Updated SoCon standings 11/5/16, next week's schedule

[catamount man]

The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)
7 - 0
9 - 0


Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
6 - 1
8 - 1


Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
4 - 2
6 - 3


Wofford (http://athletics.wofford.edu/)
4 - 2
6 - 3


Mercer (http://www.mercerbears.com/)
3 - 3
5 - 4


Furman (http://furmanpaladins.collegesports.com/)
2 - 4
2 - 7


VMI (http://www.vmikeydets.com/)
1 - 5
3 - 6


ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
1 - 6
3 - 6


Western Carolina (http://catamountsports.collegesports.com/)
1 - 6
2 - 7



Next week's games:
Western Carolina at Furman
Wofford at Chattanooga
The Citadel at VMI
Mercer at Samford
Cumberland University (NAIA) at East Tennessee State

November 19th games:
Western Carolina at South Carolina
VMI at Wofford
Furman at Mercer
Samford at East Tennessee State
Chattanooga at Alabama
The Citadel at North Carolina

GO CATS!!!

[FUBeAR]

The Citadel (http://www.citadelsports.com/)
7 - 0
9 - 0


Chattanooga (http://www.gomocs.com/)
6 - 1
8 - 1


Samford (http://www.samfordsports.com/)
4 - 2
6 - 3


Wofford (http://athletics.wofford.edu/)
4 - 2
6 - 3


Mercer (http://www.mercerbears.com/)
3 - 3
5 - 4


Furman (http://furmanpaladins.collegesports.com/)
2 - 4
2 - 7


VMI (http://www.vmikeydets.com/)
1 - 5
3 - 6


ETSU (http://www.etsubucs.com/)
1 - 6
3 - 6


Western Carolina (http://catamountsports.collegesports.com/)
1 - 6
2 - 7



Next week's games:
Western Carolina at Furman
Wofford at Chattanooga
VMI at The Citadel
Mercer at Samford
Cumberland University (NAIA) at East Tennessee State

GO CATS!!!

The Citadel is AT VMI

[catamount man]

Fixed it. I was thinking last year's game was in Lexington. My bad. GO CATS!!!

Added the final week slate as well.

[The Cats]

Western Carolina
Chattanooga
The Citadel
Samford
ETSU

[ElCid]

Power Rankings

1 - The Citadel - Got it done
2 - Chattanooga - rested and ready to defend a seed
3 - Samford - playoff bound
4 - Wofford - Still on the bubble, but got it done on the road
5 - Mercer - Allowed it to get close, but maybe a little let down as their playoffs hope faded
6 - Furman - Ouch, coming back slowly, they need to learn how to win again
7 - WCU - Somehow got it done finally, yeah special teams!
8 - VMI - Should have won, anybody got a kicker to rent?
9 - ETSU - played tough, but still a project in work

Predictions

The Citadel @ VMI - It's a battle for the Silver Shako in Lexington. It is somewhat of a cliché to say it, but you can throw the records out in this one. There is kind of leveling mechanism that goes on when these teams meet. Hard fought battle to be sure. I think it brings out the best in both teams. On paper, the Bulldogs should crush them. Probably not going to happen. Will Cobb be back? If he is, all bets are off. He has not put up the prolific numbers that Hodges has, but he is dangerous all the same. On the debit ledger for the Dogs...they are coming off a very emotional win...again. How many times can they go to the well? They have a pretty big game the next week that might distract them regardless of what the coaches and players say. They also got a little banged up this past week. At least Cam Jackson did a little although it did not seem to slow him down. I bet he hurts today. I am still going to go with a comfortable margin, but no more and it might be closer - Dogs - 35-24

Cumberland @ ETSU - Got some more confidence this past week. Might be coming together again. Bucs should win fairly easily - 42-7

WCU @ Furman - The Paladins burst the Cat's bubble. It was a heartbreaker for Furman this past week. They will want this one bad. - 34-17

Mercer @ Samford - I would not want to be Mercer this week. Samford gets out front early by a lot - 41-24

Wofford @ Chattanooga (game of the week) - Critical game for both. UTC is rested. Wofford is fighting for its post season life. What is Craine's status? Not sure it matters. Got to go with the Mocs by a comfortable amount at home - 34-20.

Playoff Picture

Good position or In

The Citadel - (9-0) 8 Div I wins, Secured SOCON autobid (still to go - VMI, UNC)

UTC - (8-1) 7 Div I wins (still to go - Wofford, Alabama)

Samford - (6-3) 5 Div I wins, has OOC Cent Ark Win (still to go - Mercer, ETSU)

Bubble

Wofford - (6-3) 5 Div I wins (still to go - UTC, VMI) really needs to win out to have an easy playoff berth at 8-3, 7-4 is probably a no go, but obviously depends upon the rest of the field. If they lose to UTC along with Cid and Samford already, probably a no go.

Seeds

The Citadel - Seed is secure with a win over VMI, a loss against UNC will not have too much of an effect. Anywhere from 4-6 probable. In the event of a win over UNC, 1 is arguable, 2 should be secure.

Chattanooga - Seed is secure if they beat Wofford, a loss against Alabama will not have too much of an effect. Any where from 6-8 probable. A loss to Wofford would seriously jeopardize seed and possibly playoff spot but at 8-3 along with Wofford and Samford at 8-3 as well, somebody might get Woofed. They would all be 1-1 against each other. Maybe all three get in. But maybe only Samford due to OOC Win. Nasty situation. If Chatty would just go ahead and beat Wofford or Bama, then this would not be a issue.

Samford - Not a lot of talk for a Samford seed, but they have as good as a resume as some others in discussion, including losses only to two likely seeded teams and an FBS, PLUS a win over top ten and possible seed C Ark on the road.

[ElCid]

Detailed review of yesterday's games on The FCS Wedge.

http://thefcswedge.com/socon/socon-week-10-review-and-power-rankings/

[Biff]

Pretty neat to see Cumberland play ETSU. The Head Coach for Cumberland's oldest son is on roster for ETSU.

[Milktruck74]

Citadel is the only road win this week.

[Catamount87]

It was nice to see our defense and special teams really step up to the plate this past weekend:
- 4 blocked kicks (2 PATs and 2 FG attempts)
- 3 interceptions (a fourth returned for a TD was called back because of a penalty)
- 1 fumble returned for at TD
- 3 sacks and 4 tackles for a loss
- 4 of 6 punts inside the 20

I'd say making the defensive coaching change last week had a positive impact. But we still have a LONG way to go.

Power Rankings
1. The Citadel - The ball keeps bouncing their way in this magical year
2. (Tie) Samford - Tough loss OT loss to the charmed Dogs
UTC - Enjoyed a much needed bye week
4. Wofford - Nice win at Furman
5. Mercer - Had a tougher HC than expected but got it done
6. Furman - Improvements continue but haven't gotten it all together
7. WCU - Showed immediate improvement from the coaching change
8. VMI - Special teams breakdowns and mental mistakes cost them greatly
9. ETSU - Playing with a lot of heart but not a lot of depth




Predictions
WCU at Furman - Furman has been improving for weeks being at home helps them be a step ahead of the Cats in improvements
The Citadel at VMI - The Dogs will run wild
Mercer at Samford - Expect plenty of scoring but Samford will be too much on both sides of the ball
Wofford at UTC - Upset of the Week - The Mocs have been dinged up a bit lately. I'm going with the Terriers in OT


Season Record: 42-9

[FUBeAR]

Mercer @ Samford - Samford by a lot - 41-24

Math Pop Quiz

SOLVE:

IF The Citadel > Mercer by 1 point (coming from being behind by 2 on a Field Goal in the final minutes of the game)...

...AND...

The Citadel > Samford by 3 points (winning in OT due to a Samford game-tying FG 'doinking' off the upright)...

...THEN...

Samford > Mercer by 17 Points

(show your work)

[CID1990]

Math Pop Quiz

SOLVE:

IF The Citadel > Mercer by 1 point (coming from being behind by 2 on a Field Goal in the final minutes of the game)...

...AND...

The Citadel > Samford by 3 points (winning in OT due to a Samford game-tying FG 'doinking' off the upright)...

...THEN...

Samford > Mercer by 17 Points

(show your work)

Your exercises in comparative stats are meaningless, as you should have realized this weekend




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[ElCid]

Math Pop Quiz

SOLVE:

IF The Citadel > Mercer by 1 point (coming from being behind by 2 on a Field Goal in the final minutes of the game)...

...AND...

The Citadel > Samford by 3 points (winning in OT due to a Samford game-tying FG 'doinking' off the upright)...

...THEN...

Samford > Mercer by 17 Points

(show your work)


I can't. It is in my gut. I don't necessarily use a formula only. I look at too many intangibles to quantify it. One thing. I don't think you all play on the road as well as at home. Just actually from watching some of the games, and not necessarily the scores.


But I got the answer right....I think. We will see Saturday.xlolx

[UCMoc]

Math Pop Quiz

SOLVE:

IF Samford > VMI by 34 points...

...AND...

Mercerl > VMI by 3 points ...

...THEN...

Samford > Mercer by 31 Points

(show your work)


Wow, you were right. He didn't do the math correctly and Samford should stomp the CareBears by much more than 17.

[ElCid]

Wow, you were right. He didn't do the math correctly and Samford should stomp the CareBears by much more than 17.

I am still too sleepy to have figured that out, but you nailed it. I should have caught that.xlolx

But you might have added, "Mercer > VMI, winning in OT by 3 after coming back late and tying it up on a late field goal"xlolx

Ain't transitive exercises fun.

[FUBeAR]

I can't. It is in my gut. I don't necessarily use a formula only. I look at too many intangibles to quantify it. One thing. I don't think you all play on the road as well as at home. Just actually from watching some of the games, and not necessarily the scores.

But I got the answer right....I think. We will see Saturday.xlolx

Yeah - though I'm still recalibrating my prediculation machine (it's a loaner) this week, I'm inclined not to disagree with your projection at this point.

Different reasons though.

Mercer's Offense had precious-little depth at every position to start the season, except at RB. Now that they have, since the beginning of the pre-season, lost their Top 4 RB's (Lakes, Mitchell, Robinson, Usher) and are down to a Sr., (who moved from DB last season) and never had a game-carry until 3 weeks ago, and a LB, who was a regular at OLB until 3 weeks ago, the running game is a shadow of what it has (could have) been. Then, when they lost their #1 All-Around) WR (Avery Ward) the Wed. before the Woffy game, the passing game took a major hit. The Bears will truly have to 'manufacture' ANY points they score against Sammy...and that doesn't bode well playing against a Samford Team that 2 weeks ago put up 41 against an SEC Team which, the following week, held the #4 ranked FBS Team to 28 and won...and then, this week, just hung 34 on the top-ranked team in the SoCon, more than double what they average giving up.

At this point in the week, I'm thinking Coach Hatcher may rest his starters for the next 3 weeks (Mercer, ETSU, bye (surely, they'll get a seed)) and plan to make a deep Playoff run with fresh legs / bodies. Hodges took a lot of big hits from the Bellhops' D last week. I'm sure he would definitely benefit from a few weeks off to heal up.

[ElCid]

Yeah - though I'm still recalibrating my prediculation machine (it's a loaner) this week, I'm inclined not to disagree with your projection at this point.

Different reasons though.

Mercer's Offense had precious-little depth at every position to start the season, except at RB. Now that they have, since the beginning of the pre-season, lost their Top 4 RB's (Lakes, Mitchell, Robinson, Usher) and are down to a Sr., (who moved from DB last season) and never had a game-carry until 3 weeks ago, and a LB, who was a regular at OLB until 3 weeks ago, the running game is a shadow of what it has (could have) been. Then, when they lost their #1 (all-around) WR the Wed. before the Woffy game, the passing game took a major hit. The Bears will truly have to 'manufacture' ANY points they score against Sammy...and that doesn't bode well playing against a Samford Team that 2 weeks ago put up 41 against an SEC Team which just held the #4 ranked FBS Team to 28 and won...and then, this week, just hung 34 on the top-ranked team in the SoCon, more than double what they average giving up.

At this point in the week, I'm thinking Coach Hatcher may rest his starters for the next 3 weeks (Mercer, ETSU, bye (surely, they'll get a seed)) and plan to make a deep Playoff run with fresh legs / bodies. Hodges took a lot of big hits from the Bellhops' D last week. I'm sure he would definitely benefit from a few weeks off to heal up.

Wow, I missed that Usher was out. What happened? It's not that Mercer couldn't beat Samford, but I think they are coming for blood. They have to win out in order to remain in the playoff hunt. I am not sure 7-4 is a lock for them. Probably, but maybe not. And not sure they get a seed even if they do win out. But who knows.

I guess I can be thankful that the injury bug has not hit us. We apparently have a pretty good strength and conditioning guy as well so maybe that helped.

[kdinva]

Western Carolina 20 at Furman 34
Wofford 20 at Chattanooga 30
The Citadel 35 at VMI 23
Mercer 16 at Samford 41
Cumberland Univ 7 at East Tennessee State 33

[kdinva]

.....But you might have added, "Mercer > VMI, winning in OT by 3 after coming back late and tying it up on a late field goal"xlolx

...

after an exchange of horrible ref calls (a PI on Mercer that wasn't; a late hit on VMI with the Mercer ball carrier straddling the sideline.)

[ElCid]

after an exchange of horrible ref calls (a PI on Mercer that wasn't; a late hit on VMI with the Mercer ball carrier straddling the sideline.)

I'm shock, shocked to hear that SOCON refs make bad calls. Unless they are on the other team, and then, thank you very much.

[ElCid]

Anyone know if Cobb is back or is out for the season? I kind of figured they might keep him out last week and get him well for this week. Didn't hear his prognosis.

[citdog]

SoCon Refs

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Drykk7h-Ou8/U4N0UUD-64I/AAAAAAAAGQA/E1pBKz2xcNQ/s1600/Cyclops-Monster.png

[FUBeAR]

after an exchange of horrible ref calls (a PI on Mercer that wasn't; a late hit on VMI with the Mercer ball carrier straddling the sideline.)

I am FUBeAR and I endorse the content of this message. :)


...and I would add that both of these horrible calls ABSOLUTELY impacted the outcome of that game.
1) If that horrible OPI call is not made, Mercer pretty much ices the game, leading 31-20 with 3 minutes left (think those are the numbers; not gonna confirm).
2) If the horrible late hit call is not made, Mercer has no chance to make a game-tying FG and very low probability with a Hail Mary on the final play and VMI wins.

We've all heard the expression, "Whoever has the ball last will win this game."
In the SoCon, we, instead, say "Whoever gets the horrible call from the refs last will lose this game."

[Sandlapper Spike]

I don't believe Samford has a realistic chance at a seed. I think if SU wins out, it would probably host a first-round playoff game. 7-4 and it's a bubble team.

[FUBeAR]

SoCon Refs

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23820&stc=1

FIFY

[ElCid]

SoCon Refs

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23821&stc=1




fify

[kdinva]

I'm shock, shocked to hear that SOCON refs make bad calls.

....and guess where NFL ref Jeff Triplette got his beginnings?

[longtimemocfan]

.
What is Craine's status?

He's fine. Had a month off to heal up.

[Catamount87]

It sure would be nice if one of the best NFL referees ever, Gerald Austin, were to take on the duties supervising the SoCon refs. He's even familiar with the SoCon. http://magazine.wcu.edu/2012/12/a-higher-calling/

[walliver]

Rankings:
1) a Citadel - duh!
2) Chatty - only one loss
3) Samford - placed the Citadel close (but who hasn't)
4) Wofford - hoping to move up Saturday

and then there's everybody else
5) Mercer - program moving upward slowly
6) Furman - can be a good team when they choose to be
7) VMI - With Cobb, may go down a notch
8) WCU - disappointing year
9) ETSU - as expected

This week:
WCU at Furman - The 2-7 horses have the stronger team talent-wise, but can they get it up for the last two games. I suspect the pukes find a few horse viagra and win the battle of the purple over the cants 31-24

Wofford at Chattanooga - The T-dogs have overcome the loss of the top 2 QB's, a LB to heart issues and another LB to a broken neck. Miracles come in 3's and somehow the Terriers stay alive 24-21 with a last second 60 yard field goal.

The Citadel at VMI - Rivalry games frequently bring surprising results and the Virginny toy soldiers cannot be overlooked, but even in rivalries, the better team usually wins. Palmetto Toy Soldiers win 38-13

Mercer at Samford - This is the last chance for the cubs to pick up a signature win for this year. On the other hand the Bama pups are coming off a disappointing loss and need this game to secure a playoff spot. Sammy has the better team, but I predict a Bear upset 38-34

Cumberland at ETSU - not much of a game and the Mountain Pirates win.

Playoffs:
1) The Citadel is in. Beating UNC is unlikely, so I pick a 5th or 6th seed (no travel to Ladson this year)
2) Chattanooga - Definitely in. Win this weekend and they are a 7th or 8th seed (I predicted them to lose, so probably no seed)
3) Samford - win out and they're in, a loss to Mercer and they're on the bubble (a loss to ETSU and they are toast).
4) Wofford needs to win out. Can get to 6 D-I wins even losing to Chatty, but would have no signature wins

If Wofford beats Chatty and VMI, and Samford beats Mercer and ETSU, there would be a three-way tie for second. This happened in 2002 and somebody got Woofed. In this case, Samford is probably safe due to UCA win. If the SoCon gets only 3, Wofford and Chatty would have very similar resumes. Both would have SEC losses (The Mocs ain't beating Bama), sub D-1 wins (JCSmith and Shorter). Wofford's win over Tennessee Tech may be a little better than Chatty beating Presbyterian, but isn't going to impress the committee much. It could come down to a coin flip (although the committee would never admit to that.)

[longtimemocfan]

WCU @ Furman- Not sure how much fight Furman has left in them, but should just be enough to hold Western off 31-21.
Wofford @ Chattanooga- The Mocs haven't lost a SoCon game at home since 2012. A healthy Craine and rested team should pave the way to a victory 27-14.
Mercer @ Samford- Bulldogs at home and plenty to play for air out a big win 45-21.
The Citadel @ VMI- Rivalry game but The Citadel just to tough in the end 31-17.
Cumberland @ ETSU - Bucs should win with ease 42-7.

The Citadel
Chattanooga
Samford
Wofford
Furman
Mercer
WCU
VMI
ETSU

[SU DOG]

Yeah - though I'm still recalibrating my prediculation machine (it's a loaner) this week, I'm inclined not to disagree with your projection at this point.

Different reasons though.

Mercer's Offense had precious-little depth at every position to start the season, except at RB. Now that they have, since the beginning of the pre-season, lost their Top 4 RB's (Lakes, Mitchell, Robinson, Usher) and are down to a Sr., (who moved from DB last season) and never had a game-carry until 3 weeks ago, and a LB, who was a regular at OLB until 3 weeks ago, the running game is a shadow of what it has (could have) been. Then, when they lost their #1 All-Around) WR (Avery Ward) the Wed. before the Woffy game, the passing game took a major hit. The Bears will truly have to 'manufacture' ANY points they score against Sammy...and that doesn't bode well playing against a Samford Team that 2 weeks ago put up 41 against an SEC Team which, the following week, held the #4 ranked FBS Team to 28 and won...and then, this week, just hung 34 on the top-ranked team in the SoCon, more than double what they average giving up.

At this point in the week, I'm thinking Coach Hatcher may rest his starters for the next 3 weeks (Mercer, ETSU, bye (surely, they'll get a seed)) and plan to make a deep Playoff run with fresh legs / bodies. Hodges took a lot of big hits from the Bellhops' D last week. I'm sure he would definitely benefit from a few weeks off to heal up.

I seen McNeese Fans on here sandbagging, but this post takes that to a whole new level. FUB is a first class BS'er!!!

[FUBeAR]

I seen McNeese Fans on here sandbagging, but this post takes that to a whole new level. FUB is a first class BS'er!!!

Hey now - that ain't right. I'll grant you that I might have inserted a tiny bit of hyperbole in the final paragraph with my speculation about Coach Hatcher's plans, but everything else in that post is 100% FACT.

I'm not saying it can't happen, but if Mercer doesn't find a way to 'manufacture' points on Offense (similar to what Woffy did to Mercer a couple of weeks ago), score points on Defense and/or Special Teams (again, similar to what Woffy did to Mercer a couple of weeks ago) OR just play an OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD game on D (similar to the 1st 46:56 of last year's Sammy @ Mercer game) OR Sammy just, somehow, poops the bed, my current thinking is to expect a long day for the Bears.

[PaladinFan]

WCU @ Furman- Not sure how much fight Furman has left in them, but should just be enough to hold Western off 31-21.
Wofford @ Chattanooga- The Mocs haven't lost a SoCon game at home since 2012. A healthy Craine and rested team should pave the way to a victory 27-14.
Mercer @ Samford- Bulldogs at home and plenty to play for air out a big win 45-21.
The Citadel @ VMI- Rivalry game but The Citadel just to tough in the end 31-17.
Cumberland @ ETSU - Bucs should win with ease 42-7.

The Citadel
Chattanooga
Samford
Wofford
Furman
Mercer
WCU
VMI
ETSU

Just my opinion, but Furman played with a lot of energy on Saturday against Wofford. They certainly do not look like a team that has folded up the tent. Paladins, for much of the game, looked the better team and, as has been their signature the last few years, did not finish. Paladins struggled to lock Wofford out at the end of the first half, and then struggled to put away the game late.

As usual, it is hard to know what to expect out of Furman week to week. I expect we'll be the favorites against Western Carolina and Mercer the last two weeks with a shot to go 4-4 in the conference, which would be a strong end to the season.

[Smitty]

I would hate to burst your 4-4 bubble, but I at least want it to be a good game. It has been very difficult watching this Western team and I'm sure it won't be much easier against Furman and South Carolina.

[kdinva]

Just my opinion, but Furman played with a lot of energy on Saturday against Wofford......

.....and they did in Lexington as well.....Furple came to Lex on a mission, and succeeded.....

[PaladinFan]

I would hate to burst your 4-4 bubble, but I at least want it to be a good game. It has been very difficult watching this Western team and I'm sure it won't be much easier against Furman and South Carolina.

At this stage, nothing would surprise me. The only benefit in having a disappointing team is that you don't get your hopes up too much.

[ElCid]

Preview of this week's games on The FCS Wedge.


The Southern Conference games this week include some interesting match ups. First we have the Military Classic of the South as The Citadel travels to Lexington Virginia to take on the Keydets of VMI. Next, Wofford tries to make a statement for its playoff chances as the Terriers travel to Chattanooga. The Western Carolina Catamounts visit Furman and try to notch another conference victory. ETSU hosts NAIA Cumberland College. And finally, The Mercer Bears will visit Samford and try and to ruin their playoff plans....read more....

http://thefcswedge.com/socon/socon-week-11-preview/

[Mocs123]

Picks:
Wofford - 17
Chattanooga - 20 - Chattanooga manages to hold on for the win against a good Terrier team
The Citadel -35
VMI - 13 - The Bulldogs lock the sole SoCon Championship this week after a closer than anticipated win over VMI.
Western - 24
Furman - 27 - I went back and forth on this one, as I could really see this going to either purple team, so I will give the purple team at home the edge (even though they haven’t won a home game this year)
Mercer - 24
Samford - 41 - The Bulldogs eliminate the Bears playoff hopes this week.
Cumberland - 7
ETSU - 41 -Beatdown of the Week - ETSU takes out its frustrations against Cumberland.

Rankings :
1.) The Citadel - Keep the top spot until someone knocks them off
2.) Chattanooga - Huge game coming up this week
3.) Samford - The Bulldogs fought hard in a OT loss to The Citadel
4.) Wofford - Quietly having a good season - must win out for a playoff spot
5.) Mercer - The Bears are on the fringe of a playoff spot. Need to win out
6.) Furman - Are the Paladins starting to figure things out?
7.) Western Carolina - Much improved this week
8.) VMI - Ugly game this week
9. ETSU - About where we thought the program would be at this point.

Playoff Picture:
8 wins pretty much guarantees you a spot in the playoff field, and with 7 D1 wins you “should” be in, but no guarantees. I seriously doubt a 6 win SoCon team gets in this year.
Possible D1 wins (excluding $ games)
The Citadel - 9
Chattanooga - 8
Samford - 7
Mercer - 7
Wofford - 7
VMI - 5 - Eliminated
Furman - 4 - Eliminated
ETSU - 3 - Eliminated
Western Carolina - 3 - Eliminated

[FUBeAR]

Power Rankings (Picks later...) - Apologies for getting these out late this week (I'll blame Election Day)...As in prior weeks, the esteemed David Wilson is Ranking the Top 5 in the SoCon and FUBeAR is sorting out the bottom 4.



Wilson
National
Rank
Team
W
L
Wilson
Rating


1
Citadel
9
0
880


4
Chattanooga
8
1
817


8
Samford
6
3
781


12
Wofford
6
3
754


21
Mercer
5
4
726


FUBeAR
National
Rank
Team
W
L
FUBeAR Rating


>21
Furman
2
7
<726


>22
WCU
2
7
<727


>23
VMI
3
6
<728


>24
ETSU
3
6
<729



I like it - 3 SoCon Teams in contention for 1st Round Byes/Seeds and 5 clearly in contention to make the Playoffs. That sounds like the right # of SoCon Teams to me.

Here are Mr. Wilson's Conference Strength Rankings as of this week...



Rank
Conference
Avg. Rating


1
Missouri Valley Football Conference
741


2
Southern Conference
732


3T
Big Sky Conference
675


3T
Colonial Athletic Association
675


5
Big South
667


6
Ohio Valley Conference
644


7
Southland Conference
625


8
Patriot League
599


9
Ivy League
595


10
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
567


11
Northeast Conference
566


12
Pioneer Football League
527


13
Southwestern Athletic Conference
511



SoCon fell to 2nd before last week, but is a WHOLE lot closer to 'catching' the MVFC (-9 Avg Rating Points) than falling to the CAA and Big Sky level (57 Avg Rating Points higher than both)

[Scrappy94]

Rankings:

1. The Citadel - Impressive win to stay undefeated.
2. Chattanooga - Rested up on the bye week. Will be fresh this week and ready to play.
3. Samford - Gave The Citadel all they could handle. Definitely a playoff team.
4. Wofford - On the bubble.
5. Mercer - Closer game than expected.
6. Furman - Slowly improving.
7. Western Carolina - Finally won a SoCon game.
8. VMI - Tough time against WCU.
9. ETSU - As expected.

Predictions:

Wofford @ Chattanooga - 27-17 - Mocs have not lost a home SoCon game since an overtime loss to Georgia Southern in 2012. With a seed and first round bye in the playoffs on the line, they make sure the SoCon home win streak continues.
The Citadel @ VMI - 35-14 - Lopsided rivalry game.
Mercer @ Samford - 42-27 - The Bulldogs will not have the Bears ruin their playoff hopes at home.
Western Carolina @ Furman - 31-24 - Furman will continue improving with a win.
Cumberland @ ETSU - 35-17 - Bucs should have no problems here, but stranger things have happened.

[moc n tn1991]

Predictions:
ETSU over Cumberland, 31 - 14
THE Citadel over VMI, 35 - 14
Chattanooga over Wofford, 38 - 20
Samford over Mercer, 45 - 21
Furman over Western Carolina, 27-20

Power:
1. THE Citadel
2. Chattanooga
3. Samford
4. Wofford
5. Mercer
6. Furman
7. Western Carolina
8. VMI
9. ETSU

[FUBeAR]

Power Rankings (Picks later...) - Apologies for getting these out late this week (I'll blame Election Day)...As in prior weeks, the esteemed David Wilson is Ranking the Top 5 in the SoCon and FUBeAR is sorting out the bottom 4.



Wilson
National
Rank
Team
W
L
Wilson
Rating


1
Citadel
9
0
880


4
Chattanooga
8
1
817


8
Samford
6
3
781


12
Wofford
6
3
754


21
Mercer
5
4
726


FUBeAR
National
Rank
Team
W
L
FUBeAR Rating


>21
Furman
2
7
<726


>22
WCU
2
7
<727


>23
VMI
3
6
<728


>24
ETSU
3
6
<729



I like it - 3 SoCon Teams in contention for 1st Round Byes/Seeds and 5 clearly in contention to make the Playoffs. That sounds like the right # of SoCon Teams to me.

Here are Mr. Wilson's Conference Strength Rankings as of this week...



Rank
Conference
Avg. Rating


1
Missouri Valley Football Conference
741


2
Southern Conference
732


3T
Big Sky Conference
675


3T
Colonial Athletic Association
675


5
Big South
667


6
Ohio Valley Conference
644


7
Southland Conference
625


8
Patriot League
599


9
Ivy League
595


10
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
567


11
Northeast Conference
566


12
Pioneer Football League
527


13
Southwestern Athletic Conference
511



SoCon fell to 2nd before last week, but is a WHOLE lot closer to 'catching' the MVFC (-9 Avg Rating Points) than falling to the CAA and Big Sky level (57 Avg Rating Points higher than both)

Rankings above...Picks below

Last Week...2-2
* My Pick: Wofford @ Furman 24-16 / ACTUAL: Terriers won 34-27. Paladins played about as expected on O, but I didn't expect them to give up so many points at the end of the 2nd & 4th quarters. Good SoCon game though and FU's campus was beautiful as always.
* My Pick: Samford @ The Citadel 56-33 / ACTUAL: Bellhops survive due to missed ALDog's FG in OT 37-34. Hospitality-Industry-Clad-Dogs scored about as many I thought, but the HomewoodHoundoggies couldn't measure up to the level of confidence I showed in them.
* My Pick: VMI @ WCU 63-10 / ACTUAL: Catamounts held on 32-29 Right side of this game, but I expected, maybe, some blocked kicks or something to increase the Cats' MoV.
* My Pick: ETSU @ Mercer 24-17 / ACTUAL: Bears won 21-13. Yep...as expected, Mercer wins, YET ANOTHER, 1-score game.

35-15-1 - .700 for the Season

This Week

* The Citadel @ VMI 1:30 PM - Bellhops over HoppingMarsupials 27-14
* Cumberland College @ ETSU 1:30 PM - LandLockedOceanRaiders defeat the Cumberland College (or University) Phoenix 28-13
* Wofford @ Chattanooga 2:00 PM - TrainingBirdShoes kick the LittlePups 34-14
* Mercer @ Samford 3:30 PM - NewLogoDogsWithLeftRearPawUnsupported roll up the wounded Bears 56-20
* WCU @ Furman 4:00 PM - Paladins win as the Paladin Stadium goal posts remain unmarred by the attack of the MountainHorde 35-24

NOTE: I had some semi-minor surgery earlier today and am presently heavily under the influence of narcotics. Sorry I don't have enough to share with everyone :-( - Just want to advise these picks COULD change at any time prior to 1:30 PM tomorrow...