Sports Network Week 1 Top 25

[melloware13]

http://sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4621359


Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The FCS teams that defeated FBS programs during the first week of the college football season were rewarded on Monday by voters on The Sports Network FCS Top 25 panel.
Well, not so much with top-ranked North Dakota State, which didn't have anywhere to move up.
But after eight FCS teams knocked down the FBS door, six of them were ranked and four were in the Top 10 of the new poll, which is selected each week by a national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries.



1. North Dakota State (145)
2. Eastern Washington (7)
3. Montana State
4. Sam Houston State
5. Towson
6. South Dakota State
7. Central Arkansas
8. Villanova
9. Northern Iowa
10. Georgia Southern
11. New Hampshire
12. Cal Poly
13. Montana
14. Eastern Illinois
15. Richmond
16. Wofford
17. Stony Brook
18. McNeese State
19. Illinois State
20. James Madison
21. Appalachian State
22. Northern Arizona
23. Lehigh
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Bethune-Cookman

ORV: Eastern Kentucky, Youngstown State, Samford, Delaware, UT Martin, Southern Utah, Southern Illinois, William & Mary, Wagner, Penn, Southeastern Louisiana, Colgate, Chattanooga, Jacksonville State, South Dakota, Tennessee State, Sacramento State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Indiana State, Harvard, Gardner-Webb, The Citadel, Albany, Tennessee Tech, Liberty, Weber State, Western Illinois, Northwestern State, Duquesne, South Carolina State, Prairie View A&M, Charleston Southern, Florida A&M

[Cleets]

Link:
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/cfoot225poll.aspx (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/cfoot225poll.aspx)




The Sports Network FCS Top 25


College Football Poll





Team (First-place votes)
2013 Record
Points
Previous Rank


1.
North Dakota State Bison (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/gateway/teamsn.aspx?id=713) (145)
1-0
3793
1


2.
Eastern Washington Eagles (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/bigsky/teamsn.aspx?id=489) (7)
1-0
3564
4


3.
Montana State Bobcats (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/bigsky/teamsn.aspx?id=549)
1-0
3319
2


4.
Sam Houston State Bearkats (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/southland/teamsn.aspx?id=593)
1-0
3267
3


5.
Towson Tigers (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/colonial/teamsn.aspx?id=644)
1-0
2874
11


6.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/gateway/teamsn.aspx?id=V36)
1-0
2744
6


7.
Central Arkansas Bears (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/southland/teamsn.aspx?id=849)
1-0
2557
7


8.
Villanova Wildcats (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/colonial/teamsn.aspx?id=643)
0-1
2470
5


9.
Northern Iowa Panthers (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/gateway/teamsn.aspx?id=568)
1-0
2357
17


10.
Georgia Southern Eagles (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/southern/teamsn.aspx?id=503)
1-0
2191
9


11.
New Hampshire Wildcats (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/colonial/teamsn.aspx?id=556)
0-0
2112
10


12.
Cal Poly Mustangs (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/bigsky/teamsn.aspx?id=500)
1-0
1857
14


13.
Montana Grizzlies (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/bigsky/teamsn.aspx?id=548)
1-0
1842
20


14.
Eastern Illinois Panthers (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/ovc/teamsn.aspx?id=493)
1-0
1717
21


15.
Richmond Spiders (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/colonial/teamsn.aspx?id=587)
1-0
1690
15


16.
Wofford Terriers (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/southern/teamsn.aspx?id=636)
0-1
1527
8


17.
Stony Brook Seawolves (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/colonial/teamsn.aspx?id=722)
0-0
1235
16


18.
McNeese State Cowboys (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/southland/teamsn.aspx?id=536)
1-0
1213
NR


19.
Illinois State Redbirds (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/gateway/teamsn.aspx?id=514)
0-1
1164
13


20.
James Madison Dukes (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/colonial/teamsn.aspx?id=520)
1-0
1147
19


21.
Appalachian State Mountaineers (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/southern/teamsn.aspx?id=456)
0-1
841
12


22.
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/bigsky/teamsn.aspx?id=566)
0-1
583
18


23.
Lehigh Mountain Hawks (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/patriot/teamsn.aspx?id=527)
0-0
557
22


24.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/bigsouth/teamsn.aspx?id=850)
1-0
484
25


25.
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/conf/meac/teamsn.aspx?id=466)
1-0
420
23

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Looks pretty good...

Cal Poly will prove their worth this weekend imo.

SDSU might be ranked a bit too high. Their game against UND in Grand Fork should be a great one.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Meh, I knew EWU would get some first place votes but who can honestly say they are better than NDSU?

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

1. It's a bit knee-jerk to vote EWU #1 at this point and I'd say the same thing if NDSU beat Ferris State for week 1 instead of Kansas State. I could see a point later in the season where EWU could leapfrog NDSU in my AGS ballot without NDSU losing, but not now. Some people are too hasty to move teams up after big FCS wins. People were too quick to move Youngstown State into the top 5 after they beat Pitt convincingly last year and YSU ended up not making the playoffs.

2. Montana State is still too high at #3 (no offense, MSU)

3. Also, call me a homer if you want but GSU at #10 is a joke and I don't really care how bad a team we played. I have a hard time believing that some are simply just not voting for the ineligible teams either out of ignorance or protest when App. State is still at #21.

[Red & Black]

#4, #2....who cares. The only thing that matters is seeding in the playoffs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Grizalltheway]

Meh, I knew EWU would get some first place votes but who can honestly say they are better than NDSU?
They both had 3 point wins over FBS opponents, the only difference being that OSU was ranked. Pretty much a wash IMO.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

They both had 3 point wins over FBS opponents, the only difference being that OSU was ranked. Pretty much a wash IMO.

You might get away with video game football for one or two games but that's going to bite them in the ass sooner or later.

[Grizalltheway]

You might get away with video game football for one or two games but that's going to bite them in the ass sooner or later.

You may be right, but they got away with it up until the semis last year, and they lookto be at least a little improved on defense (this game notwithstanding-OSU has a pretty solid offense). UM also won its first NC playing what you'd call video game football.xtwocentsx

[NoDak 4 Ever]

You may be right, but they got away with it up until the semis last year, and they lookto be at least a little improved on defense (this game notwithstanding-OSU has a pretty solid offense). UM also won its first NC playing what you'd call video game football.xtwocentsx

and Sam Houston did it until get got punched in the mouth. I'm just saying if my team were playing EWU, I would not be worried.

[McNeese72]

Damn! Three of our future opponents are in the Top Ten. xoopsx

Doc

[Red & Black]

and Sam Houston did it until get got punched in the mouth. I'm just saying if my team were playing EWU, I would not be worried.

You're kinda like a telephone tough guy, aren't ya?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoDak 4 Ever]

You're kinda like a telephone tough guy, aren't ya?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not really a tough guy at all. Ask anyone.

[uofmman1122]

lol

NDSU fans getting butthurt because they didn't get ALL the first place votes.

It's the first week. You're still the odds-on favorite. It's okay. xawesomex

[Cleets]

and Sam Houston did it until get got punched in the mouth. I'm just saying if my team were playing EWU, I would not be worried.

I agree that NDSU is very likely the best and should be ranked #1
Both teams are ranked where they should be #1 & #2

Montana State is still too high
and the season will play that out

I suspect Richmond and Villanova will lose a few games that at their rank they should win...
They might be slightly over ranked

[NoDak 4 Ever]

lol

NDSU fans getting butthurt because they didn't get ALL the first place votes.

It's the first week. You're still the odds-on favorite. It's okay. xawesomex

Where did you see butthurt? I simply asked the question. It wasn't answered very well.

[FargoBison]

Why does MSU get so much love? Just don't get it....Towson and UNI should both be in front of them.

[uofmman1122]

Where did you see butthurt? I simply asked the question. It wasn't answered very well.
Sure thing, brah.

[UNIFanSince1983]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAN9ORwsiVA

[Red & Black]

Why does MSU get so much love? Just don't get it....Towson and UNI should both be in front of them.

Because they are a good team, and these early season polls are at least partially based of off where the team finished the previous season. Not a knock on them, but UNI didn't make the playoffs last season...can't remember if Towson did or not.

It's like just because you guys beat MSU in a playoff game 3 years ago it means they can't be a good team this year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Red & Black]

Sure thing, brah.

Precisely my thoughts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FargoBison]

Because they are a good team, and these early season polls are at least partially based of off where the team finished the previous season.

It's like just because you guys beat them in a playoff game 3 years ago it means they can't be a good team this year.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They should be ranked somewhere between 7-15. The only thing putting them in the top 5 is hype. UNI and Towson have both actually done something that should trump the hype.

[uofmman1122]

Because they are a good team, and these early season polls are at least partially based of off where the team finished the previous season. Not a knock on them, but UNI didn't make the playoffs last season...can't remember if Towson did or not.

It's like just because you guys beat MSU in a playoff game 3 years ago it means they can't be a good team this year.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkBut even then, they haven't made it out of the quarterfinals once in the past three years, and got embarrassed each time.

There's literally no logical reason to have them in the top 5 right now.

None.

For the same reason, Montana is not in the top 10 yet, even though we manhandled a pretty good ASU team. We don't deserve to be there yet.

[Bohcat]

They should be ranked somewhere between 7-15. The only thing putting them in the top 5 is hype. UNI and Towson have both actually done something that should trump the hype.

They didnt beat a FBS team but they did beat the opponent that they were scheduled this week in an impressive fashion. 22 points in the first 6 mins; 39-3 at the half. There is certainly more than hype for why they are ranked where they are. If we lose to SMU next week then we have a little more of an equal plane to evaluate between MSU, UNI and Towson.

[Red & Black]

They should be ranked somewhere between 7-15. The only thing putting them in the top 5 is hype. UNI and Towson have both actually done something that should trump the hype.

I get it and I would agree that they're a little too high - however, putting them as low as 15 is a joke as is trying to justify why UNI or Towson have a better resume based on recent success.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bohcat]

But even then, they haven't made it out of the quarterfinals once in the past three years, and got embarrassed each time.

There's literally no logical reason to have them in the top 5 right now.

None.

For the same reason, Montana is not in the top 10 yet, even though we manhandled a pretty good ASU team. We don't deserve to be there yet.

Well if you're going to use the last 3 year arguement. Neither Towson nor UNI made it to the playoffs last year. Two years ago when they both made it Towson lost in the first round and if i remember right UNI "got embarrassed" by UM? At least when we lost in the quaterfinals the team went on to the championship game, when it happened to UNI the team they lost to lost in the semis.

I dont think being in the Top 5 is unjustified. We may not be #3 but I feel confident saying we have a body of work that puts MSU in the top 5. And i think Montana looked like Top 5 team as well.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

They should be ranked somewhere between 7-15. The only thing putting them in the top 5 is hype. UNI and Towson have both actually done something that should trump the hype.

I'm actually buying into MSU this year. I saw them against Monmouth on Thursday and they looked extremely impressive. MSU could have easily hit 60 or 70 if they wanted to.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

I'm actually buying into MSU this year. I saw them against Monmouth on Thursday and they looked extremely impressive. MSU could have easily hit 60 or 70 if they wanted to.


Is Monmouth a good measuring stick though?

[srgrizizen]

Why does MSU get so much love? Just don't get it....Towson and UNI should both be in front of them.
You have to believe NoDak 4 Ever would not be worried if NDSU were playing Oregon with their soft "basketball on grass" style. And is FargoBison basing his opinion of MSU solely on real analysis, or mostly still being POed over their backing out of their game?

[uofmman1122]

Well if you're going to use the last 3 year arguement. Neither Towson nor UNI made it to the playoffs last year. Two years ago when they both made it Towson lost in the first round and if i remember right UNI "got embarrassed" by UM? At least when we lost in the quaterfinals the team went on to the championship game, when it happened to UNI the team they lost to lost in the semis.

I dont think being in the Top 5 is unjustified. We may not be #3 but I feel confident saying we have a body of work that puts MSU in the top 5. And i think Montana looked like Top 5 team as well.
Well, that's just it. There's no one way to objectively decide how to rank any one team. Some of it is based on the last season's performance, some of it is prestige, some of it is "what have you done for me lately?", and some of it is game performance, etc.

That said, I just don't see MSU as high enough in the prestige, last season's performance, and the "lately" performance to warrant being in the Top 5. I mean, you were ranked #1 in 2011 when you clearly shouldn't have been. You were ranked #2 last year when you clearly shouldn't have been. How long before we admit this is a pattern and not just random occurrence? Good job for beating up on Monmouth, but that just doesn't cut for me, and many others, yet.

Beat SMU, and we'll talk, because the bar has been raised this year.

[FargoBison]

You have to believe NoDak 4 Ever would not be worried if NDSU were playing Oregon with their soft "basketball on grass" style. And is FargoBison basing his opinion of MSU solely on real analysis, or mostly still being POed over their backing out of their game?


I don't get what NoDak is saying...EWU is a solid team and there style has given us fits in the past. They even won a FCS title using it.

As for MSU what did they do that was so impressive last year? I just don't get it. They beat Stony Brook by six, SBU was solid but they didn't play an FBS nor did they play two of the better Big Sky teams in NAU and CP. They lost to EWU and SHSU at home. I'm sorry but they just aren't top 5 material right now.

[uofmman1122]

I don't get what NoDak is saying...EWU is a solid team and there style has given us fits in the past. They even won a FCS title using it.

As for MSU what did they do that was so impressive last year? I just don't get it. They beat Stony Brook by six, SBU was solid but they didn't play an FBS nor did they play two of the better Big Sky teams in NAU and CP. The lost two EWU and SHSU at home. I'm sorry but they just aren't top 5 material right now.This.

I'm not saying I think the Bobcats are bad, but so far no one has given me a legitimate reason as for why they should be top 5.

I don't care about other teams that they may or may not be better than.

Why should MSU be top 5, other than "Just cuz"?

[dudeitsaid]

This.

I'm not saying I think the Bobcats are bad, but so far no one has given me a legitimate reason as for why they should be top 5.

I don't care about other teams that they may or may not be better than.

Why should MSU be top 5, other than "Just cuz"?

Cause the have DeNarius McGhee. They have several really strong players, but when I hear people talk about MSU, I hear them talk about their QB. The expectations are high for him this year.

These early rankings are often a combination of the factors so many others have already listed, such as prestige, past performance, etc. But I think the other big factor is who the team has playing for them. And when people know a dynamic playmaker like McGhee who had tremendous success (relatively speaking when compared to the rest of the FCS) is coming back to the helm, there is a thought that he will be bigger, faster, stronger, and more experienced, and will lead his team to even greater success. I don't know enough about some of the other top teams to say they should be top 5 as compared to them, but I can definitely see reasons in the minds of some for giving them a high level of credibility going into this season.

[Twentysix]

So far Montana State seems like a solid #7 to me.

*1: North Dakota State Bison 1-0
*2: Eastern Washington 1-0
*3: Northern Iowa 1-0
*4: Towson 1-0
*5: South Dakota State 1-0
*6: Montana 1-0
*7: Montana State 1-0

All of those teams are probably better. If they are not, Montana State will prove it later in the year, that's all that matters. It's possible 5-7 are interchangeable, its also possible a southland team may belong in the top 5. Time will tell.

[uofmman1122]

Cause the have DeNarius McGhee. They have several really strong players, but when I hear people talk about MSU, I hear them talk about their QB. The expectations are high for him this year.

These early rankings are often a combination of the factors so many others have already listed, such as prestige, past performance, etc. But I think the other big factor is who the team has playing for them. And when people know a dynamic playmaker like McGhee who had tremendous success (relatively speaking when compared to the rest of the FCS) is coming back to the helm, there is a thought that he will be bigger, faster, stronger, and more experienced, and will lead his team to even greater success. I don't know enough about some of the other top teams to say they should be top 5 as compared to them, but I can definitely see reasons in the minds of some for giving them a high level of credibility going into this season.That's it?

McGhee?

One guy gets them into the top 5?

The same guy who's been playing the last three years and has looked straight up pedestrian in the playoffs?

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I don't get what NoDak is saying...EWU is a solid team and there style has given us fits in the past. They even won a FCS title using it.

As for MSU what did they do that was so impressive last year? I just don't get it. They beat Stony Brook by six, SBU was solid but they didn't play an FBS nor did they play two of the better Big Sky teams in NAU and CP. They lost to EWU and SHSU at home. I'm sorry but they just aren't top 5 material right now.

Taiwan Jones rushed for 230 yards in that game. Nobody has come close to that since and we didn't have an all-world cornerback like Marcus Williams. All of BLM's TD's were from less than 10yds. That doesn't happen anymore. I'm simply saying that you wouldn't see anything close to what EWU did to OSU if they played NDSU.

all that said. MSU is a turd. That has nothing to do with what they did to us this year. It has everything to do with their long standing tradition of stepping on their dicks in the playoffs. They just aren't finishers.

[dudeitsaid]

That's it?

McGhee?

One guy gets them into the top 5?

The same guy who's been playing the last three years and has looked straight up pedestrian in the playoffs?

I'm not saying I think it's right, and there is more to MSU than McGhee, but he is definitely the face and most recognizable name on the team at this point. It seems marquis players are the ones that garner the attention for their teams in many cases. Obviously, he is surrounded by a solid supporting cast, but in many cases, the success of the team, hinges on a solid QB. I'm just speculating based on what I see and hear. Would you not agree that they have the potential to win the Big Sky this year? To me, it seems the Big Sky could be won by UM, MSU, EWU, Cal Poly, or NAU, or a combination of those teams. I think MSU's games BSC games are all winnable by them, and if they do win them all, they will end the season in the top 5. That being said, with UM's performance against App, they appear to be back this year, and the same results could easily apply to them. Who knows why preseason rankings are what they are. Every person has a different set of criteria, but in my mind, McGhee is a key reason for MSU being a solid team this year.

[uofmman1122]

I'm not saying I think it's right, and there is more to MSU than McGhee, but he is definitely the face and most recognizable name on the team at this point. It seems marquis players are the ones that garner the attention for their teams in many cases. Obviously, he is surrounded by a solid supporting cast, but in many cases, the success of the team, hinges on a solid QB. I'm just speculating based on what I see and hear. Would you not agree that they have the potential to win the Big Sky this year? To me, it seems the Big Sky could be won by UM, MSU, EWU, Cal Poly, or NAU, or a combination of those teams. I think MSU's games BSC games are all winnable by them, and if they do win them all, they will end the season in the top 5. That being said, with UM's performance against App, they appear to be back this year, and the same results could easily apply to them. Who knows why preseason rankings are what they are. Every person has a different set of criteria, but in my mind, McGhee is a key reason for MSU being a solid team this year.I don't disagree that they're going to be one of the contenders for the BSC championship, but that doesn't mean I think they've earned a spot in the top 5. It seems like you're saying "I have no idea how good the other schools are, and McGhee is good, and I can't really give any other reason, but I still think they belong in the top 5."

Right now I think NDSU, SHSU, EWU, Towson, UNI, and even Montana have shown something to at least consider putting them at the top.

All of those teams except SHSU have huge wins already, and SHSU has shown they can sustain success.

MSU hasn't really shown that kind of success, and while Monmouth isn't terrible, they're certainly not a huge win.

I'm not telling people how they should run their polls, and if you think MSU is top 5, that's fine, but it seems their more evidence to the contrary than in their favor.

But we'll see how it plays out soon. xpeacex

[Bohcat]

Everyone keeps bringing up the playoffs and that is a very valid point to address when being cautious of saying MSU is not a top 5 team but thats only one thing to look at. If you are going to knock the cats for getting knocked out in the quarters each year then why does that not apply to UNI, Towson, SDSU, etc. who have missed the playoffs, been knocked out earlier, or similarly got beat badly in the quarters. Im just saying if your gonna use it as a measuring stick use it with everyone, not just MSU. When you put them in that group MSU's playoff run looks better then that group.

Over the past three years MSU has beat the teams they were supposed to beat and lost to teams that were better than them(with the excpetion of NAU). Their coming off back to back 10 + win seasons. And when they did lose in the playoffs it wasn't to a lesser team. NDSU in 2010 and then SHSU the past 2 years. The only teams that I will say have been the most dominate and top teams in the FCS the past couple years. And going back evern further they have had 11 consecutive winning seasons.

Some people on hear make it sound like MSU is ranked in the top 5 and then end up 6-5 all the time, or miss out on the playoffs. I think if your truly being objective MSU definetly has a body of work and a "prestige" that they have established that makes saying they are a top 5 team is justified. For the most part im mainly trying to argue that if your gonna knock the cats for *****ting the bed in the playoffs dont discount their regular season success. Keep the standards the same for everyone.

[Twentysix]

Everyone keeps bringing up the playoffs and that is a very valid point to address when being cautious of saying MSU is not a top 5 team but thats only one thing to look at. If you are going to knock the cats for getting knocked out in the quarters each year then why does that not apply to UNI, Towson, SDSU, etc. who have missed the playoffs, been knocked out earlier, or similarly got beat badly in the quarters. Im just saying if your gonna use it as a measuring stick use it with everyone, not just MSU. When you put them in that group MSU's playoff run looks better then that group.


It doesn't apply to Towson because they beat a BCS school last weekend. It doesn't apply to UNI because they beat a BCS school last weekend. It doesn't apply to SDSU because they were sent to their death against NDSU last year, after winning a second round game 58-10 (vs a team that just beat an FBS team last weekend).

Many/several people share the opinion should SDSU not been sent to NDSU in the quarters, they were likely at least a semifinal team.

Keep in mind SDSU played NDSU closer in the playoffs @ the Fargodome than SHSU played NDSU in the title on a neutral field.

[FargoBison]

When is the last time the Bobcats beat a top 5 team? EWU in 2010?

They've had plenty of chances but their best wins the past two years are SBU and UNH...not exactly amazing for a team consistently in the top 5. Seems like they've gotten a lot of credit for beating a lot of mediocre teams.

Their record vs elite teams is pretty horrible....with a number of losses coming at home.

I'm not saying they are horrible....I have them ranked 9th or 10th but to be top 5 I expect more and I guess I'm finally going to hold them accountable.

[uofmman1122]

No other team has systematically been dominated in the playoffs the last three years after being hyped up so much, so forgive us for not buying into the hype after we've been proven right three years in a row.

[Red & Black]

Taiwan Jones rushed for 230 yards in that game. Nobody has come close to that since and we didn't have an all-world cornerback like Marcus Williams. All of BLM's TD's were from less than 10yds.

I don't think this is true. I remember Mitchell having at least one 25+ yard TD. I'd also offer that that game was a really poor representation of the EWU offensive style. The weather conditions were such that it was not condusive to a pass-heavy attack. We HAD to rely on Jones to get us those yards. The conditions definitely favored a bigger, slower, run-heavy team (NDSU).

Also, I thought Williams played in 2010? Who was it exactly that picked off Mitchell in that game? Was it a different Marcus Williams?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I don't think this is true. I remember Mitchell having at least one 25+ yard TD. I'd also offer that that game was a really poor representation of the EWU offensive style. The weather conditions were such that it was not condusive to a pass-heavy attack. We HAD to rely on Jones to get us those yards. The conditions definitely favored a bigger, slower, run-heavy team (NDSU).

Also, I thought Williams played in 2010? Who was it exactly that picked off Mitchell in that game? Was it a different Marcus Williams?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, the OT pass was 25 yds.

And yes, this is exactly the same team as in 2010.

[Red & Black]

Yes, the OT pass was 25 yds.

And yes, this is exactly the same team as in 2010.

Not saying it is. Just pointing out that you mentioned the lack of a "shut down" corner in 2010, when in fact he played in the very game you were referencing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Not saying it is. Just pointing out that you mentioned the lack of a "shut down" corner in 2010, when in fact he played in the very game you were referencing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As I said, Marcus Williams 2010 is exactly like Marcus Williams 2013.

[UNIFanSince1983]

Everyone keeps bringing up the playoffs and that is a very valid point to address when being cautious of saying MSU is not a top 5 team but thats only one thing to look at. If you are going to knock the cats for getting knocked out in the quarters each year then why does that not apply to UNI, Towson, SDSU, etc. who have missed the playoffs, been knocked out earlier, or similarly got beat badly in the quarters. Im just saying if your gonna use it as a measuring stick use it with everyone, not just MSU. When you put them in that group MSU's playoff run looks better then that group.

Over the past three years MSU has beat the teams they were supposed to beat and lost to teams that were better than them(with the excpetion of NAU). Their coming off back to back 10 + win seasons. And when they did lose in the playoffs it wasn't to a lesser team. NDSU in 2010 and then SHSU the past 2 years. The only teams that I will say have been the most dominate and top teams in the FCS the past couple years. And going back evern further they have had 11 consecutive winning seasons.

Some people on hear make it sound like MSU is ranked in the top 5 and then end up 6-5 all the time, or miss out on the playoffs. I think if your truly being objective MSU definetly has a body of work and a "prestige" that they have established that makes saying they are a top 5 team is justified. For the most part im mainly trying to argue that if your gonna knock the cats for *****ting the bed in the playoffs dont discount their regular season success. Keep the standards the same for everyone.

The thing is last year or even the few years before should have little to do with where you are ranked this year. Yeah we had a rough year last year, but so far this year we are looking okay. That could change in the matter of a few weeks. I am not sure why you care so much that a few butthurt NDSU or Montana fans think you don't belong in the Top 5. In my opinion Montana State does belong. They were up 39-3 at half. It doesn't matter who the team is that is a great start. And Monmouth should be better than Butler who SDSU played, and MSU has has more success in the playoffs of recent vintage. Not to mention last year SDSU got throttled by a 5-6 UNI team. In the end this isn't the BCS and if you deserve to be where you are ranked it will sort itself out in the end. I am not convinced UNI is a top 5 team yet. We do have the best RB in the country, but our defense needs to improve.

[Red & Black]

As I said, Marcus Williams 2010 is exactly like Marcus Williams 2013.

Lakes was calling him a 1st round draft pick back in 2010, so it must be true. Amiright? ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoCats23]

Nobody has come close to that since and we didn't have an all-world cornerback like Marcus Williams.


Also, I thought Williams played in 2010? Who was it exactly that picked off Mitchell in that game? Was it a different Marcus Williams?



As I said, Marcus Williams 2010 is exactly like Marcus Williams 2013.

I'm pretty sure you said you didn't have Marcus Williams in that game though. But maybe I'm just misinterpreting.

As for the Cats, I say save it till after this week. We have our chance to show if we are a top 5 team or not and we know we have to win. We'll know the answer in just a few days.

[saxbison]

[QUOTE=Red & Black;1997583]Lakes was calling him a 1st round draft pick back in 2010, so it must be true. Amiright? ;)

Because we all know lakes is the end all of CFB knowledge.

xlolx

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I'm pretty sure you said you didn't have Marcus Williams in that game though. But maybe I'm just misinterpreting.

As for the Cats, I say save it till after this week. We have our chance to show if we are a top 5 team or not and we know we have to win. We'll know the answer in just a few days.

I said All American Marcus Williams. Nuance is foreign to some people.

[Twentysix]

Actually you said all world. Tbh, it sounds like back peddling, but whatever.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Actually you said all world. Tbh, it sounds like back peddling, but whatever.

Of course it does. It's really hard to explain things to some people. My thesis is the same, I think this defense which is much better and more experienced than the one that got **** on mightily in that game against EWU would perform much better today. Why is that so god damned hard to understand?

Furthermore, I also think that a good defense can beat a "potent" offense.

[Twentysix]

Of course it does. It's really hard to explain things to some people. My thesis is the same, I think this defense which is much better and more experienced than the one that got **** on mightily in that game against EWU would perform much better today. Why is that so god damned hard to understand?

Furthermore, I also think that a good defense can beat a "potent" offense.

Until NDSU plays them it doesn't matter. Message boards, lol.

[ngineer]

Mostly meaningless until end of September when bodies of work are taking shape.

[caribbeanhen]

Damn! Three of our future opponents are in the Top Ten. xoopsx

Doc

Welcome to the CAA!

[seantaylor]

If we are allowed to be ranked in this poll, then call a spade a spade here.

[Tribal]

Welcome to the CAA!

You ain't kidding!! W&M plays 5 top 25 teams and one team (UD) just out of the top 25 this season. So, in a week or so make that 6. That's after starting with WVU.

[Tribe4SF]

You ain't kidding!! W&M plays 5 top 25 teams and one team (UD) just out of the top 25 this season. So, in a week or so make that 6. That's after starting with WVU.

You forgot Penn, the defending champ and preseason favorite in the Ivy. May well be ranked when we play them.

[Houndawg]

You ain't kidding!! W&M plays 5 top 25 teams and one team (UD) just out of the top 25 this season. So, in a week or so make that 6. That's after starting with WVU.

Tell me about it. Three in the Top 10, five in the Top 20...