2007 AGS Pre-Season Top 25

[AGSPoll]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2007
CONTACT: AnyGivenSaturday.com
[email protected]

2007 FCS Preseason AGS Poll Announced

Reigning National Champion Appalachian State landed the top spot garnering 97 first place votes in the preseason AnyGivenSaturday.com (AGS) Poll of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) released today. The AGS Poll has been the first released national poll each year since it's inception in 2004.

Following the Mountaineers in the top ten were (in order): Montana, North Dakota State, Youngstown State, Massachusetts, Northern Iowa, New Hampshire, James Madison, Furman and Cal Poly. The full results are listed below.

Only three other teams received first place votes including Montana (16), Massachusetts (1) and Northern Iowa (1).

A total of 24 squads received more than the five points required to receive mention outside of the top 25.

The Colonial Athletic Association, FCS's largest league and the Gateway Football Conference lead the way with four teams in the Top 25; the Big Sky Conference, the Great West Football Conference and the Southern Conference had three each; the Ohio Valley Conference and the Southland Conference had two each; and the Big South Conference, Ivy League, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the Patriot League were each represented with one squad.

The pollsters also named Northern Iowa and Wofford (tie) as the biggest rising teams from 2006 and Montana State as the biggest falling team.

In comparison to other polls, the AGS Poll had as many or more of it's preseason top 25 on it's final regular season poll than either of the other two polls (coaches and media) had on their's the past three years. The AGS Poll also had as many or more of it's preseason top 25 on it's final regular season poll make the playoffs than either of the other two polls the past three years.

AGS is the world's largest online community devoted to all of the FCS. The AGS Poll was created in 2004 to give distinguished members of the AGS community a place to voice their opinion, vote for the top 25 FCS programs in the nation, and provide the media and coaches of FCS a valuable resource to gauge general sentiment.

In order to ensure that the poll is accurate and fair, a committee of AGS veteran members has established guidelines for voter eligibility and accountability. The AGS Poll will be announced weekly throughout the season on Mondays and a final poll will be announced shortly after the National Championship game.

AGS also sponsors the national syndicated CSN WAVES show hosted by Ralph Wallace of College Sporting News that airs Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. during the season.

Any Given Saturday Poll Preseason Top 25
(First place votes in parenthesis)
1. Appalachian State (97)
2. Montana (16)
3. North Dakota State
4. Youngstown State
5. Massachusetts (1)
6. Northern Iowa (1)
7. New Hampshire
8. James Madison
9. Furman
10. Cal Poly
11. Illinois State
12. McNeese State
13. Southern Illinois
14. Portland State
15. Hampton
16. Wofford
17. Tennessee-Martin
18. Delaware
19. Eastern Illinois
20. Sam Houston State
21. Montana State
22. South Dakota State
23. Lehigh
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Yale

Others receiving votes (minimum of 5 votes): Towson (61), UC Davis (59), Lafayette (40), Princeton (39), Maine (33), Harvard (26), San Diego (26), South Carolina State (22), Georgia Southern (17), Eastern Kentucky (14), Northern Arizona (14), Richmond (12), Central Arkansas (10), Liberty (10), Northwestern State (8), Western Illinois (8), Delaware State (7), Northeastern (7), Albany (6), Colgate (6), Texas State (6), The Citadel (6), Alabama A&M (5), Jacksonville State (5).

BIGGEST RISING TEAM FROM 2006: Northern Iowa, Wofford (tie)
BIGGEST FALLING TEAM FROM 2006: Montana State

[dbackjon]

Pretty good poll!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Didn't think I did too badly! The only one I think I "reached" on was Villanova. Even my "reaches" (SCSU, AAMU, Maine, Princeton) all got in the "Others Receiving Votes" listing. IMO, watch out for 'Nova, who was red hot at the end of last year.

Lehigh at #23 makes me happy! xthumbsupx

1. Appalachian St.
2. Youngstown St.
3. New Hampshire
4. Montana
5. Yale
6. North Dakota St.
7. James Madison
8. Illinois St.
9. South Dakota St.
10. Massachusetts
11. Northern Iowa
12. McNeese St.
13. Tennessee-Martin
14. Southern Illinois
15. Maine
16. Lehigh
17. Portland St.
18. Cal Poly
19. Princeton
20. South Carolina St.
21. Wofford
22. Eastern Illinois
23. Alabama A&M
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Villanova

[dbackjon]

Mine:
1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. North Dakota St.
4. Cal Poly
5. Portland St.
6. Massachusetts
7. Illinois St.
8. Youngstown St.
9. Furman
10. McNeese St.
11. Northern Iowa
12. New Hampshire
13. Wofford
14. Montana St.
15. Southern Illinois
16. Tennessee-Martin
17. Hampton
18. Lehigh
19. Towson
20. Northern Arizona
21. Yale
22. Coastal Carolina
23. UC Davis
24. Eastern Illinois
25. South Carolina St

[putter]

I think the Kramer news cost Montana St. anywhere from 5-10 spots in the poll.

[AppGuy04]

Nice turnout, good job everyone

[Gil Dobie]

I am surprised but happy, NDSU is so high. Being third at the end of the season probably means they defeat Central Michigan or Minnesota and run the table on the rest of the teams.

[UNHWildCats]

1.Appalachian St.
2.Montana
3.New Hampshire
4.Massachusetts
5.Northern Iowa
6.Youngstown St.
7.Cal Poly
8.Illinois St.
9.North Dakota St.
10.Southern Illinois
11.Furman
12.Eastern Illinois
13.McNeese St.
14.Hampton
15.Lafayette
16.Towson
17.Delaware
18.Lehigh
19.Wofford
20.James Madison
21.UC Davis
22.Montana St.
23.Princeton
24.South Dakota St.
25.Coastal Carolina

[Gil Dobie]

7.Cal Poly
8.Illinois St.
9.North Dakota St.


That's good, means NDSU probably beats Illinois St and Cal Poly during the regular season to stay ranked #9.

[th0m]

My first ever poll:

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. Massachusetts
4. North Dakota St.
5. Youngstown St.
6. New Hampshire
7. Northern Iowa
8. Furman
9. McNeese St.
10. James Madison
11. Illinois St.
12. Cal Poly
13. Tennessee-Martin
14. Delaware
15. Wofford
16. Sam Houston St.
17. Lehigh
18. Portland St.
19. Yale
20. Southern Illinois
21. Hampton
22. Harvard
23. Towson
24. Lafayette
25. Coastal Carolina
W. McNeese St.
L. Montana St.

[OL FU]

I think the Kramer news cost Montana St. anywhere from 5-10 spots in the poll.


I wish I had read that before I votedxrolleyesx

[danefan]

NM

[Bobcat in NC]

I think the Kramer news cost Montana St. anywhere from 5-10 spots in the poll.

No question about it. I'm a homer, and it cost them 7 spots in mine. xmadx

[X-Factor]

No question about it. I'm a homer, and it cost them 7 spots in mine. xmadx

I dropped MSU 5. But you guys still have alot of good talent back so its not like the cupboards are empty. Still can move a long ways up if they keep on winning xthumbsupx

[lizrdgizrd]

How mine compares:

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. Youngstown St.
4. North Dakota St.
5. New Hampshire
6. Northern Iowa
7. James Madison
8. Massachusetts
9. McNeese St.
10. Illinois St.
11. Southern Illinois
12. Furman
13. Portland St.
14. Wofford
15. Cal Poly
16. Hampton
17. Delaware
18. Eastern Illinois
19. Sam Houston St.
20. Yale
21. Lehigh
22. South Dakota St.
23. Coastal Carolina
24. UC Davis
25. Montana St.

1&2 - same
3&4 - switched
5-8 - same teams, different order (except 6 was the same)
I had Cal Poly and Furman ranked lower
ISU, SIU and McNeese were together, just different order
I had PSU, Hampton and Wofford grouped in almost the same spots
I included UC Davis instead of T-Mart, but 17-25 were the same teams, just different order.

[patssle]

nice to see SHSU in there at 20th. I honestly would of put us more near 23rd or 24th...we have a lot to prove, hey I'll take it :)

[smallcollegefbfan]

Any Given Saturday Pre-Season Poll Top 25 (First place votes in parenthesis)
1. Appalachian St. (97)
2. Montana (16)
3. North Dakota St.
4. Youngstown St.
5. Massachusetts (1)
6. Northern Iowa (1)
7. New Hampshire
8. James Madison
9. Furman
10. Cal Poly
11. Illinois St.
12. McNeese St.
13. Southern Illinois
14. Portland St.
15. Hampton
16. Wofford
17. Tennessee-Martin
18. Delaware
19. Eastern Illinois
20. Sam Houston St.
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Lehigh
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Yale
Others receiving votes (minimum of 5 votes): Towson (61), UC Davis (59), Lafayette (40), Princeton (39), Maine (33), Harvard (26), San Diego (26), South Carolina St. (22), Georgia Southern (17), Eastern Kentucky (14), Northern Arizona (14), Richmond (12), Central Arkansas (10), Liberty (10), Northwestern St. (8), Western Illinois (8), Delaware St. (7), Northeastern (7), Albany (6), Colgate (6), Texas St. (6), The Citadel (6), Alabama A&M (5), Jacksonville St. (5)

MOST SIGNIFICANT TEAM MOVING UP: Northern Iowa, Wofford (tie)
MOST SIGNIFICANT TEAM MOVING DOWN: Montana St.


Not sure how UNI or UMASS got a top vote but other than that it doesn't look bad.

[GaSouthern]

GSU REALLY surprised me! I did'nt have them on my top 25 but looks like a few people did. If they win the first two i'll have them as my #25 spot though.

[DunkandDukin]

Is there a tally of how many voters there were?

JMU in top ten may be a bit of a reach until we find out about our lines and a new QB, but he has been in the system 3 yrs and seen some pretty good PT. Time will tell, is it Sept. yet?

[OL FU]

Is there a tally of how many voters there were?

JMU in top ten may be a bit of a reach until we find out about our lines and a new QB, but he has been in the system 3 yrs and seen some pretty good PT. Time will tell, is it Sept. yet?

Looks like 115 approved ballots.

[SU Jag]

I'm taking Alabama A&M between 16-20, Tennessee State should be up there too!

[AGSPoll]

Is there a tally of how many voters there were?

Looks like 115 approved ballots.
Correct. You can always just count the number of first place votes since all voters must vote for all 25 spots.

[813Jag]

Here's my first poll:
1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. North Dakota St.
4. Youngstown St.
5. Massachusetts
6. James Madison
7. New Hampshire
8. Southern Illinois
9. Furman
10. Northern Iowa
11. McNeese St.
12. Eastern Illinois
13. Illinois St.
14. Cal Poly
15. Tennessee-Martin
16. Portland St.
17. Harvard
18. Wofford
19. Hampton
20. Delaware
21. Coastal Carolina
22. Montana St.
23. South Dakota St.
24. Lafayette
25. Yale
W. McNeese St.
L. Montana St.

[Pard94]

Didn't think I did too badly! The only one I think I "reached" on was Villanova. Even my "reaches" (SCSU, AAMU, Maine, Princeton) all got in the "Others Receiving Votes" listing. IMO, watch out for 'Nova, who was red hot at the end of last year.

Lehigh at #23 makes me happy! xthumbsupx

1. Appalachian St.
2. Youngstown St.
3. New Hampshire
4. Montana
5. Yale
6. North Dakota St.
7. James Madison
8. Illinois St.
9. South Dakota St.
10. Massachusetts
11. Northern Iowa
12. McNeese St.
13. Tennessee-Martin
14. Southern Illinois
15. Maine
16. Lehigh
17. Portland St.
18. Cal Poly
19. Princeton
20. South Carolina St.
21. Wofford
22. Eastern Illinois
23. Alabama A&M
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Villanova

xoopsx

[Tribe4SF]

How people put Lehigh and Lafayette ahead of the Ivy leaders escapes me. The Ivies owned the Patriot last year, and I don't see where things will be much different this year. I haven't ranked a Patriot team since early last season.

[SuperJon]

We got ten votes? Must be LU homers. We haven't proven anything at all.

[GannonFan]

How people put Lehigh and Lafayette ahead of the Ivy leaders escapes me. The Ivies owned the Patriot last year, and I don't see where things will be much different this year. I haven't ranked a Patriot team since early last season.


Maybe they think this year will be different?xwhistlex

[Pard4Life]

I find it very strange Lehigh makes the poll and Lafayette does not.. considering we have won 3 in a row... but I voted Lehigh two spots above Lafayette, given the pieces needed to be replaced... I am surprised that the 'average' voter would not rank us higher... but whatever.. win and in...

I had Penn #15... and they did not even get a receiving vote.. had Yale 19 and Princeton 22... they are young and have alot back..

[Lehigh Football Nation]

How people put Lehigh and Lafayette ahead of the Ivy leaders escapes me. ...

Let it be duly noted that I didn't do that:

Yale #5
Lehigh #16
Princeton #19

[grizzcabin]

Team each coference
GATEWAY- 4
A-10-4
BIG SKY-3
SOUTHERN-3
GREAT WEST-3
SOUTHLAND-2
OHIO VALLEY-2
MEAC-1
BIG SOUTH-1
PATRIOT-1
IVY-1

[youwouldno]

Didn't think I did too badly! The only one I think I "reached" on was Villanova. Even my "reaches" (SCSU, AAMU, Maine, Princeton) all got in the "Others Receiving Votes" listing. IMO, watch out for 'Nova, who was red hot at the end of last year.

Lehigh at #23 makes me happy! xthumbsupx

1. Appalachian St.
2. Youngstown St.
3. New Hampshire
4. Montana
5. Yale
6. North Dakota St.
7. James Madison
8. Illinois St.
9. South Dakota St.
10. Massachusetts
11. Northern Iowa
12. McNeese St.
13. Tennessee-Martin
14. Southern Illinois
15. Maine
16. Lehigh
17. Portland St.
18. Cal Poly
19. Princeton
20. South Carolina St.
21. Wofford
22. Eastern Illinois
23. Alabama A&M
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Villanova

No Furman? Quite a reach.

[RabidRabbit]

Rabid thoughts- xrolleyesx
To think I was being a contrarian. xbawlingx xbawlingx

1. Montana
2. Appalachian St.
3. Massachusetts
4. Youngstown St.
5. New Hampshire
6. Cal Poly
7. Furman
8. Portland St.
9. Towson
10. McNeese St.
11. South Dakota St.
12. Northern Iowa
13. North Dakota St.
14. Tennessee-Martin
15. Hampton
16. Sam Houston St.
17. Illinois St.
18. Yale
19. Southern Illinois
20. UC Davis
21. Eastern Illinois
22. Delaware
23. Coastal Carolina
24. Lehigh
25. James Madison
W. Sam Houston St.
L. San Diego


"Missed" (deliberately didn't choose) MT St., and Wofford, instead have numbers 26 & 27. xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

The main question for me is Montana going to have had sufficient challenge to be ready for a top team. PSU appears to be their most challenging game at home, and MSU, because of the rivalry, away.

PSU, SDSU, McNeese, UC-Davis, we'll have a good sense if they're top 10 material by the end of Sept.

[appfan2008]

looks good to me... happy to have been a part of my first ever poll... also... asu looks well entrenched at number one to start the year

[youwouldno]

I posted mine in the poll thread but I guess I'll post it here too:

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. Northern Iowa
4. New Hampshire
5. North Dakota St.
6. Southern Illinois
7. James Madison
8. Massachusetts
9. Furman
10. Cal Poly
11. Richmond
12. Illinois St.
13. Sam Houston St.
14. Portland St.
15. Wofford
16. Harvard
17. Eastern Kentucky
18. South Carolina St.
19. Tennessee-Martin
20. Lehigh
21. Maine
22. Youngstown St.
23. The Citadel
24. Northwestern St.
25. Weber St.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

No Furman? Quite a reach.

xeekx Oops. Meant to have them there instead of Maine, I guess.

[appfan2008]

Team each coference
GATEWAY- 4
A-10-4
BIG SKY-3
SOUTHERN-3
GREAT WEST-3
SOUTHLAND-2
OHIO VALLEY-2
MEAC-1
BIG SOUTH-1
PATRIOT-1
IVY-1

looks like a pretty typical breakdown... with the great west improving every year!

[youwouldno]

xeekx Oops. Meant to have them there instead of Maine, I guess.

We are talking about a top 10 team here (overall, not necessarily you). xrulesx

[89Hen]

6. Cal Poly
11. South Dakota St.
13. North Dakota St.
20. UC Davis
You forgot SUU.

[DunkandDukin]

Correct. You can always just count the number of first place votes since all voters must vote for all 25 spots.



xlolx Duh. Sometimes I actually out-dumb myself! xbangx

[PaladinFan]

Furman got placed higher than I had them in my poll. First un-homerish thing I've ever done.

[UNHWildCats]

Team each coference
GATEWAY- 4
A-10-4
BIG SKY-3
SOUTHERN-3
GREAT WEST-3
SOUTHLAND-2
OHIO VALLEY-2
MEAC-1
BIG SOUTH-1
PATRIOT-1
IVY-1


CAA xreadx :p

[mcveyrl]

My poll:

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. North Dakota St.
4. Youngstown St.
5. Massachusetts
6. Illinois St.
7. Southern Illinois
8. New Hampshire
9. Furman
10. Northern Iowa
11. Hampton
12. South Dakota St.
13. Portland St.
14. Cal Poly
15. Eastern Illinois
16. James Madison
17. McNeese St.
18. Wofford
19. Yale
20. Delaware
21. Tennessee-Martin
22. Georgia Southern
23. Towson
24. Montana St.
25. Lafayette

W. Illinois St.
L. Montana St.

[bobcatfan06]

I want to know who the other 5 Texas St. votes were for. I put us at 23, being very homerish.

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. North Dakota St.
4. Cal Poly
5. Massachusetts
6. Northern Iowa
7. New Hampshire
8. Illinois St.
9. Eastern Illinois
10. James Madison
11. Furman
12. Lafayette
13. Lehigh
14. Delaware
15. Southern Illinois
16. Youngstown St.
17. Sam Houston St.
18. Montana St.
19. Alabama St.
20. Jackson St.
21. Coastal Carolina
22. South Dakota St.
23. Texas St.
24. Wofford
25. Northwestern St.
W. North Dakota St.
L. Delaware

[th0m]

How is Delaware the biggest loser when they weren't ranked last year?

[bobcatfan06]

Yeah, I don't know. I think I messed up, I just noticed that right now. That plus NDSU finished at the same spot and I have them as biggest mover. It was about 3 in the morning when I did it, so I probably screwed it all up.

[GaSouthern]

So it breaks down like this! Thanks AGS for the support of GSU, I could not vote for them but many did even after a 3-8 season, thanks for the support and belief in our team!

1. Appalachian St. (97)
2. Montana (16)
3. North Dakota St.
4. Youngstown St.
5. Massachusetts (1)
6. Northern Iowa (1)
7. New Hampshire
8. James Madison
9. Furman
10. Cal Poly
11. Illinois St.
12. McNeese St.
13. Southern Illinois
14. Portland St.
15. Hampton
16. Wofford
17. Tennessee-Martin
18. Delaware
19. Eastern Illinois
20. Sam Houston St.
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Lehigh
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Yale
26. Towson
27. UC Davis
28. Lafayette
29. Princeton
30. Maine
31. Harvard
32. San Diego
33. South Carolina St.
34. Georgia Southern
35. Eastern Kentucky
36. Northern Arizona
37. Richmond
38. Central Arkansas
39. Liberty
40. Northwestern St.
40. Western Illinois
42. Delaware St.
42. Northeastern
44. Albany
44. Colgate
44. Texas St.
44. The Citadel
48. Alabama A&M
48. Jacksonville St.

[th0m]

Yeah, I don't know. I think I messed up, I just noticed that right now. That plus NDSU finished at the same spot and I have them as biggest mover. It was about 3 in the morning when I did it, so I probably screwed it all up.

Yeah I saw that too but I didn't want to rain on your parade too much ;)

Once we get this season underway everything will straighten itself out, we can all be sure of that.

[RabidRabbit]

You forgot SUU.

Naw, xsmhx xsmhx xsmhx Looked at their schedule, and are hoping they don't get goose-egged in the win column xbawlingx xbawlingx

Personally, I think T-birds end up 0-11. UND is no slouch, as shown to UNI last year. xnonono2x xnonono2x

Besides, for the other four to have a good year, somebody ends up way down.

[Mountain Panther]

I posted mine in the poll thread but I guess I'll post it here too:

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. Northern Iowa
4. New Hampshire
5. North Dakota St.
6. Southern Illinois
7. James Madison
8. Massachusetts
9. Furman
10. Cal Poly
11. Richmond
12. Illinois St.
13. Sam Houston St.
14. Portland St.
15. Wofford
16. Harvard
17. Eastern Kentucky
18. South Carolina St.
19. Tennessee-Martin
20. Lehigh
21. Maine
22. Youngstown St.
23. The Citadel
24. Northwestern St.
25. Weber St.

Thank you for giving us the highest spot so far. xthumbsupx

[youwouldno]

Thank you for giving us the highest spot so far. xthumbsupx

Just doing my best. I think the team I have the highest, relative to most, is Richmond, and I also have Southern Illinois quite high.

[th0m]

Just doing my best. I think the team I have the highest, relative to most, is Richmond, and I also have Southern Illinois quite high.

Yeah I think you're one of the few, if not the only one, that has Richmond actually ranked. Most CAA folk don't even have Richmond in the top half of the CAA South, much less a top 25 team.

[OSBF]

Team each coference
GATEWAY- 4
A-10-4
BIG SKY-3
SOUTHERN-3
GREAT WEST-3
SOUTHLAND-2
OHIO VALLEY-2
MEAC-1
BIG SOUTH-1
PATRIOT-1
IVY-1

If you consider the 2 future GFC schools, the GFC has 6, and WIU receiving votes. Only INS and MOS left out of the party.

[youwouldno]

Yeah I think you're one of the few, if not the only one, that has Richmond actually ranked. Most CAA folk don't even have Richmond in the top half of the CAA South, much less a top 25 team.

Some others have Richmond ranked, just lower. My poll is probably different in that I did not refer, at all, to last year's poll. I looked at every team individually and gave each a rating (well, not every team-- I focused on the stronger conferences and then narrowed it down first in weaker conferences).

So far as the CAA, I think Towson is overrated and some people rank Villanova, which makes zero sense to me. Maine has no offense and Delaware has no defense... Richmond's offense is going to be a lot better, the defense will be weaker but still decent, and Clawson can coach.

[TexasTerror]

My poll in comparison to that of the AGS Top 25...

1. Appalachian St. (1)
2. Montana (2)
3. North Dakota St. (3)
4. Youngstown St. (4)
5. Massachusetts (5)
6. James Madison (8 )
7. Northern Iowa (6)
8. Southern Illinois (13)
9. New Hampshire (7)
10. McNeese St. (12)
11. Furman (9)
12. Hampton (15)
13. Cal Poly (10)
14. Eastern Illinois (19)
15. Illinois St. (11)
16. Sam Houston St. (20)
17. Portland St. (14)
18. Lehigh (23)
19. Yale (25)
20. Wofford (16)
21. UC Davis (27/ARV)
22. Lafayette (28/ARV)
23. Towson (26/ARV)
24. Montana St. (21)
25. Coastal Carolina (24)

[PantherRob82]

UNI #6? I thought for sure top 5. I think a lot of people voted on last year. Not even the highest ranked in the Gateway.

[PantherRob82]

Not sure how UNI or UMASS got a top vote but other than that it doesn't look bad.

It wasn't me. I voted App St.

[PantherRob82]

Thank you for giving us the highest spot so far. xthumbsupx

I voted us #2 after a couple other voters (not from UNI) talked to me about how they felt about our team. I felt bad voting them that high and didn't want to be a homer. I still am approaching the season with caution.

[PantherRob82]

Only 3 teams I voted for didn't make the top 25. :D

[th0m]

Some others have Richmond ranked, just lower. My poll is probably different in that I did not refer, at all, to last year's poll. I looked at every team individually and gave each a rating (well, not every team-- I focused on the stronger conferences and then narrowed it down first in weaker conferences).

So far as the CAA, I think Towson is overrated and some people rank Villanova, which makes zero sense to me. Maine has no offense and Delaware has no defense... Richmond's offense is going to be a lot better, the defense will be weaker but still decent, and Clawson can coach.

Thanks for your explanation. I was in no way criticizing your ballot, just pointing out some things I found interesting. Ranking Villanova makes no sense to me either.

[Mountain Panther]

I voted us #2 after a couple other voters (not from UNI) talked to me about how they felt about our team. I felt bad voting them that high and didn't want to be a homer. I still am approaching the season with caution.

After last year I am happy just to be in the top 10 (if you average out the polls for far). I am confident that the team is loaded with talent and we can only go up in the rankings after the season starts.

[Mountain Panther]

The AGS Top 25 Poll was important enough to make UNI's athletic homepage....rock on!

http://unipanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/052107aac.html

[jmuroller]

Mine:
1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. North Dakota St.
4. Cal Poly
5. Portland St.
6. Massachusetts
7. Illinois St.
8. Youngstown St.
9. Furman
10. McNeese St.
11. Northern Iowa
12. New Hampshire
13. Wofford
14. Montana St.
15. Southern Illinois
16. Tennessee-Martin
17. Hampton
18. Lehigh
19. Towson
20. Northern Arizona
21. Yale
22. Coastal Carolina
23. UC Davis
24. Eastern Illinois
25. South Carolina St

No JMU in there? UT Martin, Towson(who we spanked last year I remind you), Yale, SC State, UC Davis, Wofford, and Hampton(when was the last time they won a playoff game..or for that matter beat a CAA team?) on the ballot and not JMU. Good workxthumbsupx

[JMU_Fan_2007]

Can someone explain why so many people have New Hampshire so high? They lost probably their best defensive (Corey Graham)and best offensive player (David Ball). The A-10 seems wide open this year, with the top teams having a lot of turnover, but I really struggle with New Hampshire's chances of finishing so high. IMO, Delaware should be higher. Also, Towson is rediculously overrated. Every time they pay a game that matters they lose by at least 30 points.

[JALMOND]

Not quite as embarassed as I was after I submitted my ballot. I only missed four from the top 25.

1. Montana
2. Appalachian State
3. Massachusettes
4. S. Illinois
5. Cal Poly
6. New Hampshire
7. North Dakota State
8. Youngstown State
9. Furman
10. Hampton
11. Illinois State
12. James Madison
13. UC-Davis
14. Sam Houston St
15. Richmond
16. Portland State (Go Viks!)
17. Maine
18. Towson
19. McNeese State
20. Northern Iowa
21. Tenn-Martin
22. E Illinois
23. Georgia Southern
24. Coastal Carolina
25. Montana State

W. Sam Houston State
L. Montana State

Maybe a little too much on S Illinois and Maine and too little on Northern Iowa, but all in all pretty good, considering I'm still trying to figure out the teams as I go east. First official poll I've voted in about three years I guess.

[dbackjon]

No JMU in there? UT Martin, Towson(who we spanked last year I remind you), Yale, SC State, UC Davis, Wofford, and Hampton(when was the last time they won a playoff game..or for that matter beat a CAA team?) on the ballot and not JMU. Good workxthumbsupx

JMU was an oversight that I didn't realize until today.

But since you brought it up, why is JMU worthy?

[CopperCat]

I posted mine in the poll thread but I guess I'll post it here too:

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. Northern Iowa
4. New Hampshire
5. North Dakota St.
6. Southern Illinois
7. James Madison
8. Massachusetts
9. Furman
10. Cal Poly
11. Richmond
12. Illinois St.
13. Sam Houston St.
14. Portland St.
15. Wofford
16. Harvard
17. Eastern Kentucky
18. South Carolina St.
19. Tennessee-Martin
20. Lehigh
21. Maine
22. Youngstown St.
23. The Citadel
24. Northwestern St.
25. Weber St.

El Cid at 23? Tell us why.

And Weber St. at 25?!?!?!?!? That is crazy, and I'm probably not alone in my assessment.

[TexasTerror]

Coverage from South Dakota St...

http://www3.sdstate.edu/Athletics/VarsitySports/Football/NewsDetail55217.cfm?Id=46,6028

[youwouldno]

El Cid at 23? Tell us why.

And Weber St. at 25?!?!?!?!? That is crazy, and I'm probably not alone in my assessment.

Citadel has a very good QB and a top notch coach. Should be a balanced squad with nice upside. Weber State has a very good coach and a really, really good defense. If their offense is even average, that team could win some games.

Montana State was excluded solely because of the coaching situation and disruption to the program. On talent alone, I have Montana State in the top 15 and I will be quick to return them there once they show there are no ill effects.

I did a great deal of research and I stand by my selections.

[Spider]

Some others have Richmond ranked, just lower. My poll is probably different in that I did not refer, at all, to last year's poll. I looked at every team individually and gave each a rating (well, not every team-- I focused on the stronger conferences and then narrowed it down first in weaker conferences).

So far as the CAA, I think Towson is overrated and some people rank Villanova, which makes zero sense to me. Maine has no offense and Delaware has no defense... Richmond's offense is going to be a lot better, the defense will be weaker but still decent, and Clawson can coach.
Alot of talented folks back on 'O' and the 'D' will be young and fast. Not sure we deserve a top 25 in preseason but may surprise into the season...

[PantherRob82]

After last year I am happy just to be in the top 10 (if you average out the polls for far). I am confident that the team is loaded with talent and we can only go up in the rankings after the season starts.

I agree. Poll doesn't really matter to me as long as we get into the playoffs.

[PantherRob82]

Can someone explain why so many people have New Hampshire so high? They lost probably their best defensive (Corey Graham)and best offensive player (David Ball). The A-10 seems wide open this year, with the top teams having a lot of turnover, but I really struggle with New Hampshire's chances of finishing so high. IMO, Delaware should be higher. Also, Towson is rediculously overrated. Every time they pay a game that matters they lose by at least 30 points.

UNH has other good WRs. I think that'll be shown this year.

[PantherRob82]

El Cid at 23? Tell us why.

And Weber St. at 25?!?!?!?!? That is crazy, and I'm probably not alone in my assessment.

Weber is crazy. Maybe he just felt the need to add a 3rd big Sky team?

[danefan]

I did a great deal of research and I stand by my selections.

Good for you!!!!! Thats what makes the poll great, different opinions apparently based in people's actual research, not blind faith.

[PantherRob82]

1. Appalachian St. same
2. Northern Iowa 4 higher
3. Montana 1 lower
4. New Hampshire 3 higher
5. Illinois St. 6 higher
6. Furman 3 higher
7. McNeese St. 5 higher
8. Cal Poly 2 higher
9. Massachusetts 4 lower
10. North Dakota St. 7 lower
11. Youngstown St. 7 lower
12. Portland St. 2 higher
13. James Madison 5 lower
14. Wofford 2 higher
15. Sam Houston St. 5 higher
16. Eastern Illinois 3 higher
17. Southern Illinois 4 lower
18. Tennessee-Martin 1 lower
19. Yale 6 higher
20. Montana St. 1 higher
21. Coastal Carolina 3 higher
22. Towson not in
23. South Dakota St. 1 lower
24. Western Carolina not in
25. UC Davis not in

MOST SIGNIFICANT RISING TEAM: Wofford
MOST SIGNIFICANT FALLING TEAM: Hampton

8 within 2 spots of where they placed on AGS. 3 not in AGS poll.

thoughts?

[BeauFoster]

1. Appalachian St. same
2. Northern Iowa 4 higher
3. Montana 1 lower
4. New Hampshire 3 higher
5. Illinois St. 6 higher
6. Furman 3 higher
7. McNeese St. 5 higher
8. Cal Poly 2 higher
9. Massachusetts 4 lower
10. North Dakota St. 7 lower
11. Youngstown St. 7 lower
12. Portland St. 2 higher
13. James Madison 5 lower
14. Wofford 2 higher
15. Sam Houston St. 5 higher
16. Eastern Illinois 3 higher
17. Southern Illinois 4 lower
18. Tennessee-Martin 1 lower
19. Yale 6 higher
20. Montana St. 1 higher
21. Coastal Carolina 3 higher
22. Towson not in
23. South Dakota St. 1 lower
24. Western Carolina not in
25. UC Davis not in

MOST SIGNIFICANT RISING TEAM: Wofford
MOST SIGNIFICANT FALLING TEAM: Hampton

8 within 2 spots of where they placed on AGS. 3 not in AGS poll.

thoughts?


xeekx With the past few years issues in Cullowhee, I don't know that the Catamounts will win 3 games. They have several FBS games, and play at ASU, GSU, El Cid and Wofford. It would be the surpise of the year if they finished in the top 25. Of course, all of this is just my personal opinion.

[youwouldno]

Weber is crazy. Maybe he just felt the need to add a 3rd big Sky team?

Could you explain why Weber is a "crazy" pick at #25? Maybe I missed something in my research and you could illuminate me.

[GannonFan]

Can someone explain why so many people have New Hampshire so high? They lost probably their best defensive (Corey Graham)and best offensive player (David Ball). The A-10 seems wide open this year, with the top teams having a lot of turnover, but I really struggle with New Hampshire's chances of finishing so high. IMO, Delaware should be higher. Also, Towson is rediculously overrated. Every time they pay a game that matters they lose by at least 30 points.

You can't underestimate the value of a top notch QB - Santos will have that team playing well and he'll carry them. They didn't have much of a defense last year so losing a great guy like Graham isn't that bad of a deal. UNH will still be pretty good this year.

[PantherRob82]

Could you explain why Weber is a "crazy" pick at #25? Maybe I missed something in my research and you could illuminate me.

I would love to enlighten you. Weber St will finish 4th at best in the Big Sky. They're not anywhere near the top tier of FCS football. They will lose a minimum of 3 games in the Big Sky. That puts them at 8-3 at the absolute best. I'm guessing they probably play an FBS game as well.

[PantherRob82]

xeekx With the past few years issues in Cullowhee, I don't know that the Catamounts will win 3 games. They have several FBS games, and play at ASU, GSU, El Cid and Wofford. It would be the surpise of the year if they finished in the top 25. Of course, all of this is just my personal opinion.

Yeah, that would probably be my second guess of my poll.

[AGSPoll]

The AGS Top 25 Poll was important enough to make UNI's athletic homepage....rock on!

http://unipanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/052107aac.html


Coverage from South Dakota St...

http://www3.sdstate.edu/Athletics/VarsitySports/Football/NewsDetail55217.cfm?Id=46,6028
Thanks for posting guys. If anyone sees other coverage, please post it here. xthumbsupx

[Mountaineer]

Thanks for posting guys. If anyone sees other coverage, please post it here. xthumbsupx

Definitely. Pretty cool to have participated in something that's making the rounds on athletic pages of various schools.

Awesome job, everyone!

xbowx xnodx xhurrayx xhypedx xbeerchugx xsmileyclapx

[crunifan]

Wow, I gotta say I'm pretty impressed with UNI's article there. Gives a nice history of AGS and even points out how accurate this poll can be. Plus, they even use FCS and not I-AA. That was a good article!

[CopperCat]

Citadel has a very good QB and a top notch coach. Should be a balanced squad with nice upside. Weber State has a very good coach and a really, really good defense. If their offense is even average, that team could win some games.

Montana State was excluded solely because of the coaching situation and disruption to the program. On talent alone, I have Montana State in the top 15 and I will be quick to return them there once they show there are no ill effects.

I did a great deal of research and I stand by my selections.

That's all fair and good with the Citadel, but why Weber State? NAU would be in my poll WAY before WSU. I'm not worried about MSU being in the poll (they do need to prove themselves). I REALLY wanted to know why you picked Weber over somebody else (like UCD or SHSU?) I'm not trying to be smackish, I just want to know what you saw in Weber that made you pick them?

[CopperCat]

Could you explain why Weber is a "crazy" pick at #25? Maybe I missed something in my research and you could illuminate me.

If you explain first then maybe I would retract/defend my "crazy" statement.

[PantherRob82]

Definitely. Pretty cool to have participated in something that's making the rounds on athletic pages of various schools.

Awesome job, everyone!

xbowx xnodx xhurrayx xhypedx xbeerchugx xsmileyclapx

Definitely

[PantherRob82]

Wow, I gotta say I'm pretty impressed with UNI's article there. Gives a nice history of AGS and even points out how accurate this poll can be. Plus, they even use FCS and not I-AA. That was a good article!

Glad to see them promoting use of FCS. Has the Courier caught on?

[PantherRob82]

If you explain first then maybe I would retract/defend my "crazy" statement.

He's getting defensive, maybe we should back off his. Pick mine apart. xthumbsupx

[BigApp]

I'd be interested to see the teams that received less than 5 votes.

[colgate13]

I too am surprised that Lehigh gets more love than Lafayette given recent history. FWIW I think one more Lafayette title win and the league is officially 'their's' with Lehigh and Colgate playing second fiddle.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Can someone explain why so many people have New Hampshire so high? They lost probably their best defensive (Corey Graham)and best offensive player (David Ball). The A-10 seems wide open this year, with the top teams having a lot of turnover, but I really struggle with New Hampshire's chances of finishing so high. IMO, Delaware should be higher. Also, Towson is rediculously overrated. Every time they pay a game that matters they lose by at least 30 points.


You can't underestimate the value of a top notch QB - Santos will have that team playing well and he'll carry them. They didn't have much of a defense last year so losing a great guy like Graham isn't that bad of a deal. UNH will still be pretty good this year.

In addition to the Santos factor:

1) 9 of 10 OL on the final two deep return
2) all running backs on the final two deep return along with a highly regarded freshman. Looking like four good RBs will be available.
3) Inexperience at TE, but Spring Ball had two candidates step up and add significantly to the passing game at the TE position. Very little production last year from TE so this is one portion of the "replacing Ball" syndrome.
4.) LeVan and Boyle return at WR along with a highly regarded freshman who enrolled this Spring and participated in Spring Practice. Many believe Boyle is poised for a break-out year.
5.) UNH played the second half of last season without Corey Graham so that adjustment wasn't during Spring Practice.
6.) Improved recruiting the past couple of years appears to have increased the speed and athleticism on defense. Only time will tell if they can mature into a cohesive unit.
7.) The four leading tacklers from last year's D return -- Pammer, Husain Karim, Parent and Clements. That's not too shabby a nucleus for a defensive unit.

[PantherRob82]

I'd be interested to see the teams that received less than 5 votes.

one is probably my WCU vote. xbawlingx

[PantherRob82]

In addition to the Santos factor:

1) 9 of 10 OL on the final two deep return
2) all running backs on the final two deep return along with a highly regarded freshman. Looking like four good RBs will be available.
3) Inexperience at TE, but Spring Ball had two candidates step up and add significantly to the passing game at the TE position. Very little production last year from TE so this is one portion of the "replacing Ball" syndrome.
4.) LeVan and Boyle return at WR along with a highly regarded freshman who enrolled this Spring and participated in Spring Practice. Many believe Boyle is poised for a break-out year.
5.) UNH played the second half of last season without Corey Graham so that adjustment wasn't during Spring Practice.
6.) Improved recruiting the past couple of years appears to have increased the speed and athleticism on defense. Only time will tell if they can mature into a cohesive unit.
7.) The four leading tacklers from last year's D return -- Pammer, Husain Karim, Parent and Clements. That's not too shabby a nucleus for a defensive unit.


Great breakdown xthumbsupx

[youwouldno]

That's all fair and good with the Citadel, but why Weber State? NAU would be in my poll WAY before WSU. I'm not worried about MSU being in the poll (they do need to prove themselves). I REALLY wanted to know why you picked Weber over somebody else (like UCD or SHSU?) I'm not trying to be smackish, I just want to know what you saw in Weber that made you pick them?

Ask and ye shall receive. Quick note: SHSU is in my poll, at #13. With regard to the Big Sky in general, purely on talent I had this order:

UM
MSU
PSU
WSU
NAU
EWU
ISU
SSU
UNC

I am not sold on NAU in part because Murietta was such a key to their offense. Their WR's are probably overrated because they had such a great QB throwing to them. That said, I have their offense rated pretty high, maybe even too high. The problem is their defense, which I expect to be pretty bad, at least.

As to Weber St... I think the hardest unit to field at the FCS level (and quite possibly any level) is the defensive line. And I really like Weber's DL, particularly Moleni and Stotler. They have a nice pass rush at DE and lots of talent and depth at DT. Two LBers return as does most of the secondary, and I think SS Sparrow could have a big year. One corner graduates but I like Craig North a lot to step in. Offensively, almost everyone returns and I think they could improve substantially-- losing their senior QBs probably will help, not hurt. Good mix of wide outs, more experienced line. Trevyn Smith was one of the best RBs in the Big Sky last season and he was only a R-Fr. A huge factor is the coach-- Ron McBride is a very good coach, and this is his 3rd season. Based on his record at Utah, while he didn't build a lot of elite teams, he never seemed to have two bad years in a row.

There are probably safer picks for #25... but I made an informed decision and think it was justified.

[CID1990]

Most of these rankings are going out the window after the first conference games are played. The only pick I would have any confidence in is Appy at #1.

[TexasTerror]

Most of these rankings are going out the window after the first conference games are played. The only pick I would have any confidence in is Appy at #1.

You seen Montana's schedule? They'll be safe at #2 for awhile. xnodx

[bjtheflamesfan]

Part of me was pleasantly surprised to see Liberty get 10 votes in the preseason top 25. I know that a few of my fellow Flamefans frequent this here board but I do have to wonder who else voted for the Flames.

[dbackjon]

Ask and ye shall receive. Quick note: SHSU is in my poll, at #13. With regard to the Big Sky in general, purely on talent I had this order:

UM
MSU
PSU
WSU
NAU
EWU
ISU
SSU
UNC

I am not sold on NAU in part because Murietta was such a key to their offense. Their WR's are probably overrated because they had such a great QB throwing to them. That said, I have their offense rated pretty high, maybe even too high. The problem is their defense, which I expect to be pretty bad, at least.



NAU WR's are anything but overrated. NAU's recieving corps (including TE's) is probably one of the top 5, if not THE BEST in the country.

[Mountaineer#96]

dang I didn't vote........been sorta out of things for the past few days, will I get to some other time?

[PantherRob82]

Part of me was pleasantly surprised to see Liberty get 10 votes in the preseason top 25. I know that a few of my fellow Flamefans frequent this here board but I do have to wonder who else voted for the Flames.

I've heard quite a few voters say they picked Liberty to win the Big South and thus put them in the poll.

[PantherRob82]

dang I didn't vote........been sorta out of things for the past few days, will I get to some other time?

once the season starts. xthumbsupx

[andy7171]

Part of me was pleasantly surprised to see Liberty get 10 votes in the preseason top 25. I know that a few of my fellow Flamefans frequent this here board but I do have to wonder who else voted for the Flames.

If this were a top 26 poll, I would have included Liberty. Very close to making my list. Very close. I think the OOC games hurt you.

[SuperJon]

I've heard quite a few voters say they picked Liberty to win the Big South and thus put them in the poll.

Picking us to win the Big South and putting us in the poll are two completely different things. I fully believe we'll win the Big South, but we haven't done anything to be poll-worthy yet. Yes, we have a CRAPLOAD of potential this year, but until we beat some people (at Elon, at William and Mary, competitive at Toledo, vs Coastal) I don't think we should be ranked. If (it's a huge if, I'm not predicting anything here) we blow out Elon and W&M on the road, then I could see a ranking. Until then, we don't deserve it.

[UNHWildCats]

Picking us to win the Big South and putting us in the poll are two completely different things. I fully believe we'll win the Big South, but we haven't done anything to be poll-worthy yet. Yes, we have a CRAPLOAD of potential this year, but until we beat some people (at Elon, at William and Mary, competitive at Toledo, vs Coastal) I don't think we should be ranked. If (it's a huge if, I'm not predicting anything here) we blow out Elon and W&M on the road, then I could see a ranking. Until then, we don't deserve it.


You cant use that logic though cause no one has proven anything in 2007 thus no one should be ranked.

[SuperJon]

People have guys coming back who have proven themselves. In 2006, all we proved was that we were a 6-5 team who lost four close games. That was a big turnaround from 1-10, but I still don't think we should be ranked yet.

[Golden Eagle]

Thanks for posting guys. If anyone sees other coverage, please post it here. xthumbsupx

UT Martin takes note of 17 ranking. (http://www.utmsports.com/fullstory.cfm?id=2630)

[UNHWildCats]

http://www.unhwildcats.com/index.cfm?id=CA22C91E-DEE5-8060-5375830A0F23F4AA&pid=B4569510-BB88-9546-3485CB8C459203A8&archive=0

[Col Hogan]

http://umassathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/052107aaa.html

[Longhorn]

JMU was an oversight that I didn't realize until today.

But since you brought it up, why is JMU worthy?


Because JMU coeds look like your avatar. xthumbsupx

[andy7171]

Because JMU coeds look like your avatar. xthumbsupx

Well, at least the dance team! xnodx

[dbackjon]

Because JMU coeds look like your avatar. xthumbsupx

This post will be really funny the next time I change it ;)

[th0m]

Well, at least the dance team! xnodx

Hey now don't discount Towson's dance team....xeekx

[McTailGator]

I want to know who the other 5 Texas St. votes were for. I put us at 23, being very homerish.

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. North Dakota St.
4. Cal Poly
5. Massachusetts
6. Northern Iowa
7. New Hampshire
8. Illinois St.
9. Eastern Illinois
10. James Madison
11. Furman
12. Lafayette
13. Lehigh
14. Delaware
15. Southern Illinois
16. Youngstown St.
17. Sam Houston St.
18. Montana St.
19. Alabama St.
20. Jackson St.
21. Coastal Carolina
22. South Dakota St.
23. Texas St.
24. Wofford
25. Northwestern St.
W. North Dakota St.
L. Delaware

xnonox

I see the lack of respect for the 06 SLC champion (winner of 4 of the last 6 years) contiues for some Bobcat fans. I guess that's why we play 11 games + during the season.

Cowboy's will finish the regular season as a top 8 team.

[Tailbone]

xnonox

I see the lack of respect for the 06 SLC champion (winner of 4 of the last 6 years) contiues for some Bobcat fans. I guess that's why we play 11 games + during the season.

Cowboy's will finish the regular season as a top 8 team.

Does that mean you will be beating the Griz in Missoula?

The comittee really ought to let you guys start somewhere else.
Not that we don't enjoy your visits....I'm just sayin'.

[Longhorn]

This post will be really funny the next time I change it ;)


It's perfect the way it is, so why mess with success? xbowx

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

My first ever poll:

1. App. St.
2. UMass
3. Montana
4. NDSU
5. UNI
6. YSU
7. JMU
8. SIU
9. UNH
10. ISU
11. Furman
12. Montana State (oops! didn't know about that coach - they'll still be good!)
13. Cal Poly
14. Delaware
15. Princeton
16. UT-Martin
17. Portland State
18. McNeese St.
19. SDSU
20. Towson
21. Maine
22. Central Arkansas
23. Coastal Carolina
24. Wofford
25. UC-Davis
W - Delaware
L - Coastal Carolina

"Missed" (I like that term for intentionally left off xthumbsupx ) Hampton, the PL :p (don't worry, one of you will get in soon enough... i think...), and drum roll please, SAN DIEGO!

I think Maine will be much stronger this year, and personally I feel like a great defensive team stands a better chance than a great offensive team vs. UMass in the CAA North. Just my two cents.

I was also tempted to get SHSU on this as well. A good start may have them rising in my poll quickly.

UNI - please beat YSU as usual and prove me right about the Gateway standings

For those questioning JMU's place in the poll (I've seen them all over the board), I felt really good about the QB depth after the JMU spring game. They come loaded with athletes once again, and the secondary will be much stronger than it was last year. The major question is health of the linemen as I am not sure about JMUs depth on the lines. LB is another area where depth is a concern, but JMU even when it was bad had good LBs, so I have faith this part of the equation will be resolved (see last year, no one expected Akeem to be a runner-up for the Buchannon Award). With early games at UNC and then home against UNH, it is quite possible those who voted JMU near #20 will feel vindicated.




(But I doubt it xsmiley_wix )

[TxState_GO_CATS!]

xnonox

I see the lack of respect for the 06 SLC champion (winner of 4 of the last 6 years) contiues for some Bobcat fans. I guess that's why we play 11 games + during the season.

Cowboy's will finish the regular season as a top 8 team.

McTailGator,

Let's think about this logically...

if Team A loses 3 straight times soundly to Team B, why should Team B automatically think Team A will not only win, but win at Team B's house?

Apparently, you've given the rest of the SLC something to think you're the best team in the conference. Here in Texas State land, we're lacking such evidence. But, for the record, I had McNeese as a Top 20 team (at 18) based on talent alone.

[bjtheflamesfan]

Here is my poll:

1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. Massachusetts
4. Youngstown St.
5. New Hampshire
6. Hampton
7. North Dakota St.
8. Southern Illinois
9. James Madison
10. McNeese St.
11. Portland St.
12. Furman
13. Northern Iowa
14. Sam Houston St.
15. Cal Poly
16. Lehigh
17. Eastern Illinois
18. South Dakota St.
19. Western Illinois
20. Coastal Carolina
21. Delaware
22. UC Davis
23. Yale
24. Lafayette
25. Montana St.
W. Portland St.
L. Montana St.

(I couldn't find SC St in any of the dropdowns so I moved UC Davis into their spot)

[PantherRob82]

Picking us to win the Big South and putting us in the poll are two completely different things. I fully believe we'll win the Big South, but we haven't done anything to be poll-worthy yet. Yes, we have a CRAPLOAD of potential this year, but until we beat some people (at Elon, at William and Mary, competitive at Toledo, vs Coastal) I don't think we should be ranked. If (it's a huge if, I'm not predicting anything here) we blow out Elon and W&M on the road, then I could see a ranking. Until then, we don't deserve it.

No one has to prove anything. The poll is supposed to be our educated guesses on how teams will fare.

[PantherRob82]

xnonox

I see the lack of respect for the 06 SLC champion (winner of 4 of the last 6 years) contiues for some Bobcat fans. I guess that's why we play 11 games + during the season.

Cowboy's will finish the regular season as a top 8 team.

No McNeese is an outrage.

[PantherRob82]

UNI - please beat YSU as usual and prove me right about the Gateway standings


It worked the last 6 times.

[BigApp]

You seen Montana's schedule? They'll be safe at #2 for awhile. xnodx

I think just the opposite TT. With that weak of a schedule, you won't know who or what they are (if anything) until late in the season.

[dbackjon]

I think just the opposite TT. With that weak of a schedule, you won't know who or what they are (if anything) until late in the season.

Five home games to start the season - SUU, Ft. Lewis, (IDLE), Albany, Weber State, EWU. Travel to Sac St, Northern Colorado at home.

So yes, if Montana is not 7-0 to start the season, it will be a shock.

They close this way:
at NAU
Portland State
at Idaho State
at Montana State

[89Hen]

Because JMU coeds look like your avatar. xthumbsupx
But so do your football players. xcoolx

[th0m]

But so do your football players. xcoolx

Yeah, all the other teams just stare as we 'walk' by ;)

[Longhorn]

But so do your football players. xcoolx


Well that explains why UD stood around flat-footed in last year's game....they were awe struck by our collective beauty. xsmiley_wix

[Longhorn]

JMU's Note:

http://www.jmusports.com/

[McTailGator]

Does that mean you will be beating the Griz in Missoula?

The comittee really ought to let you guys start somewhere else.
Not that we don't enjoy your visits....I'm just sayin'.



It's the Griz's turn to come to Lake Charles. xsmiley_wix


McNeese and Montana have played 6 times.

McNeese has won all 3 games in Lake Charles, and the Griz has won 3 of thiers in Missoula. Go Figure.

But I agree, It's time for those of us down South to get a shot at some of the Patriot Leaguers, MEAC, and Ohio Valley teams for a change.

But if we are ranked 8th, I don;t see McNeese and the Griz playing too soon in the playoffs. Both of us have tha ability to make some good money for the NCAA with our attendance figures. McNeese will sell alot of tickets this year. We expect to be scoring a lot of points, and you know hwo the say Offense sells tickets...

[dbackjon]

NAU will gladly travel to McNeese for the first round ;)

[McTailGator]

McTailGator,

Let's think about this logically...

if Team A loses 3 straight times soundly to Team B, why should Team B automatically think Team A will not only win, but win at Team B's house?

Apparently, you've given the rest of the SLC something to think you're the best team in the conference. Here in Texas State land, we're lacking such evidence. But, for the record, I had McNeese as a Top 20 team (at 18) based on talent alone.


OK let's use you "So called" lodgic...

If Team B beat Team A for 11 straight years (, half of which were at team A's house, like McNeese did with your boys prior to 2004), than why would Team A think they can keep up their little 3 game winning streak (of which one was a Hurricane year), against team B that has won 3 of the last 5 SLC championships and will be the favorites to win their 4th in the last 6 years this time?

xsmiley_wix

HEY ONE YEAR WONDERS OF THE SLC...

WE'RE BAAAAACKKK xdizzyx

[McTailGator]

NAU will gladly travel to McNeese for the first round ;)

KOOL, WE GOTTA A SCORE TO SETTLE WITH YA'LL. xsmiley_wix

[TxState_GO_CATS!]

OK let's use you "So called" lodgic...

If Team B beat Team A for 11 straight years (, half of which were at team A's house, like McNeese did with your boys prior to 2004), than why would Team A think they can keep up their little 3 game winning streak (of which one was a Hurricane year), against team B that has won 3 of the last 5 SLC championships and will be the favorites to win their 4th in the last 6 years this time?

xsmiley_wix

HEY ONE YEAR WONDERS OF THE SLC...

WE'RE BAAAAACKKK xdizzyx

sounds similar to the stuff GSU was sayin to us prior to our game. history means nothing. recent teams (i.e. last few years) tell more about how a team is NOW than in the past 10+ years. now if you're using last year as a basis for you being the favorites this year, remember last year, you lost to a middle-of-the-pack SLC team in your own house and won vs. shsu because of a controversial QB call. count your blessings, don't act like you own the SLC.

so, eh, i'll stick with my ranking.:)

[youwouldno]

I'm not sold on McNeese's defense, and I doubt their offense will be all that great either.

[appfan2008]

i dont think anyone should complain about their preseason rank... because that is exactly what it is ... preseason...
prove your worth during the season and your ranking will rise

[smallcollegefbfan]

I'm not sold on McNeese's defense, and I doubt their offense will be all that great either.

McNeese was young last year. They will bring back two players who were not expected to return on defense. Former preseason all-southland DL Kirby Joseph (postseason all-SLC) and Vaalyn Jackson return to bolster the defensive front with Bryan Smith. They return Trey Bennett at LB and have a Louisiana Tech transfer who should help the LBs. They also have 2 all-SLC DBs in Jonathan Walker and Jamelle Juneau.

On offense, Derrick Fourroux, ROY, comes back and has 3 all-SLC WRs as well as highly touted HS TE Kyle Link who is now a junior. The only major hit to the OL is Brent Pousson and they return one of their top OL from injury in Lance Fremin at center.

Steven Whitehead returns, SLC POY, and gives them a solid return man.
Kicker Blake Bercegeay is an all-american candidate.

They return a lot of players from grade and injury issues that hurt them big time last season.

They have the talent to be good. I hope nobody is overlooking them. They will win at least 8 games IMO.

[appfan2008]

oh and by the way i did have mcneese in the top 25

[RabidRabbit]

YOU'VE GOT TO CONSIDER THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE WITH WINNING FOOTBALL TEAMS WHEN IT COMES TO THE FANS AT TxSU...

THEY KNOW NOT HOW LITTLE THE KNOW. xsmiley_wix

Hey - This Rabbit looks forward to some tasty grilled Bobcat in Brookings....

xsmhx xsmhx

Wait, can't do that! That's the Brookings HS mascot. :p

UMMM, looking forward to Tx St playing in Brookings! xthumbsupx

[youwouldno]

McNeese was 7-5 last season but one game was non D-I and the SLC was very weak as a conference. I understand getting blown out by South Florida, but Toledo (41-7)? That's a below average MAC team. And Montana easily put McNeese down. Southern Utah had 1 D-I win, and McNeese scraped by, by 3, at home.

They might return some defensive players but they were 92nd in rush defense. Ouch. Having experience is nice but if your players aren't that good, it really doesn't matter. Their allegedly great secondary was very mediocre against the passing game.

Fourroux has potential but he wasn't that great last year. In 7 of 11 games, he completed less than 10 passes (of course with a varying number of attempts). He did get yards on the ground with consistency. Anyway, McNeese was 90th in passing offense.

[smallcollegefbfan]

McNeese was 7-5 last season but one game was non D-I and the SLC was very weak as a conference. I understand getting blown out by South Florida, but Toledo (41-7)? That's a below average MAC team. And Montana easily put McNeese down. Southern Utah had 1 D-I win, and McNeese scraped by, by 3, at home.

They might return some defensive players but they were 92nd in rush defense. Ouch. Having experience is nice but if your players aren't that good, it really doesn't matter. Their allegedly great secondary was very mediocre against the passing game.

Fourroux has potential but he wasn't that great last year. In 7 of 11 games, he completed less than 10 passes (of course with a varying number of attempts). He did get yards on the ground with consistency. Anyway, McNeese was 90th in passing offense.


I am just saying they were young and I believe they will be better. I don't think they are top 5 but they aren't garbage either. They should be a top 15 team. They have a lot more seniors this year so I expect better execution on both sides.

[LegacyDuke08]

Mine:
1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. North Dakota St.
4. Cal Poly
5. Portland St.
6. Massachusetts
7. Illinois St.
8. Youngstown St.
9. Furman
10. McNeese St.
11. Northern Iowa
12. New Hampshire
13. Wofford
14. Montana St.
15. Southern Illinois
16. Tennessee-Martin
17. Hampton
18. Lehigh
19. Towson
20. Northern Arizona
21. Yale
22. Coastal Carolina
23. UC Davis
24. Eastern Illinois
25. South Carolina St

How does JMU go from #8 in the AGS poll to non-existent in your's?

[89Hen]

How does JMU go from #8 in the AGS poll to non-existent in your's?

xconfusedx AFAIK, the AGS Poll came out after dbackjon's... so a better question is how does JMU go from unranked to #8? :p

[89Hen]

Some more press xthumbsupx

CAA Coverage (http://www.caasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8500&ATCLID=898678)

New Hampshire (http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070522/FOSTERS02/105220246/-1/citizen02)

Tennessee-Martin (http://www.utmsports.com/fullstory.cfm?id=2630&sport=Football)

[Granite]

Some more press xthumbsupx

CAA Coverage (http://www.caasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8500&ATCLID=898678)

New Hampshire (http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070522/FOSTERS02/105220246/-1/citizen02)

Tennessee-Martin (http://www.utmsports.com/fullstory.cfm?id=2630&sport=Football)

UNH is linking to the poll on the front page of the main University website:

UNH Link on Main Website (http://www.unh.edu)

This is in addition to the story on the UNH Athletics site that UNHWildcats linked to yesterday.

[PantherRob82]

UNH is linking to the poll on the front page of the main University website:

UNH Link on Main Website (http://www.unh.edu)

This is in addition to the story on the UNH Athletics site that UNHWildcats linked to yesterday.

very cool.

[EmeryZach]

UMass got the #5 spot in the poll, but I am a little worried about our defensive backfield. Also, we have to find a good RB to replace Baylark. Our WR's should be ok, Plus Liam Coen is amazing. Should be a competitve season in the new league. There is no way anyone can compete with App State this year though. Looks like thet could probably win the Sun Belt in the the Bowl Subdivision xlolx . Can't wait to go to Boston College and play those assholes. I mean we know we will lose, but just imagine if we won. That would be the biggest upset ever in college football. We'll see what happens with UMass this year. I am confident we will go far in the playoffs again. I'll be tailgating in the parking lot before ever game. GO ZooMASS!!!!!

[PantherRob82]

There is no way anyone can compete with App State this year though. Looks like thet could probably win the Sun Belt in the the Bowl Subdivision xlolx . Can't wait to go to Boston College and play those assholes. I mean we know we will lose, but just imagine if we won. That would be the biggest upset ever in college football. We'll see what happens with UMass this year. I am confident we will go far in the playoffs again. I'll be tailgating in the parking lot before ever game. GO ZooMASS!!!!!

Not sure about the App State comment. They will be great, but not a guaranteed champion.

I would love to see you guys beat BC.

[EmeryZach]

The only reason I say App State will win it all again is because of Armanti Edwards. He is the Mike Vick of the Championship Subdivision. Even if you have a linebacker spy him he is still unstoppable. It will be really interesting to see what they can do against Michigan on Sept 1. Honestly, I think they can stay within 14 points.

And yes I would love to see us beat Boston College too. Sadly it won't happen, but I have friends who go there, so I will be very drunk when i watch us lose and then will have a place to go after the game to get even more drunk.

[The Gadfly]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who put a vote in for the Citadel. Coastal has got a bunch of holes to fill and a pretty damn tough schedule to get through. It might become an ungly season for the Thunderin' Beach Chickens.xsmhx

[Col Hogan]

UMass got the #5 spot in the poll, but I am a little worried about our defensive backfield. Also, we have to find a good RB to replace Baylark. Our WR's should be ok, Plus Liam Coen is amazing. Should be a competitve season in the new league. There is no way anyone can compete with App State this year though. Looks like thet could probably win the Sun Belt in the the Bowl Subdivision xlolx . Can't wait to go to Boston College and play those assholes. I mean we know we will lose, but just imagine if we won. That would be the biggest upset ever in college football. We'll see what happens with UMass this year. I am confident we will go far in the playoffs again. I'll be tailgating in the parking lot before ever game. GO ZooMASS!!!!!

First, welcome to a new UMass poster...we need all the reasoned, level-headed UMies we can get here.

Your assessment of the UMass position in the preseason poll is on target. I argued a number of times before the poll that UMass is not worthy of a top 10 spot at this time...too many holes to fill. Yess, we have the ability to move up and become a top 5 team...but the new folks have to prove that on the field. I think too many people voted for UMass based on last years performance...instead of this years potential.

CAA is really not a new league...just the conference formerly known as A-10. Same teams...same divisions...nothing new, but the name...

I agree with you on Appy...nuff said on that...

Regarding BC...I'd sure love to beat them eaglets...but I don't think it will happen...they have a strong core returning from last years team...but, it is possible

[james_lawfirm]

The only reason I say App State will win it all again is because of Armanti Edwards. He is the Mike Vick of the Championship Subdivision. Even if you have a linebacker spy him he is still unstoppable. It will be really interesting to see what they can do against Michigan on Sept 1. Honestly, I think they can stay within 14 points.

I agree about Edwards. Rumor is that he has gained 20 lbs in the off-season. That puts him up to a thundering 185 lbs. xeekx xeekx xeekx

But there is more to the ASU team than just Edwards. And, I agree that we may not beat Michigan by more than 14 points. xsmiley_wix xsmiley_wix xsmiley_wix

[No_Skill]

AGS Preseason Poll article at GoBison.com xthumbsupx

AGS Poll Article (http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=11850&SPID=695&DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=899432)

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Lehigh's Athletics Website reports the good news as well!

http://www.lehighsports.com/sports/football/release.asp?release_id=5554


AGS is the world's largest online community devoted to the FCS. Its poll was created in 2004 to give members of the AGS community a place to voice their opinion, vote for the top 25 FCS programs in the nation, and provide the media and coaches of FCS a valuable resource to gauge general sentiment.

In order to ensure the poll is accurate and fair, a committee of AGS veteran members has established guidelines for voter eligibility and accountability. The AGS poll will be announced weekly throughout the season on Mondays and a final poll will be announced shortly after the national championship game.

AGS also sponsors the national syndicated CSN WAVES show hosted by Ralph Wallace of College Sporting News. It airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. during the season.

xthumbsupx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

[Black Saturday]

The only reason I say App State will win it all again is because of Armanti Edwards. He is the Mike Vick of the Championship Subdivision. Even if you have a linebacker spy him he is still unstoppable. It will be really interesting to see what they can do against Michigan on Sept 1. Honestly, I think they can stay within 14 points.

And yes I would love to see us beat Boston College too. Sadly it won't happen, but I have friends who go there, so I will be very drunk when i watch us lose and then will have a place to go after the game to get even more drunk.

I'm big of an APP football fan as there is, a 14 pt loss would be really nice considering all that is going for Michigan in 2007. Top 5 and all, possible national championship game. I don't know if Lloyd Carr is gonna risk any doubt in the pollsters minds.xoopsx I see them probably putting 40+ points on us. APP's offense and defense are excellent at the FCS level, but the disparity vs. the numbers and size and speed of the athletes on a top 5 FBS level will show up plus all that UM has too lose by not blowing our doors off. I'm a homer but not sure we can make it a 14 pt game or UM will allow it. Another known fact is APP always starts slow out of the blocks. See our past opening game scores. December is what counts at our level anyway.

[poly51]

Thanks for posting guys. If anyone sees other coverage, please post it here. xthumbsupx

The AGS poll is posted on the Cal Poly Athletics web site at www.gopoly.com

[poly51]

Cal Poly is getting a lot of respect at number 10 for a defensive team that lost 4 All Great West players from defense and did not make the playoffs.

[CopperCat]

Cal Poly is getting a lot of respect at number 10 for a defensive team that lost 4 All Great West players from defense and did not make the playoffs.

I agree, but Poly is still a good team that deserves to be in at least the top 15-17 IMO.....

[EmeryZach]

Can't wait to see which Championship Subdivision teams in the poll beat a Bowl Subdivision team this year. Any predictions?

[poly51]

Cal Poly over Idaho

[agsadmin]

CSTV: Still the one

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/cs-m-footbl-more-body.html
http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/052307aab.html
http://www.cstv.com//sports/m-footbl/division_i_aa1.html

[saint0917]

Umass showing AGS some love.

AMHERST, Mass. - In the first preseason football poll of 2007, the UMass football team is ranked No. 5 according to AnyGivenSaturday.com. The reining national finalists are one of four CAA schools ranked in the poll with New Hampshire at No. 7, James Madison at No. 8 and Delaware at No. 18. UMass also faces the following conference foes included among "Others Receiving Votes": Towson and Maine along with nonconference foe Colgate. UMass opens the season against Holy Cross on Sept. 1 at McGuirk Stadium.

UMass Picked No. 5 In First Football Preseason Poll Of 2007 (http://umassathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/052107aaa.html)

[smallcollegefbfan]

It is good to see UMASS giving it some pub. How many schools have so far?

[WildcatFan]

UNH has it posted as well:

"05/22/2007
DURHAM, N.H.—The first AnyGivenSaturday.com Preseason FCS Poll was recently released and the University of New Hampshire football team was picked to finish seventh in the nation.
The Wildcats are coming off another successful season, where the squad advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the third consecutive time and posted a 9-4 overall record. Over the past three seasons, UNH has recorded an impressive 30-9 overall mark under the direction of ninth-year head coach Sean McDonnell."

http://www.unhwildcats.com/index.cfm?id=CA1D6500-9C14-9F72-F17E60B7B6771786&pid=B4569510-BB88-9546-3485CB8C459203A8&archive=0

[JMU2004]

JMU gives great pub to AGS

http://www.jmusports.com/Team/Stories/2_5300.asp?TeamID=2

AGS is the world's largest online community devoted to the FCS. Its poll was created in 2004 to give members of the AGS community a place to voice their opinion, vote for the top 25 FCS programs in the nation, and provide the media and coaches of FCS a valuable resource to gauge general sentiment.


In order to ensure the poll is accurate and fair, a committee of AGS veteran members has established guidelines for voter eligibility and accountability. The AGS poll will be announced weekly throughout the season on Mondays and a final poll will be announced shortly after the national championship game.


AGS also sponsors the national syndicated CSN WAVES show hosted by Ralph Wallace of College Sporting News. It airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. during the season.

[saint0917]

It looks like the CAA is showing AGS lots of love. xbowx xbowx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

[PantherRob82]

I know I saw it on most of the Gateway sites.

[already123]

NAU is def a top 20 team...they will definitely prove it by september

[CopperCat]

NAU is def a top 20 team...they will definitely prove it by september

xhomerx

[appfan2008]

NAU is def a top 20 team...they will definitely prove it by september

boone north carolina will be a great place to prove it

[appfan2008]

UNH has it posted as well:

"05/22/2007
DURHAM, N.H.—The first AnyGivenSaturday.com Preseason FCS Poll was recently released and the University of New Hampshire football team was picked to finish seventh in the nation.
The Wildcats are coming off another successful season, where the squad advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the third consecutive time and posted a 9-4 overall record. Over the past three seasons, UNH has recorded an impressive 30-9 overall mark under the direction of ninth-year head coach Sean McDonnell."

http://www.unhwildcats.com/index.cfm?id=CA1D6500-9C14-9F72-F17E60B7B6771786&pid=B4569510-BB88-9546-3485CB8C459203A8&archive=0


i am pretty sure that this was not the first ags poll

[th0m]

I'm pretty sure it was the first AGS Pre-season FCS poll!

In all seriousness, what I think they meant was the first poll for the '07 season.

[NDSUFREAK]

xhomerx
xnodx xnodx xnodx

[ngineer]

Lehigh has an article posted on its website about the AGS poll, too. Can be seen at www.lehighsports.com
Then just click the link for football.xthumbsupx

[terrierbob]

I'm a bit uncomfortable with Wofford being ranked so highly. We did well against So.Carolina and App. State, but until we beat Furman more than every 10 years, I think we should be in the lower 25% of the 25. Some other polls have us ranked even higher. It may be from the SOCON "halo" effect, I don't know.

[AppGuy04]

I'm a bit uncomfortable with Wofford being ranked so highly. We did well against So.Carolina and App. State, but until we beat Furman more than every 10 years, I think we should be in the lower 25% of the 25. Some other polls have us ranked even higher. It may be from the SOCON "halo" effect, I don't know.

It's called expectations. Lets hope your boys can live up to it

[terrierbob]

It's called expectations. Lets hope your boys can live up to it
__________________________________________________ ___________
I think Ayers can make sure it doesn't go to their helmets.

[CopperCat]

It's called expectations. Lets hope your boys can live up to it

The expectations for your team are much higher than those for the terriers.

[PantherRob82]

The expectations for your team are much higher than those for the terriers.

they've already proved they can live up to it.

[CopperCat]

they've already proved they can live up to it.

xrolleyesx

[PantherRob82]

xrolleyesx

expectations weren't high after the first championship?

[crunifan]

Montana State and Appalachian State. That is a relationship full of love.

[lizrdgizrd]

xrolleyesx

You don't have to be coy, FTG. We know you love us! :D xsmoochx

[CopperCat]

You don't have to be coy, FTG. We know you love us! :D xsmoochx


Montana State and Appalachian State. That is a relationship full of love.

:D

One game and I was hooked.

[Mountaineer]

:D

One game and I was hooked.

Montana State..I wish I knew how to quit you..

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1755/brokeback2601wideweb470uy4.jpg

[DunkandDukin]

Montana State..I wish I knew how to quit you..

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1755/brokeback2601wideweb470uy4.jpg


Ummm, eeeesh...xnonox


Pretty funny though.

[dbackjon]

Montana State..I wish I knew how to quit you..

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1755/brokeback2601wideweb470uy4.jpg

xlolx xlolx That's right funny...http://llamabutchers.mu.nu/archives/deliverance%20mighty%20purty%20mouth.jpeg

[already123]

oh how this thread has digressed....

[PantherRob82]

oh how this thread has digressed....

into something hilarious.

[CopperCat]

Montana State..I wish I knew how to quit you..

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1755/brokeback2601wideweb470uy4.jpg

Which one are you? The one on the left or the right?

[BigApp]

who cares, as long as it's not the middle....

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Montana State..I wish I knew how to quit you..

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1755/brokeback2601wideweb470uy4.jpg

Where's that I-AA Smack Preview Cover thread when you need it?