AGS Poll - Week Three Results

[AGSPoll]

Any Given Saturday Poll Top 25


(First place votes in parenthesis)
1. Appalachian St. (101) (1)
2. Richmond (13) (3)
3. North Dakota St. (5) (2)
4. Montana (5) (4)
5. James Madison (3) (8)
6. McNeese St. (1) (6)
7. Northern Iowa (5)
8. Delaware (9)
9. Cal Poly (1) (10)
10. Eastern Washington (11)
11. Wofford (12)
12. Massachusetts (7)
13. New Hampshire (1) (14)
14. South Dakota St. (15)
15. Southern Illinois (13)
16. Villanova (17)
17. Elon (18)
18. Georgia Southern (16)
19. Central Arkansas (21)
20. The Citadel (20)
21. Western Illinois (19)
22. Furman (24)
23. Eastern Illinois (22)
24. Harvard (NR)
25. Liberty (NR)
Others receiving votes (minimum of 5 votes): Youngstown St. (54), Yale (36), Northern Arizona (35), Sam Houston St. (28), Eastern Kentucky (20), UC Davis (19), Hampton (18), Albany (17), Montana St. (17), South Carolina St. (17), Holy Cross (15), Fordham (11), Jacksonville St. (11), Tennessee St. (10), Univ. North Dakota (7), Dayton (6), Delaware St. (6), William & Mary (6), Prairie View A&M (5), Weber St. (5)

MOST SIGNIFICANT WIN OF THE WEEK: James Madison
MOST SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF THE WEEK: Massachusetts


Bolded Number represents position in last weeks poll

-------------

For Immediate Release: September 15, 2008

AGS Poll Week Three: Appalachian State Stays at No. 1

Chicago, IL -- Reigning National Champion Appalachian State remains in the top spot in the AnyGivenSaturday.com (AGS) Poll of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season this week, garnering 101 first place votes.

Following the Mountaineers in the top ten were (in order): Richmond, North Dakota State, Montana, James Madison, McNeese State, Northern Iowa, Delaware, Cal Poly, and Eastern Washington. The full results are listed below.

Seven other teams received first place votes including Richmond (13), North Dakota State (5), Montana (5), James Madison (3), McNeese State (1), Cal Poly (1), and New Hampshire (1).

A total of 20 squads received at least the five votes required to receive mention outside of the top 25.

The Colonial Athletic Association, the FCS’s largest league, and the Southern Conference lead the way with six teams each in the Top 25; the Missouri Valley Football contributed five; the Big Sky and Southland Conferences had two each, and the Big South, Ohio Valley and Great West Football Conferences plus the Ivy League were represented with one squad.

Both Fordham and Youngstown State dropped from the top 25 as Harvard jumped in at #24 and Liberty edged in at #25. James Madison improved the most gaining three spots and Massachusetts fell the furthest, five spots.

The pollsters also named James Madison's win over Massachusetts as the Most Significant Win and Loss Of The Week.

* * *

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

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

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

Complete rankings:

Team (First-place votes) Record Points Previous Rank
1. Appalachian State (101) 1-1 3193 1
2. Richmond (13) 2-1 2980 3
3. North Dakota State (5) 2-1 2803 2
4. Montana (5) 2-0 2752 4
5. James Madison (3) 2-1 2715 8
6. McNeese State (1) 1-1 2388 6
7. Northern Iowa 1-1 2362 5
8. Delaware 1-1 2257 9
9. Cal Poly (1) 1-1 2050 10
10. Eastern Washington 0-2 1873 11
11. Wofford 2-0 1860 12
12. Massachusetts 2-1 1855 7
13. New Hampshire (1) 2-0 1709 14
14. South Dakota State 2-1 1628 15
15. Southern Illinois 1-1 1280 13
16. Villanova 1-1 1140 17
17. Elon 2-1 1133 18
18. Georgia Southern 2-1 1086 16
19. Central Arkansas 3-0 820 21
20. The Citadel 1-1 755 20
21. Western Illinois 1-2 626 19
22. Furman 2-1 591 24
23. Eastern Illinois 1-2 590 22
24. Harvard 0-0 200 NR
25. Liberty 3-0 173 NR

Others receiving votes (minimum of 5 votes): Youngstown State (54), Yale (36), Northern Arizona (35), Sam Houston State (28), Eastern Kentucky (20), UC Davis (19), Hampton (18), Albany (17), Montana State (17), South Carolina State (17), Holy Cross (15), Fordham (11), Jacksonville State (11), Tennessee State (10), North Dakota (7), Dayton (6), Delaware State (6), William & Mary (6), Prairie View A&M (5), Weber State (5)

Dropped out: Fordham, Youngstown State

MOST SIGNIFICANT WIN OF THE WEEK: James Madison
MOST SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF THE WEEK: Massachusetts

[UNHWildCats]

Hmm a #1 for UNH

[appfan2008]

socon=6
caa=6
mvfc=5
big sky=2
slc=2
great west=2
big south=1
ivy=1

[EdubAlum]

i don't think NDSU should have lost ground...but that being said, i'm not a voter;-)

[UNHWildCats]

i don't think NDSU should have lost ground...but that being said, i'm not a voter;-)
they lost a game they should have won, why shouldnt they have dropped.

[slycat]

Hmm a #1 for UNH

Whos the homer?

[danefan]

A pretty good poll, although I still don't think Harvard should be ranked.

[appfan2008]

i had them at number 2 and was prepared to move them to number one and i was very surprised they lost...

[appfan2008]

Here is what I had...

Week 3
1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. Montana
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Richmond
8. Wofford
9. James Madison
10. Eastern Washington
11. Cal Poly
12. New Hampshire
13. Massachusetts
14. South Dakota St.
15. Elon
16. Furman
17. Eastern Illinois
18. Western Illinois
19. Liberty
20. Southern Illinois
21. Georgia Southern
22. The Citadel
23. Central Arkansas
24. Villanova
25. Hampton
W. James Madison
L. South Dakota St.

[UNHWildCats]

Whos the homer?
cant be a homer, 1 #1 by a homer = ballot not approved.

[UNHWildCats]

I was not kind to UMass at all

[UNHWildCats]

Here is what I had...

Week 3
1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. Montana
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Richmond
8. Wofford
9. James Madison
10. Eastern Washington
11. Cal Poly
12. New Hampshire
13. Massachusetts
14. South Dakota St.
15. Elon
16. Furman
17. Eastern Illinois
18. Western Illinois
19. Liberty
20. Southern Illinois
21. Georgia Southern
22. The Citadel
23. Central Arkansas
24. Villanova
25. Hampton
W. James Madison
L. South Dakota St.
Richmond 7th xeyebrowx

[danefan]

I was not kind to UMass at all

I dropped them to #10.

I moved UNH up to #8.

I also had Richmond #2, but I guess I missed the boat on that one.

[UNI Pike]

No love for YSU's win

And who is voting New Hampshire #1 beating two teams that are a combined 1-4?

[BisonBacker]

i don't think NDSU should have lost ground...but that being said, i'm not a voter;-)

Why not? We lost a game we should have won and I believe NDSU was the better team. Appy dropped with a loss to LSU we definetly deserve to drop, hell I dropped us two places in my poll and I didnt have us at #1 either. We will get our chance yet to prove our mettle against some very good MVFC teams. I think we will be there in the end but last weekends game isn't going to cut it.

[slycat]

cant be a homer, 1 #1 by a homer = ballot not approved.

I forgot that rule. Maybe its a closet homer.

[appfan2008]

Richmond 7th xeyebrowx

polls are opinions...

[UNHWildCats]

No love for YSU's win

And who is voting New Hampshire #1 beating two teams that are a combined 1-4?
you're kidding right?

You didnt just make a case for YSU with a win over a Div II and currently being 1-2 and then slam UNH who is 2-0 over a conference opponent and an FBS?

[texcap]

Here is what I had...

Week 3
1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. Montana
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Richmond
8. Wofford
9. James Madison
10. Eastern Washington
11. Cal Poly
12. New Hampshire
13. Massachusetts
14. South Dakota St.
15. Elon
16. Furman
17. Eastern Illinois
18. Western Illinois
19. Liberty
20. Southern Illinois
21. Georgia Southern
22. The Citadel
23. Central Arkansas
24. Villanova
25. Hampton
W. James Madison
L. South Dakota St.

I wouldn't call beating a top 25 team in Western Illinois 24 to 22 a loss, much less the worst loss of the week.

[UNI Pike]

you're kidding right?

You didnt just make a case for YSU with a win over a Div II and currently being 1-2 and then slam UNH who is 2-0 over a conference opponent and an FBS?

I just think that its funny how knee jerk the poll is - YSU get's dropped out of the top 25 on a win against DII. Delaware moves up with a win against DII. UNI drops 2 places even though we decisively beat BYE in every statistical category. xlolx

And NH has a first place vote against two teams combined 1-4 record? Chinese math.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Here is what I had...

Week 3
1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. Montana
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Richmond
8. Wofford
9. James Madison
10. Eastern Washington
11. Cal Poly
12. New Hampshire
13. Massachusetts
14. South Dakota St.
15. Elon
16. Furman
17. Eastern Illinois
18. Western Illinois
19. Liberty
20. Southern Illinois
21. Georgia Southern
22. The Citadel
23. Central Arkansas
24. Villanova
25. Hampton
W. James Madison
L. South Dakota St.

I thought SDSU won? You had them as the biggest loser?

[Dukie95]

How does GSU drop only two spots, but NU doesn't get any votes at all. If NU's not vote worthy, I would think squeaking out a win at home would be more damaging than that....

I guess a win is a win.

[Drblankstare]

Why not? We lost a game we should have won and I believe were the better team. Appy dropped with a loss to LSU we definetly deserve to drop, hell I dropped us two places in my poll and I didnt have us at #1 either. We will get our chance yet to prove our mettle against some very good MVFC teams. I think we will be there in the end but last weekends game isn't going to cut it.

That is Correct Sir.

[Hoyadestroya85]

Whos the homer?

i think that vote is well deserved.. they're undefeated so far

[UNHWildCats]

I just think that its funny how knee jerk the poll is - YSU get's dropped out of the top 25 on a win against DII. Delaware moves up with a win against DII. UNI drops 2 places even though we decisively beat BYE in every statistical category. xlolx

And NH has a first place vote against two teams combined 1-4 record? Chinese math.
YSU shoulda been out after last week.

[bjtheflamesfan]

I made a major booboo with my poll this week...I'll catch things back up with this week (or at least try to)

[UNHWildCats]

I made a major booboo with my poll this week...I'll catch things back up with this week (or at least try to)
oh come on, share with us the boo boo lol

[Cap'n Cat]

Quit squabbling and posturing and shut up. It's a good poll.

[Grizaholic17]

YSU shoulda been out after last week.

AGREED!!! the poll looks pretty good. I still had NDSU at #2, but if I was thinking at the time I would have put Richmond there. That was my bad!

[UNI Pike]

Quit squabbling and posturing and shut up. It's a good poll.

Any poll with no YSU = Cap't Cat xthumbsupx. Doesn't matter if it is football or jump rope...

[UNCBears2010]

I had NDSU at #4, Richmond at #3, and JMU at #2. I also fixed a major mistake I made last week.

The poll looks pretty good overall, though.

[bjtheflamesfan]

1. Richmond
2. North Dakota St.
3. Appalachian St.
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Montana
8. Massachusetts
9. Southern Illinois
10. Wofford
11. Villanova
12. Eastern Washington
13. Elon
14. Norfolk St.
15. Nicholls St.
16. James Madison
17. Fordham
18. Furman
19. Northern Arizona
20. Liberty
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Georgia Southern
24. Yale
25. Cal Poly
W. Liberty
L. Fordham

That is my ballot for this week. I have JMU ranked well below UMass and Fordham ranked over Dayton (that is what AGSpoll observed as my boo boo)

[bjtheflamesfan]

1. Richmond
2. North Dakota St.
3. Appalachian St.
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Montana
8. Massachusetts
9. Southern Illinois
10. Wofford
11. Villanova
12. Eastern Washington
13. Elon
14. Norfolk St.
15. Nicholls St.
16. James Madison
17. Fordham
18. Furman
19. Northern Arizona
20. Liberty
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Georgia Southern
24. Yale
25. Cal Poly
W. Liberty
L. Fordham

That is my ballot for this week. I have JMU ranked well below UMass and Fordham ranked over Dayton (that is what AGSpoll observed as my boo boo)

[UNHWildCats]

1. Richmond
2. North Dakota St.
3. Appalachian St.
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Montana
8. Massachusetts
9. Southern Illinois
10. Wofford
11. Villanova
12. Eastern Washington
13. Elon
14. Norfolk St.
15. Nicholls St.
16. James Madison
17. Fordham
18. Furman
19. Northern Arizona
20. Liberty
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Georgia Southern
24. Yale
25. Cal Poly
W. Liberty
L. Fordham

That is my ballot for this week. I have JMU ranked well below UMass and Fordham ranked over Dayton (that is what AGSpoll observed as my boo boo)
xeekx xeekx xeekx And apparently UNH is wearing Harry Potter's invisibility cloak.

[BisonBacker]

I believe SDSU much more deserving then #22

[UNHWildCats]

Cal Poly 25th ummm okay

[BisonBacker]

Holy cow Cal Poly at #25??? Wow the more I look at that poll the more questions I have? I'm surprised they accepted that poll xsmhx

[UNCBears2010]

I believe SDSU much more deserving then #22

So do I, I had them at #11.

[bjtheflamesfan]

Indeed...with the developments of the last couple weeks (although I didnt go hog wild over UNH beating Army because they suxx0rz even if it is an FCS over FBS win) there will likely be some significant changes in my week 5 ballot

[BisonBacker]

Cal Poly is definetly a top ten team.

[danefan]

1. Richmond
2. North Dakota St.
3. Appalachian St.
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Montana
8. Massachusetts
9. Southern Illinois
10. Wofford
11. Villanova
12. Eastern Washington
13. Elon
14. Norfolk St.
15. Nicholls St.
16. James Madison
17. Fordham
18. Furman
19. Northern Arizona
20. Liberty
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Georgia Southern
24. Yale
25. Cal Poly
W. Liberty
L. Fordham

That is my ballot for this week. I have JMU ranked well below UMass and Fordham ranked over Dayton (that is what AGSpoll observed as my boo boo)

I think your poll is in for a world of hurt in this thread........
xpopcornx xpopcornx xpopcornx

[bjtheflamesfan]

I had been using my preseason methodology and havent had much chance to follow results of teams so I made some definite errors I will admit. Hopefully I'll swing things around and have a much better looking poll after this weekend

[UNHWildCats]

buddy if you cant look at scores involved for each team before voting, then you have no right voting.

[bjtheflamesfan]

I have no problem admitting when I made a mistake and I certainly have no problem calling mea culpa this week

[BisonBacker]

Hey I don't mean to be overly critical if that's what you think then so be it. I just wonder how you can be qualified to vote if you don't follow the results of the teams playing on any give week xconfusedx

[Ivytalk]

Looks good to me!xthumbsupx

[danefan]

There is some sort of panel that is supposed to pick out ballots that are really messed up. If corrections aren't made I don't think the ballot gets counted.

[Jaxhen]

I believe SDSU much more deserving then #22

I do too. I had SDSU in my top 10.

[Black Saturday]

I think your poll is in for a world of hurt in this thread........
xpopcornx xpopcornx xpopcornx


Quote:
Originally Posted by bjtheflamesfan
1. Richmond
2. North Dakota St.
3. Appalachian St.
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Montana
8. Massachusetts
9. Southern Illinois
10. Wofford
11. Villanova
12. Eastern Washington
13. Elon
14. Norfolk St.
15. Nicholls St.
16. James Madison
17. Fordham
18. Furman
19. Northern Arizona
20. Liberty
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Georgia Southern
24. Yale
25. Cal Poly
W. Liberty
L. Fordham

That is my ballot for this week. I have JMU ranked well below UMass and Fordham ranked over Dayton (that is what AGSpoll observed as my boo boo)


I'd say the Flames fan is in for a good Flaming?

[bjtheflamesfan]

Hey I don't mean to be overly critical if that's what you think then so be it. I just wonder how you can be qualified to vote if you don't follow the results of the teams playing on any give week xconfusedx


That was my own fault BB...I had a crazy weekend dealing with some personal stuff that isnt fit for public discussion. Anyway, I made a mistake, but now that things are back on track I'll have a better looking ballot this week

[WrenFGun]

I realize UNH is undefeated, but #1 vote? Yeesh. They're not that good, and they won't be tested for quite awhile. If they're undefeated going into Villanova, then yes, maybe we can talk.

I had SDSU #7, App. State #1, NDSU #4.

[dbackjon]

My poll:

Last team out: Liberty. The Flames are idle next week, then travel to Youngstown, a battle of two borderline top-25 teams.

Still very little data to accurately rank teams, especially with the cancellations.

1 Appalachian St
2 Richmond
3 Northern Iowa
4 Montana
5 James Madison
6 New Hampshire
7 McNeese St
8 North Dakota St
9 Cal Poly
10 Delaware
11 Eastern Washington
12 Wofford
13 Georgia Southern
14 Elon
15 Massachusetts
16 Southern Illinois
17 South Dakota St
18 Central Arkansas
19 Northern Arizona
20 Furman
21 Jacksonville St
22 Tennessee State
23 Western Illinois
24 Sam Houston
25 The Citadel

[james_lawfirm]

I forgot that rule. Maybe its a closet homer.

Sly:
Interesting concept. Sort of a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Homer rule. Hmmm.

[james_lawfirm]

My poll:

Last team out: Liberty. The Flames are idle next week, then travel to Youngstown, a battle of two borderline top-25 teams.

Ah, yes - Liberty. Beat Western by the barest of margins & move UP to 25 in the poll? I presume no one knowledgeable about the SoCon voted for Liberty. What the heck were you other fellers thinkin'???

[LehighFan11]

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. James Madison
4. Richmond
5. North Dakota St.
6. Northern Iowa
7. Cal Poly
8. Wofford
9. McNeese St.
10. Southern Illinois
11. Eastern Washington
12. Delaware
13. South Dakota St.
14. Massachusetts
15. Georgia Southern
16. The Citadel
17. Elon
18. Villanova
19. New Hampshire
20. Yale
21. Western Illinois
22. Harvard
23. Albany
24. Furman
25. Youngstown St.
W. James Madison
L. Fordham


I really dont see the high ranking by UNH or Delaware that some have. I think my top 5 is very strong and each of those teams has a legit reason to be #1 or 2.

[dbackjon]

Ah, yes - Liberty. Beat Western by the barest of margins & move UP to 25 in the poll? I presume no one knowledgeable about the SoCon voted for Liberty. What the heck were you other fellers thinkin'???


that was my reasoning for leaving them out - not really tested yet. Two D-II teams, and barely beating WCU gets them consideration, but not a vote.

Beat YSU, then we will see.



I don't get voting for Harvard, Yale or YSU, though.

[UNCBears2010]

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Montana
3. James Madison
4. Richmond
5. North Dakota St.
6. Northern Iowa
7. Cal Poly
8. Wofford
9. McNeese St.
10. Southern Illinois
11. Eastern Washington
12. Delaware
13. South Dakota St.
14. Massachusetts
15. Georgia Southern
16. The Citadel
17. Elon
18. Villanova
19. New Hampshire
20. Yale
21. Western Illinois
22. Harvard
23. Albany
24. Furman
25. Youngstown St.
W. James Madison
L. Fordham


I really dont see the high ranking by UNH or Delaware that some have. I think my top 5 is very strong and each of those teams has a legit reason to be #1 or 2.

I don't think there's reallly much doubt about who the top 5 teams are, it's just which order they go in.

[danefan]

I don't get voting for Harvard, Yale or YSU, though.


Me neither. is there anyone who voted for Harvard or Yale that would be willing to explain their logic? Maybe I'm missing something.

[AGSPoll]

There is some sort of panel that is supposed to pick out ballots that are really messed up. If corrections aren't made I don't think the ballot gets counted.

The committee reviews the ballots in several ways.

1. Homerism
2. Conference homerism (which of course is difficult since the CAA, SoCon and Gateway dominate the poll)
3. Rational movement within the ballot due to results.
4. Blatant Errors.


The committee undestands that while the integrity of the poll is of extreme importance, this is a poll first and foremost for our members. Therefore denied ballots usually are for extreme situations related to the above. We do not automatically deny a ballot if someone does not respond to a PM due to the timing of the poll and the varying times members log on the site. We also take into consideration whether the ballot may cause difficulties with the overall poll.

In the example above, the movement within the poll for wins and losses were troubling with respect to the UMASS and JMU, Fordham and Dayton games. However, the disparity of that movement was not so great as to distort the overall poll. Whether I agree or you agree with the placement of the other teams is less of a factor than how the movement relats to actual events. In other words, if a previously approved poll did not have UNH in the poll and the lastest poll does not have UNH in the poll, the conclusion is not necesarily that the poll is in error. It is that the opinion of the pollster, was that UNH's victories do not substantiate the rating. As I said it is not whether I or you agree, it is whether there is some semblance of reason within the movement.

An example of a poll that did not make the cut was one that ranked UMass high and totally left JMU out. It was the opinion of the committee that was an error and a major one.

Also, keep in mind that the committee reviewed 130 polls in a very short period of time. Superhuman is not a qualification for poll committee membership.

Pollsters can certainly help by studying the results of games prior to voting.

Additionally, critiques of the ballots will increase in toughness as the year proceeds and there are more comparable games to use for review.

Thanks again and once again, while errors occur in individual ballots, the overall poll seems reasonable for this early in the season.

[SactoHornetFan]

polls are opinions...


Yes they are yet I want to know why ucd who is 1-2 got votes and Sac State who is 2-1 didn't? xeyebrowx

[dbackjon]

And no love for Tennessee State, or Jacksonville State?


Tennessee State beat Alabama A&M by 21, Southern by 2, and Jackson St by 23.

[danefan]

The committee reviews the ballots in several ways.

1. Homerism
2. Conference homerism (which of course is difficult since the CAA, SoCon and Gateway dominate the poll)
3. Rational movement within the ballot due to results.
4. Blatant Errors.


The committee undestands that while the integrity of the poll is of extreme importance, this is a poll first and foremost for our members. Therefore denied ballots usually are for extreme situations related to the above. We do not automatically deny a ballot if someone does not respond to a PM due to the timing of the poll and the varying times members log on the site. We also take into consideration whether the ballot may cause difficulties with the overall poll.

In the example above, the movement within the poll for wins and losses were troubling with respect to the UMASS and JMU, Fordham and Dayton games. However, the disparity of that movement was not so great as to distort the overall poll. Whether I agree or you agree with the placement of the other teams is less of a factor than how the movement relats to actual events. In other words, if a previously approved poll did not have UNH in the poll and the lastest poll does not have UNH in the poll, the conclusion is not necesarily that the poll is in error. It is that the opinion of the pollster, was that UNH's victories do not substantiate the rating. As I said it is not whether I or you agree, it is whether there is some semblance of reason within the movement.

An example of a poll that did not make the cut was one that ranked UMass high and totally left JMU out. It was the opinion of the committee that was an error and a major one.

Also, keep in mind that the committee reviewed 130 polls in a very short period of time. Superhuman is not a qualification for poll committee membership.

Pollsters can certainly help by studying the results of games prior to voting.

Additionally, critiques of the ballots will increase in toughness as the year proceeds and there are more comparable games to use for review.

Thanks again and once again, while errors occur in individual ballots, the overall poll seems reasonable for this early in the season.

Thanks for the explanation. xthumbsupx

[SactoHornetFan]

Here is how I voted:

1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. James Madison
4. Richmond
5. Montana
6. Massachusetts
7. Delaware
8. Wofford
9. New Hampshire
10. Eastern Washington
11. Southern Illinois
12. Cal Poly
13. Georgia Southern
14. Northern Iowa
15. Villanova
16. Furman
17. Central Arkansas
18. Weber St.
19. The Citadel
20. McNeese St.
21. Sam Houston St.
22. Sacramento St.
23. Tennessee St.
24. Harvard
25. Northern Arizona
W. James Madison
L. Massachusetts

[DetroitFlyer]

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. Cal Poly
4. Richmond
5. Montana
6. James Madison
7. Northern Iowa
8. Delaware
9. Wofford
10. McNeese St.
11. New Hampshire
12. South Dakota St.
13. Massachusetts
14. Elon
15. Eastern Illinois
16. Central Arkansas
17. Georgia Southern
18. Villanova
19. Southern Illinois
20. Dayton
21. Western Illinois
22. San Diego
23. Furman
24. Albany
25. Fordham
W. Dayton
L. Massachusetts

Here is how I see it....

How does Fordham end up ranked higher than Dayton? Ivy League teams.... Please, they have not even played a game.... YSU...? This "poll" looks more an more like a popularity contest each week.

[putter]

Here is my poll:

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. McNeese St.
4. North Dakota St.
5. Northern Iowa
6. Wofford
7. Delaware
8. Eastern Washington
9. Villanova
10. Montana
11. Cal Poly
12. James Madison
13. South Dakota St.
14. Georgia Southern
15. Elon
16. New Hampshire
17. Central Arkansas
18. Furman
19. The Citadel
20. Sacramento St.
21. Southern Illinois
22. Hampton
23. Western Illinois
24. Eastern Illinois
25. Massachusetts
W. South Dakota St.
L. Massachusetts

Would have bee nice to see the games cancelled by Ike. The top 25 would have looked different.

[dbackjon]

Here is my poll:

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. McNeese St.
4. North Dakota St.
5. Northern Iowa
6. Wofford
7. Delaware
8. Eastern Washington
9. Villanova
10. Montana
11. Cal Poly
12. James Madison
13. South Dakota St.
14. Georgia Southern
15. Elon
16. New Hampshire
17. Central Arkansas
18. Furman
19. The Citadel
20. Sacramento St.
21. Southern Illinois
22. Hampton
23. Western Illinois
24. Eastern Illinois
25. Massachusetts
W. South Dakota St.
L. Massachusetts

Would have bee nice to see the games cancelled by Ike. The top 25 would have looked different.


You rank Hampton, which is 2-1, and barely beat Jackson State (17-13), but not Tennessee State, which is 3-0, and crushed Jackson State by 23?

[AGSPoll]

Thanks for the explanation. xthumbsupx

You are Welcomexnodx

[UNCBears2010]

Here is my Poll:
Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. James Madison
4. North Dakota St.
5. Montana
6. Northern Iowa
7. Eastern Washington
8. McNeese St.
9. Massachusetts
10. Delaware
11. South Dakota St.
12. Wofford
13. Cal Poly
14. Southern Illinois
15. Villanova
16. Georgia Southern
17. Elon
18. New Hampshire
19. Eastern Illinois
20. Eastern Kentucky
21. The Citadel
22. Central Arkansas
23. Northern Arizona
24. Furman
25. Western Illinois
W. James Madison
L. North Dakota St.

[LehighFan11]

Here is my poll:

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. McNeese St.
4. North Dakota St.
5. Northern Iowa
6. Wofford
7. Delaware
8. Eastern Washington
9. Villanova
10. Montana
11. Cal Poly
12. James Madison
13. South Dakota St.
14. Georgia Southern
15. Elon
16. New Hampshire
17. Central Arkansas
18. Furman
19. The Citadel
20. Sacramento St.
21. Southern Illinois
22. Hampton
23. Western Illinois
24. Eastern Illinois
25. Massachusetts
W. South Dakota St.
L. Massachusetts

Would have bee nice to see the games cancelled by Ike. The top 25 would have looked different.

Griz fan, I'm interested to hear why u have the Griz at 10. IMO they have the biggest win of the year @ Cal Poly, I have them at 2.

[BisonBacker]

Here is how I voted:

1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. James Madison
4. Richmond
5. Montana
6. Massachusetts
7. Delaware
8. Wofford
9. New Hampshire
10. Eastern Washington
11. Southern Illinois
12. Cal Poly
13. Georgia Southern
14. Northern Iowa
15. Villanova
16. Furman
17. Central Arkansas
18. Weber St.
19. The Citadel
20. McNeese St.
21. Sam Houston St.
22. Sacramento St.
23. Tennessee St.
24. Harvard
25. Northern Arizona
W. James Madison
L. Massachusetts

Where's SDSU?

[UNHWildCats]

some people are way too kind to UMass.

[Pauly LB]

1. Richmond
2. North Dakota St.
3. Appalachian St.
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Montana
8. Massachusetts
9. Southern Illinois
10. Wofford
11. Villanova
12. Eastern Washington
13. Elon
14. Norfolk St.
15. Nicholls St.
16. James Madison
17. Fordham
18. Furman
19. Northern Arizona
20. Liberty
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Georgia Southern
24. Yale
25. Cal Poly
W. Liberty
L. Fordham

That is my ballot for this week. I have JMU ranked well below UMass and Fordham ranked over Dayton (that is what AGSpoll observed as my boo boo)

Let me understand your poll. Cal Poly beats San Diego State (FBS team) and loses to your #7 Montana when their placekicker shanks the ecquivalent of an extra point (27 yard field goal) which would have won the game. Everybody else thinks enough of Cal Poly to rank them in the top 15 and #9 in the AGS poll. Last week they were #12 in the Coaches' Poll and #14 in The Sports Network. In your poll they make #25 !!!%^^&*&@#()_#$(!!!

Thanks for the bone...

[89rabbit]

I thought SDSU won? You had them as the biggest loser?


We did.

[Maroon&White]

some people are way too kind to UMass.

Haha, your jealousy is pretty bad. Getting sick of losing to UMass huh?

[RabidRabbit]

Holy cow Cal Poly at #25??? Wow the more I look at that poll the more questions I have? I'm surprised they accepted that poll xsmhx

Cal Poly should be the team this year.....Unfortunately the McNeese game didn't come off (xthumbsdownx Ike -Big Blowhard wins xthumbsdownx ) so 'Stangs are down to 8 games left, including Wisconsin (This looks to be a HUGE loss) and non-counter USD. They have the San Diego St. win, so need to win ALL 6 GAMES TO HAVE THE 7TH D-I WINS!!!!

Cal Poly's play-off hopes will come down to winning at Brookings on 10/14.

Of course, they need to win the other 5 FCS counter games too, but Jacks are only rated opponent left on radar (unless UC-Davis cracks top 25, possible if beat Montana at Missoula.)

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Hmm a #1 for UNH

Yes - it's evident that your ballot was counted this week....

xlolx

[UNHWildCats]

Yes - it's evident that your ballot was counted this week....

xlolx
wasn't me

[UNI Pike]

Yes they are yet I want to know why ucd who is 1-2 got votes and Sac State who is 2-1 didn't? xeyebrowx

My sig line has swayed the voters xpeacex

[WrenFGun]

I was simply not aware of Tennessee State's performance...that is a clear oversight and something I'll keep on my radar.

UNH has beaten an FCS team and a CAA team, and should, IMO, at least be in the top 15. I think they're ranking in AGS is fine, but I don't think those who think they should be penalized for not having Santos have any credibility any longer.

Those waiting for UNH to have ANOTHER signature win (Army was one in the eyes of the committee, so it is one for me) will have to wait for the matchup between Villanova and UNH in their ninth game of the season. UNH's next six opponents are Albany, Dartmouth, W&M, Towson, Northeastern and Hofstra. While I think Albany should be ranked, and W&M is pretty good, UNH should be favored in every game.

[SactoHornetFan]

My sig line has swayed the voters xpeacex

On one hand, great publicity xthumbsupx
On the other, xnonox

[lizrdgizrd]

And no love for Tennessee State, or Jacksonville State?


Tennessee State beat Alabama A&M by 21, Southern by 2, and Jackson St by 23.

I have Tennessee St. on my "almost there" list. They've been moving up steadily since the beginning of the season. I think if they keep winning and a couple teams drop they'll be there before midseason.

[lizrdgizrd]

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. Cal Poly
4. Richmond
5. Montana
6. James Madison
7. Northern Iowa
8. Delaware
9. Wofford
10. McNeese St.
11. New Hampshire
12. South Dakota St.
13. Massachusetts
14. Elon
15. Eastern Illinois
16. Central Arkansas
17. Georgia Southern
18. Villanova
19. Southern Illinois
20. Dayton
21. Western Illinois
22. San Diego
23. Furman
24. Albany
25. Fordham
W. Dayton
L. Massachusetts

Here is how I see it....

How does Fordham end up ranked higher than Dayton? Ivy League teams.... Please, they have not even played a game.... YSU...? This "poll" looks more an more like a popularity contest each week.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I have Dayton ranked higher than Fordham and the Ivies. They're just not in the top 25. :D

[appfan2008]

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I have Dayton ranked higher than Fordham and the Ivies. They're just not in the top 25. :D

dont play with them liz... dayton fans will never be happy until they are ranked number one every week regardless of circumstances...

[DB_Atlantic10]

1. Richmond
2. North Dakota St.
3. Appalachian St.
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Montana
8. Massachusetts
9. Southern Illinois
10. Wofford
11. Villanova
12. Eastern Washington
13. Elon
14. Norfolk St.
15. Nicholls St.
16. James Madison
17. Fordham
18. Furman
19. Northern Arizona
20. Liberty
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Georgia Southern
24. Yale
25. Cal Poly
W. Liberty
L. Fordham

That is my ballot for this week. I have JMU ranked well below UMass and Fordham ranked over Dayton (that is what AGSpoll observed as my boo boo)
You shouldn't be allowed to vote....xlolx

[appfan2008]

anyone else amazed ysu got 54 votes?

[appfan2008]

I had been using my preseason methodology and havent had much chance to follow results of teams so I made some definite errors I will admit. Hopefully I'll swing things around and have a much better looking poll after this weekend

i hope so bc ranking teams ahead of teams they lost to is not right... especially this early in the season...

[UNHWildCats]

amazed yes. shocked? sadly no.

[appfan2008]

Let me understand your poll. Cal Poly beats San Diego State (FBS team) and loses to your #7 Montana when their placekicker shanks the ecquivalent of an extra point (27 yard field goal) which would have won the game. Everybody else thinks enough of Cal Poly to rank them in the top 15 and #9 in the AGS poll. Last week they were #12 in the Coaches' Poll and #14 in The Sports Network. In your poll they make #25 !!!%^^&*&@#()_#$(!!!

Thanks for the bone...

that is about the least of his egregious errors!

[appfan2008]

amazed yes. shocked? sadly no.

i know i know... im not shocked either... honestly some people just vote for whoever they want to and we know it... xsmhx

[UNHWildCats]

I have been guilty for perhaps allowing a team to remain in my 25 a little too long before, but never one with so little to even warrant a thought to put them there.

[ashram]

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

Is this same paragraph in the release every week? It could use some serious apostrophe editing.xreadx

[KAUMASS]

some people are way too kind to UMass.


#3 loses to #7 in a close game- 7 pt difference with 5 minutes to go in the game. You drop UMass to #25 from #3. Please explain your theory besides the fact that you were drinking heavily on Sunday when you posted your ballot.

[UNHWildCats]

110 points allowed in their first three games. That's pathetic.

UMass could give up 400 points this season.

[LehighFan11]

#3 loses to #7 in a close game- 7 pt difference with 5 minutes to go in the game. You drop UMass to #25 from #3. Please explain your theory besides the fact that you were drinking heavily on Sunday when you posted your ballot.

I've hammered them as well, but not that bad. I've had them go from 7 to 8 to 11 to 14 and with a win next week from some of the teams I have behind them they will probably fall by antoher 2-3 spots next week.

[UNHWildCats]

#3 loses to #7 in a close game- 7 pt difference with 5 minutes to go in the game. You drop UMass to #25 from #3. Please explain your theory besides the fact that you were drinking heavily on Sunday when you posted your ballot.
BTW I didnt drop UMass to #25.

[Ivytalk]

Me neither. is there anyone who voted for Harvard or Yale that would be willing to explain their logic? Maybe I'm missing something.

Sure. I voted for Harvard because they had been 27th or so, and several teams ahead of them lost. Why not rank Harvard ahead of Fordham after Fordham's lost to Dayton? QED.xreadx

[danefan]

Sure. I voted for Harvard because they had been 27th or so, and several teams ahead of them lost. Why not rank Harvard ahead of Fordham after Fordham's lost to Dayton? QED.xreadx

I did rank Harvard ahead of Fordham........but I also ranked Dayton ahead of Harvard.

I guess it goes back to preseason for people. I never had Harvard in my top 25, so I can't justify raising them into it. I just don't think the Ivy is a strong enough conference to rank teams without having seen them do anything yet. Same goes for teams from the NEC, PFL, PL, MEAC and Big South.

[Ivytalk]

I did rank Harvard ahead of Fordham........but I also ranked Dayton ahead of Harvard.

I guess it goes back to preseason for people. I never had Harvard in my top 25, so I can't justify raising them into it. I just don't think the Ivy is a strong enough conference to rank teams without having seen them do anything yet. Same goes for teams from the NEC, PFL, PL, MEAC and Big South.

And if Harvard loses to Holy Cross this week, I'll drop Harvard and may well rank The Cross.

[LehighFan11]

If you ranked Harvard or Yale in the preseason they probably still deserve to be in your poll. I had both of them ranked and they are still there. Although this is poll 3 from many teams they are still in preseason poll guidelines.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I was simply not aware of Tennessee State's performance...that is a clear oversight and something I'll keep on my radar.

Tennessee State is a good team that is on my radar... but their shellacking of Southern wasn't a watershed moment for me since not only is the SWAC down this year, the Jags might not even break .500.

[WrenFGun]

Yes, I'd love to hear from anyone still voting for YSU.

[dbackjon]

Tennessee State is a good team that is on my radar... but their shellacking of Southern wasn't a watershed moment for me since not only is the SWAC down this year, the Jags might not even break .500.

What about the shellacking of Jackson State?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

What about the shellacking of Jackson State?

Sorry. :o The Southern game was the close one!

The EKU game will show us how good they really are. If they win that game, I think they're in my Top 25.

[mvemjsunpx]

Here's my ballot (my Week 2 rank in parentheses):



1. McNeese St. (1)
2. Richmond (3)
3. Eastern Washington (4)
4. James Madison (8)
5. North Dakota St. (2)
6. South Dakota St. (13)
7. Montana (5)
8. Western Illinois (7)
9. Cal Poly (10)
10. UMass (6)
11. Villanova (9)
12. The Citadel (11)
13. Appalachian St. (12)
14. Weber St. (14)
15. Delaware (15)
16. Yale (20)
17. Harvard (21)
18. SC State (16)
19. Central Arkansas (17)
20. Holy Cross (18)
21. Northern Iowa (19)
22. Elon (25)
23. UC Davis (24)
24. Eastern Illinois (NR)
25. Liberty (23)

W - James Madison
L - Fordham



Next 5 (in order): Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston St., New Hampshire (22), Tennessee St., Wofford

Others Considered (NOT in order): Northern Arizona, Southern Illinois, William & Mary, Delaware St., Hampton, Norfolk St., Florida A&M, Furman, Southern, Albany

[UNHWildCats]

UNH drops from 22 to 28 after a win? yaaaaaaa

[UNHWildCats]

Umass loses and drops less then UNH drops with a win... WHAT A JOKE

[UNHWildCats]

SD State wins by 2 and jumps 7 spots?

WHAT A JOKE

[UNHWildCats]

Montana wins and drops 2?


WHAAAT A JOKE!!!

[UNHWildCats]

Weber State with two sub Div I wins and a loss are ranked 14????

WHAT A ******ING JOKE

[UNHWildCats]

APPALACHIAN STATE RANKED 13???


DUDE NEEDS TO LOSE HIS RIGHT TO VOTE

[Maroon&White]

110 points allowed in their first three games. That's pathetic.

UMass could give up 400 points this season.

Sorta like UNH the past how many years? Guess UMass will have to win like UNH did every year with Santos, play no defense and just out score everyone.

[mvemjsunpx]

It's all relative. Where you go depends on what others do.

New Hampshire only beating lousy Rhode Island by 8 & giving up 480 passing yards isn't at all impressive. I had them off the poll, then put them on when they thumped terrible FBS Army, then voted them off with this week's mediocre win.

UMass lost to another top 10 team on the road, they're not going to fall far from that.

South Dakota State beat another team I had (& still have) in my top 10, proving the Youngstown slam wasn't a fluke. That's pretty impressive.

Montana didn't look worse in my mind, but others had big wins that caused a leapfrog effect (JMU & SDSU).

I picked Weber second in the Big Sky preseason & picked them to go to the playoffs. Their starting lineups look great; depth is the main concern. Obvously, the 3 non-FCS games haven't really said much either way so I don't really think differently about them than I did preseason.

As for Appalachian State, yeah, they're the defending champions, but they lost a lot of key players from last year. This is a poll for this year. They're not even a top 10 team to me this right now until they prove otherwise; the first two games didn't really say anything either way.

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

Here's my ballot (my Week 2 rank in parentheses):



1. McNeese St. (1)
2. Richmond (3)
3. Eastern Washington (4)
4. James Madison (8)
5. North Dakota St. (2)
6. South Dakota St. (13)
7. Montana (5)
8. Western Illinois (7)
9. Cal Poly (10)
10. UMass (6)
11. Villanova (9)
12. The Citadel (11)
13. Appalachian St. (12)
14. Weber St. (14)
15. Delaware (15)
16. Yale (20)
17. Harvard (21)
18. SC State (16)
19. Central Arkansas (17)
20. Holy Cross (18)
21. Northern Iowa (19)
22. Elon (25)
23. UC Davis (24)
24. Eastern Illinois (NR)
25. Liberty (23)

W - James Madison
L - Fordham



Next 5 (in order): Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston St., New Hampshire (22), Tennessee St., Wofford

Others Considered (NOT in order): Northern Arizona, Southern Illinois, William & Mary, Delaware St., Hampton, Norfolk St., Florida A&M, Furman, Southern, Albany

Harvard and Yale don't play a down of football and move up 4 spots?

[PantherRob82]

Hmm a #1 for UNH

yeah? offense looked good, but d did no.

[UNHWildCats]

Harvard and Yale don't play a down of football and move up 4 spots?
it's all relative xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[PantherRob82]

i don't think NDSU should have lost ground...but that being said, i'm not a voter;-)

They hadn't beaten anyone of worth and lost to a teamost felt the #2 FCS team should beat.

[UNHWildCats]

It's all relative. Where you go depends on what others do.

New Hampshire only beating lousy Rhode Island by 8 & giving up 480 passing yards isn't at all impressive. I had them off the poll, then put them on when they thumped terrible FBS Army, then voted them off with this week's mediocre win.

UMass lost to another top 10 team on the road, they're not going to fall far from that.

South Dakota State beat another team I had (& still have) in my top 10, proving the Youngstown slam wasn't a fluke. That's pretty impressive.

Montana didn't look worse in my mind, but others had big wins that caused a leapfrog effect (JMU & SDSU).

I picked Weber second in the Big Sky preseason & picked them to go to the playoffs. Their starting lineups look great; depth is the main concern. Obvously, the 3 non-FCS games haven't really said much either way so I don't really think differently about them than I did preseason.

As for Appalachian State, yeah, they're the defending champions, but they lost a lot of key players from last year. This is a poll for this year. They're not even a top 10 team to me this right now until they prove otherwise; the first two games didn't really say anything either way.
And you exposed another joke.... a 1-2 Western Illinois ranked #8 xeyebrowx

[stevdock]

And you exposed another joke.... a 1-2 Western Illinois ranked #8 xeyebrowx

Nothing all that wrong with them being there. They probably had the best showing against an FBS team, and lost by 2 points to SDSU. 8 might be a little high but I wouldn't have any problem with it.

[Wolfman]

Montana is too young at key positions to be a top 10 team. Next year they will be very strong.

[Pantherpower]

Here's my ballot (my Week 2 rank in parentheses):



1. McNeese St. (1)
2. Richmond (3)
3. Eastern Washington (4)
4. James Madison (8)
5. North Dakota St. (2)
6. South Dakota St. (13)
7. Montana (5)
8. Western Illinois (7)
9. Cal Poly (10)
10. UMass (6)
11. Villanova (9)
12. The Citadel (11)
13. Appalachian St. (12)
14. Weber St. (14)
15. Delaware (15)
16. Yale (20)
17. Harvard (21)
18. SC State (16)
19. Central Arkansas (17)
20. Holy Cross (18)
21. Northern Iowa (19)
22. Elon (25)
23. UC Davis (24)
24. Eastern Illinois (NR)
25. Liberty (23)

W - James Madison
L - Fordham



Next 5 (in order): Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston St., New Hampshire (22), Tennessee St., Wofford

Others Considered (NOT in order): Northern Arizona, Southern Illinois, William & Mary, Delaware St., Hampton, Norfolk St., Florida A&M, Furman, Southern, Albany

Thanks for the comedic relief. Sad that you are allowed to vote.

[mvemjsunpx]

Thanks for the comedic relief. Sad that you are allowed to vote.


You wanna explain what you mean by that, or would you rather assume we can all read your mind?

[mvemjsunpx]

Harvard and Yale don't play a down of football and move up 4 spots?

Right now, I consider Harvard & Yale about equal to the teams I jumped them past (SCSU, UCA, Holy Cross, UNI). SC State fell a slight bit in my mind because of just beating Bethune-Cookman by 9. Then after remembering how much those 2 Ivies return, I re-evaluated & moved them up a slight bit. Obviously, the only way any of us can judge those two is by what they have on paper. Yale & Harvard were both in the top-25 at the end of last year & they both return a lot of starters.

[dbackjon]

Right now, I consider Harvard & Yale about equal to the teams I jumped them past (SCSU, UCA, Holy Cross, UNI). SC State fell a slight bit in my mind because of just beating Bethune-Cookman by 9. Then after remembering how much those 2 Ivies return, I re-evaluated & moved them up a slight bit. Obviously, the only way any of us can judge those two is by what they have on paper. Yale & Harvard were both in the top-25 at the end of last year & they both return a lot of starters.

As does NAU.

Tennessee State has won 3 FCS games, and Jacksonville State is looking impressive.

[UNHWildCats]

You wanna explain what you mean by that, or would you rather assume we can all read your mind?
I'm pretty sure I already covered most of it xlolx xlolx xlolx

[UNHWildCats]

It's all relative. Where you go depends on what others do.

New Hampshire only beating lousy Rhode Island by 8 & giving up 480 passing yards isn't at all impressive. I had them off the poll, then put them on when they thumped terrible FBS Army, then voted them off with this week's mediocre win.

UMass lost to another top 10 team on the road, they're not going to fall far from that.

South Dakota State beat another team I had (& still have) in my top 10, proving the Youngstown slam wasn't a fluke. That's pretty impressive.

Montana didn't look worse in my mind, but others had big wins that caused a leapfrog effect (JMU & SDSU).

I picked Weber second in the Big Sky preseason & picked them to go to the playoffs. Their starting lineups look great; depth is the main concern. Obvously, the 3 non-FCS games haven't really said much either way so I don't really think differently about them than I did preseason.

As for Appalachian State, yeah, they're the defending champions, but they lost a lot of key players from last year. This is a poll for this year. They're not even a top 10 team to me this right now until they prove otherwise; the first two games didn't really say anything either way.


Right now, I consider Harvard & Yale about equal to the teams I jumped them past (SCSU, UCA, Holy Cross, UNI). SC State fell a slight bit in my mind because of just beating Bethune-Cookman by 9. Then after remembering how much those 2 Ivies return, I re-evaluated & moved them up a slight bit. Obviously, the only way any of us can judge those two is by what they have on paper. Yale & Harvard were both in the top-25 at the end of last year & they both return a lot of starters.
xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[james_lawfirm]

As for Appalachian State, yeah, they're the defending champions, but they lost a lot of key players from last year. This is a poll for this year. They're not even a top 10 team to me this right now until they prove otherwise; the first two games didn't really say anything either way.

Wow! Not even top 10? xbawlingx

Ya' don't reckon all that previous winning with the same coaches, staff, & some of them other fellers don't count fer nuttin?

Hadn't been 'round this here game long, have ya'?

[james_lawfirm]

Whoops. Pardon my previous post. I see that UNH feller beat me to the punch.

[elon77]

Here is how I voted:

1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. James Madison
4. Richmond
5. Montana
6. Massachusetts
7. Delaware
8. Wofford
9. New Hampshire
10. Eastern Washington
11. Southern Illinois
12. Cal Poly
13. Georgia Southern
14. Northern Iowa
15. Villanova
16. Furman
17. Central Arkansas
18. Weber St.
19. The Citadel
20. McNeese St.
21. Sam Houston St.
22. Sacramento St.
23. Tennessee St.
24. Harvard
25. Northern Arizona
W. James Madison
L. Massachusetts

how come Elon isn't in this poLL. their only loss is to your #4 team.xconfusedx

[401ks]

I'm learning that the AGS Poll is like a hot dog.

While I may enjoy the final product, I'm not wild about knowing what goes into it! xeekx

[UNIFanSince1983]

I agree with with 401ks. I mean some of these people just can't look objectively can they. They think their team is really good so any team that have beat them must be really really good, or that their conference has to be the best in the nation. I am not a voter, but I would be somewhat objective as to what teams are the best in the country.

[Syntax Error]

I agree with with 401ks. I mean some of these people just can't look objectively can they. They think their team is really good so any team that have beat them must be really really good, or that their conference has to be the best in the nation. I am not a voter, but I would be somewhat objective as to what teams are the best in the country.you should see some of the TSN and Coaches poll ballots (I have heard about them)...... talk about problems with objectivity and downright homerism! At least the AGS poll questions ballots, the others don't.

[AZGrizFan]

Montana is too young at key positions to be a top 10 team. Next year they will be very strong.

But lose in the first round, right wolfie? ;)

[UNHWildCats]

I agree with with 401ks. I mean some of these people just can't look objectively can they. They think their team is really good so any team that have beat them must be really really good, or that their conference has to be the best in the nation. I am not a voter, but I would be somewhat objective as to what teams are the best in the country.
To a degree anyone can be a little favored to their team, I was concerned I had UNH too high at #7, but I have seen several posters list them in the top 10, not to mention the mystery person having them #1, so I was a little relived.

[Syntax Error]

But lose in the first round, right wolfie? ;)
Thanks for taking a personal shot at a member here, AZgrizfan. Thought you were suspended? xnonono2x

[terrierbob]

Wofford's too highly ranked. I'd put us in around 15th. I'm a voter, but was too sick fighting a bad case of bronchitis to notice I missed this week. Anyway-we've spotted two inferior teams 14 points through sloppy play and probably the worst kickoff coverage I've seen a college team display. Playing U.SoCar won't do anything for us re: gauging our fitness for SoCon play. GA Southern, in my mind, is our first game.

[da_Bison]

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. North Dakota St.
3. Cal Poly
4. Richmond
5. Montana
6. James Madison
7. Northern Iowa
8. Delaware
9. Wofford
10. McNeese St.
11. New Hampshire
12. South Dakota St.
13. Massachusetts
14. Elon
15. Eastern Illinois
16. Central Arkansas
17. Georgia Southern
18. Villanova
19. Southern Illinois
20. Dayton
21. Western Illinois
22. San Diego
23. Furman
24. Albany
25. Fordham
W. Dayton
L. Massachusetts

Here is how I see it....

How does Fordham end up ranked higher than Dayton? Ivy League teams.... Please, they have not even played a game.... YSU...? This "poll" looks more an more like a popularity contest each week.


How can you have Poly above Montana when the Griz went into there house and beat them???

[IaaScribe]

Well, he has two Pioneer teams in his poll, so you can't take it at all seriously.

[ThreadStopper]

1. Richmond
2. North Dakota St.
3. Appalachian St.
4. Delaware
5. Northern Iowa
6. McNeese St.
7. Montana
8. Massachusetts
9. Southern Illinois
10. Wofford
11. Villanova
12. Eastern Washington
13. Elon
14. Norfolk St.
15. Nicholls St.
16. James Madison
17. Fordham
18. Furman
19. Northern Arizona
20. Liberty
21. Montana St.
22. South Dakota St.
23. Georgia Southern
24. Yale
25. Cal Poly
W. Liberty
L. Fordham

That is my ballot for this week. I have JMU ranked well below UMass and Fordham ranked over Dayton (that is what AGSpoll observed as my boo boo)

Cal Poly beats a FBS team and misses beating your #7 Montana on last minute field goal and you have gratiously placed them at #25. I guess I am going to have to start voting after all to add a little balance.

[JALMOND]

Here I go submitting my ballot to the wolves. No Portland State anywhere so it must be kind of objective. Debated on sneaking the Vikings on to #25 but thought it wouldn't be counted so left them off.:D

this week (last week)

1. Appalachian State (1)
2. James Madison (4)
3. North Dakota State (2)
4. McNeese State (6)
5. Wofford (4)
6. Montana (8)
7. Eastern Washington (7)
8. Delaware (9)
9. Richmond (13)
10. Northern Iowa (10)
11. New Hampshire (11)
12. Massachusettes (3)
13. Cal Poly (15)
14. Villanova (17)
15. Southern Illinois (12)
16. South Dakota State (21)
17. Georgia Southern (14)
18. Jacksonville State (16)
19. Youngstown State (19)
20. Hampton (20)
21. Weber State (22)
22. Central Arkansas (23)
23. Elon (NR)
24. Tennessee State (NR)
25. Albany (NR)

Dropped---Hofstra (18), Delaware State (24), Western Illinois (25)

Shaky teams;

5. Wofford---Had them high in preseason and have not been able to knock them down after starting the year with two wins. Next two weeks they have South Carolina and Georgia Southern on the road. A split would make me look like a genius.

12. Massachusettes---Shaky last week at #3, shaky this week at #12. Next two games at Texas Tech (whom Eastern Washington stayed with pretty much the whole game) and at home to Delaware should give an accurate picture of the Minutemen team.

17. Georgia Southern---Very close wins against Austin Peay and Northeastern has me wondering about the Eagles. Next two weeks against Elon and Wofford should be clear as to whether or not to pull the rug out on them.

19. Youngstown State---Losses on the road to two excellent teams keeps the Penguins on the verge. I had them high in preseason and have not been able to knock them down. Suffice to say they probably need a win at home this week against North Dakota State to stay Top 25 material.

25. Albany---Four road games the first four weeks all against the Colonial. Before the season began I thought they needed to split those four games. So far, they have a split so they are #25 for now. Split the next two (New Hampshire and Delaware) and they deserve a top 25.

[putter]

Griz fan, I'm interested to hear why u have the Griz at 10. IMO they have the biggest win of the year @ Cal Poly, I have them at 2.


Sure. I had them starting the season at 13 because of all the defensive starters they lost (defense had been keeping them in games the last 2 years). Very impressedby the Poly win but looked sluggish out of the gate against SUU but turned it on. They moved up to 10th based on the wins but the other teams also kept winning which has kept Montana in the lower 1/2 of top 10.

As far as Hampton, I had them ranked from the start and have not found any reason to drop them yet.

[FargoBison]

My Top 25...

rank-team-previous
1. Richmond(1)
2. Appalachian St.(2)
3. Montana(3)
4. James Madison(9)
5. Cal Poly(7)
6. North Dakota St.(5)
7. Northern Iowa(6)
8. Wofford(8)
9. Massachusetts(4)
10. McNeese St.(10)
11. Georgia Southern(11)
12. Villanova(14)
13. Eastern Washington(13)
14. South Dakota St.(17)
15. Central Arkansas(15)
16. Southern Illinois(12)
17. Delaware(18)
18. South Carolina St.(19)
19. The Citadel(20)
20. Sam Houston St.(21)
21. New Hampshire(24)
22. Jacksonville St.(23)
23. Furman(NR)
24. Western Illinois(22)
25. Yale(25)
W. James Madison
L. Massachusetts

[UNHWildCats]

Here I go submitting my ballot to the wolves. No Portland State anywhere so it must be kind of objective. Debated on sneaking the Vikings on to #25 but thought it wouldn't be counted so left them off.:D

this week (last week)

1. Appalachian State (1)
2. James Madison (4)
3. North Dakota State (2)
4. McNeese State (6)
5. Wofford (4)
6. Montana (8)
7. Eastern Washington (7)
8. Delaware (9)
9. Richmond (13)
10. Northern Iowa (10)
11. New Hampshire (11)
12. Massachusettes (3)
13. Cal Poly (15)
14. Villanova (17)
15. Southern Illinois (12)
16. South Dakota State (21)
17. Georgia Southern (14)
18. Jacksonville State (16)
19. Youngstown State (19)
20. Hampton (20)
21. Weber State (22)
22. Central Arkansas (23)
23. Elon (NR)
24. Tennessee State (NR)
25. Albany (NR)

Dropped---Hofstra (18), Delaware State (24), Western Illinois (25)

Shaky teams;

5. Wofford---Had them high in preseason and have not been able to knock them down after starting the year with two wins. Next two weeks they have South Carolina and Georgia Southern on the road. A split would make me look like a genius.

12. Massachusettes---Shaky last week at #3, shaky this week at #12. Next two games at Texas Tech (whom Eastern Washington stayed with pretty much the whole game) and at home to Delaware should give an accurate picture of the Minutemen team.

17. Georgia Southern---Very close wins against Austin Peay and Northeastern has me wondering about the Eagles. Next two weeks against Elon and Wofford should be clear as to whether or not to pull the rug out on them.

19. Youngstown State---Losses on the road to two excellent teams keeps the Penguins on the verge. I had them high in preseason and have not been able to knock them down. Suffice to say they probably need a win at home this week against North Dakota State to stay Top 25 material.

25. Albany---Four road games the first four weeks all against the Colonial. Before the season began I thought they needed to split those four games. So far, they have a split so they are #25 for now. Split the next two (New Hampshire and Delaware) and they deserve a top 25.
you had me until I got to #19 xlolx xlolx xlolx

[401ks]

I'm only going to list my Top 20. Numbers 21 through 30 are way too close to argue, and I'd rather simply avoid the debate.

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. Eastern Washington
4. Montana
5. James Madison
6. North Dakota St.
7. Northern Iowa
8. McNeese St.
9. Cal Poly
10. Wofford
11. Delaware
12. New Hampshire
13. Massachusetts
14. South Dakota St.
15. Villanova
16. Elon
17. Central Arkansas
18. Western Illinois
19. Southern Illinois
20. Georgia Southern
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
W. James Madison
L. Fordham

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I'm only going to list my Top 20. Numbers 21 through 30 are way too close to argue, and I'd rather simply avoid the debate.

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. Eastern Washington
4. Montana
5. James Madison
6. North Dakota St.
7. Northern Iowa
8. McNeese St.
9. Cal Poly
10. Wofford
11. Delaware
12. New Hampshire
13. Massachusetts
14. South Dakota St.
15. Villanova
16. Elon
17. Central Arkansas
18. Western Illinois
19. Southern Illinois
20. Georgia Southern
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
W. James Madison
L. Fordham

We might have a #3 calibre team right now, but the fact remains that we have yet to win a game. I think it's a little early for EWU to be that high... although I have no doubt we'll reach that spot sometime during the season.

[siuham]

1. Appalachian St. (1)
2. North Dakota St. (2)
3. Richmond (3)
4. James Madison (8)
5. Northern Iowa (4)
6. Montana (6)
7. McNeese St. (7)
8. Cal Poly (9)
9. Wofford (10)
10. South Dakota St. (14)
11. Delaware (12)
12. New Hampshire (13)
13. Massachusetts (5)
14. Southern Illinois (11)
15. Elon (17)
16. Georgia Southern (15)
17. Eastern Washington (16)
18. Villanova (18)
19. Central Arkansas (21)
20. Eastern Illinois (22)
21. (20)
22. (19)
23. (23)
24. (25)
25. (NR)
W. James Madison
L. Massachusetts

20-30 is a crapshoot right now. I did rank teams but I don't think any of them are deserving top 25 teams right now. I'm excited for the upcoming week. :) The 15-20 area is tough for me right now too. Too many byes/FBS match-ups to really compare the teams against each other.

[mvemjsunpx]

xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx


You seem to have a lot of fun ripping other people's ballots, but I have yet to see you submit your own for review. Are you afraid of criticism? The one glimpse of your ballot you have given (UNH @ #7) is highly dubious.

You know what they say about throwing stones from glass houses…

[UNHWildCats]

RK Team AGS Rank
1. Richmond 2
2. James Madison 5
3. Appalachian St. 1
4. North Dakota St. 3
5. Delaware 8
6. Montana 4
7. New Hampshire 13
8. Northern Iowa 7
9. Cal Poly 9
10. McNeese St. 6
11. Wofford 11
12. Villanova 16
13. Eastern Washington 10
14. Furman 22
15. Southern Illinois 15
16. The Citadel 20
17. Elon 17
18. South Dakota St. 14
19. Yale 27
20. Georgia Southern 18
21. Central Arkansas 19
22. Massachusetts 12
23. Eastern Kentucky 30
24. Eastern Illinois 23
25. Sam Houston St. 29

[McNeese75]

1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. North Dakota St.
4. Eastern Washington
5. Montana
6. McNeese St.
7. James Madison
8. Delaware
9. Cal Poly
10. Massachusetts
11. Georgia Southern
12. New Hampshire
13. Wofford
14. Northern Iowa
15. South Dakota St.
16. Central Arkansas
17. Sam Houston St.
18. Villanova
19. Elon
20. Southern Illinois
21. Northern Arizona
22. Furman
23. The Citadel
24. Eastern Illinois
25. Western Illinois
W. James Madison
L. North Dakota St.


http://www.forumspile.com/Flame-Flame_on.jpg

:D

[danefan]

RK Team AGS Rank
1. Richmond 2
2. James Madison 5
3. Appalachian St. 1
4. North Dakota St. 3
5. Delaware 8
6. Montana 4
7. New Hampshire 13
8. Northern Iowa 7
9. Cal Poly 9
10. McNeese St. 6
11. Wofford 11
12. Villanova 16
13. Eastern Washington 10
14. Furman 22
15. Southern Illinois 15
16. The Citadel 20
17. Elon 17
18. South Dakota St. 14
19. Yale 27
20. Georgia Southern 18
21. Central Arkansas 19
22. Massachusetts 12
23. Eastern Kentucky 30
24. Eastern Illinois 23
25. Sam Houston St. 29

How in the world did you move Yale up 8 spots?

[UNHWildCats]

How in the world did you move Yale up 8 spots?
the bold number is the AGS rank, not my previous rank

[89Hen]

I've got no problem posting mine...

Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. North Dakota St.
4. Southern Illinois
5. Montana
6. McNeese St.
7. James Madison
8. Wofford
9. Cal Poly
10. Delaware
11. Northern Iowa
12. Eastern Washington
13. South Dakota St.
14. Massachusetts
15. The Citadel
16. Sam Houston St.
17. New Hampshire
18. Holy Cross
19. Eastern Kentucky
20. Hampton
21. Central Arkansas
22. Western Illinois
23. Elon
24. Yale
25. Dayton
W. South Dakota St.
L. Fordham

[danefan]

the bold number is the AGS rank, not my previous rank

thanks. sorry for the confusion.

[UNHWildCats]

thanks. sorry for the confusion.
no prob... xcoolx

[Eight Legger]

Mine looked like this:


Week 3
Approved
1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. North Dakota St.
4. Eastern Washington
5. James Madison
6. Montana
7. Cal Poly
8. Delaware
9. McNeese St.
10. South Dakota St.
11. Wofford
12. Massachusetts
13. Elon
14. Georgia Southern
15. Villanova
16. New Hampshire
17. Southern Illinois
18. Furman
19. Eastern Illinois
20. Central Arkansas
21. Western Illinois
22. William & Mary
23. Northern Iowa
24. Eastern Kentucky
25. Hampton
W. James Madison
L. Northeastern (I interpreeted this as a "meaningful" loss because it was a lower level CAA team almost beating a top team in the SoCon. This category gives me some dilemmas every week though. You can interpret the meaning in different ways.)

[89Hen]

4. Eastern Washington
Everyone is entitled to their opinion so... IMO there is no way I could put a team in my top 5 that hasn't won OR played a I-AA game through three weeks (soon to be four). I know the close loss to Colorado looks attractive, but don't forget the Buffs loss to a 7-4 Montana State a couple years ago. CU may be 2-0 right now, but they are soon to be 2-4. xpeacex

[RabidRabbit]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion so... IMO there is no way I could put a team in my top 5 that hasn't won OR played a I-AA game through three weeks (soon to be four). I know the close loss to Colorado looks attractive, but don't forget the Buffs loss to a 7-4 Montana State a couple years ago. CU may be 2-0 right now, but they are soon to be 2-4. xpeacex

Yes, an 0-2 team, with (correct if wrong) 2 D-II games, basically must win the autobid to make the play-offs. EWU may have dug a hole to big to get out of.

Likewise, The Citadel with two BCS games (95% certainty to lose) is out of play-off picture unless they win conference.

Cal Poly, who I think is a GREAT Team this year, are now 1 loss away from being excluded from play-offs, UNLESS they get a COUNTER game and WIN that to make up for the lost McNeese game.

At this point, if the team can fall 3 to 4 times, and still qualify for the play-offs, then they have the opportunity to be a top 10 team. If you are into territory where you MUST WIN EVERY FCS game left after 3 weeks, lucky to be considered for any higher than 15th. xtwocentsx

[UNCBears2010]

RK Team AGS Rank
1. Richmond 2
2. James Madison 5
3. Appalachian St. 1
4. North Dakota St. 3
5. Delaware 8
6. Montana 4
7. New Hampshire 13
8. Northern Iowa 7
9. Cal Poly 9
10. McNeese St. 6
11. Wofford 11
12. Villanova 16
13. Eastern Washington 10
14. Furman 22
15. Southern Illinois 15
16. The Citadel 20
17. Elon 17
18. South Dakota St. 14
19. Yale 27
20. Georgia Southern 18
21. Central Arkansas 19
22. Massachusetts 12
23. Eastern Kentucky 30
24. Eastern Illinois 23
25. Sam Houston St. 29

Not bad. The only places I would question you are with Yale at #19 and Massachusetts at #22, but it's certainly better than a lot of polls I've seen.

[401ks]

We might have a #3 calibre team right now, but the fact remains that we have yet to win a game. I think it's a little early for EWU to be that high... although I have no doubt we'll reach that spot sometime during the season.

Well, that has been my dilemma. I had Eastern Washington as my #2 in my preseason poll. (Cal Poly took over #2 after their victory at FBS San Diego State.) I wasn't about to drop them too far after tough losses to FBS opponents or one bye week.

It's much the same debate that I've seen here about Appalachian State. Should they have remained #1 after getting their butts kicked by LSU?

Personally, I have a bigger problem with teams being ranked at this point without having played a single game. (read: Harvard, Yale) Preseason? Fine. But three weeks into the season? Not so much.

Bottom line: It's WAAAAAAAAAAAAY early. By the end of the season, Eastern Washington will have proven themselves to be either contenders or pretenders. I may have North Dakota State or Delaware way too low at this point, but either could be #1 by Week 10. Who knows?

Ah, the joys of college football!

xthumbsupx

[UNHWildCats]

Well, that has been my dilemma. I had Eastern Washington as my #2 in my preseason poll. (Cal Poly took over #2 after their victory at FBS San Diego State.) I wasn't about to drop them too far after tough losses to FBS opponents or one bye week.

It's much the same debate that I've seen here about Appalachian State. Should they have remained #1 after getting their butts kicked by LSU?

Personally, I have a bigger problem with teams being ranked at this point without having played a single game. (read: Harvard, Yale) Preseason? Fine. But three weeks into the season? Not so much.

Bottom line: It's WAAAAAAAAAAAAY early. By the end of the season, Eastern Washington will have proven themselves to be either contenders or pretenders. I may have North Dakota State or Delaware way too low at this point, but either could be #1 by Week 10. Who knows?

Ah, the joys of college football!

xthumbsupx


So you can justify keeping a team high because they lost to an FBS but its not okay for others to keep a team ranked even thought they havent lost?

[401ks]

So you can justify keeping a team high because they lost to an FBS but its not okay for others to keep a team ranked even thought they havent lost?

Yup!

It's pretty easy to not lose if you haven't played!

Old Dominion hasn't lost this season. ;)

xpeacex

[89Hen]

So you can justify keeping a team high because they lost to an FBS but its not okay for others to keep a team ranked even thought they havent lost?
xconfusedx At that point NOBODY had played more than one game. At THIS point EVERYONE else has played at least two games and many have played three.

[lizrdgizrd]

xconfusedx At that point NOBODY had played more than one game. At THIS point EVERYONE else has played at least two games and many have played three.
Except for the Ivies. xpeacex

[89Hen]

Except for the Ivies. xpeacex
That's what I was referring to.

[madisonfan87]

Wow, only went from 7 to 5 for beating #3 UMass?

[X-Factor]

I think it is clear UMASS isn't a top 10 team right now. They have no defense. It was still a good win for JMU, but there are some other good teams in the top 5 as well.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I think it is clear UMASS isn't a top 10 team right now. They have no defense. It was still a good win for JMU, but there are some other good teams in the top 5 as well.

Agreed... they're going to get slaughtered by Tech... especially now that Tech has a couple games under their belt and knows not to take ranked FCS teams lightly...

[UNHWildCats]

Agreed... they're going to get slaughtered by Tech... especially now that Tech has a couple games under their belt and knows not to take ranked FCS teams lightly...
After the Texas Tech game UMass could be very close to 200 points allowed (after 4 games) I said yesterday they could give up 400 points this season.

[mvemjsunpx]

RK Team AGS Rank
1. Richmond 2
2. James Madison 5
3. Appalachian St. 1
4. North Dakota St. 3
5. Delaware 8
6. Montana 4
7. New Hampshire 13
8. Northern Iowa 7
9. Cal Poly 9
10. McNeese St. 6
11. Wofford 11
12. Villanova 16
13. Eastern Washington 10
14. Furman 22
15. Southern Illinois 15
16. The Citadel 20
17. Elon 17
18. South Dakota St. 14
19. Yale 27
20. Georgia Southern 18
21. Central Arkansas 19
22. Massachusetts 12
23. Eastern Kentucky 30
24. Eastern Illinois 23
25. Sam Houston St. 29


Most of it seems reasonably arguable, but I have to question New Hampshire @ #7 (way too high), McNeese @ #10 (too low), Furman @ #14 (too high), & Eastern Kentucky even being in the poll at all. I don't like your UMass placement, either, but you already stated your case for that.

There are other placements I don't agree with, but I don't agree with the consensus on those, either (like App State in the top 5, Delaware & UNI in the top 10, Wofford @ #11, SIU @ #15, Georgia Southern ranked at all).

[UNHWildCats]

Most of it seems reasonably arguable, but I have to question New Hampshire @ #7 (way too high), McNeese @ #10 (too low), Furman @ #14 (too high), & Eastern Kentucky even being in the poll at all. I don't like your UMass placement, either, but you already stated your case for that.

There are other placements I don't agree with, but I don't agree with the consensus on those, either (like App State in the top 5, Delaware & UNI in the top 10, Wofford @ #11, SIU @ #15, Georgia Southern ranked at all).
You move an 0-2 Eastern Washington from 4 to 3 and then ridicule someome else for having a team ranked #23 when they have more wins (1) then Eastern Washington and just as many FBS loses (2) as Eastern Washington. xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

[siuham]

Early season polls are fun!

Wait..no.

[WrenFGun]

I don't really see the problem with having UNH that high, though I do not think I would have them that high. They're one of the few unbeaten teams, and they're one of just two with a win over FBS. As I've mentioned in countless other threads, you can not regard the win over Army as a significant one if you'd like, but in the end (and especially in the eyes of the committee) it is currently one of the biggest wins for an FCS team this season, up there with JMU over UMass, Montana over CP, CP over SDSU, and SDSU over WIU.

[PantherRob82]

8. Western Illinois (7) way lower...
13. Appalachian St. (12) way higher....
14. Weber St. (14) way the F off the poll
16. Yale (20) maybe 20-25
17. Harvard (21) see above
18. SC State (16) wtf?
20. Holy Cross (18) lower
21. Northern Iowa (19) higher



WTF?????????

[PantherRob82]

Most of it seems reasonably arguable, but I have to question New Hampshire @ #7 (way too high), McNeese @ #10 (too low), Furman @ #14 (too high), & Eastern Kentucky even being in the poll at all. I don't like your UMass placement, either, but you already stated your case for that.

There are other placements I don't agree with, but I don't agree with the consensus on those, either (like App State in the top 5, Delaware & UNI in the top 10, Wofford @ #11, SIU @ #15, Georgia Southern ranked at all).


Do you know anything about any of those schools? You ranked Weber St....xcoffeex

[ERASU2113]

I voted but I wanna keep my ballot private xwhistlex xwhistlex

JUST KIDDING!
here it is...just when I get to the 20-25 range it gets harder

1. Appalachian St.
2. Richmond
3. North Dakota St.
4. James Madison
5. Montana
6. Northern Iowa
7. McNeese St.
8. Delaware
9. Cal Poly
10. Wofford
11. Eastern Washington
12. Massachusetts
13. Southern Illinois
14. New Hampshire
15. South Dakota St.
16. Villanova
17. Georgia Southern
18. Elon
19. Central Arkansas
20. The Citadel
21. Western Illinois
22. Eastern Illinois
23. Furman
24. Eastern Kentucky
25. Jacksonville St.
W. James Madison
L. Massachusetts

[mvemjsunpx]

Do you know anything about any of those schools? You ranked Weber St....xcoffeex


Yes, I do. I know who plays for Weber State. Do you? Do you even know what state they're in?

[mvemjsunpx]

You move an 0-2 Eastern Washington from 4 to 3 and then ridicule someome else for having a team ranked #23 when they have more wins (1) then Eastern Washington and just as many FBS loses (2) as Eastern Washington. xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx


When was I ridiculing your poll? I was asking you a question. You're the one doing the ridiculing & you're the one that seems to take it personally when people disagree with you.

Eastern Kentucky's one win was against Morehead, a mediocre non-schollie team, and that was by just 8 points. EKU lost the vast majority of their starters from last year & doesn't even look like a contender in the OVC. Eastern Washington, on the other hand, returned most of their starters (including Payton candidate Matt Nichols & arguably the best receiving corps in FCS) from a quarterfinal team. This season, the Eagles look to be far superior to the Colonels.

One flaw with your logic is that you seem to believe all FBS games are created equal. While EKU got thumped by an unranked BCS team & transitional Western Kentucky, EWU played a top-10 team tough & led Colorado for nearly 50 minutes. Yes, the Eagles lost, but even an FCS #1 was supposed to lose those games. The fact they played that tough shows, at least right now, that Eastern Washington is an elite FCS team. You (& many others) also tout how great the UNH win over Army was, but Army may be the worst team in FBS & likely wouldn't even sniff the FCS playoffs. It was still a decent win for the Wildcats and the playoff committee will probably inflate its importance should UNH be in the discussion come late November, but that win isn't on the level of JMU beating UMass, Montana beating Cal Poly, or South Dakota State beating WIU.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Pwned.

[Houndawg]

Eastern Washington, on the other hand, returned most of their starters (including Payton candidate Matt Nichols & arguably the best receiving corps in FCS) from a quarterfinal team. This season, the Eagles look to be far superior to the Colonels.


Maybe so, but right now they are 0-2; I thought these polls were about results, not potential.xconfusedx

[lizrdgizrd]

There are other placements I don't agree with, but I don't agree with the consensus on those, either (like App State in the top 5, Delaware & UNI in the top 10, Wofford @ #11, SIU @ #15, Georgia Southern ranked at all).
Just to clarify your position here, are you saying that you don't think App State should be in the top 5? And that you don't think Delaware and/or UNI should be in the top 10?

If this is the case then I'd love to hear your reasoning behind it.

[89Hen]

Maybe so, but right now they are 0-2; I thought these polls were about results, not potential.xconfusedx
You raise a point that is worthy of more discussion. Pre-season is based entirely on potential. I think by week 4-5 the poll should be based entirely on results. The reason it takes so long is that many teams play OOC games in the first three weeks which could include one or two I-A's and possibly a DII and maybe have a bye week in there. Look at the Hens. A I-A, a bye, a DII... there really aren't any results for UD yet. A week three poll has to be a combination of results AND potential IMO. That said, I earlier commented that there was no way I could see EWU as a top 5 team and I stand by that. For me, the top 5 gets reserved for teams we think we have a pretty darn good idea about. I'm not sure how anyone can be that sold on the Eagles yet. xpeacex

[McNeese75]

Maybe so, but right now they are 0-2; I thought these polls were about results, not potential.xconfusedx

IMO we are still in the potential stage for another couple weeks. xtwocentsx

[Houndawg]

IMO we are still in the potential stage for another couple weeks. xtwocentsx

Agree, but results have to count for something, even this early. Of course, this early in the season I can also see teams rising and falling in great leaps for a couple/three more weeks. Example, EWU shouldn't be in the Top 25 this week BUT I could see them going straight to the Top 10 with a couple of good wins these next two weeks.

[Houndawg]

Just to clarify your position here, are you saying that you don't think App State should be in the top 5? And that you don't think Delaware and/or UNI should be in the top 10?

If this is the case then I'd love to hear your reasoning behind it.

Or get some of what he's smoking.:D

[UNHWildCats]

Agree, but results have to count for something, even this early. Of course, this early in the season I can also see teams rising and falling in great leaps for a couple/three more weeks. Example, EWU shouldn't be in the Top 25 this week BUT I could see them going straight to the Top 10 with a couple of good wins these next two weeks.
I dont agree, EWU is definatly a top 25 team right now. Top 5? Not a chance. Middle of the pack? absoloutly.

[Houndawg]

I picked Weber second in the Big Sky preseason & picked them to go to the playoffs. Their starting lineups look great; depth is the main concern. Obvously, the 3 non-FCS games haven't really said much either way so I don't really think differently about them than I did preseason.

As for Appalachian State, yeah, they're the defending champions, but they lost a lot of key players from last year. This is a poll for this year. They're not even a top 10 team to me this right now until they prove otherwise; the first two games didn't really say anything either way.

What has Weber St done to prove otherwise, besides being picked by you in the preseason poll?

[rcny46]

Harvard and Yale don't play a down of football and move up 4 spots?

Ridiculous,isn't it? BTW,is that guy on the left done for the year?

[Houndawg]

I dont agree, EWU is definatly a top 25 team right now. Top 5? Not a chance. Middle of the pack? absoloutly.

Not saying they aren't good, and I could see them vaulting from nowhere to #12, but first they gotta beat somebody.

[mvemjsunpx]

Just to clarify your position here, are you saying that you don't think App State should be in the top 5?


No, I don't. App lost way too many key players from last year. They lost the leading rusher (Kevin Richardson), the leading two wide receivers (Hans Batichon & Dexter Jackson), & most of the secondary (including Corey Lynch). They only return 2 starters from what was arguably the best OL in FCS last year (one of the losses was current Redskin Kerry Brown). They also lost QB depth, with excellent backup Trey Elder gone; if Armanti gets hurt (he missed a couple games last year), App State may be screwed. The players that are replacing these guys may be talented, but they're mostly raw & unproven. The Mountaineers return a good chunk of the front 7, including all three linebackers, but that unit gave up nearly 200 ypg rushing last season.

App's first two games didn't tell us anything either way about them, so I still have to go by my preseason analysis for now. This week will give us a better clue. I'll obviously move App up quite a bit in my ballot if they win in Harrisonburg, but I don't think that's going to happen. I believe App will make the playoffs, but they don't look like a top-5 or even a top-10 team right now (my ballot has them @ #13).


And that you don't think Delaware and/or UNI should be in the top 10?

If this is the case then I'd love to hear your reasoning behind it.


The main thing with Delaware is that they lost Joe Flacco & Omar Cuff. Those were the linchpins of the Blue Hen team last year & they'll be hard to replace. The defense returned a lot & looked good against Maryland (though the offense was nonexistent), but UD hasn't played an FCS team yet so it's hard to judge their 2008 on-the-field performance yet. I still believe the Blue Hens are a playoff contender, of course (I have them @ #15), but there still are questions.

I'm not really sure what to make of UNI right now. They returned many starters, but lost superb QB Eric Sanders. Their first two games just added to the questions. They played BYU respectably, though the pass defense got shredded (486 yards & an 83% completion percentage). I mainly dropped them a bit after that oddly narrow win over newly FCS South Dakota. The Coyotes actually outgained the Panthers by 91 yards and UNI's supposedly excellent defense gave up 415 yards (they did grab 3 fumbles, though). RB Corey Lewis is a beast, but new QB Pat Grace hasn't proven much yet.

[mvemjsunpx]

What has Weber St done to prove otherwise, besides being picked by you in the preseason poll?


When I was making my Big Sky preseason predictions in July, I looked at Weber's likely starting lineups & said, "Holy *****! They're loaded." They have Cameron Higgins @ QB, the best RB in the Big Sky in Trevyn Smith, a solid receiving corps, a good OL, a solid, veteran defense all-around, good special teams, & a good head coach in Ron McBride. Like almost everyone in the Big Sky, Weber hasn't played an FCS game yet, so their 2008 on-the-field performance doesn't really say much either way. As I said before, the biggest question around Weber is depth. If they get a rash of injuries, they're in trouble, but they currently look like a very good team.

If Weber loses to Sac, however, they'll drop like a stone on my ballot. I don't think they'll lose to Sac, though.

[Saint3333]

socon=6
caa=6
mvfc=5
big sky=2
slc=2
great west=2
big south=1
ivy=1

Or SoCon 66%
CAA 50%

:D

Guess we'll see if that holds once conference games start.

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

Ridiculous,isn't it? BTW,is that guy on the left done for the year?

No, check your PM...

You going to be in Durham saturday?

[PantherRob82]

Yes, I do. I know who plays for Weber State. Do you? Do you even know what state they're in?

They're in Ogden, UT. I was out there 3 weeks ago. They have a one sided stadium with little to no field decoration.

They are horrible on an annual basis and are again this year.

[UNCBears2010]

They're in Ogden, UT. I was out there 3 weeks ago. They have a one sided stadium with little to no field decoration.

They are horrible on an annual basis and are again this year.

I wouldn't say they're horrible this year. Overrated? Yes. But not horrible by any means.

[slostang]

They're in Ogden, UT. I was out there 3 weeks ago. They have a one sided stadium with little to no field decoration.

They are horrible on an annual basis and are again this year.

Two sided stadium with a purple track around the field.

[UNCBears2010]

Two sided stadium with a purple track around the field.

That purple track rivals Boise State's blue turf as the ugliest thing I've ever seen at a college football venue.xlolx

[Houndawg]

If Weber loses to Sac, however, they'll drop like a stone on my ballot. I don't think they'll lose to Sac, though.

How about Montana and EWU?xeyebrowx

[lizrdgizrd]

No, I don't. App lost way too many key players from last year. They lost the leading rusher (Kevin Richardson), the leading two wide receivers (Hans Batichon & Dexter Jackson), & most of the secondary (including Corey Lynch). They only return 2 starters from what was arguably the best OL in FCS last year (one of the losses was current Redskin Kerry Brown). They also lost QB depth, with excellent backup Trey Elder gone; if Armanti gets hurt (he missed a couple games last year), App State may be screwed. The players that are replacing these guys may be talented, but they're mostly raw & unproven. The Mountaineers return a good chunk of the front 7, including all three linebackers, but that unit gave up nearly 200 ypg rushing last season.

App's first two games didn't tell us anything either way about them, so I still have to go by my preseason analysis for now. This week will give us a better clue. I'll obviously move App up quite a bit in my ballot if they win in Harrisonburg, but I don't think that's going to happen. I believe App will make the playoffs, but they don't look like a top-5 or even a top-10 team right now (my ballot has them @ #13).




The main thing with Delaware is that they lost Joe Flacco & Omar Cuff. Those were the linchpins of the Blue Hen team last year & they'll be hard to replace. The defense returned a lot & looked good against Maryland (though the offense was nonexistent), but UD hasn't played an FCS team yet so it's hard to judge their 2008 on-the-field performance yet. I still believe the Blue Hens are a playoff contender, of course (I have them @ #15), but there still are questions.

I'm not really sure what to make of UNI right now. They returned many starters, but lost superb QB Eric Sanders. Their first two games just added to the questions. They played BYU respectably, though the pass defense got shredded (486 yards & an 83% completion percentage). I mainly dropped them a bit after that oddly narrow win over newly FCS South Dakota. The Coyotes actually outgained the Panthers by 91 yards and UNI's supposedly excellent defense gave up 415 yards (they did grab 3 fumbles, though). RB Corey Lewis is a beast, but new QB Pat Grace hasn't proven much yet.
Well, I may disagree with your conclusions, but I can't fault you for not thinking it through! xlolx xthumbsupx