FCS Southern Conference to Challenge some of Nations Best in 2017

[youcanbankit]

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24972&stc=1

(https://athlonsports.com/college-football/fcs-southern-conference-challenge-best-fbs-2017)https://athlonsports.com/college-football/fcs-southern-conference-challenge-best-fbs-2017

Who else has big FBS games this year???

2017 Southern Conference vs. FBS Matchups



Date
SoCon Team
FBS Team
Location


Sept. 2
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xVMI_Keydets_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.m_imSKL9-x.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/air-force-falcons.png
Colorado Springs, CO


Sept. 2
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xWesternCarolina_Catamounts_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed .ic.w4IB4M1lI1.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/hawaii-warriors.png
Honolulu, HI


Sept. 9
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xChattanooga_Mocs_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.r0pLiF aF8R.jpg
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/sec/xLSU_logo_new_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.xCla3f5CPg.jpg
Baton Rouge, LA


Sept. 16
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xFurman_Paladins_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.7RB9Y4B mI0.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/north-carolina-state-wolfpack.png
Raleigh, NC


Sept. 16
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xMercer_Bears_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.5fA9nHV50B .jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/auburn-tigers.png
Auburn, AL


Sept. 16
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xSamford_Bulldogs_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.ZvWpsc YMUl.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/georgia-bulldogs.png
Athens, GA


Nov. 18
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xTheCitadel_logo_new_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.OsrbNftI tX.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/clemson-tigers.png
Clemson, SC


Nov. 18
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xMercer_Bears_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.5fA9nHV50B .jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/alabama-crimson-tide.png
Tuscaloosa, AL


Nov. 18
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xWesternCarolina_Catamounts_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed .ic.w4IB4M1lI1.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/north-carolina-tar-heels.png
Chapel Hill, NC


Nov. 18
https://athlonsports.com/sites/athlonsports.com/files/shared/college-football/logos/FCS/xWofford_Terriers_logo_web.jpg.pagespeed.ic.roSwXV 50ln.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/i.athcdn.com/assets/images/teams/college-football/logos/200x200/south-carolina-gamecocks.png
Columbia, SC

[ElCid]

(https://athlonsports.com/college-football/fcs-southern-conference-challenge-best-fbs-2017)https://athlonsports.com/college-football/fcs-southern-conference-challenge-best-fbs-2017

Who else has big FBS games this year???

Most of those are some pretty tough games.

I think Massey gives Wofford the best chance against USC of all the games. But not sure even that will happen. The Cocks will more than ready to not let that happen again so soon after we beat them. They usually play them tough though.

I actually give WCU a better chance than most against Hawaii.

The other one that might be interesting is Samford at Georgia. The Athens Bulldogs have not exactly been stellar lately and your Bulldogs can put up points in a hurry once they get in a groove. Could be interesting if the ball falls the right way.

If there is a shocker, it will probably be a game that is not on anyone's radar.

[Mocs123]

The title should read: SoCon to get paid by some of the nations best in 2017.

[walliver]

This is nothing new. Every year the top 2/3's of the SoCon plays the upper half of the SEC or the upper 1/6'th of the ACC (Clemson or Florida State).
The lower third of the SEC and most of the ACC avoids us.

[ElCid]

This is nothing new. Every year the top 2/3's of the SoCon plays the upper half of the SEC or the upper 1/6'th of the ACC (Clemson or Florida State).
The lower third of the SEC and most of the ACC avoids us.

As well they should.

[PaladinFan]

Most of those are some pretty tough games.

I think Massey gives Wofford the best chance against USC of all the games. But not sure even that will happen. The Cocks will more than ready to not let that happen again so soon after we beat them. They usually play them tough though.

I actually give WCU a better chance than most against Hawaii.

The other one that might be interesting is Samford at Georgia. The Athens Bulldogs have not exactly been stellar lately and your Bulldogs can put up points in a hurry once they get in a groove. Could be interesting if the ball falls the right way.

If there is a shocker, it will probably be a game that is not on anyone's radar.

If Samford beats or comes reasonably close to beating Georgia, it will be interesting to watch Athens implode.

[ElCid]

If Samford beats or comes reasonably close to beating Georgia, it will be interesting to watch Athens implode.

Seriously, they have been mediocre the few years and that would push them over the edge. The entire state would need to be put on suicide watch.

[FUBeAR]

Most of those are some pretty tough games.

I think Massey gives Wofford the best chance against USC of all the games. But not sure even that will happen. The Cocks will more than ready to not let that happen again so soon after we beat them. They usually play them tough though.

I actually give WCU a better chance than most against Hawaii.

The other one that might be interesting is Samford at Georgia. The Athens Bulldogs have not exactly been stellar lately and your Bulldogs can put up points in a hurry once they get in a groove. Could be interesting if the ball falls the right way.

If there is a shocker, it will probably be a game that is not on anyone's radar.

"I actually give WCU a better chance than most against Hawaii." - If Adams plays and they find a way to get 30-35 touches for Newsome AND IF the Cats' play SOME Defense, they can certainly take down the Rainbow Sherbets! (that's a pretty big "if" over there if you didn't notice)


"The other one that might be interesting is Samford at Georgia. The Athens Bulldogs have not exactly been stellar lately and your Bulldogs can put up points in a hurry once they get in a groove. Could be interesting if the ball falls the right way." - Although I have a dear daughter at UGa, I could definitely get behind Sammy winning this one! IF the Homewood Hounds can stop the run, they'll have a chance. (that's also a pretty big "if" over there if you didn't notice)

"If there is a shocker, it will probably be a game that is not on anyone's radar." - It's OK, you can go come right out and say it. We're all SoCon friends here. You're picking the Mercer Bears to take down both the Auburn WarTigerEaglePlainsmen and the Alabama CrimsonElephantHoundsTooths in 2017. I admire your courage with that pick. The Men of El Cid have never lacked for visions of grandeur. I respect that about y'all.

[ElCid]

"I actually give WCU a better chance than most against Hawaii." - If Adams plays and they find a way to get 30-35 touches for Newsome AND IF the Cats' play SOME Defense, they can certainly take down the Rainbow Sherbets! (that's a pretty big "if" over there if you didn't notice)


"The other one that might be interesting is Samford at Georgia. The Athens Bulldogs have not exactly been stellar lately and your Bulldogs can put up points in a hurry once they get in a groove. Could be interesting if the ball falls the right way." - Although I have a dear daughter at UGa, I could definitely get behind Sammy winning this one! IF the Homewood Hounds can stop the run, they'll have a chance. (that's also a pretty big "if" over there if you didn't notice)

"If there is a shocker, it will probably be a game that is not on anyone's radar." - It's OK, you can go come right out and say it. We're all SoCon friends here. You're picking the Mercer Bears to take down both the Auburn WarTigerEaglePlainsmen and the Alabama CrimsonElephantHoundsTooths in 2017. I admire your courage with that pick. The Men of El Cid have never lacked for visions of grandeur. I respect that about y'all.

Well they are big IFs! Hawaii is beatable. There biggest edge is the travel factor. They pretty much suck and find a way to win with that 12th man, the time zone. If WCU can overcome that, they have a chance, IF their D has improved. I specifically did not make a prediction on the shocker or it wouldn't be a shockerxlolx I am sure Mercer is capable of making games of it, but I am not sure you will. So many things have to fall into place. I don't know how to assess the Bears after graduating their first class. I think it was a lot of energy, leadership, and experience that left. Will it continue? Jury is out until 31 Aug or more revealing, 9 Sep. But I would love for any of the SOCON to take a scalp this fall.

[catamount man]

I'm not expecting WCU to beat Hawaii. We just cannot beat FBS teams. Massey has us at 3-9, beating Davidson, ETSU and VMI. I will not predict. There are just too many unknowns. ANOTHER defensive coordinator, Speir's FOURTH since he took over in December 2011. And if Tyrie Adams is ineligible, well...hang it up. Ah................I'm still sticking with them though. One of these days, WCU will actually be a power in FCS football. Course, I may be 6 feet under by then but I'm still sticking with them. GO CATS!!!

[Catatonic]

If Samford beats or comes reasonably close to beating Georgia, it will be interesting to watch Athens implode.

There are better odds of it snowing in Athens on game day than of Samford beating Georgia.

[ElCid]

There are better odds of it snowing in Athens on game day than of Samford beating Georgia.

That's a little extreme. Especially considering how close Georgia came to losing last year to Nicholls. It is possible. Snow in Georgia in Sept, not so muchxeyebrowx.

[FUBeAR]

That's a little extreme. Especially considering how close Georgia came to losing last year to Nicholls. It is possible. Snow in Georgia in Sept, not so muchxeyebrowx.

...and the Hounds of Homewood weren't exactly contained by Mississippi State's SEC-Class Defense last year...


Final


1
2
3
4
T


SAM
13
7
13
8
41


MSST
21
7
21
7
56






Matchup
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2535.png&h=100&w=100
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/344.png&h=100&w=100


1st Downs
27
29


3rd down efficiency
9-23
7-15


4th down efficiency
4-5
1-3


Total Yards
627
669


Passing
468
417


Comp-Att
42-70
20-35


Yards per pass
6.7
11.9


Interceptions thrown
3
2


Rushing
159
252


Rushing Attempts
34
46


Yards per rush
4.7
5.5


Penalties
9-77
4-35


Turnovers
3
3


Fumbles lost
0
1


Interceptions thrown
3
2


Possession
30:41
29:19

[Catatonic]

That's a little extreme. Especially considering how close Georgia came to losing last year to Nicholls. It is possible. Snow in Georgia in Sept, not so muchxeyebrowx.

Samford should pray for Georgia to beat Notre Dame on the previous Saturday up in South Bend. Maybe the Dawgs will suffer a let down coming off an emotional high. If they lose to the Irish, UGA is more likely to take out their frustrations on Samford.

New coach, new system last year. Smart's Bulldogs will will better this year. Sorry, I don't look for this one to be close.*

In the spirit of full disclosure I had season tickets to UGA games for 30 plus years before moving to Texas......so I might be a little biased.

[ElCid]

...and the Hounds of Homewood weren't exactly contained by Mississippi State's SEC-Class Defense last year...


Final


1
2
3
4
T


SAM
13
7
13
8
41


MSST
21
7
21
7
56






Matchup
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2535.png&h=100&w=100
http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/344.png&h=100&w=100


1st Downs
27
29


3rd down efficiency
9-23
7-15


4th down efficiency
4-5
1-3


Total Yards
627
669


Passing
468
417


Comp-Att
42-70
20-35


Yards per pass
6.7
11.9


Interceptions thrown
3
2


Rushing
159
252


Rushing Attempts
34
46


Yards per rush
4.7
5.5


Penalties
9-77
4-35


Turnovers
3
3


Fumbles lost
0
1


Interceptions thrown
3
2


Possession
30:41
29:19




That was a great game, albeit a track meet.

[ElCid]

Samford should pray for Georgia to beat Notre Dame on the previous up in South Bend. Maybe the Dawgs will suffer a let down coming off an emotional high. If they lose to the Irish, UGA is more likely to take out their frustrations on Samford.

New coach, new system last year. Smart's Bulldogs will will better this year. Sorry, I don't look for this one to be close.*

In the spirit of full disclosure I had season tickets to UGA games for 30 plus years before moving to Texas......so I might be a little biased.

Oh I agree. But it is not out of the realm of possibility. I think the games bookending an FCS game have a huge impact on FBS teams. It could be they got their scare last year and they will be all business against Samford. It is hard to sneak up on SEC teams, at least the top 2/3's of the conference.

[JSUSoutherner]

Most of those are some pretty tough games.

I think Massey gives Wofford the best chance against USC of all the games. But not sure even that will happen. The Cocks will more than ready to not let that happen again so soon after we beat them. They usually play them tough though.

I actually give WCU a better chance than most against Hawaii.

The other one that might be interesting is Samford at Georgia. The Athens Bulldogs have not exactly been stellar lately and your Bulldogs can put up points in a hurry once they get in a groove. Could be interesting if the ball falls the right way.

If there is a shocker, it will probably be a game that is not on anyone's radar.

I hope Sammy does it. It would be funny watching both big Georgia schools get embarrassed in the same year. xlolx

Then we can use the UGA-GT game to see if Sammy could beat us since they will apparently never play us.

[SU DOG]

Little known fact, that may have no bearing at all on the point spread(I'm more of a realist) - Coach Smart's dad played his college football as a Samford Bulldog.

[Catatonic]

Little known fact, that may have no bearing at all on the point spread(I'm more of a realist) - Coach Smart's dad played his college football as a Samford Bulldog.

Just saw this quote about Kirby's Smart's coaching: "Georgia is talented, but Kirby Smart still coaches like Coach Red Beaulieu from The Waterboy stole his special playbook."

[PaladinFan]

Samford should pray for Georgia to beat Notre Dame on the previous Saturday up in South Bend. Maybe the Dawgs will suffer a let down coming off an emotional high. If they lose to the Irish, UGA is more likely to take out their frustrations on Samford.

New coach, new system last year. Smart's Bulldogs will will better this year. Sorry, I don't look for this one to be close.*

In the spirit of full disclosure I had season tickets to UGA games for 30 plus years before moving to Texas......so I might be a little biased.

The games around FCS matchups are important. Sometimes you can get teams looking past you and come in unprepared.

I do think after last year's embarrassment against Nicholls, that UGA will not be taken by surprise twice by the caliber of FCS football.

As much as I appreciate SoCon football, when our teams face a motivated and prepared SEC opponent, there's not much of a chance. To win or keep games close, SoCon programs have to have a lot of things break their direction AND play a really good football game.

[Catamount87]

"I actually give WCU a better chance than most against Hawaii." - If Adams plays and they find a way to get 30-35 touches for Newsome AND IF the Cats' play SOME Defense, they can certainly take down the Rainbow Sherbets! (that's a pretty big "if" over there if you didn't notice)


"The other one that might be interesting is Samford at Georgia. The Athens Bulldogs have not exactly been stellar lately and your Bulldogs can put up points in a hurry once they get in a groove. Could be interesting if the ball falls the right way." - Although I have a dear daughter at UGa, I could definitely get behind Sammy winning this one! IF the Homewood Hounds can stop the run, they'll have a chance. (that's also a pretty big "if" over there if you didn't notice)

"If there is a shocker, it will probably be a game that is not on anyone's radar." - It's OK, you can go come right out and say it. We're all SoCon friends here. You're picking the Mercer Bears to take down both the Auburn WarTigerEaglePlainsmen and the Alabama CrimsonElephantHoundsTooths in 2017. I admire your courage with that pick. The Men of El Cid have never lacked for visions of grandeur. I respect that about y'all.

Let's be honest, the DC we had last year took a decent defense and turned it into a roaring dumpster fire in rather short order. Once we canned him the defense started to show some slight signs of life. So, it's fairly safe to assume that our defense will be much improved over the 2016 version.

[BisonBacker]

Mercer is going to get crushed!

[chattownmocs]

If Samford beats or comes reasonably close to beating Georgia, it will be interesting to watch Athens implode.

It will be hilarious to watch them implode.

[chattownmocs]

I don't like anyone's chances but hey, 1 or 2 could happen.