2018 MVFC Pick'em: Week 1

[Professor Chaos]

Welcome to the 2018 version of the MVFC pick 'em game! I volunteered to take my turn this year in taking the virtual punishment of running and tracking scores.

I pitched this in the MVFC megathread but I thought it might be fun this year to pick against the 5dimes point spread (https://www.5dimes.eu/livelines/livelines.aspx) since it would allow for a little more movement in the mid to late season standings and helps satisfy the inner gambling degenerate in us all since you can claim that you're smarter than the bookies if you do well.

That said I know some still prefer the traditional straight pick 'em so I'll allow one or the other or both and I'll post two separate leaderboards each week, one for the pick 'ems against the spread and one for straight up.

I want to be as rule-free as possible to encourage the most people to participate so just posting your picks on each week's thread is fine. Of course there's the natural rule that you need to have your picks in before the first game each week kicks off. But beyond that if you want to include a thought blurb with each pick indicating who you think will win or bold each pick that's fine with me.

One suggestion is if you decide to pick both against the spread and straight up make sure you note it (something like "I'm picking NDSU to win but for Cal Poly to cover") or put your straight up winners in bold and then underline your winners against the spread. Or just have two separate sections in your post one with just the games and the other with the games including the point spread behind the favorite. Remember that the point spread will move for some games as the week goes on but anyone picking against the spread will use the opening spread that'll be in the first post of this thread each week. Also, if you change your picks put up a new post rather than editing your original post since I won't be going back through the whole thread to check for edits.

That said here's the week one slate:



Away Team
Home Team
Favorite
Day
Time (CT)
TV


Qunicy (D2)
Indiana State
InSU by 34
Thu 8/30
6PM
ESPN3


Southern Illinois
Murray State
SIU by 14.5
Thu 8/30
6PM



Missouri State
Oklahoma State
OSU by 35.5
Thu 8/30
7PM
FS1


Western Illinois
Montana State
WIU by 3
Thu 8/30
8PM



Butler
Youngstown State
YSU by 34.5
Sat 9/1
1PM
ESPN+


Cal Poly
North Dakota State
NDSU by 32.5
Sat 9/1
2:30PM
ESPN+


South Dakota
Kansas State
KSU by 22.5
Sat 9/1
6PM
ESPN3


St Xavier (IL) (NAIA)
Illinois State
IlSU by 40.5
Sat 9/1
6:30PM
ESPN+


South Dakota State
Iowa State
Iowa St by 14
Sat 9/1
7PM



Northern Iowa
Montana
UM by 2.5
Sat 9/1
8PM




Here's the copyable list with the point spreads:

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

Going forward I'll try to have this up as early on Monday as possible but I'll wait until 5dimes puts up the point spreads for the week so those picking against the spread (or both) don't have to post twice so be patient since I think that sometimes doesn't happen until later in the day on Monday each week.

[Professor Chaos]

And here's my picks (bolded to win outright, underlined to beat the spread):


Quincy at Indiana State (-34) - It's the Trees only chance to win big all year and I think they take advantage.

Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State - I think SIU covers but not by much in a shootout

Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5) - Blowout

Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State - I think WIU wins pretty comfortably

Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5) - YSU wins easily but I think they're breaking in too many new players to cover even against a non-scholly team

Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5) - The Bison are deep and experienced and this will get ugly with Cal Poly's one-dimensional offense

South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5) - I think USD surprises and keeps this close but still lose by multiple scores

St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5) - This will be U-G-L-Y

South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14) - SDSU keeps it respectable but Iowa St is very good and SDSU is breaking in some key new players

Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5) - I know UNI has traditionally sucked against Montana especially in Missoula but I think the Griz just have too much turnover to start off on the right foot (of course I thought that in 2015 also)

[ST_Lawson]

I'm just going with straight picks because I don't feel smart enough to make picks against the spread. Winners in bold.

Indiana State beats Quincy
Southern Illinois over Murray State
Missouri State loses bigly to Oklahoma State
Western Illinois takes down Montana State
Youngstown State runs all over Butler
North Dakota State shuts down Cal Poly
South Dakota competes but still loses to Kansas State
Illinois State demolishes St. Xavier
South Dakota State loses in the second half to Iowa State
Northern Iowa is evenly matched with Montana but the crowd makes the difference

[CappinHard]

Bold for money line, Underline for spread. Pretty chalky.

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5) - surprised this isn't bigger
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State - this seems like a no brainer
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5) - I don't see Bo letting his foot off the pedal
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5) - Too one dimensional for NDSU's defense
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5) - USD is going to struggle finding their identity without Streveler
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14) - I think SDSU keeps it within 10
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5) - I know Montana is a tough place to play, but it's only a field goal... you can do it UNI

[JSUSoutherner]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

[Evolution Prime]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Montana

[POD Knows]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34) I wouldn't be shocked that if the Trees didn't cover but they better
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State I literally have no idea what SIU team will show up there
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5) If MSU forfeits does that mean that OSU covers the spread???
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State Don't **** it up WIU
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5) I don't think YSU can score 35
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5) Bison get up on the ponies early and coast to a 32 point victory
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5) I don't know USD, hoping you cover, don't think you will.
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5) Who the hell is St Xavier
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14) Cyclones roll as the semi final hangover for SDSU takes hold
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5) UNI lays an egg on the road

[Bison56]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Montana

[Paladin1aa]

Straight pic’ ems

Indiana St.
Southern Ill
Oklahoma St.
Western Ill
YSU
NDSU
Kansas St.
Ill St.
Iowa St.
UNI

[Gil Dobie]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

[kdinva]

Quincy 13 at Indiana State 44
Southern Illinois 30 at Murray State 20
Missouri State 10 at Oklahoma State 54
Western Illinois 28 at Montana State 31
Butler 13 at Youngstown State 42
Cal Poly 21 at North Dakota State 48
South Dakota 16 at Kansas State 49
St Xavier (IL) 7 at Illinois State 55
South Dakota State 20 at Iowa State 31
Northern Iowa 23 at Montana 28

[BisonTru]

Spread:

Quincy at Indiana State (-34) -
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)


Straight Up:

Quincy at Indiana State
Southern Illinois at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State
Western Illinois at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State
Cal Poly at North Dakota State
South Dakota at Kansas State
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State
South Dakota State at Iowa State
Northern Iowa at Montana

[CappinHard]

Spread:

Quincy at Indiana State (-34) -
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)


See, this is why I love picking against the spread. Straight up you might have 1 or 2 games people really disagree on, but other than that it's pretty standard. With spread picking, it can be all over the board. I went with 2 dogs and you went with 8. Love it.

[dewey]

Straight Up:
Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

Point Spread (prediction in BOLD):
Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

Dewey

[Professor Chaos]

See, this is why I love picking against the spread. Straight up you might have 1 or 2 games people really disagree on, but other than that it's pretty standard. With spread picking, it can be all over the board. I went with 2 dogs and you went with 8. Love it.
Agreed. And your point about how it makes playing late into the season more interesting is spot on as well. In the non-conference part of the schedule when there's up to 10 games a week you can really get spread out from the best (or luckiest :)) pickers compared the worst and then once October rolls around and there's only 5 games to pick from with 1 or 2 of those usually being obvious it's tough to pick up or lose any ground in the standings.

[ST_Lawson]

You know, maybe I will give it a shot picking against the spread. Here's my picks for that:

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

[POD Knows]

See, this is why I love picking against the spread. Straight up you might have 1 or 2 games people really disagree on, but other than that it's pretty standard. With spread picking, it can be all over the board. I went with 2 dogs and you went with 8. Love it.I like this deal as well, now I can get last place in two different MVFC pick'ems. Bring it.

[TheKingpin28]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

This is how I will do it for the season:

All teams in bold WILL cover the spread

All teams in red will win

[DA BEAR]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

STRAIGHT UP

[cx500d]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

[caribbeanhen]

Professor more power to you in trying to dechiper the spread picks, all mine will be Winners !

[Drblankstare]

Indiana St
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma St
Montana St
Youngstown St
NDSU
Kansas St
Illinois St
Iowa St
Montana

Spread Picks

[Bisonator]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

I think everybody covers too.

[mmiller_34]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

[DCWIU11]

Straight up


Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Montana

[bonarae]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

[Professor Chaos]

Just so everyone is aware unless you specify in the post that you're picking against the spread I'm assuming you're just picking the winners.

For instance Bisonator is in with both and bonarae is in with just straight up winners picks.

[Sycamore62]

Straight up:
Indiana State
SIU
OkSt
Montana State
YSU
NDSU
KSU
Illinois State
Iowa St
UNI

Spread
Quincy
Murray State
OSU
Montana State
Butler
Cal Poly
KSU
ILSt
Iowa St
UNI

[CappinHard]

Straight up:
Indiana State
SIU
OkSt
Montana State
YSU
NDSU
KSU
Illinois State
Iowa St
UNI

Spread
Quincy
Murray State
OSU
Montana State
Butler
Cal Poly
KSU
ILSt
Iowa St
UNI

Lol, come on man... not only couldn't you just copy the list of matchups, but you also switched between full team names and abbreviations and even multiple forms of abbreviations in one post? Straight up lazy. Let's at least try to make it easier on PC here.

[Sycamore62]

Lol, come on man... not only couldn't you just copy the list of matchups, but you also switched between full team names and abbreviations and even multiple forms of abbreviations in one post? Straight up lazy. Let's at least try to make it easier on PC here.

This was easier than what I wanted to do.

[Professor Chaos]

Lol, come on man... not only couldn't you just copy the list of matchups, but you also switched between full team names and abbreviations and even multiple forms of abbreviations in one post? Straight up lazy. Let's at least try to make it easier on PC here.


This was easier than what I wanted to do.
No worries... although the more it's off from my list the more likely I am to make mistakes so just make sure you double check my scores for you each week.

[Sycamore62]

No worries... although the more it's off from my list the more likely I am to make mistakes so just make sure you double check my scores for you each week.
ill do it like everyone else next week

[The Yo Show]

Alright... here's my two entries:

Spread:
Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)




Straight Up:
Quincy at Indiana State
Southern Illinois at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State
Western Illinois at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State
Cal Poly at North Dakota State
South Dakota at Kansas State
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State
South Dakota State at Iowa State
Northern Iowa at Montana

[Redbird 4th & short]

For the record, I hate the new pick 'em option ... too much work and will reveal I'm not that good at this sh-t. But I'll do it anyway under official protest !!

Straight up picks

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

Against the spread picks .. under duress and protest, and everyone covers.

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

[footballer23]

Indiana State (-34) to win and cover
Southern Illinois (-14.5) to win and cover
Oklahoma State (-35.5) to win and cover easily
Montana State (+3) to win
Youngstown State (-34.5) to win, Butler to cover
North Dakota State (-32.5) to win, Cal Poly to cover
Kansas State (-22.5) to win and cover
Illinois State (-40.5) to win and cover
Iowa State (-14) to win and cover
Montana (-2.5) to win and cover

[skinny_uncle]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southiern Illinos (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)


I gave up gambling long ago and could care less about spreads.

[mango433]

My picks (bolded to win outright, underlined to beat the spread):

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)

Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State

Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)

Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State

Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)

Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)

South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)

St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)

South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)

Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

[X-Factor]

Bold for money line, Underline for spread. Pretty chalky.

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[caribbeanhen]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Montana

[jayhawkdaddy]

Indiana State

Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Montana

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Straight up:

Indiana State
SIU
OK State
Montana State
YSU
NDSU
Kansas State
Ill State
Iowa State
UNI

[mvfcfan]

Winners for week 1

Indiana State
Southern IL
OK State
MT State
YSU
NDSU
KS State
ILST
IA State
Montana

[BirdistheWord]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Montana

[VandalBasher]

Big Sky goes 2-1 against the MVFC this weekend.

Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Cal Poly at North Dakota State
Northern Iowa at Montana

[dustinthorn93]

Straight up for me please!

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

[FCSbuff319]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Montana State
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

[Redbird 4th & short]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34) I wouldn't be shocked that if the Trees didn't cover but they better
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State I literally have no idea what SIU team will show up there
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5) If MSU forfeits does that mean that OSU covers the spread???
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State Don't **** it up WIU
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5) I don't think YSU can score 35
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5) Bison get up on the ponies early and coast to a 32 point victory
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5) I don't know USD, hoping you cover, don't think you will.
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5) Who the hell is St Xavier .. no f-ing idea !!!! Big mistake .. AD panicked because he didn't want another year with just 5 home games ... in a word or 2 ... utterly stupid !!! Should have taken a D-I road game .. any D-I road game over this NAIA team. By the way, they are a very good NAIA program.
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14) Cyclones roll as the semi final hangover for SDSU takes hold
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5) UNI lays an egg on the road

to answer your question ...

[ST_Lawson]

no f-ing idea !!!! Big mistake .. AD panicked because he didn't want another year with just 5 home games ... in a word or 2 ... utterly stupid !!! Should have taken a D-I road game .. any D-I road game over this NAIA team. By the way, they are a very good NAIA program.

...to answer your question ...

See WIU last year. We had two of our scheduled teams drop us and had to scramble for opponents. At one point we had SXU on our schedule for last year, but we were able to work out a deal with Tennessee Tech for (I think) a H&H series instead. End result is that we had only 4 home games last year, which kinda sucked, but we took care of business, still won 8 games in the regular season and made the playoffs.

ILSU's schedule this year pretty much means that (assuming they they beat SXU this weekend and lose at FBS Colorado State), they have to go 7-2 the rest of the season to have a reasonable shot at the playoffs...which is not an easy task for anyone in the MVFC.

I think it's better to find another FCS team to play, even if you have to go on the road (a H&H helps mitigate that), than to play a NAIA or lower-division NCAA team that essentially don't count for playoff consideration.

[Redbird 4th & short]

See WIU last year. We had two of our scheduled teams drop us and had to scramble for opponents. At one point we had SXU on our schedule for last year, but we were able to work out a deal with Tennessee Tech for (I think) a H&H series instead. End result is that we had only 4 home games last year, which kinda sucked, but we took care of business, still won 8 games in the regular season and made the playoffs.

ILSU's schedule this year pretty much means that (assuming they they beat SXU this weekend and lose at FBS Colorado State), they have to go 7-2 the rest of the season to have a reasonable shot at the playoffs...which is not an easy task for anyone in the MVFC.

I think it's better to find another FCS team to play, even if you have to go on the road (a H&H helps mitigate that), than to play a NAIA or lower-division NCAA team that essentially don't count for playoff consideration.

100% agree .. and we cited WIU situation last year and that you guys got it done, though were forced into 7 road games. Our AD didn't want to give up home opener slot and wanted 6 home games .. at all costs apparently. We hired a bunch of new coaches and might have blown the budget there .. not sure. Thing is, we are doing very well financially .. we ought to have had the means to buy our way out of this situation.

I do think we still have 50/50 shot at playoff if we finish 7-4, which equals 6-4 in eyes of committee. Because that would mean we probably finished 1-1 OOC and 5-3 MVFC, with an FBS loss .. which should put us in top 4 of MVFC. FYI, if you look at our FBS game against Colorado State, we think we have a shot .. they had explosive offense a year ago, but lost a lot on that side of ball .. and their defense is nothing to brag about. Big question is when will our defense find itself .. that is our game 3, but week 4 with a bye.

[Noryan34]

I take a stab at these this year,

Straight
Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Montana State
Youngstown State
NDSU
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
UNI

Spread
Indiana State
Murray State
Oklahoma State
Montana State
Butler
NDSU
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
UNI

[Schism55]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

[SUPharmacist]

Straight Up
Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Montana State
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

Spread
Quincy
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Montana State
Butler
Cal Poly
Kansas State
St Xavier
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

[REALBird]

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Montana State
Youngstown State
NDSU
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Montana

Youngstown and Iowa State won’t cover the spread.

[ysubigred]

Quincy at Indiana State 45-14
Southern Illinois at Murray State 31-27
Missouri State at Oklahoma State 346-21
Western Illinois at Montana State 38-31 1 OT
Butler at Youngstown State 49-6 YSU finally has an offense
Cal Poly at North Dakota State 42-0
South Dakota at Kansas State 37-24
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State 137-16
South Dakota State at Iowa State 35-31
Northern Iowa at Montana 24-20

[maninthehighcastle]

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

[Professor Chaos]

Quincy at Indiana State 45-14
Southern Illinois at Murray State 31-27
Missouri State at Oklahoma State 346-21
Western Illinois at Montana State 38-31 1 OT
Butler at Youngstown State 49-6 YSU finally has an offense
Cal Poly at North Dakota State 42-0
South Dakota at Kansas State 37-24
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State 137-16
South Dakota State at Iowa State 35-31
Northern Iowa at Montana 24-20
Did you want me to count these as picks against the spread as well since you have scores or do you only want them to count for the straight up winners picks?

[Preferred Walk-On]

Professor, thanks for putting this together.

First time participating in this, so here goes...

Bold (win outright); Underlined (beat spread):

Quincy at Indiana State (-34)
Southern Illinois (-14.5) at Murray State
Missouri State at Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3) at Montana State
Butler at Youngstown State (-34.5)
Cal Poly at North Dakota State (-32.5)
South Dakota at Kansas State (-22.5)
St Xavier (IL) at Illinois State (-40.5)
South Dakota State at Iowa State (-14)
Northern Iowa at Montana (-2.5)

MVFC 2-1 over BSC, but not as predicted.

[ysubigred]

Did you want me to count these as picks against the spread as well since you have scores or do you only want them to count for the straight up winners picks?

Oops! Got carried away humoring myself LOL! Just straight up thanks.

[UpstateBison]

Straight up:

Indiana State
SIU
OK State
Montana State
YSU
NDSU
Kansas State
Ill State
Iowa State
UNI

Spread:
Indiana State
SIU
Missouri State
WIU
Butler
NDSU
Kansas State
Ill State
Iowa State
UNI

[Derby City Duke]

Straight Up

Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Western Illinois
Youngstown State
North Dakota State
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
Northern Iowa

Against the Spread

Indiana State (-34)
Murray State (+14.5)
Oklahoma State (-35.5)
Western Illinois (-3)
Butler (+34.5)
North Dakota State (-32.5)
Kansas State (-22.5)
Illinois State (-40.5)
Iowa State (-14)
Montana (+2.5)

:) xdrunkyx

[Professor Chaos]

Having some technical difficulties getting the full leaderboards up and I'm headed out of town shortly so won't be back until tomorrow afternoon but I'll get the full standings up then. No one was perfect in the straight up picks this week thanks to YSU although several went 8 for 9. I won't count the SDSU/Iowa St as a game so only 9 possible points this week.

BisonTru, footballer23, kdniva, mmiller_34, mvfcfan, and REALBird lead the way in the straight pick 'em with 8 of 9 picks correct (only miss for each was Butler over YSU).

REALBird is all alone at the top of the spread picks with 8 of 9 also correct there (only miss was K-State failing to cover against USD).


Should have the full leaderboard up by tomorrow afternoon along with next weeks picks.

[Professor Chaos]

Alright.... I think I've got this figured out finally. Here's the full straight up standings after week 1:



Username
Right
Wrong
Right %
Week 1


REALBird
8
1
88.9%
8


footballer23
8
1
88.9%
8


kdniva
8
1
88.9%
8


mvfcfan
8
1
88.9%
8


BisonTru
8
1
88.9%
8


mmiller_34
8
1
88.9%
8


Bisonator
7
2
77.8%
7


POD Knows
7
2
77.8%
7


Preferred Walk-On
7
2
77.8%
7


TheKingpin28
7
2
77.8%
7


ST_Lawson
7
2
77.8%
7


UpstateBison
7
2
77.8%
7


X-Factor
7
2
77.8%
7


SUPharmacist
7
2
77.8%
7


Sycamore62
7
2
77.8%
7


BirdistheWord
7
2
77.8%
7


Bison Fan in NW MN
7
2
77.8%
7


Bison56
7
2
77.8%
7


caribbeanhen
7
2
77.8%
7


DCWIU11
7
2
77.8%
7


Evolution Prime
7
2
77.8%
7


FCSbuff319
7
2
77.8%
7


Gil Dobie
7
2
77.8%
7


jayhawkdaddy
7
2
77.8%
7


Noryan34
7
2
77.8%
7


Professor Chaos
6
3
66.7%
6


The Yo Show
6
3
66.7%
6


Derby City Duke
6
3
66.7%
6


Redbird 4th & short
6
3
66.7%
6


CappinHard
6
3
66.7%
6


JSUSoutherner
6
3
66.7%
6


dewey
6
3
66.7%
6


bonarae
6
3
66.7%
6


cx500d
6
3
66.7%
6


DA BEAR
6
3
66.7%
6


dustinthorn93
6
3
66.7%
6


mango433
6
3
66.7%
6


maninthehighcastle
6
3
66.7%
6


Paladin1aa
6
3
66.7%
6


Schism55
6
3
66.7%
6


skinny_uncle
6
3
66.7%
6


ysubigred
6
3
66.7%
6




And here's the full standings for picks against the spread:



Username
Right
Wrong
Right %
Week1


REALBird
8
1
88.9%
8


Professor Chaos
7
2
77.8%
7


The Yo Show
7
2
77.8%
7


Drblankstare
7
2
77.8%
7


footballer23
6
3
66.7%
6


kdniva
6
3
66.7%
6


mvfcfan
6
3
66.7%
6


Bisonator
6
3
66.7%
6


POD Knows
6
3
66.7%
6


Preferred Walk-On
6
3
66.7%
6


TheKingpin28
6
3
66.7%
6


Derby City Duke
6
3
66.7%
6


Redbird 4th & short
6
3
66.7%
6


ST_Lawson
5
4
55.6%
5


UpstateBison
5
4
55.6%
5


X-Factor
5
4
55.6%
5


CappinHard
5
4
55.6%
5


JSUSoutherner
5
4
55.6%
5


SUPharmacist
4
5
44.4%
4


Sycamore62
4
5
44.4%
4


dewey
4
5
44.4%
4


BisonTru
3
6
33.3%
3

[Noryan34]

I take a stab at these this year,

Straight
Indiana State
Southern Illinois
Oklahoma State
Montana State
Youngstown State
NDSU
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
UNI

Spread
Indiana State
Murray State
Oklahoma State
Montana State
Butler
NDSU
Kansas State
Illinois State
Iowa State
UNI

i believe my spread pics were missed

[Professor Chaos]

i believe my spread pics were missed

Good call! I goofed up the order on my week 1 sheet which threw off the mapping to my overall sheet. I messed up you, JSUSoutherner, kdniva, mango433, maninthehighcastle, mmiller_34, and mvfcfan. Here's the updated (and correct - at least I hope so) standings.


Straight up:



Username
Right
Wrong
Right %
Week1


BisonTru
8
1
88.9%
8


footballer23
8
1
88.9%
8


kdniva
8
1
88.9%
8


mmiller_34
8
1
88.9%
8


mvfcfan
8
1
88.9%
8


REALBird
8
1
88.9%
8


BirdistheWord
7
2
77.8%
7


Bison Fan in NW MN
7
2
77.8%
7


Bison56
7
2
77.8%
7


Bisonator
7
2
77.8%
7


caribbeanhen
7
2
77.8%
7


DCWIU11
7
2
77.8%
7


Evolution Prime
7
2
77.8%
7


FCSbuff319
7
2
77.8%
7


Gil Dobie
7
2
77.8%
7


jayhawkdaddy
7
2
77.8%
7


Noryan34
7
2
77.8%
7


POD Knows
7
2
77.8%
7


Preferred Walk-On
7
2
77.8%
7


ST_Lawson
7
2
77.8%
7


SUPharmacist
7
2
77.8%
7


Sycamore62
7
2
77.8%
7


TheKingpin28
7
2
77.8%
7


UpstateBison
7
2
77.8%
7


X-Factor
7
2
77.8%
7


bonarae
6
3
66.7%
6


CappinHard
6
3
66.7%
6


cx500d
6
3
66.7%
6


DA BEAR
6
3
66.7%
6


Derby City Duke
6
3
66.7%
6


dewey
6
3
66.7%
6


dustinthorn93
6
3
66.7%
6


JSUSoutherner
6
3
66.7%
6


mango433
6
3
66.7%
6


maninthehighcastle
6
3
66.7%
6


Paladin1aa
6
3
66.7%
6


Professor Chaos
6
3
66.7%
6


Redbird 4th & short
6
3
66.7%
6


Schism55
6
3
66.7%
6


skinny_uncle
6
3
66.7%
6


The Yo Show
6
3
66.7%
6


ysubigred
6
3
66.7%
6




Against the spread:



Username
Right
Wrong
Right %
Week1


REALBird
8
1
88.9%
8


Drblankstare
7
2
77.8%
7


Professor Chaos
7
2
77.8%
7


The Yo Show
7
2
77.8%
7


Bisonator
6
3
66.7%
6


Derby City Duke
6
3
66.7%
6


footballer23
6
3
66.7%
6


mango433
6
3
66.7%
6


Noryan34
6
3
66.7%
6


POD Knows
6
3
66.7%
6


Preferred Walk-On
6
3
66.7%
6


Redbird 4th & short
6
3
66.7%
6


TheKingpin28
6
3
66.7%
6


CappinHard
5
4
55.6%
5


kdniva
5
4
55.6%
5


ST_Lawson
5
4
55.6%
5


UpstateBison
5
4
55.6%
5


X-Factor
5
4
55.6%
5


dewey
4
5
44.4%
4


SUPharmacist
4
5
44.4%
4


Sycamore62
4
5
44.4%
4


BisonTru
3
6
33.3%
3



Thanks for pointing that out! Definitely feel free to double check my scoring especially early in the season when I'm still working out the kinks of my spreadsheet I'm tracking the picks and standings on.

[Redbird 4th & short]

amazing that Bisontru is tied for 1st straight up, but last against the spread.

but i kind of sucked at 6-3 straight up and against the spread .. so I'll take his 8-1. It's that damn MVFC bias CaribeanHen (I think) accused me of ... arghhh !!!

[caribbeanhen]

amazing that Bisontru is tied for 1st straight up, but last against the spread.

but i kind of sucked at 6-3 straight up and against the spread .. so I'll take his 8-1. It's that damn MVFC bias CaribeanHen (I think) accused me of ... arghhh !!!

not just you Redbird

[Redbird 4th & short]

not just you Redbird
kidding aside about how much MVFC bias is relative to all other prognosticators on AGS ... this is the kind of year, where MVFC bias will be more prominent. As I've said multiple times now, the gap is closing between MVFC and rest of FCS .. so the "normal" amount of conference bias MVFC folks like me has displayed in past years will likely be more prominent this year. Parity is probably back this year more than any in a while.

[CappinHard]

amazing that Bisontru is tied for 1st straight up, but last against the spread.

Exhibit A: Reasons why spread picks are better/more interesting/harder than straight up picks.