Bracketology

[dbackjon]

No one says you have to have 6 home games. Sign some home and homes. Pay some guarantee money. You have options.

Again, that is easy enough for east coast teams. We have tried and tried to get home and homes. Teams in the east refuse to travel more than a few hours.

Most years NAU is left with 4 home conference games, 4 conference road games, one DII home game, a FBS road game and if we are lucky, one end of a home and home with a Southland or MVFC team. This year we traveled to two OOC road games - South Dakota (they came to Flag last year) and Abliene Christian (I think they come to NAU next year.


Have your millionaire coach take his team out west - see the Grand Canyon, experience some real western culture, and play NAU at 7,000'

[knucklehead]

Liberty did a home and home with Montana and has tried with others. Have your admin call LU.

[rokamortis]

Again, that is easy enough for east coast teams. We have tried and tried to get home and homes. Teams in the east refuse to travel more than a few hours.

Most years NAU is left with 4 home conference games, 4 conference road games, one DII home game, a FBS road game and if we are lucky, one end of a home and home with a Southland or MVFC team. This year we traveled to two OOC road games - South Dakota (they came to Flag last year) and Abliene Christian (I think they come to NAU next year.


Have your millionaire coach take his team out west - see the Grand Canyon, experience some real western culture, and play NAU at 7,000'

I'm a proponent of playing a variety of teams - not that they listen to me. Or you may need to take some action - as the great Harvey Keitel said ..... "move out of the sticks fellas".

[clenz]

No one says you have to have 6 home games. Sign some home and homes. Pay some guarantee money. You have options.
Doesn't quite work that way.

UNI has it "easy" compared to most out here and still can't get games for ****.

We payed TTU something like 180k for a game this year and had H/H with UNC. Without the relationship with McNeese/SFA/and UNC over the years UNI really would have been in a world of hurt at times.

Teams, unlike fans, don't really want H/H with UNI, SIU, Montana, Montana State, NDSU, etc... H/H don't pay for the other teams travel. The schools don't want to pay travel out here. They don't want to challenge their teams to be honest. What befit would Liberty, CCU, UNH, etc... have from playing in Iowa, North Dakota, Illinois, Montana, etc...? They don't recruit athletes from there, they don't recruit students from there (in any measurable way), they likely have very very very small alumni bases there (if any), if they lose it will hurt them come playoff time, etc... You have to look past the fan in you going "Dude, I'd love to see UNI play a H/H with Delaware/UNH/Richmond/etc..." UNI has nothing going for it out there. The UNI AD has said almost exactly that. UNI does recruit Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, etc... and it's why OOCs with SLC teams have worked. The Big Sky, MVFC, and SLC have a nice set up going with getting nice OOC match ups but there are too many OOC games and too many logisitical night mares to work out all OOC games from just that small pool.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I'm a proponent of playing a variety of teams - not that they listen to me. Or you may need to take some action - as the great Harvey Keitel said ..... "move out of the sticks fellas".

Or just get into a conference where no team you play is ranked. Gotta admit, that's kind of working for you.

[kalm]

Doesn't quite work that way.

UNI has it "easy" compared to most out here and still can't get games for ****.

We payed TTU something like 180k for a game this year and had H/H with UNC. Without the relationship with McNeese/SFA/and UNC over the years UNI really would have been in a world of hurt at times.

Teams, unlike fans, don't really want H/H with UNI, SIU, Montana, Montana State, NDSU, etc... H/H don't pay for the other teams travel. The schools don't want to pay travel out here. They don't want to challenge their teams to be honest. What befit would Liberty, CCU, UNH, etc... have from playing in Iowa, North Dakota, Illinois, Montana, etc...? They don't recruit athletes from there, they don't recruit students from there (in any measurable way), they likely have very very very small alumni bases there (if any), if they lose it will hurt them come playoff time, etc... You have to look past the fan in you going "Dude, I'd love to see UNI play a H/H with Delaware/UNH/Richmond/etc..." UNI has nothing going for it out there. The UNI AD has said almost exactly that. UNI does recruit Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, etc... and it's why OOCs with SLC teams have worked. The Big Sky, MVFC, and SLC have a nice set up going with getting nice OOC match ups but there are too many OOC games and too many logisitical night mares to work out all OOC games from just that small pool.

Nailed it.

[Bison56]

Or just get into a conference where no team you play is ranked. Gotta admit, that's kind of working for you.

They play MEAC teams too. xnodx

[Grizalltheway]

Again, that is easy enough for east coast teams. We have tried and tried to get home and homes. Teams in the east refuse to travel more than a few hours.

Most years NAU is left with 4 home conference games, 4 conference road games, one DII home game, a FBS road game and if we are lucky, one end of a home and home with a Southland or MVFC team. This year we traveled to two OOC road games - South Dakota (they came to Flag last year) and Abliene Christian (I think they come to NAU next year.


Have your millionaire coach take his team out west - see the Grand Canyon, experience some real western culture, and play NAU at 7,000'

Not really. The destination just has to be worth their while. ;)

[dbackjon]

Not really. The destination just has to be worth their while. ;)


Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Native culture, Real Indian Casinos - what is there not to love.

:)

[Grizalltheway]

Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Native culture, Real Indian Casinos - what is there not to love.

:)

No Grizo?

[dbackjon]

No Grizo?


We have plenty of old men in skirts in Flagstaff as well.

[rokamortis]

Or just get into a conference where no team you play is ranked. Gotta admit, that's kind of working for you.

We've had teams ranked this year. Liberty is ranked in AGS and a number of the computer polls. The conference is the second rated conference behind the MVFC.

Would you like to try again?

[rokamortis]

Doesn't quite work that way.

UNI has it "easy" compared to most out here and still can't get games for ****.

We payed TTU something like 180k for a game this year and had H/H with UNC. Without the relationship with McNeese/SFA/and UNC over the years UNI really would have been in a world of hurt at times.

Teams, unlike fans, don't really want H/H with UNI, SIU, Montana, Montana State, NDSU, etc... H/H don't pay for the other teams travel. The schools don't want to pay travel out here. They don't want to challenge their teams to be honest. What befit would Liberty, CCU, UNH, etc... have from playing in Iowa, North Dakota, Illinois, Montana, etc...? They don't recruit athletes from there, they don't recruit students from there (in any measurable way), they likely have very very very small alumni bases there (if any), if they lose it will hurt them come playoff time, etc... You have to look past the fan in you going "Dude, I'd love to see UNI play a H/H with Delaware/UNH/Richmond/etc..." UNI has nothing going for it out there. The UNI AD has said almost exactly that. UNI does recruit Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, etc... and it's why OOCs with SLC teams have worked. The Big Sky, MVFC, and SLC have a nice set up going with getting nice OOC match ups but there are too many OOC games and too many logisitical night mares to work out all OOC games from just that small pool.

Ok, you sold me. We should never go west.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

We've had teams ranked this year. Liberty is ranked in AGS and a number of the computer polls. The conference is the second rated conference behind the MVFC.

Would you like to try again?

I'm sorry, when did you play Liberty? Oh, not yet? Well.......

You've feasted on a pretty weak schedule.

[knucklehead]

We've had teams ranked this year. Liberty is ranked in AGS and a number of the computer polls. The conference is the second rated conference behind the MVFC.

Would you like to try again?
So, you admit that Liberty will be the best team CCU has played all year? YEP!

[NoDak 4 Ever]

So, you admit that Liberty will be the best team CCU has played all year? YEP!

They will. That can't be in question. Now. How good you are is another story.

[UNHWildcat18]

This is my take on the playoff spots this year, no teams yet.
Pioneer-1
NEC-1
Southern-1
PL-1
OVC-2
Big South-1
SouthLand-3
MEAC-2
CAA-3
MVFC-5
BigSky-4

24 teams

[rokamortis]

I'm sorry, when did you play Liberty? Oh, not yet? Well.......

You've feasted on a pretty weak schedule.

It has been tasty too. But we should have a couple of ranked teams and a playoff team or two.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

It has been tasty too. But we should have a couple of ranked teams and a playoff team or two.

This is a good reason for the stat I earlier posted. Weak conferences get exposed eventually in the playoffs.

I don't need to remind you, it happened so recently.

[rokamortis]

This is a good reason for the stat I earlier posted. Weak conferences get exposed eventually in the playoffs.

I don't need to remind you, it happened so recently.

Yes, you are right. We lost to the eventual national champion. My goodness, we were soooooooo exposed.

I don't have to remind you since you are the class of Bison fans- but you guys curb stomped everybody in the playoffs. At least we were in good company.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Yes, you are right. We lost to the eventual national champion. My goodness, we were soooooooo exposed.

I don't have to remind you since you are the class of Bison fans- but you guys curb stomped everybody in the playoffs. At least we were in good company.

Well it happens every year. One or two teams get through but eventually by the semis it's always the CAA, MVFC, or the BSC.

[rokamortis]

Well it happens every year. One or two teams get through but eventually by the semis it's always the CAA, MVFC, or the BSC.

When you have 70% of the field, the odds are ever in your favor.

2 and 3 years ago there were southern and southland teams in the semis. So always means last year? Got it!

[Panther-State]

When you have 70% of the field, the odds are ever in your favor.

When those conferences make up 90% of the best teams in the FCS, the odds are ever in their favor...

[rokamortis]

When those conferences make up 90% of the best teams in the FCS, the odds are ever in their favor...

We should just go ahead and award the crown to UNH then right now.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

When you have 70% of the field, the odds are ever in your favor.

2 and 3 years ago there were southern and southland teams in the semis. So always means last year? Got it!

The SoCon has been deeply affected by the FBS moves recently. It may be years before they recover.

The SLC was bouyed by Sam Houston who needs to get back up to respectability and McNeese, which has to stop stepping on their own dicks.

[PantherRob82]

Yes, you are right. We lost to the eventual national champion. My goodness, we were soooooooo exposed.

I don't have to remind you since you are the class of Bison fans- but you guys curb stomped everybody in the playoffs. At least we were in good company.

I think the point is that you only had one FCS loss last year and still got beat by the Bison by 34. There is no shame in winning two playoff games and losing to the champ. You have to understand the rest of our point of view that just because you have no losses this year in the same conference, which is perceived as weak(correctly or incorrectly), doesn't mean you are in any better position to compete with the top teams in the major conferences.

It's just like with the BCS busters. Sometimes the competed or even won, and sometimes they got blown off the field. We won't know how good CCU really is until the playoffs because they didn't play anyone that gave us a good idea.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I think the point is that you only had one FCS loss last year and still got beat by the Bison by 34. There is no shame in winning two playoff games and losing to the champ. You have to understand the rest of our point of view that just because you have no losses this year in the same conference, which is perceived as weak(correctly or incorrectly), doesn't mean you are in any better position to compete with the top teams in the major conferences.

It's just like with the BCS busters. Sometimes the competed or even won, and sometimes they got blown off the field. We won't know how good CCU really is until the playoffs because they didn't play anyone that gave us a good idea.

Yeah, pretty much.

[Grizalltheway]

We should just go ahead and award the crown to UNH then right now.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYKIcnj1MJY

[mmiller_34]

I wish they would either seed the entire field.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

We should just go ahead and award the crown to UNH then right now.

Not sure why UNH either. They've had half a schedule like yours.

[rokamortis]

Not sure why UNH either. They've had half a schedule like yours.

They are in the great CAA and displaced NDSU for number one.

[rokamortis]

I think the point is that you only had one FCS loss last year and still got beat by the Bison by 34. There is no shame in winning two playoff games and losing to the champ. You have to understand the rest of our point of view that just because you have no losses this year in the same conference, which is perceived as weak(correctly or incorrectly), doesn't mean you are in any better position to compete with the top teams in the major conferences.

It's just like with the BCS busters. Sometimes the competed or even won, and sometimes they got blown off the field. We won't know how good CCU really is until the playoffs because they didn't play anyone that gave us a good idea.

I fully admitted getting routed by the Bison - but everyone did so it isn't a good barometer. We did beat a Big Sky (POWER) school at their home - so again I'm not sure how that is good for your argument.

I haven't said anything about how good / bad I think we are. I've talked about our conference ranking and the ranking of some of the conference schools when posters are talking out their ass, but never once have I said anything about strength of Coastal or how I think we'll do in the playoffs.

I agree that this is a new year and has to be proven on the field. Others should recognize that as well.

[PantherRob82]

I fully admitted getting routed by the Bison - but everyone did so it isn't a good barometer. We did beat a Big Sky (POWER) school at their home - so again I'm not sure how that is good for your argument.

I haven't said anything about how good / bad I think we are. I've talked about our conference ranking and the ranking of some of the conference schools when posters are talking out their ass, but never once have I said anything about strength of Coastal or how I think we'll do in the playoffs.

I agree that this is a new year and has to be proven on the field. Others should recognize that as well.

They do. Thus their argument that you haven't proven it on the field.

[rokamortis]

They do. Thus their argument that you haven't proven it on the field.

Very few teams have proven "it" on the field this year. SO no, they don't. The true test will be in the playoffs. Good thing we are just 2 games away.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Very few teams have proven "it" on the field this year. SO no, they don't. The true test will be in the playoffs. Good thing we are just 2 games away.

When he says you, or at least when I refer to you, I'm talking about your conference.

No national champion has ever come out of the:

Big South
Pioneer
Northeast Conference
Patriot

Only one has ever come out of the MEAC and 2 by the same team out of the OVC and ZERO in the last 30 years.

Now with the new 24 team field, your teams are overrepresented and still can't make it past the quarters.

So yeah you, writ large, have not proven it on the field.

[rokamortis]

When he says you, or at least when I refer to you, I'm talking about your conference.

No national champion has ever come out of the:

Big South
Pioneer
Northeast Conference
Patriot

Only one has ever come out of the MEAC and 2 by the same team out of the OVC and ZERO in the last 30 years.

Now with the new 24 team field, your teams are overrepresented and still can't make it past the quarters.

So yeah you, writ large, have not proven it on the field.

Wow - history, Then you know the Big South hasn't been around that long and only recently gotten the auto bid. The Big South has done fine in the playoffs since then. But how many teams have won a national title since 2010 when the playoffs expanded? 2.

So pick and choose your data and I'll pick and choose mine.

Plus this is a new year. Throw the history out the window. For example, NDSU was unbeaten, until they weren't. Things change.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Wow - history, Then you know the Big South hasn't been around that long and only recently gotten the auto bid. The Big South has done fine in the playoffs since then. But how many teams have won a national title since 2010 when the playoffs expanded? 2.

So pick and choose your data and I'll pick and choose mine.

Plus this is a new year. Throw the history out the window. For example, NDSU was unbeaten, until they weren't. Things change.



The Citadel
NC A & T
SC State
Florida A & M
Elon
Furman
Presbyterian
Charleston Southern
Gardner - Webb
Charlotte
Monmouth
Liberty

Wow, I'm sure NDSU would be 0-12 running that gauntlet....xrolleyesx

Enjoy your run.

[knucklehead]

Wow, hadn't seen their whole schedule at once. We really are the best team in their schedule. By a long shot

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Wow, hadn't seen their whole schedule at once. We really are the best team in their schedule. By a long shot

You need to hire their AD. You'd be 10-0 and #1 in the country according to the dumb coaches.

[knucklehead]

Or at least ranked in their Crap poll. I'm trying to stay focused on the importance of beating CSU, but man I can not wait for Coastal week. I'm sure the coaches and team are more focused than me.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

I didn't really want this to be a Bison slap fight but it is undeniable that there is a power structure in FCS just as it is in FBS.

You have your power conferences, your "what are they doing here" conferences and in the middle, the so-so conferences.

As was said in the movie Rounders. "Why do you think the same five guys make it to the final table of the World Series of Poker EVERY YEAR? What, are they the luckiest guys in Las Vegas?"

[rokamortis]

I didn't really want this to be a Bison slap fight but it is undeniable that there is a power structure in FCS just as it is in FBS.

You have your power conferences, your "what are they doing here" conferences and in the middle, the so-so conferences.

As was said in the movie Rounders. "Why do you think the same five guys make it to the final table of the World Series of Poker EVERY YEAR? What, are they the luckiest guys in Las Vegas?"

The Bison had the power the last 3 years - everyone else was along for the ride. As I said, things change. A few years ago it was the Southern and CAA. The Southland was then a driver for a while. Now the MVFC stands out with the Big Sky and CAA backing them up. Who will it be in the next 5 years? I don't know - but I do know that while history is good for a reference it also is not a predictor of future performance.

[rokamortis]

Or at least ranked in their Crap poll. I'm trying to stay focused on the importance of beating CSU, but man I can not wait for Coastal week. I'm sure the coaches and team are more focused than me.

It doesn't matter. Our schedule is weak. We haven't beaten anyone. And we are overrated. Just start making plans for the playoffs and you are sure to get there.

[knucklehead]

It doesn't matter. Our schedule is weak. We haven't beaten anyone. And we are overrated. Just start making plans for the playoffs and you are sure to get there.
Thankfully, I'm a fan and fans are entitled to hyperbole. The players will be serious and ready. And for the record, I do not think Coastal is overrated and I haven't said that. I think they are top 4, which is a powerful team. The schedule makes it hard to tell though. I do think your team gets some respect for coming in and beating us in our house in 2ot last year (stupid fake punt). But I do think LU is getting better and healthier and will be ready to return the favor.

It's all in fun dude. Relax.

[rokamortis]

Thankfully, I'm a fan and fans are entitled to hyperbole. The players will be serious and ready. And for the record, I do not think Coastal is overrated and I haven't said that. I think they are top 4, which is a powerful team. The schedule makes it hard to tell though. I do think your team gets some respect for coming in and beating us in our house in 2ot last year (stupid fake punt). But I do think LU is getting better and healthier and will be ready to return the favor.

It's all in fun dude. Relax.

I am relaxed. But we suck. Move along. Nothing to see here.

[FargoBison]

The Citadel
NC A & T
SC State
Florida A & M
Elon
Furman
Presbyterian
Charleston Southern
Gardner - Webb
Charlotte
Monmouth
Liberty

Wow, I'm sure NDSU would be 0-12 running that gauntlet....xrolleyesx

Enjoy your run.

Give USD or WIU that schedule and what is their record?

Coastal does have a good team but that schedule is the worst I have seen from a team ranked #1 in forever.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Give USD or WIU that schedule and what is their record?

Coastal does have a good team but that schedule is the worst I have seen from a team ranked #1 in forever.


Good question.

Furman has been a surprise to me this year. I thought they would have been a playoff contender for sure after seeing them in person last year. They had the best defense of any team the Bison played in the playoffs.

USD would probably struggle with most of them but WIU would beat them most with Liberty and The Citadel being tough outs. WIU is going to be tough as nails next year.

[knucklehead]

Boy you don't have much respect for the big south, do you?

[FargoBison]

Good question.

Furman has been a surprise to me this year. I thought they would have been a playoff contender for sure after seeing them in person last year. They had the best defense of any team the Bison played in the playoffs.

USD would probably struggle with most of them but WIU would beat them most with Liberty and The Citadel being tough outs. WIU is going to be tough as nails next year.

Yeah WIU would roll through that, Liberty would be a tough game though. USD would be over .500 I think, the Yotes have talent but have gotten beaten to a pulp in the MVFC. That wouldn't happen in the Big South.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Boy you don't have much respect for the big south, do you?


Not much.

Not going to sugar coat it either. CC's schedule is loaded with patsies. The CC team I saw in the FD last year was way behind the Bison and I suspect they still are this year. Very poor match up for them. If they meet up again, I suspect the score will be the same as last year.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Yeah WIU would roll through that, Liberty would be a tough game though. USD would be over .500 I think, the Yotes have talent but have gotten beaten to a pulp in the MVFC. That wouldn't happen in the Big South.

Cannot argue with that!

[Kemo]

At times, I think lower division wins are miscalculated by the playoff committee and FCS fans in general.

Being that I know South Dakota State the best, I'll use them to illustrate my point:

Let's say SDSU finishes the season 8-4 with one of those wins being over DIII Wisconsin-Oshkosh. So because of this lower division game, in the committee's eyes, they are 7-4 and are essentially being punished for not hitting this arbitrary "8 DI win" mark. However, if SDSU would have replaced Oshkosh and Cal Poly in their OOC schedule with Houston Baptist and Austin Peay, they would be rewarded because they did hit the 8 win threshold even though they would have a weaker overall schedule.

Does anyone else see the problem with this?

So the formula is essentially 2 victories over a good and bad team is worse than 2 victories over 2 bad teams that are FCS by name only. Shouldn't greater reward be given for beating the 1 good team that would be a challenging opponent for anyone in the playoff field over beating a couple of opponents that any team being considered for the playoffs would beat even on their worst day?

Basically, what I'm saying is too much stock gets placed on the lower division game at times. When comparing two 8-4 bubble teams, shouldn't quality wins, bad losses, and overall strength of schedule be far more important than 1 victory over a lower division team? Because, the fact of the matter is, you can only get 1 win from a bad team on your schedule, but you can get many wins from many bad teams on a weak schedule (even if they all carry the FCS label).

[FargoBison]

Boy you don't have much respect for the big south, do you?

What exactly has the Big South done this year? Coastal has beaten up on a bunch of patsies and overrated MEAC teams.

Liberty did beat App State and did play Richmond tough and beat Bryant pretty good. Liberty could be better than CCU, the teams they have lost to are way better than anyone CCU has played.

The others...not much.

[rokamortis]

Boy you don't have much respect for the big south, do you?

Welcome to AGS.

[Sycamore62]

At times, I think lower division wins are miscalculated by the playoff committee and FCS fans in general.

Being that I know South Dakota State the best, I'll use them to illustrate my point:

Let's say SDSU finishes the season 8-4 with one of those wins being over DIII Wisconsin-Oshkosh. So because of this lower division game, in the committee's eyes, they are 7-4 and are essentially being punished for not hitting this arbitrary "8 DI win" mark. However, if SDSU would have replaced Oshkosh and Cal Poly in their OOC schedule with Houston Baptist and Austin Peay, they would be rewarded because they did hit the 8 win threshold even though they would have a weaker overall schedule.

Does anyone else see the problem with this?

So the formula is essentially 2 victories over a good and bad team is worse than 2 victories over 2 bad teams that are FCS by name only. Shouldn't greater reward be given for beating the 1 good team that would be a challenging opponent for anyone in the playoff field over beating a couple of opponents that any team being considered for the playoffs would beat even on their worst day?

Basically, what I'm saying is too much stock gets placed on the lower division game at times. When comparing two 8-4 bubble teams, shouldn't quality wins, bad losses, and overall strength of schedule be far more important than 1 victory over a lower division team? Because, the fact of the matter is, you can only get 1 win from a bad team on your schedule, but you can get many wins from many bad teams on a weak schedule (even if they all carry the FCS label).

Im not sure 8 wins is arbitrary. there are less teams with 8 wins than 7 wins and so on. I think they take it all into consideration because how many teams in other conferences get left out with better records vs weaker teams

[zilla]

Yes, our schedule is very weak. We have, however, tried to pursue every possible avenue to alleviate that problem by moving to a tougher conference. As early as two years ago, our BOT gave CCU's president the authority to take/initiate any action regarding moving to a different league (see link below).

http://www.carolinalive.com/sports/blog_post.aspx?id=749663#.T7Kylutul8E

The problem is, no one has extended us an invite. And I don't see the SoCon or the CAA expanding anytime soon.

I do agree that the Big South is improving annually though.

[CasualFan]

Yes, our schedule is very weak. We have, however, tried to pursue every possible avenue to alleviate that problem by moving to a tougher conference. As early as two years ago, our BOT gave CCU's president the authority to take/initiate any action regarding moving to a different league (see link below).

http://www.carolinalive.com/sports/blog_post.aspx?id=749663#.T7Kylutul8E

The problem is, no one has extended us an invite. And I don't see the SoCon or the CAA expanding anytime soon.

I do agree that the Big South is improving annually though.
CCU was being considered for the SoCon along with VMI, Mercer, and I'm sure some other unnamed schools. I'm not sure if CCU applied or was asked, but we were in the running. The reason that CCU wasn't chosen had nothing to do with sports.

[mgbison]

I don't think any conference should get more than 3 or 4 teams. The playoff field was expanded, but I see it as justification to let some of those weaker conferences get a team or two in the playoffs. They are gonna get stomped by one of the top 8 or so teams, but it gives them the illusion they are in the playoffs and can win something. Its like a smaller version of the NCAA basketball tourney.

A good example last is UNI. They were definitely better than a lot of weaker conference teams that made the playoffs. However, they lost 5 games last year, and if you lose that many games you should never get in the playoffs.

[CasualFan]

I don't think any conference should get more than 3 or 4 teams. The playoff field was expanded, but I see it as justification to let some of those weaker conferences get a team or two in the playoffs. They are gonna get stomped by one of the top 8 or so teams, but it gives them the illusion they are in the playoffs and can win something. Its like a smaller version of the NCAA basketball tourney.

A good example last is UNI. They were definitely better than a lot of weaker conference teams that made the playoffs. However, they lost 5 games last year, and if you lose that many games you should never get in the playoffs.
I keep going back and forth on this. It's a short-term vs. long-term trade off. Short-term, it is right and fair to reward the best teams no matter how many from each conference. If they earn it, they should be able to go.

Long-term, it is right and fair to only include the top teams in each conference to encourage parity and reward the best teams in the conference. If you are tops in your conference, haven't you already proven yourself against the other teams? Why should you potentially have to face them again?

I see both sides of it, and I wish there was a simple answer. Being a subjective problem, there never will be a simple answer that satisfies everyone.

[kalm]

At times, I think lower division wins are miscalculated by the playoff committee and FCS fans in general.

Being that I know South Dakota State the best, I'll use them to illustrate my point:

Let's say SDSU finishes the season 8-4 with one of those wins being over DIII Wisconsin-Oshkosh. So because of this lower division game, in the committee's eyes, they are 7-4 and are essentially being punished for not hitting this arbitrary "8 DI win" mark. However, if SDSU would have replaced Oshkosh and Cal Poly in their OOC schedule with Houston Baptist and Austin Peay, they would be rewarded because they did hit the 8 win threshold even though they would have a weaker overall schedule.

Does anyone else see the problem with this?

So the formula is essentially 2 victories over a good and bad team is worse than 2 victories over 2 bad teams that are FCS by name only. Shouldn't greater reward be given for beating the 1 good team that would be a challenging opponent for anyone in the playoff field over beating a couple of opponents that any team being considered for the playoffs would beat even on their worst day?

Basically, what I'm saying is too much stock gets placed on the lower division game at times. When comparing two 8-4 bubble teams, shouldn't quality wins, bad losses, and overall strength of schedule be far more important than 1 victory over a lower division team? Because, the fact of the matter is, you can only get 1 win from a bad team on your schedule, but you can get many wins from many bad teams on a weak schedule (even if they all carry the FCS label).

Yup.

[kalm]

I don't think any conference should get more than 3 or 4 teams. The playoff field was expanded, but I see it as justification to let some of those weaker conferences get a team or two in the playoffs. They are gonna get stomped by one of the top 8 or so teams, but it gives them the illusion they are in the playoffs and can win something. Its like a smaller version of the NCAA basketball tourney.

A good example last is UNI. They were definitely better than a lot of weaker conference teams that made the playoffs. However, they lost 5 games last year, and if you lose that many games you should never get in the playoffs.

I'm guessing this is your gut telling you this, or do you have a link that the reason was to get one or two teams from weaker conferences in. If it's political then the NCAA should admit to the participation trophy concept. If not, the number of teams from a conference should have little to nothing to do with it. Select the best teams based on resume. Period.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Who cares what conference a team is in? If they have the players and coaches they'll succeed, if not, they won't. Everyone gets a shot minus the IL and SWAC in FCS.

Due to the auto-bid and 24 teams playoff, FCS is more like college hoops or D2 football than FBS. As a result conference affiliation doesn't mean much.....

[robsnotes4u]

At times, I think lower division wins are miscalculated by the playoff committee and FCS fans in general.

Being that I know South Dakota State the best, I'll use them to illustrate my point:

Let's say SDSU finishes the season 8-4 with one of those wins being over DIII Wisconsin-Oshkosh. So because of this lower division game, in the committee's eyes, they are 7-4 and are essentially being punished for not hitting this arbitrary "8 DI win" mark. However, if SDSU would have replaced Oshkosh and Cal Poly in their OOC schedule with Houston Baptist and Austin Peay, they would be rewarded because they did hit the 8 win threshold even though they would have a weaker overall schedule.

Does anyone else see the problem with this?

So the formula is essentially 2 victories over a good and bad team is worse than 2 victories over 2 bad teams that are FCS by name only. Shouldn't greater reward be given for beating the 1 good team that would be a challenging opponent for anyone in the playoff field over beating a couple of opponents that any team being considered for the playoffs would beat even on their worst day?

Basically, what I'm saying is too much stock gets placed on the lower division game at times. When comparing two 8-4 bubble teams, shouldn't quality wins, bad losses, and overall strength of schedule be far more important than 1 victory over a lower division team? Because, the fact of the matter is, you can only get 1 win from a bad team on your schedule, but you can get many wins from many bad teams on a weak schedule (even if they all carry the FCS label).


The line has to be drawn somewhere. If the lower division games are replaced with FCS games, the network of games used to figure SOS becomes larger. That larger network of games, data points, will make SOS even more accurate. It is easier to compare teams from OOC.

[NoDak 4 Ever]

Who cares what conference a team is in? If they have the players and coaches they'll succeed, if not, they won't. Everyone gets a shot minus the IL and SWAC in FCS.

Due to the auto-bid and 24 teams playoff, FCS is more like college hoops or D2 football than FBS. As a result conference affiliation doesn't mean much.....

Except a team like UNI which has had a brutal schedule will barely squeak in while CCU will have a top seed with their cupcake buffet. Something a little bull**** about that. We have no idea how good CCU is because they have never been challenged in even the slightest way that UNI has.

[FordhamFan]

Except a team like UNI which has had a brutal schedule will barely squeak in while CCU will have a top seed with their cupcake buffet. Something a little bull**** about that. We have no idea how good CCU is because they have never been challenged in even the slightest way that UNI has.

You make a good point but at the same time, there's no real solution. If scheduling good OOC games were easy for CCU and other schools with weaker schedules, I'd understand, but SOS isn't the big thing that admins think about when scheduling games at this level. Yeah, UNI gets screwed in some cases, other times, good Lehigh teams with a great record against an easy schedule get screwed.

It's just a tough spot, do we reward a tough schedule and not so great record, or great record and not so tough schedule. It's the eternal struggle, and it's damn hard to change.

[Lehigh'98]

It's undeniable that their is a power structure in FCS. Being in a power conference, the regular season acts more like a playoff for the teams there. If they lose 5 games, its pretty much proven they won't win the national title, so normally they are eliminated from the playoffs. They may be as good or better than a 10-2/9-2 team from elsewhere, it just hasn't been proven yet. This is done in the playoffs normally. I really don't understand the problem with including all the conference teams with deserving records, it creates more of a national environment. There are usually only 3-4 teams who can win it all anyway.

[kalm]

It's undeniable that their is a power structure in FCS. Being in a power conference, the regular season acts more like a playoff for the teams there. If they lose 5 games, its pretty much proven they won't win the national title, so normally they are eliminated from the playoffs. They may be as good or better than a 10-2/9-2 team from elsewhere, it just hasn't been proven yet. This is done in the playoffs normally. I really don't understand the problem with including all the conference teams with deserving records, it creates more of a national environment. There are usually only 3-4 teams who can win it all anyway.

You'd have more early round upsets.

Select the best teams.

[Lehigh'98]

You'd have more early round upsets.

Select the best teams.

Again, if you are selecting all teams from 2-3 conferences with teams who are good, it really creates (for lack of a better term) boring environment with little incentive for those on the outside looking in.

[rokamortis]

Except a team like UNI which has had a brutal schedule will barely squeak in while CCU will have a top seed with their cupcake buffet. Something a little bull**** about that. We have no idea how good CCU is because they have never been challenged in even the slightest way that UNI has.

Coastal has OOC teams from the CAA, SoCon, MEAC, and a transitional FBS team. I'm not happy about 3 MEAC teams and would like to diversify our schedule more - but scheduling isn't as easy and we had to scramble to fill a whole - but our fault for being in the position. It isn't common for us to play so many MEAC schools. Also, I don't think anyone expected the SoCon (Furman and the Citadel) to be as down as they were. Just bad circumstances. But it is the schedule we have and have to deal with the criticism.

Conversely, UNI didn't have to schedule an FBS team, let alone 2. That is a decision they have to live with.

The good thing is all of this can be settled in the playoffs.

[chattownmocs]

Who has northern iowa beaten in the OOC? Who has youngstown beaten on the OOC? And we are talking about the top teams in the conference. But NDSU....what have any of these teams done that is so grand?

[knucklehead]

Except a team like UNI which has had a brutal schedule will barely squeak in while CCU will have a top seed with their cupcake buffet. Something a little bull**** about that. We have no idea how good CCU is because they have never been challenged in even the slightest way that UNI has.
This is how I feel about the idea of Liberty on the outside at 8-4 if they beat CSU and lose to CCU . Tough schedule, good wins, no bad losses. Should be in.

But let's just win out and take away the committee's joy.

[jmufan999]

why can't it be more than 1 thing? some of you are making really odd black/white arguments.

i DO think Coastal's schedule has been easy. i am CERTAIN they would not be undefeated in the MVFC or if they had played an FBS team (other than Army, etc.).

HOWEVER....

i also DO think they can (and probably will) make a playoff run. i can see them getting as far as the final 4. i could even see them going further if a lot of things fell their way. for instance: they're not winning if they have to play in Fargo, so throw that out. but if they can avoid playing there, don't shoot themselves in the foot, and avoid bad matchups, i think they can make a deep playoff run.

just because you don't have a great resume doesn't mean you're not a good team. they can only play the teams on their schedule. it's kind of asinine to assume they're bad just because they haven't beaten a great team yet. they did beat Montana in Missoula last year, and that's one of the tougher places to play.

[ysubigred]

Who has northern iowa beaten in the OOC? Who has youngstown beaten on the OOC? And we are talking about the top teams in the conference. But NDSU....what have any of these teams done that is so grand?

I'm not speaking for UNI but, I agree with you about Y-Towns. Our OOC is weak/bad. The conference is hard so it's a ballance. OVC conference is weak and OOC played by OVC teams weak. xrolleyesx

[Grizalltheway]

why can't it be more than 1 thing? some of you are making really odd black/white arguments.

i DO think Coastal's schedule has been easy. i am CERTAIN they would not be undefeated in the MVFC or if they had played an FBS team (other than Army, etc.).

HOWEVER....

i also DO think they can (and probably will) make a playoff run. i can see them getting as far as the final 4. i could even see them going further if a lot of things fell their way. for instance: they're not winning if they have to play in Fargo, so throw that out. but if they can avoid playing there, don't shoot themselves in the foot, and avoid bad matchups, i think they can make a deep playoff run.

just because you don't have a great resume doesn't mean you're not a good team. they can only play the teams on their schedule. it's kind of asinine to assume they're bad just because they haven't beaten a great team yet. they did beat Montana in Missoula last year, and that's one of the tougher places to play.

I haven't seen them play this year, but I certainly give them the benefit of the doubt after they whooped our butts in the first half of the Ice Bowl.

[kalm]

Again, if you are selecting all teams from 2-3 conferences with teams who are good, it really creates (for lack of a better term) boring environment with little incentive for those on the outside looking in.

Boring compared to what? Watching a 2nd or 3rd MEAC, Patriot, or NEC get trounced? Some of the best early round games have been with at large teams upsetting seeds or racing out to early leads and monumental comebacks. The possibility of upsets busting a bracket are exciting (see March Madness)

The incentive should be to improve to a point where you EARN an invite. At-large bids should be the carrot.

[WileECoyote06]

Boring compared to what? Watching a 2nd or 3rd MEAC, Patriot, or NEC get trounced? Some of the best early round games have been with at large teams upsetting seeds or racing out to early leads and monumental comebacks. The possibility of upsets busting a bracket are exciting (see March Madness)

The incentive should be to improve to a point where you EARN an invite. At-large bids should be the carrot.

But those teams DID EARN their invite. You just don't like the criteria that the committee uses to award those At-Large bids. As I've said before, the teams in the in the playoffs may not be the 'best' teams in the country. It does not mean they don't deserve their berth.

[knucklehead]

why can't it be more than 1 thing? some of you are making really odd black/white arguments.

i DO think Coastal's schedule has been easy. i am CERTAIN they would not be undefeated in the MVFC or if they had played an FBS team (other than Army, etc.).

HOWEVER....

i also DO think they can (and probably will) make a playoff run. i can see them getting as far as the final 4. i could even see them going further if a lot of things fell their way. for instance: they're not winning if they have to play in Fargo, so throw that out. but if they can avoid playing there, don't shoot themselves in the foot, and avoid bad matchups, i think they can make a deep playoff run.

just because you don't have a great resume doesn't mean you're not a good team. they can only play the teams on their schedule. it's kind of asinine to assume they're bad just because they haven't beaten a great team yet. they did beat Montana in Missoula last year, and that's one of the tougher places to play.
I actually agree with your premise. I think they have had an easy schedule AND they are a very good football team capable of making a run.

But I also can't wait for 11/22

[robsnotes4u]

I don't care what conference a team is from. If the worst team in the BSC is the 24th best team, then put them in the playoffs.

I just want to see the best 24 teams battle for the Championship. This crap about people getting in because of gate receipts, history, etc., is BS. If you don't want to have the best teams then call it the NIT.

Get rid of the Committee, make a process and use it. You probably will not change the people's own perceptions of best, but you will be able to justify the FCS's position. The great thing about the BCS was the ratings were out there to see, and everyone knew it. The FCS has all these different polls, and fans find the one that best suits their position and use it. The more options you have, the more you get confused.

[WileECoyote06]

Wow, hadn't seen their whole schedule at once. We really are the best team in their schedule. By a long shot

So if they beat you by more than 1 point; then you can no longer claim that. Boy, if the last playoff berth is between Liberty and NC A&T. . . . whew.

But we're going to defeat the Aggies and save everybody from having to sweat it out.

[MTfan4life]

I don't care what conference a team is from. If the worst team in the BSC is the 24th best team, then put them in the playoffs.
.

You're one of those guys who think the NCAA basketball tournament should just comprise of teams from the power 7 or 8 conferences, aren't you? You'd take a 15-17 Virginia over a 26-3 Wisconsin-Green Bay because "Virginia would be undefeated if they played in the Horizon." Any given sports season is about not losing. You lose too much, I think you should miss out on the playoffs, regardless of who you've played.

[kalm]

But those teams DID EARN their invite. You just don't like the criteria that the committee uses to award those At-Large bids. As I've said before, the teams in the in the playoffs may not be the 'best' teams in the country. It does not mean they don't deserve their berth.

Do you think the committee would ever admit that?

- - - Updated - - -


So if they beat you by more than 1 point; then you can no longer claim that. Boy, if the last playoff berth is between Liberty and NC A&T. . . . whew.

But we're going to defeat the Aggies and save everybody from having to sweat it out.

Please list A&T's resume.

[WileECoyote06]

Do you think the committee would ever admit that?

- - - Updated - - -



Please list A&T's resume.

For what? We've done this song and dance for the last two weeks. You are already aware of their resume. It's simple if Liberty loses to Coastal by several touchdowns; and A&T has already proven that they can play with Coastal (they lost by one point because they went for a two point conversion); then how can the poster claim they are the best team on Coastal's schedule?

Now it may end up that neither A&T or Liberty (with a Coastal loss) are invited to the playoffs. I'm fine with that as well, after all there is no love lost between us and A&T.

[clenz]

Who has northern iowa beaten in the OOC? Who has youngstown beaten on the OOC? And we are talking about the top teams in the conference. But NDSU....what have any of these teams done that is so grand?
Last year UNI curb stomped an FBS and a McNeese St team that got seeded.

Fat lot that did that team.

This years UNI team did curb stomp Northern Colorado (who beat possible Big Sky Champ NAU).
This years UNI team more than curb stomped Ten Tech which beat a top 10-15 ranked Eastern Kentucky
This years UNI team beat down a top 8 Illinois State for their only loss of the season
This years UNI team beat down 3x defending champion, 33 game winning streak, unbeaten and curb stomping everyone North Dakota State


Not to trumpet losses...but...4 losses by a combined 15 points.....

[Lehigh'98]

Last year UNI curb stomped an FBS and a McNeese St team that got seeded.

Fat lot that did that team.

This years UNI team did curb stomp Northern Colorado (who beat possible Big Sky Champ NAU).
This years UNI team more than curb stomped Ten Tech which beat a top 10-15 ranked Eastern Kentucky
This years UNI team beat down a top 8 Illinois State for their only loss of the season
This years UNI team beat down 3x defending champion, 33 game winning streak, unbeaten and curb stomping everyone North Dakota State


Not to trumpet losses...but...4 losses by a combined 15 points.....

This years team will have a winning or .500 conference record and should be in the playoffs. What will be interesting is if they lose at SIU, putting them at 7-5. Even though they may be one of the better teams, they could be left out and with 5 losses, its hard to argue. I would like to see them in this year and hope they can get it done this week.

[FargoBison]

Who has northern iowa beaten in the OOC? Who has youngstown beaten on the OOC? And we are talking about the top teams in the conference. But NDSU....what have any of these teams done that is so grand?

Well Indiana State beat Ball State and Liberty and there is a good chance they won't even make the playoffs. SIU and ISUR both gave EIU a beatdown, heck EIU could be the OVC's autobid. USD beat NAU who will likely take the Big Sky auto, that might be the only FCS win they have. SDSU throttled Cal Poly without their starting QB.

UNI also battled tough with the FBS teams they played as did SDSU and YSU. There is only one conference that can say they beat the MVFC so far this year and that was Montana at home barely beating the worst team in the MVFC.

MVFC should get five bids if they have enough 8-4 or better teams.

[BigSouthFan]

To Coastal's credit, they did handle a tough Charleston Southern team that lost to SEC foe Vanderbilt (and should of won if it wasn't for a fake FG) by 1 point. Also handled a SC State team that beat Top 10 Bethune Cookman and will probably win the MEAC this year. And SC State's players can play with the MVFC players, I believe their problem is a lack of coaching and lack of discipline (big issue in the MEAC). I'm excited to see how they fare this year against you "big dogs".

[UNIFanSince1983]

Who has northern iowa beaten in the OOC? Who has youngstown beaten on the OOC? And we are talking about the top teams in the conference. But NDSU....what have any of these teams done that is so grand?

Who has Chattanooga beat OOC? The sad thing is Chattanooga might get a seed by just beating horrendous teams. Are you hanging your hat on an OT loss to JSU?

Austin Peay and Tennessee Tech might be your only OOC wins. Guess what UNI beat Tennessee Tech by 43 points and Indiana State beat them by 35. Hope you guys do that too. Why are you ranked in the top 10? Seriously the SoCo this year is terrible.

[RabidRabbit]

UNI, SDSU, Liberty, SIU, YSU, Cal Poly, EKU, Mont St, Idaho ST, ISU-B, Richmond, JMU, W&M, SHSU, SFA, SELA, McNeese, Bucknell, UCA, Montana, NAU, B-C, NC A&T are competing for 10 at-larges (Coastal, Jax St, NDSU, ISU-R, Nova, UNH are in whether auto bid or not).


Who has wins over top 10 FCS? UNI, SDSU, ISU-B, Richmond, NAU
Who has FBS wins? EKU, ISU-B, B-C, Liberty
Who has losses to losing record FCS? YSU, NAU (2x), Richmond
Who has loss to < D-I team? SHSU


First two Who's are pluses to be at large, 2nd two who's are minuses. Plenty of time to mess up play-off hopes, and few chances to advance hopes other than some auto-bid steals.

[dbackjon]

UNI, SDSU, Liberty, SIU, YSU, Cal Poly, EKU, Mont St, Idaho ST, ISU-B, Richmond, JMU, W&M, SHSU, SFA, SELA, McNeese, Bucknell, UCA, Montana, NAU, B-C, NC A&T are competing for 10 at-larges (Coastal, Jax St, NDSU, ISU-R, Nova, UNH are in whether auto bid or not).


Who has wins over top 10 FCS? UNI, SDSU, ISU-B, Richmond, NAU
Who has FBS wins? EKU, ISU-B, B-C, Liberty
Who has losses to losing record FCS? YSU, NAU (2x), Richmond
Who has loss to < D-I team? SHSU


First two Who's are pluses to be at large, 2nd two who's are minuses. Plenty of time to mess up play-off hopes, and few chances to advance hopes other than some auto-bid steals.


Note - if NAU wins out, they are the Big Sky auto-bid, and EWU would be in the at-large pool. One only one game left for EWU, they are a playoff lock.

[RabidRabbit]

Note - if NAU wins out, they are the Big Sky auto-bid, and EWU would be in the at-large pool. One only one game left for EWU, they are a playoff lock.

NAU will have achieved the auto-bid, and my congrats on that. NAU w/auto-bid, SCSU with auto-bid, SHSU with auto-bid, and EIU with auto-bid would be considered "bubble-busters" because a team that likely wouldn't be in the play-offs is there. That creates a consideration to get the higher ranked conference mate in as an at-large. IMHO, there is no way that EWU and Jax St won't make the play-offs. Bethune-Cookman has an FBS win, and only the SCSU loss. Argument is strong to include them. Most other considerations will be who beat who, records and SOS. Come 11/22 midnight, likely to know 20 of the 24. Who those last 4 are will include a surprise or 2.

[TheEagleSHSU]

UNI, SDSU, Liberty, SIU, YSU, Cal Poly, EKU, Mont St, Idaho ST, ISU-B, Richmond, JMU, W&M, SHSU, SFA, SELA, McNeese, Bucknell, UCA, Montana, NAU, B-C, NC A&T are competing for 10 at-larges (Coastal, Jax St, NDSU, ISU-R, Nova, UNH are in whether auto bid or not).


Who has wins over top 10 FCS? UNI, SDSU, ISU-B, Richmond, NAU
Who has FBS wins? EKU, ISU-B, B-C, Liberty
Who has losses to losing record FCS? YSU, NAU (2x), Richmond
Who has loss to < D-I team? SHSU


First two Who's are pluses to be at large, 2nd two who's are minuses. Plenty of time to mess up play-off hopes, and few chances to advance hopes other than some auto-bid steals.

SHSU beat #4 McNeese......so there is that.

[Grizzlies82]

Last year UNI curb stomped an FBS and a McNeese St team that got seeded.

Fat lot that did that team.

This years UNI team did curb stomp Northern Colorado (who beat possible Big Sky Champ NAU).
This years UNI team more than curb stomped Ten Tech which beat a top 10-15 ranked Eastern Kentucky
This years UNI team beat down a top 8 Illinois State for their only loss of the season
This years UNI team beat down 3x defending champion, 33 game winning streak, unbeaten and curb stomping everyone North Dakota State


Not to trumpet losses...but...4 losses by a combined 15 points.....

Clenz, As I remember it (suspect?), the problem last year was one of momentum. No Iowa did well early in the season then compiled their losses in the later half. Traditionally that lack of momentum has always been fatal when the committee makes their selections. This year's UNI team appears to be putting together a similar record to last year but doing it in the reverse sequence. Those big late season wins should put them in the playoffs (assuming they win from here on out).
PS. You do appear to be trumpeting losses, so... xflaggedx

[clenz]

Clenz, As I remember it (suspect?), the problem last year was one of momentum. No Iowa did well early in the season then compiled their losses in the later half. Traditionally that lack of momentum has always been fatal when the committee makes their selections. This year's UNI team appears to be putting together a similar record to last year but doing it in the reverse sequence. Those big late season wins should put them in the playoffs (assuming they win from here on out).
PS. You do appear to be trumpeting losses, so... xflaggedx
UNI ended the season on a 3 game win streak last season - including a win over a ranked YSU team....so

SHSU ended the season losing 2 in a row and went 3-3 in their final 6 (just as UNI did in their final 6)

[Walkon79]

If Northern Arizona doesn't take the AQ, meaning they loses to either UND or SUU, do people really think they deserve an at-large. Honest question. Not sure I see it.
I'm predicted a loss to SUU, which will clean up this picture considerably.

[Panther-State]

No offense NAU fans, but I'm really hoping there is another loss yet on your schedule. Nothing personal, I just hate it when teams get that autobid when they didn't really have the credentials without it. Just takes up an AL for someone who is likely a better team

[TheEagleSHSU]

UNI ended the season on a 3 game win streak last season - including a win over a ranked YSU team....so

SHSU ended the season losing 2 in a row and went 3-3 in their final 6 (just as UNI did in their final 6)

We got in last year on a prayer! Took care of business in the first round and scared the **** out of SELA and there convict team in the 2nd round.

[dbackjon]

SHSU beat #4 McNeese......so there is that.

McNeese is not #4. They may have been at the time, but that is irrelevant. Only current ranking matters

[dbackjon]

I'm predicted a loss to SUU, which will clean up this picture considerably.

We would still be on the bubble, barely, with two good wins over teams the Montana schools could not beat. But no autobid

[dbackjon]

No offense NAU fans, but I'm really hoping there is another loss yet on your schedule. Nothing personal, I just hate it when teams get that autobid when they didn't really have the credentials without it. Just takes up an AL for someone who is likely a better team

LOL - winning the autobid is credentials enough.


And no offense, but I hope UNI loses to SIU, finishes 7-5, just so I can see Clenz meltdown again ;)

[clenz]

LOL - winning the autobid is credentials enough.


And no offense, but I hope UNI loses to SIU, finishes 7-5, just so I can see Clenz meltdown again ;)What melt down this year?

The only way I'd have an issue this year is if some stupid **** like last year happens again where some slap dick teams that would get crushed by teams left out get in

[Walkon79]

It's undeniable that their is a power structure in FCS. Being in a power conference, the regular season acts more like a playoff for the teams there. If they lose 5 games, its pretty much proven they won't win the national title, so normally they are eliminated from the playoffs. They may be as good or better than a 10-2/9-2 team from elsewhere, it just hasn't been proven yet. This is done in the playoffs normally. I really don't understand the problem with including all the conference teams with deserving records, it creates more of a national environment. There are usually only 3-4 teams who can win it all anyway.

Even being aligned with a "Power" conference, I agree with this. If the Cat's end up 7-5, they don't deserve a bid. Perhaps even at 8-4 depending on what else happens.

[dbackjon]

What melt down this year?

The only way I'd have an issue this year is if some stupid **** like last year happens again where some slap dick teams that would get crushed by teams left out get in

Your post bid show meltdown last year :)

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Even being aligned with a "Power" conference, I agree with this. If the Cat's end up 7-5, they don't deserve a bid. Perhaps even at 8-4 depending on what else happens.

8-4 would be interesting, especially if they lost to ISU but beat the 'Griz in Missoula. They played two very respectable OOC games in Arky State and Central Arky.

I've been a little down on the Bobcats the last two years but I like this team. McGhee just never did it fore me....

[Walkon79]

We would still be on the bubble, barely, with two good wins over teams the Montana schools could not beat. But no autobid

As would MSU unless they win out.

[Walkon79]

8-4 would be interesting, especially if they lost to ISU but beat the 'Griz in Missoula. They played two very respectable OOC games in Arky State and Central Arky.

I've been a little down on the Bobcats the last two years but I like this team. McGhee just never did it fore me....

I'm also not touting losses but, (1 point last second to a VA led EWU, and a touchdown on the road to Poly) But I wouldn't be too butt-hurt if they didn't get in at 8-4, losing 2 of their last 4. We just need to get to 9-3, and host a first rounder with some momentum.

[Panther-State]

LOL - winning the autobid is credentials enough.


And no offense, but I hope UNI loses to SIU, finishes 7-5, just so I can see Clenz meltdown again ;)

I'm not sure you understand what the word "without" means. As in without the autobid NAU can enjoy the playoffs from home.

[kalm]

I'm also not touting losses but, (1 point last second to a VA led EWU, and a touchdown on the road to Poly) But I wouldn't be too butt-hurt if they didn't get in at 8-4, losing 2 of their last 4. We just need to get to 9-3, and host a first rounder with some momentum.

Good on ya and if 8-4 they would be at strong risk. But they should still get in ahead SCSU, NCA&T, BCU, and Bucknell as as an at large.

[chattownmocs]

So the mvfcs best nonconference fcs win is EIU? What?

[NoDak 4 Ever]

So the mvfcs best nonconference fcs win is EIU? What?

no, what's the SoCons?

[UNIFanSince1983]

So the mvfcs best nonconference fcs win is EIU? What?

And the SoCon's is what?

BTW NDSU beat Montana. I would also call Liberty a better win than EIU. Cal Poly was also a better win than EIU.

[bjtheflamesfan]

Hey captain STFU, you do know that the MVFC basically thrashed just about everyone outside of their own conference (including my Liberty Flames), including an FBS team right?

[FargoBison]

So the mvfcs best nonconference fcs win is EIU? What?

A SoCon fan talking about quality non-conference wins....that's adorable.

What is the SoCon's signature win? Brevard? Ave Maria? UVA-Wise perhaps?

[chattownmocs]

A SoCon fan talking about quality non-conference wins....that's adorable.

What is the SoCon's signature win? Brevard? Ave Maria? UVA-Wise perhaps?

But I'm not claiming the southern conference is good let alone the best conference ever.

[UNIFanSince1983]

But I'm not claiming the southern conference is good let alone the best conference ever.

Point me to a conference with better OOC than the MVFC then. Since are so wise

[chattownmocs]

So liberty, montana, eiu. Ok. Parity and greatness are different things.

[chattownmocs]

Point me to a conference with better OOC than the MVFC then. Since are so wise

I think mvfc is the best. It should probably have the most teams. Not twice as much as the next conference.

[Panther-State]

So the mvfcs best nonconference fcs win is EIU? What?

Plus the FBS teams they beat. But we should probably completely forget that their worst (and only) non-conference loss was to Montana. Right?

Cal Poly is also up there. Liberty. Northern Arizona. But I mean...none of those teams are any good. That's only 4-5 potential conference champions and playoff teams that have been rocked by MVFC teams. I think the MVFC went like 6-1, 7-1 in total games played against potential playoff teams.

The SoCon on the other hand went a whopping 0-4 (if you're generous enough to count Bucknell).

[FargoBison]

I think mvfc is the best. It should probably have the most teams. Not twice as much as the next conference.

MVFC will get five in max and that is if UNI or SIU wins out which won't exactly be easy considering they play each other and then even if SIU beats UNI they get to play ISUR.

The next best conference will get four or three.

[Panther-State]

MVFC will get five in max and that is if UNI or SIU wins out which won't exactly be easy considering they play each other and then even if SIU beats UNI they get to play ISUR.

The next best conference will get four or three.

MVFC gets 5 if a UNI/SIU combo, ISUb/YSU combo and SDSU win out.

[WileECoyote06]

Welp looks like BCU's crappy undisciplined play is finally catching up with them. Even if they win this game, the sight-test says they should be the odd team out of the MEAC triumvirate.

[skinny_uncle]

So the mvfcs best nonconference fcs win is EIU? What?

EIU could well end up with the OVC auto if they win this Saturday. Are you implying they are a bad team?

[PantherRob82]

Welp looks like BCU's crappy undisciplined play is finally catching up with them. Even if they win this game, the sight-test says they should be the odd team out of the MEAC triumvirate.

Welcome. Good to have you join us. :)

[FargoBison]

Welp looks like BCU's crappy undisciplined play is finally catching up with them. Even if they win this game, the sight-test says they should be the odd team out of the MEAC triumvirate.

Maybe a good thing for the MEAC, BCU is not a good football team. What an undisciplined mess...A good team in the playoffs would roll them.

[Houndawg]

I'm not speaking for UNI but, I agree with you about Y-Towns. Our OOC is weak/bad. The conference is hard so it's a ballance. OVC conference is weak and OOC played by OVC teams weak. xrolleyesx

EIU played SIU and ISU OOC. SEMO played SIU.

[blackbeard]

Maybe a good thing for the MEAC, BCU is not a good football team. What an undisciplined mess...A good team in the playoffs would roll them.

BCU not a very good team at all, embarrassed I had them in some polls earlier

[Houndawg]

LOL - winning the autobid is credentials enough.


And no offense, but I hope UNI loses to SIU, finishes 7-5, just so I can see Clenz meltdown again ;)

I hope so too but it is very unlikely

[WestCoastAggie]

BCU not a very good team at all, embarrassed I had them in some polls earlier

I felt their votes should be going to NC A&T anyways but meh.

[JMU2004]

As I said, the MEAC deserves 1 bid. The OOC proves that.

[AggieManiac704]

As I said, the MEAC deserves 1 bid. The OOC proves that.

History is against us. Can't argue there.

[WestCoastAggie]

As I said, the MEAC deserves 1 bid. The OOC proves that.

Meh... A&T can only play the games on its schedule. We cannot control the eggs laid by conference mates in out of conference play.

[AggieManiac704]

Meh... A&T can only play the games on its schedule. We cannot control the eggs laid by conference mates in out of conference play.

we kinda nutted up on that botched XP.....hurts

[WestCoastAggie]

we kinda nutted up on that botched XP.....hurts

We threw in a place holder into the game on the go ahead TD against Coastal Carolina, who was raw and inexperienced because Quick, who was the main holder at the time had his helmet knocked off on his TD run.

[FargoBison]

Updated Bracket to reflect Thursday's MEAC action and Jacksonville announcing they are ineligible....

The Field
Idaho State at SDSU vs 1. NDSU
EKU at JMU vs 8. Fordham


San Diego at Cal Poly vs 5. EWU
SFA at NAU vs 4. Jacksonville State


SHSU at UNI vs 6. ISUR
SELA at Chattanooga vs 3. CCU


Bryant at YSU vs 7. Nova
SC State at Richmond vs 2. UNH

Autobids(11): NAU, CCU, UNH, SC State, NDSU, Bryant, Jacksonville St, Fordham, San Diego, Chattanooga, SHSU
At Large(13): EWU, Nova, ISUR, EKU, SDSU, UNI, YSU, Idaho St, Richmond, JMU, SFA, SELA, Cal Poly


Bubble: Liberty, ISUB, Montana State, NC A&T, William and Mary, SIU, Delaware, Montana, McNeese State, Bucknell and Sacred Heart

[Nickels]

Updated Bracket to reflect Thursday's MEAC action and Jacksonville announcing they are ineligible....

The Field
Idaho State at SDSU vs 1. NDSU
EKU at JMU vs 8. Fordham


San Diego at Cal Poly vs 5. EWU
SFA at NAU vs 4. Jacksonville State


Richmond at UNI vs 6. ISUR
SELA at Chattanooga vs 3. CCU


Bryant at YSU vs 7. Nova
SC State at Liberty vs 2. UNH

Autobids(11): NAU, CCU, UNH, SC State, NDSU, Bryant, Jacksonville St, Fordham, San Diego, Chattanooga, SELA
At Large(13): EWU, Nova, ISUR, EKU, SDSU, UNI, YSU, Idaho St, Richmond, JMU, SFA, Liberty, Cal Poly


Bubble: ISUB, Montana State, NC A&T, William and Mary, SIU, Delaware, Montana, McNeese State, Bucknell and Sacred Heart
One thing I would like to note. If SHSU wins the next two games, one at cupcake HBU and a final home game against a so-so UCA team, they would get the auto bid unless SELA won out (plays McNeese this w/e) and NWSU beats SFA (unlikely). SAM has the clear advantage for the auto bid with two weeks remaining.

[FargoBison]

One thing I would like to note. If SHSU wins the next two games, one at cupcake HBU and a final home game against a so-so UCA team, they would get the auto bid unless SELA won out (plays McNeese this w/e) and NWSU beats SFA (unlikely). SAM has the clear advantage for the auto bid with two weeks left.

Actually I forgot to make that change, I remember an SLC fan telling me that early on in this thread...Bracket changed again. Thanks for the reminder.

[Vooter]

One thing I feel strongly about, and I suspect most people besides Fordham fans would agree with me, is that Fordham does not deserve a bye, at least at this point.

I agree with you, and I also agree that if we beat G'Town and Army, we probably should get one.

[JSUBison]

I don't like that San Diego/Poly rematch since they play each other the last game of the season. That of course means the NCAA will love it! (SDSU vs NDSU and UNH vs Maine come to mind)

[FargoBison]

I don't like that San Diego/Poly rematch since they play each other the last game of the season. That of course means the NCAA will love it! (SDSU vs NDSU and UNH vs Maine come to mind)

I don't like it either but it is a rare western bus trip.

[Sycamore62]

I was listening to the Wedge and I think it was Clenz (maybe he will clarify for me) said that if ISUb wins out they are on the 8-4 bubble but made it sound like YSU was a shoe-in if they win tomorrow. I'm curious, is YSU's 8-4 better than ISUb's 8-4...(potentially of course)

im not going to argue for YSU aside from them having a win over SDSU but I'd call the FBS loss a push and probably doesn't matter. I think the OOC would have to lean toward us with an FBS win(which seems to get less impressive every week) a bottom half OVC TTU win and a solid win over Liberty. At this point we would have a win over UNI and comparable wins and maybe a better loss against ISUr. I don't necessarily think we are playing great but for us to get to 8-4 we would be on a 2 game win streak and winning the last 4 of 5. I would frame the way we have won as our guys doing what it takes when it matters. Our schedule didn't include USD and YSU won't play UNI.

Im not saying YSU wouldn't deserve a spot if they win, I just think ISUb would have as good a resume if they can win out.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

I don't like that San Diego/Poly rematch since they play each other the last game of the season. That of course means the NCAA will love it! (SDSU vs NDSU and UNH vs Maine come to mind)


I agree. SDSU will be coming to Fargo again if they win their 1st game. Doesn't matter if they are home or away for their 1st game. Good match up for the Bison this year vs the Jacks. The Jacks defense is not as good as in the past. 7 game win streak would be nice against them....xnodx

[ValleyTalk]

I was listening to the Wedge and I think it was Clenz (maybe he will clarify for me) said that if ISUb wins out they are on the 8-4 bubble but made it sound like YSU was a shoe-in if they win tomorrow. I'm curious, is YSU's 8-4 better than ISUb's 8-4...(potentially of course)

im not going to argue for YSU aside from them having a win over SDSU but I'd call the FBS loss a push and probably doesn't matter. I think the OOC would have to lean toward us with an FBS win(which seems to get less impressive every week) a bottom half OVC TTU win and a solid win over Liberty. At this point we would have a win over UNI and comparable wins and maybe a better loss against ISUr. I don't necessarily think we are playing great but for us to get to 8-4 we would be on a 2 game win streak and winning the last 4 of 5. I would frame the way we have won as our guys doing what it takes when it matters. Our schedule didn't include USD and YSU won't play UNI.

Im not saying YSU wouldn't deserve a spot if they win, I just think ISUb would have as good a resume if they can win out.
You do realize the only way they each finish 8-4 is if INSU beats YSU and wins next week and YSU upsets NDSU in Fargo, which would likely get them in for that fact alone.

[Sycamore62]

You do realize the only way they each finish 8-4 is if INSU beats YSU and wins next week and YSU upsets NDSU in Fargo, which would likely get them in for that fact alone.

Yes I meant a scenario where only 1 year was 8-4. I just meant comparing them theoretically. Not in the case where they both went 8-4

[CHIP72]

I agree with you, and I also agree that if we beat G'Town and Army, we probably should get one.

If Fordham beats Army (and Georgetown), that would change my opinion regarding the Rams' worthiness of receiving a first round bye. Losing a close game to Army (and beating the Hoyas) would make it a toss-up call in my eyes.


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[dbackjon]

I don't like it either but it is a rare western bus trip.

NAU is only an hour further. So if NAU makes the playoffs that would be an option to avoid a rematch

[clenz]

I was listening to the Wedge and I think it was Clenz (maybe he will clarify for me) said that if ISUb wins out they are on the 8-4 bubble but made it sound like YSU was a shoe-in if they win tomorrow. I'm curious, is YSU's 8-4 better than ISUb's 8-4...(potentially of course)

im not going to argue for YSU aside from them having a win over SDSU but I'd call the FBS loss a push and probably doesn't matter. I think the OOC would have to lean toward us with an FBS win(which seems to get less impressive every week) a bottom half OVC TTU win and a solid win over Liberty. At this point we would have a win over UNI and comparable wins and maybe a better loss against ISUr. I don't necessarily think we are playing great but for us to get to 8-4 we would be on a 2 game win streak and winning the last 4 of 5. I would frame the way we have won as our guys doing what it takes when it matters. Our schedule didn't include USD and YSU won't play UNI.

Im not saying YSU wouldn't deserve a spot if they win, I just think ISUb would have as good a resume if they can win out.

That wasn't me.

If both finish 8-4 i want to give it to isub, but ysu would have a win over ndsu to finish the season and would have finished relatively strong

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[Sycamore62]

That wasn't me.

If both finish 8-4 i want to give it to isub, but ysu would have a win over ndsu to finish the season and would have finished relatively strong

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Got ya. I was doing ither things and have trouble remembering who was talking.

To clarify my post, in my scenairo i was assuming the rest of the season would play out chalk so it wouldnt be 2 8-4 teams. I just meant the winner of this gsme goes 8-4 i think they both should be in. I guess it's also possible that the mvfc has 6 teams at 8-4 or better. Thats when we will all start sweating

[FargoBison]

NAU is only an hour further. So if NAU makes the playoffs that would be an option to avoid a rematch

The thing is, USD-CP is a bus trip. I don't think USD-NAU is, regionalization might rear its ugly head here.

[Bisonwinagn]

NAU is only an hour further. So if NAU makes the playoffs that would be an option to avoid a rematch

NAU in big trouble down 24-7 at North Dakota at the half