STATS Poll, 10/21/2024

[kdinva]

https://theanalyst.com/na/2024/10/stats-perform-fcs-top-25-poll-8

1. North Dakota State (7-1, 4-0 MVFC), 1,384 points (40 of 56 first-place votes)
2. Montana State (8-0, 4-0 Big Sky), 1,351 (16)
3. South Dakota State (5-2, 2-1 MVFC), 1,286
4. South Dakota (6-1, 4-0 MVFC), 1,237
5. UC Davis (7-1, 4-0 Big Sky), 1,172
6. Southeast Missouri (7-1, 4-0 Big South-OVC), 1,074
7. North Dakota (5-2, 2-1 MVFC), 1,006
8. Tarleton State (6-1, 3-0 UAC), 929
9. Montana (5-2, 2-1 Big Sky), 854
10. UIW (5-2, 2-0 Southland), 826
11. Idaho (5-3, 2-2 Big Sky), 809
12. Central Arkansas (5-2, 2-1 UAC), 785
13. Villanova (5-2, 2-1 CAA), 736
14. Mercer (6-1, 3-1 SoCon), 708
15. Rhode Island (6-1, 3-0 CAA), 637
16. William & Mary (5-2, 3-1 CAA), 558
17. Abilene Christian (5-3, 4-1 UAC), 518
18. Richmond (5-2, 3-0 CAA), 512
19. Chattanooga (4-3, 3-1 SoCon), 395
20. North Carolina Central (5-2, 2-0 MEAC), 237
21. Illinois State (5-3, 2-2 MVFC), 199
22. Dartmouth (5-0, 3-0 Ivy), 184
23. ETSU (4-3, 2-1 SoCon), 142
24. Western Carolina (4-3, 3-0 SoCon), 124
25. Tennessee State (6-2, 3-1 Big South-OVC), 103

Others Receiving Votes (schools listed on two or more ballots): UT Martin (4-3, 2-1 Big South-OVC), 82; Stony Brook (5-2, 2-1 CAA), 69; Duquesne (4-2, 2-0 NEC), 39; Sacramento State (3-4, 1-2 Big Sky), 36; Harvard (4-1, 1-1 Ivy), 32; Monmouth (4-3, 2-1 CAA), 30; Jackson State (5-2, 3-0 SWAC), 29; Northern Arizona (4-4, 2-2 Big Sky), 28; Southeastern Louisiana (4-4, 3-0 Southland), 18; Drake (5-1, 4-0 Pioneer), 14; New Hampshire (4-3, 2-1 CAA), 12; Florida A&M (3-3, 1-1 SWAC), 6; Dayton (5-1, 3-0 Pioneer), 5; Samford (3-3, 2-1 SoCon), 5; Lamar (4-3, 1-1 Southland), 4; Maine (4-3, 2-2 CAA), 2

[Outsider1]

I was hoping we might bounce back a spot or two, but the Stats poll basically kept everyone in the back part of the poll where they were at if they won unless it was a really significant win. Why did Tarleton get bumped up two spots with a bye? Central Arkansas is still too high (again, with a bye). Do these voters even look at HtH or conference rankings, as well as WvL?

[Chalupa Batman]

This poll isn't all that terrible. I don't think NCCU, Illinois State, & Tennessee State really deserve to be ranked but at least they're not that high up in the poll. The difference from number 7 in this poll to the bottom of the poll (outside of the 3 I mentioned) is pretty small IMO.

[Outsider1]

This poll isn't all that terrible. I don't think NCCU, Illinois State, & Tennessee State really deserve to be ranked but at least they're not that high up in the poll. The difference from number 7 in this poll to the bottom of the poll (outside of the 3 I mentioned) is pretty small IMO.

There are 5 spots between UCA and us, and we beat UCA. We are also ranked higher than UCA in the UAC conference.

[wcugrad95]

FWIW - WCU is currently leading the SOCON, but I don't see them (or expect them to be) ranked ahead of several of the other league teams. H2H does need to factor in, but other things also have to be looked at (sometimes with even more importance). Not saying there should be such a discrepancy between UCA and ACU, but just saying as we are getting down this far in the schedule you have to also ask "who do I think would win if these 2 teams played right now" kind of questions, or look at if there were weird or fluky things that impacted a game (like Mercer's loss to Samford).

And let's be honest - the STATS and Coaches poll often simply look at the record. So 5-2 sounds better than 5-3 to them.

[MSUBobcat]

There are 5 spots between UCA and us, and we beat UCA. We are also ranked higher than UCA in the UAC conference.

I think most are giving them credit for beating (or perhaps "not losing" is more accurate) Ark State, leaving them with 1 loss, to a ranked ACU team on the road. ACU has a loss, by a fair margin also, to a not real good tUNA squad and a close home loss to a not-so-shiny Idaho team. ACU also needed a last second 54yd FG to beat a bad Northern Colorado team, which is similar to UCA needing to stop a 2pt attempt at the end of the game to win.

Maybe they should be closer together, but just the H2H doesn't necessarily mean they should be ranked higher, given that it was a close road loss.

[SU DOG]

FWIW - WCU is currently leading the SOCON, but I don't see them (or expect them to be) ranked ahead of several of the other league teams. H2H does need to factor in, but other things also have to be looked at (sometimes with even more importance). Not saying there should be such a discrepancy between UCA and ACU, but just saying as we are getting down this far in the schedule you have to also ask "who do I think would win if these 2 teams played right now" kind of questions, or look at if there were weird or fluky things that impacted a game (like Mercer's loss to Samford).

And let's be honest - the STATS and Coaches poll often simply look at the record. So 5-2 sounds better than 5-3 to them.

Wonder what you consider a weird or fluky thing that impacted our win vs Mercer? Frankly I think Samford would probably win in a rematch. Was there anything weird or fluky about your team losing to Campbell?

[POD Knows]

There are 5 spots between UCA and us, and we beat UCA. We are also ranked higher than UCA in the UAC conference.
How many spots are there between Villanova and Maine. HTH is fine but you have to consider the balance of the year as well.

[ElCid]

How many spots are there between Villanova and Maine. HTH is fine but you have to consider the balance of the year as well.

Pretty sure we are entering the body of work phase of the season in regard to polls. H2H are still a factor, but each week now puts up deeper into body of work consideration. But to be honest, take away Maryland from Novas SOS, and it ain't great. Four of their five Ws are outside of the Massey top 50. And none of those wins were highly convincing. Maine was their hardest FCS opponent, and they got thumped. They got three top 30 teams remaining (as of now). We will see if they are really any good. Nova may turn into a so-so win for some or not a great loss for some.

[FUBeAR]

Wonder what you consider a weird or fluky thing that impacted our win vs Mercer? Frankly I think Samford would probably win in a rematch. Was there anything weird or fluky about your team losing to Campbell?
Agree with the “nothing fluky” thought.

Mercer did what they needed to do lose the game and Samford did what they needed to do to win it. What it wuz, wuz feetsball, in all its sometimes painful and sometimes joyous glory.

Also agree that IF Samford was able to jump ahead 21-0 inside of 4 minutes from the opening kickoff again, then Samford would probably take that rematch as well.

[Outsider1]

FWIW - WCU is currently leading the SOCON, but I don't see them (or expect them to be) ranked ahead of several of the other league teams. H2H does need to factor in, but other things also have to be looked at (sometimes with even more importance). Not saying there should be such a discrepancy between UCA and ACU, but just saying as we are getting down this far in the schedule you have to also ask "who do I think would win if these 2 teams played right now" kind of questions, or look at if there were weird or fluky things that impacted a game (like Mercer's loss to Samford).

And let's be honest - the STATS and Coaches poll often simply look at the record. So 5-2 sounds better than 5-3 to them.

True, but 4-1 is also better than 2-1.

[POD Knows]

Pretty sure we are entering the body of work phase of the season in regard to polls. H2H are still a factor, but each week now puts up deeper into body of work consideration. But to be honest, take away Maryland from Novas SOS, and it ain't great. Four of their five Ws are outside of the Massey top 50. And none of those wins were highly convincing. Maine was their hardest FCS opponent, and they got thumped. They got three top 30 teams remaining (as of now). We will see if they are really any good. Nova may turn into a so-so win for some or not a great loss for some.
H2H is fine but if NDSU was 4-3 and beat a 6-1 SDSU I would put NDSU behind SDSU. If you are doing a poll and you are this deep into the year and you are pining over a H2H earlier in the year then you are screwed unless those teams have a similar balance of work. I see these comments all the time over previous games ignoring the "current" and I think most of those comments come from people that don't vote and it also seems like they come from folks pimping their own teams.

[Outsider1]

I think most are giving them credit for beating (or perhaps "not losing" is more accurate) Ark State, leaving them with 1 loss, to a ranked ACU team on the road. ACU has a loss, by a fair margin also, to a not real good tUNA squad and a close home loss to a not-so-shiny Idaho team. ACU also needed a last second 54yd FG to beat a bad Northern Colorado team, which is similar to UCA needing to stop a 2pt attempt at the end of the game to win.

Maybe they should be closer together, but just the H2H doesn't necessarily mean they should be ranked higher, given that it was a close road loss.

UNA is now ranked 3rd in the UAC rankings, above UCA at 3-1 vs 2-1, so UNA is not as bad as people think. Have they beat a ranked opponent? No, but they did play Tarleton decently and are on a 3 game win streak right now. Again, so many people aren't really following teams. The UNC game was so so, but good teams find a way to win. I had already mentioned there was a lot more than just the H2H that should be considered. I think too many people got over focused on some simple things and didn't really look at the bigger picture. I think it happens to other teams as well. Given: 1) The H2H; 2) They are ranked higher in conference; 3) ACU's schedule isn't as bad as people think; 4) UCA's win against Ark St. not as big as an OT loss to a bigger and stronger Tech;.. then yes, there are very good arguments for ACU to be ranked higher than UCA right now.

I get it, and not arguing anymore, but was waiting for some semblance of reason over a couple of weeks that didn't really happen. It's not the first time and it won't be the last. Again, the rest of the season will be the ultimate deciding factor.

[Outsider1]

H2H is fine but if NDSU was 4-3 and beat a 6-1 SDSU I would put NDSU behind SDSU. If you are doing a poll and you are this deep into the year and you are pining over a H2H earlier in the year then you are screwed unless those teams have a similar balance of work. I see these comments all the time over previous games ignoring the "current" and I think most of those comments come from people that don't vote and it also seems like they come from folks pimping their own teams.

Yes, I fully understand what you are saying, but ACU isn't 4-3 and UCA isn't 6-1 and as I stated just now, there is more to go on. Also, I have punished my team quite a lot. This isn't just about ACU though. It's about teams (UCA, and others) that get love when they don't necessarily deserve as much as they are getting because their current body of work doesn't show it. It goes into how much body do you utilize in your current vs past voting? Yes, I vote.

[Outsider1]

FWIW - WCU is currently leading the SOCON, but I don't see them (or expect them to be) ranked ahead of several of the other league teams. H2H does need to factor in, but other things also have to be looked at (sometimes with even more importance). Not saying there should be such a discrepancy between UCA and ACU, but just saying as we are getting down this far in the schedule you have to also ask "who do I think would win if these 2 teams played right now" kind of questions, or look at if there were weird or fluky things that impacted a game (like Mercer's loss to Samford).

And let's be honest - the STATS and Coaches poll often simply look at the record. So 5-2 sounds better than 5-3 to them.

I thought about WCU and they are certainly in the mix of teams that should be mentioned of being ranked. You have multiple in that 20-30 range that can be argued. Mercer and Villanova show that everyone has bad days and bad (or so so) teams have really good days.

[ElCid]

H2H is fine but if NDSU was 4-3 and beat a 6-1 SDSU I would put NDSU behind SDSU. If you are doing a poll and you are this deep into the year and you are pining over a H2H earlier in the year then you are screwed unless those teams have a similar balance of work. I see these comments all the time over previous games ignoring the "current" and I think most of those comments come from people that don't vote and it also seems like they come from folks pimping their own teams.

I think understand what you are saying and agree. It's the comparing body of work that usually makes it hard. In your example, if two of SDSUs wins were against (Hypothetically) Presbyterian and Marist, with maybe a win against Indiana St, SIU, UNI, and Montana, and NDSUs loses were against SD, Mont St, and Iowa St would you feel the same? I'm obviously making it a bit ridiculous to make a point. It's the SOS of the body of work where arguments happen. A better record against an inferior SOS obviously isn't a better body of work. All of those teams mentioned were obviously hypothetical. But we have all seen this play out over the years.

[Outsider1]

I think understand what you are saying and agree. It's the comparing body of work that usually makes it hard. In your example, if two of SDSUs wins were against (Hypothetically) Presbyterian and Marist, with maybe a win against Indiana St, SIU, UNI, and Montana, and NDSUs loses were against SD, Mont St, and Iowa St would you feel the same? I'm obviously making it a bit ridiculous to make a point. It's the SOS of the body of work where arguments happen. A better record against an inferior SOS obviously isn't a better body of work. All of those teams mentioned were obviously hypothetical. But we have all seen this play out over the years.


Nobody really disagrees with that.

[wcugrad95]

I thought about WCU and they are certainly in the mix of teams that should be mentioned of being ranked. You have multiple in that 20-30 range that can be argued. Mercer and Villanova show that everyone has bad days and bad (or so so) teams have really good days.

Yeah - I wasn't really pumping WCU there but was more just saying we are currently alone at the top of the SOCON rankings but are not going to be the highest ranked team in anybody's polls. It was more about your thought process with where ACU and UCA fit in the UAC standings. That is a LOT OF U's and A's and C's in that sentence :)

[Outsider1]

Yeah - I wasn't really pumping WCU there but was more just saying we are currently alone at the top of the SOCON rankings but are not going to be the highest ranked team in anybody's polls. It was more about your thought process with where ACU and UCA fit in the UAC standings. That is a LOT OF U's and A's and C's in that sentence :)

LOL, true that! Just like there is a lot of purple...

[MSUBobcat]

True, but 4-1 is also better than 2-1.

Not really. It just means they have 2 games in hand. Those 2 games are UTU and tUNA, which I would pencil in as UCA wins and now you're tied. They played APSU and won, while ACU played EKU (Massey has APSU ahead of EKU by a small amount). Both still have SUU and Tarleton remaining.

[ElCid]

LOL, true that! Just like there is a lot of purple...

That's funny, because it's so true!

[MSUBobcat]

Yeah - I wasn't really pumping WCU there but was more just saying we are currently alone at the top of the SOCON rankings but are not going to be the highest ranked team in anybody's polls. It was more about your thought process with where ACU and UCA fit in the UAC standings. That is a LOT OF U's and A's and C's in that sentence :)

I was just thinking the same thing. Who let UCA and ACU (and others) create a conference named UAC?! xrotatehx

[Redbird 4th & short]

I was just thinking the same thing. Who let UCA and ACU (and others) create a conference named UAC?! xrotatehx

Found them another entry .. currently D-II. I want a finders fee.

Clark Atlanta University

[FUBeAR]

Found them another entry .. currently D-II. I want a finders fee.

Clark Atlanta University
Unless FUBeAR is mistaken, Clark Atlanta University’s campus is part of the AUC … Atlanta University Center … along with Morehouse and Spelman.

[Outsider1]

Unless FUBeAR is mistaken, Clark Atlanta University’s campus is part of the AUC … Atlanta University Center … along with Morehouse and Spelman.

Hey, still the same 3 letters, so all is good...

[MSUBobcat]

Unless FUBeAR is mistaken, Clark Atlanta University’s campus is part of the AUC … Atlanta University Center … along with Morehouse and Spelman.

Sooooo a hypothetical headline could be, "CAU, of the AUC, is in talks to join the UAC, whose members include ACU and UCA?" Someone needs to make this happen.

[RahRahRabbits]

Sooooo a hypothetical headline could be, "CAU, of the AUC, is in talks to join the UAC, whose members include ACU and UCA?" Someone needs to make this happen.

Third base!

[FUBeAR]

Sooooo a hypothetical headline could be, "CAU, of the AUC, is in talks to join the UAC, whose members include ACU and UCA?" Someone needs to make this happen.
Exactly … except FUBeAR has recently learned that the Catholic University of America (CUA) Cardinals are seeking to move their D3 Football Program to FCS. They will need to join a conference and, being located in DC, CUA would be a good rival and travel partner for CAU in the UAC.

They need to be in this conversation.

[MSUBobcat]

Exactly … except FUBeAR has recently learned that the Catholic University of America (CUA) Cardinals are seeking to move their D3 Football Program to FCS. They will need to join a conference and, being located in DC, CUA would be a good rival and travel partner for CAU in the UAC.

They need to be in this conversation.

At this point, I think it is mandatory that CUA joins AUC's CAU in talking with UAC about becoming conference-mates with UCA and ACU. It's only logical.

[Preferred Walk-On]

Third base!

I Don’t Know


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Redbird 4th & short]

Unless FUBeAR is mistaken, Clark Atlanta University’s campus is part of the AUC … Atlanta University Center … along with Morehouse and Spelman.

even better if they field separate football teams !!

[FUBeAR]

even better if they field separate football teams !!
Morehouse does. Spelman will need to recruit quite a few (more) able-Football-bodies who identify as women before they can field an FCS program.

AUC is a ‘place’ (and a ‘consortium’) as all 3 campuses are contiguous.

https://i.postimg.cc/bwFSptkr/IMG-1458.jpg