2018 Conference Preseason Polls

[Professor Chaos]

Took a break from this last year but I'll start it up again this year as a resource for preseason poll voters as well as something to look back on in November to see how messed up they were. xlolx

Big Sky (media) (http://goviks.com/news/2018/7/13/football-big-sky-releases-polls-preseason-all-conference-taumoepeau-selected.aspx)
1. Eastern Washington 651 (27)
2. Weber State 636 (19)
3. Northern Arizona 535 (1)
4. Montana 496 (2)
5. Idaho 483 (3)
6. Southern Utah 449 (1)
7. Sacramento State 415
8. Montana State 391 (1)
9. UC Davis 331 (1)
10. Idaho State 170
11. Cal Poly 169
12. Northern Colorado 166
13. Portland State 103

Big Sky (coaches) (http://goviks.com/news/2018/7/13/football-big-sky-releases-polls-preseason-all-conference-taumoepeau-selected.aspx)
1. Eastern Washington 134 (6)
2. Weber State 124 (3)
3. Northern Arizona 121 (3)
4. Idaho 101 (1)
5. Sacramento State 94
6. Southern Utah 91
7. Montana 82
8. Montana State 76
9. UC Davis 64
10. Cal Poly 40
11. Northern Colorado 30
12. Idaho State 29
13. Portland State 21

Big South (http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20180724132708014413604&ref=hea&tm=&src=FCS)
1. Kennesaw State (17) 107
2. Monmouth (1) 82
3. Charleston Southern 75
4. Gardner-Webb 52
5. Campbell 36
6. Presbyterian 26

CAA (https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/college/ud/2018/07/24/ud-football-ranked-third-preseason-conference-poll-caa-ncaa/763633002/)
1. James Madison (21) 241
2. New Hampshire (2) 206
3. Delaware 182
4. Stony Brook 169
5. Elon (1) 168
6. Villanova 164
7. Richmond 127
8. Maine 81
9. Albany 78
10. Towson 74
11. William & Mary 55
12. Rhode Island 39

Ivy League (http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/ncf/id/24427218)
1. Yale (11) 129
2. Princeton (3) 104
3. Harvard (1) 99
4T. Columbia (1) 76
4T. Penn (1) 76
6. Dartmouth 65
7. Cornell 37
8. Brown 26

MEAC (http://www.meacsports.com/news/2018/7/27/football-north-caro1lina-a-t-state-picked-to-win-2018-meac-championship.aspx)
1. North Carolina A&T (19)
2. Howard
3. N.C. Central
4. Bethune-Cookman
5. Florida A&M (1)
6. Norfolk State
7. S.C. State
8. Savannah State
9. Morgan State
10. Delaware State

MVFC (http://www.valley-football.org/documents/2018/7/19//2018_MVFC_Preseason_Poll.pdf?id=40)
1. North Dakota State (39) 390
2. South Dakota State 340
3. UNI 270
4. Youngstown State 258
5. Illinois State 248
6. South Dakota 206
7. Western Illinois 163
8. Southern Illinois 139
9. Missouri State 90
10. Indiana State 41

NEC (http://www.northeastconference.org/news/2018/7/24/football-defending-champ-ccsu-tops-preseason-coaches-poll-places-league-high-seven-on-all-nec-team.aspx)
1. Central Connecticut State (5)
2. Duquesne (1)
3. Bryant (1)
4. Saint Francis
5. Wagner
6. Sacred Heart
7. Robert Morris

OVC (http://herald-citizen.com/stories/ttu-picked-last-in-preseason-ovc-football-poll,29105)
1. Jacksonville State (14) 126
2. Austin Peay (4) 112
3. Tennessee-Martin 95
4. Eastern Illinois 73
5. EKU 69
6. Tennessee State 64
7. Southeast Missouri 62
8. Murray State 24
9. Tennessee Tech 23

Patriot League (http://www.patriotleague.org/news/2018/7/26/patriot-league-football-preseason-major-awards-poll-and-all-league-announced-7-26-18.aspx)
1. Colgate 71 (11)
2. Lehigh 63 (3)
3. Fordham 45
4. Holy Cross 40
T5. Bucknell 31
T5. Lafayette 31
7. Georgetown 13

Pioneer League (http://www.pioneer-football.org/news/archives/2018/1362/defending-champion-san-diego-edges-dayton-in-pfl-preseason-coaches-poll/)
1. San Diego (9) 81
2. Dayton (1) 72
3. Drake 58
4. Butler 48
5. Valparaiso 48
6. Jacksonville 47
7. Marist 44
8. Morehead State 22
9. Stetson 19
10. Davidson 11

SOCON (media) (http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=21895&SPID=1781&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211735859&DB_OEM_ID=4000)
1. Samford (20) 204
2. Furman (2) 174
3. Wofford (1) 163
4. Mercer 133
5. Western Carolina 114
6. Chattanooga 88
7. The Citadel 83
8. ETSU 53
9. VMI 23

SOCON (coaches) (http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=21895&SPID=1781&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211735863&DB_OEM_ID=4000)
1. Samford (7) 63
2. Wofford (1) 53
3. Furman (1) 52
4. Western Carolina 39
5. Chattanooga 34
6. Mercer 32
7. The Citadel 28
8. ETSU 15
9. VMI 8

Southland (https://www.thv11.com/article/sports/uca-picked-3rd-in-southland-preseason-poll/91-575573189)
1. Sam Houston State (10) 187
2. Nicholls (6) 173
3. Central Arkansas (5) 170
4. McNeese (1) 159
5. Southeastern Louisiana 119
6. Stephen F. Austin 90
7. Abilene Christian 89
8. Northwestern State 86
9. UIW 53
10. Lamar 52
11. Houston Baptist 32

SWAC (https://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/07/alcorns_simmons_gramblings_chr.html)
East
1. Alcorn State (97)
2. Alabama State (72)
3. Jackson State (55)
4. Alabama A&M (51)
5. Mississippi Valley State (27)

West
1. Grambling (96)
2. Southern (78)
3. Prairie View A&M (65)
4. Texas Southern (31)
5. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (30)

[AmsterBison]

Got my MVFC ballot in the mail!


http://i65.tinypic.com/9b8z6r.png

[SBUFAN33]

Looks like delaware is back.... I dont think they finish ahead of SB

[Go...gate]

Patriot League still a week or two away.

[van]

for PL, just use last year's poll, never changes much

[Thumper 76]

Professor, you're a gentleman and a scholar for putting these together.

[bonarae]

Big South has released: http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20180724132708014413604&ref=hea&tm=&src=FCS

BIG SOUTH PRESEASON POLL

Head Coaches and Media Panel
1. Kennesaw State (17 first-place votes), 107 points
2. Monmouth (1), 82
3. Charleston Southern, 75
4. Gardner-Webb, 52
5. Campbell, 36
6. Presbyterian, 26

[McCowboys]

Professor, you're a gentleman and a scholar for putting these together.

Yes, thank you!

[Professor Chaos]

Big South has released: http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20180724132708014413604&ref=hea&tm=&src=FCS

BIG SOUTH PRESEASON POLL

Head Coaches and Media Panel
1. Kennesaw State (17 first-place votes), 107 points
2. Monmouth (1), 82
3. Charleston Southern, 75
4. Gardner-Webb, 52
5. Campbell, 36
6. Presbyterian, 26
Thanks! Updated the first post.

[Milktruck74]

I guess not having a SoCon Media day, there is not a coordinated effort to do a pre-season coaches or Media poll????? That is usually when these things are announced. Wonder if that impacts the pre-season all conf (which just like the pre-season polls) means absolutely nothing...but with 30 some days left in the football vacuum.....It gives hope, that this time of sadness is coming to an end!!!!

[FUBeAR]

Heard SoCon’s Media Rankings will be released today. I would imagine they will also release Coach’s Rankings and respective All SoCon Teams...but not sure.

[FUBeAR]

I guess not having a SoCon Media day, there is not a coordinated effort to do a pre-season coaches or Media poll????? That is usually when these things are announced. Wonder if that impacts the pre-season all conf (which just like the pre-season polls) means absolutely nothing...but with 30 some days left in the football vacuum.....It gives hope, that this time of sadness is coming to an end!!!!
Just released http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=21895&SPID=1781&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211735859&DB_OEM_ID=4000

2018 Preseason Southern Conference Media Poll
Team (1st-place votes) Total
1. Samford (20) 204
2. Furman (2) 174
3. Wofford (1) 163
4. Mercer 133
5. Western Carolina 114
6. Chattanooga 88
7. The Citadel 83
8. ETSU 53
9. VMI 23

http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=21895&SPID=1781&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211735863&DB_OEM_ID=4000

2018 Preseason Southern Conference Coaches Poll
Team (1st-place votes) Total
1. Samford (7) 63
2. Wofford (1) 53
3. Furman (1) 52
4. Western Carolina 39
5. Chattanooga 34
6. Mercer 32
7. The Citadel 28
8. ETSU 15
9. VMI 8

[DFW HOYA]

for PL, just use last year's poll, never changes much

Tell me about it...

https://www.geometrycode.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Sisyphus-cartoon.png

Anyway, the PL has ended its media day. With Keith Groller semi-retired and the cutbacks at other newspapers (OK, the NY Daily News wasn't sending a reporter anyway, but you get the point...), the lunch at the Green Pond CC may have been left to Brad Wilson and LFN.

https://twitter.com/BrianMacWriter/status/1016354059626909701

[Professor Chaos]

Just released http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=21895&SPID=1781&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211735859&DB_OEM_ID=4000

2018 Preseason Southern Conference Media Poll
Team (1st-place votes) Total
1. Samford (20) 204
2. Furman (2) 174
3. Wofford (1) 163
4. Mercer 133
5. Western Carolina 114
6. Chattanooga 88
7. The Citadel 83
8. ETSU 53
9. VMI 23

http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=21895&SPID=1781&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211735863&DB_OEM_ID=4000

2018 Preseason Southern Conference Coaches Poll
Team (1st-place votes) Total
1. Samford (7) 63
2. Wofford (1) 53
3. Furman (1) 52
4. Western Carolina 39
5. Chattanooga 34
6. Mercer 32
7. The Citadel 28
8. ETSU 15
9. VMI 8
Thanks!

One interesting quirk with the SOCON coaches poll is that, despite there being 9 ballots casts, VMI only got 8 points. I guess at least one coach didn't even thing they were worthy of being included on his ballot. xlolx

Also, assuming VMI was voted last in the 8 ballots they were included on that means ETSU should have at least 16 points by being voted 8th on those 8 ballots (not including the mystery 9th ballot that apparently didn't include VMI either). So it seems like some coaches may have really mailed it in and not ranked multiple teams.

[UAalum72]

Thanks!

One interesting quirk with the SOCON coaches poll is that, despite there being 9 ballots casts, VMI only got 8 points. I guess at least one coach didn't even thing they were worthy of being included on his ballot. xlolx

Also, assuming VMI was voted last in the 8 ballots they were included on that means ETSU should have at least 16 points by being voted 8th on those 8 ballots (not including the mystery 9th ballot that apparently didn't include VMI either). So it seems like some coaches may have really mailed it in and not ranked multiple teams.Are coaches not allowed to vote for their own team?

[Professor Chaos]

Are coaches not allowed to vote for their own team?
Ah yeah, good call! I'm sure that's it.

All the other 8 coaches voted VMI last for their 8 points and then 7 of the other 8 coaches voted ETSU 2nd to last for 14 points and VMI's coach voted them last to get them to 15 points.

[FUBeAR]

Thanks!

One interesting quirk with the SOCON coaches poll is that, despite there being 9 ballots casts, VMI only got 8 points. I guess at least one coach didn't even thing they were worthy of being included on his ballot. xlolx

Also, assuming VMI was voted last in the 8 ballots they were included on that means ETSU should have at least 16 points by being voted 8th on those 8 ballots (not including the mystery 9th ballot that apparently didn't include VMI either). So it seems like some coaches may have really mailed it in and not ranked multiple teams.Coaches only rank 8 Teams. They don’t Rank their own. 8 points means all Coaches (except VMI’s) ranked VMI last. 15 for ETSU is harder to explain. If all Coaches ranked VMI last and ETSU next to last, they should have 16 points. Maybe VMI’s Coach ‘skipped’ the #8 slot and put ETSU in last. If they were allowed to ‘skip a spot’ for their Team without that ‘skip’ counting in the point totals, I guess that could explain it.

Who knows. I’m wondering how Mercer can have the 2nd most All SoCon Players (only behind Wofford), have almost everyone returning, barely lost to Woffy & Furman last year, beat WCU & Chatt, and be ranked 6th, behind all of those and Samford (who only scored 2 TD’s on Mercer last year).

[Gangtackle11]

Looks like delaware is back.... I dont think they finish ahead of SB

I will believe Delaware is back when they take back the Battle of Blue trophy. It’s firmly entrenched on the Main Line.

Interesting that Nova is picked 6th in the CAA, but 11th & 23rd nationally in the 2 polls I’ve seen. TBH, I don’t know what to make of them either. I’d lean to 7-4 type season with a win over Delaware. (Naturally) xpeacex

[caribbeanhen]

I will believe Delaware is back when they take back the Battle of Blue trophy. It’s firmly entrenched on the Main Line.

Interesting that Nova is picked 6th in the CAA, but 11th & 23rd nationally in the 2 polls I’ve seen. TBH, I don’t know what to make of them either. I’d lean to 7-4 type season with a win over Delaware. (Naturally) xpeacex

7-4? c'mon GT, all the rain must be bringing out he sandbagging a bit early.... This will be the year the Hens get back to their winning ways and knock Nova out of the playoffs with a ! win at Delaware Stadium in late November.... enough is enough with this curse xcoffeex

In all honesty, Nova is ranked to low in the CAA just ask Rhode Island.... how did that happen last year? I see they have some pretty good receivers though

[Gangtackle11]

7-4? c'mon GT, all the rain must be bringing out he sandbagging a bit early.... This will be the year the Hens get back to their winning ways and knock Nova out of the playoffs with a ! win at Delaware Stadium in late November.... enough is enough with this curse xcoffeex

In all honesty, Nova is ranked to low in the CAA just ask Rhode Island.... how did that happen last year? I see they have some pretty good receivers though

Nova losses haven’t been attributed to lousy defense most games including the Rhody loss. We had a TE running all by himself trip & fall (ala a Buffalo Wild Wings commercial) then our OL jumped on 1st & goal at the 1. 2FGs from that. The defense at Nova is solid, but at some point break because of an offense that can’t move the football. Rhody case in point. I have many more examples.

We’ll see where Delaware is in November. They get more Ahype than most in the CAA for underwhelming play. This isn’t Tubby Raymond’s Delaware no matter what the old faithful want to believe again.

Every year a lot of Delaware hype that doesn’t follow through. Blame Brock, but Rocco showed up on the Main Line playing a wounded Nova team more interested in lining up job interviews than against their Blue Hen opponents.. Delaware coughed up a playoff missing hairball of epic proportions to the Cats.

Sorry, but Delaware isn’t the Delaware you all remember. Prove it on the field. I’d love a rivalry again. Until then I’m not buying Blue Hen hype.

As for Nova, no sandbagging with Temple, @SB, JMU, UNH, Richmond, & @ Delaware that’s a handful. We’ll have to split & go perfect in other games to be 8-3. I say that’s a stretch given our new coach has yet to show if he is of Talley lineage.

xpeacex

PS: Nova football was recognized again as the best in the CAA for academic excellence. That’s good for something.

[McCowboys]

Tell me about it...

https://www.geometrycode.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Sisyphus-cartoon.png

Anyway, the PL has ended its media day. With Keith Groller semi-retired and the cutbacks at other newspapers (OK, the NY Daily News wasn't sending a reporter anyway, but you get the point...), the lunch at the Green Pond CC may have been left to Brad Wilson and LFN.

https://twitter.com/BrianMacWriter/status/1016354059626909701

I am really shocked! I was not aware that some conferences did not have a media day. What a loss for the teams, media, and fans.

[andthehomeofthe-BIZON-]

Patriot League still a week or two away.


Sir, the patriot league is at best several years away from being a week or two away..... :)xlolx

[Milktruck74]

Thanks!

One interesting quirk with the SOCON coaches poll is that, despite there being 9 ballots casts, VMI only got 8 points. I guess at least one coach didn't even thing they were worthy of being included on his ballot. xlolx

Also, assuming VMI was voted last in the 8 ballots they were included on that means ETSU should have at least 16 points by being voted 8th on those 8 ballots (not including the mystery 9th ballot that apparently didn't include VMI either). So it seems like some coaches may have really mailed it in and not ranked multiple teams.

Assuming 9 coaches cast for 8 teams (eliminating their own), that would be a total of 324 points. (8+7+6+5+4+3+2+1)x 9 coaches .....Add up the points each team has beside their name...and 324.....all votes were used....but something is weird....a tie????,

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Sir, the patriot league is at best several years away from being a week or two away..... :)xlolx

We often like to look in the review mirror to the late 90's until the mid 00's when the PL was, dare I say, worthy of a being in the power conference discussion. Now, outside of Colgate's out of nowhere 2 playoff wins in 2015 it's been a rough 4-5 years. The PL had a good run in 2011 (Lehigh), 2012 (Lehigh) and 2013 (Lehigh and Fordham) being in the national discussion all year.

[andthehomeofthe-BIZON-]

We often like to look in the review mirror to the late 90's until the mid 00's when the PL was, dare I say, worthy of a being in the power conference discussion. Now, outside of Colgate's out of nowhere 2 playoff wins in 2015 it's been a rough 4-5 years. The PL had a good run in 2011 (Lehigh), 2012 (Lehigh) and 2013 (Lehigh and Fordham) being in the national discussion all year.

Just poking fun, I look forward to the PL getting back to being dangerous AGS against anyone. History is cyclical. Except for NDSU, we'll be great forever.. just don't look at the late 90's and early 2000's we don't talk about that.

[FUBeAR]

Assuming 9 coaches cast for 8 teams (eliminating their own), that would be a total of 324 points. (8+7+6+5+4+3+2+1)x 9 coaches .....Add up the points each team has beside their name...and 324.....all votes were used....but something is weird....a tie????,
See Post #16 & #17 in this thread. I think Coaches were allowed to ‘slot’ their own Teams by, essentially, leaving a blank slot. For example, if I’m Coach Hendrix, my ballot could look like this:

1.
2. Mercer
3. Samford
4. Chattanooga
5. Wofford
6. WCU
7. ETSU
8. VMI
9. bellhops

...and my total points would be 45...or

...if I’m Coach Thompson, my ballot could look like this...

1. Furman
2. Mercer
3. Samford
4. Chattanooga
5. Wofford
6. WCU
7. ETSU
8. VMI
9.

...and my point total would be 36.

So, it wouldn’t necessarily have to add up to 324, but interesting that it did. I don’t know how else VMI’s 8 combined with ETSU’s 15 points can be explained though - other than the ‘skip-a-slot’ method. I guess allowing ties could do it, but knowing football Coaches as I do, if you allowed ties, they would all put every other Team tied for #1...or...they should!

Maybe ETSU’s number is just a typo and it should be 16

Any math majors have a better ‘splanation?

[ElCid]

Assuming 9 coaches cast for 8 teams (eliminating their own), that would be a total of 324 points. (8+7+6+5+4+3+2+1)x 9 coaches .....Add up the points each team has beside their name...and 324.....all votes were used....but something is weird....a tie????,


See Post #16 & #17 in this thread. I think Coaches were allowed to ‘slot’ their own Teams by, essentially, leaving a blank slot. For example, if I’m Coach Hendrix, my ballot could look like this:

1.
2. Mercer
3. Samford
4. Chattanooga
5. Wofford
6. WCU
7. ETSU
8. VMI
9. bellhops

...and my total points would be 45...or

...if I’m Coach Thompson, my ballot could look like this...

1. Furman
2. Mercer
3. Samford
4. Chattanooga
5. Wofford
6. WCU
7. ETSU
8. VMI
9.

...and my point total would be 36.

So, it wouldn’t necessarily have to add up to 324, but interesting that it did. I don’t know how else VMI’s 8 combined with ETSU’s 15 points can be explained though - other than the ‘skip-a-slot’ method. I guess allowing ties could do it, but knowing football Coaches as I do, if you allowed ties, they would all put every other Team tied for #1...or...they should!

Maybe ETSU’s number is just a typo and it should be 16

Any math majors have a better ‘splanation?



Guys, this is not hard to figure out.

You can't vote for your team. Therefore, there are only 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 points available. You are only ranking 8 teams not 9. That equals 36 points per coach and not 45 like you think. 36 points times 9 coaches is 324.....and I wasn't even a math major.

But to get to another point, we are too low in both polls. A lot will be be revealed after our first game, but I like our chances. We were a bit too inexperienced at everything but QB and the slots last year. Should bode well for us this year and even more next year. I am a little leery of defense still, but we will see.

[FUBeAR]

Guys, this is not hard to figure out.

You can't vote for your team. Therefore, there are only 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 points available. You are only ranking 8 teams not 9. That equals 36 points per coach and not 45 like you think. 36 points times 9 coaches is 324.....and I wasn't even a math major..Yes...I think we all grasped and considered that scenario, Yoda.

Now...’splain how if VMI is last on all 8 non-VMI ballots...giving them 8 points, then how does ETSU get to (only) 15?

[ElCid]

Yes...I think we all grasped and considered that scenario, Yoda.

Now...’splain how if VMI is last on all 8 non-VMI ballots...giving them 8 points, then how does ETSU get to (only) 15?


OK, I guess I misunderstood since someone mentioned 45 points which can't be. I guess I assumed, since I have never seen a ballot that there would only be 8 slots. But I have figured it out and seems to make sense. I am crunching the numbers in a way to make it understandable. Stand by.

[Professor Chaos]

Yes...I think we all grasped and considered that scenario, Yoda.

Now...’splain how if VMI is last on all 8 non-VMI ballots...giving them 8 points, then how does ETSU get to (only) 15?
I don't always quote myself but when I do.... it's because I explained it earlier in the thread on post #16.


All the other 8 coaches voted VMI last for their 8 points and then 7 of the other 8 coaches voted ETSU 2nd to last for 14 points and VMI's coach voted them last to get them to 15 points.

[ElCid]

OK, I guess I misunderstood since someone mentioned 45 points which can't be. I guess I assumed, since I have never seen a ballot that there would only be 8 slots. But I have figured it out and seems to make sense. I am crunching the numbers in a way to make it understandable. Stand by.


I don't always quote myself but when I do.... it's because I explained it earlier in the thread on post #16.



That is exactly how it happened. I just ciphered the exact number of each place votes for every team and it is spot on the totals.


The problem comes in when you have 8 coaches voting for 9 spots. Every spots (1-9) receives 9 votes even if every team is voted on by 8 coaches. That does not sound right, but it is. Each spot gets nine votes, just look at the first place votes as proof.


The professor got it exact. ETSU received 7 seventh place votes (7x2 points = 14) and one eighth place vote 14+1=15. VMI got 8 eighth place votes for 8. Remember that each "place", "rank" number will always be ordered in 9 slots when it is tallied. That is not exactly the right way to say it but the math works.

[ElCid]

That is exactly how it happened. I just ciphered the exact number of each place votes for every team and it is spot on the totals.


The problem comes in when you have 8 coaches voting for 9 spots. Every spots (1-9) receives 9 votes even if every team is voted on by 8 coaches. That does not sound right, but it is. Each spot gets nine votes, just look at the first place votes as proof.


The professor got it exact. ETSU received 7 seventh place votes (7x2 points = 14) and one eighth place vote 14+1=15. VMI got 8 eighth place votes for 8. Remember that each "place", "rank" number will always be ordered in 9 slots when it is tallied. That is not exactly the right way to say it but the math works.


Here is a visual aid.


http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=28253&stc=1

[TheValleyRaider]

I am really shocked! I was not aware that some conferences did not have a media day. What a loss for the teams, media, and fans.

Nothing for the Pioneer League makes sense. Cross-country league makes it hard to find a good location for one day with (what I'm guessing would be) minimal media coverage

The SoCon not having anything is a surprise though

[FUBeAR]

Here is a visual aid.



VERY nice. That ‘splains it. The key is starting with the understanding that each 1st place vote is worth 8 points; not 9. Seems pretty simple, but, as with anything, if you’re thinking about something and your original premise or the thoughts you have pre-formed (AKA bias) are wrong, your conclusion will almost always also be wrong. Something all of our political warriors on here might want to keep in mind.

THANLS!

[FUBeAR]

I don't always quote myself but when I do.... it's because I explained it earlier in the thread on post #16.yeah...but no visual aid. You expect me to read more than 6 consecutive words? NOBODY does that anymore :)

[WestCoastAggie]

MEAC Football Media Day 2018: How To Watch & Stream
Football // 7/26/2018 12:28:18 AM

MEAC-TV LINK (WATCH LIVE)

MEAC RADIO

MEAC FACEBOOK


NORFOLK, Va. - The 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Football Media Day will be streamed live on MEACSPORTS.com on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. EST. This year’s event offers a variety of ways fans can follow the action via video or audio.

On MEAC TV from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. MEAC Hall of Famer and ESPN College Football Analyst Jay Walker will interview a pair of student-athletes from each institution along with their head football coaches. The 2018 MEAC All-Conference Preseason Football Team will be released in addition to appearances by special guests in attendance.

MEAC Radio returns for the second season as radio host Michael Prince will interview student-athletes and coaches live on the airwaves. The student-athletes and coaches will also appear on FACEBOOK LIVE as Dr. Kenyatta Cavil of the HBCU Sports Lab will host a variety of segments.


MEAC TV LINEUP

9:00 a.m. Introduction
9-9:09 a.m. Savannah State - Offensive lineman James Livingston and defensive lineman Stefen Banks)
9:10-9:19 a.m. Delaware State - Running back Brycen Alleyne and defensive back Keyjuan Selby
9:20-9:29 a.m. South Carolina State - Running back Lebron Morris and defensive lineman Paul McKeiver
9:30-9:39 a.m. Bethune-Cookman - Wide receiver Keavon Mitchel and cornerback Elliott Miller
9:40-9:49 a.m. Morgan State - Wide receiver Manasseh Bailey and defensive end Malachi Washington
9:50-9:59 a.m. North Carolina Central - Running back Isaiah Totten and defensive back Davanta Reynolds
10-10:09 a.m. Florida A&M - Quarterback Ryan Stanley and linebacker Jibreel Hazly
10-10:19 a.m. Norfolk State - Wide receiver Marcus Taylor and defensive lineman DeShawyn Middleton
10:20-10:29 a.m. Howard - Quarterback Caylin Newton and defensive back Bryan Cook
10:30-10:39 a.m. North Carolina A&T State - Quarterback Lamar Raynard and defensive back Jamaal Darden

10:40-10:44 a.m. Savannah State head coach Erik Raeburn
10:45 a.m.-10:49 a.m. Delaware State head coach Rod Milstead
10:50-10:54 a.m. South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough
10:55-10:59 a.m. Bethune-Cookman head coach Terry Sims
11:00-11:04 a.m. Morgan State head coach Ernest T. Jones
11:05-11:09 a.m. N.C. Central head coach Granville Eastman
11:10-11:14 a.m. Florida A&M head coach Willie Simmons
11:15-11:19 a.m. Norfolk State head coach Latrell Scott
11:20-11:24 a.m. Howard head coach Mike London
11:25-11:29 a.m. North Carolina A&T State head coach Sam Washington

link (http://meacsports.com/news/2018/7/26/meac-football-media-day-2018-how-to-watch-stream.aspx?path=football)

[Professor Chaos]

Patriot League preseason poll was released today.

http://www.patriotleague.org/news/2018/7/26/patriot-league-football-preseason-major-awards-poll-and-all-league-announced-7-26-18.aspx

1. Colgate 71 (11)
2. Lehigh 63 (3)
3. Fordham 45
4. Holy Cross 40
T5. Bucknell 31
T5. Lafayette 31
7. Georgetown 13

[Drblankstare]

CAA (https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/college/ud/2018/07/24/ud-football-ranked-third-preseason-conference-poll-caa-ncaa/763633002/)
1. James Madison (21) 241
2. New Hampshire (2) 206
3. Delaware 182
4. Stony Brook 169
5. Elon (1) 168 ???
6. Villanova 164
7. Richmond 127
8. Maine 81
9. Albany 78
10. Towson 74
11. William & Mary 55
12. Rhode Island 39

Looks like someone's mom snuck in a vote for Elon :D

[WestCoastAggie]

MEAC


North Carolina A&T
Howard
North Carolina Central
Bethune-Cookman
Florida A&M
Norfolk State
South Carolina State
Savannah State
Morgan State
Delaware State

[ngineer]

CAA (https://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/college/ud/2018/07/24/ud-football-ranked-third-preseason-conference-poll-caa-ncaa/763633002/)
1. James Madison (21) 241
2. New Hampshire (2) 206
3. Delaware 182
4. Stony Brook 169
5. Elon (1) 168 ???
6. Villanova 164
7. Richmond 127
8. Maine 81
9. Albany 78
10. Towson 74
11. William & Mary 55
12. Rhode Island 39

Looks like someone's mom snuck in a vote for Elon :D

Phoenix supposedly have a very good nucleus back from last year. I'd like to see Lehigh schedule a home/home with them in the near future.

[hoidOfYolen]

Phoenix supposedly have a very good nucleus back from last year. I'd like to see Lehigh schedule a home/home with them in the near future.

We definitely do. Returning 18 including many key players like Messer, Campbell, Cheek, Weeks, and Toogood. I personally wouldn't put us #1 over JMU just yet, considering we don't know how good they'll be even without Schor, but I'm very surprised we aren't #2. I suppose it will take us at least another year or two of kicking butt to get the respect we deserve.

[katss07]

So apparently the coaches don’t like Montana as much as the media.

[katss07]

We definitely do. Returning 18 including many key players like Messer, Campbell, Cheek, Weeks, and Toogood. I personally wouldn't put us #1 over JMU just yet, considering we don't know how good they'll be even without Schor, but I'm very surprised we aren't #2. I suppose it will take us at least another year or two of kicking butt to get the respect we deserve.
I also think Elon will be pretty good, but what New Hampshire has returning and what they did in the playoffs last year plus their reputation makes UNH a good choice. Not saying that they’ll be better than Elon, but I think New Hampshire might be the second or third best team on paper in the CAA (I actually really like what SB brings). Maybe I’m not giving enough credit to Elon though. The Phoenix had a great season and outdid expectations. Making the playoffs was big.

[Professor Chaos]

We definitely do. Returning 18 including many key players like Messer, Campbell, Cheek, Weeks, and Toogood. I personally wouldn't put us #1 over JMU just yet, considering we don't know how good they'll be even without Schor, but I'm very surprised we aren't #2. I suppose it will take us at least another year or two of kicking butt to get the respect we deserve.
The question is how good was Elon last year? Based on the AGS poll chatter at least there were plenty of critics as the year went on who didn't think they were as good as their ranking indicated as they kept racking up close wins and finishing the year on a 3 game losing streak gave those critics the ammo they needed in the preseason to claim it was a flash in the pan. Despite being 8-4 last year Elon was outscored on the season even if you take away their blowout loss to FBS Toledo. Their largest margin of victory on the year was 8 points. Personally, I think voters are rightly skeptical of the Phoenix to start 2018 but they'll have their chance to prove the critics wrong with a very frontloaded schedule. Their first 6 games are @USF, vs Furman, @W&M, @CSU, vs UNH, @JMU. If they win 4 of those 6 they're very likely a top 10 team nationally and #2 at worst in the CAA IMO.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The question is how good was Elon last year? Based on the AGS poll chatter at least there were plenty of critics as the year went on who didn't think they were as good as their ranking indicated as they kept racking up close wins and finishing the year on a 3 game losing streak gave those critics the ammo they needed in the preseason to claim it was a flash in the pan. Despite being 8-4 last year Elon was outscored on the season even if you take away their blowout loss to FBS Toledo. Their largest margin of victory on the year was 8 points. Personally, I think voters are rightly skeptical of the Phoenix to start 2018 but they'll have their chance to prove the critics wrong with a very frontloaded schedule. Their first 6 games are @USF, vs Furman, @W&M, @CSU, vs UNH, @JMU. If they win 4 of those 6 they're very likely a top 10 team nationally and #2 at worst in the CAA IMO.

I have Elon with Colgate, NAU, Wofford, Villanova and Central Arkansas as just outside the Top 25 with a chance to move up quickly. JMU, UNH, SBU and UD are my ranked teams from the CAA. Elon will be able to prove their worth early in the season.

[hoidOfYolen]

I can agree with all of these comments. Elon has a lot to prove and will have the opportunity to do so this season with a tough schedule. I agree UNH looks better on paper as of now, so I would have Elon as #3 going into the preseason.

[Professor Chaos]

MVFC preseason poll was released today: http://www.valley-football.org/documents/2018/7/19//2018_MVFC_Preseason_Poll.pdf?id=40

1. North Dakota State (39) 390
2. South Dakota State 340
3. UNI 270
4. Youngstown State 258
5. Illinois State 248
6. South Dakota 206
7. Western Illinois 163
8. Southern Illinois 139
9. Missouri State 90
10. Indiana State 41

I think YSU is the most overrated and probably ISUr and WIU are a bit underrated.

[dewey]

MVFC preseason poll was released today: http://www.valley-football.org/documents/2018/7/19//2018_MVFC_Preseason_Poll.pdf?id=40

1. North Dakota State (39) 390
2. South Dakota State 340
3. UNI 270
4. Youngstown State 258
5. Illinois State 248
6. South Dakota 206
7. Western Illinois 163
8. Southern Illinois 139
9. Missouri State 90
10. Indiana State 41

I think YSU is the most overrated and probably ISUr and WIU are a bit underrated.

From Professor Chaos on Bisonville...
Fun fact: Despite being voted as the MVFC preseason favorite in each of the last 7 years only once has NDSU been the unanimous pick and that was 2013.

Here is Dom Izzo's preseason poll.
http://bisonmedia.areavoices.com/doms-2018-missouri-valley-preseason-poll-and-all-conference/
Here’s my preseason poll, followed by my all-conference team:


North Dakota State
South Dakota State
Youngstown State
Illinois State
Northern Iowa
South Dakota
Southern Illinois
Western Illinois
Missouri State
Indiana State



Here is the voice of the Bison Jeff Culhane's preseason poll.
https://www.facebook.com/bison1660/

With the release of the Missouri Valley Football Conference Preseason Poll soon, I thought I'd share mine with you. Here you go:
1. NDSU
2. Youngstown St
3. SDSU
4. UNI
5. Illinois State
6. USD
7. Western Illinois
8. Southern Illinois
9. Missouri St
10. Indiana St

Here is the Argus Leader's Matt Zimmer's preseason poll.
https://www.argusleader.com/story/blogs/mattzimmer/2018/07/10/matt-zimmer-missouri-valley-football-conference-south-dakota-state-coyotes-jackrabbits/768943002/

The regular season begins Thursday, Aug. 30 for four of the Valley's teams. SDSU, USD, NDSU and the rest of the conference open the season on Sept. 1.
1. North Dakota State
2. South Dakota State
3. Illinois State
4. Youngstown State
5. Northern Iowa
6. South Dakota
7. Southern Illinois
8. Western Illinois
9. Missouri State
10. Indiana State


Dewey

[Gangtackle11]

I have Elon with Colgate, NAU, Wofford, Villanova and Central Arkansas as just outside the Top 25 with a chance to move up quickly. JMU, UNH, SBU and UD are my ranked teams from the CAA. Elon will be able to prove their worth early in the season.

I watch Delaware closely & as much as any non-alum here. I don’t understand the fascination for them. They have been beaten 71-17 the past 2 seasons by a very good & meh Villanova team. They recruit the same kids we do & I don’t recall losing one to them for several years.

I get the Delaware brand is big, but if you have paid attention it’s tbd by Delaware whether they are a top tier CAA team. My top 25 CAA teams were JMU, UNH, SB, & Elon. I’d put a healthy Nova ahead of Delaware even if it smells of fanatic interest. 11 of last 12 needs to stop before I believe in the Blue Hens.

Bet the house on NDSU. They will run the Hens off the field. The hyped LB will have to bully his neck because w/o his NFL NT throwing him shade he might find his butt on the turf of the Fargo dome more than he would like. Also watch all the RB jerk routes and/or TE crosses are run against Delaware that day.

That said I hope the Blue Feathers keep it close. My eyes say not likely.

Im sure this will ruffle some blue feathers. So be it. xpeacex

[Derby City Duke]

We definitely do. Returning 18 including many key players like Messer, Campbell, Cheek, Weeks, and Toogood. I personally wouldn't put us #1 over JMU just yet, considering we don't know how good they'll be even without Schor, but I'm very surprised we aren't #2. I suppose it will take us at least another year or two of kicking butt to get the respect we deserve.

I put you @ 12 -- maybe a bit high, but we'll know by week 4 or 5 what their ceiling is. The thing about respect is that it is not deserved, but earned. Elon had a chance to win the CAA last year but failed @ New Hampshire, then got curb-stomped in your own house by JMU. You followed it up by losing a home playoff game. So a three game losing streak where you could've won the CAA (and gotten a seed, thus avoiding play-in weekend) and launched an extended playoff run will net you begrudging respect based solely on how much you are bringing back personnel-wise.

I actually think that Villanova will pass you in the CAA this year and the Phoenix could finish as low as #5 when all is said and done.

[The Yo Show]

From Professor Chaos on Bisonville...
Fun fact: Despite being voted as the MVFC preseason favorite in each of the last 7 years only once has NDSU been the unanimous pick and that was 2013.

Here is Dom Izzo's preseason poll.
http://bisonmedia.areavoices.com/doms-2018-missouri-valley-preseason-poll-and-all-conference/
Here’s my preseason poll, followed by my all-conference team:


North Dakota State
South Dakota State
Youngstown State
Illinois State
Northern Iowa
South Dakota
Southern Illinois
Western Illinois
Missouri State
Indiana State



Here is the voice of the Bison Jeff Culhane's preseason poll.
https://www.facebook.com/bison1660/

With the release of the Missouri Valley Football Conference Preseason Poll soon, I thought I'd share mine with you. Here you go:
1. NDSU
2. Youngstown St
3. SDSU
4. UNI
5. Illinois State
6. USD
7. Western Illinois
8. Southern Illinois
9. Missouri St
10. Indiana St

Here is the Argus Leader's Matt Zimmer's preseason poll.
https://www.argusleader.com/story/blogs/mattzimmer/2018/07/10/matt-zimmer-missouri-valley-football-conference-south-dakota-state-coyotes-jackrabbits/768943002/

The regular season begins Thursday, Aug. 30 for four of the Valley's teams. SDSU, USD, NDSU and the rest of the conference open the season on Sept. 1.
1. North Dakota State
2. South Dakota State
3. Illinois State
4. Youngstown State
5. Northern Iowa
6. South Dakota
7. Southern Illinois
8. Western Illinois
9. Missouri State
10. Indiana State


Dewey

Why are Jeff and Dom so high on YSU? I would kinda agree with PC that it seems that YSU was already pretty high at 4 in the preseason conference poll from media day. They went even higher than 4!

[Twentysix]

1. North Dakota State
--------------------------------------
2. South Dakota State

4. Youngstown State

5. Illinois State
--------------------------------------
6. South Dakota

3. UNI

(End of national top 25)

7. Western Illinois
--------------------------------------
9. Missouri State

8. Southern Illinois

10. Indiana State

My unprofessional opinion of mvfc. I retained the media rankings numbers.

I'm also of the opinion that there will be clearly tiered groupings in the mvfc once again.

Going in I expect uni to be the weakest mvfc team worthy of the top 25, but honestly I wouldn't be surprised if the mvfc only has 4 top 25 teams this year.


Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

[hoidOfYolen]

I put you @ 12 -- maybe a bit high, but we'll know by week 4 or 5 what their ceiling is. The thing about respect is that it is not deserved, but earned. Elon had a chance to win the CAA last year but failed @ New Hampshire, then got curb-stomped in your own house by JMU. You followed it up by losing a home playoff game. So a three game losing streak where you could've won the CAA (and gotten a seed, thus avoiding play-in weekend) and launched an extended playoff run will net you begrudging respect based solely on how much you are bringing back personnel-wise.

I actually think that Villanova will pass you in the CAA this year and the Phoenix could finish as low as #5 when all is said and done.

Elon had a chance to take #2 in the CAA, they never had a chance to take #1 and we all know it. They screwed up the New Hampshire game, for sure. But that doesn't mean they are at all worse than Villanova. Nova is returning just as much talent as Elon and Elon is arguably the better team going into the preseason. They have all of the raw talent that beat Nova last year and they've got some desperately needed experience going into this year. In a head to head matchup Elon beats Nova because of their passing ability and stable defense. I definitely wouldn't argue that Elon can't finish #5. The CAA is just too good for that. But I think deserve more respect than they've gotten already, and the sky's the limit this year. We'll see what they do with the opportunity.

[Professor Chaos]

Pioneer League released their preseason poll today. Only the late riser Ivy League is left.

http://www.pioneer-football.org/news/archives/2018/1362/defending-champion-san-diego-edges-dayton-in-pfl-preseason-coaches-poll/

1. San Diego (9) 81
2. Dayton (1) 72
3. Drake 58
4. Butler 48
5. Valparaiso 48
6. Jacksonville 47
7. Marist 44
8. Morehead State 22
9. Stetson 19
10. Davidson 11

[FUBeAR]

Pioneer League released their preseason poll today. Only the late riser Ivy League is left.

http://www.pioneer-football.org/news/archives/2018/1362/defending-champion-san-diego-edges-dayton-in-pfl-preseason-coaches-poll/

1. San Diego (9) 81
2. Dayton (1) 72
3. Drake 58
4. Butler 48
5. Valparaiso 48
6. Jacksonville 47
7. Marist 44
8. Morehead State 22
9. Stetson 19
10. Davidson 11
11. Cal Poly 2
12. Northern Arizona 1

FYP

[Paladin1aa]

Looks like solid matchups this season with MVFC 4th ranked YSU vs. the Pioneer’s 4th rated Butler and also tied for 4th Valpo. Oh, the drama...................

[Professor Chaos]

With the release of the Ivy League poll today all the preseason conference polls for the year are done.

http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/ncf/id/24427218

1. Yale (11) 129
2. Princeton (3) 104
3. Harvard (1) 99
4T. Columbia (1) 76
4T. Penn (1) 76
6. Dartmouth 65
7. Cornell 37
8. Brown 26

I'll try to remember to bump this thread in November to see how off everyone was to start the year.

[Professor Chaos]

Interesting to look back at how these preseason polls shaped up. I put my teacher hat on and graded each conference for how well they did.

Big Sky: B-
Not bad having EWU and Weber at the top but they were way low on UC Davis and low on Idaho St and Montana St. Southern Utah was the most overrated.

Big South: A
Pretty much nailed it but it's a little easier when there's only 6 teams in the conference and the two favorites back it up.

CAA: D+
Problems all over the place starting with Maine being way to loo but Towson and Rhode Island were also very underrated. UNH was drastically overrated (but tough to predict the big QB injury there) and Villanova and Richmond were overvalue as well.

Ivy League: B
Not a bad effort but picking Yale to win was obviously a big mistake and underatted Dartmouth by quite a bit.

MEAC: B+
Kinda tough to grade this one since they had so many conference games that didn't count in the standings. Howard and NC Central were the most overrated and FAMU, SCSU, and Morgan St were all a bit underrated but nothing too egregious.

MVFC: B
Nailed the top 3 but Indiana St was a huge miss. Other than that there wasn't anything too out of line. YSU was the most overrated and WIU did a bit better than expected.

NEC: C+
Not a lot was right here except for RMU at the bottom but nothing was off too far (which is tough to do with only 7 teams). Sacred Heart was really underrated and Bryant was very overrated, switch those two arond in the preaseson poll and it's pretty darn close.

OVC: C
They got JSU right at the top and TTU right at the bottom (but really how hard was what) and after that not much else was right. SEMO and Murray St were the most underrated and Austin Peay and UTM turned out to be the most overrated.

Patriot League: B-
Nailed it with Colgate obvsiosly, after that Georgetown was pretty badly unerrated and Fordham very much overatted but everyone after Colgate was a bit off from the preseason expectation.

Pioneer League: C-
Got San Diego right at the top but not much else after that. Stetson and Davidson were very much underrated and most everyone else was a bit overrated

SOCON: B
Not much was right (just The Citadel and VMI in 7th and 9th) but nothing was that far off either with one big exception in ETSU being massively underrated. Samford obviously was a tad overrated but it was all pretty close outside of that.

Southland: D
This one was completely turned around. Nicholls and HBU were pretty good but SHSU was very overrated along with UCA and SFA being a bit ovveratted as well. UIW and Lamar were both massively underrated.

SWAC: A-
They get a bit of an advantage since they get two 5 team divisions to group teams into but switch around AAMU and Alabama St in the East and no one was further than 1 spot away from their finishing spot after that (of course they've got a couple games to play still).