The FCS Wedge 2024

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Man, I have been so far behind the 8 Ball to start this season with the poll, podcast, just general life that I have not had the chance to start a new thread for the season. The podcast is rolling, started yesterday, and Kris & Lance are now known as 2K's and the LB Dog. With Google Podcast now being swallowed up by YouTube Music I'm still not sure if the podcast just shows up there or not. The other outsets are still the same though.

BlogTalkRadio Episode List:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-fcs-wedge

Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/hu/search?term=the%20fcs%20wedge (https://podcasts.apple.com/hu/podcas...ge/id557271012)

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/61mEEl1qDeDIDIile6g3q0

Amazon
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ebe31aae-ea8a-4f5d-8920-29f6c81e648a/the-fcs-wedge


YouTube Music
I found it on my phone but could not grab the link for some reason. Anyone that knows how to do that a better way please feel free to provide it.

I just say "Alexa play the latest episode of The FCS Wedge" since I am deep in the Amazon grave but if you guys listen anywhere else please post it up for me.

[Catbooster]

I listened to it yesterday. It just showed up as usual (via Apple podcast).

Great to hear the podcast. Despite the fact that all of you have poor taste in picking your favorite teams, you do a good job on these.

[SUPharmacist]

Glad to hear the new episodes, thanks for all the energy you guys put into these.

[Chalupa Batman]

Did any kids claim the extra credit from last weeks episode? Going forward you need to start putting the magic word for extra credit randomly in the middle of the episode, otherwise the kids can just skip to the end.

[MTfan4life]

Did any kids claim the extra credit from last weeks episode? Going forward you need to start putting the magic word for extra credit randomly in the middle of the episode, otherwise the kids can just skip to the end.

Shockingly fast this morning.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Shockingly fast this morning.

xlolx

Awesome.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Hey we have some issues with our studio site not allowing us to start a recording session or a show of any kind so until I can find a work around we are stuck in the mud with this wee's episodes.

[Preferred Walk-On]

Hey we have some issues with our studio site not allowing us to start a recording session or a show of any kind so until I can find a work around we are stuck in the mud with this wee's episodes.

I thought maybe the string to Kris’ tin can microphone finally broke. [emoji3]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ursus arctos horribilis]

I thought maybe the string to Kris’ tin can microphone finally broke. [emoji3]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Odd thing about that is Kris got a new setup and does not sound like **** any longer and then the blot talk site ****s the bed on us. I notice today the new episode should have been out and on my end which is amazon and youtube music it is not there as of yet. This has happened in the past and has takes a little while on the other end to work correctly.

But, you can listen to the newest show at this link on the BTR site:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-fcs-wedge/2024/10/02/289-week-5-review-10022024

[Preferred Walk-On]

Odd thing about that is Kris got a new setup and does not sound like **** any longer and then the blot talk site ****s the bed on us. I notice today the new episode should have been out and on my end which is amazon and youtube music it is not there as of yet. This has happened in the past and has takes a little while on the other end to work correctly.

But, you can listen to the newest show at this link on the BTR site:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-fcs-wedge/2024/10/02/289-week-5-review-10022024

Thanks for the link. I have been going through withdrawal this past week and a half. You guys are a weekly fixture for my FCS season, so I’m glad you’re back! Looking forward to Kris’ dulcet tones in HD audio and hearing what grinds Lance’s gears this week. And I am with Mieke this week…Go Panthers! Welcome back, gents.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Preferred Walk-On]

Finished the two podcasts for this week. I now feel less discombobulated!

Lance, disagree with your stance on ranking sub-.500 teams, but I appreciate your consistency. The student questions are getting a bit more challenging...love it!

Kris, the new audio setup sounds great. I have been able to adjust the volume down a bit on the truck stereo to listen, and you are crystal clear. BTW, I am with you on Chattanooga...so this is the point where they take a dump in the Serta and justify Lance's stance.

Troy, great job making these two sound good!

Until next week...have a great weekend!

[MTfan4life]

Finished the two podcasts for this week. I now feel less discombobulated!

Lance, disagree with your stance on ranking sub-.500 teams, but I appreciate your consistency. The student questions are getting a bit more challenging...love it!

Kris, the new audio setup sounds great. I have been able to adjust the volume down a bit on the truck stereo to listen, and you are crystal clear. BTW, I am with you on Chattanooga...so this is the point where they take a dump in the Serta and justify Lance's stance.

Troy, great job making these two sound good!

Until next week...have a great weekend!

Oh don't you worry. My rebuttal is coming. Hopefully will start this next week's show with it. I feel very justified in not ranking sub .500 teams and you'll hear my biggest reason why I don't.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Finished the two podcasts for this week. I now feel less discombobulated!

Lance, disagree with your stance on ranking sub-.500 teams, but I appreciate your consistency. The student questions are getting a bit more challenging...love it!

Kris, the new audio setup sounds great. I have been able to adjust the volume down a bit on the truck stereo to listen, and you are crystal clear. BTW, I am with you on Chattanooga...so this is the point where they take a dump in the Serta and justify Lance's stance.

Troy, great job making these two sound good!

Until next week...have a great weekend!

Thank you brother, I appreciate it. Kris really does sound way better now and I can not tell you accurately but I bet it has been 10 yrs. we've been working on getting him up to par. Now, they are both golden except for banging on the desk or table and so on. xlolx

[Preferred Walk-On]

Oh don't you worry. My rebuttal is coming. Hopefully will start this next week's show with it. I feel very justified in not ranking sub .500 teams and you'll hear my biggest reason why I don't.
Looking forward to it. It was 6 to 1 in favor of ranking a sub-.500 team, if the circumstances are right (I know you know, since you voted in this poll question).

I do appreciate your thoughts on moving teams substantially and having a fluid poll. In fact, it has given me pause to think about my poll every single week I vote. However, it always seems like teams fall harder than they rise. By putting this "arbitrary" cutoff on how one ranks, one is potentially handicapping a team in a way in which they might not be able to make up or recover to a spot that they might actually be deserved of. One might then say that if one has a fluid poll, it shouldn't/won't matter. To which I might say that if one has such a fluid poll, what does it hurt to rank said sub-.500 team, and then if warranted, use that same fluidity to drop them.

Anyway, looking forward to the insights and opinions this week. Thanks for doing what you guys do.

[Preferred Walk-On]

Thank you brother, I appreciate it. Kris really does sound way better now and I can not tell you accurately but I bet it has been 10 yrs. we've been working on getting him up to par. Now, they are both golden except for banging on the desk or table and so on. xlolx
The banging on the desk/table gives it authenticity. As does Mieke meowing in the background. xthumbsupx

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Testing a player.


https://player.blubrry.com/id/137195322?cache=1728349305#" title="Blubrry Podcast Player" scrolling="no

[Preferred Walk-On]

Testing a player.

<iframe src="https://player.blubrry.com/id/137195322?cache=1728349305#" title="Blubrry Podcast Player" scrolling="no" width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Seems to work just fine. Sounds good too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Seems to work just fine. Sounds good too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm on a pc and I don't have the player, I only have a link with the "<iframe" encloseures but if I grab the link inside and click "open in new tab" then I get the player on a new page withch works good so maybe I will just need to grab them that way. I am pretty sure I can't us the enclosures to have a player in a post but if I put it up in the header of the site it works I think...

I did that about 10 years or more ago and had one up for a bit but did not like the look. Any of the sharp tacks out there know how I can fix this let me know.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Testing a player.


https://player.blubrry.com/id/137195322?cache=1728349305#

let's try this...

[ursus arctos horribilis]

let's try this...

Yep, now if you just click the link it opens a player in a new tab.

[Preferred Walk-On]

Yep, now if you just click the link it opens a player in a new tab.
In my previous post I had used the original link on my phone...worked great. However, I had not tried a PC or Mac.
On a PC now, and tried the link from post 19. It worked just fine on my Windows 10 PC in Google Chrome. Just wanted to let you know.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

In my previous post I had used the original link on my phone...worked great. However, I had not tried a PC or Mac.
On a PC now, and tried the link from post 19. It worked just fine on my Windows 10 PC in Google Chrome. Just wanted to let you know.

It doesn't have a player inside the post though does it? I just went and tried on Chrome and it did the same thing for me there as on my FF and just opened a new tab with a player in it. Still, very handy compared to what I had been using.

[Preferred Walk-On]

It doesn't have a player inside the post though does it? I just went and tried on Chrome and it did the same thing for me there as on my FF and just opened a new tab with a player in it. Still, very handy compared to what I had been using.

No, there is no player inside the post. Opens up a new tab/window with the player in it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ursus arctos horribilis]

No, there is no player inside the post. Opens up a new tab/window with the player in it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Okay, same here. This might be a handy feature for people that don't have it in an ress feed like Apple, spotify, etc. but that is also broken and I am working on fixing those too. F'n BTR just sucks for making way more work than need be.

[Preferred Walk-On]

Gentlemen, just finished the Week 6 Review show. Figured I'd better get my "shots" in early.

First, we might need to have hot topics like that near the end of this show on held with a standard debate-like setup, where the producer (moderator) can mute the mic. Kris, you were infringing on your debate opponent's time a bit. Also, the question(s) might need to be asked by the moderator, as Lance, you tried to set Kris up like a true debate specialist with an unpopular opinion might right out of the gate. I did get a laugh out of it.

Lance, while I agree with you that voters have some opinions that might infringe on their ability to critically evaluate some teams (I'm sure I am guilty of it in some fashion or another), using this as an argument to justify not ranking teams with sub-.500 records is a false equivalency. Not participating in the playoffs vs. not having cupcakes on the schedule early on are not even remotely the same. Period. The argument that no sub-.500 team at the end of the year has been selected for the playoffs, and if the world were to end...oops, I mean the playoffs teams were to be selected after week 3 (or 5), that a team like Chattanooga would not be in is complete conjecture (not factual, like Ivies purposefully not participating in the playoffs). If this situation arose (selecting playoff teams after week 3 or 5), I might also conjecture that Chattanooga would be in...with a losing record (first time for everything, right?). One might also argue that it is important TO rank sub-.500 teams after week 3 (maybe week 5), so that if that doomsday scenario you put forth were to occur, we wouldn't automatically have 3-0 (maybe 4-1) teams with cupcake schedules up to that point selected for the playoffs (and heaven forbid, seeded).

The above said, it is important to have principles, and if you are going to do that, you should stick to them as well. Therefore, I can appreciate that this is a principle you will continue to go forward with, even if the vast majority (or at least those voicing their opinion) might not agree with it. As an aside, your argument might better be supported by looking at teams that have been ranked through week 5 with losing records and also looking at teams that finished the year in the playoffs, despite having a losing record through week 3 (or 5). If this number is less than say 50%, you would have a bit firmer ground to stand on (this is where I thought you might go with it).

Oh well, either way, I enjoyed it.

Finally, Lance, I need to give you props for pointing out who teams play, or more specifically don't play, going forward. It really helps with formulating some of the thoughts on some of the ranked, ORV, and previously ranked teams as the season continues forward. Please keep doing that.

Thanks all, and I'll look forward to the Week 7 Preview show tomorrow.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

291 W6 REVIEW 10/09/2024


https://media.blubrry.com/3768029/content.blubrry.com/3768029/291_2024_1009_W6_r.mp3 (https://media.blubrry.com/3768029/content.blubrry.com/3768029/291_2024_1009_W6_r.mp3)

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Gentlemen, just finished the Week 6 Review show. Figured I'd better get my "shots" in early.

First, we might need to have hot topics like that near the end of this show on held with a standard debate-like setup, where the producer (moderator) can mute the mic. Kris, you were infringing on your debate opponent's time a bit. Also, the question(s) might need to be asked by the moderator, as Lance, you tried to set Kris up like a true debate specialist with an unpopular opinion might right out of the gate. I did get a laugh out of it.

Lance, while I agree with you that voters have some opinions that might infringe on their ability to critically evaluate some teams (I'm sure I am guilty of it in some fashion or another), using this as an argument to justify not ranking teams with sub-.500 records is a false equivalency. Not participating in the playoffs vs. not having cupcakes on the schedule early on are not even remotely the same. Period. The argument that no sub-.500 team at the end of the year has been selected for the playoffs, and if the world were to end...oops, I mean the playoffs teams were to be selected after week 3 (or 5), that a team like Chattanooga would not be in is complete conjecture (not factual, like Ivies purposefully not participating in the playoffs). If this situation arose (selecting playoff teams after week 3 or 5), I might also conjecture that Chattanooga would be in...with a losing record (first time for everything, right?). One might also argue that it is important TO rank sub-.500 teams after week 3 (maybe week 5), so that if that doomsday scenario you put forth were to occur, we wouldn't automatically have 3-0 (maybe 4-1) teams with cupcake schedules up to that point selected for the playoffs (and heaven forbid, seeded).

The above said, it is important to have principles, and if you are going to do that, you should stick to them as well. Therefore, I can appreciate that this is a principle you will continue to go forward with, even if the vast majority (or at least those voicing their opinion) might not agree with it. As an aside, your argument might better be supported by looking at teams that have been ranked through week 5 with losing records and also looking at teams that finished the year in the playoffs, despite having a losing record through week 3 (or 5). If this number is less than say 50%, you would have a bit firmer ground to stand on (this is where I thought you might go with it).

Oh well, either way, I enjoyed it.

Finally, Lance, I need to give you props for pointing out who teams play, or more specifically don't play, going forward. It really helps with formulating some of the thoughts on some of the ranked, ORV, and previously ranked teams as the season continues forward. Please keep doing that.

Thanks all, and I'll look forward to the Week 7 Preview show tomorrow.

All great points and in a much shorter text version it echoes my response last night as I send notes to them while editing. My point was that the playoffs have zero to do with the AGS Poll. To me, it is simply about ranking what we think the T25 teams are. If they (Ivy) choose not to participate then why would that in any way reflect in how good I thought their team was, the committee will fill the spot with someone that does participate so why that matters I can not figure it out.

But I have always enjoyed the differing debates on putting together a ballot. It seems you always find some common ground in thinking, and you find some separation points that you can say "WTF, why?" on about any ballot.

Which is even funnier when I have/see these debates because any Selection Committee is made up of individuals that do this exact same thing and have these exact same debates, and come up with something that often fairly closely mirrors what we do here....and people that have voted come up with the nearly identical conclusion they do, then bitch about it and make up conspiracy theories that make zero f'n sense. xlolx

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Today's episode.

https://media.blubrry.com/3768029/content.blubrry.com/3768029/292_2024_1010_W7_p.mp3

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Today's episode.

293 WK7 REVIEW 10/16/2024

https://media.blubrry.com/3768029/content.blubrry.com/3768029/293_2024_1016_WK7_r.mp3

[ursus arctos horribilis]

294 WK8 PREVIEW 10/17/2024

https://media.blubrry.com/3768029/content.blubrry.com/3768029/294_2024_1017_WK8_p.mp3

[ursus arctos horribilis]

295 WK8 REVIEW M/D/2024

https://media.blubrry.com/3768029/content.blubrry.com/3768029/295_2024_1023_WK8_r.mp3

[Preferred Walk-On]

One of your 7 listeners here:

Enjoyed the show this morning. I was thrown a bit yesterday afternoon, as my Apple Podcast app sent me a notification of a "new" podcast for The FCS Wedge; however, it was the Week 8 Preview show from last week. Anywho, I appreciated the listen this morning of the Week 8 Review (which has not shown up in Apple Podcasts, so F them).

Just wanted to comment on the discussion about the SDSU @ NDSU game not being "(wasn't) that great of a game", that "this game sucked", and not hating, but praising each other after. I can assure you there is a healthy dislike for each other, but the difference is there is also a healthy respect for one another. They will be permanently linked at the FCS level not only by virtue of transitioning together, but also as being two of the best teams for over a decade together. I am definitely not sure of other rivalry matchups, but it was by working together initially that they were able to transition, and transition quite successfully. Also, they are mirror images of one another from a football philosophy standpoint. Finally, rivalries are always best when both teams are good...well, both qualify as such...and then some. You can respect AND dislike at the same time.

As for not being that great of a game, I guess it is perspective. But let's try this for perspective (and I apologize for picking on the Grizzlies...it is only because they made the championship last year against SDSU): Montana's points scored last year were 35, 43, 17 (against tough DII), 14 (loss), 28, 31, 23, 40, 34, 34, 37, 49, 35 (OT), 31 (2OT), 3 (championship; loss). If you don't see the pattern here, it is that defense wins games. When Montana was held to 14 or less, they lost. Defense is important in the playoffs/championship. When the playoffs arose, the quarterfinal and semifinal required three extra periods to 22 pt (7 and 15, respectively), otherwise these would have been some of the Griz's lower scoring games. NDSU's defense was not great last year, and even they were in the game tied at 16 at the end of regulation. Then in the championship, 3 pt did not cut it...oh, and SDSU had one more turnover than the Griz in that game...and still won by three scores. Every now and again Kris mentions defense and the Big Sky in the same sentence (not this week), and every time, I snort laugh. But in my opinion, Montana State is the only team that has begun to realize this (defense wins championships), and this is why other Big Sky teams may have a difficult time come playoffs. Defense travels.

Getting back to the terrible SDSU @ NDSU game, there was only one turnover (it was not sloppy). There were great stops, great tackles, and difficulty moving the ball for offenses that have been hanging points on everybody else. The two missed FG were from 53 yd (doink) and 48 yd (undercut the ball, short). That blocked XP was due to the Bison being fired up after a long SDSU touchdown (and a bit of chippiness directed towards the current Walter Payton award winner followed by a scuffle) and deciding to take out that aggression up the middle. This game was pretty well played, and it was more about making plays than being inept. The only thing really inept was the pace of the game. BTW, the team that won, won with just 13 pt against the #1 team in the nation. If that doesn't impress you, there really is no hope. High-powered offenses are great, but why is it that great defenses more often than not overcome these juggernauts? Watching Montana @ Eastern Washington, or Weber State @ Montana earlier this year hang 100+ points on the scoreboard was exciting, but the games were not particularly well played, and in my opinion precisely why I don't think there is serious contention outside of a few teams for the title. Entertaining, yes, but "great" or "impressive"...I guess that depends on what your season goal is.

Finally, there were a few points of agreement...see Villanova. Also, Kris, if you say you have a lot of CAA teams in the top 25, you probably do have too many. Finally, I still cannot understand why SEMO is at #6 and UT-Martin is at #21. I am going to purposely use a false equivalency for this, but for SDSU/NDSU, 4 pt is the difference between #1 and #3. For #6 and #21, 3 pt in 2OT is the difference. Huh? One will counter with UT-Martin lost to Missouri State (currently AGS #19). I might counter with "Who has SEMO played?". Southern Illinois is their most impressive win...and the shine is gone there. Kris, you are correct, UT-Martin has a great chance to win out...they are mostly playing SEMO's 1st half schedule. So, if they are mostly playing SEMO's schedule up to this point, and it looks like they should win out, this says something about SEMO's path to #6 thus far. Just cannot understand how they are so far apart. I'll shut up and listen.

Thanks again, gentlemen, and I look forward to the preview show.

[Preferred Walk-On]

Forgot to post this also, especially for Kris, but current Massey SOS: Tennessee-Martin #20, Southeast Missouri State #72.

[caribbeanhen]

Forgot to post this also, especially for Kris, but current Massey SOS: Tennessee-Martin #20, Southeast Missouri State #72.

I mentioned that in my Harvard would curb stomp them post, need to SeMo quality wins from them

[ursus arctos horribilis]

296 WK9 PREVIEW M/D/2024

https://content.blubrry.com/3768029/296_2024_1024_WK9_p.mp3

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Preferred Walk-On

One of your 7 listeners here:

Enjoyed the show this morning. I was thrown a bit yesterday afternoon, as my Apple Podcast app sent me a notification of a "new" podcast for The FCS Wedge; however, it was the Week 8 Preview show from last week. Anywho, I appreciated the listen this morning of the Week 8 Review (which has not shown up in Apple Podcasts, so F them).


It's weird but Kris said that same thing but I also noticed it periodically with Amazon, and Youtube music also. Not sure why because they pop up there eventually so the rss feed has to work, but they just aren't checking as often or updating maybe, I can't do anything about it that I can find except gripe so here I am. xlolx

Glad I can now post them as their own link and as always they are available on the BTR link as a stacked up archive of the whole season too.

[Preferred Walk-On]

I mentioned that in my Harvard would curb stomp them post, need to SeMo quality wins from them
Just for my clarification (must have missed the post or don't remember), Harvard would curb stomp SEMO? Or was it that Harvard would curb stomp the opponents SEMO has faced thus far? The former I don't agree with. The latter, while curb stomp might be a bit far, I think Harvard would have a good chance with 5 (maybe even 6, post SIU QB injury) out of the 7 opponents SEMO has faced and beaten thus far.

While I don't disagree that we maybe need to SeMo quality wins, I do think that SEMO/UT-Martin are really almost a package item at this point (need to be ranked within a couple of spots of one another). Exactly where this package item should be ranked is another discussion (probably not #6).

[MTfan4life]

One of your 7 listeners here:

Enjoyed the show this morning. I was thrown a bit yesterday afternoon, as my Apple Podcast app sent me a notification of a "new" podcast for The FCS Wedge; however, it was the Week 8 Preview show from last week. Anywho, I appreciated the listen this morning of the Week 8 Review (which has not shown up in Apple Podcasts, so F them).

Just wanted to comment on the discussion about the SDSU @ NDSU game not being "(wasn't) that great of a game", that "this game sucked", and not hating, but praising each other after. I can assure you there is a healthy dislike for each other, but the difference is there is also a healthy respect for one another. They will be permanently linked at the FCS level not only by virtue of transitioning together, but also as being two of the best teams for over a decade together. I am definitely not sure of other rivalry matchups, but it was by working together initially that they were able to transition, and transition quite successfully. Also, they are mirror images of one another from a football philosophy standpoint. Finally, rivalries are always best when both teams are good...well, both qualify as such...and then some. You can respect AND dislike at the same time.

As for not being that great of a game, I guess it is perspective. But let's try this for perspective (and I apologize for picking on the Grizzlies...it is only because they made the championship last year against SDSU): Montana's points scored last year were 35, 43, 17 (against tough DII), 14 (loss), 28, 31, 23, 40, 34, 34, 37, 49, 35 (OT), 31 (2OT), 3 (championship; loss). If you don't see the pattern here, it is that defense wins games. When Montana was held to 14 or less, they lost. Defense is important in the playoffs/championship. When the playoffs arose, the quarterfinal and semifinal required three extra periods to 22 pt (7 and 15, respectively), otherwise these would have been some of the Griz's lower scoring games. NDSU's defense was not great last year, and even they were in the game tied at 16 at the end of regulation. Then in the championship, 3 pt did not cut it...oh, and SDSU had one more turnover than the Griz in that game...and still won by three scores. Every now and again Kris mentions defense and the Big Sky in the same sentence (not this week), and every time, I snort laugh. But in my opinion, Montana State is the only team that has begun to realize this (defense wins championships), and this is why other Big Sky teams may have a difficult time come playoffs. Defense travels.

Getting back to the terrible SDSU @ NDSU game, there was only one turnover (it was not sloppy). There were great stops, great tackles, and difficulty moving the ball for offenses that have been hanging points on everybody else. The two missed FG were from 53 yd (doink) and 48 yd (undercut the ball, short). That blocked XP was due to the Bison being fired up after a long SDSU touchdown (and a bit of chippiness directed towards the current Walter Payton award winner followed by a scuffle) and deciding to take out that aggression up the middle. This game was pretty well played, and it was more about making plays than being inept. The only thing really inept was the pace of the game. BTW, the team that won, won with just 13 pt against the #1 team in the nation. If that doesn't impress you, there really is no hope. High-powered offenses are great, but why is it that great defenses more often than not overcome these juggernauts? Watching Montana @ Eastern Washington, or Weber State @ Montana earlier this year hang 100+ points on the scoreboard was exciting, but the games were not particularly well played, and in my opinion precisely why I don't think there is serious contention outside of a few teams for the title. Entertaining, yes, but "great" or "impressive"...I guess that depends on what your season goal is.

Finally, there were a few points of agreement...see Villanova. Also, Kris, if you say you have a lot of CAA teams in the top 25, you probably do have too many. Finally, I still cannot understand why SEMO is at #6 and UT-Martin is at #21. I am going to purposely use a false equivalency for this, but for SDSU/NDSU, 4 pt is the difference between #1 and #3. For #6 and #21, 3 pt in 2OT is the difference. Huh? One will counter with UT-Martin lost to Missouri State (currently AGS #19). I might counter with "Who has SEMO played?". Southern Illinois is their most impressive win...and the shine is gone there. Kris, you are correct, UT-Martin has a great chance to win out...they are mostly playing SEMO's 1st half schedule. So, if they are mostly playing SEMO's schedule up to this point, and it looks like they should win out, this says something about SEMO's path to #6 thus far. Just cannot understand how they are so far apart. I'll shut up and listen.

Thanks again, gentlemen, and I look forward to the preview show.

Why does it ALWAYS have to be a comparison to the Big Sky? I just simply didn't enjoy the game I watched. Plus, switch the roles and have NDSU play the quality SDSU did on offense, and few fans would appreciate that game. Having one big play, an average of less than 4 passing yards per attempt. NDSU played solid, but SDSU missed the bar. White milk of a game from a play calling perspective, double digit penalties, and a defense that got outplayed by NDSU when the moment mattered. Half their offense came on QB runs. From an NDSU fan it's a thrilling game taking down the #1 team with a game winning drive and holding them to single digits. But it's perfectly realistic for an outsider the product SDSU put out. For a game to be great in my eyes, I have to like the way both teams are playing.

[caribbeanhen]

Just for my clarification (must have missed the post or don't remember), Harvard would curb stomp SEMO? Or was it that Harvard would curb stomp the opponents SEMO has faced thus far? The former I don't agree with. The latter, while curb stomp might be a bit far, I think Harvard would have a good chance with 5 (maybe even 6, post SIU QB injury) out of the 7 opponents SEMO has faced and beaten thus far.

While I don't disagree that we maybe need to SeMo quality wins, I do think that SEMO/UT-Martin are really almost a package item at this point (need to be ranked within a couple of spots of one another). Exactly where this package item should be ranked is another discussion (probably not #6).

the Harvard would curb stomp SE Mizzu State was more about affect, but the eye test tells me their not really that far apart. Knowing that we will never see a Harvard vs SeMo game this year, I used Massey match up tool and giving Harvard the home field, SeMo would be a paltry 1 point favorite.

Anyway, looks like we agree that SEMO's ranking is on the high side, I would expect the #6 ranked team to go into 1-6 Charleston Southern and winless Natchitoches and produce some blowouts. Richmond beat Cha So 38-0 and the #6 team only beats them 26-13 and can only put up a measly 19 points vs Northwestern State, not really a good look. Does SeMo ever run the ball? How would they do if they played in the Southern Conference? I would say they wouldn't make the playoffs

We hear about Tenn-Martin every year but the problem is that weak conference they play in does them no favors at all

[Preferred Walk-On]

Why does it ALWAYS have to be a comparison to the Big Sky? I just simply didn't enjoy the game I watched. Plus, switch the roles and have NDSU play the quality SDSU did on offense, and few fans would appreciate that game. Having one big play, an average of less than 4 passing yards per attempt. NDSU played solid, but SDSU missed the bar. White milk of a game from a play calling perspective, double digit penalties, and a defense that got outplayed by NDSU when the moment mattered. Half their offense came on QB runs. From an NDSU fan it's a thrilling game taking down the #1 team with a game winning drive and holding them to single digits. But it's perfectly realistic for an outsider the product SDSU put out. For a game to be great in my eyes, I have to like the way both teams are playing.

The comparison was for a team that has a championship caliber offense with (perhaps) a non-championship caliber defense. The comparison was also based on recency, because outside of JMU (and SHSU spring), it has been Big Sky teams in the national championship the past 8 yr. It is difficult to say whether or not NDSU/SDSU have championship caliber offenses, because defense sometimes masks this. I might argue it is difficult to determine whether Big Sky teams have championship caliber offenses as well, since they play in an offense-driven echo chamber where defense can be suspect. Not trying to offend at all. Just saying the focus within the leagues is different, and over the past 14 yr, it is skewed in one direction or the other based on league (again generalizing). I could have just as easily inserted other conferences that generally have a different philosophy, but then one might have argued, well, they have not been as successful as the Big Sky (take that as a compliment to the football played in that conference).

I can appreciate that YOU thought the SDSU @ NDSU game was terrible, sucked, and wasn't that great of a game. But you state it as if it is fact, not one man's opinion. That is fine...I know it is your opinion, so I was sharing mine. You are correct, it was exciting as a fan in attendance, but I must respectfully disagree with your statement about "missed the bar" and "play calling perspective", as it is possible that defense dictated that and additional reads/plays simply could not be made due to schemes and insufficient time, so plays seemed vanilla. You do make it sound a bit like you think that SDSU is the better team (based on the reply you made), and I don't have the ammo to debate that, just like you also don't have the ammo to debate it. Also, the MVFC is generally not a "chuck the pigskin" league, even when these two are not playing each other, so we'll have to agree to disagree on what makes a game great (or not).

As for the preview show, you are right with "review", especially if you use "preview" for the upcoming week. But I did laugh at the "precap" comment, and I think next week should be recap and precap shows. Until next time.

[Preferred Walk-On]

the Harvard would curb stomp SE Mizzu State was more about affect, but the eye test tells me their not really that far apart. Knowing that we will never see a Harvard vs SeMo game this year, I used Massey match up tool and giving Harvard the home field, SeMo would be a paltry 1 point favorite.

Anyway, looks like we agree that SEMO's ranking is on the high side, I would expect the #6 ranked team to go into 1-6 Charleston Southern and winless Natchitoches and produce some blowouts. Richmond beat Cha So 38-0 and the #6 team only beats them 26-13 and can only put up a measly 19 points vs Northwestern State, not really a good look. Does SeMo ever run the ball? How would they do if they played in the Southern Conference? I would say they wouldn't make the playoffs

We hear about Tenn-Martin every year but the problem is that weak conference they play in does them no favors at all

I see your points, and I am in agreement. How Ivies would fare in the Big South-OVC, and vice versa...I don't really see either conference as having a leg up over the other. I've caught the occasional Ivy on a Fri night, and I've seen a couple of BS-OVC on a Bison road weekend or in the evening (I think the UT-M @ SEMO was a night affair when I watched it, since I think I was waiting on them to fill out the HTF). The quality of football, based on my eye test, it not really distinguishably different.

The point I am making with SEMO/UT-M is that they are pretty much the same, and should be ranked similarly. I also believe that SEMO is not #6, but truth be told, I am probably ranking them too high as well (full disclosure, #9, UT-M #10), but that is also a product of other teams. As for the Ivies, Harvard, don't lose to Brown. Brown, don't lose to Bryant and Princeton. Princeton, don't lose to Lehigh and Columbia. Columbia, don't lose to Georgetown. See where I am going with this? Now if the Ivy were the SEC of the FCS, this would appear different, but they are the BS-OVC of the FCS, so...xdontknowx

[caribbeanhen]

I see your points, and I am in agreement. How Ivies would fare in the Big South-OVC, and vice versa...I don't really see either conference as having a leg up over the other. I've caught the occasional Ivy on a Fri night, and I've seen a couple of BS-OVC on a Bison road weekend or in the evening (I think the UT-M @ SEMO was a night affair when I watched it, since I think I was waiting on them to fill out the HTF). The quality of football, based on my eye test, it not really distinguishably different.

The point I am making with SEMO/UT-M is that they are pretty much the same, and should be ranked similarly. I also believe that SEMO is not #6, but truth be told, I am probably ranking them too high as well (full disclosure, #9, UT-M #10), but that is also a product of other teams. As for the Ivies, Harvard, don't lose to Brown. Brown, don't lose to Bryant and Princeton. Princeton, don't lose to Lehigh and Columbia. Columbia, don't lose to Georgetown. See where I am going with this? Now if the Ivy were the SEC of the FCS, this would appear different, but they are the BS-OVC of the FCS, so...xdontknowx

I was with you up until the bolded part, now I do think the Ivy looks a bit down this year overall, but the league is still better than the OVC. Link to Massey added as further evidence to support the eye test

Massey Ratings - College Football : FCS Ratings (https://masseyratings.com/cf/fcs/ratings?c=1)

[Preferred Walk-On]

I was with you up until the bolded part, now I do think the Ivy looks a bit down this year overall, but the league is still better than the OVC. Link to Massey added as further evidence to support the eye test

Massey Ratings - College Football : FCS Ratings (https://masseyratings.com/cf/fcs/ratings?c=1)
Limited eye test here, but I respectfully disagree with you and Massey on Ivy being better than BS-OVC (Massey's conference power rating is marginally better...7th and 8th; however, Massey's SOS is 7th for BS-OVC and 10th for Ivy). I'm sure the data can be massaged a number of different ways, but even Massey has them basically indistinguishable.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Tennessee-Martin does have one of the few FBS wins (I realize it was the 2nd lowest Massey and Sagarin ranked FBS team that lost to an FCS, but it was still an FBS win for UT-M).

[caribbeanhen]

Sagarin Conference Rankings tells me my eyes are still 20/20

14 MISSOURI VALLEY (AA)= 55.84
15 BIG SKY (AA)= 52.17
16 COASTAL (AA)= 47.98
17 UNITED ATHLETIC (AA)= 47.89
18 SOUTHERN (AA)= 46.76
19 IVY LEAGUE (AA)= 46.05
20 SOUTHLAND (AA)= 45.91
21 BIG SOUTH/OVC (AA)= 44.13
22 PATRIOT (AA)= 40.47
23 I-AA IND. (AA)= 40.10
24 MEAC (AA)= 39.48
25 SWAC-EAST (AA)= 38.46
26 SWAC-WEST (AA)= 36.32
27 NORTHEAST (AA)= 36.27
28 PIONEER Horrible

[Preferred Walk-On]

Sagarin Conference Rankings tells me my eyes are still 20/20

14 MISSOURI VALLEY (AA)= 55.84
15 BIG SKY (AA)= 52.17
16 COASTAL (AA)= 47.98
17 UNITED ATHLETIC (AA)= 47.89
18 SOUTHERN (AA)= 46.76
19 IVY LEAGUE (AA)= 46.05
20 SOUTHLAND (AA)= 45.91
21 BIG SOUTH/OVC (AA)= 44.13
22 PATRIOT (AA)= 40.47
23 I-AA IND. (AA)= 40.10
24 MEAC (AA)= 39.48
25 SWAC-EAST (AA)= 38.46
26 SWAC-WEST (AA)= 36.32
27 NORTHEAST (AA)= 36.27
28 PIONEER Horrible
I notice that:

MVFC > BSC (~4 pt)
BSC > CAA (~4 pt)
UAC/SoCon/Ivy/SLC/BS-OVC (all within 4 pt; <2 pt between Ivy and BS-OVC)
BS-OVC > Patriot/MEAC (~ 4 pt)
Patriot/Ind/MEAC/SWAC/NEC (all within 4 pt)

So I ask, what is the statistical significance of 46.05 and 44.13 ​(since we are using these numbers as gospel...or at least to support your self-proclaimed perfect vision)? I'm assuming an Ivy could help you with that. Perhaps your vision is more on the 20/25 range...in your right eye. I'll let you have the last word. ;)

[caribbeanhen]

I notice that:

MVFC > BSC (~4 pt)
BSC > CAA (~4 pt)
UAC/SoCon/Ivy/SLC/BS-OVC (all within 4 pt; <2 pt between Ivy and BS-OVC)
BS-OVC > Patriot/MEAC (~ 4 pt)
Patriot/Ind/MEAC/SWAC/NEC (all within 4 pt)

So I ask, what is the statistical significance of 46.05 and 44.13 ​(since we are using these numbers as gospel...or at least to support your self-proclaimed perfect vision)? I'm assuming an Ivy could help you with that. Perhaps your vision is more on the 20/25 range...in your right eye. I'll let you have the last word. ;)

oh stop, are you really assuming these numbers are gosepl? Nooooooooooo lol of course not. The Ivies need to get in the playoffs

here are they the combined computer rankings from the Massey culmination, Ivy > OVC by a widget

Massey Ratings - College Football : FCS Rankings (https://masseyratings.com/ranks?s=cf&sub=fcs&c=1)

what is the statistical significance of 46.05 and 44.13? before I dazzle you with the answer to your I already know the answer question, I ask why is statistical significance displayed in a different font on your post? You googled it didn't ya xcoffeex

[Preferred Walk-On]

oh stop, are you really assuming these numbers are gosepl? Nooooooooooo lol of course not. The Ivies need to get in the playoffs

here are they the combined computer rankings from the Massey culmination, Ivy > OVC by a widget

Massey Ratings - College Football : FCS Rankings (https://masseyratings.com/ranks?s=cf&sub=fcs&c=1)

what is the statistical significance of 46.05 and 44.13? before I dazzle you with the answer to your I already know the answer question, I ask why is statistical significance displayed in a different font on your post? You googled it didn't ya xcoffeex
Sorry, broke my last word promise.

Same font, different style (italics), but please dazzle me. I am just wondering if 2 pt is that meaningful? Is a "widget" meaningful. To you maybe, to others that also have eyes, maybe not.

You are correct though in one aspect...it is a shame that we will never get to find out come playoff time.

P.S. Sagarin included in Massey, so a bit of an echo chamber? Where does KPI "Faktor" in on Massey Ratings? KPI must be such a powerful rating system, that they had to keep them separate. :D

Now, last word me.

[caribbeanhen]

Sorry, broke my last word promise.

Same font, different style (italics), but please dazzle me. I am just wondering if 2 pt is that meaningful? Is a "widget" meaningful. To you maybe, to others that also have eyes, maybe not.

You are correct though in one aspect...it is a shame that we will never get to find out come playoff time.

P.S. Sagarin included in Massey, so a bit of an echo chamber? Where does KPI "Faktor" in on Massey Ratings? KPI must be such a powerful rating system, that they had to keep them separate. :D

Now, last word me.

Did you not learn that these computer rankings don’t make it so?

Why so allergic to being challenged on your opinion ?

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Today's episode:

297 WK9 REVIEW 10/30/2024

https://content.blubrry.com/3768029/297_2024_1030_WK9_r.mp3

[Preferred Walk-On]

Did you not learn that these computer rankings don’t make it so?

Why so allergic to being challenged on your opinion ?
S***. You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to caribbeanhen again. Sorry for breaking the last word again, but alas, I am sure it won't be (the last word).

I am hoping you are asking that same question in the mirror. But just in case you aren't..."Why so allergic to being challenged on your opinion?".

My whole point is exactly what you said in your first sentence, but I'll reply with quote and restate: "Did you not learn that these computer rankings don't make it so?". I am assuming this is sarcasm, because I subscribe to the eye test, like yourself, yet you are the one using computer rankings to justify. I'm curious how many Ivy and BS-OVC games Mr. Massey and Mr. Sagarin have viewed. Even if the computer data suggested Ivy #1 and BS-OVC #10, I would still have a bit of a problem with that; however, I would at least think your argument was stronger than wet crepe paper.

Balancing out the Ivy love and the BS-OVC hate might be good for your constitution. I don't think I have Ivy hate (couldn't care less that they have made the decision to not participate in the playoffs, start their season three weeks later, and only play in-conference with two mixed in Patriot/Pioneer/CAA league games typically...I know, Princeton @ Mercer), but that setup is precisely why I cannot say definitively that the BS-OVC is better than the Ivy (which I didn't, BTW, I called the Ivy the BS-OVC of the FCS), just as you cannot say definitively that the Ivy is better than the BS-OVC.

I appreciate the discussion, but I think we'll have to agree to disagree at this point.

- - - Updated - - -


Today's episode:

297 WK9 REVIEW 10/30/2024

https://content.blubrry.com/3768029/297_2024_1030_WK9_r.mp3
Did Kris win rock-paper-scissors for the use of "recap"? ;)

[caribbeanhen]

We don’t need no reputation…. Pink Floyd

The truth is PWO
we will never know until the Ivies get with the program

all I really want is a good football games

One of the things I do like about the computer polls is they do not watch games and they’re not really fans of any particular team, conference or geographic region. Therefore, all of the human bias is supposedly removed, unless the programmer would do the unthinkable.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

S***. You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to caribbeanhen again. Sorry for breaking the last word again, but alas, I am sure it won't be (the last word).

I am hoping you are asking that same question in the mirror. But just in case you aren't..."Why so allergic to being challenged on your opinion?".

My whole point is exactly what you said in your first sentence, but I'll reply with quote and restate: "Did you not learn that these computer rankings don't make it so?". I am assuming this is sarcasm, because I subscribe to the eye test, like yourself, yet you are the one using computer rankings to justify. I'm curious how many Ivy and BS-OVC games Mr. Massey and Mr. Sagarin have viewed. Even if the computer data suggested Ivy #1 and BS-OVC #10, I would still have a bit of a problem with that; however, I would at least think your argument was stronger than wet crepe paper.

Balancing out the Ivy love and the BS-OVC hate might be good for your constitution. I don't think I have Ivy hate (couldn't care less that they have made the decision to not participate in the playoffs, start their season three weeks later, and only play in-conference with two mixed in Patriot/Pioneer/CAA league games typically...I know, Princeton @ Mercer), but that setup is precisely why I cannot say definitively that the BS-OVC is better than the Ivy (which I didn't, BTW, I called the Ivy the BS-OVC of the FCS), just as you cannot say definitively that the Ivy is better than the BS-OVC.

I appreciate the discussion, but I think we'll have to agree to disagree at this point.

- - - Updated - - -


Did Kris win rock-paper-scissors for the use of "recap"? ;)

No, but when a man has as much difficulty as 2K does I tend to pat him on the head and say "Good job little buddy" and roll with it. Plus when Lance was Precapping the show last week as a retort I was chuckling too much not tho find it all very worthwhile. That was some deep down smack in sheep's clothing.:D

Today's episode:

298 WK10 PREVIEW 10/31/2024
https://media.blubrry.com/3768029/content.blubrry.com/3768029/298_2024_1031_WK10_p.mp3

[kalm]

No, but when a man has as much difficulty as 2K does I tend to pat him on the head and say "Good job little buddy" and roll with it. Plus when Lance was Precapping the show last week as a retort I was chuckling too much not tho find it all very worthwhile. That was some deep down smack in sheep's clothing.:D

Today's episode:

298 WK10 PREVIEW 10/31/2024
https://media.blubrry.com/3768029/content.blubrry.com/3768029/298_2024_1031_WK10_p.mp3

Yes…I won.

It’s “Recap” which is the common nomenclature used for every team’s website.

Not to mention it’s easier to distinguish from preview than review is.

It’s not my fault I work with these semi-literate Montana fellers. I deserve a Webby Award simply for what I have to endure behind the scenes.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Yes…I won.

It’s “Recap” which is the common nomenclature used for every team’s website.

Not to mention it’s easier to distinguish from preview than review is.

It’s not my fault I work with these semi-literate Montana fellers. I deserve a Webby Award simply for what I have to endure behind the scenes.

Good job little buddy

[caribbeanhen]

well you guys have something new to talk about now

The Ivies, at the lower levels, are talking about participating in the playoffs