Fearless 2006 Predictions by Matt Dougherty

[LacesOut]

Don't see this posted yet, so here goes...


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

Too long to post the article. So I'll just give his championship game...

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Appalachian State vs Cal Poly

The two most talented teams in I-AA football meet in the national title game, with star players on each side of the ball and strong offenses and defenses for both squads. There isn’t much separation between the two, but Appalachian State does have a slight edge on the offensive line and a more balanced offense. The Mountaineers will also enjoy another large crowd, and the folks from Boone will be partying in the streets of Chattanooga again after a 27-17 victory.

I didn’t want to be the guy who picks the defending champion to win it all again, but it’s hard to discount the talent the Mountaineers return and the big-time players they have on both sides of the ball. A contender could easily emerge and supplant Appalachian State in the postseason, but the Mountaineers have to be the favorite for the title right now.

The Mountaineer faithful only has a few more days to savor their defending champion status and positive vibes for the 2006 campaign. In less than one week, the preseason predictions and magazines can be tossed aside as we follow a new season of ups and downs in I-AA, or should I say NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, football. Let the games begin!

[PaladinFan]

The only IAA team to beat the Apps last year is going to have a lot to say about that :)

[arranger101]

I-AA PLAYOFF FIELD
Automatic Bids: New Hampshire (A-10), Montana (Big Sky), Illinois State (Gateway), South Carolina State (MEAC), Eastern Kentucky (OVC), Colgate (Patriot), Appalachian State (Southern), McNeese State (Southland)

At-Large Bids: James Madison (A-10), Massachusetts (A-10), Idaho State (Big Sky), Cal Poly (Great West), UNI (Gateway), Hampton (MEAC), Lafayette (Patriot), Furman (Southern)

Top Four Seeds: Appalachian State, Montana, Illinois State, New Hampshire.


FIRST ROUND
Top Bracket: Appalachian State vs Eastern Kentucky; Massachusetts vs. Lafayette; New Hampshire vs. Colgate; James Madison vs. Hampton.

Bottom Bracket: Montana vs. UNI; Cal Poly vs. McNeese State; Idaho State vs. Illinois State; South Carolina State vs. Furman.


INTERESTING....xcoffeex

[Pard4Life]

Lafayette an at-large again? Hmm.. We'd have to win all but one OOC game, and I assume lose to Colgate.. If we fall to another league team and beat both Colgate and Lehigh and go 5-1, then we should look good for an at-large.

[89Hen]

At-Large Bids: James Madison (A-10), Massachusetts (A-10), Idaho State (Big Sky), Cal Poly (Great West), UNI (Gateway), Hampton (MEAC), Lafayette (Patriot), Furman (Southern)
It would be tough to imagine the Gateway and Southern with only one at-large a piece. :twocents:

[AppGuy04]

It would be tough to imagine the Gateway and Southern with only one at-large a piece. :twocents:

Gateway should get 3 in, but honestly, beyond ASU and Furman nothing is certain

[UAalum72]

So, Matt, does this mean The Sports Network won't be doing preseason summaries of the NEC, PFL and MAAC?

Thanks for your interest.

[Grizzaholic]

Glad to see someone else thinks Idaho State has a quality program this year. Should be one of the teams to beat.

[Pard4Life]

So, Matt, does this mean The Sports Network won't be doing preseason summaries of the NEC, PFL and MAAC?

Thanks for your interest.

Doubt it would have been quality anyway... buy the I-AA magazine instead!

[blukeys]

I give Matt credit for going out on a limb. :nod: :nod: :nod:

[OL FU]

I give Matt credit for going out on a limb. :nod: :nod: :nod:

Who did he pick last year:rolleyes: :mad: xcoffeex

[birdsflyhigh]

It's great to see him predict Illinois State as one of the top 4 seeds. I would agree with an earlier poster that Dougherty may have missed the boat saying there will be just one Gateway at-large. YSU is going to be very strong this year. :cool: