Preseason Sports Network Top 25 Poll

[smallcollegefbfan]

DEFENDING CHAMP APPALACHIAN STATE OPENS 2006 AS NO. 1 in I-AA
New Hampshire, Montana Round Out the Top Three

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Sports Network)—With 17 starters returning from last year’s national championship squad, the Appalachian State Mountaineers begin the 2006 season as the number one team in The Sports Network Top 25. The Mountaineers garner the top spot in the preseason poll for the first time in school history. The only other time that Appalachian State reached the top spot was after last season’s title game. This season, a national panel of media and sports information directors has predicted that the Mountaineers can win two in a row. The NCAA I-AA championship will be played in Chattanooga, TN on December 15.

Last season, head coach Jerry Moore led the Mountaineers to an 8-3 regular season mark and the Southern Conference title before advancing to the I-AA title game for the first time in school history. After earning the No. 2 seed in the I-AA playoffs, the Mountaineers knocked off Lafayette, Southern Illinois and Furman before defeating Northern Iowa, 21-16, in the title game. The Mountaineers’ No. 1 selection marks the sixth time in the past seven seasons, and third year in a row, that the defending champion earned the top spot in the preseason rankings. Appalachian State received 68 of a possible 94 first-place votes and 2,306 points overall to earn the No. 1 ranking.

New Hampshire picked up 14 first-place votes and 2,153 points to claim the No. 2 position heading into the 2006 campaign. The Wildcats fell, 24-21, to Northern Iowa in last year’s quarterfinals and finished the season ranked No. 5. New Hampshire held the No. 1 ranking for five weeks during the 2005 season and earned the top seed in the playoffs.

Montana claimed the No. 3 spot in the preseason for the third year in a row, and placed in the preseason top five for the 13th consecutive year. The Grizzlies picked up five first-place votes and 1,954 points. After last year’s run to the title game, Northern Iowa is at No. 4 with three first-place votes and 1,936 points. Furman came in just behind the Grizzlies and Panthers, as the Paladins landed at No. 5 with 1,928 points.

After advancing to last year’s quarterfinals, Cal Poly begins the season at No. 6. The Mustangs are followed by Youngstown State at No. 7, James Madison at No. 8, Illinois State at No. 9 and Massachusetts at No. 10.

Southland Conference preseason favorite McNeese State starts at No. 11, with Georgia Southern at No. 12, Hampton at No. 13, Eastern Illinois at No. 14 and Richmond at No. 15.

The next five positions are occupied by Delaware at No. 16, Southern Illinois at No. 17, Texas State at No. 18, North Dakota State at No. 19 and Eastern Kentucky at No. 20.

Rounding out the top 25 is UC Davis at No. 21, Montana State at No. 22, Grambling State at No. 23, Nicholls State at No. 24 and Coastal Carolina at No. 25.

The Atlantic 10 leads all I-AA leagues with five teams in the Top 25, while the Gateway Conference placed four teams in the rankings. Each league placed three teams in the top 10. The Southland, Southern and Great West Football Conferences each notched three selections, and 10 conferences were represented by at least one team in the rankings.

The first Sports Network I-AA Top 25 poll of the regular season will be announced Monday, September 4th.

The Sports Network 2006 Preseason I-AA College Football Poll

Team (First-place votes) 2005 Record Points 2005 Final Rank
1. Appalachian State (68) 12-3 2,306 1
2. New Hampshire (14) 11-2 2,153 5
3. Montana (5) 8-4 1,954 12
4. Northern Iowa (3) 11-4 1,936 2
5. Furman (1) 11-3 1,928 3
6. Cal Poly (3) 9-4 1,846 6
7. Youngstown State 8-3 1,446 14
8. James Madison 7-4 1,338 25
9. Illinois State 7-4 1,297 22
10. Massachusetts 7-4 1,170 19
11. McNeese State 5-4 1,006 NR
12. Georgia Southern 8-4 967 9
13. Hampton 11-1 939 10
14. Eastern Illinois 9-3 865 16
15. Richmond 9-4 835 8
16. Delaware 6-5 815 NR
17. Southern Illinois 9-4 809 7
18 Texas State 11-3 770 4
19. North Dakota State 7-4 713 NR
20. Eastern Kentucky 7-4 709 NR
21. UC Davis 6-5 576 NR
22. Montana State 7-4 550 18
23. Grambling State 11-1 511 11
24. Nicholls State 6-4 378 17
25. Coastal Carolina 9-2 356 24

Others receiving votes (in order of points, minimum of five required): Eastern Washington 307, Colgate 292, Idaho State 244, South Carolina State 233, Lafayette 228, Western Kentucky 179, Brown 149, Lehigh 100, Harvard 96, Portland State 92, Hofstra 91, Northwestern State 68, Southeastern Louisiana 37, Weber State 29, Alabama A & M 27, William & Mary 25, Jacksonville State 24, Missouri State 18, Penn 17, Southern 14, Chattanooga 13, Stephen F. Austin 12, Mississippi Valley State 11, South Dakota State 10, Wofford 9, Jackson State 8, Western Illinois 8, Alcorn State 7, Western Carolina 7, Murray State 6, Maine 5.

[OL FU]

First comment - No Patriot team:eek:
Looks like they did they same thing AGS did, split the vote for the top three teams

[smallcollegefbfan]

Here is a link:

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/AGN4034496.htm

[carney2]

First comment - No Patriot team:eek:
Looks like they did they same thing AGS did, split the vote for the top three teams

Also no Ivy teams.

One can pick nit over a team or a placement, but on the whole a very good job.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I personally think Illinois State will finish in the top 5. I don't think any PL or Ivy League team is a sure top 25 at this point. Those leagues are wide open. I am sure someone will emerge as the top team after about 5 weeks. I still think we need to abandon preseason polls all together and vote on them after about 5-6 weeks.

[Go...gate]

As pre-season predictions evolve, I have less of a problem with absence of Patriot or Ivy. It looks like a good poll.

[LacesOut]

I still think we need to abandon preseason polls all together and vote on them after about 5-6 weeks.

Exactly. This post is on point. You win the thread!!

[89Hen]

Why have them before the final week at all? Seriously, I always used to say don't have them until a couple weeks after the season starts, but where's the harm? Three games into the season we still have no clue a lot of years. :nod:

The Sports Network 2005 I-AA Top 25 Poll (9/26/05)
3. Western Kentucky (14) 2-1
5. Delaware (8) 3-0 :eek:
6. James Madison 2-1
11. Lehigh 2-1
12. Montana State 2-2
18. Western Carolina 2-1
19. William & Mary 2-2
22. Wofford 2-1
24. Idaho State 3-1
25. Northwestern State 1-2

[smallcollegefbfan]

Exactly. This post is on point. You win the thread!!

:D ... Thanks!

[OL FU]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SmallCollegeFootballFan

I still think we need to abandon preseason polls all together and vote on them after about 5-6 weeks.



Exactly. This post is on point. You win the thread!!

Because they are funxlolx

[GeauxColonels]

Why have them before the final week at all? Seriously, I always used to say don't have them until a couple weeks after the season starts, but where's the harm? Three games into the season we still have no clue a lot of years. :nod:

The Sports Network 2005 I-AA Top 25 Poll (9/26/05)
3. Western Kentucky (14) 2-1
5. Delaware (8) 3-0 :eek:
6. James Madison 2-1
11. Lehigh 2-1
12. Montana State 2-2
18. Western Carolina 2-1
19. William & Mary 2-2
22. Wofford 2-1
24. Idaho State 3-1
25. Northwestern State 1-2
I don't mind polls, but I think part of the problem is that if a team starts off too low, they could have too big of a mountain to climb to get a ranking the rightfully deserve. Granted, this isn't NEARLY as important as it is in I-A (a la Auburn Tigers in 2004), but I think it still plays a role in seeding and matchups come playoff time.

[LacesOut]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SmallCollegeFootballFan





Because they are funxlolx

Says you!!!!!!!! LOL

I know, I know, they make great MB material. I just don't care for them, whether they are for college football or college basketball.

Thank god the NFL and pro leagues don't have them.

[GeauxLions94]

11. McNeese State 5-4 1,006 NR


OVERRATED! Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

Granted, Cowboys will be better ... but not that much.

[89Hen]

I don't mind polls, but I think part of the problem is that if a team starts off too low, they could have too big of a mountain to climb to get a ranking the rightfully deserve. Granted, this isn't NEARLY as important as it is in I-A (a la Auburn Tigers in 2004), but I think it still plays a role in seeding and matchups come playoff time.
I agree that it is a concern in I-A, but not in I-AA IMO. Tough to find anyone severly underranked at the end of the regular season last year. AppSt was perhaps the most at #5 SN, but they were 8-3, so they were actually where they should be. They started the season NR by the SN so hard to agree. :twocents:

[smallcollegefbfan]

I agree that it is a concern in I-A, but not in I-AA IMO. Tough to find anyone severly underranked at the end of the regular season last year. AppSt was perhaps the most at #5 SN, but they were 8-3, so they were actually where they should be. They started the season NR by the SN so hard to agree. :twocents:

Records are not always a good indicator. You have to look at who and when the team lost. App lost to top 5 I-A team in LSU, top 50 I-A team in Kansas, and top 5 Furman. They barely lost to Furman on the road and gave LSU all they could handle late in the year. They were the best 8-3 squad in America by far.

If a team has four losses in the A-10 and the losses are to a I-A power, and to top 15 teams in the nation that team probably won't be ranked or will be ranked around 23-25 but that team could still be substantially better than teams who make the playoffs.

Hampton was 11-0 last year but they did not have any big wins. Smart voters had them outside of their top 10 all year long and that was proven to be smart after Richmond beat them pretty bad. Of course I think Richmond was underrated at the time but Hampton was also a bit overrated. I am not picking on Hampton but they happen to be a good example from last year.

[FlyYtown]

I think you will very well see Illinois State and Youngstown State sitting in the Top 5 all year in every poll.

Each team has great talent which can win it all.....

Great Job on this Poll!

[GoGuins]

I think you will very well see Illinois State and Youngstown State sitting in the Top 5 all year in every poll.

Each team has great talent which can win it all.....

Great Job on this Poll!

How dare you overlook UNI?!! :confused:

[FlyYtown]

How dare you overlook UNI?!! :confused:

I am not overlooking UNI, I just think they are an 8-3 Team, and 8-3 is not Top 5 Caliber.

10-1 and 9-2 in the Gateway is; and I think YSU and ILSU will do that.

[89Hen]

They were the best 8-3 squad in America by far.
And they were the highest ranked 8-3 team in the country. :confused: I said they were perhaps the most underrated at #5. I'm not sure I agree with your Hampton comment. Yes, they sure made those that had them outside of their top 10 look pretty good, but some of those same voters probably had UNI barely in the top 10. Hindsight is 20/20. BTW, I don't rank by record.

[*****]

Records are not always a good indicator... Hampton was 11-0 last year but they did not have any big wins...http://www.i-aa.org/article.asp?articleid=74448
App St was #1
Richmond was #11
Hampton was #14

[McNeeserocket]

OVERRATED! Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

Granted, Cowboys will be better ... but not that much.

I would think you would be happy McNeese is overrated. It means, since you believe Southeastern will slaughter McNeese again, that it could only make Southeastern's team look really good after beating McNeese.

Time will tell where teams should have been ranked. Time will tell if McNeese is/was overrated.

Most of us at McNeese would rather be rated much lower or not at all. We only care about improving and playing McNeese football. For you see, McNeese knows what polls and ratings are for and that is for idle minds to get worked up about.

[89Hen]

Most of us at McNeese would rather be rated much lower or not at all.
Understatement of the century. McNeese fans are the only bigger sandbaggers than Delaware fans. Constantly begging to be ranked lower. xlolx :nod: :bow:

[Chi Panther]

I think you will very well see Illinois State and Youngstown State sitting in the Top 5 all year in every poll.

Each team has great talent which can win it all.....

Great Job on this Poll!


I just put this post on my "FRIDGE"!!!!

: smh : : smh : : smh : : smh : : smh : : smh : : smh : : smh : : smh :

Sat. Sept. 16 at Penn State State College, Pa. 3:30 p.m

09/02/06 Kansas State Manhattan, Kan. 6:00 PM

[Mountain Panther]

Team (First-place votes) 2005 Record Points 2005 Final Rank
1. Appalachian State (68) 12-3 2,306 1
2. New Hampshire (14) 11-2 2,153 5
3. Montana (5) 8-4 1,954 12
4. Northern Iowa (3) 11-4 1,936 2
5. Furman (1) 11-3 1,928 3
6. Cal Poly (3) 9-4 1,846 6
7. Youngstown State 8-3 1,446 14
8. James Madison 7-4 1,338 25
9. Illinois State 7-4 1,297 22
10. Massachusetts 7-4 1,170 19


I would make two changes to this poll - move UNI up two spots and move YSU out of the top 10.

[smallcollegefbfan]

http://www.i-aa.org/article.asp?articleid=74448
App St was #1
Richmond was #11
Hampton was #14

See the poll worked itself out like it always does but heading into the playoffs Hampton was top 5, Richmond was underrated and App was underrated. Polls really mean nothing until playoff time. It seems like someone always gets exploited in the playoffs and someone else always comes out of nowhere.

[smallcollegefbfan]

And they were the highest ranked 8-3 team in the country. :confused: I said they were perhaps the most underrated at #5. I'm not sure I agree with your Hampton comment. Yes, they sure made those that had them outside of their top 10 look pretty good, but some of those same voters probably had UNI barely in the top 10. Hindsight is 20/20. BTW, I don't rank by record.

Yeah and they deserved to be. See unlike you and I some people will always vote a 10-1 team over a 9-2 team and that is not always right.

[*****]

See the poll worked itself out like it always does but heading into the playoffs Hampton was top 5, Richmond was underrated and App was underrated. Polls really mean nothing until playoff time. It seems like someone always gets exploited in the playoffs and someone else always comes out of nowhere.That was heading into the playoffs... the Final Regular Season Gridiron Power Index (GPI), November 21, 2005... http://www.i-aa.org/article.asp?articleid=74448

[smallcollegefbfan]

That was heading into the playoffs... the Final Regular Season Gridiron Power Index (GPI), November 21, 2005... http://www.i-aa.org/article.asp?articleid=74448

See that is why playoffs are so great. You find out who is legit and who is not.

[*****]

See that is why playoffs are so great. You find out who is legit and who is not.:nod: No BS in the CS!

[smallcollegefbfan]

:nod: No BS in the CS!

:hurray:

How many more posts until I get to vote???....... :confused:

[89Hen]

How many more posts until I get to vote???....... :confused:
Sorry. Your username eliminates you from the running. We only want people who think BIG! :p

[PaladinFan]

After the last few seasons, I have come to realize that the polls in D-1AA change often. It seems there is always a revolving door at the top, no team ever really able to hang on to the #1 spot.

I suppose the polls do help in that every little bit you can edge closer to the top to start, the better you will survive a late season loss. Furman's two losses last year came as the #2 and #1 team in the country, which was much easily absorbed then it would have been if we were 15 or so.

People say they don't mean much, but I'd much rather start highly ranked than have to fight my way to the top.

[blackfordpu]

Who in the world voted for SFA?

How did they get a vote and the Kats didn't?

[McNeese75]

OVERRATED! Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

Granted, Cowboys will be better ... but not that much.


That just really burns your azz don't it???xlolx

[Mr. C]

Understatement of the century. McNeese fans are the only bigger sandbaggers than Delaware fans. Constantly begging to be ranked lower. xlolx :nod: :bow:
Delaware fans are sandbaggers?
:cool: (My K.C. Keeler smiley)

[Mr. C]

Who in the world voted for SFA?

How did they get a vote and the Kats didn't?
Most people would have thought it was crazy to vote for Sam Houston State, too.

[89Hen]

Delaware fans are sandbaggers?
Yup. Second only to McNeese.

Sandbagging fans:
1. McNeese
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Colgate

Overestimating fans:
1. Southern/Grambling
2. Appalachian State
3. Massachusetts
4. Montana
:twocents:

[GreatAppSt]

Sorry 89 I'm and most of the Apps that have been around for at least 7 or 8 years are firmly in the sandbagging group. The new bunch? well, just chalk it up to youthful exuberance.

[Mr. C]

Yup. Second only to McNeese.

Sandbagging fans:
1. McNeese
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Colgate

Overestimating fans:
1. Southern/Grambling
2. Appalachian State
3. Massachusetts
4. Montana
:twocents:
Georgia Southern fans as sandbaggers? They think they should win the NC every year. UMass fans would be my No. 1 choice for overestimating fans. A lot of ASU fans were predicting a losing season and a new head coach before last season.

[89Hen]

Sorry 89 I'm and most of the Apps that have been around for at least 7 or 8 years are firmly in the sandbagging group. The new bunch? well, just chalk it up to youthful exuberance.
Unfortunately, your new bunch is also the most vocal. :nod: ;)

[McNeese75]

Yup. Second only to McNeese.

Sandbagging fans:
1. McNeese
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Colgate



:eek: I'm appalled !!!!!! :cool: xidiotx :smiley_wi

[89Hen]

Georgia Southern fans as sandbaggers? They think they should win the NC every year. UMass fans would be my No. 1 choice for overestimating fans. A lot of ASU fans were predicting a losing season and a new head coach before last season.
I'm just talking about the ones here and other general I-AA type boards. I don't frequent the SC anymore.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Sorry. Your username eliminates you from the running. We only want people who think BIG! :p

Oh come on this is small school football....well small school when referring to the amount of money the schools put in it and for most of them how big they are... :D ... I should be under consideration.. :thumbsup:

[89Hen]

BTW, far from scientific, but here's a thread from last year titled "What are the chances of your team making the playoffs..." and some of the results:

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2611

Sandbaggers (or in some cases just telling it like it is):
ISUMatt: "Illinois State has a less than 5% chance to make the playoffs"
ChickenMan: "too many things will have to go well for UD to get to the eight wins needed for a playoff bid"
blukeys: "What you said CM"
rcny46: "I can envision UNH losing 4 or 5,and that will negate their chances this year IMHO."
poharry: "Slim and none and none is going for the door right now." (WIU)
dungeonjoe: "WoCo has about a 3 in 10 shot of going"
McNeese75: "Probably not, most likely no way!" (king of sandbagging ;) )
HuskyAlum: "NU's chances for the playoffs... slim and next to none"
buckp: "I'm starting to get nervous over our first game"
slyfox: "we are a MAJOR longshot" (Liberty)
golionsgo: "We're probably not at the point in our program where we're ready to make a playoff push but I do think we're good enough to spoil someone else's chance."
colgate13: "I'd put Colgate in the 25-35% range"
Let'sGoNova: "Villanova is probably on the lower end of the playoff contenders in the A-10"
BlackandGoldExpress: "I'll put us at 35% chance right now" (ASU)


Walking the fence:
Tribe4SF: "I don't think anyone's odds are better than 50-50... I do expect us to be in the mix."
txstatebobcat: "While its certainly possible, all kinds of things could go wrong."
catbob: "I'd say the Cats chances are pretty decent, but not sound by any means... I give us a 65% chance, maybe 70%"
JaxSinfonian: "Fair-to-middlin" :confused:
th0m: "I have no idea. What I do know is that a lot of people expect us to." (JMU)
Pantherpower: "If they avoid that... better than average."
kats89: "Will wait until conference starts to make a more educated guess."
dukester: "60% we make the playoffs" (JMU)
putter: "Griz have 50/50 shot"

Not holding back:
Killtoppers90: "I'd say that WKU will make the playoffs again"
ngineer: "I would say Lehigh's chances are about 80%"
youwouldno: "Very high (Furman)"
OLFU: "Ditto" (to above)
saint0917: "Umass has about a 75 to 80% chance of making the playoffs"
eaglesrthe1: "I say an 80% chance for the Eagles"
SamAdams: "UMass is pretty well loaded... I'd give them a 70% chance"
GreatAppSt: "I think the Apps can make it, our schedule thinks we can't."
JMU2004: "if we were in any other conference, 80% or higher"
ReedRothchild: "UNI's chances are strong to quite strong."
ChiefGSU275: "As for GSU, I think we will be in"

MrC. this would support your case for GSU fans. :nod:

[umassfan]

Yup. Second only to McNeese.

Sandbagging fans:
1. McNeese
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Colgate

Overestimating fans:
1. Southern/Grambling
2. Appalachian State
3. Massachusetts
4. Montana
:twocents:
What are we overestimating? We had what 1 loosing season in the last 8 years. Sounds pretty good to me.

[rcny46]

BTW, far from scientific, but here's a thread from last year titled "What are the chances of your team making the playoffs..." and some of the results:

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2611

Sandbaggers (or in some cases just telling it like it is):
ISUMatt: "Illinois State has a less than 5% chance to make the playoffs"
ChickenMan: "too many things will have to go well for UD to get to the eight wins needed for a playoff bid"
blukeys: "What you said CM"
rcny46: "I can envision UNH losing 4 or 5,and that will negate their chances this year IMHO."
poharry: "Slim and none and none is going for the door right now." (WIU)
dungeonjoe: "WoCo has about a 3 in 10 shot of going"
McNeese75: "Probably not, most likely no way!" (king of sandbagging ;) )
HuskyAlum: "NU's chances for the playoffs... slim and next to none"
buckp: "I'm starting to get nervous over our first game"
slyfox: "we are a MAJOR longshot" (Liberty)
golionsgo: "We're probably not at the point in our program where we're ready to make a playoff push but I do think we're good enough to spoil someone else's chance."
colgate13: "I'd put Colgate in the 25-35% range"
Let'sGoNova: "Villanova is probably on the lower end of the playoff contenders in the A-10"
BlackandGoldExpress: "I'll put us at 35% chance right now" (ASU)


Walking the fence:
Tribe4SF: "I don't think anyone's odds are better than 50-50... I do expect us to be in the mix."
txstatebobcat: "While its certainly possible, all kinds of things could go wrong."
catbob: "I'd say the Cats chances are pretty decent, but not sound by any means... I give us a 65% chance, maybe 70%"
JaxSinfonian: "Fair-to-middlin" :confused:
th0m: "I have no idea. What I do know is that a lot of people expect us to." (JMU)
Pantherpower: "If they avoid that... better than average."
kats89: "Will wait until conference starts to make a more educated guess."
dukester: "60% we make the playoffs" (JMU)
putter: "Griz have 50/50 shot"

Not holding back:
Killtoppers90: "I'd say that WKU will make the playoffs again"
ngineer: "I would say Lehigh's chances are about 80%"
youwouldno: "Very high (Furman)"
OLFU: "Ditto" (to above)
saint0917: "Umass has about a 75 to 80% chance of making the playoffs"
eaglesrthe1: "I say an 80% chance for the Eagles"
SamAdams: "UMass is pretty well loaded... I'd give them a 70% chance"
GreatAppSt: "I think the Apps can make it, our schedule thinks we can't."
JMU2004: "if we were in any other conference, 80% or higher"
ReedRothchild: "UNI's chances are strong to quite strong."
ChiefGSU275: "As for GSU, I think we will be in"

MrC. this would support your case for GSU fans. :nod:


Jeez,was I full of crap or what? Embarrassement is the word.xidiotx

[blukeys]

BTW, far from scientific, but here's a thread from last year titled "What are the chances of your team making the playoffs..." and some of the results:

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2611

Sandbaggers (or in some cases just telling it like it is):

ChickenMan: "too many things will have to go well for UD to get to the eight wins needed for a playoff bid"
blukeys: "What you said CM"



It appears to me based on the 2005 season that Chickenman and myself were just telling it like it is. :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod:

For the record I am more optimistic about this team than last year's team!!!!:nod: :nod: :nod: :nod:

[AZGrizFan]

Yup. Second only to McNeese.

Sandbagging fans:
1. McNeese
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Colgate

Overestimating fans:
1. Southern/Grambling
2. Appalachian State
3. Massachusetts
4. Montana
:twocents:

That's funny Hen. Maybe in years past, but last year Montana fans were pretty realistic about our chances, given that we understood we had no real quarterback, and some big holes to fill. No one in Griz country was expecting much more than what we got---playoffs, and an early exit. I don't believe that makes us overestimaters.

This year, however, is a different story. NC or semifinals, or the season's a bust. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Prominent0ne]

OVERRATED

Funny, that's all I've read from SLU fans on boards on the internet. Because the Lions have 2 transfer RB's, they think they automatically win the SLC. I don't know if they notice, but they are also relying on a true freshman QB coming in and taking the reins.

They can say all they want, but i've read post after post elsewhere about Scholser coming in and beating out Babin.xlolx "Because he ran the same offense in high school".

All I'm saying is, they may be getting a little ahead of themselves. That and they seem to think because a major pass offense beat freshmen and sophomores 2 years in a row, it'll be easy to do it again.xidiotx Better think about what they're saying.

[OL FU]

BTW, far from scientific, but here's a thread from last year titled "What are the chances of your team making the playoffs..." and some of the results:

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2611

Sandbaggers (or in some cases just telling it like it is):
ISUMatt: "Illinois State has a less than 5% chance to make the playoffs"
ChickenMan: "too many things will have to go well for UD to get to the eight wins needed for a playoff bid"
blukeys: "What you said CM"
rcny46: "I can envision UNH losing 4 or 5,and that will negate their chances this year IMHO."
poharry: "Slim and none and none is going for the door right now." (WIU)
dungeonjoe: "WoCo has about a 3 in 10 shot of going"
McNeese75: "Probably not, most likely no way!" (king of sandbagging ;) )
HuskyAlum: "NU's chances for the playoffs... slim and next to none"
buckp: "I'm starting to get nervous over our first game"
slyfox: "we are a MAJOR longshot" (Liberty)
golionsgo: "We're probably not at the point in our program where we're ready to make a playoff push but I do think we're good enough to spoil someone else's chance."
colgate13: "I'd put Colgate in the 25-35% range"
Let'sGoNova: "Villanova is probably on the lower end of the playoff contenders in the A-10"
BlackandGoldExpress: "I'll put us at 35% chance right now" (ASU)


Walking the fence:
Tribe4SF: "I don't think anyone's odds are better than 50-50... I do expect us to be in the mix."
txstatebobcat: "While its certainly possible, all kinds of things could go wrong."
catbob: "I'd say the Cats chances are pretty decent, but not sound by any means... I give us a 65% chance, maybe 70%"
JaxSinfonian: "Fair-to-middlin" :confused:
th0m: "I have no idea. What I do know is that a lot of people expect us to." (JMU)
Pantherpower: "If they avoid that... better than average."
kats89: "Will wait until conference starts to make a more educated guess."
dukester: "60% we make the playoffs" (JMU)
putter: "Griz have 50/50 shot"

Not holding back:
Killtoppers90: "I'd say that WKU will make the playoffs again"
ngineer: "I would say Lehigh's chances are about 80%"
youwouldno: "Very high (Furman)"
OLFU: "Ditto" (to above)saint0917: "Umass has about a 75 to 80% chance of making the playoffs"
eaglesrthe1: "I say an 80% chance for the Eagles"
SamAdams: "UMass is pretty well loaded... I'd give them a 70% chance"
GreatAppSt: "I think the Apps can make it, our schedule thinks we can't."
JMU2004: "if we were in any other conference, 80% or higher"
ReedRothchild: "UNI's chances are strong to quite strong."
ChiefGSU275: "As for GSU, I think we will be in"

MrC. this would support your case for GSU fans. :nod:

And we were right too:nod: :D While still confident, I would not be nearly as certain this year:)

I think the Sandbagging of GSU fans and overestimating of ASU fans are recent changes:nod:

[Saint3333]

ASU does tend to perform better when they are ranked lower, see last year. Years when ASU was ranked preseason in the top 5-10 1996 and 2001 both teams finish 7-4, no playoffs. Let's hope things change...

[McNeese75]

ASU does tend to perform better when they are ranked lower, see last year. Years when ASU was ranked preseason in the top 5-10 1996 and 2001 both teams finish 7-4, no playoffs. Let's hope things change...

It's always easier when you are not carrying the target on your back. This year will be the true test for ASU :nod:

[AppGuy04]

ASU does tend to perform better when they are ranked lower, see last year. Years when ASU was ranked preseason in the top 5-10 1996 and 2001 both teams finish 7-4, no playoffs. Let's hope things change...

But this is a first for us, so maybe that trend doesn't apply

BTW, why do these threads always turn into an argument as to whether we need a preseason poll or no polls at all. How about we just talk about the poll.

[Tailbone]

Yup. .......Overestimating fans:
.....
4. Montana
:twocents:

Ha! Virtually every Griz fan who has commented on this year's ranking has felt that the Griz were ranked too high.

Of course, it's hard to be guilty of overestimation when the Griz have been to 5 NC games in 10 years! :)

[89Hen]

What are we overestimating?
Puh-lease. I was generous putting you at #3 only because you haven't been around much recently. :rolleyes:

[89Hen]

Ha! Virtually every Griz fan who has commented on this year's ranking has felt that the Griz were ranked too high.
Just my perception.

"I will say that the majority of the Griz Nation are anticipating a deep playoff run" -Ronbo

"we Griz fans (and early polls) mostly think the Griz will be very good this year" -CrunchGriz

"I am a big GRIZ fan and I think we will go deep into the playoffs this year." -Grizzaholic

:twocents:

[Tailbone]

Just my perception.

"I will say that the majority of the Griz Nation are anticipating a deep playoff run" -Ronbo

"we Griz fans (and early polls) mostly think the Griz will be very good this year" -CrunchGriz

"I am a big GRIZ fan and I think we will go deep into the playoffs this year." -Grizzaholic

:twocents:

ProudGrizMan: Griz might be top-10, but plenty of question marks for a #4. Just my two cents worth.

Grizzly Ed: With the chance of upsetting my fellow Griz fans, I think that anything in the top 5 is too high for the Griz.

ProudGrizMan: I agree Ed, UM has some significant question marks and is on a two game losing streak (possibly three with 1-A power Iowa upcoming).

CrunchGriz: I can certainly see where you're coming from on this, but I voted the Griz at #4

CrunchGriz: While many of us Griz fans are very much looking forward to the upcoming season, few think we're a number one team at this point--top ten, probably...okay, maybe even top five

Ronbo: Hey like I say I'm happy if the Griz make the top ten. .... We will drop from the top 5 in the second week of polls anyway .....

Apparently, the majority of I-AA fans are guilty of similar optimism concerning the Griz.........

Any Given Saturday Poll Preseason Top 25
(First place votes in parenthesis)
1. Appalachian State (45)
2. New Hampshire (31)
3. Northern Iowa (7)
4. Montana (2)
5. Furman (2)

and, you appear to be more guilty of overestimating Griz potential than Griz fans

89Hen: I think 1 for Montana is more realistic than 13 for the Hens (too high) IMO.

Nice try...... NEXT! :smiley_wi

[89Hen]

89Hen: I think 1 for Montana is more realistic than 13 for the Hens (too high) IMO.
Nah, that proves my point of saying the Hen fans are the second biggest sandbaggers around. :nod: :p :thumbsup:

BTW, these favor my side IMO...

CrunchGriz: I can certainly see where you're coming from on this, but I voted the Griz at #4

CrunchGriz: While many of us Griz fans are very much looking forward to the upcoming season, few think we're a number one team at this point--top ten, probably...okay, maybe even top five

[CrunchGriz]

Nah, that proves my point of saying the Hen fans are the second biggest sandbaggers around. :nod: :p :thumbsup:

BTW, these favor my side IMO...

CrunchGriz: I can certainly see where you're coming from on this, but I voted the Griz at #4

CrunchGriz: While many of us Griz fans are very much looking forward to the upcoming season, few think we're a number one team at this point--top ten, probably...okay, maybe even top five

Since I seem to be the unwilling subject of this debate, let me ask this:

If I'm the prime suspect you can find about Griz fans being homers as far as ranking, how much of a homer are Griz fans, really, if my preseason ranking for the Griz (#4) is exactly the same as the overall ranking by everyone else in the preseason poll?

Jus' sayin'....

Doesn't sound terribly "homerish" to me.

[89Hen]

Let's not go overboard, nobody said 'homerism'. 'Overestimating' was the only word I could come up with for not sandbagging. Probably should have just said Biggest Sandbaggers and Least Sandbaggers. There are fans from every team and every conference that are Homers, but I don't think I'd classify any one group as 'homers'.

[CrunchGriz]

Let's not go overboard, nobody said 'homerism'. 'Overestimating' was the only word I could come up with for not sandbagging. Probably should have just said Biggest Sandbaggers and Least Sandbaggers. There are fans from every team and every conference that are Homers, but I don't think I'd classify any one group as 'homers'.

You focussed on semantics, but didn't answer my question.

[elkmcc]

Just my perception.

"I will say that the majority of the Griz Nation are anticipating a deep playoff run" -Ronbo

"we Griz fans (and early polls) mostly think the Griz will be very good this year" -CrunchGriz

"I am a big GRIZ fan and I think we will go deep into the playoffs this year." -Grizzaholic

:twocents:


I find it hard to believe that there are Griz fans out there that don't think the Griz will be tough in the post-season. Montana has never lost a quarter-final or semi-final game at Wa/Griz. IMO barring major injuries the Griz will make a deep run in the playoffs, if Cal Poly doesn't say otherwise. They could prove to be a major obstacle for the Griz.

[umassfan]

Puh-lease. I was generous putting you at #3 only because you haven't been around much recently. :rolleyes:
You put us at 3 because like I attack Delaware, you attack UMass

[GeauxLions94]

That just really burns your azz don't it???xlolx

No not really. Losing on Nov. 4 would though :smiley_wi

[GeauxColonels]

Yup. Second only to McNeese.

Sandbagging fans:
1. McNeese
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Colgate

Overestimating fans:
1. Southern/Grambling
2. Appalachian State
3. Massachusetts
4. Montana
:twocents:
And Nicholls State fans are the most perfect!! :D

[Lionsrking]

Funny, that's all I've read from SLU fans on boards on the internet. Because the Lions have 2 transfer RB's, they think they automatically win the SLC.



I challenge you to quote one post where a Southeastern fan made that claim. Just because your jealous they didn't go to McNeese doesn't mean you have to make stuff up.

[89Hen]

You focussed on semantics, but didn't answer my question.
Well I just wanted to make it clear that nobody had mentioned the word "homerism" before you did so in quotes as to suggest that somebody did, at least that's how I read it.

If you'd like an answer to your question, a sandbagger will never admit to being #1 (or in this case #4).

I have nothing but respect for Griz fans, but my lists were people who were sandbaggers and people who aren't.

[89Hen]

You put us at 3 because like I attack Delaware, you attack UMass
If that were the case I would have put you #1. I put you three because your fans think you are going to be 9-2 every year and are amazed when you don't make the playoffs. I'm certainly not alone in finding UMass fans to be quite arguementative toward any negative comments about UMass. If somebody say, boy Ricky Santos is an awsome QB, your first response is, well you should see Coen (or Day or whomever your flavor of the year may be). xcoffeex

[DTSpider]

If that were the case I would have put you #1. I put you three because your fans think you are going to be 9-2 every year and are amazed when you don't make the playoffs. I'm certainly not alone in finding UMass fans to be quite arguementative toward any negative comments about UMass. If somebody say, boy Ricky Santos is an awsome QB, your first response is, well you should see Coen (or Day or whomever your flavor of the year may be). xcoffeex

There's one things that I think need to get clarified here.

First, I think that most college students tend to be over the top homers. It's just their knowledge based & exposure. If you look at UMass fans on this site I think you'll see a divide between those like UMass74 & MassMan. 74 is very humble, MassMan is a homer in the worst way.

89, you can also compare this to JMU fans. The students think that JMU will go 11-1 every year, while some of the older crowd just hopes to be in the playoff race. Just watch them argue about whether 7-4 is a good season. It's probably because I have the most exposure to JMU fans, but there is definitely a divide.

Of course, being a homer or sandbagger doesn't make you a bad fan at all. As long as your not obnoxious, it's fine to be one or the other. If you're interested in other teams in addition to your own I'm happy to have you on board whether you're a homer, sandbagger, or neutral. Being involved & opinionated is better than not caring.

[GeauxLions94]

Funny, that's all I've read from SLU fans on boards on the internet. Because the Lions have 2 transfer RB's, they think they automatically win the SLC. I don't know if they notice, but they are also relying on a true freshman QB coming in and taking the reins.

Where have you seen posts about us winning the SLC crown except for my signature :p We'll be a much better team than in 2005 thanks to increased depth at running back (the most we've ever had). Lucas and Perry are the main ingrediants there and they are expected to carry the load, but we also have Mario Gilbert back to go along with Matt Betts, Dremell Adams, Sam Savoy, Blake Alfortish and Co.


They can say all they want, but i've read post after post elsewhere about Scholser coming in and beating out Babin.xlolx "Because he ran the same offense in high school".

Again, where??? Sure Schlosser ran the same offense in high school. But so did Martin Hankins when he was a senior in 2002 and he came in and beat out Babin as a true freshman. We've put a lot of pressure on the QB to perform (Hankins and Trey Willie) thanks to no depth in running game and they ran the offense quite well. Now, the pressure isn't going to be on the QB ... he just has to be an effective leader which any of the three (Seth Babin, Brian Babin and Schlosser) can be.


All I'm saying is, they may be getting a little ahead of themselves. That and they seem to think because a major pass offense beat freshmen and sophomores 2 years in a row, it'll be easy to do it again.xidiotx Better think about what they're saying.

Your freshmen and sophomores have grown a bit ... but so have ours - some of the same ones who have :asswhip: you 88-30 in the last two meetings. And to add to the fact the McNeese defense was ranked sixth in scoring defense, allowing nearly 32 points last season, last season and fifth in total defense (we were third in both categories BTW).

As for scoring offense, Southeastern ranked fourth (27.9) while McNeese was sixth. And despite our leading rusher (a quarterback) finishing with under 500 yards on the ground, we finished fifth in the league in rushing offense (122.6) ahead of .... Sam Houston State (115.4) and McNeese State (108.4)

Last year, according to game capsules in the 2006 SLU Media Guide, we ran for 158 yards on 41 attempts while throwing the ball 37 times. Three of our five touchdowns came on the ground, including a 39-yarder by Jerald Watson.

All I'm saying is this ... McNeese State will be better this year, but not much better (not good to be the team with the target on its back when you've been used for target practice the past two seasons). :twocents:

[CrunchGriz]

Well I just wanted to make it clear that nobody had mentioned the word "homerism" before you did so in quotes as to suggest that somebody did, at least that's how I read it.

If you'd like an answer to your question, a sandbagger will never admit to being #1 (or in this case #4).

I have nothing but respect for Griz fans, but my lists were people who were sandbaggers and people who aren't.

Okay, I can see how you read what I wrote as a direct quote. I didn't intend it that way--I had just forgotten the exact word used to describe this group of over-exuberant fanbases. What was written was "overestimating" fans, and Griz fans were included in that group.

I was listed as a prime example of this, and I noted that I had voted the Griz in at #4 on the preseason poll, the same spot at which the entire AGS community (of voters) had pegged them.

Thus, I have to say that I'm not overestimating. I'm not sandbagging. I'm trying to be honest--with what admittedly limited information I have at the moment, about the Griz and everyone else.

Somehow I think you're conflating Ronbo's maroon-colored glasses (and consequent posts about anything and everything Griz-related as the best or near best in I-AA) with general Griz fan overestimation. (No offense, Ronbo--fans come in all stripes, and I'd much rather read your pro-Griz stuff than some of the unbelievably negative things you see over on eGriz on a daily basis.)

Heck, what do I know? The Griz could go down in flames this year.

Or not....

I am more than willing to admit that they will drop after Week 1. Sorry, staunch Griz believers--just trying to be realistic here, too.

[MarkCCU]

Coastal is 25.....we'll be making our way up the poll

[mikebigg]

DEFENDING CHAMP APPALACHIAN STATE OPENS 2006 AS NO. 1 in I-AA
New Hampshire, Montana Round Out the Top Three

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Sports Network)—With 17 starters returning from last year’s national championship squad, the Appalachian State Mountaineers begin the 2006 season as the number one team in The Sports Network Top 25. The Mountaineers garner the top spot in the preseason poll for the first time in school history. The only other time that Appalachian State reached the top spot was after last season’s title game. This season, a national panel of media and sports information directors has predicted that the Mountaineers can win two in a row. The NCAA I-AA championship will be played in Chattanooga, TN on December 15.

Last season, head coach Jerry Moore led the Mountaineers to an 8-3 regular season mark and the Southern Conference title before advancing to the I-AA title game for the first time in school history. After earning the No. 2 seed in the I-AA playoffs, the Mountaineers knocked off Lafayette, Southern Illinois and Furman before defeating Northern Iowa, 21-16, in the title game. The Mountaineers’ No. 1 selection marks the sixth time in the past seven seasons, and third year in a row, that the defending champion earned the top spot in the preseason rankings. Appalachian State received 68 of a possible 94 first-place votes and 2,306 points overall to earn the No. 1 ranking.

New Hampshire picked up 14 first-place votes and 2,153 points to claim the No. 2 position heading into the 2006 campaign. The Wildcats fell, 24-21, to Northern Iowa in last year’s quarterfinals and finished the season ranked No. 5. New Hampshire held the No. 1 ranking for five weeks during the 2005 season and earned the top seed in the playoffs.

Montana claimed the No. 3 spot in the preseason for the third year in a row, and placed in the preseason top five for the 13th consecutive year. The Grizzlies picked up five first-place votes and 1,954 points. After last year’s run to the title game, Northern Iowa is at No. 4 with three first-place votes and 1,936 points. Furman came in just behind the Grizzlies and Panthers, as the Paladins landed at No. 5 with 1,928 points.

After advancing to last year’s quarterfinals, Cal Poly begins the season at No. 6. The Mustangs are followed by Youngstown State at No. 7, James Madison at No. 8, Illinois State at No. 9 and Massachusetts at No. 10.

Southland Conference preseason favorite McNeese State starts at No. 11, with Georgia Southern at No. 12, Hampton at No. 13, Eastern Illinois at No. 14 and Richmond at No. 15.

The next five positions are occupied by Delaware at No. 16, Southern Illinois at No. 17, Texas State at No. 18, North Dakota State at No. 19 and Eastern Kentucky at No. 20.

Rounding out the top 25 is UC Davis at No. 21, Montana State at No. 22, Grambling State at No. 23, Nicholls State at No. 24 and Coastal Carolina at No. 25.

The Atlantic 10 leads all I-AA leagues with five teams in the Top 25, while the Gateway Conference placed four teams in the rankings. Each league placed three teams in the top 10. The Southland, Southern and Great West Football Conferences each notched three selections, and 10 conferences were represented by at least one team in the rankings.

The first Sports Network I-AA Top 25 poll of the regular season will be announced Monday, September 4th.

The Sports Network 2006 Preseason I-AA College Football Poll

Team (First-place votes) 2005 Record Points 2005 Final Rank
1. Appalachian State (68) 12-3 2,306 1
2. New Hampshire (14) 11-2 2,153 5
3. Montana (5) 8-4 1,954 12
4. Northern Iowa (3) 11-4 1,936 2
5. Furman (1) 11-3 1,928 3
6. Cal Poly (3) 9-4 1,846 6
7. Youngstown State 8-3 1,446 14
8. James Madison 7-4 1,338 25
9. Illinois State 7-4 1,297 22
10. Massachusetts 7-4 1,170 19
11. McNeese State 5-4 1,006 NR
12. Georgia Southern 8-4 967 9
13. Hampton 11-1 939 10
14. Eastern Illinois 9-3 865 16
15. Richmond 9-4 835 8
16. Delaware 6-5 815 NR
17. Southern Illinois 9-4 809 7
18 Texas State 11-3 770 4
19. North Dakota State 7-4 713 NR
20. Eastern Kentucky 7-4 709 NR
21. UC Davis 6-5 576 NR
22. Montana State 7-4 550 18
23. Grambling State 11-1 511 11
24. Nicholls State 6-4 378 17
25. Coastal Carolina 9-2 356 24

Others receiving votes (in order of points, minimum of five required): Eastern Washington 307, Colgate 292, Idaho State 244, South Carolina State 233, Lafayette 228, Western Kentucky 179, Brown 149, Lehigh 100, Harvard 96, Portland State 92, Hofstra 91, Northwestern State 68, Southeastern Louisiana 37, Weber State 29, Alabama A & M 27, William & Mary 25, Jacksonville State 24, Missouri State 18, Penn 17, Southern 14, Chattanooga 13, Stephen F. Austin 12, Mississippi Valley State 11, South Dakota State 10, Wofford 9, Jackson State 8, Western Illinois 8, Alcorn State 7, Western Carolina 7, Murray State 6, Maine 5.

Help me to understand... Are the rankings based on the upcoming year or the previous season? Has a thorough evaluation of the returning players, transfers, signees, been considered. What about Coaching changes and things like that? The reason I asked is to understand why teams with 4 losses and less than 9 wins are ranked in the top ten. I counted 5 teams in the top ten who have less than 9 wins? The 11th team was 5-4 and unranked last year...why such a jump in the preseason. Gotta feel for Hampton and TxState who both won 11 games last year, and were in the playoffs. The both got teams shafted...I think both of them got a lot of good players returning. Some of their guys are on some of the All-American teams. What's the deal? Grambling loses 1 game to a D1 BCS team, return about 8 starters on each side of the ball. Why were we dissed outside of the top 20? There are seven teams in D1AA who won 11 or more games last year... of those seven only two had a one game loss.

So if someone could explain to me why Hampton, Texas State and Grambling got such a low ranking and if the same consistency was applied to those less than 10 win teams above them, I will be very interested in knowing!

[mikebigg]

Yup. Second only to McNeese.

Sandbagging fans:
1. McNeese
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Colgate

Overestimating fans:
1. Southern/Grambling
2. Appalachian State
3. Massachusetts
4. Montana
:twocents:
Who ? xlolx xlolx

[McNeese75]

Where have you seen posts about us winning the SLC crown except for my signature :p We'll be a much better team than in 2005 thanks to increased depth at running back (the most we've ever had). Lucas and Perry are the main ingrediants there and they are expected to carry the load, but we also have Mario Gilbert back to go along with Matt Betts, Dremell Adams, Sam Savoy, Blake Alfortish and Co.



Again, where??? Sure Schlosser ran the same offense in high school. But so did Martin Hankins when he was a senior in 2002 and he came in and beat out Babin as a true freshman. We've put a lot of pressure on the QB to perform (Hankins and Trey Willie) thanks to no depth in running game and they ran the offense quite well. Now, the pressure isn't going to be on the QB ... he just has to be an effective leader which any of the three (Seth Babin, Brian Babin and Schlosser) can be.



Your freshmen and sophomores have grown a bit ... but so have ours - some of the same ones who have :asswhip: you 88-30 in the last two meetings. And to add to the fact the McNeese defense was ranked sixth in scoring defense, allowing nearly 32 points last season, last season and fifth in total defense (we were third in both categories BTW).

As for scoring offense, Southeastern ranked fourth (27.9) while McNeese was sixth. And despite our leading rusher (a quarterback) finishing with under 500 yards on the ground, we finished fifth in the league in rushing offense (122.6) ahead of .... Sam Houston State (115.4) and McNeese State (108.4)

Last year, according to game capsules in the 2006 SLU Media Guide, we ran for 158 yards on 41 attempts while throwing the ball 37 times. Three of our five touchdowns came on the ground, including a 39-yarder by Jerald Watson.

All I'm saying is this ... McNeese State will be better this year, but not much better (not good to be the team with the target on its back when you've been used for target practice the past two seasons). :twocents:

And the Lions will melt into the sunset as they have the last two years :nod:

[Lionsrking]

And the Lions will melt into the sunset as they have the last two years :nod:

We have?

[ButlerGSU]

Yup. Second only to McNeese.

Sandbagging fans:
1. McNeese
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. Colgate

Overestimating fans:
1. Southern/Grambling
2. Appalachian State
3. Massachusetts
4. Montana
:twocents:

I don't think it's sandbagging, Georgia Southern has too many questions this season to deserve a #12 ranking. IMO.

[Mr. C]

Help me to understand... Are the rankings based on the upcoming year or the previous season? Has a thorough evaluation of the returning players, transfers, signees, been considered. What about Coaching changes and things like that? The reason I asked is to understand why teams with 4 losses and less than 9 wins are ranked in the top ten. I counted 5 teams in the top ten who have less than 9 wins? The 11th team was 5-4 and unranked last year...why such a jump in the preseason. Gotta feel for Hampton and TxState who both won 11 games last year, and were in the playoffs. The both got teams shafted...I think both of them got a lot of good players returning. Some of their guys are on some of the All-American teams. What's the deal? Grambling loses 1 game to a D1 BCS team, return about 8 starters on each side of the ball. Why were we dissed outside of the top 20? There are seven teams in D1AA who won 11 or more games last year... of those seven only two had a one game loss.

So if someone could explain to me why Hampton, Texas State and Grambling got such a low ranking and if the same consistency was applied to those less than 10 win teams above them, I will be very interested in knowing!

In Texas State's case, the Bobcats lost the bulk of their squad that went to the semifinals last year. including All-Americans Barrick Nealy at QB and Fred Evans at DL. Last year was the first Southland Conference championship ever for the Bobcats, so most people think they will be rebuilding this year.

Hampton has some good talent back, but a lot of voters were probably less than impressed with the way the Pirates playes in the playoffs last year. The MEAC hasn't won a playoff game since 1999, so Hampton probably has to prove itself again this year (with a pretty weak schedule again after the opener against Grambling).

Grambling is likely suffering in support because of the graduation of Bruce Eugene. Even though some people know that the Tigers are in pretty good shape at QB, a lot don't remember that your QB came in for Eugene two years ago when Eugene suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opening game. A win over Hampton would go a long way to giving the Tigers a boost in the poll.

In my mind, the poll isn't about how many games you won last year, but what you have coming back this season. There are also teams that get votes because they are traditionally strong. Personally, I can't see why anyone would rank teams like Georgia Southern, Southern Illinois and Texas State, with all of the questions these schools have.

[AppGuy04]

In Texas State's case, the Bobcats lost the bulk of their squad that went to the semifinals last year. including All-Americans Barrick Nealy at QB and Fred Evans at DL. Last year was the first Southland Conference championship ever for the Bobcats, so most people thinkthey will be rebuilding this year.

Hampton has some good talent back, but a lot of voters were probably less than impressed with the way the Pirates playes in the playoffs last year. The MEAC hasn't won a playoff game since 1999, so Hampton probably has to prove itself again this year (with a pretty weak schedule again after the opener against Grambling).

Grambling is likely suffering in support because of the graduation of Bruce Eugene. Even though some people know that the Tigers are in pretty good shape at QB, a lot don't remember that your QB came in for Eugene two years ago when Eugene suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opening game. A win over Hampton would go a long way to giving the Tigers a boost in the poll.

In my mind, the poll isn't about how many games you won last year, but what you have coming back this season. There are also teams that get votes because they are traditionally strong. Personally, I can't see why anyone would rank teams like Georgia Southern, Southern Illinois and Texas State, with all of the questions these schools have.

great analysis C, I agree on all points. Honestly, Grambling losing Bruce is the reason I have them ranked below Southern this year.

[blukeys]

I don't think it's sandbagging, Georgia Southern has too many questions this season to deserve a #12 ranking. IMO.


89's impressions go back to more than this year. Certain GSU posters complain that they will be lucky to win 7 games when they know their team is loaded. In terms of sandbagging I actually would place McNeese, GSU and Delaware as being really close. McNeese fans however are more colorful and VERY CONSISTENT. Having seen these preseason predictions for a few years now, My view is that ALL of the McNeese posters are champion sandbaggers!!!!!!:nod: :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod: :nod:

They whine and complain about their chances the way Tubby Raymond did in his prime.

[umassfan]

If that were the case I would have put you #1. I put you three because your fans think you are going to be 9-2 every year and are amazed when you don't make the playoffs. I'm certainly not alone in finding UMass fans to be quite arguementative toward any negative comments about UMass. If somebody say, boy Ricky Santos is an awsome QB, your first response is, well you should see Coen (or Day or whomever your flavor of the year may be). xcoffeex

Ehh whatever... enjoy your 6-5 season again this year.

[blukeys]

Ehh whatever... enjoy your 6-5 season again this year.


Gosh with all the question marks we have, we will be damned lucky to get to 6-5. :rolleyes: I just hope we will be fortunate enough to put a representative team on the field that doesn't embarass us. We have some very tough tests early on and that will go a long way to see how we do. Our kids are soooooo Young that it will be difficult to stand up to the week to week pounding one gets in the A-10. We all know how great Umass is and we can only hope to come close to their accomplishments. ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)

(No sandbagging at all:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: )

[TXST_CAT]

In Texas State's case, the Bobcats lost the bulk of their squad that went to the semifinals last year. including All-Americans Barrick Nealy at QB and Fred Evans at DL. Last year was the first Southland Conference championship ever for the Bobcats, so most people think they will be rebuilding this year.


We have plenty of returning talent and experience on the team. Those who follow the Bobcats see this year as reloading not rebuilding. But we don't mind the polls because it when it is all said and done the best teams will rise and the rest... well you kow.

[blackfordpu]

We have plenty of returning talent and experience on the team. Those who follow the Bobcats see this year as reloading not rebuilding. But we don't mind the polls because it when it is all said and done the best teams will rise and the rest... well you kow.

You lost 28 players, almost half of last seasons team.

[DTSpider]

They whine and complain about their chances the way Tubby Raymond did in his prime.

After listening to Tubby & Jim Reid discuss upcoming UR-UD matchups you'd get the impression either team would be lucky to even make it to the stadium, let alone have a chance of winning.

[89Hen]

whine and complain about their chances the way Tubby Raymond did in his prime.
That's true, we learned it from the king. Amazing any of his teams ever won a game. :p

[89Hen]

Ehh whatever... enjoy your 6-5 season again this year.
If that's what we are, we'll enjoy it. All 22,000+ every week. However, anything short of an 11-0 season with your entire starting team on the All-A10 Team would fall short of your expectations and then you can blame the 4,200 in attendance on the wind. xlolx

[89Hen]

After listening to Tubby & Jim Reid discuss upcoming UR-UD matchups you'd get the impression either team would be lucky to even make it to the stadium, let alone have a chance of winning.
xlolx :nod: Good call. Classic sandbagging battles between them.

[GeauxLions94]

And the Lions will melt into the sunset as they have the last two years :nod:

IF we melt in the sunset, at least we'll have spanked the Cowboys again ;)

[mikebigg]

In Texas State's case, the Bobcats lost the bulk of their squad that went to the semifinals last year. including All-Americans Barrick Nealy at QB and Fred Evans at DL. Last year was the first Southland Conference championship ever for the Bobcats, so most people think they will be rebuilding this year.

Hampton has some good talent back, but a lot of voters were probably less than impressed with the way the Pirates playes in the playoffs last year. The MEAC hasn't won a playoff game since 1999, so Hampton probably has to prove itself again this year (with a pretty weak schedule again after the opener against Grambling).

Grambling is likely suffering in support because of the graduation of Bruce Eugene. Even though some people know that the Tigers are in pretty good shape at QB, a lot don't remember that your QB came in for Eugene two years ago when Eugene suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opening game. A win over Hampton would go a long way to giving the Tigers a boost in the poll.

In my mind, the poll isn't about how many games you won last year, but what you have coming back this season. There are also teams that get votes because they are traditionally strong. Personally, I can't see why anyone would rank teams like Georgia Southern, Southern Illinois and Texas State, with all of the questions these schools have.

Response: Ok, so other teams didn't lose players? With all due respect to the defending nat'l champs, App State...they lost Ritchie Williams who was their offensive catalyst and team leader and also Hunter, their defensive leader. Both playing pro ball or in camps. They deserve the respect of being ranked #1, but TxState deserves top 10 rankings. They made the playoffs and advanced LAST year which is more recent than some of the teams ranked ahead of them. Did Delaware and McNeese win playoff games last year? Has McNeese been in the playoffs in the past 3 seasons? Didn't they get beaten two years straight by conference member SLU? No knock on McNeese's program, but what about recent history? That's the standard you hold Grambling too. We lost to McNeese when they were heavily ranked but outside of them, we haven't lost to a 1AA since. We get criticized for our schedule but we have quality teams in our conference... check out how many you have ranked in the "others" category. At least you recognize that they are good programs. But doesn't Grambling have some players who are pre-season all-conference and all-american. Didn't 16 or these same guys not start on last year's 11 win season?

But at least it was good for conversation and dialogue. But I will leave you with this. The polls really don't matter because the championship is decided on the field. That's cool. But as I analyzed the rankings, I couldn't help but smh after the top 3. The hardest to justify being McNeese and Delaware. Two good programs but that's a serious jump for two teams that lost 4 games each and who did not participate in the playoffs. As Jafus would say: " Interesting!"

[Catmendue2]

Response: Ok, so other teams didn't lose players? With all due respect to the defending nat'l champs, App State...they lost Ritchie Williams who was their offensive catalyst and team leader and also Hunter, their defensive leader. Both playing pro ball or in camps. They deserve the respect of being ranked #1, but TxState deserves top 10 rankings. They made the playoffs and advanced LAST year which is more recent than some of the teams ranked ahead of them. Did Delaware and McNeese win playoff games last year? Has McNeese been in the playoffs in the past 3 seasons? Didn't they get beaten two years straight by conference member SLU? No knock on McNeese's program, but what about recent history? That's the standard you hold Grambling too. We lost to McNeese when they were heavily ranked but outside of them, we haven't lost to a 1AA since. We get criticized for our schedule but we have quality teams in our conference... check out how many you have ranked in the "others" category. At least you recognize that they are good programs. But doesn't Grambling have some players who are pre-season all-conference and all-american. Didn't 16 or these same guys not start on last year's 11 win season?

But at least it was good for conversation and dialogue. But I will leave you with this. The polls really don't matter because the championship is decided on the field. That's cool. But as I analyzed the rankings, I couldn't help but smh after the top 3. The hardest to justify being McNeese and Delaware. Two good programs but that's a serious jump for two teams that lost 4 games each and who did not participate in the playoffs. As Jafus would say: " Interesting!"


Excellent analysis, answer please.:hurray:

[Catmendue2]

great analysis C, I agree on all points. Honestly, Grambling losing Bruce is the reason I have them ranked below Southern this year.



Yes, losing Bruce was bad but finishing 11th in the country with Bruce and 11-1 record was as bad as it gets anywho. This polls has about as much validity and knowledge about what's left at Grambling, as it does about ranking SouthernU ahead of Grambling.

[89Hen]

2002-2005

Grambling with Bruce Eugene 31-6
Grambling without Bruce Eugene 6-5

[Catmendue2]

2002-2005

Grambling with Bruce Eugene 31-6
Grambling without Bruce Eugene 6-5


I think the three years prior to Bruce might have been better. The year Bruce got hurt Grambling lost 1/3 of its starting offense to injuries, plus many of its backup were missing too. That was not Landers fault leaving HS and right in to the fire. Grambling would not have been as good last year without Landers play in 2004, even with Bruce.

[MACHIAVELLI]

Response: Ok, so other teams didn't lose players? With all due respect to the defending nat'l champs, App State...they lost Ritchie Williams who was their offensive catalyst and team leader and also Hunter, their defensive leader. Both playing pro ball or in camps. They deserve the respect of being ranked #1, but TxState deserves top 10 rankings. They made the playoffs and advanced LAST year which is more recent than some of the teams ranked ahead of them. Did Delaware and McNeese win playoff games last year? Has McNeese been in the playoffs in the past 3 seasons? Didn't they get beaten two years straight by conference member SLU? No knock on McNeese's program, but what about recent history? That's the standard you hold Grambling too. We lost to McNeese when they were heavily ranked but outside of them, we haven't lost to a 1AA since. We get criticized for our schedule but we have quality teams in our conference... check out how many you have ranked in the "others" category. At least you recognize that they are good programs. But doesn't Grambling have some players who are pre-season all-conference and all-american. Didn't 16 or these same guys not start on last year's 11 win season?

But at least it was good for conversation and dialogue. But I will leave you with this. The polls really don't matter because the championship is decided on the field. That's cool. But as I analyzed the rankings, I couldn't help but smh after the top 3. The hardest to justify being McNeese and Delaware. Two good programs but that's a serious jump for two teams that lost 4 games each and who did not participate in the playoffs. As Jafus would say: " Interesting!"

It's like your reading my mind.

[Lionsrking]

IF we melt in the sunset, at least we'll have spanked the Cowboys again ;)

And I would much rather "melt in the sunset" than ride side saddle into it like some Cowboys we know. :) :)

[MACHIAVELLI]

Response: Ok, so other teams didn't lose players? With all due respect to the defending nat'l champs, App State...they lost Ritchie Williams who was their offensive catalyst and team leader and also Hunter, their defensive leader. Both playing pro ball or in camps. They deserve the respect of being ranked #1, but TxState deserves top 10 rankings. They made the playoffs and advanced LAST year which is more recent than some of the teams ranked ahead of them. Did Delaware and McNeese win playoff games last year? Has McNeese been in the playoffs in the past 3 seasons? Didn't they get beaten two years straight by conference member SLU? No knock on McNeese's program, but what about recent history? That's the standard you hold Grambling too. We lost to McNeese when they were heavily ranked but outside of them, we haven't lost to a 1AA since. We get criticized for our schedule but we have quality teams in our conference... check out how many you have ranked in the "others" category. At least you recognize that they are good programs. But doesn't Grambling have some players who are pre-season all-conference and all-american. Didn't 16 or these same guys not start on last year's 11 win season?

But at least it was good for conversation and dialogue. But I will leave you with this. The polls really don't matter because the championship is decided on the field. That's cool. But as I analyzed the rankings, I couldn't help but smh after the top 3. The hardest to justify being McNeese and Delaware. Two good programs but that's a serious jump for two teams that lost 4 games each and who did not participate in the playoffs. As Jafus would say: " Interesting!"

It's like your reading my mind.

[MACHIAVELLI]

.

[GeauxColonels]

Yeah, I really don't understand all the hype around McNeese either. I mean, traditionally, the program is at the top of the SLC and pretty high up in I-AA; however, the last few years haven't been your daddy's typical Cowboy squad. While I think they will be improved over last season and have a legitimate shot at winning the SLC, I don't think they deserve such a high ranking....not just yet. Make them prove it on the field first before you kiss their ass. :mad:

I don't buy into this, but I would be willing to bet that there are many pollsters out there that are giving McNeese State a "mulligan" for last year due to what happenned with Hurricane Rita and are completely writing off last season as a fluke. : smh :

[Grizzaholic]

Ha! Virtually every Griz fan who has commented on this year's ranking has felt that the Griz were ranked too high.

Of course, it's hard to be guilty of overestimation when the Griz have been to 5 NC games in 10 years! :)


And 13 straight playoff showings!!:thumbsup:

[89Hen]

Where's that Mac Davis song when you need it? :smiley_wi

[GeauxLions94]

traditionally, the program is at the top of the SLC and pretty high up in I-AA; however, the last few years haven't been your daddy's typical Cowboy squad. While I think they will be improved over last season and have a legitimate shot at winning the SLC, I don't think they deserve such a high ranking....not just yet. Make them prove it on the field first before you kiss their ass. :mad:

:hurray: That was my point from the beginning GC.

[Cap'n Cat]

And 13 straight playoff showings!!:thumbsup:




Where's that Mac Davis song when you need it? :smiley_wi


The one about belonging to a one-team conference?



xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[McNeeserocket]

Yeah, I really don't understand all the hype around McNeese either. I mean, traditionally, the program is at the top of the SLC and pretty high up in I-AA; however, the last few years haven't been your daddy's typical Cowboy squad. While I think they will be improved over last season and have a legitimate shot at winning the SLC, I don't think they deserve such a high ranking....not just yet. Make them prove it on the field first before you kiss their ass. :mad:

I don't buy into this, but I would be willing to bet that there are many pollsters out there that are giving McNeese State a "mulligan" for last year due to what happenned with Hurricane Rita and are completely writing off last season as a fluke. : smh :

Since McNeese didn't ask for the ranking, doesn't care about the ranking, and isn't worried about the ranking, it sure sounds like sour grapes from teams that McNeese recently lost to, but also had beaten handily in the not so distant past (in 2001, 2002 and 2003 only lost one conference game). 2004, McNeese struggled with no excuses other than very young team (still managed to beat Nicholls). 2005 was a year that most people, including most respected I-AA gurus, say cannot be used as a indication of anything after the affects of two major hurricanes.

2006, barring other major disasters, should show if McNeese's program can regain some momentum back. 2006 may also show that some people need to study the meaning of humility. SO GET OFF OUR ASS, AND SAVE IT FOR THE FIELD!

[McNeese75]

We lost to McNeese when they were heavily ranked but outside of them, we haven't lost to a 1AA since.

And you have not played a I-AA team anywhere near the quality of those McNeese teams either. :cool:

[McNeese75]

Since McNeese didn't ask for the ranking, doesn't care about the ranking, and isn't worried about the ranking, it sure sounds like sour grapes from teams that McNeese recently lost to, but also had beaten handily in the not so distant past (in 2001, 2002 and 2003 only lost one conference game). 2004, McNeese struggled with no excuses other than very young team (still managed to beat Nicholls). 2005 was a year that most people, including most respected I-AA gurus, say cannot be used as a indication of anything after the affects of two major hurricanes.

2006, barring other major disasters, should show if McNeese's program can regain some momentum back. 2006 may also show that some people need to study the meaning of humility. SO GET OFF OUR ASS, AND SAVE IT FOR THE FIELD!
:thumbsup:

The Polls mean nothing at this time of the year. If the Pokes deserve such lofty status they will earn it on the field, if not, then they will disappear.

Lion and Colonel fans be sure and bring all this bravado and "Hating" :D to the Hole when you visit this year. Based on what I am reading and hearing about practice this week, I think we will be up to the task of at least providing a little competiton for your Excellent High Flying Renown Teams :nod:

xcoffeex

[GeauxColonels]

Since McNeese didn't ask for the ranking, doesn't care about the ranking, and isn't worried about the ranking, it sure sounds like sour grapes from teams that McNeese recently lost to, but also had beaten handily in the not so distant past (in 2001, 2002 and 2003 only lost one conference game). 2004, McNeese struggled with no excuses other than very young team (still managed to beat Nicholls). 2005 was a year that most people, including most respected I-AA gurus, say cannot be used as a indication of anything after the affects of two major hurricanes.

2006, barring other major disasters, should show if McNeese's program can regain some momentum back. 2006 may also show that some people need to study the meaning of humility. SO GET OFF OUR ASS, AND SAVE IT FOR THE FIELD!
Sounds like someone's getting mad. :nod:

That's right, McNeese did beat Nicholls in 2004...AND?! This is 2006: a completely different season. ANYONE can win the SLC title, even SFA......:lmao: OK, so I couldn't keep a straight face on that one.

As for sour grapes...give me a break! I was just making a statement that, for a team that didn't fair very well in 2005, they are ranked rather high in the preseason poll. We ALL know that McNeese had nothing to do with the ranking, we're just trying to analyze the thought process that some pollsters use. If McNeese goes through 2006 with a strong season and wins the SLC title, good for them...the pollsters would then be right. I just find it difficult to rank ANY team in McNeese's position, regardless of who they are and what they USED to do on the field, that high to start the season off. I'm not saying that they shouldn't be ranked in the top-25, they are easily one of the top 25 teams in the country in almost any given year, I just think they should start lower this year.

Even forgetting about 2005, they didn't do very well in 2004. I'm just pointing out that other schools would not get such a high ranking to start the season after 2 years like McNeese just had.

Win or lose....I'll still hate McNeese; just like always.:twocents:

[GeauxColonels]

:thumbsup:

The Polls mean nothing at this time of the year. If the Pokes deserve such lofty status they will earn it on the field, if not, then they will disappear.

Lion and Colonel fans be sure and bring all this bravado and "Hating" :D to the Hole when you visit this year. Based on what I am reading and hearing about practice this week, I think we will be up to the task of at least providing a little competiton for your Excellent High Flying Renown Teams :nod:

xcoffeex
Bravado...no
Hating...always :nod:

Go back and read my posts...not once have I claimed that Nicholls State has the better team/program than McNeese, not once have I claimed that the Colonels should be ranked ahead of the Cowboys. I'm just excited that we're in the poll despite the MANY question marks we have and, personally, I'm not sold on this being SLU's year either.

MY statements were just to adress the fact that I believe they are ranked too high to START the season. I'm not even saying that McNeese won't be in the top 11 at year end. Hell, they could get to the playoffs after winning the SLC and possibly a NC game appearance - I don't know. What I do know is that, in MY OPINION, they are ranked too high to start the season.

[mikebigg]

And you have not played a I-AA team anywhere near the quality of those McNeese teams either. :cool:

I can't tell from your past two year record... But you are taking this as smack or a slam of McNeese. It's really not. I just don't think that a team that is coming off two subpar seasons both finishing unranked should be ranked #5 in the country. So if you want, take Grambling out of the rankings all together. Now tell me... does McNeese warrant a #5 ranking? What's the justification?!?

[McNeese75]

Bravado...no
Hating...always :nod:

Go back and read my posts...not once have I claimed that Nicholls State has the better team/program than McNeese, not once have I claimed that the Colonels should be ranked ahead of the Cowboys. I'm just excited that we're in the poll despite the MANY question marks we have and, personally, I'm not sold on this being SLU's year either.

MY statements were just to adress the fact that I believe they are ranked too high to START the season. I'm not even saying that McNeese won't be in the top 11 at year end. Hell, they could get to the playoffs after winning the SLC and possibly a NC game appearance - I don't know. What I do know is that, in MY OPINION, they are ranked too high to start the season.

:D :thumbsup:

[McNeese75]

I can't tell from your past two year record... But you are taking this as smack or a slam of McNeese. It's really not. I just don't think that a team that is coming off two subpar seasons both finishing unranked should be ranked #5 in the country. So if you want, take Grambling out of the rankings all together. Now tell me... does McNeese warrant a #5 ranking? What's the justification?!?

:confused:Mike, where is McNeese ranked #5?? The highest I have seen is #11 and as I mentioned previously all preseaon polls are fun but not worth the keystrokes used to create them.

So to annswer your question, NO, McNeese does not warrant a #5 ranking in any poll other than possibly the SLC poll.

[McNeeserocket]

Response: Ok, so other teams didn't lose players? With all due respect to the defending nat'l champs, App State...they lost Ritchie Williams who was their offensive catalyst and team leader and also Hunter, their defensive leader. Both playing pro ball or in camps. They deserve the respect of being ranked #1, but TxState deserves top 10 rankings. They made the playoffs and advanced LAST year which is more recent than some of the teams ranked ahead of them. Did Delaware and McNeese win playoff games last year? Has McNeese been in the playoffs in the past 3 seasons? Didn't they get beaten two years straight by conference member SLU? No knock on McNeese's program, but what about recent history? That's the standard you hold Grambling too. We lost to McNeese when they were heavily ranked but outside of them, we haven't lost to a 1AA since. We get criticized for our schedule but we have quality teams in our conference... check out how many you have ranked in the "others" category. At least you recognize that they are good programs. But doesn't Grambling have some players who are pre-season all-conference and all-american. Didn't 16 or these same guys not start on last year's 11 win season?

But at least it was good for conversation and dialogue. But I will leave you with this. The polls really don't matter because the championship is decided on the field. That's cool. But as I analyzed the rankings, I couldn't help but smh after the top 3. The hardest to justify being McNeese and Delaware. Two good programs but that's a serious jump for two teams that lost 4 games each and who did not participate in the playoffs. As Jafus would say: " Interesting!"

I for one am a real fan of Grambling. I think you have a good program and you step up to the plate to play football against anyone. My memories of the McNeese - Grambling series is a great one for your team, facilities and your great fans. I would love to continue this rivalry.

As I said before, McNeese didn't ask to be in rankings and doesn't care about the rankings. Yes McNeese was in the playoffs within the last three years as they were in the playoffs in 2003, having a record of 10-2 that year.

Remember, that some pollsters don't rank teams merely on what they did last year. In the case of Texas State, the reason they are not ranked any higher, despite their accomplishments last year, is because they lost 28 players from that team, including their highly touted quarterback. They are not ranked because they will have few returning players with any or much experience. On the flip side of this are teams like McNeese and perhaps Delaware (don't know much about their team last year or this coming year). McNeese lost very few of their players and are returning most of their defense and offense. Now you might say that could be bad if McNeese was bad last year because if they are returning most of their bad team then they could/would be bad again (although no one really knows how bad or good McNeese was last year because of the turmoil from both hurricanes). However, returning a lot of experienced players is generally considered a good thing because the returning players know the offensive and defensive schemes and some lack of talent can be offset by experience.

So my guess is (because no one knows how teams get ranked) that McNeese got ranked #11 in the aforementioned poll because of the # of returning starters McNeese has and perhaps on the weight of talent that McNeese appears to have (at least on paper). Perhaps there was a point or two given by some for the pity factor, but those points did not amount to enough to give McNeese a #11 ranking.

My objection with all the talk from some SELA fans and Texas State fans is they want to say how great they are because they beat McNeese and that it proves that they now own McNeese. Until a longer history of such supposed domination is recorded, I feel that they are overly impressed with themselves and do it by not showing evidence of such greatness in their own team but rather by stating over and over how great they must be because they beat McNeese two years in a row. Those losses are acknowledgeed by McNeese, and we gave them their due. Now, prove to McNeese and the rest of the world that you can beat lots of good teams year in and year out for a prolonged period of time. Then and only then will the rest of I-AA be as impressed with them as they are with themselves.

[mikebigg]

Understand me well... I have nothing against McNeese. It may seem that I'm picking on McNeese but actually I'm pointing out that some teams rankings may be based on familiarity...that's not how it should be. I have been posting #5, but I think McNeese was actually #11 or so. Still kinda high! I was trying to show that reputation has too much of an influence in these polls.

I think yall will rebound and challenge for the SLC...if not Tate might be in trouble. On a side note...hope to see yall on the field real soon.

[golionsgo]

My objection with all the talk from some SELA fans and Texas State fans is they want to say how great they are because they beat McNeese and that it proves that they now own McNeese. Until a longer history of such supposed domination is recorded, I feel that they are overly impressed with themselves and do it by not showing evidence of such greatness in their own team but rather by stating over and over how great they must be because they beat McNeese two years in a row. Those losses are acknowledgeed by McNeese, and we gave them their due. Now, prove to McNeese and the rest of the world that you can beat lots of good teams year in and year out for a prolonged period of time. Then and only then will the rest of I-AA be as impressed with them as they are with themselves.

It has nothing to do with us being impressed with ourselves, it has to do with not being impressed with McNeese.

[GrizzlyEdd]

The one about belonging to a one-team conference?



xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

Cap'n.... I am truely amazed by this statement:eyebrow: since Eastern Washington went to SIU and beat up on the then #1 team. Also, if memory servers me right, an underrated Northern Arizona beat the then #1 team McNeese... both games in the playoffs...

Next time you are in Missoula at Paradise Falls, I am going to spike your moose drool....:nod::p;)

[SO ILLmatic]

since Eastern Washington went to SIU and beat up on the then #1 team.

I dont know if 4 points qualifies as a beat down...

[blukeys]

I dont know if 4 points qualifies as a beat down...

I question SIU as being ranked as a number one team. OVERRATED in my book.

[Tod]

I question SIU as being ranked as a number one team. OVERRATED in my book.

Of course you do. Helps with your "Big Sky sucks" idea. Now, if Delaware had beaten them, we'd hear about it non-stop from our good friend blukeys...:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[TxState_GO_CATS!]

It has nothing to do with us being impressed with ourselves, it has to do with not being impressed with McNeese.

EXACTLY! it has very little to do with us "being impressed with ourselves." even mcneese fans can't be impressed/satisfied with the results the last few years. from a program that prides itself on being in the playoffs every year, the last few years have had to be painful.:twocents:

[GeauxColonels]

:confused:Mike, where is McNeese ranked #5?? The highest I have seen is #11 and as I mentioned previously all preseaon polls are fun but not worth the keystrokes used to create them.

So to annswer your question, NO, McNeese does not warrant a #5 ranking in any poll other than possibly the SLC poll.
Yeah, I was wondering about that too. I've seen #11, not #5. :confused:

[SO ILLmatic]

I question SIU as being ranked as a number one team. OVERRATED in my book.

And I assume that in this same book there would be a selection that spoke on how Delaware was more deserving of the #1 rank in the playoffs. Seeing how the Salukis only lost one game during the 2004 regular season (that being @ Northern IL).

[McNeese75]

It has nothing to do with us being impressed with ourselves, it has to do with not being impressed with McNeese.

:nonono2: Gotta call BS on that one. Yall are all over every SLC message board and AGS throwing out barbs about how good you are going to be this year. Anytime anything is said about McNeese, there is a Lion poster posting some jab. But like Rocket said, show everyone a few consistent winning seasons (say 9-2 or better) and maybe we will all sip Kool-aid with you.

[McNeese75]

EXACTLY! it has very little to do with us "being impressed with ourselves." even mcneese fans can't be impressed/satisfied with the results the last few years. from a program that prides itself on being in the playoffs every year, the last few years have had to be painful.:twocents:

Of course they have been painful. Just like the 20 years before 2004 were for your teams. We hope to improve this year and even more so in 2007.

[89Hen]

The one about belonging to a one-team conference?
Oh Lord its hard to be humble....

[89Hen]

Of course you do. Helps with your "Big Sky sucks" idea. Now, if Delaware had beaten them, we'd hear about it non-stop from our good friend blukeys...:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Well, they were 10-1 #1 GPI and #4 polls when they came to UD in 2003 and got the stuffing beaten out of them. And every Hen fan I can remember called them overrated that year too. :nod:

[SO ILLmatic]

I mean the 2003 SIU team was different than the 2004 team. Yeah, we went to Delaware and got embarassed in 03. But that was our first playoff appearance in 20 years. The team was in unfamiliar territory, and it didnt help that they were playing the eventual national champions at home.

But to say that we were undeserving of the #1 spot in the 2004 playoffs is ludacris. We proved ourselves throughout the regular season and we ran into an obstacle in the first round. Im sure its not the first time, nor the last time, that the number one seed got beat in the first round. Even though we went out in the 1st round, I wouldnt be so sure of myself and the 2004 Delaware team being capable of beating the 2004 Saluki squad.

But why are we continually talking about the past when the thread is about this year's preseason poll???

[89Hen]

Im sure its not the first time, nor the last time, that the number one seed got beat in the first round.
I can think of three:
1999 - Tennessee State
2003 - McNeese
2004 - SIU

Interestingly, all three teams that beat the #1 seed lost in the next round (two of which got smoked).

[Jag4Life]

Last time I checked I saw that Montana and Delaware fans were ahead of SU. SU fans are number 3! ENOUGH SAID!