TSN Preseason Poll released

[slostang]

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (97) 13-2 2,546 1
2. North Dakota State Bison (1) 10-1 2,275 9
3. Northern Iowa Panthers 12-1 2,204 4
4. Richmond Spiders 11-3 2,162 5
5. Massachusetts Minutemen 10-3 2,148 7
6. James Madison Dukes (3) 8-4 2,078 12
7. Eastern Washington Eagles 9-4 1,951 8
8. Montana Grizzlies 11-1 1,848 10
9. Delaware Blue Hens 11-4 1,747 2
10. McNeese State Cowboys 11-1 1,687 11
11. Southern Illinois Salukis 12-2 1,286 3
12. Youngstown State Penguins 7-4 1,228 16
13. Wofford Terriers 9-4 1,158 6
14. Cal Poly Mustangs 7-4 1,081 24
15. Elon Phoenix 7-4 1,028 23
16. New Hampshire Wildcats 7-5 760 14
17. Georgia Southern Eagles 7-4 656 17
18. Eastern Illinois Panthers 8-4 622 18
19. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 7-4 547 19
20. Eastern Kentucky Colonels 9-3 487 13
21. Villanova Wildcats 7-4 396 NR
22. Central Arkansas Bears 6-5 374 NR
23. The Citadel Bulldogs 7-4 317 NR
24. Harvard Crimson 8-2 316 21
25. Western Illinois Leathernecks 6-5 299 NR
Others receiving votes: Northern Arizona 249, Fordham 212, Delaware State 198, Jacksonville State 195, Yale 170, Sam Houston State 166, Montana State 146, Furman 120, Liberty 115, Jackson State 79, South Carolina State 76, Holy Cross 74, Colgate 56, Grambling 55, Norfolk State 48, Coastal Carolina 44, Hampton 41, Southern 32, Northwestern State 30, Tennessee-Martin 30, UC Davis 22, Weber State 17, Lafayette 16, Alabama A&M 10, Texas Southern 9, Brown 9, Nicholls State 9, Dayton 6, Tennessee State 5, San Diego 4, Albany 4, Maine 1, Prairie View 1.


As of August 19, 2008, at 12:17 PM ET


Link: http://sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/newstest.aspx?id=4173718

[Chi Panther]

NDSU at UNI will be HUGExcoolx

[smallcollegefbfan]

NDSU seems a bit high. Villanova is a sleeper team. They have a ton of talent and could be in the top 10-15 by the end of the year.

[Syntax Error]

some odd placement:

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (97) 13-2 2,546 1
2. North Dakota State Bison (1) 10-1 2,275 9
3. Northern Iowa Panthers 12-1 2,204 4
4. Richmond Spiders 11-3 2,162 5
5. Massachusetts Minutemen 10-3 2,148 7
6. James Madison Dukes (3) 8-4 2,078 12
7. Eastern Washington Eagles 9-4 1,951 8
8. Montana Grizzlies 11-1 1,848 10
9. Delaware Blue Hens 11-4 1,747 2
10. McNeese State Cowboys 11-1 1,687 11
11. Southern Illinois Salukis 12-2 1,286 3
12. Youngstown State Penguins 7-4 1,228 16
13. Wofford Terriers 9-4 1,158 6
14. Cal Poly Mustangs 7-4 1,081 24
15. Elon Phoenix 7-4 1,028 23
16. New Hampshire Wildcats 7-5 760 14
17. Georgia Southern Eagles 7-4 656 17
18. Eastern Illinois Panthers 8-4 622 18
19. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 7-4 547 19
20. Eastern Kentucky Colonels 9-3 487 13
21. Villanova Wildcats 7-4 396 NR
22. Central Arkansas Bears 6-5 374 NR
23. The Citadel Bulldogs 7-4 317 NR
24. Harvard Crimson 8-2 316 21
25. Western Illinois Leathernecks 6-5 299 NR
Others receiving votes: Northern Arizona 249, Fordham 212, Delaware State 198, Jacksonville State 195, Yale 170, Sam Houston State 166, Montana State 146, Furman 120, Liberty 115, Jackson State 79, South Carolina State 76, Holy Cross 74, Colgate 56, Grambling 55, Norfolk State 48, Coastal Carolina 44, Hampton 41, Southern 32, Northwestern State 30, Tennessee-Martin 30, UC Davis 22, Weber State 17, Lafayette 16, Alabama A&M 10, Texas Southern 9, Brown 9, Nicholls State 9, Dayton 6, Tennessee State 5, San Diego 4, Albany 4, Maine 1, Prairie View 1.

xtwocentsx

[danefan]

some odd placement:

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (97) 13-2 2,546 1
2. North Dakota State Bison (1) 10-1 2,275 9
3. Northern Iowa Panthers 12-1 2,204 4
4. Richmond Spiders 11-3 2,162 5
5. Massachusetts Minutemen 10-3 2,148 7
6. James Madison Dukes (3) 8-4 2,078 12
7. Eastern Washington Eagles 9-4 1,951 8
8. Montana Grizzlies 11-1 1,848 10
9. Delaware Blue Hens 11-4 1,747 2
10. McNeese State Cowboys 11-1 1,687 11
11. Southern Illinois Salukis 12-2 1,286 3
12. Youngstown State Penguins 7-4 1,228 16
13. Wofford Terriers 9-4 1,158 6
14. Cal Poly Mustangs 7-4 1,081 24
15. Elon Phoenix 7-4 1,028 23
16. New Hampshire Wildcats 7-5 760 14
17. Georgia Southern Eagles 7-4 656 17
18. Eastern Illinois Panthers 8-4 622 18
19. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 7-4 547 19
20. Eastern Kentucky Colonels 9-3 487 13
21. Villanova Wildcats 7-4 396 NR
22. Central Arkansas Bears 6-5 374 NR
23. The Citadel Bulldogs 7-4 317 NR
24. Harvard Crimson 8-2 316 21
25. Western Illinois Leathernecks 6-5 299 NR
Others receiving votes: Northern Arizona 249, Fordham 212, Delaware State 198, Jacksonville State 195, Yale 170, Sam Houston State 166, Montana State 146, Furman 120, Liberty 115, Jackson State 79, South Carolina State 76, Holy Cross 74, Colgate 56, Grambling 55, Norfolk State 48, Coastal Carolina 44, Hampton 41, Southern 32, Northwestern State 30, Tennessee-Martin 30, UC Davis 22, Weber State 17, Lafayette 16, Alabama A&M 10, Texas Southern 9, Brown 9, Nicholls State 9, Dayton 6, Tennessee State 5, San Diego 4, Albany 4, Maine 1, Prairie View 1.

xtwocentsx

I'm guessing you are referring to the bolded teams. Who do you think is too high or low, shouldn't be ranked, etc.???

I think NDSU and Delaware are definitely too high and Cal Poly is too low. I also think Delaware State shouldn't have gotten that many votes.

[WrenFGun]

UNH, IMO, should be somewhere between 21-25. 16 is too high, right now.

[93henfan]

Based on road schedule and uncertain QB situation, UD should be around 15. We're living on recent success and historic strength of program with the top ten preseason rating. We still have a chance to legitimately be there if we can win three or four road games (very tall order) and take care of business at home.

[asknoquarter21]

Elon and Cal Poly we finish above that

[Touchdown Yosef]

JMU at 6?

[bluehenbillk]

Preseason polls are sometimes not worth the paper you can print them on. Check back on October 1st once teams have played a few games & then you know what the real deal is.

[APPStrongNC]

Preseason polls are sometimes not worth the paper you can print them on. Check back on October 1st once teams have played a few games & then you know what the real deal is.

Now that is a good statement....

[Go Bison]

I think that NDSU and James Madison should switch places. Cal Poly should be about #7 IMHO.

[Syntax Error]

I'm guessing you are referring to the bolded teams. Who do you think is too high or low, shouldn't be ranked, etc.???It just looks odd compared to my ballot. As for the "others" there are the usual amount of odd teams considering that people had them in their top 25. Voters are print/radio/TV/news company people, school and conference people, and various others. They have their opinions and biases same as anyone else. I think the AGS Poll looks better.

[ASU_MBA]

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (97) 13-2 2,546 1
2. North Dakota State Bison (1) 10-1 2,275 9
3. Northern Iowa Panthers 12-1 2,204 4
4. Richmond Spiders 11-3 2,162 5
5. Massachusetts Minutemen 10-3 2,148 7
6. James Madison Dukes (3) 8-4 2,078 12
7. Eastern Washington Eagles 9-4 1,951 8
8. Montana Grizzlies 11-1 1,848 10
9. Delaware Blue Hens 11-4 1,747 2
10. McNeese State Cowboys 11-1 1,687 11
11. Southern Illinois Salukis 12-2 1,286 3
12. Youngstown State Penguins 7-4 1,228 16
13. Wofford Terriers 9-4 1,158 6
14. Cal Poly Mustangs 7-4 1,081 24
15. Elon Phoenix 7-4 1,028 23
16. New Hampshire Wildcats 7-5 760 14
17. Georgia Southern Eagles 7-4 656 17
18. Eastern Illinois Panthers 8-4 622 18
19. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 7-4 547 19
20. Eastern Kentucky Colonels 9-3 487 13
21. Villanova Wildcats 7-4 396 NR
22. Central Arkansas Bears 6-5 374 NR
23. The Citadel Bulldogs 7-4 317 NR
24. Harvard Crimson 8-2 316 21
25. Western Illinois Leathernecks 6-5 299 NR
Others receiving votes: Northern Arizona 249, Fordham 212, Delaware State 198, Jacksonville State 195, Yale 170, Sam Houston State 166, Montana State 146, Furman 120, Liberty 115, Jackson State 79, South Carolina State 76, Holy Cross 74, Colgate 56, Grambling 55, Norfolk State 48, Coastal Carolina 44, Hampton 41, Southern 32, Northwestern State 30, Tennessee-Martin 30, UC Davis 22, Weber State 17, Lafayette 16, Alabama A&M 10, Texas Southern 9, Brown 9, Nicholls State 9, Dayton 6, Tennessee State 5, San Diego 4, Albany 4, Maine 1, Prairie View 1.


As of August 19, 2008, at 12:17 PM ET


Link: http://sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/newstest.aspx?id=4173718



JMU way too low....should be 2 or 3 Ouch for them...playing #1 and #5 back to back weekends

Elon should be 12 or 13 maybe even top 10

Delaware too high...

Richmond....didn't they lose a lot including a coach and Hightower....

Wofford continues to impress for a school with 1500 students or so...

Liberty and Furman should be top 25....

Citadel should be good but a tough schedule mixed with a mild case of mangina and I think they lose 4 or 5 games...Clemson, UF, App State on the road...ouch

[BDKJMU]

JMU at 6?

Yeah, all the other 5 polls I've seen have JMU ranked #1-#4.
Phil Steele: #1
AGS: #2
Sporting News: #2
Lindy's #3
USA Today #4

This is the poll that the media use when reporting games. I'd say even if JMU is 3-0 going into the ASU game on Sept 20th, this probably eliminates much chance of ASU-JMU being billed a #1 vs #2 matchup.

[asknoquarter21]

we should fix the poll and send it to them
haha

[uofmman1122]

Jeeze, and I thought Montana's reputation preceded it...

NDSU hasn't played a game in the MVC, and it's #2?

I remember UNI posters saying that UNI lost a lot, also. Do they really belong at #3?

I disagree with a lot of placements on there (Before you say anything, Montana at #8 seems fine to me. xlolx), but like bluehenbillk said the preseason poll will change a lot by the 5th or 6th week.

[bluehenbillk]

JMU way too low....should be 2 or 3 Ouch for them...playing #1 and #5 back to back weekends

Elon should be 12 or 13 maybe even top 10

Delaware too high...

Richmond....didn't they lose a lot including a coach and Hightower....

Wofford continues to impress for a school with 1500 students or so...

Liberty and Furman should be top 25....

Citadel should be good but a tough schedule mixed with a mild case of mangina and I think they lose 4 or 5 games...Clemson, UF, App State on the road...ouch


UR did lose Clawson & Hightower but they have more coming back then anyone in the CAA, and they have their 2 toughest CAA South games at home. The people that know them best, the CAA coaches picked them to win the South, I'd agree with them in August.

[appst97]

Dang, I thought with the new logo, CCC would at least get a vote

[ASU_MBA]

I wonder if Western Carolina fans even read this thread about a poll.....i mean honestly what is the point....

I did not know that about Richmond...thank you for the info...

[Syntax Error]

Two polls in now, one to go... from the coaches.

[UNHWildCats]

Hey Ralphie, any time table on CSN returning?

[FCS Go!]

I agree with most of the comments so far. My take:

NDSU & UNI too high- key losses @QB & so on

JMU a bit higher

Griz a tad too high- ques. on defense

Del., Wofford, UNH, Ga So., Citadel all too high- losses= hard to tell how they'll do this year plus schedules are tough

Cal Ploy too low- great offense

Harvard- required token pick for Ivies

[BDKJMU]

Yeah, all the other 5 polls I've seen have JMU ranked #1-#4.
Phil Steele: #1
AGS: #2
Sporting News: #2
Lindy's #3
USA Today #4

This is the poll that the media use when reporting games. I'd say even if JMU is 3-0 going into the ASU game on Sept 20th, this probably eliminates much chance of ASU-JMU being billed a #1 vs #2 matchup.

Well, looking into it IF JMU is 3-0 going into the ASU game (less than 50/50 chance) UNI has @ BYU beforehand, NDSU has @ Wyo, UR has @ Elon and @ UVA and JMU hosts UMass. If UNI, NDSU and UR all lose their I-A games and JMU wins @ Duke, (or if UR lose @ Elon) I'd think JMU would move to #2. Still for the ASU-JMU being a #1 vs #2 a lot has to happen, and the odds of it happening are slim.

[FanOfAllThatIsJMU]

What is interesting to me is that JMU received 3 first place votes...

we mustve been low on some people's ballots, like 9-12 range...

[ASU_MBA]

It's because the voters know that, "Mickey Mickey your so fine, Mickey Mickey your decisions (like running the ball in Boone and not kicking a field goal) blow my mind, hey Mickey, hey Mickey."

Just my 2 cents with some cheezy 80s music...

[appfan2008]

It's because the voters know that, "Mickey Mickey your so fine, Mickey Mickey your decisions (like running the ball in Boone and not kicking a field goal) blow my mind, hey Mickey, hey Mickey."

Just my 2 cents with so cheezy 80s music...

hahahaxlolx xlolx

[stevdock]

Jeeze, and I thought Montana's reputation preceded it...

NDSU hasn't played a game in the MVC, and it's #2?

I remember UNI posters saying that UNI lost a lot, also. Do they really belong at #3?

I disagree with a lot of placements on there (Before you say anything, Montana at #8 seems fine to me. xlolx), but like bluehenbillk said the preseason poll will change a lot by the 5th or 6th week.

Not that I agree with us being #2, more like #7 or so, but to be fair there is talk that our Defense might be one of the best we've ever had. Yes big questions at QB and the toughest schedule we've maybe ever had. I was shocked that JMU wasn't in the Top 3.

[CrazyCat]

Damn, I thought new turf gets you in the top 25. :D

[mcveyrl]

Actually, JMU at #6 could make some sense. But, it is telling as to how voters think our season will go. The pole predicts three losses (to ASU, Richmond and UMass). In order to be #6, we'd pretty much have to win the rest of our games, including Duke.

I think we could be #6 at the end of the year with those outcomes, but would more likely be outside of the Top 10.

[cmaxwellgsu]

Preseason polls are sometimes not worth the paper you can print them on. Check back on October 1st once teams have played a few games & then you know what the real deal is.

They really should be banned. Right now, I should be working. Therefore, my employer and many others like him are losing productivity. So by my logic, TSN is hurting the American economy while only providing pure speculation. But they damn sure make for fun for us message board nerds.:D

[Syntax Error]

There was one team left out of the others receiving votes in the original release. Please add Hofstra with 61 points.

[WrenFGun]

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (97) 13-2 2,546 1
2. North Dakota State Bison (1) 10-1 2,275 9
3. Northern Iowa Panthers 12-1 2,204 4
4. Richmond Spiders 11-3 2,162 5
5. Massachusetts Minutemen 10-3 2,148 7
6. James Madison Dukes (3) 8-4 2,078 12
7. Eastern Washington Eagles 9-4 1,951 8
8. Montana Grizzlies 11-1 1,848 10
9. Delaware Blue Hens 11-4 1,747 2
10. McNeese State Cowboys 11-1 1,687 11
11. Southern Illinois Salukis 12-2 1,286 3
12. Youngstown State Penguins 7-4 1,228 16
13. Wofford Terriers 9-4 1,158 6
14. Cal Poly Mustangs 7-4 1,081 24
15. Elon Phoenix 7-4 1,028 23
16. New Hampshire Wildcats 7-5 760 14
17. Georgia Southern Eagles 7-4 656 17
18. Eastern Illinois Panthers 8-4 622 18
19. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 7-4 547 19
20. Eastern Kentucky Colonels 9-3 487 13
21. Villanova Wildcats 7-4 396 NR
22. Central Arkansas Bears 6-5 374 NR
23. The Citadel Bulldogs 7-4 317 NR
24. Harvard Crimson 8-2 316 21
25. Western Illinois Leathernecks 6-5 299 NR
Others receiving votes: Northern Arizona 249, Fordham 212, Delaware State 198, Jacksonville State 195, Yale 170, Sam Houston State 166, Montana State 146, Furman 120, Liberty 115, Jackson State 79, South Carolina State 76, Holy Cross 74, Colgate 56, Grambling 55, Norfolk State 48, Coastal Carolina 44, Hampton 41, Southern 32, Northwestern State 30, Tennessee-Martin 30, UC Davis 22, Weber State 17, Lafayette 16, Alabama A&M 10, Texas Southern 9, Brown 9, Nicholls State 9, Dayton 6, Tennessee State 5, San Diego 4, Albany 4, Maine 1, Prairie View 1.


As of August 19, 2008, at 12:17 PM ET


Link: http://sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/newstest.aspx?id=4173718

Considering NDSU and UNI both lost their starting QB, they are far too high. I realize that UNI went undefeated during the regular season, but beyond an impressive win over SIU, and perhaps wins over WIU and YSU, they struggled mightily in the playoffs. Without Sanders, they should drop. I'd have them at or below 10. NDSU lost Walker, has a brutal schedule and has not played a game in FCS and they are two? Give me a break.

JMU and Richmond, IMO, are the #2 and #3 teams behind ASU. JMU returns Landers and Hollomon, and Richmond returns Ward, Grayson, Vaughn and a young, improving, talented defense.

UMass and UD are far too high. Delaware has already been mentioned: they lose their starting QB and RB, and they have an undeniably brutal schedule. UMass loses their top three receiving threats and have to play the next best four teams in the CAA next season (UNH, JMU, Richmond and UD, with apologies to 'Nova, who could bump someone out of there).

Cal Poly and Villanova are much too low. Both return quite a bit. I'd have both at or near the top 10, frankly.

As for UNH, they play exactly one team who finished over .500 (Albany) in their first seven games of the season. It would be a catastrophic disappointment if they weren't at least 5-2 entering their game with Villanova in Week 8.

[BEAR]

YEAH!!! UCA is #22! xthumbsupx


...not bad for a second year in this division!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

IMO Jacksonville State won't be staying just outside the Top 25 for long. That is all.

[extremerouge]

NDSU lost Walker, has a brutal schedule and has not played a game in FCS and they are two? Give me a break.

Brutal as in too easy or brutal as in hard? also, although this is their first year being playoff eligible, they have played several FCS and FBS schools over the past 4 years...

[Syntax Error]

Brutal as in too easy or brutal as in hard? also, although this is their first year being playoff eligible, they have played several FCS and FBS schools over the past 4 years...Look at the playoff teams NDSU played. Yes, the MVFC is one of the top conferences in the FCS so the schedule is brutal.

[ericsaid]

ELON should be top 10 without a doubt. With all the guys they have coming back.

[TexasTerror]

How is it that an 0-11 Texas Southern team gets votes? And on top of that, outpaces a 7-3 Prairie View A&M team that rang their necks last year?

If a poll wants to lose credibility, that's apparently the way to do it -- I'd like to know who these TSU voters are. No one in their conference felt the same way when the media poll was announced.

[Syntax Error]

How is it that an 0-11 Texas Southern team gets votes? And on top of that, outpaces a 7-3 Prairie View A&M team that rang their necks last year?

If a poll wants to lose credibility, that's apparently the way to do it -- I'd like to know who these TSU voters are. No one in their conference felt the same way when the media poll was announced.Over the top homerism.

[elcid96]

I would rather not be rated in the preseason and be a team that is overlooked. There is no telling how GSU, The Citadel, and Furman will be this year. I can see 4 games coming down to final 2 minutes of the game and possibly some overtime this year.

[TexasTerror]

Over the top homerism.

By whom? Their SID? I doubt a member of the Houston media would have put TSU so high. That's the only person it could be, right? Just would not make much sense for the SWAC media and SIDs to do that...it's not like every SWAC team got in and we saw where they were slotted in the preseason polls within the conference.

[Uncle Buck]

There was one team left out of the others receiving votes in the original release. Please add Hofstra with 61 points.

Damn, until i got to your post i really started feeling like my rose colored glasses were tinted a little too rosey. xcoolx

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford's 13th-right where we need to be

[phoenixphanatic21]

Wofford's 13th-right where we need to be

Yes, so then it will look better when Elon beats you again this year xsmiley_wix :D

[EmeryZach]

I don't think UMass should be ranked in front of JMU. They are going to be really really good. I'm going down to JMU for the UMASS game. Should be a good one.

[Reign of Terrier]

Yes, so then it will look better when Elon beats you again this year xsmiley_wix :D

....and then Elon melts down and wofford makes the playoffs

[SuperJon]

I think we should be ranked in the 22-25 range.

That's all.

[PantherRob82]

How is NDSU too high? Maybe UNI. Maybe.

[stevdock]

Considering NDSU and UNI both lost their starting QB, they are far too high. I realize that UNI went undefeated during the regular season, but beyond an impressive win over SIU, and perhaps wins over WIU and YSU, they struggled mightily in the playoffs. Without Sanders, they should drop. I'd have them at or below 10. NDSU lost Walker, has a brutal schedule and has not played a game in FCS and they are two? Give me a break.

JMU and Richmond, IMO, are the #2 and #3 teams behind ASU. JMU returns Landers and Hollomon, and Richmond returns Ward, Grayson, Vaughn and a young, improving, talented defense.

UMass and UD are far too high. Delaware has already been mentioned: they lose their starting QB and RB, and they have an undeniably brutal schedule. UMass loses their top three receiving threats and have to play the next best four teams in the CAA next season (UNH, JMU, Richmond and UD, with apologies to 'Nova, who could bump someone out of there).

Cal Poly and Villanova are much too low. Both return quite a bit. I'd have both at or near the top 10, frankly.

As for UNH, they play exactly one team who finished over .500 (Albany) in their first seven games of the season. It would be a catastrophic disappointment if they weren't at least 5-2 entering their game with Villanova in Week 8.

Where the hell have we been playing the last few years?? NDSU's goal, when they move to FCS, was to be a real challenger to win a national championship the first year that we are eligible. We have added so much depth to our roster over the past 5 years, and we have never seen so much speed on the field before. I know it's probably alot less speed then other FCS teams, but it sure is alot for us. Whether you agree with where we are at in this poll, hopefully we have earned some respect with how quickly and efficiently we moved from a D2 team that went 2-8 as the last full year of being D2. (Our exploratory year we were eligible for the playoffs and much better.) We moved from 2-8 to 20-2 the last two years and have set ourselves up nicely to be a major player in the national championship picture.

[Col Hogan]

I don't think UMass should be ranked in front of JMU. They are going to be really really good. I'm going down to JMU for the UMASS game. Should be a good one.

Gotta agree...for a pre-season poll, UMass is too high...

Our defense is going to be outstanding IMHO, with a secondary that could be one of the best in FCS...

But, our usual strength, the running game, is a question mark in my mind...

Tony Nelson will be a good #1 at RB, but who is backing him up? Questions that only a few games will answer...

The "O" line is basically new as starters, but they do have experience...a center playing his first season at that position (he's a senior)...all add to the questions...

EZ, hope to see you at JMU...I already have my tickets...and can't wait...

We'll see how good UMass is then...

[skinny_uncle]

Over the top homerism.
Isn't that what this site is all about?
xlolx

[FargoBison]

NDSU and I think UNI replaces their starting QBs with redshirt juniors, it isn't like both teams are throwing guys out there that aren't ready. NDSU will also have some time to break their QB in before heading into the belly of the beast that is the MVFC.

I also think NDSU should be ranked anywhere from 4 to 8. I like our defense a lot more then last year and what we have on offense but the big question will be is how will the team handle the MVFC schedule.

[DTSpider]

I know that we need to have them, but I hate having the set numbers in the preseason. I wish that we could just have a top 25 & maybe a top 10, but put them in no particular order.

[WrenFGun]

My point is that no team (NDSU or UNI) should be that high when proven teams with proven QB's (Richmond, JMU, even UMass) are languishing behind them. NDSU is going to have their bumps in the MVFC. WIU, SDSU, UNI, SIU, YSU, with a tough OOC, that's a tough schedule. You win enough to make the playoffs, you deserve it, but IMO, NDSU should not be the favorite in the first year in conference.

[Grizaholic17]

I'm happy the Bison are high. But I hope they live up to it. IT's a whole different ball game for them now.

[elon77]

ELON should be top 10 without a doubt. With all the guys they have coming back.

Maybe after the first game they will move into the top ten. That would also mean Socon 1 CAA 0. Nice!xthumbsupx

[Chi Panther]

My point is that no team (NDSU or UNI) should be that high when proven teams with proven QB's (Richmond, JMU, even UMass) are languishing behind them. NDSU is going to have their bumps in the MVFC. WIU, SDSU, UNI, SIU, YSU, with a tough OOC, that's a tough schedule. You win enough to make the playoffs, you deserve it, but IMO, NDSU should not be the favorite in the first year in conference.

UNI final poll position:
01 was #4
03 was #5
04 was #25
05 was #2
06 was #17
07 was #4

maybe we shouldn't be 3....but probably shouldn't be much lower either....

Notice the #25 AND #17 Sanders was the QB....

[slostang]

Cal Poly returns 10 starters off an offense that averaged 487 yards and 39.3 pts a game in 2007 and 7 starters on defense. I was surprised that they are only ranked at #14.

[Herdman]

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (97) 13-2 2,546 1
2. North Dakota State Bison (1) 10-1 2.275 9
3. Northern Iowa Panthers 12-1 2,204 4
4. Richmond Spiders 11-3 2,162 5
5. Massachusetts Minutemen 10-3 2,148 7
6. James Madison Dukes (3) 8-4 2,078 12
7. Eastern Washington Eagles 9-4 1,951 8
8. Montana Grizzlies 11-1 1,848 10
9. Delaware Blue Hens 11-4 1,747 2
10. McNeese State Cowboys 11-1 1,687 11
11. Southern Illinois Salukis 12-2 1,286 3
12. Youngstown State Penguins 7-4 1,228 16
13. Wofford Terriers 9-4 1,158 6
14. Cal Poly Mustangs 7-4 1,081 24
15. Elon Phoenix 7-4 1,028 23
16. New Hampshire Wildcats 7-5 760 14
17. Georgia Southern Eagles 7-4 656 17
18. Eastern Illinois Panthers 8-4 622 18
19. South Dakota State Jackrabbits 7-4 547 19
20. Eastern Kentucky Colonels 9-3 487 13
21. Villanova Wildcats 7-4 396 NR
22. Central Arkansas Bears 6-5 374 NR
23. The Citadel Bulldogs 7-4 317 NR
24. Harvard Crimson 8-2 316 21
25. Western Illinois 6-5 299 NR

Others receiving votes: Northern Arizona 249, Fordham 212, Delaware State 198, Jacksonville State 195, Yale 170, Sam Houston State 166, Montana State 146, Furman 120, Liberty 115, Jackson State 79, South Carolina State 76, Holy Cross 74, Colgate 56, Grambling 55, Norfolk State 48, Coastal Carolina 44, Hampton 41, Southern 32, Northwestern State 30, Tennessee-Martin 30, UC Davis 22, Weber State 17, Lafayette 16, Alabama A&M 10, Texas Southern 9, Brown 9, Nicholls State 9, Dayton 6, Tennessee State 5, San Diego 4, Albany 4, Maine 1, Prairie View 1.


How did these two teams getting ranked? I just don't see it at all? Was beating NDSU the last game of the season was SDSU's launching point? UCA, I don't get at all.

[Herdman]

6 MVFC teams seems high to me. No doubt great conference, but 6 of 25 is too many.

[Herdman]

McNeese State is too low, IMO...did there early loss in the play-offs last year hurt them in the rankings?

[TexasTerror]

How did these two teams getting ranked? I just don't see it at all? Was beating NDSU the last game of the season was SDSU's launching point? UCA, I don't get at all.

UCA was #2 in the SLC last year, thought to do the same this year and was the second-highest voted SLC team in the poll. Makes plenty of sense...

Nathan Brown is the most explosive QB in the FCS for a passer (Armanti Edwards, the dual threat) and he has plenty of weapons left. Their offense is going to put points on the board. This was a smart move...

[McNeese75]

Cal Poly returns 10 starters off an offense that averaged 487 yards and 39.3 pts a game in 2007 and 7 starters on defense. I was surprised that they are only ranked at #14.

Me too, I have them at #2 based on the returning starters xwhistlex

[McNeese75]

McNeese State is too low, IMO...did there early loss in the play-offs last year hurt them in the rankings?

I think they are about right or possibly should be 2-5 spots lower going into the season. We will know a lot about this team after UNC and Cal Poly xnodx

[slostang]

Me too, I have them at #2 based on the returning starters xwhistlex

I take it by the whistle at the end of your post that you think that I am being a little biased? Probably, but we took the #2 team, NDSU, to the wall losing in the last seconds by three and we have more returning than the Bison. Ask the Bison posters if they think Cal Poly should be a top 10 team.

[CharlestonAppFan]

Nathan Brown is the most explosive QB in the FCS for a passer (Armanti Edwards, the dual threat) and he has plenty of weapons left. Their offense is going to put points on the board. This was a smart move...

Where do you rate Nichols from E. Washington and Riddle from Elon then?

[appfan2008]

riddle is the top passer IMO

[stevdock]

I take it by the whistle at the end of your post that you think that I am being a little biased? Probably, but we took the #2 team, NDSU, to the wall losing in the last seconds by three and we have more returning than the Bison. Ask the Bison posters if they think Cal Poly should be a top 10 team.

Absolutely. I actually think you guys should be in the Top 5 and we should move down. But you'll get there quickly if you take down Montana.

[stevdock]

How did these two teams getting ranked? I just don't see it at all? Was beating NDSU the last game of the season was SDSU's launching point? UCA, I don't get at all.

As for SDSU, they're getting a pretty deep team especially along the lines. The played a fairly tough schedule last year, taking GSU to overtime among others. They are deserving of this spot. It sounds like alot of people on here are just not ready or wanting the new teams to be included or ranked highly.

[McNeese75]

I take it by the whistle at the end of your post that you think that I am being a little biased? Probably, but we took the #2 team, NDSU, to the wall losing in the last seconds by three and we have more returning than the Bison. Ask the Bison posters if they think Cal Poly should be a top 10 team.

No, my ranking them 2nd was dead serious. The whistle is for all the non-believers xnodx

McNeese will have to be hitting on all cylinders to win the game on the 13th.

[appfan2008]

6 MVFC teams seems high to me. No doubt great conference, but 6 of 25 is too many.

I agree

[MSU_77]

I think they are about right or possibly should be 2-5 spots lower going into the season. We will know a lot about this team after UNC and Cal Poly xnodx

McNeese has a much tougher overall schedule this season. Besides an OOC schedule that includes North Carolina and SDSU on the road, they have Cal Poly at home. The SLC schedule has McNeese playing their toughest (a relative term for the SLC I know) conference foes, including UCA and SHSU on the road. I wouldn't be surprised if MSU ends up with a couple or 3 losses and winning the SLC is not a given. I also wouldn't be surprised if they end up 10-1 or 11-0 but it will be much tougher than last season.

[elon77]

riddle is the top passer IMO

For those of us who have seen Riddle, he is the real deal and can flat out sling it. Everyone must remember the stats he put up were put up by a true freshman, not a redshirt freshman. We (Elon Fans) hope he has as good or even better year this go round. He had good receivers last year that helped and most are back this year. Edwards and Riddle could be two of the best if not the best two quarterbacks in FCSxnodx xnodx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

[ericsaid]

For those of us who have seen Riddle, he is the real deal and can flat out sling it. Everyone must remember the stats he put up were put up by a true freshman, not a redshirt freshman. We (Elon Fans) hope he has as good or even better year this go round. He had good receivers last year that helped and most are back this year. Edwards and Riddle could be two of the best if not the best two quarterbacks in FCSxnodx xnodx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

And for people who complain about his interceptions. They say well if you throw the ball 500 times your gonna get that many yards and then complain about having 13 interceptions. Those 13 interceptions also came in 500+ attempts. Armanti's more of a threat as of right now though because of his ability to run and pass. 26-31 for 295 yards and I think 3 TD's was his best game passing last season. Riddle will take Elon to the number 2 spot in the SoCon until he graduates.

Should be a great season for Elon.xbowx

[slostang]

No, my ranking them 2nd was dead serious. The whistle is for all the non-believers xnodx

McNeese will have to be hitting on all cylinders to win the game on the 13th.

I believe the game against McNeese State on the road in September will be Cal Poly toughest game with the exception of the game against Wisconsin. I have a feeling that we may see each other again in December.

[McNeese75]

For those of us who have seen Riddle, he is the real deal and can flat out sling it. Everyone must remember the stats he put up were put up by a true freshman, not a redshirt freshman. We (Elon Fans) hope he has as good or even better year this go round. He had good receivers last year that helped and most are back this year. Edwards and Riddle could be two of the best if not the best two quarterbacks in FCSxnodx xnodx xthumbsupx xthumbsupx

Nathan Brown from UCA will stack up against him just fine. xnodx

[phoenixphanatic21]

Nathan Brown from UCA will stack up against him just fine. xnodx

It's hard for me to compare the two and I haven't really heard much about Brown, but he will have to be very damn talented to keep up with Riddle and the wide receiver corps the Phoenix will be fielding this year. The scariest part is we only have 1 senior there (Bo Williamson), so we'll be just as scary next year. It's a great time to be a Phoenix Phanatic. :D

[Thundering_Herd]

Cal Poly returns 10 starters off an offense that averaged 487 yards and 39.3 pts a game in 2007 and 7 starters on defense. I was surprised that they are only ranked at #14.

ME TOO!!!
xconfusedx xconfusedx xconfusedx

[ericsaid]

ME TOO!!!
xconfusedx xconfusedx xconfusedx

What was their schedule like last year? If I remember correctly almost half of it was against teams who finished UNDER .500. You don't earn a top ten ranking with thatxnonox

[RabidRabbit]

Not that I agree with us being #2, more like #7 or so, but to be fair there is talk that our Defense might be one of the best we've ever had. Yes big questions at QB and the toughest schedule we've maybe ever had. I was shocked that JMU wasn't in the Top 3.

I disagree that Bison schedule this year is any tougher than since '06 or '07. Only ONE FBS team this year, a middle of the Pack WAC team, Austin Peay and Cent. Conn as OOC. Then just the slaughterhouse conference schedule.xlolx xlolx

GREAT WEST in 06 had 4 teams that were expected to battle hard, plus GA Southern and SIU plus two FBS games, and about the same expectations in 07, and schedule.

Reading the bisonville board, and InForum, IMHO, Bison have the expectations to be play-off bound, and the talent to possibly back it up.

[RabidRabbit]

I take it by the whistle at the end of your post that you think that I am being a little biased? Probably, but we took the #2 team, NDSU, to the wall losing in the last seconds by three and we have more returning than the Bison. Ask the Bison posters if they think Cal Poly should be a top 10 team.

Cal Poly is LOADED!!!! xbowx xbowx But you'll want to be 3-2 or better in your match-ups with both SDSU's, McNeese, Montana, Wisconsin. Then win everything else. At least you're not out of the play-offs by playing two non-counters, like seemed to be your fate in 04.

[stevdock]

What was their schedule like last year? If I remember correctly almost half of it was against teams who finished UNDER .500. You don't earn a top ten ranking with thatxnonox

Ummm that was last year. Do we already have to remind you guys that it is a new year?? While yes last year they probably did have that schedule, this year they are not holding back at all. Montana, McNeese, SDSU (both of them I think), Wisconsin and those just top the list. They are loaded on offense and I thought there defense was pretty good for about 3 1/2 quarters against us. They should be no worse then Top 10. But they will just go out and earn it real quickly this year.

[elon77]

It's hard for me to compare the two and I haven't really heard much about Brown, but he will have to be very damn talented to keep up with Riddle and the wide receiver corps the Phoenix will be fielding this year. The scariest part is we only have 1 senior there (Bo Williamson), so we'll be just as scary next year. It's a great time to be a Phoenix Phanatic. :D

xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx

[Herdman]

As for SDSU, they're getting a pretty deep team especially along the lines. The played a fairly tough schedule last year, taking GSU to overtime among others. They are deserving of this spot. It sounds like alot of people on here are just not ready or wanting the new teams to be included or ranked highly.
No, we want them to earn it by playing a full, legit schedules. This is just more "me first, me now" generation thinking.

[RabidRabbit]

No, we want them to earn it by playing a full, legit schedules. This is just more "me first, me now" generation thinking.

SDSU is near the top of FCS in challenging schedule in 2008. Jacks' first FBS (Iowa St) and then 7 of the top 25 of TSN. xeekx xeekx Jacks have 3 games in MoValley play against non-top 25 (Il St., In St., Mo St.) and SFA (there) as "better win" games. And have the three top picks in MoValley on the road, (UNI, NDSU, SIU). The good news is that YSU, WIU, Cal Poly & McNeese are coming to Brookings this year! xthumbsupx

Jacks finish 7-5 or better, they should still make the top 25. 8-4 or better should earn them a trip to the play-offs (likely to MT or EWU for 1st round).

[drpnut]

Elon-- Unless they develop a strong D to go with the O they will be left out of the playoffs once again. Riddle is the real deal as is Huggins.

Any Phoenix folks know what the D is shaping out to be? Be realistic and not a "homer?"

[Herdman]

SDSU is near the top of FCS in challenging schedule in 2008. Jacks' first FBS (Iowa St) and then 7 of the top 25 of TSN. xeekx xeekx Jacks have 3 games in MoValley play against non-top 25 (Il St., In St., Mo St.) and SFA (there) as "better win" games. And have the three top picks in MoValley on the road, (UNI, NDSU, SIU). The good news is that YSU, WIU, Cal Poly & McNeese are coming to Brookings this year! xthumbsupx

Jacks finish 7-5 or better, they should still make the top 25. 8-4 or better should earn them a trip to the play-offs (likely to MT or EWU for 1st round).And the jacks earned their pre-season ranking this year how??? A "near the top of FCS in challening schedule in 2008" doesn't cut. Now do something with it and I'll listen.

[phoenixphanatic21]

Elon-- Unless they develop a strong D to go with the O they will be left out of the playoffs once again. Riddle is the real deal as is Huggins.

Any Phoenix folks know what the D is shaping out to be? Be realistic and not a "homer?"

The defense is looking much better than last year so far. They have had strong showings most of the practices and during the spring game as well (if my memory serves me correctly, Cameron McGlenn had 3 interceptions during the game). We have some more depth now, which I feel was our biggest problem last year. So I think they will be much improved over last season...though it wouldn't really take too much to top it.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

I disagree that Bison schedule this year is any tougher than since '06 or '07. Only ONE FBS team this year, a middle of the Pack WAC team, Austin Peay and Cent. Conn as OOC. Then just the slaughterhouse conference schedule.xlolx xlolx

GREAT WEST in 06 had 4 teams that were expected to battle hard, plus GA Southern and SIU plus two FBS games, and about the same expectations in 07, and schedule.

Reading the bisonville board, and InForum, IMHO, Bison have the expectations to be play-off bound, and the talent to possibly back it up.

Playoffs should be the end result this yr. Tough schedule but this team could go anywhere from 7-4 to 11-0xsmiley_wix

[RabidRabbit]

And the jacks earned their pre-season ranking this year how??? A "near the top of FCS in challening schedule in 2008" doesn't cut. Now do something with it and I'll listen.

Nobody "earns" a preseason ranking. Not even Bison. It's an assessment of who's returning, what type of schedule playing, and how that matches up with other programs.

Jacks, like Panthers, or Salukis, will have the tough MoValley to compete in. In both Bison and Jacks, their success in the Great West last year plays into their preseason ratings this year. Like stated, Jacks need to do something, and early in the season.