TOP 10 TEAMS HEADING INTO NEXT SEASON

[BisonHype!]

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 10 TEAMS IN YOUR POWER RANKINGS HEADING INTO NEXT YEAR?

Please share them, and lets get some chatter going on next season!

CONGRATS TO NDSU! xthumbsupx

[cbarrier90]

As of right now...

1. NDSU
2. ????
3. ????
4. ????
5. ????
6. ????
7. ????
8. ????
9. ????
10. ????

[Sammy94]

No question about 1 & 2
NDSU 1 Shsu 2

[bjtheflamesfan]

In no particular order (except the first two):

1. North Dakota State
2. Sam Houston State
3. Georgia Southern
4. Montana
5. Northern Iowa
6. Appalachian State
7. Wofford
8. Towson
9. Lehigh
10. New Hampshire

[mmiller_34]

1. North Dakota State
2. Sam Houston State
3. Georgia Southern
4. Montana
5. Northern Iowa
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

[robsnotes4u]

Ndsu
Montana
SHSU
A toss up after that

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[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

In no particular order (except the first two):

1. North Dakota State
2. Sam Houston State
3. Georgia Southern
4. Montana
5. Northern Iowa
6. Appalachian State
7. Wofford
8. Towson
9. Lehigh
10. New Hampshire

Lehigh in the top 10 is a bit generous without knowing who returns what. Lehigh is a glass half full, half empty team going into next year. A case could be made for them to be a Top 15 team while you could also contend they're fringe Top 25.

[mmiller_34]

Ndsu
Montana
SHSU
A toss up after that

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Maybe I'm confused. I thought Sam Houston State beat Montana. I loss in the National Championship should not drop the team lower than a team they already beat. You'll have to wait until next year.

[AmsterBison]

I'd be tempted to slide Youngstown State into the Top 10.

[Drblankstare]

YSU and Ind St, should be real good next year. Can't say top 10 right now, but they'll be close.IMO

[eaglewraith]

Maybe I'm confused. I thought Sam Houston State beat Montana. I loss in the National Championship should not drop the team lower than a team they already beat. You'll have to wait until next year.

SHSU is losing their OC, that could turn out to be a huge loss because the play of their offense has been a big spark this year. I'd be willing to say they'd drop below Montana heading into next season because of that.

[CrazyCat]

SHSU is losing their OC, that could turn out to be a huge loss because the play of their offense has been a big spark this year. I'd be willing to say they'd drop below Montana heading into next season because of that.


The Griz might be losing their OC. They also lose all but 2? starters on defense.

In all fairness the Bobcats have also lost their OC and RB's coach to FAU.

[appsfan]

Isn't it a bit early to guess about a Top Ten? I think we could venture a better guess once recruiting is complete...

[robsnotes4u]

Maybe I'm confused. I thought Sam Houston State beat Montana. I loss in the National Championship should not drop the team lower than a team they already beat. You'll have to wait until next year.

Just because they won that game (one quarter) doesn't mean you are the better team. Dan Gable lost one wrestling match in college, was that guy better? Only on that day. Gable went on to win a Olympic Gold and didn't surrender a point.



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[mmiller_34]

Just because they won that game (one quarter) doesn't mean you are the better team.

So... Since Montana won the SDSU game back in 08 (one quarter), does that mean that SDSU was the better team that year? Same logic.

[asumike83]

I think all 4 teams that made the semifinals this year are going to be very good. A lot of question marks after that.

[robsnotes4u]

So... Since Montana won the SDSU game back in 08 (one quarter), does that mean that SDSU was the better team that year? Same logic.

How many number one teams are losing end up number two? They usually drop to 5, 6, or 7 especially when their last 7 quarters of football are unimpressive from a offensive stand point.

Just my opinion

[frozennorth]

towson is returning a pretty loaded team, as is maine, iirc.

[darell1976]

1. NDSU
2-whatever....doesn't matter.

All I know is this season coming up is something we UND fans have been waiting for since 2007.....PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY!!!!!

[DFW HOYA]

Picking 2012 is a speculative proposition, see the AGS 2011 pre-season poll. SHSU didn't even get a single vote.

Or Albany, Stony Brook, Tennessee Tech, Wofford, Norfolk St., Maine, or Towson, for that matter.

AGS Preseason Poll 2011
1 Eastern Washington Eagles 1182 (35)
2 Georgia Southern Eagles 1088 (6)
3 William & Mary Tribe 1081 (4)
4 Appalachian State Mountaineers 1059 (3)
5 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 978
6 Montana State Bobcats 884
7 Wofford Terriers 830
8 North Dakota State Bison 749
9 Northern Iowa Panthers 731
10 New Hampshire Wildcats 703
11 Jacksonville State Gamecocks 633
12 Montana Grizzlies 526
13 Villanova Wildcats 513 (1)
14 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 496
15 Lehigh Mountain Hawks 429
16 Richmond Spiders 375
17 James Madison Dukes 365
18 Chattanooga Mocs 363
19 Liberty Flames 309
20 Cal Poly Mustangs 244
21 South Carolina State Bulldogs 230
22 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 188
23 Southern Illinois Salukis 187
24 Central Arkansas Bears 163
25 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 127


Other Receiving Votes:

McNeese State Cowboys 125, Pennsylvania Quakers 114, Western Illinois Leathernecks 100, Southern Utah Thunderbirds 98, Indiana State Sycamores 60, Eastern Kentucky Colonels 57, Old Dominion Monarchs 47, Florida A&M Rattlers 45, Harvard Crimson 44, South Dakota State Jackrabbits 41, Furman Paladins 33, Robert Morris Colonials 27, Jacksonville Dolphins 26, Murray State Racers 22, Weber State Wildcats 19, Elon Phoenix 19

[Bam]

EKU needs a mention. Plenty of key players returning (RB, QB, TE, WR, etc.). I know its the OVC but the Colonels should (?) be loaded.

[Longhorn]

NDSU defeated JMU by 12 (26-14) in a tough game at the Fargodome (stats were very even too...20 first downs for JMU vs. 16 for NDSU, 301 total yards vs. 329), and JMU returns virtually everyone next season. Any discussion of NC contenders for next season must include the Dukes.

[The Eagle's Cliff]

I'll let the Bison bask in their glory for another 3 1/2 weeks until signing day kicks off 2012, but GSU will be back with a little more speed.

[robsnotes4u]

Signing comes easier when you are national champions.

[cbarrier90]

Signing comes easier when you are national champions.

It's even easier when you're exploring the fertile recruiting ground that is the state of Georgia. xnodx

[ngineer]

Picking 2012 is a speculative proposition, see the AGS 2011 pre-season poll. SHSU didn't even get a single vote.

Or Albany, Stony Brook, Tennessee Tech, Wofford, Norfolk St., Maine, or Towson, for that matter.

AGS Preseason Poll 2011
1 Eastern Washington Eagles 1182 (35)
2 Georgia Southern Eagles 1088 (6)
3 William & Mary Tribe 1081 (4)
4 Appalachian State Mountaineers 1059 (3)
5 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 978
6 Montana State Bobcats 884
7 Wofford Terriers 830
8 North Dakota State Bison 749
9 Northern Iowa Panthers 731
10 New Hampshire Wildcats 703
11 Jacksonville State Gamecocks 633
12 Montana Grizzlies 526
13 Villanova Wildcats 513 (1)
14 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 496
15 Lehigh Mountain Hawks 429
16 Richmond Spiders 375
17 James Madison Dukes 365
18 Chattanooga Mocs 363
19 Liberty Flames 309
20 Cal Poly Mustangs 244
21 South Carolina State Bulldogs 230
22 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 188
23 Southern Illinois Salukis 187
24 Central Arkansas Bears 163
25 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 127


Other Receiving Votes:

McNeese State Cowboys 125, Pennsylvania Quakers 114, Western Illinois Leathernecks 100, Southern Utah Thunderbirds 98, Indiana State Sycamores 60, Eastern Kentucky Colonels 57, Old Dominion Monarchs 47, Florida A&M Rattlers 45, Harvard Crimson 44, South Dakota State Jackrabbits 41, Furman Paladins 33, Robert Morris Colonials 27, Jacksonville Dolphins 26, Murray State Racers 22, Weber State Wildcats 19, Elon Phoenix 19

Thanks for retrieving that. Always interesting to see what "we" all thought back in August.

[ngineer]

Lehigh in the top 10 is a bit generous without knowing who returns what. Lehigh is a glass half full, half empty team going into next year. A case could be made for them to be a Top 15 team while you could also contend they're fringe Top 25.

Total speculation at this point. I think Lehigh will be favored, again, in the PL should Colvin and/or Bialkowski shine in the Spring Game; and should that occur, we can be a top 10, again. Will be a few months to see if we have any seniors eligible and who apply for a medical r/s. I'm aware of two, who if they do, will certainly help with offensive depth. We got some very good LB recruits a year ago, and now we get to see how they grew. I'm optimistic about the Mountain Hawks.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Total speculation at this point. I think Lehigh will be favored, again, in the PL should Colvin and/or Bialkowski shine in the Spring Game; and should that occur, we can be a top 10, again. Will be a few months to see if we have any seniors eligible and who apply for a medical r/s. I'm aware of two, who if they do, will certainly help with offensive depth. We got some very good LB recruits a year ago, and now we get to see how they grew. I'm optimistic about the Mountain Hawks.

The scary part is, I have a feeling Lehigh will be a bigger favorite next year than they were this season. They were only 3 points ahead of Colgate in the preseason poll.

[Cocky]

NDSU
Montana
Ga So
UNI
Montana St
Sam
EKU
Delaware
Lehigh
Wofford

[gofurman]

Thanks for retrieving that. Always interesting to see what "we" all thought back in August.

Picking 2012 is a speculative proposition, see the AGS 2011 pre-season poll. SHSU didn't even get a single vote.

Or Albany, Stony Brook, Tennessee Tech, Wofford, Norfolk St., Maine, or Towson, for that matter.

AGS Preseason Poll 2011
1 Eastern Washington Eagles 1182 (35)
2 Georgia Southern Eagles 1088 (6)
3 William & Mary Tribe 1081 (4)
4 Appalachian State Mountaineers 1059 (3)
5 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 978
6 Montana State Bobcats 884
7 Wofford Terriers 8308 North Dakota State Bison 749
9 Northern Iowa Panthers 731
10 New Hampshire Wildcats 703
11 Jacksonville State Gamecocks 633
12 Montana Grizzlies 526
13 Villanova Wildcats 513 (1)
14 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 496
15 Lehigh Mountain Hawks 429
16 Richmond Spiders 375
17 James Madison Dukes 365
18 Chattanooga Mocs 363
19 Liberty Flames 309
20 Cal Poly Mustangs 244
21 South Carolina State Bulldogs 230
22 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 188
23 Southern Illinois Salukis 187
24 Central Arkansas Bears 163
25 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 127

---

It looks like in that poll that Wofford did indeed get votes? Unless you meant only first place votes?

[I-16Bandit]

From what I saw this post season, all I'll say is watch out for ODU.

[DJKyR0]

I'll let the Bison bask in their glory for another 3 1/2 weeks until signing day kicks off 2012, but GSU will be back with a little more speed.

So which "fastest team in FCS" will NDSU need to embarrass in the playoffs next season? We only did three this season, just trying to plan ahead.

[Cleets]

So which "fastest team in FCS" will NDSU need to embarrass in the playoffs next season? We only did three this season, just trying to plan ahead.


xlolx Post of the week alert xlolx

[I-16Bandit]

So which "fastest team in FCS" will NDSU need to embarrass in the playoffs next season? We only did three this season, just trying to plan ahead.

A little trigger happy? Nobody said anything about being faster than NDSU anywhere in this thread. Go back to enjoying your National Championship, and try to be less of an ***.

[DJKyR0]

A little trigger happy? Nobody said anything about being faster than NDSU anywhere in this thread. Go back to enjoying your National Championship, and try to be less of an ***.

Never said anything about anyone being faster than NDSU, and never said NDSU was necessarily fast. Just pointing out that first JMU, then GSU, then SHSU said they were the fastest team in the FCS and we all saw how those games turned out.

And hey, we're the national champs. A little assedness is called for. xhomerx

[I-16Bandit]

Just watch out for those unranked teams at home. They can be a *****. :p

[DJKyR0]

Just watch out for those unranked teams at home. They can be a *****. :p

Yeah. We'll take it if it means another title in the process though. xthumbsupx

[BisonHype!]

Picking teams right now is of course going to be speculative, but this site is for chatting FCS football. Gotta keep chatting about something until next season right?

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The PL has a good chance for two preseason Top 25 teams in Lehigh and Georgetown. Lehigh will likely fall somewhere between 10-15 imo and Georgetown 20-25. Lehigh might crack the Top 10 IF Cechinni returns as OC and the QB situation looks good after spring ball. My biggest question for next year will be depth. This years team might not have been "deep" by CAA or SoCon standards but it was ridiculously so for a non-schollie PL team.

[putter]

The problem I have with the pre-season polls is that most voters don't do any homework to see what teams are returning. 2011 teams are just that, 2011. 2012 will be a whole new season with new players/coaches for many teams. I think there needs to be a thread starting in the summer about teams and who they are returning. That way most posters can make a more educated evaluation of their rankings.

[Sambow]

Never said anything about anyone being faster than NDSU, and never said NDSU was necessarily fast. Just pointing out that first JMU, then GSU, then SHSU said they were the fastest team in the FCS and we all saw how those games turned out.

And hey, we're the national champs. A little assedness is called for. xhomerx

You are right. As much as it hurts, NDSU is better. We will be around for a while though,

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

NDSU
Montana




What is left is a Very distant 3rd

Kats should crack the top 15.

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[Cleets]

I got Stony Brook and NDSU - ranked one and two



xlolx

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Top 5

1. Montana
2. Towson
3. NDSU
4. GSU
5. SHSU

[Bison56]

I'd be tempted to slide Youngstown State into the Top 10.

2nd that.

[The Eagle's Cliff]

So which "fastest team in FCS" will NDSU need to embarrass in the playoffs next season? We only did three this season, just trying to plan ahead.

You certainly never heard me say we were the fastest in 2011. In fact, if you check, I've talked about how our lack of speed at QB has been a detriment in our return to OUR offense. Delaware, App St., and NDSU had the speed to play good option defense putting the Safety on the QB. Jaybo rambled off a couple of decent runs using his 4 sec/yard speed, but those defenses exploited our weakness. I'll go ahead and tell you the strategy next year should be to force the pitch, because all three guys competing for the QB spot can run for days past that Safety.

Congrats again to NDSU on your 1st NC in D1.

[penguinpower]

You are going to have to put Youngstown in the top 10 discussion. They only lost a couple of player and they played almost all Frosh on both sides of the ball.

[caribbeanhen]

You certainly never heard me say we were the fastest in 2011. In fact, if you check, I've talked about how our lack of speed at QB has been a detriment in our return to OUR offense. Delaware, App St., and NDSU had the speed to play good option defense putting the Safety on the QB. Jaybo rambled off a couple of decent runs using his 4 sec/yard speed, but those defenses exploited our weakness. I'll go ahead and tell you the strategy next year should be to force the pitch, because all three guys competing for the QB spot can run for days past that Safety.

Congrats again to NDSU on your 1st NC in D1.

are you saying that your coaching staff prevented you from winning it this year? I would have to think the Shaw actually gave you a better chance to win than those "other 3 guys that can run for days"

[seantaylor]

1. NDSU
2. GSU- a much faster version will be on the field next year. Team will resemble PJ's squads.
3. Wofford
4. Maine
5. SHSU
6. ODU
7. JMU
8. Montana
9. EWU
10.Lehigh

[RichH2]

Total speculation at this point. I think Lehigh will be favored, again, in the PL should Colvin and/or Bialkowski shine in the Spring Game; and should that occur, we can be a top 10, again. Will be a few months to see if we have any seniors eligible and who apply for a medical r/s. I'm aware of two, who if they do, will certainly help with offensive depth. We got some very good LB recruits a year ago, and now we get to see how they grew. I'm optimistic about the Mountain Hawks.

I also am optimistic but Top 10 seems quite a reach. QB , as usual, is the key .Mike, BB or Poutier? Perhaps even more important is whether Dave is still OC. With him O will produce and he will coach up next qb. Without him?? Optimistic for winning season too many unknowns to even guess at anytning else

[UNIFanSince1983]

How much does NDSU lose from their offensive line, and their front 7 on defense? These are the two areas that won them the championship, and if they return most of them they will be the favorite next year. I know Sam doesn't lose much in terms of their skill position players so I would have to assume they will be there some where. GSU, and App are always good. Montana will be tough again as well. There will be some CAA teams like possibly ODU up there. I am not ready to put UNI in that category as we lose quite a bit. We will be tough, but I am not sure we can be top 10.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

How much does NDSU lose from their offensive line, and their front 7 on defense? These are the two areas that won them the championship, and if they return most of them they will be the favorite next year. I know Sam doesn't lose much in terms of their skill position players so I would have to assume they will be there some where. GSU, and App are always good. Montana will be tough again as well. There will be some CAA teams like possibly ODU up there. I am not ready to put UNI in that category as we lose quite a bit. We will be tough, but I am not sure we can be top 10.


Bison lose 2 seniors on the O-line. On the D-line they lose 1 in the top 10 rotation. Lose 2 good senior LBs but the 2 that replace them played a lot.

Bison should be very good next year.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

You are going to have to put Youngstown in the top 10 discussion. They only lost a couple of player and they played almost all Frosh on both sides of the ball.


Youngstown is going to be good next year for sure!

[BisonHype!]

I'd be tempted to slide Youngstown State into the Top 10.


Agreed. Young team that had a good season.

[blueballs]

I know lightning will probably strike me for writing this, but UTC IMO is the pre-season favorite in the SoCon heading into next year. They were really close this year, were REALLY young, and lose very little. They also have GSU and App at home.

GSU has the potential to be very good by the end of the year but they've got to replace 3 o-line starters, the starting QB, both starting CB's, and all their specialsts. GSU needs some serious upgrades defensively at DB and DL. Away games vs. Chatty, Furman, and UGA loom too. I can see them going 8-3 but being very dangerous in the playoffs as new players gain experience. IMO GSU is NOT top 10 heading into the next season... too many ??????? with the biggest one being the QB position.

[BisonHype!]

I know lightning will probably strike me for writing this, but UTC IMO is the pre-season favorite in the SoCon heading into next year. They were really close this year, were REALLY young, and lose very little. They also have GSU and App at home.

GSU has the potential to be very good by the end of the year but they've got to replace 3 o-line starters, the starting QB, both starting CB's, and all their specialsts. GSU needs some serious upgrades defensively at DB and DL. Away games vs. Chatty, Furman, and UGA loom too. I can see them going 8-3 but being very dangerous in the playoffs as new players gain experience. IMO GSU is NOT top 10 heading into the next season... too many ??????? with the biggest one being the QB position.

Way to look it up, and it helps to have have your QB stability, so losing Jaybo will hurt. Did the #2 QB play much this year? How did he look?

[Redwyn]

I got Stony Brook and NDSU - ranked one and two



xlolx

So do I! We have so much in common!!

I'd like to see SB as a 15-20 team. The good performance and high returning rate should put us in a great position to repeat. We also just recruited a SOLID QB with good mobility and a nationally ranked arm.

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/112279/myles-carr

Should be a solid replacement for Essington in seasons to come.

[The Eagle's Cliff]

are you saying that your coaching staff prevented you from winning it this year? I would have to think the Shaw actually gave you a better chance to win than those "other 3 guys that can run for days"

Certainly not saying that. Shaw is the reason we've been competitive the last two years and the Coaching Staff did it with freshmen, a transfer, and the worst offensive team in our history from 2009.

The thread asks about 2012 Top 10. I didn't comment (because it's way too early) except to say GSU will be back with more speed. How quickly people, including our own fans, forget that GSU is a transitioning team. In 2012, we open with Jacksonville at home, @ Citadel, BYE, home against Elon and Samford, and @ Western Carolina. If we start out 2-0, I think we'll be 5-0 headed to the "heavier" part of the schedule.

[Apphole]

I am truly happy about the fact that App St hasn't been mentioned yet. I'd rather be perceived by opponents as a non-issue than the deep playoff contender we're starting to look like next year. We're returning everyone to a finally healthy defense. With the architect of one of the best offenses in FCS history returning to "try out" for HC for a soon-to-be FBS App program, I'd say we deserve an honorable mention in a preseason top ten thread. Not to mention our recruiting class so far. If we manage to get an O-line coach that knows how to develop our players, I see a few playoff wins in our future next year.

[Reign of Terrier]

I don't know how to rank them, but I'd certainly put NDSU, SHSU, Montana, GSU, Wofford, ODU, Towson, App State (because of Satterfield IMO) in the top 10....the rest is a crap shoot. Generally speaking, I'd prefer to just manipulate my rankings from the original preseason poll in week 1

[blueballs]

Way to look it up, and it helps to have have your QB stability, so losing Jaybo will hurt. Did the #2 QB play much this year? How did he look?

The two kids who played behind Shaw are both supremely talented athletically and are both great runners with blazing speed, but neither showed the ability to really shine in the TO, throw it, and both are really shaky handling the ball.

As an example, Youyoute, who figures to be the heir apparent, fumbled on three consecutive plays vs. Elon in mop up duty. That doesn't make me real confident. ;-)

[BisonHype!]

I don't know how to rank them, but I'd certainly put NDSU, SHSU, Montana, GSU, Wofford, ODU, Towson, App State (because of Satterfield IMO) in the top 10....the rest is a crap shoot. Generally speaking, I'd prefer to just manipulate my rankings from the original preseason poll in week 1

App State definitely deserves to be in there somewhere. How many players are they returning on offense?

[Reign of Terrier]

App State definitely deserves to be in there somewhere. How many players are they returning on offense?

I would have them top 15 because of the coaching losses on defense (something that carried them this year), but because they return a lot of starters and have Satterfield as the OC, I think their offense will improve mightily, especially from a consistency standpoint. They're definitely top 10.

[CrazyCat]

Let's just cut to the chase. Rep points to whoever puts MSU in their pre-pre-pre-season top 10. :D

[Apphole]

I'm not worried about the coaching losses from a purely defensive point of view. Dale Jones is the brains behind our recent defensive success and I believe the reason for our inability to adjust in certain games (most memorably the Maine game) will improve after some of these departures. My main concern with the loss of Speir was our recruiting, which seems to be doing well so far.

[caribbeanhen]

Delaware does better when nobody is paying attention -

[proasu89]

I am truly happy about the fact that App St hasn't been mentioned yet. I'd rather be perceived by opponents as a non-issue than the deep playoff contender we're starting to look like next year. We're returning everyone to a finally healthy defense. With the architect of one of the best offenses in FCS history returning to "try out" for HC for a soon-to-be FBS App program, I'd say we deserve an honorable mention in a preseason top ten thread. Not to mention our recruiting class so far. If we manage to get an O-line coach that knows how to develop our players, I see a few playoff wins in our future next year.


Not quite everyone. Losing DL's in Wilson, Aiken, Wylie, & Witte will be a challenge. Those guys stepped up and played the run tough this year.

[katstrapper]

Picking 2012 is a speculative proposition, see the AGS 2011 pre-season poll. SHSU didn't even get a single vote.

Or Albany, Stony Brook, Tennessee Tech, Wofford, Norfolk St., Maine, or Towson, for that matter.

AGS Preseason Poll 2011
1 Eastern Washington Eagles 1182 (35)
2 Georgia Southern Eagles 1088 (6)
3 William & Mary Tribe 1081 (4)
4 Appalachian State Mountaineers 1059 (3)
5 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 978
6 Montana State Bobcats 884
7 Wofford Terriers 830
8 North Dakota State Bison 749
9 Northern Iowa Panthers 731
10 New Hampshire Wildcats 703
11 Jacksonville State Gamecocks 633
12 Montana Grizzlies 526
13 Villanova Wildcats 513 (1)
14 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 496
15 Lehigh Mountain Hawks 429
16 Richmond Spiders 375
17 James Madison Dukes 365
18 Chattanooga Mocs 363
19 Liberty Flames 309
20 Cal Poly Mustangs 244
21 South Carolina State Bulldogs 230
22 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 188
23 Southern Illinois Salukis 187
24 Central Arkansas Bears 163
25 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 127


Other Receiving Votes:

McNeese State Cowboys 125, Pennsylvania Quakers 114, Western Illinois Leathernecks 100, Southern Utah Thunderbirds 98, Indiana State Sycamores 60, Eastern Kentucky Colonels 57, Old Dominion Monarchs 47, Florida A&M Rattlers 45, Harvard Crimson 44, South Dakota State Jackrabbits 41, Furman Paladins 33, Robert Morris Colonials 27, Jacksonville Dolphins 26, Murray State Racers 22, Weber State Wildcats 19, Elon Phoenix 19

Sam Houston didnt get a single vote because they were 6-5 previous season with a lot of unknowns. SHSU wlll start season in top 5 this next season. Losing OC will not be as devastating as some think. We only lose a total of 5 seniors in the two deep roster. Stoker will be back and so will 95% of the defense. 95% of the offense will be back . I look for a repeat of outstanding performance next year . With Fritz getting an extension and pay raise for him and his staff, the next few years should be fun and interesting.

And dont leave Stony Brook out of the top 25. They have a solid team returning

[seantaylor]

I know lightning will probably strike me for writing this, but UTC IMO is the pre-season favorite in the SoCon heading into next year. They were really close this year, were REALLY young, and lose very little. They also have GSU and App at home.

GSU has the potential to be very good by the end of the year but they've got to replace 3 o-line starters, the starting QB, both starting CB's, and all their specialsts. GSU needs some serious upgrades defensively at DB and DL. Away games vs. Chatty, Furman, and UGA loom too. I can see them going 8-3 but being very dangerous in the playoffs as new players gain experience. IMO GSU is NOT top 10 heading into the next season... too many ??????? with the biggest one being the QB position.

Crazy. UTC won't finish in the top 3 in the Socon. They lose a lot of players, and they just don't know how to win.

[danefan]

Don't forget about Albany either. Definitely not Top Ten, but top 25.

13 starters returning and 33 underclassmen from the two-deep.
We need to replace our QB, but there is a few in the hopper, including the teams offensive MVP from 2010, who lost the job this year (Buddy Leathely).

[Sambow]

How can anyone say anything but NDSU number one. After that, GSU, Montana, and SHSU in no particular order. Personally, I believe the Kats should be number two, but this year's final four were the best teams in the country and I don't think next year will be any different.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Don't forget about Albany either. Definitely not Top Ten, but top 25.

13 starters returning and 33 underclassmen from the two-deep.
We need to replace our QB, but there is a few in the hopper, including the teams offensive MVP from 2010, who lost the job this year (Buddy Leathely).

Albany the favorite in the NEC next year? Lehigh plays Monmouth and CCSU this season.

[GoBlue06]

Delaware has only had ONE losing season in its 118 year history so im not too worried about us at LEAST competing....and by the sched it looks to be very favorable to a potential playoff run. Then again...our new qb is from Bowling Green...so....who knows!

[FCS Go!]

Maybe it's already been said but the Griz lose 4 OL, #1 & #2 WR, 10 starters on D, offensive coordinator (Pitt) and D coordinator (WA St)- probably still top 10 though :).

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Delaware has only had ONE losing season in its 118 year history so im not too worried about us at LEAST competing....and by the sched it looks to be very favorable to a potential playoff run. Then again...our new qb is from Bowling Green...so....who knows!

I didn't believe this so i had to look it up....one losing season in 118 years would obviously be an all time mark....Delaware has a few losing seasons in the last 15 years let alone the last 118.

[NHwildEcat]

In no particular order (except the first two):

1. North Dakota State
2. Sam Houston State
3. Georgia Southern
4. Montana
5. Northern Iowa
6. Appalachian State
7. Wofford
8. Towson
9. Lehigh
10. New Hampshire

I think UNH is a stretch...QB will be a huge factor and is an extreme wild card heading into the spring. Also, UNH has a problem because they like to play Peters all the time at HB yet the kid cannot play consistently well for more then a few snaps here and there. Also, the D is terrible. I am glad they have the National Player of the Year but the rest of the defense is garbage!

I think the biggest issue will be that QB situation.

[danefan]

Albany the favorite in the NEC next year? Lehigh plays Monmouth and CCSU this season.

I think so, although Bryant will be tough as well with Jordan Brown returning for his senior year.

We've got a tough OOC schedule again though so we'll find out real quick.

vs Colgate
@ Maine
@ Youngstown St

[eaglewraith]

How can anyone say anything but NDSU number one. After that, GSU, Montana, and SHSU in no particular order. Personally, I believe the Kats should be number two, but this year's final four were the best teams in the country and I don't think next year will be any different.

Lot of people said that about Eastern Washington heading into this season.

How did that go?

[ngineer]

I also am optimistic but Top 10 seems quite a reach. QB , as usual, is the key .Mike, BB or Poutier? Perhaps even more important is whether Dave is still OC. With him O will produce and he will coach up next qb. Without him?? Optimistic for winning season too many unknowns to even guess at anytning else

Why wouldn't he? Unless, you've heard that he has his name in elsewhere??? I certainly hope not.

[ngineer]

So much development can occur in one year with young men and newcomers that prognosticating is baseless at this point. As pointed out with SHSU not even getting any votes preseason. The reverse can also happen when success occurs and some people get complacent. You just never know.

[asumike83]

Maybe it's already been said but the Griz lose 4 OL, #1 & #2 WR, 10 starters on D, offensive coordinator (Pitt) and D coordinator (WA St)- probably still top 10 though :).

Wow, that is a lot of key personnel to lose in one offseason. I have no doubt y'all will still bring a real strong team to Boone though.

[jmufan999]

I'll have more confidence in this JMU team than I have in any since before the 2008 season. Return a ton of talent (10 of 11 on offense), and I seriously doubt our rising senior QB is out for 5 games again due to suspension. I think we will contend for the CAA title. I haven't been able to say that for a few years.

Oh, and WR Quintin Hunter (by far our best WR) will be back after missing the entire season due to injury.

[GoBlue06]

I didn't believe this so i had to look it up....one losing season in 118 years would obviously be an all time mark....Delaware has a few losing seasons in the last 15 years let alone the last 118.

ok, so 2008, 2006, 2001, 1983, 1967, 1962, 1960, 7 years of losing seasons since 1940...i cant find anything before that...so that odds have UD with a winning season

[mainejeff]

1. NDSU
2. ODU
3. Delaware
4. Montana
5. Maine
6. Georgia Southern
7. Wofford
8. SHSU
9. JMU
10. UNI

[superman7515]

ok, so 2008, 2006, 2001, 1983, 1967, 1962, 1960, 7 years of losing seasons since 1940...i cant find anything before that...so that odds have UD with a winning season

1892, 1895-1898, 1900, 1902, 1904-1905, 1907-1913, 1917-1920, 1926-1929, 1933, 1935-1939, 1950, 1960, 1964, 1967, 1983, 1987, 2001, 2006, 2008.

What I think you were referring to is that until 2008, there were only 4 D1 teams that had never lost 8 games in a season: Delaware, Tennessee, Michigan, and Ohio State (Michigan lost their 8th game a week before so for 1 week there were only 3 left and Tennessee managed to win their last two of 2008 to finish 5-7).

[I-16Bandit]

Crazy. UTC won't finish in the top 3 in the Socon. They lose a lot of players, and they just don't know how to win.

They have that Richardson kid, and he is good.

Personally, I think that saying that your team is returning a lot if starters is not an indicator that your team will be any better next year. GSU's D lost very little (if anybody.. I forget) from the the 2010 season going into the 2011 season. If anything, our D got worse.

[Sambow]

1. NDSU
2. ODU
3. Delaware
4. Montana
5. Maine
6. Georgia Southern
7. Wofford
8. SHSU
9. JMU
10. UNI

Really?! After what you just saw this year you place Sam number 8?! That is a little low in my opinion. I would put the Kats as a pre season number 2 and then let the season and the playoffs figure out the rest.

[Sambow]

So much development can occur in one year with young men and newcomers that prognosticating is baseless at this point. As pointed out with SHSU not even getting any votes preseason. The reverse can also happen when success occurs and some people get complacent. You just never know.

This! On the other hand, I don't see Sam dropping that much.

[UNIFanSince1983]

Bison lose 2 seniors on the O-line. On the D-line they lose 1 in the top 10 rotation. Lose 2 good senior LBs but the 2 that replace them played a lot.

Bison should be very good next year.

Not what I was hoping to hear! NDSU is going to have to be preseason #1 with not losing much especially on that great defense!

[WrenFGun]

I say this pretty much every season, but if you do not have a returning QB with experience and success, then I think you're likely to be over-ranked if you're ranked high. You can start this year with Villanova, Delaware and W&M, all of whom were overranked despite having mediocre QB's or unknown QB situations.

I think New Hampshire will be over-ranked in any pre-season poll, personally. They have three QB's who basically haven't played at the FCS level (Goldrich, a RS FR, Vailas, a RS SO who saw a few snaps last year, but nothing significant, and Brady, a RS SR who transferred from Georgetown and hasn't played really at all in two years with UNH). They are loaded at RB and WR, but the defense is still bad and the QB is a huge ?

[WrenFGun]

1. NDSU
2. ODU
3. Delaware
4. Montana
5. Maine
6. Georgia Southern
7. Wofford
8. SHSU
9. JMU
10. UNI

Does Maine lose Smith?

[The Eagle's Cliff]

I say this pretty much every season, but if you do not have a returning QB with experience and success, then I think you're likely to be over-ranked if you're ranked high. You can start this year with Villanova, Delaware and W&M, all of whom were overranked despite having mediocre QB's or unknown QB situations.

It may prove true with GSU, but I think that assumption is more true for conventional schemes.

[eaglewraith]

They have that Richardson kid, and he is good.

Personally, I think that saying that your team is returning a lot if starters is not an indicator that your team will be any better next year. GSU's D lost very little (if anybody.. I forget) from the the 2010 season going into the 2011 season. If anything, our D got worse.

Actually it's not that hard to believe with our defense. It's part of the reason I think Sam Houston will have issues keeping their success going next year.

Difference between GSU defense in 2009 and 2010? New defensive coordinator

Difference between GSU defense in 2010 and 2011? New defensive coordinator

In losing Brent Pry we lost a LOT. If Curtis continues playing the current scheme, I don't see our defense doing any better. I also don't see Russell having a chance at the Buchanon in this scheme.

[OrygunBison]

FWIW, I have always felt like it will be NEXT season before our boys finally put it all together. The Bison still haven't played the best ball that they are capable of. Obviously, the defense is playing at a very high level right now but our offense really only played 2 full games this year - GSU and the Gophers. GSU was the unfortunate victim of the best performance by the Bison all year. In spite of the score, they were really, REALLY good.

[danefan]

I say this pretty much every season, but if you do not have a returning QB with experience and success, then I think you're likely to be over-ranked if you're ranked high. You can start this year with Villanova, Delaware and W&M, all of whom were overranked despite having mediocre QB's or unknown QB situations.

I think New Hampshire will be over-ranked in any pre-season poll, personally. They have three QB's who basically haven't played at the FCS level (Goldrich, a RS FR, Vailas, a RS SO who saw a few snaps last year, but nothing significant, and Brady, a RS SR who transferred from Georgetown and hasn't played really at all in two years with UNH). They are loaded at RB and WR, but the defense is still bad and the QB is a huge ?


Very good point. Its also the teams that get great QB play from an unknown commodity that come out of "nowhere". Sam Houston State is a prime example.

[ysubigred]

You are going to have to put Youngstown in the top 10 discussion. They only lost a couple of player and they played almost all Frosh on both sides of the ball.

Sorry, I can't see it, plus we've lost a few more than you think from some sort of riff. "BUT IF" we can get some upgrades in the coaching staff WOW!!

[semobison]

Sorry, I can't see it plus we've lost a few more than you think from some sort of riff. "BUT IF" we can get some upgrades in the coaching staff WOW!!

If the Guins bring the same offense and improve defensively they are going to be very good IMO! They are in my 2012 top 10!

[sgt smash]

Sorry, I can't see it, plus we've lost a few more than you think from some sort of riff. "BUT IF" we can get some upgrades in the coaching staff WOW!!

I think Tressell is probably looking for something to do. You guys should give him a call.

[ysubigred]

If the Guins bring the same offense and improve defensively they are going to be very good IMO! They are in my 2012 top 10!

Thanks for the vote of confidence and congrats to the Bison on a great year and your first D1 NC @ football. I'm in a wait and see mode. I'm not sold on this coaching staff at YSU. Our head coach is one hell of a recruiter but somethings missing when it comes game time and preperation. Should have played every game like they did @ NDSU and Mich ST.

[ysubigred]

I think Tressell is probably looking for something to do. You guys should give him a call.

That ship sailed in 2001. No thanks.

[henfan]

Signing comes easier when you are national champions.

No, it really doesn't. Ask any coach who's had to endure a long national championship run what kind of impact preparation by the staff has on recruiting.

[RichH2]

No, it really doesn't. Ask any coach who's had to endure a long national championship run what kind of impact preparation by the staff has on recruiting.

Absolutely correct. Does help the next year but staff is already more than a month behind competing schools for this year. Same logic applies to all playoff teams to lesser degrees but all have to play catch up

[LEHIGH61]

In Case you didn't notice, a very talented Towson team has a load coming back. They should be a top 10-15 team for sure.

[Rekdiver]

I'm not sure that Appalachian is a top 10 at this point. I hope we will even in the top 20 after ECU and Montana games..........Too much off the field turmoil and recruiting "athletes" instead of position need....especially the o line. Defense will be fine. Not sure if it will be enough to carry us.

[asumike83]

I'm not sure that Appalachian is a top 10 at this point. I hope we will even in the top 20 after ECU and Montana games..........Too much off the field turmoil and recruiting "athletes" instead of position need....especially the o line. Defense will be fine. Not sure if it will be enough to carry us.

I agree that ASU is not a top 10 team at this point, and it would be very hard to argue otherwise until they prove it on the field. However, I definitely think that we are a top 20 team and even an 0-2 start would not make me think otherwise given the competition we are playing, unless they were 2 lopsided losses.

Defense will be fine and I think we will be pleasantly surprised by the OL play if we get the right guy to replace McClain. If the new OL coach uses an inside zone blocking scheme that better suits our offense, then it should make a big difference. Given that Satterfield will likely have a good amount of input into the new hire, I'd be surprised if that was not the case. I know that I'm in the minority of ASU fans on this issue but I really do not think our issue is talent on the OL, it is using the wrong scheme and having a bad coach that the kids did not want to play for. Lamm is expected to return, I have heard great things about Regan Dufort, Kalan Jones will be back from that early season injury at VT and Fisher/Acey have some experience under their belts now. Plus, we redshirted Derek Evans and Ron Henderson, who will both be competing for a spot on the 2-deep along with the transfer from UNC joining the team.

[Walkon79]

The problem I have with the pre-season polls is that most voters don't do any homework to see what teams are returning. 2011 teams are just that, 2011. 2012 will be a whole new season with new players/coaches for many teams. I think there needs to be a thread starting in the summer about teams and who they are returning. That way most posters can make a more educated evaluation of their rankings.

Totally agree. Even though MSU has a boatload of starters returning, I'll withhold judgement until a new OC is named and we get through spring ball. Conversely, UM is losing a boatload of starters, but arguably have the best QB returning this side of Jensen. They also have question marks at both OC and DC.

[danefan]

In Case you didn't notice, a very talented Towson team has a load coming back. They should be a top 10-15 team for sure.

Maybe even a Top 5? They may have the pre-season favorite for the Payton Award as well with West.

[DoubleH]

towson is returning a pretty loaded team, as is maine, iirc.

^^^ This. Towson is bringing back like 19 starters; I'm looking forward to next year.

[GeauxLions94]

The problem I have with the pre-season polls is that most voters don't do any homework to see what teams are returning. 2011 teams are just that, 2011. 2012 will be a whole new season with new players/coaches for many teams. I think there needs to be a thread starting in the summer about teams and who they are returning. That way most posters can make a more educated evaluation of their rankings.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2Mc-MaZP18rQ5NhZkGbTRAXpWtrviydf0RzS4tmD1SUKaMsCPQ20yf gjgXA

[DJKyR0]

While I'll make a more detailed post on the MVFC later on (particularly if a comprehensive "who's back next year thread" is made), I agree with the posters bringing up YSU as a legitimate conference contender next season. Even outside the fact that they were the only team to beat us this year, Kurt Hess being named 1st-team All-MVFC QB goes to show how much young talent they have on their roster and how much it will benefit from an offseason to continue the gelling process they underwent in the latter half of this past season. Knowing how much UNI loses (particularly, QB Rennie and LB Fort, to name just two) I'd very much entertain picking NDSU-YSU-UNI in that order.

[UCABEARS75]

Not saying we should be top ten at the beginning of the season, you have to earn it on the field, but UCA has a chance to be improved from this year with 15 starters and 40+ lettermen coming back and some good looking talent coming into program.

[penguinpower]

Good Post

[penguinpower]

While I'll make a more detailed post on the MVFC later on (particularly if a comprehensive "who's back next year thread" is made), I agree with the posters bringing up YSU as a legitimate conference contender next season. Even outside the fact that they were the only team to beat us this year, Kurt Hess being named 1st-team All-MVFC QB goes to show how much young talent they have on their roster and how much it will benefit from an offseason to continue the gelling process they underwent in the latter half of this past season. Knowing how much UNI loses (particularly, QB Rennie and LB Fort, to name just two) I'd very much entertain picking NDSU-YSU-UNI in that order.



Very educated post.

[mainejeff]

Does Maine lose Smith?

Yes, but I believe that Wasilewski (he'll be a junior) will be serviceable. Maine won as a balanced TEAM this season and I believe that they can follow up this season with another similar one with many returnees at other positions.

[bisonnation]

The same teams... ndsu, sam houston, georgia southern, and many of the elite 8 teams are full of talent. Should be a great year in 2012

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The key for Lehigh will be at QB. Whoever takes over will have a great system, assuming Cechinni returns, along with elite FCS talent at the skill positions. Spadola is the best returning wr in the country. IMO, he's the most dominant WR since Ball at UNH. The RB duo of Sherman and Barket along with Haggins at TE will get some good preseason pub too.

The OLine will return a good amount of experience but potentially loses 3 starters. Hood will step in and be all league imo, the kids a monster who can move. He filled in as a Fr and Soph and did well. He does need to get a little "tougher" imo.

The losses of Newton, Groome, Knapp and Flizak will be tough to overcome on defense. I can't helpt but think Lehigh will be considerably smaller next year on defense, especially at the DE position. Thankfully, Chagani will get some preseason pub which should help him make a couple AA lists. The secondary should be very good.

Lehigh has turned over a lot of talent the last few years on the defensive side of the ball but maintained a very good unit. Kotulski is a great DC.

The Special teams must improve! It cost them against UNH and the lack of a FG kicker really killed their chances against NDSU.

Ultimately next year comes down to Coen, Cechinni and Kotulski coming back. Lehigh has an exceptional coaching staff for this level right now.

[Strommer10]

NDSU= #1

The rest start lining up behind them xcoffeex

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

The Missouri Valley is going to be very tough next year.

My 2$:

Contenders in '12:

NDSU
YSU
UNI
Ill State
Ind State

Not contenders:

SDSU
SIU
WIU
MSU
USD

[SpeedkingATL]

I agree that ASU is not a top 10 team at this point, and it would be very hard to argue otherwise until they prove it on the field. However, I definitely think that we are a top 20 team and even an 0-2 start would not make me think otherwise given the competition we are playing, unless they were 2 lopsided losses.

Defense will be fine and I think we will be pleasantly surprised by the OL play if we get the right guy to replace McClain. If the new OL coach uses an inside zone blocking scheme that better suits our offense, then it should make a big difference. Given that Satterfield will likely have a good amount of input into the new hire, I'd be surprised if that was not the case. I know that I'm in the minority of ASU fans on this issue but I really do not think our issue is talent on the OL, it is using the wrong scheme and having a bad coach that the kids did not want to play for. Lamm is expected to return, I have heard great things about Regan Dufort, Kalan Jones will be back from that early season injury at VT and Fisher/Acey have some experience under their belts now. Plus, we redshirted Derek Evans and Ron Henderson, who will both be competing for a spot on the 2-deep along with the transfer from UNC joining the team.

Gotta like the way the off season has gone so far with the coaching changes and early recruitment/transfers. I too think the O-line will be much better than many expect with new coaching and scheme. Defense still needs to fill the inside linemen slot/slots that were thined greatly by graduation. The SoCon will be a beast next year with GaSo, UTC, Wofford, Furman and App all contenders with Elon and Citdogs not far behind. WCU won't be the "bye week" anymore now under new coaching staff. Sammy will still be Sammy by all accounts.

[ASUMountaineer]

1. NDSU
2. GSU- a much faster version will be on the field next year. Team will resemble PJ's squads.
3. Wofford
4. Maine
5. SHSU
6. ODU
7. JMU
8. Montana
9. EWU
10.Lehigh

Where's the analysis of the other teams? We all know GSU has SEC speed...what about the other teams?

[LeeshaJo]

I don't think SDSU is going to be as out of it as you think... NDSU, YSU, Ill State - Top Tier Next three - Ind State, UNI, SDSU are all going to be right there and SIU can never truly be considered out of it.

[Twentysix]

Agree with the above post.

[ASUMountaineer]

I would have them top 15 because of the coaching losses on defense (something that carried them this year), but because they return a lot of starters and have Satterfield as the OC, I think their offense will improve mightily, especially from a consistency standpoint. They're definitely top 10.

What coaching losses on defense? ASU lost its inside linebackers coach to WCU. Other than that, all of the other D coaches are still at ASU. ASU did lose a lot of O coaches...Glenn (QB), Elder (WR), and Holt (TE). I think bringing in Satterfield is an upgrade for the O.

I'm not disagreeing with where you would place ASU in a preseason poll, but I don't think it should be lowered for losing one defensive position coach.

[Cocky]

I wish my team would go the slow white boy approach it seemed to work just fine for NDSU.

[gotts]

I wish my team would go the disciplined assignment approach it seemed to work just fine for NDSU.

Fixed for accuracy

[eaglewraith]

Fixed for accuracy

I just want our guys to play defense like NDSU....I mean damn.

[GlassOnion]

The ASU defense will certainly not lose a step. Mark speir or no mark speir, App will field the best LB corps in the FCS next year. 10 of 11 back on defense. The weakest link we had was at DB where we lost our starting CB last year, and converted a WR to take his place. They are all back, along with a handful of RS that are just fantastic. Barnes and Middleton should make an impact, and McCray is poised for a great year.

Offensively, the OL had the talent to be good last year, but starting players, for unknown reasons, would just dissappear from the 2 deep. No injuries, no reasons.

The biggest question mark ASU has is the OL coach, and we fully expect that issue to be taken care of, in the next few weeks.

[eaglesrback]

I just want our guys to play defense like NDSU....I mean damn.

We will have the same D coordinator next year......... I mean JUST damn.

[BisonBacker]

Lehigh in the top 10 is a bit generous without knowing who returns what. Lehigh is a glass half full, half empty team going into next year. A case could be made for them to be a Top 15 team while you could also contend they're fringe Top 25.

Unfortunately for Lehigh I think they may compete well in conference but once outside of that I think they drop off pretty quick. Don't you lose some key players from this last years team? Who replaces them will be key which is stating the obvious. But experience and composure for the newbies will be needed or they will struggle IMO.

[UNH72Plus]

I have to agree that the QB situation really makes any predictions difficult for next season. The lack of a quality/experienced tight end is another trouble spot. But the rest of the offense is pretty much intact. I think we only lose only one OL, and return a slew of wide receivers and running backs. As far as the D goes, it couldn't get much worse (except for Evans), so even a moderate improvement will would be great. We'll have to wait and see what the red-shirt freshman look like.

Has anybody heard anything about the incoming class? The local papers haven't mentioned anything.

[RichH2]

Unfortunately for Lehigh I think they may compete well in conference but once outside of that I think they drop off pretty quick. Don't you lose some key players from this last years team? Who replaces them will be key which is stating the obvious. But experience and composure for the newbies will be needed or they will struggle IMO.

At best we have, 12 starters back but we must replace 3 of4 LBs and 2 of 3 DL and most importantly QB. Schedule a bit easier OOC but no real way to anticipate an O anywhere near as good as this year. Compounding our problem is the very real possibility of losing our OC ,Cecchini, to Yale. He is ,IMHO the main reasonfor developement ofO the last 2 years

[TheRevSFA]

1)NDSU
2) SHSU
3) Montana
4) GA South
5) Monty State
6) Maine
7) Lehigh
8) UNI
9) Wofford
10) Appy

[Twentysix]

1: North Dakota State Bison
2: Sam Houston State Bearkats
3: Montana Grizzlies
4: Stony Brook Seawolves
5: Georgia Southern Eagles
6: James Madison Dukes
7: Maine Black Bears
8: Old Dominion Monarchs
9: Youngstown State Penguins
10: Northern Iowa Panthers

Without looking at recruiting or too much into upperclassmen losses.

[JmuSkinsfan]

NDSU defeated JMU by 12 (26-14) in a tough game at the Fargodome (stats were very even too...20 first downs for JMU vs. 16 for NDSU, 301 total yards vs. 329), and JMU returns virtually everyone next season. Any discussion of NC contenders for next season must include the Dukes.

This.

[Smitty]

1: North Dakota State Bison
2: Sam Houston State Bearkats
3: Montana Grizzlies
4: Stony Brook Seawolves
5: Georgia Southern Eagles
6: James Madison Dukes
7: Maine Black Bears
8: Old Dominion Monarchs
9: Youngstown State Penguins
10: Northern Iowa Panthers

Without looking at recruiting or too much into upperclassmen losses.


I like this list so far...

[asumike83]

Montana seems to be consensus top five team on all these lists but I've seen several Grizz fans mention the key losses they will have due to graduation. Do the Montana fans agree with this assessment or do you see a significant drop-off for the 2012 team? Curious, as I obviously have a vested interest in what kind of team will be coming to Boone.

[GlassOnion]

Montana seems to be consensus top five team on all these lists but I've seen several Grizz fans mention the key losses they will have due to graduation. Do the Montana fans agree with this assessment or do you see a significant drop-off for the 2012 team? Curious, as I obviously have a vested interest in what kind of team will be coming to Boone.

I thought they lost their entire Dline? Any Montana guys out there?

[andy7171]

Keep on ignoring us fellas. Nothing to see here in Baltimore.

[JmuSkinsfan]

Keep on ignoring us fellas. Nothing to see here in Baltimore.

I think ODU, JMU, Towson should all be top 10 ... then Delaware in the 10-12 range. Not really sure about Maine and what they're bringing back, but they could be argued for a top 10 as well.

[Grizalltheway]

Keep on ignoring us fellas. Nothing to see here in Baltimore.

Agreed.

[TheRevSFA]

Keep on ignoring us fellas. Nothing to see here in Baltimore.

Did somebody say something?

[penguinpower]

I think ODU, JMU, Towson should all be top 10 ... then Delaware in the 10-12 range. Not really sure about Maine and what they're bringing back, but they could be argued for a top 10 as well.

ODU has only had a program for only a few years. Do you think that they are really that good? The CAA was down this year and you are placing them in the top 10? I would have to pick any other traditional CAA power over ODU.

[ncbears]

Ndsu
Montana
SHSU
A toss up after that

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk


Montana has to replace too much talent. I don't think they'll be a top 5 team like you mentioned. Maybe a top 10.

[Bearkats94]

Actually it's not that hard to believe with our defense. It's part of the reason I think Sam Houston will have issues keeping their success going next year.

Difference between GSU defense in 2009 and 2010? New defensive coordinator

Difference between GSU defense in 2010 and 2011? New defensive coordinator

In losing Brent Pry we lost a LOT. If Curtis continues playing the current scheme, I don't see our defense doing any better. I also don't see Russell having a chance at the Buchanon in this scheme.

We will still have our defensive coordinator. We our losted four starter on the hold team.

[sgt smash]

. We our losted four starter on the hold team.

Lakes, can you translate this for me?

[putter]

I thought they lost their entire Dline? Any Montana guys out there?

You are right. The Griz lost Bienemann, Duncan, Featherston, and Alt. Shaw and McSurdy at LB Lisowski, Roots and Trumaine Johnson at CB but there is some experience returning. It will be interesting with those losses and then having our DC Breske going to Washington St.

[X-Factor]

Originally Posted by

. We our losted four starter on the hold team
http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz20/GDM426/VEB/LetsRock-02.jpg

[GlassOnion]

You are right. The Griz lost Bienemann, Duncan, Featherston, and Alt. Shaw and McSurdy at LB Lisowski, Roots and Trumaine Johnson at CB but there is some experience returning. It will be interesting with those losses and then having our DC Breske going to Washington St.

Wow, that is rough, no matter who comes back. Losing 10/11 starters on defense at this level is going to be a challenge. How does the offense look?

[bisonwest]

1. NDSU
2. SHSU
3. Montana
4. Georgia Southern
5. Maine
6. UNI
7. Lehigh
8. Appalachian State
9. Montana State
10. Wofford

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Sounds like Lehigh's coaching staff will remain together! This is great news and really solidifies their chances for next year! Now Cecchini will get a chance to develop the next Lum!!! He's got plenty of toys to work with!!

[frozennorth]

shsu, ndsu, towson, gsu, mtsu, ysu, maine, odu, jmu top 9 in approx. order

montana, delaware, wofford, chatt, uni, ind st, lehigh, stony brook, uca, eku, unh asu round out a top 21 (in no particular order), leaving room for teams I forgot.

[BTD30]

If you ask me, don't get sold on YSU being a Top 10 until our defense and special teams improves and plays better....

[ming01]

1. Sam Houston State
2. NDSU
3. Montana State
4. Towson
5. Georgia Southern
6. Old Dominion
7. Montana
8. James Madison
9. Youngstown State
10. Appalachian State

[The Eagle's Cliff]

ODU has only had a program for only a few years. Do you think that they are really that good? The CAA was down this year and you are placing them in the top 10? I would have to pick any other traditional CAA power over ODU.

ODU's QB reminds me of Ricky Santos - only better! I only watched the one game against GSU, but our coverage wasn't as bad as the stats indicate. Passes were on the money, the receivers made catches, and the OL provided great protection. If the QB was pressured, he had the speed and athleticism to get away and actually netted 75 rushing yards. Defenses will have their hands full.

[blueballs]

ODU's QB reminds me of Ricky Santos - only better! I only watched the one game against GSU, but our coverage wasn't as bad as the stats indicate. Passes were on the money, the receivers made catches, and the OL provided great protection. If the QB was pressured, he had the speed and athleticism to get away and actually netted 75 rushing yards. Defenses will have their hands full.

Cliff, I saw quite a bit of FCS ball this year on the dish and I thought he was the best player I saw all year.

It isn't so much his athleticism, arm strength, or accuracy- although he is strong in those areas- it is his decision making... knowing who to throw to, who NOT to throw to, when to dump the ball, when to run. The guy's decision making is that of a 5th year SR and he was only a true FR. Unbelievable...

[jmufan999]

Cliff, I saw quite a bit of FCS ball this year on the dish and I thought he was the best player I saw all year.

I won't say he was the best player I saw all year, but he was the best QB I saw all year. For me, it was the mobility and accuracy combined.

[UNH72Plus]

ODU's QB reminds me of Ricky Santos - only better! I only watched the one game against GSU, but our coverage wasn't as bad as the stats indicate. Passes were on the money, the receivers made catches, and the OL provided great protection. If the QB was pressured, he had the speed and athleticism to get away and actually netted 75 rushing yards. Defenses will have their hands full.

Watch what you say about Saint Ricky! Seriously though, I thought Heinicke was certainly one of the best (if not the best) young QBs in the FCS. He showed poise, an accurate throwing arm (2380 yards in 8 1/2 games), the ability to run, and good judgement (only 1 interception in380 attempts). He bears watching next year, and if UNH doesn't find some defensive help, September 12th could be a long, painful Saturday afternoon.

[Blue Eagle]

...Difference between GSU defense in 2010 and 2011? New defensive coordinator

In losing Brent Pry we lost a LOT. If Curtis continues playing the current scheme, I don't see our defense doing any better. I also don't see Russell having a chance at the Buchanon in this scheme.

I agree with the above.

Ga. Southern's defense seemed passive to me. With 2 All Americans and some very good players on defense the Eagles should not have given up the number of points they did especially in the playoffs! If the right changes are made and I think Coach Monken will see that they are the defense should be a lot better.

Jaybo Shaw has been the most valuable player on the team the last 2 years, but with their athletics skills and what the returning qbs have learned from watching Jaybo (and Jaybo may be on the coaching staff next year) the offense should be outstanding again. In fact, the offense should be harder to defend with the extra speed and quickness!

If the defense improves the Eagles will be hard to beat!!!

1 - NDSU
2 - Ga. Southern
3 - SHSU
4 - Montana
5 - Maine
6 - Youngstown State
7 - James Madison
8 - Chattanooga
9 - ODU
10 - Furman

Yes, I am a big SoCon fan and think Chattanooga & Furman will surprise a lot of people!

Others who could make the 2012 Final Top 25 and maybe Top 10: ASU, Jacksonville State, SC State, Towson, Eastern Kentucky, Delaware, Wofford, The Citadel, Hampton, Lehigh, Northern Iowa, Montana State, New Hampshire, Cal Poly, Bethume Cookman

[344Johnson]

8 - Chattanooga


I was under the impression that the defending national champion automatically would be #1?

[Twentysix]

How many coaches did montana lose? I was on egriz and it said something like looking for a new OC/DC.

[asumike83]

1 - NDSU
2 - Ga. Southern
3 - SHSU
4 - Montana
5 - Maine
6 - Youngstown State
7 - James Madison
8 - Chattanooga
9 - ODU
10 - Furman


Chattanooga and Furman improving from 5 and 6 wins respectively to the Top 10 would be unlikely in my opinion, especially since they are both losing their starting QB. Chattanooga also loses their top WR in Bradford, while Furman has to replace two of their best defenders in Steed and Anderson. I do think they will be good teams and likely in playoff contention but not elite.

[Blue Eagle]

[QUOTE=asumike83;1763319]Chattanooga and Furman improving from 5 and 6 wins respectively to the Top 10 would be unlikely in my opinion, especially since they are both losing their starting QB. Chattanooga also loses their top WR in Bradord, while Furman has to replace two of their best defenders in Steed and Anderson. I do think they will be good teams and likely in playoff contention but not elite.[/QUOTE

Chattanooga's Freshman QB was the second best QB that I saw play against Ga. Southern!

Considering UTC lost to ASU, Ga. Southern & The Citadel by a total of 4 points they were very close to making the playoffs.

Both are obviously longshots to make the Top 10. But I wanted to pick a couple of dark horses. I do think they can surprise everyone and do it!

Of course, ASU could easily make the Top 10 and probably will!

[Blue Eagle]

Originally Posted by Blue Eagle "8 - Chattanooga"


I was under the impression that the defending national champion automatically would be #1?

TOUCHE

[The Eagle's Cliff]

I think we see why "the usual suspects" make polls at every level each year. We can make good guesses based on returning starters, program history, SOS, etc, but I kinda believe in the "any given Saturday" concept of football. Teams get hot. Balls bounce one way or the other and, of course, key injuries can be the difference between 10-1 and 7-4.

Montana, Georgia Southern, App St., Delaware, and Northern Iowa will be in the polls based on program history in FCS and/or making the playoffs in 2011. Wofford, Jax St., Montana St., and Lehigh will be there as strong contenders in their conference. JMU, New Hampshire, Maine, William & Mary, ODU, and Richmond will make receive votes. Towson will be there after voters realize they were overlooked and that's not a knock on Towson's current team, but their history. Of course NDSU will be pre-season #1 and SHSU should be #2.

Teams that showed promise, in spite of unimpressive records such as Chatty and Furman will get some early votes along with Albany, Stony Brook, Norfolk St., Tenn Tech, Eastern Ky, and Bethune Cookman. The usual Ivy and SWAC schools will get there votes as well in spite of NEVER proving anything against playoff caliber teams.

In spite of all the polling and discussion, however, we'll be watching Chattanooga and Ga State playing for the NC come January.

[alvinkayak6]

Furman is losing too much to be a top 10 team next year. Towson and Old Dominion are young and have good talent returning. They might make the outside of the top ten.

The Missouri Valley's Illinois State was unfortunate to miss the playoffs. They could be a dark horse. Youngstown's Kurt Hess is an up-and-comer. YSU might be an outsider, as well.

1. NDSU
2. SHSU
3. Montana
4. Montana State
5. App State
6. Georgia Southern
7. Northern Iowa
8. Towson
9. Lehigh
10. Old Dominion

[penguinpower]

Youngstown should be in the mix next year. On offense they will be a handful. They were so young that they really needed another year in the weight room. This should be a breakout year for the Penguins. We saw glimpses of their capability at times last year. They open with Pitt this year and I expect this to be a winable game for the Penguins. Unfortunately they have to play away at the Fargo Dome for the second consecutive year because Patty Viverito is a dirty tramp.

[The Eagle's Cliff]

Youngstown should be in the mix next year. On offense they will be a handful. They were so young that they really needed another year in the weight room. This should be a breakout year for the Penguins. We saw glimpses of their capability at times last year. They open with Pitt this year and I expect this to be a winable game for the Penguins. Unfortunately they have to play away at the Fargo Dome for the second consecutive year because Patty Viverito is a dirty tramp.


Was Tressell THE reason behind the run in the 90's? What explanation would you give for YSU's long absence from contention?

[asumike83]

Chattanooga's Freshman QB was the second best QB that I saw play against Ga. Southern!

Considering UTC lost to ASU, Ga. Southern & The Citadel by a total of 4 points they were very close to making the playoffs.

Both are obviously longshots to make the Top 10. But I wanted to pick a couple of dark horses. I do think they can surprise everyone and do it!

Of course, ASU could easily make the Top 10 and probably will!

UTC definitely could turn the corner and improve to being an 8-9 win team that finds themselves in the Top 10 but it would certainly be a surprise! Their freshman QB (Robinson?) was very good against y'all, I actually was able to watch that game. However, I think part of the reason he was so effective is because GSU was prepared for B.J. Coleman and when he came in and provided a running threat at the QB position, it sort of threw off the game plan. It will be a tall task for him to lead UTC to a Top 10 caliber season when all the other teams only have him to plan for. Time will tell I suppose, they will definitely be a fun team to watch.

As for ASU, I have no doubt we will start off in the Top 10-15 because of name recognition but I'll wait until after the ECU and Montana games to say whether we deserve it!

[CFBfan]

Maybe I'm confused. I thought Sam Houston State beat Montana. I loss in the National Championship should not drop the team lower than a team they already beat. You'll have to wait until next year.

It's not about who did what this year, it's all about what they're potential is for NEXT year. For example: look a Nova....National championship one year, in the krapper the next. Hopefuly that clears up your confusion.

[penguinpower]

Was Tressell THE reason behind the run in the 90's? What explanation would you give for YSU's long absence from contention?

Tressel was one of the reasons. The AD that hire Tressel was very good. Tress had assembled and outstanding coaching staff and system that he took to Ohio State. Mark D'antonio the HC at Michigan state and formerly at Ohio State was the DC, Jim Heacock formerly Ohio state DC was also on the Staff. mark Snyder (former HC at Marshall) was on the staff. Tressel could recruit and NE Ohio is a hotbed for great football players as the HS programs are some of the best in the nation. NE Ohio is a cradle of coaches. Bo Pelini, Carl Pelini, Bob Stoops, Mike Stoops, and Mark Stoops all went to the same high school in Youngstown. Mark Mangino (former Kansas Coach) is from a neighboring town and they are all friends. Les Miles and Urban Myer are from the Cleveland and Ashtabula area about 45 minutes North of Y-town. The DC at Michigan State Pat Narduzzi coached at Youngstown State and Bob Davie also played at Youngstown as well as Ron Jaworski. It has always been difficult to keep the local kids.

Jon Heacock was Tressel's assistant HC and Tressel eventually became AD and HC of the football team before he left in 2000. Tressel named his TE from the 1991 championship (Ron Strollo) team as the new AD and named Jon Heacock as the HC when Tressel left. Jon was not into recruiting, and did not get the talent that was needed to keep winning. I think that Ron was loyal to Jon because he played for Jon. Jon was his coach while he played. The fans were getting upset. YSU made only one playoff appearance under Heacock in in the 2006 and lost to App State in the semifinals. They could have made it in 2001 and 2007, but 8-3 did not get them in, plus the scheduling was a problem because they were 8-3 several times but did not get in because of D2 scheduling issues. YSU shared a conference title one year and did not get into the playoffs. They took Colgate that year and no one knows why, but they were Woffed.

As time went on the attendance began to fall off and the AD was force into making a decision. Mark Stoops was in the running, but they ended up hiring Eric Wolford (also from Youngstown) from South Carolina. Wolford was coaching under Spurrier and he wanted the job a year before Heacock was forced to resign.

Wolford is an Alpha recruiter and they had 43 kids leave the team his first year. he has recruited many true D1 athletes with power and speed and he is piecing it together. This will be year 3. YSU's OC was the HC at Miami University and coached Ben Rothlisberger (spelling). He has a good staff and a very young team and the community is patiently waiting for the wins to come. Too many underclassmen playing....way too many. Wolfford was hired so late his first year that he didn't have much time to recruit, so he only won 3 games with Heacock's class. Last year was the first year he had his kids play. The large turnover occurred after Wolford's first year because of the timing issues when he was hired. This will be his second full year and he has significantly upgraded the talent level. The Penguins will be bad news next year, especially because he got the strength and conditioning coach he hand picked in May 2011. YSU will be back in the national spotlight. They have also added the indoor practice facility that is simply outstanding. This will help recruiting.

Wolford has been able to get some of the local talent, but Tressel was a master at keeping the local kids from the Youngstown hotbed of recruiting.

Fierce loyalty in the fraternity of coaching and the family of football was the issue for the absence IMOP

[Cocky]

I feel real sure JSU will not go undefeated next year with Arkansas and Florida on the schedule. Im just as sure we wont be in the top ten with Jack Crowe as the HC.

[oceandogs]

Stony Brook doesn't have a storied history, but they should be in this conversation. They return 17 starters from this years playoff team including a 1600 yard back and one of the most efficient QB's in FCS.

[JohnStOnge]

It is unlikely that the top two teams of one year are going to be the top two teams of the next year. It happens. Youngstown State and Marshall played for the national title three years in a row 1991 - 1993 then Montana and Marshall did it twice during 1995 -1996. So if I'm not missing other rematches in consecutive seasons that's five times in 34 tournaments. And it hasn't happened for 15 years now.

So it's probably not going to be North Dakota State and Sam Houston State. For that reason I don't see any big deal about writing a list that shows something different for one or both of the top 2.

[R3TRO]

Has anyone even looked at what Maine is losing next year before posting on here?

Both QB's
Top 2 RB's
Top WR
Top TE
1 Starting OL
3 Starting DL
1 Starting LB
Their 2 All-American safety's

[mainejeff]

Has anyone even looked at what Maine is losing next year before posting on here?

Both QB's
Top 2 RB's
Top WR
Top TE
1 Starting OL
3 Starting DL
1 Starting LB
Their 2 All-American safety's

"Both QBs" - ???.......we only had 1 QB (Smith) and yes he is graduating.
"Top 2 RB's" - Brown graduates, but Hood was our #2 (326 yards, 4.7 avg) and he will be a SOPHOMORE.
"Top WR" - McDonald (1st Team All-CAA, 591 yards, 10.2 avg) was our #1. He will be a SENIOR.
"Top TE" - Perillo (2nd Team All-CAA, 494 yards, 10.1 avg) was our #1. He will be a JUNIOR.
"1 Starting OL" - Howley (1st Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a SENIOR.
"3 Starting DL" - Cole (2nd Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a JUNIOR.
"Their 2 All-American safety's" - I'll give you this one, but Kendall James (3rd Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a JUNIOR.

I don't think that Maine is losing anymore than most top teams........the QB position will be key, but at least he will have some decent returnees around him.

What's UNH losing?

[R3TRO]

"Both QBs" - ???.......we only had 1 QB (Smith) and yes he is graduating.
"Top 2 RB's" - Brown graduates, but Hood was our #2 (326 yards, 4.7 avg) and he will be a SOPHOMORE.
"Top WR" - McDonald (1st Team All-CAA, 591 yards, 10.2 avg) was our #1. He will be a SENIOR.
"Top TE" - Perillo (2nd Team All-CAA, 494 yards, 10.1 avg) was our #1. He will be a JUNIOR.
"1 Starting OL" - Howley (1st Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a SENIOR.
"3 Starting DL" - Cole (2nd Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a JUNIOR.
"Their 2 All-American safety's" - I'll give you this one, but Kendall James (3rd Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a JUNIOR.

I don't think that Maine is losing anymore than most top teams........the QB position will be key, but at least he will have some decent returnees around him.

What's UNH losing?

I wasn't trying to say people should be choosing UNH over Maine. I just wanted to point out some of the losses Maine will be taking on both sides of the ball. A lot of talent gone but a lot of young talent returning.

[mainejeff]

The most important returnee for UNH is their head coach.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The most important returnee for UNH is their head coach.

At this level that means a lot if you're a successful program. The biggest thing Lehigh has going for it is the fact that their HC, OC and DC will all be back next year.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

Delaware does better when nobody is paying attention -

Everyone says this about their team, but in reality, if everyone is paying attention there is likely a reason and you are probably winning in order to generate said attention.

Top 10 for 2012:
1. NDSU - Limited drop off, and due to injuries many lower on the depth chart got PT, so they should be solid.
2. ODU - Solid play at QB, should be good for a long time. Early players are now Juniors and Seniors. CAA favorite if you ask me.
3. YSU - returns a lot, only going to be stronger.
4. Montana - BigSky power, always good and always in the mix at the end of the season. This is just a feeling that they will continue to rule the West.
5. JMU - homer pick, but really due to injuries, the Dukes return a ton of experience, including a Sr. QB, and lose very little. O-line should be deeper and better. A stable of backs.
6. GSU - They have to replace an excellent QB, but I believe they have a solid option that has been waiting in the wings. Triple option will continue to rack up points.
7. App St. - They will be good. They need to get better on defense to become more elite.
8. Delaware - getting some transfers and they will be healthy next year. A very tough team that will be back in the national conversation.
9. Sam Houston - There will be a bit of a NC-title shot hangover, but is anyone really going to challenge them in the SLC? Maybe Central Arkansas, but I don't think so.
10. Eastern Kentucky - OVC Co-champs come back even better and win it outright in 2012.

Gut feelings that these teams will be good and in the conversation:
Wofford, UNH, Cal Poly, Indiana St.

Ok, time to take my beatings. xprayxxpeacex

[R3TRO]

The most important returnee for UNH is their head coach.

This is a valid statement every year regardless of what players are returning.

[asumike83]

After much deliberation, I have come up with my entirely too early pre-season 2012 Top 10:

1) North Dakota State - Steamrolled through the playoffs and return a ton of talent. I think they have got to be the team to beat at this point.
2) Sam Houston State - One game away from an unblemished championship run with their share of talent returning as well. Do not see an SLC team ready to dethrone them.
3) Georgia Southern - Jaybo Shaw was a very smart option QB but assuming Youyoute has been paying attention, his athleticism may make their offense even better.
4) Old Dominion - They had a very impressive 2011 as a young team, I expect them to be even better next season.
5) James Madison - Assuming they return healthy in 2012, they have the talent to make a deep run in the postseason.
6) Delaware - See JMU above.
7) Montana - I do not have them as high as some because of all they lose but I have a feeling the Grizz will be right back in the mix.
8) Montana State - I still think they are the 2nd best team in the Big Sky and have to travel to Missoula this year but overall, I like the Bobcats.
9) Wofford - Replacing a QB in the wishbone system is tough but Brian Kass is a Raleigh product with a decorated HS career and I think he will be a good one. The Terriers will be a tough out again.
10) Appalachian State - Part homer pick and partly because we return 10 of 11 defensive starters and have a great OC returning to Boone. Tough schedule will tell early on how good this team really is but if the offense makes strides, the ability is there to return to national contention.

Dark Horses:
Eastern Kentucky - Snuck into the playoffs in 2011 and played JMU to the wire. If they can build on that success, they could be a team to watch.
Youngstown State - They have both NDSU and UNI at home this season. If they can win one or both of those, they have Top 10 potential.
Chattanooga - Similar to YSU, they get both GSU and ASU at their place and are a very young team. If they can overcome 2 key losses (Coleman, Bradford) they could finally get over the hump and be a contender.

Signing day and coaching changes all around could make this list a lot different but right now, these are my gut picks.

[BisonFan02]

After much deliberation, I have come up with my entirely too early pre-season 2012 Top 10:

1) North Dakota State - Steamrolled through the playoffs and return a ton of talent. I think they have got to be the team to beat at this point.
2) Sam Houston State - One game away from an unblemished championship run with their share of talent returning as well. Do not see an SLC team ready to dethrone them.
3) Georgia Southern - Jaybo Shaw was a very smart option QB but assuming Youyoute has been paying attention, his athleticism may make their offense even better.
4) Old Dominion - They had a very impressive 2011 as a young team, I expect them to be even better next season.
5) James Madison - Assuming they return healthy in 2012, they have the talent to make a deep run in the postseason.
6) Delaware - See JMU above.
7) Montana - I do not have them as high as some because of all they lose but I have a feeling the Grizz will be right back in the mix.
8) Montana State - I still think they are the 2nd best team in the Big Sky and have to travel to Missoula this year but overall, I like the Bobcats.
9) Wofford - Replacing a QB in the wishbone system is tough but Brian Kass is a Raleigh product with a decorated HS career and I think he will be a good one. The Terriers will be a tough out again.
10) Appalachian State - Part homer pick and partly because we return 10 of 11 defensive starters and have a great OC returning to Boone. Tough schedule will tell early on how good this team really is but if the offense makes strides, the ability is there to return to national contention.

Dark Horses:
Eastern Kentucky - Snuck into the playoffs in 2011 and played JMU to the wire. If they can build on that success, they could be a team to watch.
Youngstown State - They have both NDSU and UNI at home this season. If they can win one or both of those, they have Top 10 potential.
Chattanooga - Similar to YSU, they get both GSU and ASU at their place and are a very young team. If they can overcome 2 key losses (Coleman, Bradford) they could finally get over the hump and be a contender.

Signing day and coaching changes all around could make this list a lot different but right now, these are my gut picks.

Oddly enough, YSU has to come to Fargo again (this time, for NDSU's homecoming). With USD being added to the mix, schedules were mixed around and the typical alternating rotation was screwed up. NDSU doesn't play WIU, for example, the next two seasons.

[asumike83]

Oddly enough, YSU has to come to Fargo again (this time, for NDSU's homecoming). With USD being added to the mix, schedules were mixed around and the typical alternating rotation was screwed up. NDSU doesn't play WIU, for example, the next two seasons.

Interesting, I just figured they had them at home since they played in Fargo this year. I still think they are a dark horse but that makes it a bit tougher!

[BisonFan02]

Interesting, I just figured they had them at home since they played in Fargo this year. I still think they are a dark horse but that makes it a bit tougher!

Definately

[UNH72Plus]

"Both QBs" - ???.......we only had 1 QB (Smith) and yes he is graduating.
"Top 2 RB's" - Brown graduates, but Hood was our #2 (326 yards, 4.7 avg) and he will be a SOPHOMORE.
"Top WR" - McDonald (1st Team All-CAA, 591 yards, 10.2 avg) was our #1. He will be a SENIOR.
"Top TE" - Perillo (2nd Team All-CAA, 494 yards, 10.1 avg) was our #1. He will be a JUNIOR.
"1 Starting OL" - Howley (1st Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a SENIOR.
"3 Starting DL" - Cole (2nd Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a JUNIOR.
"Their 2 All-American safety's" - I'll give you this one, but Kendall James (3rd Team All-CAA) returns. He will be a JUNIOR.

I don't think that Maine is losing anymore than most top teams........the QB position will be key, but at least he will have some decent returnees around him.

What's UNH losing?

UNH's key losses are Decker (QB), McNally (DT), and their top two tight ends. They lose only one offensive lineman, but return their top three running backs and three of the top four wide receivers. They also lose several DB's, but considering that they were the #105 pass defense in the FCS I'm not sure how critical that is.

[hidalgo]

Danefan- I think that Duquesne will probably be the preseason favorite (thought I posted earlier but couldnt find it) I think they have arguably 5 of the top 10 players in the confernce with McCoy, Patterson, Bell (OSU transfer), Operanozie, Kona Defensive NEC MVP. With Albany at home I like their chances. I love the opener at ODU with all the press they are getting.........maybe us little guys from the NEC can sneak up on them!!! If they win that game who knows???????? 9-2 last year. Albany is a class program and it is finally good to be able to compete with them year in and out!!!

[Baldy]

Isn't it a bit early to guess about a Top Ten? I think we could venture a better guess once recruiting is complete...

Any team who is going to rely on true freshmen to play that pivotal of a role next season isn't going to be top 10 worthy anyway.

[chattownmocs]

Chattanooga Mocs. Its time. Sure we lose some of our best guys, BJ Coleman, Jordan Tippit, Ryan Consiglio, and Joel Bradford, bu those are the only starters we lose. Beasts like DJ Key, Wes Dothard, Josh Freeman and Kadeem Wise return on defense. All of which are probably the best players in the conference at their positions. Then you have the other 5 defensive starters coming back. On offense you lose Coleman and Bradford. but return Keon Williams after his suspension, will be among the most talented backs in the country. The Oline should develop some chemistry in its return. If Terrell Robsinson develops his passing skills the mocs won't be stopped.

[Apphole]

1. UTC
2. Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?
3. Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?
4. Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?
5. Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?
6. Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?
7. Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?
8. Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?
9. Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?
10.Who cares? Can we keep talking about UTC?

[Horseshoe App]

Any team who is going to rely on true freshmen to play that pivotal of a role next season isn't going to be top 10 worthy anyway.

We are not going to rely on true freshman. We have quite a nucleus returning. Our biggest challenge will be the o-line. I think we will use some redshirt freshman, specifically on the o-line. I pretty sure we will be top ten.
By the way, Georgia Southern was quite dependent on Freshman and Sophomores the last two years, so are you saying your team was not Top Ten worthy? I think not. But, as you know, sometimes these True Freshman will come in and play like all stars. I guess we will see. It sure does look like both Georgia Southern and ASU are recruiting very well.

[Horseshoe App]

Chattanooga Mocs. Its time. Sure we lose some of our best guys, BJ Coleman, Jordan Tippit, Ryan Consiglio, and Joel Bradford, bu those are the only starters we lose. Beasts like DJ Key, Wes Dothard, Josh Freeman and Kadeem Wise return on defense. All of which are probably the best players in the conference at their positions. Then you have the other 5 defensive starters coming back. On offense you lose Coleman and Bradford. but return Keon Williams after his suspension, will be among the most talented backs in the country. The Oline should develop some chemistry in its return. If Terrell Robsinson develops his passing skills the mocs won't be stopped.

Yes, you have the nucleus to be 5-6 or 6-5. You guys are consistent at choking when it means the most. By the way, you guys simply do not have the talent of GSU or ASU. Once you realize that, you will have to accept your position in the pecking order of both the Southern Conference and the Nation.

[chattownmocs]

Yes, you have the nucleus to be 5-6 or 6-5. You guys are consistent at choking when it means the most. By the way, you guys simply do not have the talent of GSU or ASU. Once you realize that, you will have to accept your position in the pecking order of both the Southern Conference and the Nation.

The mocs have more talent almost accross the board than App State at this point. If you think we are going to lose 5 conference games by an average of 2 points a game and win 3 by an average of 30 ever again than you aren't very bright. Chattanooga has as much talent and now as much expreience as anyone.

[cbarrier90]

Chattanooga has as much talent and now as much expreience as anyone.

This is true. If you're looking for a team that's a sure-fire bet to lose a game 28-27 you won't find a more experienced squad...

[TheRevSFA]

The mocs have more talent almost accross the board than App State at this point. If you think we are going to lose 5 conference games by an average of 2 points a game and win 3 by an average of 30 ever again than you aren't very bright. Chattanooga has as much talent and now as much expreience as anyone.

I'll bet you go 6-5 or worse this season. Wanna take it? We can keep it small just in case you are broke...or keep it free. If I win, you have to change your signature to something of my choosing until the 2013 season starts.

[asumike83]

The mocs have more talent almost accross the board than App State at this point. If you think we are going to lose 5 conference games by an average of 2 points a game and win 3 by an average of 30 ever again than you aren't very bright. Chattanooga has as much talent and now as much expreience as anyone.

You beat up the 3 worst teams in the SoCon and couldn't finish any of the top 5. Regardless of the margin of defeat, it is not that uncommon in general and late collapses have become a trend for Chattanooga.

There is certainly good talent returning on your roster but until it is proven on the field, it is hard to argue that they are among the conference elite.

[chattownmocs]

I'll bet you go 6-5 or worse this season. Wanna take it? We can keep it small just in case you are broke...or keep it free. If I win, you have to change your signature to something of my choosing until the 2013 season starts.

Ban bet?

[chattownmocs]

You beat up the 3 worst teams in the SoCon and couldn't finish any of the top 5. Regardless of the margin of defeat, it is not that uncommon in general and late collapses have become a trend for Chattanooga.

There is certainly good talent returning on your roster but until it is proven on the field, it is hard to argue that they are among the conference elite.

It's very uncommon to lose all 5 games that come down to the very end and win all 3 blowouts that you participate in in conference.

[TheRevSFA]

Ban bet?

Eh. No. The reason why is you disappeared after football season for 2 months as it was. I'd rather have your posts, even if you leave, with a signature of my choosing.

[asumike83]

It's very uncommon to lose all 5 games that come down to the very end and win all 3 blowouts that you participate in in conference.

Margin is uncommon, yes. But the end result (beating the bottom 3 and losing to the top 5) is not. Those close losses are becoming increasingly common for your team though, which has to be a concern. Until they buck that trend, they will continue to tread water and remain middle of the pack.

[chattownmocs]

Margin is uncommon, yes. But the end result (beating the bottom 3 and losing to the top 5) is not. Those close losses are becoming increasingly common for your team though, which has to be a concern. Until they buck that trend, they will continue to tread water and remain middle of the pack.

They didn't beat the bottom 3 and lose to the top 5. That isn't even what happened. You need to go take another look at the standings. With how Chattanooga played this year it was just as likely that they would have gone 8-0 as 3-5. Unfortunately it was the latter. I guess with what all the mocs have coming back it is easier for people to say they were just a typical 3-5 SOCON team.

[blueballs]

The mocs have more talent almost accross the board than App State at this point. If you think we are going to lose 5 conference games by an average of 2 points a game and win 3 by an average of 30 ever again than you aren't very bright. Chattanooga has as much talent and now as much expreience as anyone.

You can't say Chatty has as much talent and experience as App or GSU when they have nobody on their roster who has ever participated in a playoff game.

Playoff experience, and in GSU's case the past 2 years the extra 4 weeks of practice that comes along with it, is huge and can't be duplicated. If my math is right only NDSU with 7 playoff games has played in more playoff games the past 2 years than GSU's 6.

I might buy that Chatty has the potential to get to App and GSU's level but they sure haven't done it yet so there is no way you can put them on the same level at this point.

[asumike83]

They didn't beat the bottom 3 and lose to the top 5. That isn't even what happened. You need to go take another look at the standings. With how Chattanooga played this year it was just as likely that they would have gone 8-0 as 3-5. Unfortunately it was the latter. I guess with what all the mocs have coming back it is easier for people to say they were just a typical 3-5 SOCON team.

Mixed up Samford and The Citadel so you're right, it did not happen exactly that way. Still, my point is the same: UTC was not able to knock off any schools in the top half of the conference and beat Samford, Elon and Western who had 6, 5 and 1 wins respectively.

I agree that y'all are a talented team and were much better than a typical 3-5 SoCon team. However, it just goes to show that it is a deep conference and until the players and coaches learn how to win close games, it is going to be a struggle because there are a lot of them in our league.

[chattownmocs]

You can't say Chatty has as much talent and experience as App or GSU when they have nobody on their roster who has ever participated in a playoff game.

Playoff experience, and in GSU's case the past 2 years the extra 4 weeks of practice that comes along with it, is huge and can't be duplicated. If my math is right only NDSU with 7 playoff games has played in more playoff games the past 2 years than GSU's 6.

I might buy that Chatty has the potential to get to App and GSU's level but they sure haven't done it yet so there is no way you can put them on the same level at this point.

Well they are definitely at the same level from a talent standpoint. The games against those teams have clearly shown that. As far as programs you can't put them at the same level until Chattanooga wins something.

[Seawolf97]

I think our stock just went up with Iowa running back Marcus Coker signing tomorrow. He will be a junior in September. Aa soph at Iowa he rushed for 1394 yards and 15 TD's in the Big Ten. Also Adrian Coxson a transfer wide receiver from Univ. of Maryland will sign. Adrian was an ESPN 4 Star with a rating of 101 in high school.

[frozennorth]

I think our stock just went up with Iowa running back Marcus Coker signing tomorrow. He will be a junior in September. Aa soph at Iowa he rushed for 1394 yards and 15 TD's in the Big Ten. Also Adrian Coxson a transfer wide receiver from Univ. of Maryland will sign. Adrian was an ESPN 4 Star with a rating of 101 in high school.
sbu will be in my preseason top10