moore]

Really need to keep this thread updated.

W&M plays terrible, is down 3-14 with about 10 minutes left in the 4th to Maine and pulls out the win 24-21 scoring with 20 seconds left to take the final lead.

[wade moore]

Liberty 3 JMU 10. Pretty solid game. Too back LU had that loss to Robert Morris last week. They'll win the Big South, but only JMU as a loss would have helped their seeding.
I guess they can only do so much with players booted from VT and UVA ;).

[Thomkal]

Coastal Carolina finally got on the winning side, pretty much in control of the game till the fourth quarter where Delaware State would score their only points, 14. They led 31-0 though through 3 quarters, and added a FG in the fourth to make the final score 34-14. Thank god :)

[wade moore]

Still slacking at updating this thread - my biggest 2-3 weeks of the year at work right now.

Anyway - worth noting that #1 Villanova (defending champs) come to Williamsburg to face #7 William and Mary tomorrow at 3:30!

Anyone that is amused by my massive love for W&M and wants to watch, it's on Comcast Sports Net up and down the East Coast.

I will note that I think W&M is ranked higher than they should be based on how they've played, but they've shown spurts of being REALLY good, if they could just do it consistently they'd be dangerous...

[BishopMVP]

I will note that I think W&M is ranked higher than they should be based on how they've playedYou don't think W&M should be above UMass in the polls either? :cool: At a certain point I get it - they're both good teams, it was close and @UMass, but imagine the uproar if Boise State had beaten Va Tech like they did in week 1 and then that week Boise was ranked 15th while VT was 10th with a 1st place vote. (seaking of VT, somehow JMU is still #3 behind Villanova despite that win.) Looking at the polls does help underscore the CAA dominance right now - 5 of the top 8, 6 of 11, 7 of 14.

[Thomkal]

Coastal gets to play ranked (I think) Richmond at home this week, which means it probably won't be a very good game for the Chants. At least the field won't be too wet and muddy after all the rain we had earlier this week.

[wade moore]

You don't think W&M should be above UMass in the polls either? :cool: At a certain point I get it - they're both good teams, it was close and @UMass, but imagine the uproar if Boise State had beaten Va Tech like they did in week 1 and then that week Boise was ranked 15th while VT was 10th with a 1st place vote. (seaking of VT, somehow JMU is still #3 behind Villanova despite that win.) Looking at the polls does help underscore the CAA dominance right now - 5 of the top 8, 6 of 11, 7 of 14.

Yup. And it was 6 of the top 10 before UD and UR had to play each other last week. Our 2nd year startup (ODU) that isn't even officially in the conference yet is receiving votes for goodness sake.

Yeah, W&M got that overly high ranking to start - #4 - and we've been riding it. It really is big time inflated. We were losing in the 4th quarter to both ODU and Maine.

We'll see. Villanova is likely without their star player Sczur who basically single handedly beat us twice last year, so we have a chance to make a statement.

So if they shifted away from FBS/FCS and back to the old distinctions would it be I-A and I-CAA?

Ok, that's awesome. I'm stealing it.

Coastal gets to play ranked (I think) Richmond at home this week, which means it probably won't be a very good game for the Chants. At least the field won't be too wet and muddy after all the rain we had earlier this week.

Yeah, Richmond is ranked #11 - and was in the top 10 before losing to now #5 Delaware last week. They have USC transfer QB Aaron Corp and return a very good defense.

[Thomkal]

Misread the schedule, and CCU played in Richmond not here at home. That certainly didn't help matters as they were down 27-13 at the half and didn't get better after that sadly. :(

[wade moore]

W&M up 28-3 midway through the 3rd.

Yeah, wow. Villanova made it look better at the end scoring a bunch of garbage points, but we just absolutely dominated the #1 team in the country for 3 quarters.

Hopes are high in Williamsburg right now.

[BishopMVP]

For those interested in the topic of schools moving up, a(n alleged) letter from the Montana AD - I'll put it in spoiler tags because it is long.I understand your concerns – you are not alone. This is, perhaps, the most critical decision to ever face the intercollegiate athletic program at The University of Montana.

With state funding flat and student athletic fees holding tight, and with expenses growing year-by-year at a steady pace (at least $250,000 per year alone in just scholarship costs and related room/board costs for out student-athletes), we find ourselves at a cross roads. With revenues presently capped at about $13 million per year, we are having to find ways to cut expenses… and one option may have to be scholarships to out-of-state student athletes if we cannot find new revenue sources. We realize this could hurt our competitiveness as we cannot just take out of certain non-revenue generating sports because of Title IX issues. In addition, our insurance continues to rise, as does rent and travel. We can assume our expenses will jump at least $500,000 annually… and really no new revenue to meet these increases. We have continued to cut our expenses about $250,000 or more per year for the past three years…. But now we are down to the bare bone. Any further cuts will affect programs. You can see that already --- our entire budget for recruiting for all 14 sports is $178,000; at Montana State it’s $408,000 per the recently released NCAA audit numbers.

Currently, we charge the highest prices at the Football Championship Subdivision level for football tickets. How much more can we ask of our fans to try and keep us competitive (there are no guarantees). We generate about $4.2 million in football tickets right now…. Twice the $2.1 million brought in by Appalachian State at No. 2 amongst FCS schools. By comparison, Montana State brings in about $1.2 million per year – Washington State at $3.8 million – and Idaho at $900,000. To stay with us, MSU is making up the difference with institutional support and student athletic fees (MSU is at $144/student/year; UM is $72/student/year; the UM and MSU athletic budgets are almost identical – yet the expense lines vary because of our private funding successes). Student-athletic fees vary across the country. At James Madison, they are $1,400 per student per year. Old Dominion and Appalachian State are about $700 per student/year; while the average in the Big Sky Conference is $200/student/year. Note: Northern Arizona does not yet pay a student-athletic fee. Instead, they get the same state appropriation as Arizona and Arizona State – or about $8 million per year. On the other end of the spectrum, Sac State receives little institutional support, yet the student-athletic fee is about $265/student/year --- and generates almost $9 million for the athletics department.

Here’s an estimated breakdown of how we produce our revenues….

Football tickets $4,200,000 (MSU - $1.2 million)
Institutional support $4,500,000 (MSU - $6.7 million)
Grizzly Scholarship Association $1,500,000 (MSU - $1 million)
Student Fees $1,000,000 (MSU - $1.8 million)
Corporate/Grizzly Sports Prop. $ 650,000 (MSU - $350,00)
Men’s basketball $ 400,000 (MSU - $200,000)
Women’s basketball $ 350,000 (MSU - $50,000)
Game guarantees $ 150,000 (MSU - $800,000)
NCAA monies $ 300,000 (MSU - $300,000)
Big Sky Conference $ 125,000 (MSU - $125,000)
Television $ 75,000 (MSU - $65,000)
CLC $ 20,000 (MSU - $160,000)

Now we face the ever-mounting challenge of how to produce more revenue?

At the same time, we also have Title IX issues that Montana State does not have. UM has a 54% female population; Montana State is 54% male. We have a 40% female to male student-athlete ratio (we need to be at 54% or close – or spend 54% of our funding on female sports – neither of which is possible with football. Montana State is just the opposite as it needs a ratio of about 54% male, or 54% spending on male sports… thus, not an issue to them). We are struggling with the third and final prong for Title IX compliance, which is currently under heavier scrutiny based on recent Obama Administration interpretation. We will most likely need to add two female sports shortly or face possibly penalty. Those penalties do not affect the athletic programs – but schools in general as their federal funds/grants/research dollars can be impacted – or about $150 million annually at UM that could be at risk. Thus, somehow, we need to find about $2 million more per year (not counting facilities) to run two new programs. Thus, we most likely will need higher student fees to meet these Title IX and related expenses. Doubt it any of this money would help any other concerns (maintaining football funding, facility improvements, etc.). Also, additional institutional support is out of the question…. It is so tight right now.

Looking at our present revenue structure, one way to increase funding is to consider a move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (NCAA revenues, game guarantees, television, conference dollars and corporate dollars are significantly higher. For example, Idaho receives almost $2.5 million in league revenues, and another $500,000 in television revenues) – but this is not a “for sure” situation either. Instead, it might be considered a gamble – maybe not necessarily a risk. Could we lose fans in the stands? Absolutely. Could we right now if we went 6-5 or less? Absolutely. Would fans continue to come if we charge high prices for Western States of Colorado, or maybe even Montana Tech? Who knows. Will they come if our schedule consists of Idaho, Utah State, Hawaii, San Jose State… and non-conference games against schools such as Boise State, Nevada, Wyoming and Washington State? Possibly. Note: Wyoming is hosting Nebraska next year. In exchange, they will travel to Nebraska in 2012 and 2013. In 2013, Nebraska will pay Wyoming $1 million for making the trip. Last year, Wyoming hosted Texas as part of a home-and-home contract. Those are not available to us now. In fact, WAC or Mountain West schools are no longer allowed to play at FCS schools via by-law changes. They also are recommending they don’t play ANY FCS school – home or away. That begs the question: Who do Montana fans want to see in the next 2-10 years in Washington-Grizzly Stadium. At the FCS level, there are fewer and fewer out there who will come here.

Couple other things to realize:
--- Both the Big Sky Conference and the WAC NEED Montana. Where ever we end, that conference will most likely survive at a higher level. The commissioners of both conferences know that, as do the schools (although some at the Big Sky level would hate to admit it).

--- Montana is THE school west of the Mississippi in the FCS – and the only one since Boise in 1994 to make the championship game (which the Broncos lost). The Big Sky losing Montana would be devastating to some as they need the traveling Montana fans to attend their contests, and purchase tickets. We are also responsible for the television dollars associated with each of the league schools. For example, KPAX/MTN bid $100,000 to television the Griz-Cat game, the next highest bidder was Max Media at $20,000. Our other games were bid at $10,000 each by KPAX; Max Media pays $2,500 to do Bobcat telecasts. Thus, Max Media is spending more money in production equipment; while the schools are getting the cash from KPAX. By league policy, 60% of the revenue from these telecasts go to the HOME team (not UM), 35% to the visitor and 5% to the league. So how out-of-line is this: Last year, MSU received $60,000 of KPAX’s bid (to do UM games), while Montana received $35,000 and the conference $5,000. These are the reasons why Boise State left the Big Sky in the mid-1990s; why BYU and Texas are doing what they’re doing right now. They want to control their television money. The television money should be following UM, but we get outvoted on this 8-1 whenever it comes up.

--- Football at UM breaks even. We generate $6.5 in revenues; and the expenses associated with football at $6.5. Thus, others are probably losing $3-$4.5 million annually. How long can that continue at some schools?

--- We are struggling to find opponents to play in Missoula…. Cost is high, plus we win 93% of our games here. People do not like to come here. Even Division II schools are asking “guarantees” in excess of $125,000 to come here. That cuts drastically into our revenues.

--- We are NOT guaranteed home playoff games. We have been extremely fortunate in the past. To put in perspective, we made about $100,000 for the three home playoff games last year – and sent another $1.1 million to the NCAA. A regular season home game nets between $400,000 and $1 million (Montana State, App State, etc.). Being in the WAC, we are allowed 12 games instead of 11 – and 13 when you play at Hawaii. So instead of $100,000 at max, we would be seeing additional dollars… at a minimum of $300,000.

--- The FCS playoff system is hurting financially. We produced $1.1 million of last year’s budget of $2.5 million. The other 11 games produced less than $1 million TOTAL. The NCAA lost almost $500,000 again, and it will not continue to tolerate to follow this plan. Now we’ve added another round and four more teams…. Being on the committee, and as chair, I know this is a major concern to the NCAA – and a last-gasp reason for changing to Frisco, Texas, in hopes of attracting more attention and support. It won’t help to move the championship back three weeks into January – let alone that it will be taking place 40 minutes away from the Cotton Bowl, which has also been moved to that night. So much for FCS exposure on national television. Just to keep the student-athletes on campus during Christmas will also cost the two schools in the championship an additional $100,000 – none of which is budgeted. And to put in perspective, we LOST $150,000 each of the past two year going to the championship game. Had we won, the incentives for coaches would have put the losses over $200,000 each time. We get no additional revenue for any of this.

--- AND OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE: We are NOT considering the health and welfare of the student-athletes, who are having to spend at least one month of playing 4-5 more games --- which is permanently damaging their bodies – and hurting their academics. This is not fair to them – nor their coaches. This is where all of us are selfish, and want the playoff system vs. a bowl. At the FBS level, there is a month off to recover bodies, take care of academics and finals, and at the end, a reward of a bowl and some fun --- and the schools don’t lose money like we do at the FCS level.

History will determine if the decision by the new President (Royce Engstrom) to either remain where we are, or take a new direction, was correct. There are no easy answers. Heck, had we gone to the WAC a few years ago, we’d probably be in a much more lucrative Mountain West Conference right now with schools we consider on academic par – Wyoming, Colorado State, etc. Who knows what will happen. I would venture to say there are only about four conferences right now who appear to be solid and control their own destiny --- the SEC, the Big 10, the Big 12 (unless Texas and Oklahoma do an “about face” in the next few years) and the Pac 12 Even the ACC and the Big East have issues, let alone those like Conference USA. The Mountain West is starting to look more like the old WAC (especially if TCU bolts, which is likely). Could that mean a merger of the Mountain West and WAC down the road…. Again. This could be a distinct possibility. That being said, where does that leave the Big Sky? Should the FCS fail – which is another possibility, especially with Appalachian State, James Madison, Villanova, Delaware, Georgia Southern, Richmond and others being considered for moves into other conference alliances within FBS conferences – would we be all alone? How many schools in the Big Sky would still be offering football, or would we become a basketball conference? Would it even be Division I, or would we be forced out to Division II? If you don’t have an invitation from a Division I conference, you may have no choice. This may be the only opportunity UM gets to be “invited” to a true Division I conference.

As you can see, there are no easy answers – and it is very, very complicated. These points and many others will be presented --- and have been closely reviewed and monitored by our national consultants --- who do these independent studies for schools for a living. Other responsible schools are doing the same, as are conferences. They give you the most accurate, up-to-date information available.

Finally, I will end this long message with an interesting observation by the consultants.

In asking faculty and deans who are their “peers,” they mentioned schools such as Idaho, Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado and Colorado State. The consultants asked why no Big Sky schools – with the exception of Montana State for “tied in” reasons,” the faculty responded they do not see the Idaho States, Eastern Washingtons, Northern Colorados, etc., as “peer academic institutions.” Au contraire, the consultants’ studies show: “You are who you hang out with.” This is true across the board in life --- and here as well. Thus, this is extremely important to consider as well as we move forward.


Right now, we have a heavy saturation of Montana students attending UM (1,500 more Montana residents now attend UM than MSU – hard to believe… a complete turn-around from 10-15 years ago). But, census reports show the numbers of Montana high school graduates spiraling downward rapidly. Each Montana student costs UM about $2,300… a loss-leader for us in the business world. Thus, they need higher tuition being paid by out-of-state students to make up the difference. That out-of-state market is becoming increasingly competitive… and national exposure from an athletic program can help open the door to those out-of-state students who might consider coming here. This, too, has to be considered in any decision making…. A vision for future enrollment.

I have a motto: “Don’t make decisions based on ego or emotion. Base them on fact and figures.” That will be no different here. Right now, our emotions are high… we want what we had… We like being at the top and play for championships bigger than the Big Sky Conference – but we have to define “at the top of what?” We have great regional/state-wide recognition, but not much nationally. Look at the direction Boise State is taking. The consultants believe Montana could be the next Boise State – not the next Idaho. Actually, Idaho may now be in a better financial situation than we do – and their college is growing nationally.

Today is a new day. It is NOT business as usual – particularly in the area of intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I level… where budgets range from $8 million annually to Texas and Ohio State at $120 million.


I’m sure you see now why this will be such a difficult decision by President Engstrom – and one that will have to be made in the very near future. We will feed him all the latest information, but ultimately, it will be his decision --- and will have to be supported by the Board of Regents. Wish it were easier, but it isn’t. At least UM has options --- others are only followers in all of these discussions. We’re in a good place… and that separates us both academically and athletically from the others.

Keep the faith …. And GO GRIZ!!!!

Jim O'Day
Director of Athletics
The University of Montana
Phone: 406.243.5348

[PilotMan]

..... but I will reserve judgment until after some more conference games.

As I figured, we dropped a home game to Western Illinois 28-16 this week. We are now 0-2 in the conference, and on the same path that we were last year.

Now we're off to stevewland for this week's game. I wish I could go to that one. That's about as close as they get to Cincinnati.

[Tim Tellean]

Ass handed to them by Cal Poly 50-37. 960 combined yards with ODU Thomas DeMarco throwing 28-57 passes for 328 yards. Broadous of CP was 11-14 for 212. ODU had 11 kick returns for 365 yards. CP goes to 4-2, ODU to 3-3.

[PilotMan]

Big road win for the Bison tonight. I fully expected them to come out and lose, and drop their 3rd conference game in a row. Things didn't start off very well at all, as the Bison turned the ball over after 3 plays and went down 10-0 right off the bat. I didn't get to see any more of the game, but on paper, it looks like they should have lost this one. Youngstown St. had more yards, first downs, better 3rd down conversions and more.

ps.

are you kidding, elsewhere in the MVC Murray St. wins 72-59 over Missouri St!!??!

<table class="linescore" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="periods"></tr><tr class="periods"><td class="team">
</td> <td class="period" style="text-align: center;"> 1</td><td class="period" style="text-align: center;"> 2</td><td class="period" style="text-align: center;"> 3</td><td class="period" style="text-align: center;"> 4</td> <td class="total" style="text-align: center;">T</td> </tr> <tr><td class="team">MOSU (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/2623/missouri-state-bears)</td><td style="text-align: center;"> 21</td><td style="text-align: center;"> 17</td><td style="text-align: center;"> 14</td><td style="text-align: center;"> 7</td><td class="ts" style="text-align: center;">59</td></tr><tr><td class="team">MURR (http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/93/murray-state-racers)</td><td style="text-align: center;"> 10</td><td style="text-align: center;"> 21</td><td style="text-align: center;"> 14</td><td style="text-align: center;"> 27</td><td class="ts" style="text-align: center;">72</td></tr></tbody></table>
damn, that's some points.

[wade moore]

Ass handed to them by Cal Poly 50-37. 960 combined yards with ODU Thomas DeMarco throwing 28-57 passes for 328 yards. Broadous of CP was 11-14 for 212. ODU had 11 kick returns for 365 yards. CP goes to 4-2, ODU to 3-3.
Sounds like ODU kept it tight for 3 quarters and just kind of folded in he 4th quarter.

W&M takes awhile to get going, but beats URI 26-7.

W&M is really setup pretty well right now. 5-1 with the best teams left on the schedule (outside of UNC) at home. If we can take care of business, we could be setup really well for the playoffs.

[Philliesfan980]

Sounds like ODU kept it tight for 3 quarters and just kind of folded in he 4th quarter.

W&M takes awhile to get going, but beats URI 26-7.

W&M is really setup pretty well right now. 5-1 with the best teams left on the schedule (outside of UNC) at home. If we can take care of business, we could be setup really well for the playoffs.

You're right W&M is really setup well to finish the year. They do have a tough matchup against Delaware, who might be the class of the CAA this year though.

[Thomkal]

Coastal Carolina had the week off before starting Big South play next week. First up is winless since 2008 Presbyterian which I hope should be a solid win for them.

[wade moore]

You're right W&M is really setup well to finish the year. They do have a tough matchup against Delaware, who might be the class of the CAA this year though.

Agreed on UD - but that's why I say at least we have them at home...

[sterlingice]

BishopMVP- that was an excellent read. It helps encapsulate some of the great issues with college athletics today and presents them in a clear and concise way.

SI

[wade moore]

Wow. W&M just beat #2 Delaware for homecoming... We are now at least going to be #3, if not up to #2 after this game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Gotta watch those Homecoming games I guess.

Georgia Southern shocks #1 Appy State in OT 21-14 , ends the Mountaineers SoCon winning streak at 26 games.
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Georgia Southern Eagles - Recap - November 06, 2010 - ESPN (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=303100290)

#2 Jacksonville State also got knocked off, 49-37, by unranked Eastern Kentucky ... #3 Villanova loses to Rhode Island 17-14 ... #4 Wm & Mary wins but has 2 losses already ...

So who the heck is #1 next week (not that it matters, but still)?

[wade moore]

Gotta watch those Homecoming games I guess.

Georgia Southern shocks #1 Appy State in OT 21-14 , ends the Mountaineers SoCon winning streak at 26 games.
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Georgia Southern Eagles - Recap - November 06, 2010 - ESPN (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=303100290)

#2 Jacksonville State also got knocked off, 49-37, by unranked Eastern Kentucky ... #3 Villanova loses to Rhode Island 17-14 ... #4 Wm & Mary wins but has 2 losses already ...

So who the heck is #1 next week (not that it matters, but still)?

It's going to be W&M. We have two losses, but one is a 4 point loss to UNC and the other was the first game of the season to a good UMass Team.

W&M for their part beat #8 UNH playing most of the 2nd half with their FOURTH STRING QB.

We've now beaten teams that were #1, #2, and #8. Yes, we have two losses, but I believe we will still be #1.

At worst we'll be #2 behind Delaware, whom we have beaten.

If we are #1 it will be the first time in school history.

[Thomkal]

Coastal getting back into the winning side of football with a fairly easy win over VMI. They stand at 4-5 now and up next have Big South "powerhouse" Liberty here at home. They actually have a chance at the conference title still, but will need to beat Liberty to give themselves any chance.

[Philliesfan980]

Big loss for Nova this weekend. You wonder, if they lose to Delaware in 2 weeks, will they even make the playoffs? I believe that would make them 7-4.

[stevew]

Youngstown State sucks this year.

[illinifan999]

Youngstown State sucks this year.

So does SIU.

[PilotMan]

Youngstown State sucks this year.

So does SIU.


Sure, lose to NDSU and you suck. We are good enough to play well anytime, but just not consistant. I still wish we could have that NIU game back. :rant:

[sterlingice]

Sure, lose to NDSU and you suck. We are good enough to play well anytime, but just not consistant. I still wish we could have that NIU game back. :rant:

Yeah, losing to NDSU does show how bad of a year it's probably going to be. Oh, wait, we aren't talking about Kansas?

SI

[wade moore]

Big loss for Nova this weekend. You wonder, if they lose to Delaware in 2 weeks, will they even make the playoffs? I believe that would make them 7-4.
I think at 7-4 they are in. The CAA is going from surely 5 in, to maybe 3 if Nova falters though.

[digamma]

Ivy League race could be decided this week with another Penn vs. Harvard battle. Penn is the favorite. Harvard would have to pull the upset and then win against Yale in week 10 to have a share of the title.

[wade moore]

Welp, it's official.

W&M #1.

After losing week 1 to UMass I would have never thought we'd be here.

First time in school history with two very winnable games, even with our injury issues, on the table.

If we win out, we get the #1 seed in the playoffs.

[Philliesfan980]

Ivy League race could be decided this week with another Penn vs. Harvard battle. Penn is the favorite. Harvard would have to pull the upset and then win against Yale in week 10 to have a share of the title.

I would have to agree with you that Penn is the favorite in that match-up. Their only loss is against a highly rated Villanova team.

It's a shame the Ivy doesn't want to participate in the post season tournament.

[Philliesfan980]

Welp, it's official.

W&M #1.

After losing week 1 to UMass I would have never thought we'd be here.

First time in school history with two very winnable games, even with our injury issues, on the table.

If we win out, we get the #1 seed in the playoffs.

I know it's a slight chance, but do you see any possibility of the #3 App State #4 Wofford winner leapfrogging to #1 after this week?

[Thomkal]

Congrats to Wade and W & M. :)

[wade moore]

I know it's a slight chance, but do you see any possibility of the #3 App State #4 Wofford winner leapfrogging to #1 after this week?
I don't think so. Maybe if one of them were to win by say 4+ TDs I could MAYBE seeing it. But we see voters behavior in the coaches poll - despite what seems like an overwhelming thought everywhere else that W&M was #1, they have UD #1 because they were one spot above W&M last week.

The CAA just has too good of a reputation. As long as UD/W&M keep winning, I don't really see anyone passing them.

[Thomkal]

Coastal Carolina up surprisingly big over Big South leader Liberty 38-17 at the half. This would be a very big win for Coastal given Liberty's success this and the past couple seasons.

[Philliesfan980]

Another loss by Nova. They must win next week @ Delaware to have a shot. Beating Delaware on the road will be a tough task, especially with Delaware knowing that with a win, they probably clinch home field throughout the playoffs.

[BishopMVP]

W&M's reign at the top is short-lived as JMU beats them 30-24. UMass got spanked by Delaware, and is now on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Delaware is in, W&M almost certainly is, and then there's a jumble of teams with 4 losses - UNH (home vs. Towson - close to a lock) UMass (@URI) Villanova (@Delaware) and possibly Richmond (@W&M, currently losing to URI in the 4th). Assuming a UMass win and Villanova/Richmond losses I think we'd be in as the 4th CAA team, but either of them finishing 7-4 probably puts them in over us. (I think 7-4 W&M would also get in ahead of us even with our head to head win.)

[Thomkal]

And Coastal hangs on for the win 45-31! With a win against hated rival Charleston Southern next week, they can share the Big South title with Stony Brook and Liberty but now have to hope Liberty beats Stony Brook at home in order to get that share.

[henry296]

Penn wins the Ivy and likely will finish 9-1 with the only losa to Nova.

[wade moore]

W&M's reign at the top is short-lived as JMU beats them 30-24. UMass got spanked by Delaware, and is now on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Delaware is in, W&M almost certainly is, and then there's a jumble of teams with 4 losses - UNH (home vs. Towson - close to a lock) UMass (@URI) Villanova (@Delaware) and possibly Richmond (@W&M, currently losing to URI in the 4th). Assuming a UMass win and Villanova/Richmond losses I think we'd be in as the 4th CAA team, but either of them finishing 7-4 probably puts them in over us. (I think 7-4 W&M would also get in ahead of us even with our head to head win.)

Ugh.

We lose with JMU having ZERO passing yards and 30 points. They came out with a wildcat for 90% of their plays and we were not prepared.

I fear a loss this weekend would be an excuse to leave us out. A win and we get a bye and at LEAST one home game.

[PilotMan]

And quietly the Bison (7-3) have won 3 in a row and sit in second place in the MVC, and in good position to get to the playoffs. The last game is on the road, and we haven't traveled too well this year, but it is a winnable game against Missouri State (4-6).

[JonInMiddleGA]

Lamb out at Furman || OnlineAthens.com (http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/112010/spo_738706798.shtml)

[wade moore]

Lamb out at Furman || OnlineAthens.com (http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/112010/spo_738706798.shtml)

I saw this. Can't really be a big surprise. After being a major factor for years, Furman has really been an afterthought of late.

[digamma]

The Game.

[wade moore]

W&M has a huge game today against Richmond.

Delaware is currently losing to Villanova 14-0 late in the 1st quarter. If Nova wins and W&M wins, W&M re-enters the discussion for a seed.

[RainMaker]

wade, are any of these games online for free?

[JonInMiddleGA]

wade, are any of these games online for free?

Here's a link to the Delaware game
Live Webcasts from the University of Delaware (http://www.ums.udel.edu/udlive/)

It loaded up just fine for me, clear picture & audio too.

edit to add: No such luck for W&M-Richmond though
From the Richmond team website
• Locally and Regionally: Comcast cable subscribers can find the game on The Comcast Network (check local listings for channel number in your area).
• Internet Video: The game is not available.
• On the UR Campus: The game is not available.
• Satellite or non-Comcast subscribers: The game is not available.

[RainMaker]

Thanks Jon. I'm guessing in 5 years we'll have a live video feed of every college game in the country.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Thanks Jon. I'm guessing in 5 years we'll have a live video feed of every college game in the country.

Within 10 we could very well have live video feed of nearly every high school game in the country.

[Thomkal]

And Coastal hangs on for the win 45-31! With a win against hated rival Charleston Southern next week, they can share the Big South title with Stony Brook and Liberty but now have to hope Liberty beats Stony Brook at home in order to get that share.

Well quite the surprise in Big South games today. Stony Brook clearly had the edge heading into the games. Beat Liberty and they were the conference champs. They lost. Tiebreaker was still largely in Stony Brook's favor because they had given up the least points to conference foes and had the lead there by about 40 points. Coastal was in second place in that tiebreaker, Liberty close behind. So Liberty was going to have to win and not allow Stony Brook to score much. Final score was Liberty 54-Stony Brook 28. Not enough to overcome the tiebreaker with Stony Brook despite beating them, so Liberty was out.

Coastal Carolina was played hated rival Charleston Southern. They had already denied CCU a playoff bid one season, and had beaten the Chants the last two years. So this wasn't going to be an easy task-not only did they have to win they couldn't let CSU score much. They must have been inspired by the presence of current Miami Dolphins starting QB Tyler Thigpen, because not only did they win, they completely dominated CSU on both sides of the ball...and won 70-3!

So despite being 1-4 and 2-5 at one point, Coastal Carolina wins the Big South and moves on to the playoffs! Wow!

[wade moore]

The Game.

Congrats!!!!

W&M has a huge game today against Richmond.

Delaware is currently losing to Villanova 14-0 late in the 1st quarter. If Nova wins and W&M wins, W&M re-enters the discussion for a seed.

Delaware loses, W&M wins 41-3, and Jacksonville St. just choked giving up 28 points in the 4th Quarter to 4-6 Tennessee Tech.

This seems to point all signs towards W&M getting a top 4 seed, which would be huge for us.

Selection show is at 10AM on ESPNU tomorrow - my wife and I will go to the even they are having on campus to watch with he football team - should be fun!

[Thomkal]

Playoff teams announced. As expected Coastal gets a first round game-don't know anything about Western Illinois, apparantly a bit of a surprise to make the playoffs. The winner gets #1 seed Appalachian State which likely means the end of the run for which ever team wins.

I know the Big South is looked down upon in the FCS, they didn't have an automatic bid into the playoffs until this year (which was great timing for Coastal!) but I'm surprised Liberty also didn't get in at 8-3.

[wade moore]

W&M gets the #2 seed - we could face Coastal in the finals! ;)

Pretty stoked about this. If we keep winning, we get home field until Frisco, TX.

However, we have a potential tough first game against GSU if they beat South Carolina St.

[wade moore]

Let's see how this pastes.



*** NCAA Division I Football Championship Playoff Bracket ***

From The Sports Network


NOVEMBER 27 DECEMBER 4 DECEMBER 10-11 DECEMBER 17-18 JANUARY 7
FIRST ROUND SECOND ROUND QUARTERFINALS SEMIFINALS CHAMPIONSHIP

APPALACHIAN ST (1)
---------------
(9-2) |
|
|
|
|
|--------------
| |
Western Illinois | |
----------------- | |
(7-4) | | |
| | |
| | |
|--------------- |
| |
| |
COASTAL CAROLINA| |
----------------- |
(6-5) |
|--------------
| |
| |
| |
| |
Villanova | |
--------------- | |
(7-4) | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|-------------- |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
STE F AUSTIN | |
--------------- |
(9-2) |
|
|
|
|--------------|
| |
| |
| |
EASTERN WASH (5) | |
--------------- | |
(9-2) | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|-------------- | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
SE Missouri St| | | |
--------------- | | |
(9-2) | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|-------------- |
| |
| |
| |
| |
MONTANA ST (4) | |
--------------- | |
(9-2) | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|-------------- |
| |
Robert Morris | |
----------------- | |
(8-2) | | |
| | |
| | |
|--------------- |
| |
| |
NORTH DAKOTA ST | |
----------------- |
(7-4) |
|
--------------|
FRISCO, TEXAS |
DELAWARE (3) |
--------------- |
(9-2) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|-------------- |
| | |
Lehigh | | |
----------------- | | |
(9-2) | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|--------------- | |
| | |
| | |
NORTHERN IOWA | | |
----------------- | |
(7-4) | |
|-------------- |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
New Hampshire | | |
--------------- | | |
(7-4) | | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|-------------- | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
BETHUNE-COOK | | |
--------------- | |
(10-1) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Wofford | |
--------------- | |
(9-2) | | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|-------------- | |
| | | |
| | |--------------|
| | |
| | |
| | |
JACKSONVILLE ST| | |
--------------- | |
(9-2) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|--------------
|
|
|
|
WILLIAM & MARY (2) |
--------------- |
(8-3) | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|--------------
|
South Carolina St |
----------------- |
(9-2) | |
| |
| |
|---------------
|
|
GEORGIA SOUTHERN|
-----------------
(7-4)

HOME TEAM IN CAPS.

[Philliesfan980]

Pretty surprising to see Villanova get a first round bye, with 4 loses, but they did have a pretty tough SOS. They'll have a tough time on the road, however. I see them losing to App State in the quarterfinals.

With that said, the x-factor for them is the health of Szczur. When healthy, he's arguably the best player in FCS football, and has a good chemistry with Whitney. Them not having to play a playoff game this week is huge, as it will be another week where Szczur can rest his ankle.

[Philliesfan980]

Pretty surprising to see Villanova get a first round bye, with 4 loses, but they did have a pretty tough SOS. They'll have a tough time on the road, however. I see them losing to App State in the quarterfinals.

With that said, the x-factor for them is the health of Szczur. When healthy, he's arguably the best player in FCS football, and has a good chemistry with Whitney. Them not having to play a playoff game this week is huge, as it will be another week where Szczur can rest his ankle.

[wade moore]

Pretty surprising to see Villanova get a first round bye, with 4 loses, but they did have a pretty tough SOS. They'll have a tough time on the road, however. I see them losing to App State in the quarterfinals.

With that said, the x-factor for them is the health of Szczur. When healthy, he's arguably the best player in FCS football, and has a good chemistry with Whitney. Them not having to play a playoff game this week is huge, as it will be another week where Szczur can rest his ankle.

100% on Sczur. There were some W&M fans that wanted UD to win to keep them out of the playoffs even though it hurt our seeding.

[PilotMan]

Well NDSU sucked in their last game, and then managed to pull out a playoff spot with some help. We get Robert Morris at home to start, a challenging game, but the home field might get us to that game against Montana State.

[wade moore]

NDSU seems like they were on the short "last in" list for sure, but I tend to think Robert Morris isn't very good and you guys will get through.

[digamma]

Admittedly, I didn't follow FCS all that closely this year outside of the Ivies, but the W&M quadrant looks the toughest to me by far.

[Thomkal]

Well I actually got to "hear" the Coastal game in "person" in the second half. The cemetery my dad is buried in is literally right across the field from the western edge of Coastal's campus, and their football stadium is practically on the highway-so you can see part of the field and a good portion of the people in the stands.

My dad's grave is at the very back of the cemetery, but you could still clearly hear the crowd cheering and the PA announcer calling out a TD for Coastal. So my dad, a college football fan, was at least entertained. :)

Sadly I was not entertained as Coastal, the team that scored 70 last week could not manage to score in the first half. Thankfully the defense was up to the job and we were down only 10-0 at the half. We got back to 10-10 on a INT return and a FG, and after Western Illinois scored a TD late in the fourth to take the lead, Coastal was then able to drive about 80 yards with less than 2 minutes on the clock and look poised to tie as they had a 1st and goal at the fourth....but our QB threw an INT to end Coastal's playoff hopes. :(

Sadly that was the story all game for Coastal. They had 3 or 4 red-zone turnovers including 2 INT's in the end zone and a lost fumble that I think was in the end zone too. Then they missed a chip shot FG in the fourth quarter too. And we should have had another INT from our QB that the refs missed on a tipped ball, and yet another that was negated by a pass interference call. It's not likely Coastal would have had advanced against Appalachian State, the team Coastal faced the only other time they made the playoffs (and lost to them then), but it would have been fun to see them there after this game which they clearly should have won.

[wade moore]

Tough day for Coastal, but PilotMan's NDSU is up 20-14 at the beginning of the 4th quarter.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Georgia Southern romps over SC State 41-16, will face W&M next week

[PilotMan]

Yeah, NDSU rolls 43-17 with a huge 4th quarter. So I guess we are off to Montana St next week in a very tough game.

[wade moore]

Georgia Southern romps over SC State 41-16, will face W&M next week

I am VERY worried about this game. I think the triple option may give us fits.

However, their starting QB apparently MAY have a concussion. If he doesn't play, apparently the rFr behind him is very inexperienced and gives us a big leg up.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I am VERY worried about this game. I think the triple option may give us fits. However, their starting QB apparently MAY have a concussion. If he doesn't play, apparently the rFr behind him is very inexperienced and gives us a big leg up.

You were right to worry. He played. He gave you fits.

Sorry Wade, but hard for me not to be happy for both Georgia Southern & for Jaybo, who was a perfect fit for the Eagles offense & I can't really hold his leaving GT against him.

Quarterfinals matchups
Villanova (8-4) at Appalachian State (10-2)
North Dakota State (9-4) at Eastern Washington (10-2)
New Hampshire (8-4) at Delaware (10-2)
Georgia Southern (8-4) at Wofford (10-2)

Interesting item I noticed on one of the FCS sites (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/haley/index.htm), about how bad attendance was yesterday.

Crowd sizes for playoff games usually drop. In fact, all 12 home teams in the first two rounds drew below their season average.

Higher-priced tickets, short buildups to the games and the holidays contribute to what is an annual problem for the FCS. On Saturday, cold temperatures hurt the walk-on sales even more.

The second-round crowd sizes:

North Dakota State at Montana State - 14,277 (average before game: 14,302)
Lehigh at Delaware - 13,649 (20,684)
Western Illinois at Appalachian State - 13,322 (29,449)
Wofford at Jacksonville State - 11,817 (18,432)
Georgia Southern at William & Mary - 8,243 (11,290)
New Hampshire at Bethune-Cookman - 5,738 (7,319)
Villanova at Stephen F. Austin - 4,938 (10,155)
Southeast Missouri State at Eastern Washington Eagles - 3,665 (7,492)

[wade moore]

Absolutely demoralizing game. The Triple Option is just very, VERY hard to defend when you only see it every few years - especially when it seems to work against all of your weaknesses.

As for the attendance.

Many believe that attendance is a bit shifty in the playoffs. That teams underreport because of what they have to pay to the NCAA.

I don't know if that's true, but based on what I saw yesterday I find it hard to believe that W&M was 4,000 below capacity - I just don't buy it.

[PilotMan]

Wow, so I just saw the NDSU game score. After dropping the lead 17-14 on the first play of the 4th, NDSU rattled off 4 TD's to win 42-17 over the 4th ranked team. The big surprise is that our QB was all of 3/11 passing for 36 yards and a pick. I can't see that kind of performance holding up in Washington. Although having just kicked out the #4 team, we at least have a chance against the #5 team.

[PilotMan]

Ok, so ESPN 3 will carry all 4 of the games this weekend.

Delaware/NH is on Friday and the others are on Sat.


Villanova (8-4) at Appalachian State (10-2)
North Dakota State (9-4) at Eastern Washington (10-2)
New Hampshire (8-4) at Delaware (10-2)
Georgia Southern (8-4) at Wofford (10-2)

[sovereignstar v2]

It's fun being able to fall back on NDSU after Minnesota becomes irrelevant in October.

[PilotMan]

That was absolutely heartbreaking.

[Young Drachma]

Pat Devlin Gets a Second Chance at Delaware - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/sports/ncaafootball/07delaware.html?ref=sports)

Eastern Washington v. Delaware at the home of FC Dallas (Pizza Hut Park) for the FCS title this weekend.

I guess the red turf (http://www.goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2010-11/releases/10fbAug27PracticeonRedTurf) must've worked. :)

[stevew]

The NCAA is a bunch of douches for not mandating that all fields of play should be green.

[RainMaker]

The NCAA is a bunch of douches for not mandating that all fields of play should be green.
I don't know, I sort of go both ways on this. The red is pretty obnoxious and does give a team a big home field advantage. But so does playing in front of 100,000 people at Michigan or whatever other home field advantages are out there.

[wade moore]

Pat Devlin Gets a Second Chance at Delaware - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/sports/ncaafootball/07delaware.html?ref=sports)

Eastern Washington v. Delaware at the home of FC Dallas (Pizza Hut Park) for the FCS title this weekend.

I guess the red turf (http://www.goeags.com/sports/m-footbl/2010-11/releases/10fbAug27PracticeonRedTurf) must've worked. :)

Should be a fun game to watch. I of course think Delaware will win, but look forward to seeing EWU for the first time.

[Young Drachma]

I think the red turf is awesome and yes, I do think Delaware should win handily.

[wade moore]

Heck of a game so far with EWU pulling ahead by 1 with 2:48 left.

For anyone watching though, I think they REALLY blew the replay call. Definitely wasn't a 1st down.

[Young Drachma]

Congrats to EWU on their first national title. Heck of a year for them.

[Lathum]

For anyone watching though, I think they REALLY blew the replay call. Definitely wasn't a 1st down.

Yeah. Went out to watch the game with a friend who went to Delaware and is a big time fan. They really got screwed there. Horrible call.

[RedKingGold]

I suspect that more and more teams will be changing their turf colors.

[PilotMan]

Well it's nice to know that we (NDSU) lost to the eventual champions, when we were so very close to knocking them off.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Lamb to be Mercer&#x92;s new football coach - Mercer - Macon.com (http://www.macon.com/2011/01/18/1414952/lamb-to-be-mercers-first-football.html)