Predictions for YOUR Conference

[carney2]

I'm running out of patience here and need something besides "nicest helmet" or "best restrooms." Let's hear some BRIEF predictions for your conference. I'll start it off:

PATRIOT LEAGUE
1. Lehigh: The only contender with a proven QB.
2. Lafayette: Most of the pieces - except a proven QB.
3. Colgate: Any team with Scott and Gallihugh cannot be ignored.
4. Bucknell: Some success for the Smurfs.
5. Holy Cross: A QB, 2 WRs, and not much else.
6. Fordham: Could surprise, but probably a year away.
7. Georgetown: Not yet ready for prime time.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

CAA:

North:
UMass - Still too good IMO.
Maine - Defense win championships, they will contend this year.
UNH - Santos will still put up numbers, but D will still give up numbers. JMU & UMass on the road, UD at home - tough. (edited: Thanks to UNH_Wildcats05)
Northeastern - On the brink, just missing a key piece here or there.
Hofstra - Great K alone should win a few games for them.
Rhode Island - Option attack is good but the league is too deep and they face JMU and Delaware in the South.

South:
JMU - new QB, LB depth, but if healthy still the team to beat. Do not face UMass or Maine this year.
Delaware - Much improved squad, will likely have the best offense in the CAA, but their D leaves much to be desired.
Towson - Great QB, but the rest of team? I'm still not sold. Must face UMass, Maine and JMU on the road. Not good.
Richmond - An average team. Offense will be better, but D has many great players to replace.
William & Mary - Lost people, got a new DC (will take a year to see dividends), just not gonna be that good this year.
Villanova - Lost a great QB, and their team is average. Will they build off of the 4-game win streak to end last year? Nope, all close games, many they should have lost.

Overall:

UMass and JMU in tie for CAA crown. Maine, Delaware, and UNH fight over 3rd playoff spot. It would be an unprecedented 4 trips in a row for UNH if they make the playoffs again this year.

[813Jag]

SWAC: Put the names in a hat and pick two division winners.
Early Favorites:
East Division- Alabama A&M or Jackson St.
West Division- Pine Bluff, Grambling, Southern, Prairie View, or Texas Southern. xlolx

[skinny_uncle]

I gave up trying to predict the Gateway long ago. This year is bad enough. Next year will be even worse.
xconfusedx

[NE MT GRIZZ]

The Big Sky sends 3 to the playoffs this year


1. Montana
2. Portland St.
3. Montana St.

[UNHWILDCATS05]

UNH - Santos will still put up numbers, but D will still give up numbers. JMU & UD on the road, UMass at home - tough.

JMU and UMass on the road, UD at home - but still tough

[aceinthehole]

Northeast Conference early pics (subject to change)

1. Albany - Best D in the league, improving offense
2. CCSU - QB returns from injury, strong backfield
3. Monmouth - Lost top QB, returns solid RB and D
4. Robert Morris - Impressive, but inconsistant QB.
5. Sacred Heart - Best of the rest.
6. Wagner - Well coached with some talent, no depth
7. St. Francis - Lost top QB/WR combo, no defense.

I think UA and CCSU should battle it out for the title.
Monmouth and RMU can beat anyone in the NEC, and may suprise us.
SHU, Wagner, and SFPA just don't have enough to compete for a championship.

[GoldandBlack]

My prediction for the Southern Conference this year-

a free-for-all. xeekx

App State, Furman, Wofford, Citadel, and maybe even GSU, UTC, or Elon could make significant noise, and you never know- Western Carolina might surprise a couple of teams.

Might as well try to predict fire ant hills.

[Gil Dobie]

1. NDSU & UCD
3. Cal-Poly & SDSU
5. SUU

[ElonPride]

1. App St.
2. Wofford (can give App a run for their money)
3. Furman
4. El Cid
5. Elon (Maybe higher if Wes Pope were still QB)
6. GSU (Hatch is a good coach, GSU could rise to #3)
7. Chatt (not sure about these guys)
8. WCU

[slostang]

1. NDSU & UCD
3. Cal-Poly & SDSU
5. SUU

I have it as:

1. NDSU (3-1, W: SUU, SDSU & UCD L: CP) & Cal Poly (3-1, W: NDSU, UCD & SUU L: SDSU)

3. UC Davis (2-2, W: SUU & SDSU L: CP & NDSU) & SDSU (2-2, W: CP & SUU L: UCD & NDSU)

5. SUU (0-4, L: SDSU, NDSU, CP & UCD)

[OLDLCOACH111]

Man it feels like I do one of these each, Let the arguments begin....
Big South
1. Gardner Webb or Liberty
2. Liberty or Gardner Webb
3 Coastal Carolina
4. Charleston Southern
5. VMI

[Sly Fox]

No arguments other than to say I see GWU, LU & CCU as extremely close and ditto for the bottom two. Through my Flames-colored glasses I don't see us losing a game this fall. But experience has told me my glasses give me spotty vision at best.

[MACHIAVELLI]

East Division- Miss. Valley
West Division-Prairie View

[Sly Fox]

Seriously, PVU? Wow.

[bluehenbillk]

CAA:

North
1-UMass - A lot returning
2-UNH - Lean on Santos a lot, questionable D
3-Maine - Defense could make it higher
4-NEastern - Real tough schedule
5-URI - Could surprise but likely low
6-Hofstra - Never though much of Cohen

South
1-Towson - Great QB, if their D shows up they can win
2-UD - Lot of firepower on O, D must stay healthy
3-JMU - Lost a lot of good players
4-UR - Defense took grad hit, strong running game
5-W&M - Disappointed last year, can't see reason for change
6-Nova - Lost most skill people

[asu3peat]

SOCON
1. ASU
2. FU
3. Wofford
4. Citadel
5. GSU
6. UTC
7. WCU
8. Elon

The bolded I feel confident about. I believe 3-5 could be swapped around, they will beat each other up. I feel ASU may take an L on the road with tough away games at FU, WC, and el Cid. I feel WCU will come up one floor from the basement since Elon lost a QB and great LB.

[Col Hogan]

CAA:

North
1-UMass - A lot returning
2-UNH - Lean on Santos a lot, questionable D
3-Maine - Defense could make it higher
4-NEastern - Real tough schedule
5-URI - Could surprise but likely low
6-Hofstra - Never though much of Cohen

South
1-Towson - Great QB, if their D shows up they can win
2-UD - Lot of firepower on O, D must stay healthy
3-JMU - Lost a lot of good players
4-UR - Defense took grad hit, strong running game
5-W&M - Disappointed last year, can't see reason for change
6-Nova - Lost most skill people

Glad someone else sees this...xthumbsupx

[andy7171]

CAA:

North
1-UMass - A lot returning
2-UNH - Lean on Santos a lot, questionable D
3-Maine - Defense could make it higher
4-NEastern - Real tough schedule
5-URI - Could surprise but likely low
6-Hofstra - Never though much of Cohen

South
1-Towson - Great QB, if their D shows up they can win
2-UD - Lot of firepower on O, D must stay healthy
3-JMU - Lost a lot of good players
4-UR - Defense took grad hit, strong running game
5-W&M - Disappointed last year, can't see reason for change
6-Nova - Lost most skill people
xeekx xeekx xeekx xeekx
I'll have to see them beat JMU to rank them #1.

I would go ...
North
UMass
UNH
Maine/Northeastern
Rhode Island
Hofstra
South
JMU
Towson
Delaware
Richmond
W&M
Villanova

[sugrad04]

Ohio Valley Conference - With a few explanations to certain rankings
1. Tennessee State-underrated and always equipped with great athletes, I think they're due for a breakout season
2. Jacksonville State- If they don't take it all, they'll be a close second
3. UT-Martin
4. Eastern Illinois
5. EKU
6. Samford - our best recruiting class in decades, some UAB and Ark transfers combined with new head coach Pat Sullivan will get us six or seven wins.
7. Tenn Tech
8. Murray State
9. SE missouri
10 Austin Peay.

[FlyYtown]

Gateway
UNI-Champs
YSU-2nd
Illinois Schools Battle for 3rd Playoff Position, they will beat up on eachother, preventing them from going 1 and 2 in the conference.

[already123]

Big Sky Sends three to the playoffs...

Griz-Undefeated with their cupcake schedule
PSU-maybe 8-3
NAU- I'll say 8-3 or 7-4(strength of schedule gets us in)

MSU
EWU
WSU
SAC
ISU
UNC

[Black Saturday]

SOCON
1. ASU
2. FU
3. Wofford
4. Citadel
5. GSU
6. UTC
7. WCU
8. Elon

The bolded I feel confident about. I believe 3-5 could be swapped around, they will beat each other up. I feel ASU may take an L on the road with tough away games at FU, WC, and el Cid. I feel WCU will come up one floor from the basement since Elon lost a QB and great LB.

imo, the 2007 team should be the best ever fielded by the APPs, hard to convince me we will take a loss in the conference again this year. If we lose to any SoCon, I am wrong and we will not win it all again.

[asu3peat]

imo, the 2007 team should be the best ever fielded by the APPs, hard to convince me we will take a loss in the conference again this year. If we lose to any SoCon, I am wrong and we will not win it all again.

We have 3 difficult road tests this year. All 3 teams return a lot starters and FU was the last FCS team to beat us and with a healthy Felton they are a top contender. Wofford played us very close last year in KBS and I look for them to do the same. I think it will prove to be more difficult, even with a better team, to run the table in the SOCON this year. JMO!!!

[AmsterBison]

GWFC

1. North Dakota State (NDSU) and UC Davis, 3-1
4. Cal Poly and South Dakota State (SDSU), 2-2
5. Southern Utah 0-4

[HensRock]

1-Towson - Great QB, if their D shows up they can win

That's a mighty big "IF" for a D that allowed 215 points against conference opponents last year.

Towson vs A10, 2006
30 to Hofstra
28 to Maine
35 to UMass
13 to Villanova
35 to Delaware
29 to W&M
7 to Richmond
38 to JMU

[birdsflyhigh]

In a VERY tough Gateway:

1) Illinois State Redbirds
2) Northern Iowa Panthers

And the above 1-2 are only because UNI plays at IL ST. this season, but it could go either way.

3 and 4 spots are a pretty much a tossup

3) Southern Illinois Salukis
4) Youngstown State Penguins

and the rest

5) Western Illinois Leathernecks
6) Missouri State Bears

and once again pulling it up

7) Indiana State Sycamores

Should be a mad scramble Gateway race this year before NDSU and SDSU strap it up and enter the race next year...YES!!! xprost2x

[CharlestonAppFan]

SOCON:

1) ASU - stockpiling talent, but what's done on the field counts - best chance to win NC among all of FCS considering positional talent

2) FURMAN - injury plagued '06 counts toward playing time from younger players and experience - Felton wants to prove he is NFL ready and keeps FU in every game

3) WOFFORD - great end of year run in '06 but this team isn't quite there yet like '03 team - will be in every game, but can they afford any injuries like FU in '06? do reserves have enough experience to step up?

4) GSU - their pride with outstanding new HC will begin a new era for GSU - will beat one of the top 3 above but only 1

5) CITADEL - '08 will be the dogs year - not ready to step into prominence just yet - heartbreaking losses will weigh heavy on young players throughout year

6) UTC - always have talent but again, what happens on the field counts - new philosophy is needed before stepping up to play with top echelon teams

7) WCU - young players given chance in '06 for much needed experience - don't have enough talent to compete just yet

8) ELON - there is something to be said when you lose team leaders on defense and offense - who will step up this year?

[OL FU]

SOCON:



4) GSU - their pride with outstanding new HC will begin a new era for GSU - will beat one of the top 3 above but only 1



Well let's hope prior performance is not indicative of future resultsxeekx

[Go...gate]

Patriot League

Lehigh
Holy Cross
Bucknell
Colgate
Lafayette
Fordham
Georgetown

[OL FU]

imo, the 2007 team should be the best ever fielded by the APPs, hard to convince me we will take a loss in the conference again this year. If we lose to any SoCon, I am wrong and we will not win it all again.


Going undefeated two years in a row and losing one conference game in three years is a big hill to climb. It can be done and your team has a real good shot at it. But I think you can lose a SoCon game, still be seeded and win the NC again.

[Ivytalk]

Yale should win the Ivies in '07, because (among other things) they have the best RB in McLeod. McLeod has a legitimate shot at catching Clifton Dawson for the career league rushing record.

Beyond that, I have no clue.

[RabidRabbit]

GWFC

1. South Dakota State (NDSU) and Cal Poly , 3-1
3. UC Davis and North Dakota State (SDSU), 2-2
5. Southern Utah 0-4

xwhistlex xwhistlex Fixed it fer ya Amster! xlolx xlolx xlolx

I think the 3/1 at home at Coughlin help the Bunnies to a 3-1, L to Davis.

Poly only L is in Brookings. Get to knock the Bison off in SLO.

UC-Davis doesn't get the 'Shoe back, and discover that FargoDome packed with 16K+ is a tough place to get a win.

Bison have a super team.......but so does Poly, SDSU, and Bison play away this year to those two.

SUU....toughest FCS only schedule this year. Hope they knock down their soon-to-be conference mate Sioux xthumbsupx

[already123]

We should all pray for SUU....

[FCS Go!]

I'll play:

Montana- shouldnt lose a game
Portland St- if Glanville works out then playoffs
Montana St- who knows, could be higher or lower
Weber St- MSU & NAU at home
N. Arizona- away schedule too tough
E. Washington- OOC UCDavis, BYU
Idaho St
N. Colorado
Sac St

[X-Factor]

xwhistlex xwhistlex Fixed it fer ya Amster! xlolx xlolx xlolx

I think the 3/1 at home at Coughlin help the Bunnies to a 3-1, L to Davis.

Poly only L is in Brookings. Get to knock the Bison off in SLO.

UC-Davis doesn't get the 'Shoe back, and discover that FargoDome packed with 16K+ is a tough place to get a win.

Bison have a super team.......but so does Poly, SDSU, and Bison play away this year to those two.

SUU....toughest FCS only schedule this year. Hope they knock down their soon-to-be conference mate Sioux xthumbsupx


I think we will see some disparity in the Great West this fall. Home field advantage can only make up for so much while some of our Great West teams have some rebuilding to do on the defensive side.

NDSU
SDSU
UCD
Cal Poly
SUU

[AggieFinn]

UC-Davis doesn't get the 'Shoe back, and discover that FargoDome packed with 16K+ is a tough place to get a win.


We're well aware of how good the Bison are at home the last time we were in the FargoDome...and won. Though I think we'll play well this time in Fargo, my bet is on the Bison at home. The CP game is back and forth in my head, if we can tame the run and get the Offense clicking early with some strikes, I think we can whip Poly, but their defense is so tough, it should really be a battle, as always. I'll say it over and over again from now on, I can't wait for Horseshoe 2007! I think we'll really stick it to SDSU this season, a lot of missed opportunities last year to seal the deal, but now, for the first time in 3 years, we get the Jacks at home on Sochor Field for the first time. Jackrabbit stew baby, Jackrabbit stew. :p

1. NDSU and UC Davis
2. SDSU and CP
3. SUU (if they're still in one piece)

[already123]

I'll play:

Montana- shouldnt lose a game
Portland St- if Glanville works out then playoffs
Montana St- who knows, could be higher or lower
Weber St- MSU & NAU at home
N. Arizona- away schedule too tough
E. Washington- OOC UCDavis, BYU
Idaho St
N. Colorado
Sac St


xeekx xeekx
I swear!...where did all this Weber-Love come from?! Everyone is so quick to jump on a band-wagon....Weber won't finish better than 5th. MSU wont't make the playoffs. NAU will be 3rd, maybe 2nd with luck. PSU goes to the playoffs at 8-3. Montana looses one game all regular season... xeekx xeekx

[OSRacer]

1. Eastern Ill – Hard to pick against the consistency of Coach Spoo.
2. UT-Martin – Talent wise they are loaded. Should repeat and win a playoff game or 2….
3. Eastern Kentucky – Traditionally strong program hasn’t done much on the national scene in over a decade. If they can develop some chemistry they are going to be tough to beat.
4. Tennessee State – Might be a sleeper if they can stop anyone this year. Good Team.
5. Jacksonville State – JSU seems to be getting more and more inconsistent as the years pass. Still capable of winning the league.
6. Tennessee Tech – A new coach in Cookeville…I’ve always felt as if Tech underachieves…Watson Brown may be the answer….
7. Murray State – Much too young to compete. May finish even lower.
8. SEMO – Too many unknowns…
9. SAMFORD – leaving the league….have always been fundamentally sound…new coach….
10. APSU – back to the OVC after about a 10 years absence. They live in a pretty fertile recruiting area though so they have some potential down the road.

[NDSUguy]

I see the Bison losing one game this year (and it won't happen in brookings).

Last year the Bison proved how good it can be on the road....

I see the Bison going 3-1 in the GWFC. I see us losing to Poly

[patssle]

I think the Southland will send McNeese and SHSU to the playoffs. Thanks to wonderful and predictable scheduling, one of us will see Montana in the 1st round. You read it here first.

[Henwatcher]

CAA-North
1. UMass
2. UNH
3. Maine
4. Northeastern
5. Hofstra
6. Rhode Island

CAA South
1. JMU
2. Towson
3. UD
4. Richmond
5. W&M
6. Villa-stinkin'-nova

[TheBisonator]

I see the Bison losing one game this year (and it won't happen in brookings).

Last year the Bison proved how good it can be on the road....

I see the Bison going 3-1 in the GWFC. I see us losing to Poly

I see us possibly losing at Cal Poly.

Still though:

T1) NDSU 3-1
T1) Cal Poly 3-1
T3) UC Davis 2-2
T3) SDSU 2-2
5) Southern Utah 0-4.

I expect us in the end sharing the title with the Mustangs.

[ElonPride]

SOCON:

1) ASU - stockpiling talent, but what's done on the field counts - best chance to win NC among all of FCS considering positional talent

2) FURMAN - injury plagued '06 counts toward playing time from younger players and experience - Felton wants to prove he is NFL ready and keeps FU in every game

3) WOFFORD - great end of year run in '06 but this team isn't quite there yet like '03 team - will be in every game, but can they afford any injuries like FU in '06? do reserves have enough experience to step up?

4) GSU - their pride with outstanding new HC will begin a new era for GSU - will beat one of the top 3 above but only 1

5) CITADEL - '08 will be the dogs year - not ready to step into prominence just yet - heartbreaking losses will weigh heavy on young players throughout year

6) UTC - always have talent but again, what happens on the field counts - new philosophy is needed before stepping up to play with top echelon teams

7) WCU - young players given chance in '06 for much needed experience - don't have enough talent to compete just yet

8) ELON - there is something to be said when you lose team leaders on defense and offense - who will step up this year?

Who will step up? How about Junior Corey Weaver at LB that had 25 tackles against App this past season, and the (arguably) top QB out of VA ('05) that redshirted last year? xsmiley_wix

In all honesty, I had HIGH expectations for our team this year until we lost Pope. Supposedly, Donny Kirby will more than fill his shoes. With the BEST receiver in the FCS (Hudgins) and the #3 receiver in the conference (Mayers) along with up and coming receiver Blackwell, I really don't see us finishing lower than 5th, especially with Kirby at the helm.

[james_lawfirm]

Going undefeated two years in a row and losing one conference game in three years is a big hill to climb. It can be done and your team has a real good shot at it. But I think you can lose a SoCon game, still be seeded and win the NC again.

OL FU:

Are you suggesting that loss might be at FU? Say it ain't so!!!

My prediction is that the ASU/FU is the best SoCon game of the year - another barn-burner! You heard it here first.

Actually, I agree that ASU can lose a SoCon game, still be seeded & have a good shot at playing in Chatty. However, let's be safe & win 'em all!!!

[JMG1MON]

Northeast Conference early pics (subject to change)

1. Albany - Best D in the league, improving offense
2. CCSU - QB returns from injury, strong backfield
3. Monmouth - Lost top QB, returns solid RB and D
4. Robert Morris - Impressive, but inconsistant QB.
5. Sacred Heart - Best of the rest.
6. Wagner - Well coached with some talent, no depth
7. St. Francis - Lost top QB/WR combo, no defense.

I think UA and CCSU should battle it out for the title.
Monmouth and RMU can beat anyone in the NEC, and may suprise us.
SHU, Wagner, and SFPA just don't have enough to compete for a championship.


Not so sure about our starting defense. We lost 9 of 11 starters. Offense Im actually less worried about!

[JohnStOnge]

I do think McNeese will be tabbed the Southland favorite but it's a tentative pick and beyond that I have no idea. I wouldn't rule anybody out.

[BobbyMo]

Northeast Conference early pics (subject to change)

1. Albany - Best D in the league, improving offense
2. CCSU - QB returns from injury, strong backfield
3. Monmouth - Lost top QB, returns solid RB and D
4. Robert Morris - Impressive, but inconsistant QB.
5. Sacred Heart - Best of the rest.
6. Wagner - Well coached with some talent, no depth
7. St. Francis - Lost top QB/WR combo, no defense.

I think UA and CCSU should battle it out for the title.
Monmouth and RMU can beat anyone in the NEC, and may suprise us.
SHU, Wagner, and SFPA just don't have enough to compete for a championship.


I think you have it sorted out well. RMU will go as far as the QB takes us. We have a freshman coming in who I think will be the future, just depends if Walton thinks the future is now or a year down the road. A overlooked issue with RMU is that we lost our d-line coach to AZ Cards this offseason. LINK (http://www.azcardinals.com/team/staff_detail.php?PRKey=170) He is a great coach and really helped the Colonials D.

I really think it is a four horse race. Albany, CCSU, RMU and Monmouth. Wagner gave us a very very very tough game last year. It was similar to the CCSU game as it came down to last second in regulation.

I think it is going to be a great year for the NEC to make some more FCS noise.

[zilla]

I say that Stony Brook WILL WIN their conference this year. Hand Down.




Oh Wait. We need a conference first.

I guess we just have to wait a year to take part in this one.

There's always next year, Seawolf.xsmiley_wix

[BDKJMU]

Old thread- was done back in Feb:
http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19582

[BDKJMU]

Similar as I put back in Feb.

A-10 North:
1. UNH: 8-3 (6-2 CAA, upsets UMass 11/10 to stay in playoff hunt)
1. UMASS: 8-3 (6-2 CAA)
3 Maine: 7-4 (5-3 CAA). 7-3 Maine loses @ 7-3 UNH 11/17 to get knocked
out of playoff hunt)
4. Northeastern: 5-6 (3-5 CAA)
5. Hofsta: 4-7 (2-6 CAA)
6 URI: 2-9 (0-8 CAA): Who in the CAA North or South (JMU, UD, UR) are they going to beat?

A-10 South:
1. Delaware: 9-2 (7-1 CAA)
1. JMU: 9-2 (7-1 CAA)-loses at UNC & at UD.
3. Towson: 7-4 (4-4 CAA). Just like last yr, heads into last game with JMU
at 7-3 with slim chance at playoffs due to weak OOC schedule & again loses.
4. UR: 5-6 (3-5 CAA): Finished 6-5/3-5 in A-10 /1-4 against A-10 south
last yr & loses 8 starters off of defense (has 9 coming back on
offense)
4. Villanova: 5-6 (3-5 CAA)
6. W&M: 4-7 (2-6 CAA).

This would be a total conference record of 48-48, 25-11 OOC. 06' was 23-13 OOC. Playoff teams would be UD (seed), JMU, UMass & UNH. 4 teams in, just like 04'

[OL FU]

OL FU:

Are you suggesting that loss might be at FU? Say it ain't so!!!

My prediction is that the ASU/FU is the best SoCon game of the year - another barn-burner! You heard it here first.

Actually, I agree that ASU can lose a SoCon game, still be seeded & have a good shot at playing in Chatty. However, let's be safe & win 'em all!!!


Wouldn't be the first time FU has beat you and you won the NC.

I just want something to happen to get you off the Rock during the playoffsxnodx

[Bobcat in NC]

In the Sky:

1. UM xbawlingx
2. MSU
3. PSU
4. NAU
5. EWU
6. Weber
7. ISU
8. Northern Colorado
9. Sac St.

[katstrapper]

xcoffeex Southland is a toss up every year, but here is my shot at it.....

1. Sam Houston St.--Going to be a homer here, but I think with 4 of 5starters on the O-line returning, a gifted QB, a strong running game and very good defense will help lead to a conference title. Be VERY disappointed if we are not making another deep run into the playoffs.

2. McNeese St--Reloaded and ready to roll. Could be in the mix to be a top 4 seed this year.

3. Stephen F Austin-- I hate to say it, but this team could be a sleeper in the SLC this year with Danny Southall leading the way at QB.

4. Tx. State-- Steady QB and good running game will probably keep the Bobcats in the mix this year.

5. SE Louisiana-- First year coach Mike Lucas will have his kids running through walls and ready to play. Just dont think it will be enough in 2007.

6. Northwest La.--Could be a down year for Demons this year, but never count them out.

7. Central Arkansas-- Lost a ton of seniors to graduation, but I think Conque will work his magic again to keep it interesting.

8. Nicholls St.-- Dont think the triple option will be in the mix this year.

Overall, just like every other year, the Southland is a hard one to predict. I dont think the teams will be separated by more than a game or two in conference all year. This conference seems to beat up on each other in every football season. Even if SHSU stumbles this year, I think the SLC will put two in the playoffs.

[Eyes of Old Main]

As of right now, I'd say:

SoCon:

1) Appalachian State
2) Furman
3) Wofford
4) The Citadel
5) Georgia Southern
6) Elon
7) Western Carolina
8) Chattanooga

[CSUbucFan]

Big South: I think will come down to Liberty at CSU game. Gardner Webb will be better than last year but CSU only lost QB and WR and the guys filling in look to be good this year, Coastal lost 35 seniors enough said.
1. Liberty
2. Charleston Southern
3. Gardner Webb
4. Coastal Carolina
5. VMI

[Jag4Life]

SWAC

Eastern Divsion - http://www.alabamabowling.com/aamu/aamu.gif
Western Division - http://www.tucoo.com/logo_class/education_logo15/s/Southern_Jaguars(1)s.png

[zilla]

Big South: I think will come down to Liberty at CSU game. Gardner Webb will be better than last year but CSU only lost QB and WR and the guys filling in look to be good this year, Coastal lost 35 seniors enough said.
1. Liberty
2. Charleston Southern
3. Gardner Webb
4. Coastal Carolina
5. VMI

xlolx xlolx xlolx

[813Jag]

SWAC

Eastern Divsion - http://www.alabamabowling.com/aamu/aamu.gif
Western Division - http://www.tucoo.com/logo_class/education_logo15/s/Southern_Jaguars(1)s.png
It's gonna take a lot of work to win the west.
1. No more injuries
2. Better running game
3. Consistent QB play
4. Better pass defense
5. Less Turnovers
6. Some lucky bounces

[justsaying]

Big South: I think will come down to Liberty at CSU game. Gardner Webb will be better than last year but CSU only lost QB and WR and the guys filling in look to be good this year, Coastal lost 35 seniors enough said.
1. Liberty
2. Charleston Southern
3. Gardner Webb
4. Coastal Carolina
5. VMI

Are you serious? xlolx xnonox xlolx xsmhx xeekx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[McNeese75]

I think the Southland will send McNeese and SHSU to the playoffs. Thanks to wonderful and predictable scheduling, one of us will see Montana in the 1st round. You read it here first.

No problem, they will be traveling our way this year :D

[Sir William]

SoCon:

1) App
2) Furman
3) Wofford
4) El Cid
5) GSU
6) Chatty
7) Western
8) Elon

IMO, spots 6-8 are up for grabs between UTC, WCU, Elon; spots 2-4 are gonna be tight; and App will lose one conference game, but still win conference title because the 2nd place team will probably lose 2 conference games...parity!

[carney2]

Yale should win the Ivies in '07, because (among other things) they have the best RB in McLeod. McLeod has a legitimate shot at catching Clifton Dawson for the career league rushing record.

Beyond that, I have no clue.

Since no one else wants to hazard a guess about the Ivies, I'll give it a try:

1. Yale: I agree with Ivytalk.

2. Harvard }
2. Penn } Flip a 3-sided coin.
2. Princeton }

5. Cornell: Probably the best of the rest.
6. Columbia: Not the "same old Columbia."

7. Brown }
8. Dartmouth } "Can anyone here play this game?"

[LBPop]

I'm running out of patience here and need something besides "nicest helmet" or "best restrooms." Let's hear some BRIEF predictions for your conference. I'll start it off:

PATRIOT LEAGUE
1. Lehigh: The only contender with a proven QB.
2. Lafayette: Most of the pieces - except a proven QB.
3. Colgate: Any team with Scott and Gallihugh cannot be ignored.
4. Bucknell: Some success for the Smurfs.
5. Holy Cross: A QB, 2 WRs, and not much else.
6. Fordham: Could surprise, but probably a year away.
7. Georgetown: Not yet ready for prime time.

I like these picks, but I might flip Holy Cross and Bucknell. Of course, the Hoyas make the process easier by requiring you to make only six selections. xlolx xrolleyesx :( xbawlingxxbangx

[lucchesicourt]

Actually AggieFinn, the last TWO times we played in the Fargo Dome we won!!! Don't think the Bison don't know it either. And the last two times the Bison played at Toomey they won. But, I can guarantee 100%, positively no chance of being wrong, that the Bison will not beat us at Toomey again. The Bison cannot make the same claim about us beating them at the Fargo Dome.

[Ivytalk]

Since no one else wants to hazard a guess about the Ivies, I'll give it a try:

1. Yale: I agree with Ivytalk.

2. Harvard }
2. Penn } Flip a 3-sided coin.
2. Princeton }

5. Cornell: Probably the best of the rest.
6. Columbia: Not the "same old Columbia."

7. Brown }
8. Dartmouth } "Can anyone here play this game?"

Very interesting! Will Brown go from the penthouse to the outhouse in a mere two seasons? They sure didn't play well at the end of last year.

[SuperJon]

Big South: I think will come down to Liberty at CSU game. Gardner Webb will be better than last year but CSU only lost QB and WR and the guys filling in look to be good this year, Coastal lost 35 seniors enough said.
1. Liberty
2. Charleston Southern
3. Gardner Webb
4. Coastal Carolina
5. VMI

That just made me laugh. Thanks.

[LBPop]

Very interesting! Will Brown go from the penthouse to the outhouse in a mere two seasons? They sure didn't play well at the end of last year.

Having seen Brown the past couple of seasons and having watched various Ivy League teams for about four years, my impression is that if a school is lucky enough to land a super stud, that's all the better programs need to excel. The core talent level seems to be comparable among that group. Perhaps the thinking is that Hartigan and DeOssie were the difference makers and there is nobody on the horizon to replace them.xtwocentsx

[Jag4Life]

It's gonna take a lot of work to win the west.
1. No more injuries
2. Better running game
3. Consistent QB play
4. Better pass defense
5. Less Turnovers
6. Some lucky bouncesWe got this. From what I hear ..... A repeat of 2003 is still in the mix.

[slycat]

xcoffeex Southland is a toss up every year, but here is my shot at it.....

1. Sam Houston St.--Going to be a homer here, but I think with 4 of 5starters on the O-line returning, a gifted QB, a strong running game and very good defense will help lead to a conference title. Be VERY disappointed if we are not making another deep run into the playoffs.

2. McNeese St--Reloaded and ready to roll. Could be in the mix to be a top 4 seed this year.

3. Stephen F Austin-- I hate to say it, but this team could be a sleeper in the SLC this year with Danny Southall leading the way at QB.

4. Tx. State-- Steady QB and good running game will probably keep the Bobcats in the mix this year.

5. SE Louisiana-- First year coach Mike Lucas will have his kids running through walls and ready to play. Just dont think it will be enough in 2007.

6. Northwest La.--Could be a down year for Demons this year, but never count them out.

7. Central Arkansas-- Lost a ton of seniors to graduation, but I think Conque will work his magic again to keep it interesting.

8. Nicholls St.-- Dont think the triple option will be in the mix this year.

Overall, just like every other year, the Southland is a hard one to predict. I dont think the teams will be separated by more than a game or two in conference all year. This conference seems to beat up on each other in every football season. Even if SHSU stumbles this year, I think the SLC will put two in the playoffs.

who do you have to replace DD Terry? i say your running game is still up in the air.

[slycat]

I think the Southland will send McNeese and SHSU to the playoffs. Thanks to wonderful and predictable scheduling, one of us will see Montana in the 1st round. You read it here first.

as i have said before i thnk it will be tough for shsu to make the playoffs unless they win conference. it will be hard for yall to get 7 DI wins with only two OOC DI games. those games are at Oklahoma St and NDSU. a FBS win would be huge and beating the bison at home is going to be hard. that said if shsu makes the playoffs they will go deep. (unless they go to montana;) )

[813Jag]

We got this. From what I hear ..... A repeat of 2003 is still in the mix.
I'll believe it when I see it. I won't say anything until August 31. We won't know about any of the things I said until at least week 3. That's about the time I knew the '03 team was special.

[X-Factor]

Actually AggieFinn, the last TWO times we played in the Fargo Dome we won!!! Don't think the Bison don't know it either. And the last two times the Bison played at Toomey they won. But, I can guarantee 100%, positively no chance of being wrong, that the Bison will not beat us at Toomey again. The Bison cannot make the same claim about us beating them at the Fargo Dome.


ahh, thats cute. That is probably because we wont ever play you at Toomy again! :D For a preview to your venture up north see Cal Poly 2006. xthumbsupx

[Canyoncat]

Big Sky
1 Montana - They have to be the early favorite
2 Montana State - if the coaching staff gets the players up to speed should be a very good team.
3 PSU - Glanville will have an immediate impact, not sure if overall talent level is the same as MSU
4 EWU or NAU really not sure about these two. Both could be better or worse than 4 or 5.
6 ISU
7 Sac
8 UNC

Two possibly three make the playoffs. I do think MSU might struggle on offense for the first couple of games, and I think the defense will be very good. Montana will depend on the QB. PSU will be the wild card. Could be very good or just another team. Should be fun to watch!

[BEAR]

I don't think SHSU will do it this year. They lost DD Terry and he was their running game. They replace QB, but unless their defense improves, schools like UCA will score on them again. UCA lost it's defense, but it's offense has reloaded and watching their practices, they haven't lost a step on offense even with Fairooz gone. I think the one major factor this year for the SLC will be "injuries". A good McNeese and SHSU will be easily nullified with a few key injuries leaving the door open to an even conference. That's the problem when you have teams that have only one or two "star" players who might be keyed on to remove their effectiveness. Knock out Bomar and SHSU will look a lot like last years team without DD, imo. Don't know about McNeese, but they are typically good so they get my vote for the conference champions this year. UCA plays the spoiler again this year. Count on it! xthumbsupx xlolx xlolx

[NSUDemon98]

xcoffeex Southland is a toss up every year, but here is my shot at it.....

1. Sam Houston St.--Going to be a homer here, but I think with 4 of 5starters on the O-line returning, a gifted QB, a strong running game and very good defense will help lead to a conference title. Be VERY disappointed if we are not making another deep run into the playoffs.

2. McNeese St--Reloaded and ready to roll. Could be in the mix to be a top 4 seed this year.

3. Stephen F Austin-- I hate to say it, but this team could be a sleeper in the SLC this year with Danny Southall leading the way at QB.

4. Tx. State-- Steady QB and good running game will probably keep the Bobcats in the mix this year.

5. SE Louisiana-- First year coach Mike Lucas will have his kids running through walls and ready to play. Just dont think it will be enough in 2007.

6. Northwest La.--Could be a down year for Demons this year, but never count them out.

7. Central Arkansas-- Lost a ton of seniors to graduation, but I think Conque will work his magic again to keep it interesting.

8. Nicholls St.-- Dont think the triple option will be in the mix this year.

Overall, just like every other year, the Southland is a hard one to predict. I dont think the teams will be separated by more than a game or two in conference all year. This conference seems to beat up on each other in every football season. Even if SHSU stumbles this year, I think the SLC will put two in the playoffs.

That is Northwestern State or NSU. I would even except NSULA. That would be like me calling your school just Houston State University...

I have to disagree with your rankings. I would put McNeese 1st b/c nothing about last years SHSU team or this year screams "very good defense".

[rmutv]

I think you have it sorted out well. RMU will go as far as the QB takes us. We have a freshman coming in who I think will be the future, just depends if Walton thinks the future is now or a year down the road. A overlooked issue with RMU is that we lost our d-line coach to AZ Cards this offseason. LINK (http://www.azcardinals.com/team/staff_detail.php?PRKey=170) He is a great coach and really helped the Colonials D.

I really think it is a four horse race. Albany, CCSU, RMU and Monmouth. Wagner gave us a very very very tough game last year. It was similar to the CCSU game as it came down to last second in regulation.

I think it is going to be a great year for the NEC to make some more FCS noise.

Agreed about the NEC being a four-horse race. Albany is always tough, especially with that defense. I have a lot of questions about CCSU and their loss of Justise Hairston. The defense was good but not overly impressive.

Monmouth is always hard to pick. Such a great coaching staff up there that even with high turnover some years and lower turnover other years, they're always a threat.

As for Robert Morris...

I'm waiting until I see them in camp. There are just too many questions on how this team will adjust and how the freshmen will step in.

[Go...gate]

Yale should win the Ivies in '07, because (among other things) they have the best RB in McLeod. McLeod has a legitimate shot at catching Clifton Dawson for the career league rushing record.

Beyond that, I have no clue.

Princeton is talking a repeat, and had a good recruiting year, but based on the losses to graduation they look like a 4-6, 5-5 club. OOC schedule tough as well, with Hampton, Lehigh and Lafayette.

[GOKATS]

Big Sky
1 Montana - They have to be the early favorite
2 Montana State - if the coaching staff gets the players up to speed should be a very good team.
3 PSU - Glanville will have an immediate impact, not sure if overall talent level is the same as MSU
4 EWU or NAU really not sure about these two. Both could be better or worse than 4 or 5.
6 ISU
7 Sac
8 UNC

Two possibly three make the playoffs. I do think MSU might struggle on offense for the first couple of games, and I think the defense will be very good. Montana will depend on the QB. PSU will be the wild card. Could be very good or just another team. Should be fun to watch!

I think that's a pretty good assessment. Too many unknowns all around going into fall ball. griz do have the guppy OOC schedule though and don't leave home until mid Oct., so they should start out 5-0.

[JohnStOnge]

That's the problem when you have teams that have only one or two "star" players who might be keyed on to remove their effectiveness. Knock out Bomar and SHSU will look a lot like last years team without DD, imo. Don't know about McNeese, but they are typically good so they get my vote for the conference champions this year.

McNeese will be deep on offense...to start anyway. Hopefully serious injuries will be nonexistent or minimal. Don't know about the defense.

[CopperCat]

xeekx xeekx
I swear!...where did all this Weber-Love come from?! Everyone is so quick to jump on a band-wagon....Weber won't finish better than 5th. MSU wont't make the playoffs. NAU will be 3rd, maybe 2nd with luck. PSU goes to the playoffs at 8-3. Montana looses one game all regular season... xeekx xeekx

You are probably the biggest homer I have ever seen come out of NAU. But hey, everybody needs one I guess!

NAU loses in Bozeman, btw, and won't be 3rd in conference.

[PSUVikings]

You are probably the biggest homer I have ever seen come out of NAU. But hey, everybody needs one I guess!

NAU loses in Bozeman, btw, and won't be 3rd in conference.

Forget about him, I'm beginning to wonder if he saw any NAU games last year.

UM wins the conference, either MSU or PSU is second, following them will be in random order WSU, NAU, EWU. The rest are just there........

[GOKATS]

You are probably the biggest homer I have ever seen come out of NAU. But hey, everybody needs one I guess!

NAU loses in Bozeman, btw, and won't be 3rd in conference.

I'm beginning to think the user name might have something to do with age.xnodx

[tlem1983]

The Gateway is a toss up and not to many people on here have been willing to make a prediction.

1. Illinois State
2. UNI
3.YSU
and the rest fight it out for possibly one more playoff birth. If i had to predict i would say Southern ILL but who knows

[BEAR]

McNeese will be deep on offense...to start anyway. Hopefully serious injuries will be nonexistent or minimal. Don't know about the defense.

Hey, don't get me wrong..I don't want any injuries! I want to be able to say(whether we win or lose) that we played at full strength and gave it our best effort. xthumbsupx

[CharlestonAppFan]

SOCON:

1) ASU - stockpiling talent, but what's done on the field counts - best chance to win NC among all of FCS considering positional talent

2) FURMAN - injury plagued '06 counts toward playing time from younger players and experience - Felton wants to prove he is NFL ready and keeps FU in every game

3) WOFFORD - great end of year run in '06 but this team isn't quite there yet like '03 team - will be in every game, but can they afford any injuries like FU in '06? do reserves have enough experience to step up?

4) GSU - their pride with outstanding new HC will begin a new era for GSU - will beat one of the top 3 above but only 1

5) CITADEL - '08 will be the dogs year - not ready to step into prominence just yet - heartbreaking losses will weigh heavy on young players throughout year

6) UTC - always have talent but again, what happens on the field counts - new philosophy is needed before stepping up to play with top echelon teams

7) WCU - young players given chance in '06 for much needed experience - don't have enough talent to compete just yet

8) ELON - there is something to be said when you lose team leaders on defense and offense - who will step up this year?

Well....I was close....sort of xlolx
1) App still is having a good season..it's still going at leastxrotatehx
2) Furman - missed that one by a mile and a half:( ...if FU would have started playing the first game like they did the last few, this could have been correctxnodx
3) Wofford - no real injuries (although Tavani didn't hurt that much), and I think they have enough experience as well...good job Woffiexnodx
4) GSU - close again...they beat two of usxbawlingx
5) The Citadel - (sorry Dog, I wasn't thinking then;) ) you were close but I still think next year is your yearxnodx
6) UTC - still think you need a change:)
7) WCU - not the talent, it was the coachxnonono2x
8) Elon - and...missed this one by five miles:o ...looks like you replaced your leaders and had a couple players step upxlolx

How did everyone else's predictions work out?

[ERASU2113]

1-6 (Insert ASU, Furman, Wofford, GSU, Elon, Citadel)
7. Chatt
8. WCU

[Gil Dobie]

1. NDSU & UCD
3. Cal-Poly & SDSU
5. SUU

Actual finish:

1. SDSU
2. NDSU
3. Cal-Poly
4. UC Davis
5. SUU

[CharlestonAppFan]

I meant more of how you personally picked your conference standings..

[RabidRabbit]

Actual finish:

1. SDSU
2. NDSU
3. Cal-Poly
4. UC Davis
5. SUU

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmsterBison
GWFC

1. South Dakota State (NDSU) and Cal Poly , 3-1
3. UC Davis and North Dakota State (SDSU), 2-2
5. Southern Utah 0-4

Fixed it fer ya Amster!

I think the 3/1 at home at Coughlin help the Bunnies to a 3-1, L to Davis.

Poly only L is in Brookings. Get to knock the Bison off in SLO.

UC-Davis doesn't get the 'Shoe back, and discover that FargoDome packed with 16K+ is a tough place to get a win.

Bison have a super team.......but so does Poly, SDSU, and Bison play away this year to those two.

SUU....toughest FCS only schedule this year. Hope they knock down their soon-to-be conference mate Sioux

Only 43 secs from being spot on :p Thanks GWFC for a GREAT Rabbit year! xbowx xbowx xbowx

[BEAR]

xcoffeex Southland is a toss up every year, but here is my shot at it.....

1. Sam Houston St.--Going to be a homer here, but I think with 4 of 5starters on the O-line returning, a gifted QB, a strong running game and very good defense will help lead to a conference title. Be VERY disappointed if we are not making another deep run into the playoffs.

2. McNeese St--Reloaded and ready to roll. Could be in the mix to be a top 4 seed this year.

3. Stephen F Austin-- I hate to say it, but this team could be a sleeper in the SLC this year with Danny Southall leading the way at QB.

4. Tx. State-- Steady QB and good running game will probably keep the Bobcats in the mix this year.

5. SE Louisiana-- First year coach Mike Lucas will have his kids running through walls and ready to play. Just dont think it will be enough in 2007.

6. Northwest La.--Could be a down year for Demons this year, but never count them out.

7. Central Arkansas-- Lost a ton of seniors to graduation, but I think Conque will work his magic again to keep it interesting.

8. Nicholls St.-- Dont think the triple option will be in the mix this year.

Overall, just like every other year, the Southland is a hard one to predict. I dont think the teams will be separated by more than a game or two in conference all year. This conference seems to beat up on each other in every football season. Even if SHSU stumbles this year, I think the SLC will put two in the playoffs.

Actual:

1. McNeese- Undefeated 11-0. Ran the table, chainsawed it in two and used it for firewood.
2. UCA/SHSU- (5-2)UCA surpised alot of teams this year and kicked the freshman jinx. However, defense needed to grow up faster than time allowed. Brown delivered. SHSU made a great run to end the season and looks for next year to be a continuation.
3. Nicholls/Northwestern/Texas State- (3-4)Up and down year for all three teams. Northwestern looked strong early and Nicholls looked strong late. Texas State took a beating but kept on playing.
4. Southeastern Louisiana-(2-5) Tough year but at least they didn't end up like....
5. Stephen F. Austin- (0-7) Winless.

My opinion after my first full view of the Southland. McNeese is dominant. But not unbeatable. (except this year..ha! xlolx ) SHSU is finally getting things rolling and will be a player next year. UCA has all the offense back but loses its best defensive players. Anyone want to transfer? Northwestern will be the team I think will cause all kinds of havoc next year. Nicholls is good. I really enjoyed watching them run the ball over and over again. SELA and Nicholls had big RBs that should have run it all over UCA all game long. But the coaches didn't do it..why I wondered. SFA, you won't be in the cellar next year.

Games I thought UCA could have won. (had a play here or there gone right but not saying UCA should have won xlolx ) plus a few games we were no where to be found. xlolx

Northwestern- Loss by last second field goal.
Missouri State- Loss by last second TD.
SDSU- ummmm..nevermind..may I have another Mr. Rabbit???xasswhipx
La. Tech- nope. Outplayed them. They outdefensed us.
McNeese- Coulda had 14 at half, that was the turning point. But ifs and but were fruits and nuts...xlolx McNeese was just much better.

I don't see the whole "conference is down" thing many of you do. Next year is another year and I see McNeese, Nicholls and SHSU taking the top three spots. UCA is going to have to get some bulldogs on defense to make any kind of run. SELA will be tough and SFA will not lose all of it's games. Had fun SLC crew! See you in spring training! xbowx xbowx xthumbsupx xlolx

[Baldy]

Is it too early to start talking about next year? xlolx