2005 NATIONAL TITLE: Appalachian State vs. Northern Iowa

[JMU Duke Dog]

Discuss your thoughts and feelings on the upcoming national championship game in Chattanooga!

[Mountaineer]

OMG!!!! The Apps in the Championship. Sitting here in cold ass Cedar Falls wishing I was in cold ass Boone. Holy cow I'm in shock. :hyped:

:hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: :hurray:

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

ASU had better not come into the game with a 1998 Georgia Southern or 2002 McNeese State Mentality.

[blackfordpu]

I think it is great. Two teams that have not been there in the last few years. It is nice to see new faces in the champ game.

Here's hoping for a great game. xprost2x

[crunifan]

It's about time the two most historic teams without a national championship game under their belt get one...against each other. xlolx

[blackfordpu]

Both App State and UNI have shown great character and resialance in the playoffs. UNI's last 5 or so games have come down to the wire and App State did the same thing today.

Looks to be a great close game. :hyped:

[ButlerGSU]

GO PANTHERS!

[ngineer]

I'm expecting a close game--similar to what we saw this weekend. I would normally give ASU the edge, but now with their QB unlikely, and UNI playing like an old cliche (a team of destiny), and Cap'n Cat in da' house, one has to recalculate.Gotta do some studying up this week.. ;) :read: :read: :beerchug:

[PantherRob82]

i will second the GO PANTHERS!

[leatherneck177]

Prediction:

UNI 34
AP ST 28

[blackfordpu]

Prediction:

UNI 34
AP ST 28

I'm thinking it will be closer than that.

[rokamortis]

I'm expecting a close game--similar to what we saw this weekend. I would normally give ASU the edge, but now with their QB unlikely, and UNI playing like an old cliche (a team of destiny), and Cap'n Cat in da' house, one has to recalculate.Gotta do some studying up this week.. ;) :read: :read: :beerchug:

If Williams wasn't hurt I'd take ASU in a heartbeat - but now I'm not too sure. UNI looked rough to me at UNH but looked pretty unstoppable at Tx St.

Another concern is if ASU will be able to transition easily away from home on a neutral field - UNI has played a couple of playoff games on the road already and should be used to it.

So right now I give the edge to UNI but I'll be pulling for ASU.

[ButlerGSU]

UNI has Rudy like heart. They will find a way. Go Panthers! I'm completely sold on these kids. You'll have a fan in section 124!

[swaghook]

Since UNI is an old NCC member and close by I'm pulling for them, but this game is going to go down to the wire just like the semis.

[Black and Gold Express]

First off, all I can say is... holy ****, we did it!!!!!!

Secondly, you need to look at how well Elder performed. He needs to work on holding onto the ball, and you know they will focus on that this week. But look at the rest of what he did. He ran the offense not much worse (if any) than Richie did. Richie has moves Trey does not, but Trey can run.

If Williams running our offense is a 10/10, Elder is no worse than a 8/10.

UNI does not have that powerful of an offense. They have a very opportunistic offense, but I would equate them to SIU. And we held SIU in check for the most part. And UNI's defense I do not think is any better than any other defense we have faced, and we've put up about 30 on everyone this season.

It should be a good game, but I like our chances in this one a lot.

[PantherRob82]

I guess we'll find out next week. Just keep in mind that EWU, UNH, and TXSU said the same thing about us. Have a safe trip to Chatty.

[blur2005]

Wow, this has all the makings of a humdinger. Since I haven't been able to watch either of the great semi-finals because of finals, I'll be making sure to watch this one.

Also, I can't go against purple and gold. Go Panthers!

[Black and Gold Express]

I guess we'll find out next week. Just keep in mind that EWU, UNH, and TXSU said the same thing about us. Have a safe trip to Chatty.


Okay, that probably did sound like I was overlooking them. I'm not. But whereas you could point to certain players on SIU and Furman's offenses that are true studs, I didn't see one on UNI. That does make them more dangerous in a way, since they are obviously a unit that gels well, and that means you have to play good team defense.

But history also shows that those type of teams are usually a lot more susceptible to being held in check if there's not that one stud player that can take over a game alone. And we have three studs on our defense in Hunter, Murrell, and Lynch.

Again, not saying that UNI won't play a hell of a game, and you will not see me pick ASU in a blowout win. But even without Williams I think ASU is the more talented team still. Which is why I still feel confident we have what it takes to win it all.

[penguinonastick]

The two most prolific 1-AA conferences in the country playing for the NC - just what else would be expected - GO UNI

[WhereDoITypeMyUsername?]

UNI does not have that powerful of an offense.

Ingle Martin? Joel Sambursky? Jermaine Austin? Gimme a break. UNI has outscored Barrick Nealy, Ricky Santos, and Erik Meyer in successive weeks.

Ergo, an objective observer would have no real alternative but to conclude that they have a more powerful offense than just about any team in the country, and are easily more powerful offensevely than anyone in the Southern Conference even dreamed of being this season.

That having been said, I like App's defense a lot, and Elder seems capable. So go go gadget Mountaineers. Boone gets its first championship next weekend.

[Black and Gold Express]

Ingle Martin? Joel Sambursky? Jermaine Austin? Gimme a break. UNI has outscored Barrick Nealy, Ricky Santos, and Erik Meyer in successive weeks.

Ergo, an objective observer would have no real alternative but to conclude that they have a more powerful offense than just about any team in the country, and are easily more powerful offensevely than anyone in the Southern Conference even dreamed of being this season.

That having been said, I like App's defense a lot, and Elder seems capable. So go go gadget Mountaineers. Boone gets its first championship next weekend.

It seems to me (from only two games watching admittedly) that UNI has a TEAM offense, one of those "the sum is greater than it's individual parts"
types. And those work great, and UNI has ridden it well.

But... if a defense can slow that kind of offense down, the lack of a true go-to player will leave them in a big hole. And if I were to have to place a bet at one of the defenses shutting down the other offense totally, I would pick our defense as the one to do it.


Not that we will shut it down, but I think we have a better chance of shutting down UNI totally than they do of shutting us down totally.

[rokamortis]

Not that we will shut it down, but I think we have a better chance of shutting down UNI totally than they do of shutting us down totally.

You might be right. But I can't stop thinking that Furman had the game won if they could have capitalized on the mistakes that ASU made, in particular Trey Elder's fumbles.Elder may be the man and he looked like a great athlete today - just a little too inexperienced.

[Black and Gold Express]

You might be right. But I can't stop thinking that Furman had the game won if they could have capitalized on the mistakes that ASU made, in particular Trey Elder's fumbles.Elder may be the man and he looked like a great athlete today - just a little too inexperienced.

I can't disagree with that. But as I said before, I am sure that they will be working with Elder on that. We need the QB to be a running threat to open up Richardson and Turner (it seems) out of the backfield. Nobody will compare him to Richie, but he's a good runner at least.

And he has always been a better passer than Richie. He has really good touch and accuracy.

He's been the starter before, so we can make a good guess that having a week to prepare won't put him into vaporlock. He seemed really poised today, especially late.

It was good to see him pull this one out, not just for this season but for the next 2 years as well.

[Back2Back05]

With Williams still healthy I wouldn't be surprised by a 21 point win for ASU. But even with Elder's performance today I dont think they are as dangerous and explosive as they would have been. Hoping for ASU thoug,h and if the D steps up like it did today in key moments I feel ASU will take a close one over UNI.

GO ASU!

[LacesOut]

I'm just glad it's two programs that have never made it to the NC game.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

My bet is with the Panthers - Go Purple and Gold (I'm also biased in the color scheme).

Here's why. Anybody heard of Mark Bulger? I think I saw his long lost younger brother fill in at QB for App. St. today. Hmm Hm Hmm Hm Hmm Hm Hm Hm... If I only had a brain.... :bang: That kid better learn how to run with ball with TWO hands and not be so fumble friendly. UNI could make him pay.

I like team play. UNI has it better than App. St. I usually pull for and expect no name dominant teams to beat teams with "superstars". As far as that is concerned, UNI has the counterintuitive edge over App. St.

Hey, everyone thought Montana would crush us last year, being newcomers and not having the QB superstar that the Grizz had. I see UNI with a similar opportunity this year. I called them my dark horse team when the field was announced. Thanks for making a good guesser out of me :smiley_wi

Congratulations to both programs! Make the most out of it as it may not come so often. But I don't need to tell either of these teams that as they have had several opportunities to get this far and failed.

We'll see what happens. Can't wait to get that damn "X" target off our back as defending national champs. We'll be back next year in full force! ;)

[*****]

I see a tight game even if Richie Williams is 100% or even plays.

ASU barely got by Furman and Lafayette but smoked SIU.

UNI barely got past EWU, UNH and TXST.

No matter the bluster that may be heard already there is no clear favorite in this game.

Here are some stats (not 12/10 ASU game):
SCORING OFFENSE G TD XP 2XP DXP FG Saf Pts Avg
--------------------------------------------------------------
3. Appalachian State... 13 54 52 1 0 9 0 405 31.2
4. UNI................. 14 57 50 1 0 13 0 433 30.9

SCORING DEFENSE G TD XP 2XP DXP FG Saf Pts Avg
--------------------------------------------------------------
4. UNI................. 14 43 40 1 0 12 0 336 24.0
1. Appalachian State... 13 30 22 1 0 13 0 243 18.7

PASS OFFENSE G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds Avg TD Yds/G
------------------------------------------------------------------
4. UNI................. 14 352 242 8 68.8 3371 9.6 25 240.8
1. Appalachian State... 13 343 219 7 63.8 2964 8.6 24 228.0

PASS DEFENSE G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds Avg TD Yds/G
------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Appalachian State... 13 329 182 17 55.3 2045 6.2 12 157.3
6. UNI................. 14 465 293 11 63.0 3473 7.5 28 248.1

PUNTING G No. Yards Avg Ret Yds Avg Net/P
----------------------------------------------------------------
2. UNI................. 14 62 2422 39.1 26 266 4.3 34.8
7. Appalachian State... 13 48 1772 36.9 14 215 4.5 32.4

|--Gained--||---Lost---|
TURNOVER MARGIN G Fum Int Tot Fum Int Tot Mar Per/G
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. Appalachian State... 13 9 17 26 8 7 15 +11 0.85
4. UNI................. 14 13 11 24 13 8 21 +3 0.21

RUSHING OFFENSE G Att Yds Avg TD Yds/G
--------------------------------------------------------
5. Appalachian State... 13 517 2649 5.1 25 203.8
5. UNI................. 14 594 2354 4.0 31 168.1

RUSHING DEFENSE G Rushes Yards Avg. TD Yds/G
----------------------------------------------------------
3. UNI................. 14 540 1861 3.4 13 132.9
2. Appalachian State... 13 571 2126 3.7 16 163.5

TOTAL OFFENSE G Rush Pass Plays Yards Avg/P TD Yds/G
----------------------------------------------------------------
3. Appalachian State... 13 2649 2964 860 5613 6.5 49 431.8
3. UNI................. 14 2354 3371 946 5725 6.1 56 408.9

TOTAL DEFENSE G Rush Pass Plys Yards Avg TD Yds/G
---------------------------------------------------------------
2. Appalachian State... 13 2126 2045 900 4171 4.6 28 320.8
5. UNI................. 14 1861 3473 1005 5334 5.3 41 381.0

PUNT RETURNS G Ret Yds TD Avg
------------------------------------------------
4. UNI................. 14 31 291 1 9.4
7. Appalachian State... 13 32 237 0 7.4

PASS EFFICIENCY G Att Cmp Pct Int Yds TD Effic
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. UNI................. 14 352 242 .688 8 3371 25 168.1
2. Appalachian State... 13 343 219 .638 7 2964 24 155.4

PASS DEF EFFICIENCY G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Effic
--------------------------------------------------------------
2. Appalachian State... 13 329 182 17 55.3 2045 12 109.2
6. UNI................. 14 465 293 11 63.0 3473 28 140.9

RUSHING Team Cl G Att Yds Avg TD Yds/G Long
-----------------------------------------------------------
8. Horne, David... UNI SR 14 219 1039 4.7 16 74.2 58
4. K. Richardson.. ASU SO 13 223 1277 5.7 15 98.2 73
8. Richie Williams ASU SR 13 161 914 5.7 5 70.3 42

PASSING AVG/GAME Team Cl G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Avg/G
-------------------------------------------------------------
4. Sanders, Eric.. UNI SO 12 281 196 5 69.8 2748 23 229.0
2. Richie Williams ASU SR 13 304 196 4 64.5 2622 20 201.7

TOTAL OFFENSE Team Cl G Rush Pass Plays Total Yds/G
---------------------------------------------------------
4. Sanders, Eric.. UNI SO 12 93 2748 354 2841 236.8
1. Richie Williams ASU SR 13 914 2622 465 3536 272.0
10.K. Richardson.. ASU SO 13 1277 0 223 1277 98.2

PASS EFFICIENCY Team Cl G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Eff.
-------------------------------------------------------------
1. Sanders, Eric.. UNI SO 12 281 196 5 69.8 2748 23 175.3
1. Richie Williams ASU SR 13 304 196 4 64.5 2622 20 156.0

PUNT RETURN AVG Team Cl G Ret Yds TD Avg Long
----------------------------------------------------
3. Gray, Johnny... UNI FR 11 22 257 1 11.7 70
1. Dexter Jackson. ASU SO 12 27 236 0 8.7 34

PUNTING Team Cl G Punts Yds Avg Long
----------------------------------------------------
2. Kos, Adam...... UNI JR 14 60 2408 40.1 63
5. Matt Dodge..... ASU FR 10 32 1250 39.1 55

SCORING Team Cl G TD XPT FG 2XP Pts Pts/G
--------------------------------------------------------
3. Horne, David... UNI SR 14 18 0 0 0 108 7.7
8. Wingert, Brian. UNI JR 14 0 50 13 0 89 6.4
3. K. Richardson.. ASU SO 13 17 0 0 0 102 7.8
7. Julian Rauch... ASU SO 13 0 52 9 0 79 6.1

SCORING (TDs) Team Cl G TD Rush Pass Ret PAT Pts Pts/G
-------------------------------------------------------------
2. Horne, David... UNI SR 14 18 16 2 0 0 108 7.7
3. K. Richardson.. ASU SO 13 17 15 2 0 0 102 7.8
10.Daniel Bettis.. ASU JR 13 8 0 8 0 1 50 3.8

SCORING (KICK) Team Cl G PATs FGs Pts Pts/G
-------------------------------------------------------
3. Wingert, Brian. UNI JR 14 50-52 13-20 89 6.4
2. Julian Rauch... ASU SO 13 52-53 9-17 79 6.1

FIELD GOALS Team Cl G FG FGA Pct. FG/G
---------------------------------------------------
3. Wingert, Brian. UNI JR 14 13 20 65.0 0.93
4. Julian Rauch... ASU SO 13 9 17 52.9 0.69

PAT KICKING PCT Team Cl G Made Att Pct.
----------------------------------------------
4. Wingert, Brian. UNI JR 14 50 52 96.2
2. Julian Rauch... ASU SO 13 52 53 98.1

TACKLES (All positions)
Player Team Cl G Pos Solo Ast Total Avg/G Sack
-----------------------------------------------------------
2. Heideman, Darin UNI SR 14 LB 69 58 127 9.1 3.5
9. Koebcke, Brett. UNI SR 14 LB 59 53 112 8.0 4.5
11.Varner, Tanner. UNI SR 13 SS 65 33 98 7.5 4.0
19.Parsons, Chris. UNI SO 14 FS 59 29 88 6.3 1.0
30.Hermann, John.. UNI SR 14 DE 48 32 80 5.7 12.5
Omarr Byrom.... ASU JR 13 DL 27 29 56 4.3 3.0
13.Zodd Kelly..... ASU SR 13 LB 31 57 88 6.8 1.0
15.Corey Lynch.... ASU SO 13 DB 37 49 86 6.6 0.0
17.Brad West...... ASU SR 11 LB 31 41 72 6.5 0.0
20.Monte Smith.... ASU JR 13 LB 31 52 83 6.4 1.0
21.Jason Hunter... ASU SR 13 DL 38 43 81 6.2 10.0
32.Marques Murrell ASU JR 13 DL 36 34 70 5.4 11.0
5. Jeremy Wiggins. ASU JR 13 DB 54 63 117 9.0 0.0

SACKS Team Cl G Pos Solo Ast Yds Total Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------
2. Hermann, John.. UNI SR 14 DE 11 3 97 12.5 0.89
10.Koebcke, Brett. UNI SR 14 LB 3 3 37 4.5 0.32
1. Marques Murrell ASU JR 13 DL 8 6 83 11.0 0.85
2. Jason Hunter... ASU SR 13 DL 9 2 71 10.0 0.77
6. Joe Suiter..... ASU SR 13 DL 4 2 36 5.0 0.38

TACKLES FOR LOSS Team Cl G Pos Solo Ast Yds Total Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------
2. Hermann, John.. UNI SR 14 DE 15 7 112 18.5 1.32
5. Heideman, Darin UNI SR 14 LB 11 4 43 13.0 0.93
6. Varner, Tanner. UNI SR 13 SS 12 1 63 12.5 0.96
1. Marques Murrell ASU JR 13 DL 15 10 109 20.0 1.54
3. Jason Hunter... ASU SR 13 DL 16 6 94 19.0 1.46
6. Joe Suiter..... ASU SR 13 DL 8 7 45 11.5 0.88

FUMBLES RCVD Team Cl G Num Avg/G
-----------------------------------------
5. Hermann, John.. UNI SR 14 3 0.21
2. Marques Murrell ASU JR 13 3 0.23

PASSES DEFENDED Team Cl G Brup Int Total Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------
8. Varner, Tanner. UNI SR 13 8 2 10 0.77
10.Dokes, Dre..... UNI JR 14 6 3 9 0.64
4. Corey Lynch.... ASU SO 13 6 5 11 0.85
10.Jeremy Wiggins. ASU JR 13 6 2 8 0.62

[SunCoastBlueHen]

This should be a GREAT championship game! I just hope this game plays as well on TV as the two semis did (and the quarters for that matter). So far in the playoffs, I-AA has done a good marketing job for itself by producing exciting football for people to watch. I expect more of the same come Friday night!

[PantherMan]

With or without Williams, UNI will find a way in this game. The comments about UNI not having any standouts are incorrect as well. Eric Sanders has gone head to head with 3 of the top QBs in the country in the playoffs and led his team to victory. In all three of those games he was impressive. Last night he simply outgunned Barrick Nealy! The reason that no one receiver stands out is that Sanders spreads the ball around as well as any quarterback I've ever seen. We have two track standouts that can outrun any corner that matches up across from them, and arguably the best "hands" receiver in IAA in Justin Surrency. If you put the ball anywhere near him, he's going to come down with it. Add to that a running back that started at Nebraska and can catch the ball out of the backfield, and a number of other capable receivers and this UNI offense is tough to prepare for. You can't take away any one receiver, because there are 4 or 5 others that can burn you. Our offensive line is big and strong, and have protected Sanders pretty well all season. That is without our starting all-conference Center the last 5 weeks. Our defense is definitely living by the "bend but don't break" philosophy. They know that the offense is going to get us points, and all they need to do is get a big play or two each week to win the game. I'll take this team of players over having a couple of standout/All-American type players any day of the week. With all of this being said, UNI will only win the game on a 4th quarter field goal. Might as well keep the "streak" alive!

UNI 34
ASU 31 :eek:

[crunifan]

Yeah, at this point it would just be morally wrong to win by more or less than three points...

[DB_Atlantic10]

Something of Note...What App St. has in common with the past years champion, is that they were able to avenge their only I-AA loss of the year in the Semis, with their only other loss/losses coming to Solid I-A teams.

[HiHiYikas]

I'm not sure it's fair to characterize ASU as a team with a couple of outstanding players, meanwhile insinuating that the rest of the roster is mediocre or shallow.

Furman probably knew this all along, but they got a reminder today that ASU is good all over. Our defense came up with the second-half shutout against a potent offense. Our running back is better than his numbers indicate because QB Richie Williams has close to 1,000 yards rushing on the season. We've been playing since early November without our top receiver. Our backup QB is only a backup because he's playing behind one of the top 4 or 5 QB's in all D I-AA. He's taken plenty of snaps, and led ASU to a 41-34 win over Texas State as a true freshman last year.

This is not to say App has this in the bag. That's a silly assertion at this point. I think it's equally silly, though, to cast ASU as a couple of superstars with a mediocre supporting cast.

[*****]

I put together a little stat comparison that is now completely up to date for the championship game teams here:
http://www.i-aa.org/stats/2005/champ/Statistics.pdf

[youwouldno]

I've seen a lot of App by this point... too much seeing as I'm a Furman fan. So I think as a solid observer of football I can make some observations.

App is just flat-out disciplined on offense. It's a no-huddle spread with the precision of vintage GSU. Their offense isn't overpowering so a good defense can disrupt them, but that requires a superb defensive front (something Furman for one did not have this year). The I-As had the athleticism to just attack App's offense and make it impossible to execute. For ASU I don't really think it's all about a few stars at all... Elder today proved that to be the case (I think to some degree Williams is a system QB, though he executes that system to perfection). You can do things to limit one aspect of their offense, but then they'll get you another way.

App St's defense won them the game against Furman today... App's DEs couldn't really get to Martin, but even against one of the best few lines in I-AA they applied pressure against the pass and did pretty well against the run. Keep in mind Furman had the best non-triple option rushing attack in I-AA... App quickly read plays and reacted well. A few times they were just overpowered, but that happens in football because offenses tend to have a size advantage and defenses don't know for sure what's coming at them. App doesn't make many mistakes on either side of the ball. I agree Richardson is underrated... App's offense is not really ideal for a running back, but he constantly churns out solid gains, taking what the defense gives him.

I have not seen nearly so much of UNI, but frankly I doubt they can beat App St. if the Mountaineers play well.

[*****]

... I have not seen nearly so much of UNI, but frankly I doubt they can beat App St. if the Mountaineers play well.I have seen a lot of both teams and I can't figure out if either have the upper hand. Bottom line, be there or tune in Friday to see.

[crunifan]

I have not seen nearly so much of UNI, but frankly I doubt they can beat App St. if the Mountaineers play well.

We heard that before we beat the then #15, #11, #6, #5, #4, and #1 teams. Don't underestimate us or you with be the second #4 team on that list.

[chrebet87]

i have to say this has been far and away the best weekend for D1-aa football. 2 very exciting games that came down to the wire with packed stadiums and even a bringing down of the goalposts.
next weekends game looks amazing and i cant wait to see the game.
congrats to uni and app st. for making it and congrats to texas st. and furman for a hell of a season.
Furman- we have a home and home with you guys in a few years and i look forward to playing in your backyard
now all i have to do is get through finals week.

[Black and Gold Express]

We heard that before we beat the then #15, #11, #6, #5, #4, and #1 teams. Don't underestimate us or you with be the second #4 team on that list.

Our team won't underestimate you, that's for sure. If they did it would be the first time all year they made that mistake. You can come to the game feeling very assured UNI is getting all the respect and focus they deserve, and then some, from our team and coaches.

Don't underestimate us either though. We've avenged the only I-AA loss we had this year. Nobody in I-AA not named "Furman" has gotten within 10 points of us at the end of the game either. You are going to have to bring your very best game to beat us. That's not smack, it's fact.

I can't wait until Friday!

[Panther FANatic]

First off, all I can say is... holy ****, we did it!!!!!!
UNI does not have that powerful of an offense. They have a very opportunistic offense, but I would equate them to SIU. And we held SIU in check for the most part. And UNI's defense I do not think is any better than any other defense we have faced, and we've put up about 30 on everyone this season.

It should be a good game, but I like our chances in this one a lot.

How come nobody gives Eric Sanders any credit? Hope he keeps flying under the radar because people keep looking past him. He has outperformed and won head-to-head matchups VS. 3 Payton finalists? Could have easily went into Kinnick and beat IOWA (if we could have caught a couple of breaks). There is NOT ONE other QB in 1-AA that is playing better and winning games then him!! APPY STATE you WILL find out! xazzx

[shakdaddy3]

How come nobody gives Eric Sanders any credit? Hope he keeps flying under the radar because people keep looking past him. He has outperformed and won head-to-head matchups VS. 3 Payton finalists? Could have easily went into Kinnick and beat IOWA (if we could have caught a couple of breaks). There is NOT ONE other QB in 1-AA that is playing better and winning games then him!! APPY STATE you WILL find out! xazzx

I agree that Sanders isn't getting enough credit, because without him there is no way you guys would have made it this far. But to say that you could have beat Iowa is rediculous... I watched that game and it was a blow out from the get-go. You woulda need a miracle and some broken legs... not just a couple breaks. After watching both UNI and Appy St. I'm excited b/c this should be a close, intense as hell game that will go down to the wire. Hell, isn't that how UNI has won throughout the playoffs? GO GATEWAY... show em who the best conference in the nation is WITHOUT A DOUBT.

If you don't believe the Gateway is tops... I'll point you to the Sagarin rankings of all I-A and I-AA where 4 of the top 6 are from the Gateway... http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt05.htm

[PantherMan]

I agree that Sanders isn't getting enough credit, because without him there is no way you guys would have made it this far. But to say that you could have beat Iowa is rediculous... I watched that game and it was a blow out from the get-go. You woulda need a miracle and some broken legs... not just a couple breaks. After watching both UNI and Appy St. I'm excited b/c this should be a close, intense as hell game that will go down to the wire. Hell, isn't that how UNI has won throughout the playoffs? GO GATEWAY... show em who the best conference in the nation is WITHOUT A DOUBT.

If you don't believe the Gateway is tops... I'll point you to the Sagarin rankings of all I-A and I-AA where 4 of the top 6 are from the Gateway... http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt05.htm

In accuality, the Iowa game was not a blow out "from the get-go". We couldn't stop their offense, but we did score 4 TDs against for the most part their starting D. We also missed a make-able field goal, and Iowa scored on a dropped pass that was intercepted and returned for a TD. Make the fieldgoal and avoid the INT, and there was only a 7 point difference. Now, had the game been close like that, would Iowa probably have gone for the throat a little more, yes. But the fact remains, UNI for the most part held their own with one of the best from the Big 10 in their house. xprost2x

[SoCon48]

How come nobody gives Eric Sanders any credit? Hope he keeps flying under the radar because people keep looking past him. He has outperformed and won head-to-head matchups VS. 3 Payton finalists? Could have easily went into Kinnick and beat IOWA (if we could have caught a couple of breaks). There is NOT ONE other QB in 1-AA that is playing better and winning games then him!! APPY STATE you WILL find out! xazzx

Three other sets of fans have said that already. Lafayette, Southern Illinois, and Furman.
We're likely playing our #2 QB and without our #1 receiver. So we'll just have to see come Friday night.

[Laserlips]

Hope nobody at GSU sees this, or I might get run out of town (wait, I'm already out of town) on a rail, but this Georgia Southern Eagle is pulling for App to win it all.

It's not the "ABF" factor (anybody but Furman), I just would like to see a Southern Conference team bring a National Championship home.

I certainly have no issues with UNI, and if they win I will be happy for them.

Both teams are deserving and I hope for good weather, a great game, and no player injuries.

Best Wishes to BOTH teams.

JP xprost2x

[*****]

Three other sets of fans have said that already. Lafayette, Southern Illinois, and Furman.
We're likely playing our #2 QB and without our #1 receiver. So we'll just have to see come Friday night.BTW, App's #1 receiver will play Friday I've heard.

[SU Jag]

D o you guys think that it will be a high scoring game? Me personally I'm a defensive guy so I love the ol' 10-6 or 13-10 games!

[yosefcity]

Actually I heard that Trey Hennessee (powerback), Jermane Little (#1 Wideout), and Hans Batichon (#3 Wideout) will all be 100%.

Ritchie will be a gametime decision.

[AppIAA]

Actually I heard that Trey Hennessee (powerback), Jermane Little (#1 Wideout), and Hans Batichon (#3 Wideout) will all be 100%.

Ritchie will be a gametime decision.

I, honestly, dont think Richie should play. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of his, but he has a possible career playing ahead of him and if he actually has a tendon injury, its very possible that could ruin is career if he hurts it anymore.

Another note, a friend who was watching the game on ESPN said something that the commentators were saying it looked like Furman players intentionally hurt Richie in the pile up? I dont know how true that is, and i feel it is very doubtful, but anybody else who watched in on ESPN hear this?

[ButlerGSU]

I, honestly, dont think Richie should play. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of his, but he has a possible career playing ahead of him and if he actually has a tendon injury, its very possible that could ruin is career if he hurts it anymore.

Another note, a friend who was watching the game on ESPN said something that the commentators were saying it looked like Furman players intentionally hurt Richie in the pile up? I dont know how true that is, and i feel it is very doubtful, but anybody else who watched in on ESPN hear this?

I watched the entire game and never heard any mention of this. It looked like a clean play to me, I couldn't even tell how he got hurt on the play.

[AppIAA]

I watched the entire game and never heard any mention of this. It looked like a clean play to me, I couldn't even tell how he got hurt on the play.

Thats what i figured but I didnt want to call my friend an moron until i got confirmation

[HiHiYikas]

I watched the entire game and never heard any mention of this. It looked like a clean play to me, I couldn't even tell how he got hurt on the play.
According to "The State," (newspaper in SC), Richie took a helmet in the ankle.

In the same article, the author writes that Ingle Martin's decision to transfer to Furman prompted Trey Elder to sign with Appalachian State.

And the headline is "Puff go the Magic Paladins." First the full-page spread for Richie then the headline that sounds suspiciously smackish. What does "The State" have against Furman?

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/sports/13380647.htm

[tralfangar]

Didn't look intentional to me...DID look nasty though when you look at it from the field level camera angle...his ankle basically went parallel to the ground while his leg was still perpendicular

[AppIAA]

Didn't look intentional to me...DID look nasty though when you look at it from the field level camera angle...his ankle basically went parallel to the ground while his leg was still perpendicular

In that case it deffinitely wasnt intentional.. My buddy was saying that while he was on the ground the Furman players were working on his ankle and twisting it and stuff..

[tralfangar]

In that case it deffinitely wasnt intentional.. My buddy was saying that while he was on the ground the Furman players were working on his ankle and twisting it and stuff..

Nope he's lying to you. I watched it on tape and it definitely was a clean tackle and then the Furman player's momentum caused him to roll across Richie. It's sad, but definitely not intentional. The players have more respect for one another than that, intense game or not.

[AppIAA]

The players have more respect for one another than that, intense game or not.

Those are basically the exact words i said to him.. hes a moron anyway xidiotx

[McNeese75]

It was definitly a clean play :nod:

[MR. CHICKEN]

UNI...PLAYED FRIDAY NIGHT.......MOUSEKETEERS...ON SATURDAY..........UNI WILL GET ONE DAY MO' REST...........DUH FURMAN...APPALACHIAN STATE GAME......WAS UH SLOBBERKNOCKER......BIG TIME HITTIN'..............APPY MAY PAY PHYSICALLY....DEY MAY HAVE ALSO PEAKED.........AN'......."TOUCHDOWN YOSEF"......WILL STILL BE CEMENTED....IN BOONE!..............MAH TINY CHICKEN HEART....IS LEANIN' TOWARDS..CEDAR FALLS........BUT ENTIRELY POSSIBLE...DAT "A" STATE.....SHOWS UP!..........AH LIKE BOTH O' DESE SQUADS.......FARLEY........SANDERS...HORNE...&...SURRENCY.........JERRY MOORE.....RICHIE OR TREY......AN' DAT HIT MAN DEFENSE.......NO MATTERAH WHAT HAPPENS.......HEY...IT'S I-AA ON TV!...........NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP....AN' GOOD LUCK TA ALL!............BUK...BUK...BUK...BRRAAAWWWWKKKKK! :hyped:

[skinny_uncle]

UNI...PLAYED FRIDAY NIGHT.......MOUSEKETEERS...ON SATURDAY..........UNI WILL GET ONE DAY MO' REST...........DUH FURMAN...APPALACHIAN STATE GAME......WAS UH SLOBBERKNOCKER......BIG TIME HITTIN'..............APPY MAY PAY PHYSICALLY....DEY MAY HAVE ALSO PEAKED.........AN'......."TOUCHDOWN YOSEF"......WILL STILL BE CEMENTED....IN BOONE!..............MAH TINY CHICKEN HEART....IS LEANIN' TOWARDS..CEDAR FALLS........BUT ENTIRELY POSSIBLE...DAT "A" STATE.....SHOWS UP!..........AH LIKE BOTH O' DESE SQUADS.......FARLEY........SANDERS...HORNE...&...SURRENCY.........JERRY MOORE.....RICHIE OR TREY......AN' DAT HIT MAN DEFENSE.......NO MATTERAH WHAT HAPPENS.......HEY...IT'S I-AA ON TV!...........NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP....AN' GOOD LUCK TA ALL!............BUK...BUK...BUK...BRRAAAWWWWKKKKK! :hyped:
Interesting Mr Chicken. You didn't pick anyone in your ramblings best I can tell. I will stick my neck out. UNI 31-28 on a fourth quarter FG (again).

[MR. CHICKEN]

DOY!...."MAH TINY CHICKEN HEART.....IS LEANIN' TOWARDS...CEDAR FALLS"........DAT OK SKINSTER..........YA MUST BE ZONKED ON...HATTIE'S...CRAPSVILLE...X-MAS PUNCH!.....:xmas:....BRAWK!

[colgate13]

Going with my gut and picking UNI. No reasons, just instinct. Best wishes to both teams this game; may it be clean, exciting and controversy free!

[B&G]

With everyone here seemingly picking against App, I'm starting to feel more confident in a Mountaineer victory.

[VonDaDon]

In accuality, the Iowa game was not a blow out "from the get-go". We couldn't stop their offense, but we did score 4 TDs against for the most part their starting D. We also missed a make-able field goal, and Iowa scored on a dropped pass that was intercepted and returned for a TD. Make the fieldgoal and avoid the INT, and there was only a 7 point difference. Now, had the game been close like that, would Iowa probably have gone for the throat a little more, yes. But the fact remains, UNI for the most part held their own with one of the best from the Big 10 in their house. xprost2x



Some of you kids need a reality check. Iowa won 45-21. No 4 touch downs were scored by UNI. Iowa could have put up 80 if they wanted but called off the dogs. The starting d did remain on the field though since they were green under the collar and needed the playing time. UNI had ZERO chance of beating Iowa. This is coming from a UNI fan/student. End of story.

[*****]

Some of you kids need a reality check. Iowa won 45-21. No 4 touch downs were scored by UNI. Iowa could have put up 80 if they wanted but called off the dogs. The starting d did remain on the field though since they were green under the collar and needed the playing time. UNI had ZERO chance of beating Iowa. This is coming from a UNI fan/student. End of story. :rolleyes: I suppose LSU could have put up 80 on App St too huh?

[LeopardFan04]

I'll say 23-21...App. St....Although I think it could go either way, and I am glad that one of the schools will win their first championship... :beerchug:

[*****]

Still too close to call...

[APPST '93]

UNI has Rudy like heart. They will find a way. Go Panthers! I'm completely sold on these kids. You'll have a fan in section 124!

Have fun sitting in the heart of the ASU crowd.

Should be a close game but I've got to go with ASU.

ASU 28 (Notice: No FG's)
UNI 23

[ButlerGSU]

Have fun sitting in the heart of the ASU crowd.

Should be a close game but I've got to go with ASU.

ASU 28 (Notice: No FG's)
UNI 23

Thanks to Buckp, I'm sitting on the home side now! Thanks Buckp!

[buckp]

Thanks to Buckp, I'm sitting on the home side now! Thanks Buckp!

You're welcome, Butler...:nod:

Just remember to drink a cold one for me and say 'hi' to Ralph, Cap'n, D1B, oldputtycat, igo4uni and all the other AGS posters....:D

[APPST '93]

Thanks to Buckp, I'm sitting on the home side now! Thanks Buckp!

Have you sold your vistor side tickets?

[ButlerGSU]

I sent one to buckp, I may have an extra one. I'll be in Nooga on Friday around 2:30 if anyone wants it. It's a great seat for an ASU fan. 50 yard line right behind your bench.

[APPST '93]

I sent one to buckp, I may have an extra one. I'll be in Nooga on Friday around 2:30 if anyone wants it. It's a great seat for an ASU fan. 50 yard line right behind your bench.

Need 4. I guess I'll be on the Home side since it looks like ASU is selling out the vistor side. Line's been busy for over two hours now. Looks like we will have a good showing for our first title appearance.

[DinoDex200]

And the headline is "Puff go the Magic Paladins." First the full-page spread for Richie then the headline that sounds suspiciously smackish. What does "The State" have against Furman?

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/sports/13380647.htm


Maybe the editor is just a Peter, Paul, and Mary fan?? :xmas:

[VonDaDon]

:rolleyes: I suppose LSU could have put up 80 on App St too huh?



Let me guess, you think LSU prepared for this game like they would Georgia, Florida, Alabama, etc? Hate to break it to you, but they were thinking past this game to bigger fish. It made the game closer, but if LSU wanted to blow App St out, they easily could have if they came prepared to do so. There is a big step between Top IA and top IAA programs people. I love all divisions of football, but I am not blinded enough to think that UNI or App st could hang with a prepared USC or TEXAS etc. Big, Big, difference. :nod:



FYI: UNI 31 APP ST. 28

[PantherRob82]

these last couple pages have been boring to read. i don't think there were more than 3 rational posts.

With the exception of Furman, App St's games were much weaker. 3 home games. UNI played one of the best offenses in EWU, went to UNH (#1 and another top offense), and then to Tx St. to play another top offense.

I'm not sure Lafayette and SIU (love the Gateway, but still, they're not UNH) compare with the teams we had to go through.

So everyone can keep discounting our team play and lack of all stars, but all that matters is what happens on the field friday night.

I'm obviously hoping for a panther win, but this will be a close game.

[GGASU]

Let me guess, you think LSU prepared for this game like they would Georgia, Florida, Alabama, etc? Hate to break it to you, but they were thinking past this game to bigger fish. It made the game closer, but if LSU wanted to blow App St out, they easily could have if they came prepared to do so. There is a big step between Top IA and top IAA programs people. I love all divisions of football, but I am not blinded enough to think that UNI or App st could hang with a prepared USC or TEXAS etc. Big, Big, difference. :nod:



FYI: UNI 31 APP ST. 28


I seem to remember a team named Marshall coming up from I-AA and totally dominating their I-A conference. And I don't care if it was the MAC, they would have been smelling roses at least 2 out of their first 3 years in I-A if they played in the Big 10.



The LSU game you mention was much closer than the final score. ASU went toe to toe with them for 3 quarters. Dropping two td passes and missing a field goal. Could have scored 80....LOL they were lucky to score the 24 they did.

[Black and Gold Express]

these last couple pages have been boring to read. i don't think there were more than 3 rational posts.

With the exception of Furman, App St's games were much weaker. 3 home games. UNI played one of the best offenses in EWU, went to UNH (#1 and another top offense), and then to Tx St. to play another top offense.

I'm not sure Lafayette and SIU (love the Gateway, but still, they're not UNH) compare with the teams we had to go through.

So everyone can keep discounting our team play and lack of all stars, but all that matters is what happens on the field friday night.

I'm obviously hoping for a panther win, but this will be a close game.

The same SIU you barely beat and we blew out for most of the game?

You guys had good wins. Nobody rational is saying otherwise. I wouldn't sell LC that short, they played as tough as you could ask for. In close games you need breaks to win, and we both got them in all of our close games.

No offense to UNH or EWU though, but I'd put Furman ahead of both of them. Also I think the best team you faced was Texas State, to be honest.

I think you will be surprised though at the speed of ASU. It's been almost universal for people not having seen us in person talking about how much faster we are as a team than they thought. I look forward to seeing how this matchup plays out. How your OL handles the speed of our front 7 will be a big key. SIU had the big road graders up front, but we ran circles around them all day, and upon initial and limited views, I think Sambursky and Sanders are similar quarterbacks. Furman's OL is a lot more athletic, in addition to being big, and they held us in check for the most part.

I think that the final margin will be around 7-10 points. And of course I think ASU will win it. I bet both teams have a little bit of jitters early, and it will be whoever hits a big play and calms down first that could be the difference. Usually we start out fast, hope that trend continues.

[Cap'n Cat]

The same SIU you barely beat and we blew out for most of the game?

You guys had good wins. Nobody rational is saying otherwise. I wouldn't sell LC that short, they played as tough as you could ask for. In close games you need breaks to win, and we both got them in all of our close games.

No offense to UNH or EWU though, but I'd put Furman ahead of both of them. Also I think the best team you faced was Texas State, to be honest.

I think you will be surprised though at the speed of ASU. It's been almost universal for people not having seen us in person talking about how much faster we are as a team than they thought. I look forward to seeing how this matchup plays out. How your OL handles the speed of our front 7 will be a big key. SIU had the big road graders up front, but we ran circles around them all day, and upon initial and limited views, I think Sambursky and Sanders are similar quarterbacks. Furman's OL is a lot more athletic, in addition to being big, and they held us in check for the most part.

I think that the final margin will be around 7-10 points. And of course I think ASU will win it. I bet both teams have a little bit of jitters early, and it will be whoever hits a big play and calms down first that could be the difference. Usually we start out fast, hope that trend continues.

:nonono2:

SMH @ this guy.....never played, can't understand that every game is different, yet tries to lay this crap on everyone here...........

BGE - gotta tell ya, I don't care which team you think wins the game. You have no credibility on here for that "UNI getting fined" ***** you made up after the EWU game. As I understand from many folks here, you are App State "umassfan". I can certainly see why.

Carry on, everyone.

:nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2:

[nmatsen]

I don't know how you guys have started games but UNI has marched 70+ yards on their first series in all of their play-off games. Getting out to a good start was pivotal against N.H. and TXSU for us. I have a feeling we are going to need to get out of the gate swinging to win this football game, no doubt about it.

[I-AA Fan]

Okay, that probably did sound like I was overlooking them. I'm not. But whereas you could point to certain players on SIU and Furman's offenses that are true studs, I didn't see one on UNI. That does make them more dangerous in a way, since they are obviously a unit that gels well, and that means you have to play good team defense.

But history also shows that those type of teams are usually a lot more susceptible to being held in check if there's not that one stud player that can take over a game alone. And we have three studs on our defense in Hunter, Murrell, and Lynch.

Again, not saying that UNI won't play a hell of a game, and you will not see me pick ASU in a blowout win. But even without Williams I think ASU is the more talented team still. Which is why I still feel confident we have what it takes to win it all.


I would have to disagree there B&G. Inmy mind, any team relying on a "stud" player is much more likely to fall. It is not as much work for the DC to cover him. Most teams go as the "stud" goes. UNI is a deeper team than ASU, but they may not have quite the starters of ASU. UNI is not really that opportunistic on offense ...it is defense where they look for their opportunity. The only reason Sanders was hitting deep was because TXst had no ability to cover the receivers for 4 quarters. So TXst blitzed the entire 4th quarter, and that is why you thought UNI was opportunistic. I was very impressed with the poise of Sanders, as opposed to Nealy. Sanders knew that he was going to take sacks with that many blitzing him, but he did not give in until he had opportunity. Neally tried to make something happen & he ended up forgetting where he was on the field on that final play. I also thought he misjudged UNI's speed at the LB position all day.

[HiHiYikas]

I don't know how you guys have started games but UNI has marched 70+ yards on their first series in all of their play-off games. Getting out to a good start was pivotal against N.H. and TXSU for us. I have a feeling we are going to need to get out of the gate swinging to win this football game, no doubt about it.
Against Lafayette, we didn't get to play much offense in the first half. We did take a 3-0 lead midway through the first, though. Against SIU and Furman, we had points on the board within the first 3 or 4 minutes. We had SIU down 24-0 with less than a minute to go in the first half, and Furman down 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Interestingly enough, we had the ball first in those last 2 games, and deferred against Lafayette. We usually defer - we deferred against LSU.

[VonDaDon]

I seem to remember a team named Marshall coming up from I-AA and totally dominating their I-A conference. And I don't care if it was the MAC, they would have been smelling roses at least 2 out of their first 3 years in I-A if they played in the Big 10.

Not to mention Boise St. who immediately came to I-A and dominated.

The LSU game you mention was much closer than the final score. ASU went toe to toe with them for 3 quarters. Dropping two td passes and missing a field goal. Could have scored 80....LOL they were lucky to score the 24 they did.



BWHAAAHAHAHAHAHAH. Mac is better than the Big Ten? You have got to be kidding. Btw Marshall is 0-4 against the big ten.
Also the mac has won 35 games out of 239 games played. Whoops. Conference Usa (marshall's conference) is 19 out of 92 vs big ten. Like I said, big difference.

Boise State- LMAO yeah they showed their dominance over the first real team they played via georgia. They don't have many/if any impressive wins over bcs conference schools. Unless you consider 6-5 teams high quality?

I watched the LSU game. The boys were going through the motions. Nothing more, nothing less. Let me guess, next you will tell me your boys can hang with georgia, florida, tennessee, arizona state, alabama, etc. :rolleyes:

You are as bad as the USC fans that think their team would crush NFL teams. Same concept, different people. :nod:

Next time, try not to let your homerism blind you to the truth.

--EDITED FOR NAMECALLING--

[HiHiYikas]

UNI is a deeper team than ASU
I'm not ready to either agree or disagree with this kind of statement. I do, however, find it interesting and would like to see it substantiated. I guess my question is:

Is this an objective statement that can be backed up with empirical data, or is it something subjective that is roughly equivalent to saying UNI is a lot like Rudy?

I'll be grateful to anyone who can answer this for me.

[Black and Gold Express]

UNI is a deeper team than ASU, but they may not have quite the starters of ASU.

UNI is not really that opportunistic on offense ...it is defense where they look for their opportunity. The only reason Sanders was hitting deep was because TXst had no ability to cover the receivers for 4 quarters. So TXst blitzed the entire 4th quarter, and that is why you thought UNI was opportunistic.

I was very impressed with the poise of Sanders, as opposed to Nealy. Sanders knew that he was going to take sacks with that many blitzing him, but he did not give in until he had opportunity. Neally tried to make something happen & he ended up forgetting where he was on the field on that final play. I also thought he misjudged UNI's speed at the LB position all day.

I disagree with that first statement. ASU is at least 2 deep everywhere (except QB now), and we rotate players in and out all game. In addition, we have gamebreakers at both DE spots and both safeties on defense, and RB, WR (Turner right now, may be getting back our #1 WR this week from injury too), and TE on offense.

Our biggest weak spot in the starting 22 is at DT. They'll make some great plays, but they aren't as consistent as our DE's. Our linebackers have to do a lot of the work on runs up the middle ususally, which leaves us in more man cover situations. A TE finding holes in the middle or the flats has regulalry whacked us all year. But if you try and go deep, Lynch and Wiggins are both great ballhawks.

My point is, we're not just a one man team. Williams has gotten all the spotlight, and deserves it, but ask anyone that's played us and they'll tell you we're a ton more than just him out there.

Sanders has impressed me for sure. It sounds like he's in that phase all young quarterbacks go through where they are establishing whether they are that good for real, or just having a good run. Either one can get you the title in the short term, but I suspect that may be the reason he's not getting talked about as much?

I look forward to seeing how our teams' speed matches up. As I said before, most people have been surpised at how fast we are as a team. Sounds like UNI's linebackers fit that bill too.

[GGASU]

BWHAAAHAHAHAHAHAH. Mac is better than the Big Ten? You have got to be kidding. Btw Marshall is 0-4 against the big ten.
Also the mac has won 35 games out of 239 games played. Whoops. Conference Usa (marshall's conference) is 19 out of 92 vs big ten. Like I said, big difference.

Boise State- LMAO yeah they showed their dominance over the first real team they played via georgia. They don't have many/if any impressive wins over bcs conference schools. Unless you consider 6-5 teams high quality?

I watched the LSU game. The boys were going through the motions. Nothing more, nothing less. Let me guess, next you will tell me your boys can hang with georgia, florida, tennessee, arizona state, alabama, etc. :rolleyes:

You are as bad as the USC fans that think their team would crush NFL teams. Same concept, different people. :nod:

Next time, try not to let your homerism blind you to the truth.

--EDITED FOR NAMECALLING--



Marshall played in the MAC for the first 8 years after they left I-AA. I didn't say the MAC was better than the Big 10. I said that Marshall would have won the Big 10 2 out of the first 3 years they played I-A football.

[ASU Kep]

BWHAAAHAHAHAHAHAH. Mac is better than the Big Ten? You have got to be kidding. Btw Marshall is 0-4 against the big ten.
Also the mac has won 35 games out of 239 games played. Whoops. Conference Usa (marshall's conference) is 19 out of 92 vs big ten. Like I said, big difference.

Boise State- LMAO yeah they showed their dominance over the first real team they played via georgia. They don't have many/if any impressive wins over bcs conference schools. Unless you consider 6-5 teams high quality?

I watched the LSU game. The boys were going through the motions. Nothing more, nothing less. Let me guess, next you will tell me your boys can hang with georgia, florida, tennessee, arizona state, alabama, etc. :rolleyes:

You are as bad as the USC fans that think their team would crush NFL teams. Same concept, different people. :nod:

Next time, try not to let your homerism blind you to the truth.

--EDITED FOR NAMECALLING--

So...what team exactly do YOU root for? Because last I checked theres only two left, and we're one of them.

As for the LSU game, you have to be kidding to think that LSU for some reason "called off the dogs". They only won by 24, not too impressive to the majority of I-A voters, and kept JaMarcus, Addai, etc. in the whole time, AFTER we pulled several of our starters. Are we as physically talented as LSU? No, but we're a damn good team and gave them a run for their money. If you take away a few dropped passes/missed FGs, that game could've come down to the wire. Unfortunately, little ******* like yourself would've still said LSU took it easy on us, even if they lost.

You know, theres boards for I-A football too, if thats your thing.

[AppStateMan]

I Went to get tickets for some friends today at the ticket office. Their was a long line, I waited 20 minutes. I talked to the man selling them he said the line was even longer this morning. Also I saw students buying tickets in numbers (some guy bought 10 tickets). So the North stand will be FULL with black and gold!! Go APPS!!!

[tralfangar]

Yeah I bought 14 this morning at 9:01 when the ticket office opened.... only could get 2nd level seats!!! That's how fast they were going....

[VonDaDon]

Marshall played in the MAC for the first 8 years after they left I-AA. I didn't say the MAC was better than the Big 10. I said that Marshall would have won the Big 10 2 out of the first 3 years they played I-A football.



LMAO. You just said that MARSHALL winning the mac is the same as winning the b10 (Which you would have to do to go the the rose under the old bowl set up). You just said that the big ten is no better than the mac. I showed you the mac can't hang and neither could marshall. Marshall would have got the crap kicked out of them (.500 or less) running a big ten , sec, b12, acc, or pac 10 inconference schedule. Amazing how oblivious you are to the truth. :nonono2: Though, marshall is atleast competitive with their 40k student base.(funding, following, etc) They aren't small by any means. But what has this 1AA power house won in IA? Nothing of significance. They have a long ways to go to before becoming a I-A power.





So...what team exactly do YOU root for? Because last I checked theres only two left, and we're one of them.

As for the LSU game, you have to be kidding to think that LSU for some reason "called off the dogs". They only won by 24, not too impressive to the majority of I-A voters, and kept JaMarcus, Addai, etc. in the whole time, AFTER we pulled several of our starters. Are we as physically talented as LSU? No, but we're a damn good team and gave them a run for their money. If you take away a few dropped passes/missed FGs, that game could've come down to the wire. Unfortunately, little ******* like yourself would've still said LSU took it easy on us, even if they lost.

You know, theres boards for I-A football too, if thats your thing.



OH, did I hurt your feelings telling the truth? My bad. LSU>>>>>>>>>>App St. No ifs, ands, or butts. You got shut down by a team running through the motions. Don't worry though, it isn't like it is a slam against App St. This is just the differences between I-A and I-AA.


My "teams" or teams I pull for.(I-A, I-AA, II)
UNI, SIU, USD, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, NIU, Miami (OH), Arizona, BC, Arkansas, LSU, Louisville, Creighton, PSU, North Texas, Air Force, Fresno St. I spread out the love, some get more than others. I do follow more teams but don't consider them favorites as of now.

[yosefcity]

Tralfanger- what section and do you have any extras?

[appst89]

:nonono2:

SMH @ this guy.....never played, can't understand that every game is different, yet tries to lay this crap on everyone here...........

BGE - gotta tell ya, I don't care which team you think wins the game. You have no credibility on here for that "UNI getting fined" ***** you made up after the EWU game. As I understand from many folks here, you are App State "umassfan". I can certainly see why.

Carry on, everyone.

:nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2:

I remember the post to which you are referring and he didn't make anything up. He said he had heard that the NCAA was possibly going to levy a fine because UNI might not have followed the NCAA guidelines to remove any semblance of a homefield advantage against EWU. He asked if anyone knew about it and said it would be a shame if it happened.

[Black and Gold Express]

:nonono2:

SMH @ this guy.....never played, can't understand that every game is different, yet tries to lay this crap on everyone here...........

BGE - gotta tell ya, I don't care which team you think wins the game. You have no credibility on here for that "UNI getting fined" ***** you made up after the EWU game. As I understand from many folks here, you are App State "umassfan". I can certainly see why.

Carry on, everyone.

:nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2:

xlolx

That was good for a laugh. Thanks.

[OL FU]

LMAO. You just said that MARSHALL winning the mac is the same as winning the b10 (Which you would have to do to go the the rose under the old bowl set up). You just said that the big ten is no better than the mac. I showed you the mac can't hang and neither could marshall. Marshall would have got the crap kicked out of them (.500 or less) running a big ten , sec, b12, acc, or pac 10 inconference schedule. Amazing how oblivious you are to the truth. :nonono2: Though, marshall is atleast competitive with their 40k student base.(funding, following, etc) They aren't small by any means. But what has this 1AA power house won in IA? Nothing of significance. They have a long ways to go to before becoming a I-A power.








OH, did I hurt your feelings telling the truth? My bad. LSU>>>>>>>>>>App St. No ifs, ands, or butts. You got shut down by a team running through the motions. Don't worry though, it isn't like it is a slam against App St. This is just the differences between I-A and I-AA.


My "teams" or teams I pull for.(I-A, I-AA, II)
UNI, SIU, USD, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, NIU, Miami (OH), Arizona, BC, Arkansas, LSU, Louisville, Creighton, PSU, North Texas, Air Force, Fresno St. I spread out the love, some get more than others. I do follow more teams but don't consider them favorites as of now.

Sounds to me like you can't make up your mind :confused: :rotateh:

[UNI MadCat]

Hate to get back to predicting things but:

UNI 37
ASU 33

[ButlerGSU]

Sounds to me like you can't make up your mind :confused: :rotateh:

He's a fair weather fan. Got to make sure he always has someone to gloat with.

[GGASU]

[QUOTE=VonDaDon]LMAO. You just said that MARSHALL winning the mac is the same as winning the b10 (Which you would have to do to go the the rose under the old bowl set up). You just said that the big ten is no better than the mac. I showed you the mac can't hang and neither could marshall. Marshall would have got the crap kicked out of them (.500 or less) running a big ten , sec, b12, acc, or pac 10 inconference schedule. Amazing how oblivious you are to the truth. :nonono2: Though, marshall is atleast competitive with their 40k student base.(funding, following, etc) They aren't small by any means. But what has this 1AA power house won in IA? Nothing of significance. They have a long ways to go to before becoming a I-A power.

QUOTE]

Dude it seems you just can't understand English. Let me go through this one more time for your kindergarden like mind.

(The Big 10 is much better than the MAC)

When Marshall came out of I-AA, not now but the first couple of years that they came out, they would have won ANY conference including the Big 10, SEC, Pac -10, etc.....

They had the best receiver in college HISTORY and one of the current top 10 professional quarterbacks playing on the same team.

[B&G]

Wow, it sounds like losing Richie Williams has made us an underdog in most people's minds. UNI handled some good teams in the playoffs but none of them were ASU.

APP ST 31
UNI 21

[jwfgeol]

When Marshall came out of I-AA, not now but the first couple of years that they came out, they would have won ANY conference including the Big 10, SEC, Pac -10, etc.....

They had the best receiver in college HISTORY and one of the current top 10 professional quarterbacks playing on the same team.

Didn't Marshall lose to Ole Miss in the Motor City Bowl when they first went to I-A (1997 I think)? Shouldn't you beat the 7th best team in the SEC before you can win it?



Ok, back on topic... As far as the NC goes, this is a very tough one to call. UNI has survived every game and shown that they can win in any situation. App has looked like the best team in I-AA for most of the year. The loss of Williams hurts, but Elder looks like he can still generate offensive productivity. The ability of App to run the ball may be the difference in this one. I don't think UNI will throw for over 400 yards again. Texas State's secondary looked porous at best eventhough Sanders made some great throws.

[GaSouthern]

GO APPY STATE!!! bout dang time!

Go SoCon (minus vermin)

[GGASU]

Didn't Marshall lose to Ole Miss in the Motor City Bowl when they first went to I-A (1997 I think)? Shouldn't you beat the 7th best team in the SEC before you can win it?


Yeah by three, and then went on to beat the living piss out of Louisville the next year and BYU the following year. They were one of the best in college football each of those years, and didn't get a chance to prove it because of the retarded bowl system.

[Cap'n Cat]

Scrappy, slugged their way through the much tougher bracket,
UNI 33

Pretty good, but not playing at home this time,
App State 13


:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

[VonDaDon]

[QUOTE=VonDaDon]LMAO. You just said that MARSHALL winning the mac is the same as winning the b10 (Which you would have to do to go the the rose under the old bowl set up). You just said that the big ten is no better than the mac. I showed you the mac can't hang and neither could marshall. Marshall would have got the crap kicked out of them (.500 or less) running a big ten , sec, b12, acc, or pac 10 inconference schedule. Amazing how oblivious you are to the truth. :nonono2: Though, marshall is atleast competitive with their 40k student base.(funding, following, etc) They aren't small by any means. But what has this 1AA power house won in IA? Nothing of significance. They have a long ways to go to before becoming a I-A power.

QUOTE]

Dude it seems you just can't understand English. Let me go through this one more time for your kindergarden like mind.

(The Big 10 is much better than the MAC)

When Marshall came out of I-AA, not now but the first couple of years that they came out, they would have won ANY conference including the Big 10, SEC, Pac -10, etc.....

They had the best receiver in college HISTORY and one of the current top 10 professional quarterbacks playing on the same team.



Yeah, bud. Marshall was definitely the best team in the country. Look at the national championships etc that they acquired immediately after the move and currently are racking up. LMAO. You are the most delusional person I have ever met. Marshall wouldn't have won any major ( big 5) conference, at any period of time. You are offically the only person in the entire country that thinks marshall is the best team in the united states of america in I-A and I-AA football.

[VonDaDon]

Yeah by three, and then went on to beat the living piss out of Louisville the next year and BYU the following year. They were one of the best in college football each of those years, and didn't get a chance to prove it because of the retarded bowl system.


What, say it isn't so. The best team in the country at the time was playing ole miss and lost to them in the MC bowl. BWAHAHAHA. LVILLE and BYU aren't exactly big time names for wins either. BYU's claim to fame, 84 win over 6-5 michigan.

[*****]

What, say it isn't so. The best team in the country at the time was playing ole miss and lost to them in the MC bowl. BWAHAHAHA. LVILLE and BYU aren't exactly big time names for wins either. BYU's claim to fame, 84 win over 6-5 michigan.Uh, this thread is not about your beloved I-A or for demeaning members or I-AA. It is about the highest NCAA football championship game so please try to stay on topic.

[VonDaDon]

He's a fair weather fan. Got to make sure he always has someone to gloat with.




Or I have experience with most (not all, I love teams that play hard and show heart) of those schools personally? Could it be that I have friends, family, personally attended, etc at more than one university? No it couldn't be that. By the way, how well did any of those teams do this year. Only UNI and PSU from that list had any "success" this year (conference champs) and yet I am still pulling for all of the others. So much for that theory. :rotateh:

[VonDaDon]

Uh, this thread is not about your beloved I-A or for demeaning members or I-AA. It is about the highest NCAA football championship game so please try to stay on topic.


I like I-AA nearly as much as I do I-A. I have attended more I-AA games this year than I-A if that means anything. I also call bullcrap as I see it. Facts never lie. I have also already given my two cents on who will win. Uni by 3. Check my earlier threads. :beerchug:

[GGASU]

[QUOTE=GGASU]



Yeah, bud. Marshall was definitely the best team in the country. Look at the national championships etc that they acquired immediately after the move and currently are racking up. LMAO. You are the most delusional person I have ever met. Marshall wouldn't have won any major ( big 5) conference, at any period of time. You are offically the only person in the entire country that thinks marshall is the best team in the united states of america in I-A and I-AA football.


Yeah you are right I was the only person in the US that thought a team that lost one game in 26 deserved a chance for the nat'l title. It is unbelievable that a fan of UNI thinks like this. You guys have made a lot of noise in the NCAA basketball playoffs, but according to your closed minded thinking UNI doesn't even deserve to be mentioned among the "big schools". :nono:

And I love how you describe BYU's 1984 National Championship as beating a 6-5 team. LOL

[GGASU]

[QUOTE=GGASU]



Yeah, bud. Marshall was definitely the best team in the country. Look at the national championships etc that they acquired immediately after the move and currently are racking up. LMAO. You are the most delusional person I have ever met. Marshall wouldn't have won any major ( big 5) conference, at any period of time. You are offically the only person in the entire country that thinks marshall is the best team in the united states of america in I-A and I-AA football.


Yeah you are right I was the only person in the US that thought a team that lost one game in 26 deserved a chance for the nat'l title. It is unbelievable that a fan of UNI thinks like this. Your conference have made a lot of noise in the NCAA basketball playoffs, but according to your closed minded thinking UNI doesn't even deserve to be mentioned among the "big schools". :nono:

And I love how you describe BYU's 1984 National Championship as beating a 6-5 team. LOL

[*****]

Eric Sanders - Trey Elder
David Horne - Kevin Richardson
UNI WR - ASU WR
Dre Dokes - Corey Lynch
Brian Wingert - Julian Rauch
John Hermann - Marques Murrell
Darin Heideman - Zodd Kelly

Advantage who?

[ASU Kep]

Eric Sanders - Trey Elder
David Horne - Kevin Richardson
UNI WR - ASU WR
Dre Dokes - Corey Lynch
Brian Wingert - Julian Rauch
John Hermann - Marques Murrell
Darin Heideman - Zodd Kelly

Advantage who?

Spent a while looking at stats, though I've only seen UNI play twice this year, so not too knowledgeable. Trey will play well, but have to give it to Sanders because of experience and obviously a more proven background. Kevin Richardson will stun people in this game, enough said. ASU WR's in a near-landslide (we've got Little back, too)...we have threats all over the place at WR, though not the one stand-out like last year. Corey Lynch's stats have declined recently, but I think that has a lot more to do with people being smart enough not to throw the ball anywhere near him. While both kickers at times have left something to be desired, Wingert's % is better and he's made some clutchies lately, though Rauch also has really been stepping it up lately. Marques Murrell and Jason Hunter (who's equally awesome, btw) will cause quite a bit of trouble with the UNI O-Line. Zodd Kelly's great, but I think the edge at LB goes to UNI.

I stick with my earlier prediction: ASU "wins one for Richie" 38-35, coming down to the last second...of course.

[lillycafe]

Let me guess, you think LSU prepared for this game like they would Georgia, Florida, Alabama, etc? Hate to break it to you, but they were thinking past this game to bigger fish. It made the game closer, but if LSU wanted to blow App St out, they easily could have if they came prepared to do so. There is a big step between Top IA and top IAA programs people. I love all divisions of football, but I am not blinded enough to think that UNI or App st could hang with a prepared USC or TEXAS etc. Big, Big, difference. :nod:



FYI: UNI 31 APP ST. 28
Did you see ASU v. LSU? If not, you have know idea how either team prepared!!! I was there and I know what I saw. I, also, know what the coaches and players at LSU said about ASU!!!

[crunifan]

[QUOTE=VonDaDon]


Yeah you are right I was the only person in the US that thought a team that lost one game in 26 deserved a chance for the nat'l title. It is unbelievable that a fan of UNI thinks like this. Your conference have made a lot of noise in the NCAA basketball playoffs, but according to your closed minded thinking UNI doesn't even deserve to be mentioned among the "big schools". :nono:

And I love how you describe BYU's 1984 National Championship as beating a 6-5 team. LOL

Basketball and football are VERY different. When UNI plays its best, it can hang with any team in America in basketball. Football, that is not the case.

[lillycafe]

BWHAAAHAHAHAHAHAH. Mac is better than the Big Ten? You have got to be kidding. Btw Marshall is 0-4 against the big ten.
Also the mac has won 35 games out of 239 games played. Whoops. Conference Usa (marshall's conference) is 19 out of 92 vs big ten. Like I said, big difference.

Boise State- LMAO yeah they showed their dominance over the first real team they played via georgia. They don't have many/if any impressive wins over bcs conference schools. Unless you consider 6-5 teams high quality?

I watched the LSU game. The boys were going through the motions. Nothing more, nothing less. Let me guess, next you will tell me your boys can hang with georgia, florida, tennessee, arizona state, alabama, etc. :rolleyes:

You are as bad as the USC fans that think their team would crush NFL teams. Same concept, different people. :nod:

Next time, try not to let your homerism blind you to the truth.

--EDITED FOR NAMECALLING--
Did not know ASU v. LSU was on TV? There was no mention of it on LSU's website, so it's pretty hard to watch when not on.

[AppFootballAlum]

Eric Sanders - Trey Elder
David Horne - Kevin Richardson
UNI WR - ASU WR
Dre Dokes - Corey Lynch
Brian Wingert - Julian Rauch
John Hermann - Marques Murrell
Darin Heideman - Zodd Kelly

Advantage who?

QB - Sanders - Elder played pretty well last week, but lacks game experience and needs to stop fumbling
RB - Richardson - don't much about Horne, so I went w/ what I know
Dokes/Lynch - not sure but would give the overall defensive back edge to App
Kicker - edge to Wingert
DE - Murrell
LB - Heideman
Def Line - UNI: better at stopping the run
Off Line - App: better at protecting the QB
WR - call it a toss up. Probably as much dependent on a number of things, such as how well each QB is performing, the other team's DBs, pressure applied by opposing DEs on pass plays, the ability to pick up the blitz, the balance of each team's offense (as in if one team stops the run, it is usually harder to pass when that is your only option)
Coaches - toss up: Both have shown the ability to motivate their players, win big games, win by coming from behind, put an opponent away, and get their teams to the NC game when neither team was expected to do this well at the onset of the season (i believe both teams had sub-par years last season)
Cheerleaders - :hurray:

[VonDaDon]

Did not know ASU v. LSU was on TV? There was no mention of it on LSU's website, so it's pretty hard to watch when not on.



You know what. I think you are right. I don't think I caught the App st. game. I looked and haven't seen any channels that it was listed on. I thought it was much eariler in the year like in early october. (I can swear I saw it, I caught almost every LSU game this year that I could.) Maybe I didn't see this one? Whoops. :bang: I still followed the game reports/analysis and what not. If I didn't watch the game, I am man enough to take some lumps.:spank: I still stand by the rest that I said. :D :beerchug:


And anyone that thinks I am being a jerk and what not, I am just riling you up in good fun. It is down time between bowls and the championship games. The second worst time of the year next to the offseason(spring/summer). I can't watch the games so why not banter a bit. Although, I did try to keep it from being put in the Smack section. Busting chops using clown, idiot, etc isn't that big of deal to me. If some of you thought this was crazy/disrespectful for this section. My bad. Cheers folks. xprost2x

[*****]

... Maybe I didn't see this one...Oops, there goes your credibility...
... It is down time ...and you claim to be a UNI fan :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :nono:

[VonDaDon]

Oops, there goes your credibility...and you claim to be a UNI fan :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow: :nono:


The last thing I need to worry about is message board credibility. Bills, family, friends, job, finals, etc are all more important. Message boards are fun to kill time, but that is it. But, believe what you want. I am still here after admitting I was wrong and I will be here for about another week, so hold on tight. :smiley_wi

[JohnStOnge]

ASU had better not come into the game with a 1998 Georgia Southern or 2002 McNeese State Mentality.

No way they'll be overconfident without their starting quarterback. Also..at least as compared to the McNeese case...they're not going to be lulled into a false sense of security related to having soundly beaten the team they'll be facing in the title game during the regular season.

I think App State would be a clear favorite in this game with Williams. But Williams isn't going to be there. Under that condition I think they're the underdog. There's no way one team having it's starting quarterback while the other is having to play its backup isn't a huge advantage for the first team...especially when that starting quarterback has performed as well all year as the UNI guy has.

I'm pulling for App because I want a Southern (region, not conference) team to win it but it's going to be whole lot tougher for them to do it without their Ace.

[*****]

... I think App State would be a clear favorite in this game with Williams...Really? I posted a stat analysis and things look pretty even. Tell me why you say ASU would be a clear favorite with Richie.

[JohnStOnge]

The LSU/App State game was not broadcast live. However, it was broadcast tape delayed on the day after the game on Cox Sports, which I believe broadcasts throughout Louisiana and on some systems over into the Florida panhandle. I watched it.

Cox Sports also picked up the broadcast of the UNI/Iowa game earlier this year. That one was live and I watched a pretty good bit of it.

[ASUMountaineer]

The last thing I need to worry about is message board credibility. Bills, family, friends, job, finals, etc are all more important. Message boards are fun to kill time, but that is it. But, believe what you want. I am still here after admitting I was wrong and I will be here for about another week, so hold on tight. :smiley_wi
Hey that's cool if you were trying to get people excited, but coming onto a I-AA post site and talking about weak I-AA is to I-A is not cool. If we all wanted to talk about I-A football we would watch ESPN, ABC, etc...and, join I-A sites. We come here because there's very few other outlets for I-AA fans to get together and read, learn, discuss I-AA football. But, come on man, just think of where you are. We all know I-A schools are going to be better than most I-AA schools, they have ten times the advantages--if they weren't better they shouldn't be I-A. You need to try and do everything to build I-AA up, if you're a true football fan, rather than trying to knock it down.

As for Ralph's post:
QB: Sanders
RB: Richardson
WR: UNI = ASU
Dre Dokes
Brian Wingert
Marques Murrell
Darin Heideman

As for AppFootballAlum's post:
Cheerleaders: Yes, please

Final pick:
ASU: 28
UNI: 24

[*****]

The last thing I need to worry about is message board credibility...Too bad you think that, credibility is all you have here. These are not the smack and go days of the past...

End of this discussion.

Back on topic... will ASU try to run the ball down UNI's throat since UNI has faced three straight QB-led teams?

[ASUMountaineer]

Too bad you think that, credibility is all you have here. These are not the smack and go days of the past...

End of this discussion.

Back on topic... will ASU try to run the ball down UNI's throat since UNI has faced three straight QB-led teams?
If I were making the play calls, I would throw the team on Richardson's back to set up a better situation for Elder to pass, i.e.: a more lax secondary. But, I think Jerry Moore has to give the ball to KRich, he's the hoss that got us here.

[SoCon48]

If I were making the play calls, I would throw the team on Richardson's back to set up a better situation for Elder to pass, i.e.: a more lax secondary. But, I think Jerry Moore has to give the ball to KRich, he's the hoss that got us here.

I agree except if they key on K Richardson, we'll have to balance the attack even on 1st down sits.

[JohnStOnge]

Hey that's cool if you were trying to get people excited, but coming onto a I-AA post site and talking about weak I-AA is to I-A is not cool.

I've missed most of the conversation. Do I need to break out the historical records of I-AA playoff teams vs. I-As to demonstrate to this guy that playoff caliber I-AAs are about the same as mid level I-As in caliber?

The level of competition in this game is going to be comparable to a number of the minor bowls but it'll be much higher intensity because bowls are exhibition games while this is a national championship game each team had to fight through three playoff games to get to.

[MR. CHICKEN]

I've missed most of the conversation. Do I need to break out the historical records of I-AA playoff teams vs. I-As to demonstrate to this guy that playoff caliber I-AAs are about the same as mid level I-As in caliber?

The level of competition in this game is going to be comparable to a number of the minor bowls but it'll be much higher intensity because bowls are exhibition games while this is a national championship game each team had to fight through three playoff games to get to.

AN' IFIN' TOP TIER I-AA's.......HAD DUH X-TRA SCHOLLIES......DEY WOULD CLIMB OVERAH...MOST MID-LEVELS!........:read:..........AWK!

[JohnStOnge]

Really? I posted a stat analysis and things look pretty even. Tell me why you say ASU would be a clear favorite with Richie.

Because I saw Williams on tape delay vs. LSU and LSU couldn't get pressure on him because he's too quick. I don't know how all out fast he is...though I'll bet he's pretty fast. But he is incredibly quick. LSU has much better athletes on defense than anybody in I-AA does...much faster and much quicker...and they were looking for their jocks pretty frequently after trying to get a handle on Williams.

I've seen UNI twice on TV this year (Iowa and Texas State) and App three times (LSU, Southern Illinois, Furman). Both have been very impressive but to me App has looked moreso.

I'm not saying App would be, in my mind, an overwhelming favorite with Williams in there. But to me they would be a solid favorite. Only thing I wonder about is that Lafayette game.

Doesn't matter anyway. Williams isn't going to be there. And what football fans like me think beforehand isn't going to influence the outcome.

[JohnStOnge]

I'm going to have to tape it and watch it later because my 16 year old daughter's choir (Dad's boast: She made all state choir this past weekend...lots of dads say their daughers can sing but THIS dad is telling the truth) and she's got a solo. Peformance starts at the same time as kickoff.

[Black and Gold Express]

Eric Sanders - Trey Elder
David Horne - Kevin Richardson
UNI WR - ASU WR
Dre Dokes - Corey Lynch
Brian Wingert - Julian Rauch
John Hermann - Marques Murrell
Darin Heideman - Zodd Kelly

Advantage who?

You can't just compare one DE to the other. Where ASU has the big advantage is that we have two big time DE's. And I'll take the tandem of Hunter and Murrell over anything UNI can put at that position.

For the others, I think Trey is going to make believers out of a lot of people, but going into the game you have to say Sanders.

Horne and Richardson are totally different runners. Neither would be a good fit in the other's system. So they even out.

Other than Surrency I didn't see any other UNI receiver that was real impressive. I'll take the combination of Turner, Mayfield, Jackson, Batichon, and Johnson.

I know nothing about Dokes, but I imagine he'd be hard pressed to match numbers with Corey. For the sake of argument, call it a wash.

I seriously believe after Friday people will realize they overplayed the loss of Williams somewhat. God knows he makes us better, but it's not like we're dead in the water without him and Elder is chopped liver. What we lose is the "wow" running plays and better ability to make the most out of a busted play. But Trey freelances a lot less and plays within the system a lot more, and gets the ball out to the playmakers faster than Richie. The rest... well I think so far Trey has shown to be a good decision maker and is universally accepted to be a better overall passer, though Richie gets more zip on the deep ball right now. But Trey's always been more accurate.

The big thing Trey needs to do is take care of the ball. He does that, I have a hard time seeing us not winning this one by 10-14 points.
If we turn the ball over 3 times again, then we're in trouble for sure and UNI is not a team you want to let hang around for sure. They've proven how dangerous that is.

[AppStateMan]

What’s the status on Williams? I know he was re-evaluated today. Is he out? Anyone know?

[Chi Panther]

I don't know much about Richardson....so I'd like to hear more.....

As for Horne.....he has played BACK-UP to Freeney for most of the year. Freeney is a senior and has been hurt for most of the year. However as a soph and junior....run over 1000 yards.....

Horne also ran for more yards as a true freshman at Nebraska than anyone ever has.....

Surrency is talented, but a possession WR. Goodwin and Hunter both ran on UNI's National Qualifying 4X100 team. Hunter ran a 10.43 1st at Conf Championships and Goodwin ran a 10.59 placing 3rd. They are fast and when teams like Texas State don't respect that speed....you see what happens last week.....

Not saying any of these guys are better than players at ASU....but UNI is deep is the point.....

Oh....and the player that is most likely to go PRO is our TE.....enjoy his mullet...its great!

[HiHiYikas]

http://goasu.com/?page=202&article=6197&fromPage=137

good news about Richie Williams & co. from goasu.com:

• Appalachian received nothing but good news on the injury front on Monday. The results of an MRI on Williams’ injured left ankle revealed no tears or fractures, just a sprained tendon. Williams did not practice on Monday, but remains day-to-day for Friday’s battle for the national title versus UNI.

Additionally, wide receiver Hans Batichon (ankle), running back Trey Hennessee (knee) and wide receiver Jermane Little (knee) all practiced on Monday and are listed as probable for the national championship contest.

[yosef1969]

What’s the status on Williams? I know he was re-evaluated today. Is he out? Anyone know?


Here is a quote from ASU's website:

• Appalachian received nothing but good news on the injury front on Monday. The results of an MRI on Williams’ injured left ankle revealed no tears or fractures, just a sprained tendon. Williams did not practice on Monday, but remains day-to-day for Friday’s battle for the national title versus UNI.

[*****]

Well I heard

• Appalachian received nothing but good news on the injury front on Monday. The results of an MRI on Williams’ injured left ankle revealed no tears or fractures, just a sprained tendon. Williams did not practice on Monday, but remains day-to-day for Friday’s battle for the national title versus UNI.

xlolx

[Saint3333]

ASU will bring a balanced attack like they have all year with Richardson getting around 25 carriers and Trey or could it be Richie :hyped: passing 20 times. ASU has the weapons and if the defense continues to step up I like our chances. UNI has a great team ASU needs to protect against the deep ball and get to the QB.

There will be many keys to this game but the biggest key could be UNI's O-line vs. ASU's d-line.

[ASU Kep]

Why the laugh, ralph? Sense suspicious or what?

[*****]

Why the laugh, ralph? Sense suspicious or what?
Naw, just because I was the third person in a row to post the exact same thing!! Don't put it past Jerry Moore to float Richie is Okay thoughts if he thinks he can get an advantage from it though...

[HiHiYikas]

[QUOTE=Chi Panther]I don't know much about Richardson....so I'd like to hear more.....QUOTE]

Richardson bio from team site: http://goasu.com/?page=204&player=1952&fromPage=165

Recent article from Winston-Salem Journal: http://www.wsjournal.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArti cle&c=MGArticle&cid=1128768621001&path=!sports!football!&s=1037645509262

Richardson also rushed for 178-yards in a 3TD game against Coastal Carolina, then the #17(?) ranked team. I wanna say he was SoCon POTW that week.

[ASU Kep]

Naw, just because I was the third person in a row to post the exact same thing!! Don't put it past Jerry Moore to float Richie is Okay thoughts if he thinks he can get an advantage from it though...

Name me a coach in America that wouldn't make their opponent prepare for two pretty different QB attacks in this situation and I'll name you one heckuva bad coach. All's fair in love and football.

[*****]

[QUOTE=Chi Panther]I don't know much about Richardson....so I'd like to hear more.....QUOTE]

Richardson bio from team site: http://goasu.com/?page=204&player=1952&fromPage=165

Recent article from Winston-Salem Journal: http://www.wsjournal.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSJ%2FMGArticle%2FWSJ_BasicArti cle&c=MGArticle&cid=1128768621001&path=!sports!football!&s=1037645509262

Richardson also rushed for 178-yards in a 3TD game against Coastal Carolina, then the #17(?) ranked team. I wanna say he was SoCon POTW that week.http://i-aa.org/stats/AllStars/20051017KevinRichardson80.jpg
ALL-STARS 10/16/05

* Kevin Richardson, 5-9, 190, Sophomore, Running back, Appalachian State vs Georgia Southern, Elizabethtown, N.C.
Richardson sparked Appalachian State to a 24-7 Southern Conference victory over Georgia Southern Saturday at home with a 22-carry, 208-yard rushing performance. The victory kept alive the Mountaineers' hopes of winning the league championship and advancing to the playoffs. The Southern Conference offensive player of the week also caught six passes for a career-high 77 yards to finish with 285 yards on the day. He averaged 9.5 yards per carry and had a career-long 73 yard run and scored on a two-yard run in the second quarter to give the Mountaineers a 17-0 halftime lead. It was the 20th 200-yard rushing performance in ASU history and the most for a Mountaineer runner since Jimmy Watkins ran for 216 yards in a first-round playoff win over William & Mary in 2001. Richardson ranks fourth in the SoCon and 28th nationally in the pass-oriented ASU offense with an average of 96 yards rushing per game and a total of 576 for the season.

http://i-aa.org/article.asp?articleid=73361

[Chi Panther]

anyone who can run for 200+ yds against GSU demands respect.

I see he is a smaller back....always more difficult to slow down IMO.

[JMU-MRD-DAD]

JMU won the title last year with DEFENSE and a strong running game.

I favor Appalachian State with the Defense....but uncertain with the QB situation....but I'm giving the advantage to App State.

[HiHiYikas]

anyone who can run for 200+ yds against GSU demands respect.

I see he is a smaller back....always more difficult to slow down IMO.
How did you guys handle SIU's Arkee Whitlock? I listened to the ASU/SIU game on the radio, and family back home TiVo'd the game so I can watch it when I'm there for Christmas. They said he looked scary good on a few of those runs, and I pretty much gathered that from the radio broadcasts.

[Chi Panther]

Whitlock is soo shifty and quick....and on UNI's turf its silly.....

Arkee Whitlock 25-167 and 1 TD.....(my favorite non-panther)

http://unipanthers.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2005-2006/uni10.html

[*****]

How did you guys handle SIU's Arkee Whitlock?...You cannot correctly measure conference matchups vs. non-conference matchups. Just the stats:

vs. UNI S. Illinois-Whitlock,Arkee 25-167
vs. ASU S. Illinois-Whitlock,Arkee 20-95

[HiHiYikas]

Arkee Whitlock...(my favorite non-panther)
we (ASU fans in my family) like him, too...fun to watch

[Black and Gold Express]

You cannot correctly measure conference matchups vs. non-conference matchups. Just the stats:

vs. UNI S. Illinois-Whitlock,Arkee 25-167
vs. ASU S. Illinois-Whitlock,Arkee 20-95

Now this makes no sense whatsoever. Of course you can compare these numbers. It's what's called "common opponents". And it's the only one we have between us.

For the record, I liked Whitlock a ton. He was real shifty and spun out of a lot of tackles.

[Black and Gold Express]

anyone who can run for 200+ yds against GSU demands respect.

I see he is a smaller back....always more difficult to slow down IMO.

Well, if the size of your DT's are accurate, we'll be in for a tough job opening holes in the middle.

Kevin's not scary-fast, but he's got good acceleration, and he's made a living this year out of sliding through holes and sidesteping a lot of defenders. He does hit the hole fast, and can break it to the outside as well, but what helps him is the design of running game, where we run handoffs, options, option fakes, and QB runs out of the same formations, sometimes with just the one back in the gun, other times motioning a WR into the backfield as well. The OL opens up different holes for them to run through, both outside and middle. So people can't get a good feel for what's coming.

[Tubby Raymond]

:nono:
The two most prolific 1-AA conferences in the country playing for the NC - just what else would be expected - GO UNI

[Cincy App]

Naw, just because I was the third person in a row to post the exact same thing!! Don't put it past Jerry Moore to float Richie is Okay thoughts if he thinks he can get an advantage from it though...

I'm still expecting Trey Elder to start although Richie will likely dress and serve in a backup/ emergency capacity. Would be thrilled if the best all-around QB in I-AA (Williams) was healthy enough to start!

[*****]

Now this makes no sense whatsoever. Of course you can compare these numbers. It's what's called "common opponents"...What's common to you is a conference rivalry to SIU. Often you can throw the stats out the window. Maybe like App and Furman.

[Chi Panther]

You cannot correctly measure conference matchups vs. non-conference matchups. Just the stats:

vs. UNI S. Illinois-Whitlock,Arkee 25-167
vs. ASU S. Illinois-Whitlock,Arkee 20-95


What I would gather from this is......ASU's D played better than UNIs.....don't know if that really means ASU has a better RUN D.

However, UNI's surface in the DOME is FAST. Whitlock and the RB at SFA the past few years by the name of Thompson.....those guys are Nightmares on UNI's turf.....

What was the field condition in Boone against SIU?

[nmatsen]

You cannot correctly measure conference matchups vs. non-conference matchups. Just the stats:

vs. UNI S. Illinois-Whitlock,Arkee 25-167
vs. ASU S. Illinois-Whitlock,Arkee 20-95

Southern Illinois also carried a lead for a large part of that game as apposed to when they played App State they probably abandoned the run early to play "catch up"

[Black and Gold Express]

What's common to you is a conference rivalry to SIU. Often you can throw the stats out the window. Maybe like App and Furman.

Yeah, and last I checked, when ASU and Furman, or UNI and SIU, or any two teams in football step on the field, it's 11 on 11, and stats are kept. And you can compare those stats very effectively in a given season.

If you are trying for the rivalry emotions angle, try this one on for size. Try and convince anyone that SIU wanted to beat UNI more badly in the 2005 regular season than they wanted to beat ASU in the playoff quarterfinals. If you believe that, then you are slapping the SIU team in the face.

Your argument doesn't wash in this case. ASU played better against SIU than UNI did, the relevant stats say that. Both were road games for SIU. Both were on turf. The only difference in terms of field conditions was the temperature, but I'd hardly call Carbondale a warm climate in the late fall or winter. What more do you want?

[*****]

... Your argument doesn't wash in this case. ... The only difference in terms of field conditions was the temperature, but I'd hardly call Carbondale a warm climate in the late fall or winter. What more do you want?Whatever. :rolleyes: If you think SIU plays the same against UNI as they do against ASU then that's your opinion. I see a conference team knowing how to play another conference team better than playing a team they seldom face.

[PantherMan]

Yeah, and last I checked, when ASU and Furman, or UNI and SIU, or any two teams in football step on the field, it's 11 on 11, and stats are kept. And you can compare those stats very effectively in a given season.

If you are trying for the rivalry emotions angle, try this one on for size. Try and convince anyone that SIU wanted to beat UNI more badly in the 2005 regular season than they wanted to beat ASU in the playoff quarterfinals. If you believe that, then you are slapping the SIU team in the face.

Your argument doesn't wash in this case. ASU played better against SIU than UNI did, the relevant stats say that. Both were road games for SIU. Both were on turf. The only difference in terms of field conditions was the temperature, but I'd hardly call Carbondale a warm climate in the late fall or winter. What more do you want?

You are COMPLETELY missing Ralph's point. It is not about "wanting" to win, it's about knowing HOW to win! SIU and UNI know eachother inside out on the football field. Our coaches know what their coaches want to do and vice versa. Comparing stats from even the same week is worthless. If you could compare stats and say who was better, I could find you a way that the UNI basketball team should have won the NCAA championship last year. But that would be udderly worthless. xprost2x

[bcrawf]

The UNI-SIU game was in the Dome!!

Also, UNI-SIU has turned into a huge rivalry in all sports (especially since Southwest Missouri or Missouri State or Springfield U or whoever they are now SUCK in everything this side of Women's basketball (I do know the beat us in the Valley Basketball Tourney)) :confused: :confused:

You always know a conference opponent better and are somehow always more excited to play in that kind of game, especially since they are so eager to beat their "Dome Curse"- RALPH IS RIGHT!!

[HiHiYikas]

You are COMPLETELY missing Ralph's point. It is not about "wanting" to win, it's about knowing HOW to win! SIU and UNI know eachother inside out on the football field. Our coaches know what their coaches want to do and vice versa. Comparing stats from even the same week is worthless. If you could compare stats and say who was better, I could find you a way that the UNI basketball team should have won the NCAA championship last year. But that would be udderly worthless. xprost2x
Agreed...and, to quote Matt Dougherty, "If you look at the stats, the Panthers probably should be 0-3 in the postseason"

I'm not sure how this debate got started. ChiPanther asked about Kevin Richardson, and, not wanting to leave him with "he's good" as an answer, I turned to stats. Limited stats, I might add, as Ralph added additional stats that Richardson put up against GASO.

Curiosity about how UNI stacked up against another good runner doesn't mean I think UNI's run defense against Whitlock will be precisely identical to their defense against Richardson. I can't imagine why anyone would jump to that conclusion. I guess the debate isn't so much with me in that case.

[Black and Gold Express]

Whatever. :rolleyes: If you think SIU plays the same against UNI as they do against ASU then that's your opinion. I see a conference team knowing how to play another conference team better than playing a team they seldom face.

I'm not discounting that, ralph. But at some point that talent on the field matters.

Here's an example. GSU "knows how to beat us", they've certainly done it a few times. Why then did we dominate them, a playoff team? Perhaps because we were the more talented team on the field?

Rationalize what you want, at some point the talent on the field matters. It matters a lot. Intangibles only take you so far, and it's not to the finish line.

[hapapp]

Whatever. :rolleyes: If you think SIU plays the same against UNI as they do against ASU then that's your opinion. I see a conference team knowing how to play another conference team better than playing a team they seldom face.
I don't necessarily disagree with your argument that you can't really look at one game against a common opponent and say that it proves how two teams will fare against one another. There are way too many factors that enter into the equation. However, it seems to me the argument about familiarity with an opponent would seem to suggest that ASU performed better against Whitlock because they were facing an opponent they weren't familiar with.

[Blue42]

Sanders has impressed me for sure. It sounds like he's in that phase all young quarterbacks go through where they are establishing whether they are that good for real, or just having a good run. Either one can get you the title in the short term, but I suspect that may be the reason he's not getting talked about as much?


Sanders is 17-3 as a starter at UNI. One loss was to Iowa where he looked so good running and throwing that even Hawk fans admitted it (3 TD passes against a team playing in a Jan 2 bowl), one was to Missouri State this year where he wrecked his ankle on the 1st play of the 2nd quarter, and the other was vs. Western Kentucky in his first start as a freshman running about 1/3 of UNI's offense.

When he came back from the ankle this year and beat Youngstown and Western Kentucky, his ankle was still bad enough that he couldn't set his front foot on a drop back, so he had to drop and hop on one foot and he could hardly scramble. Still got it done.

He's well past having a good run. Why doesn't he get the press? Likely because UNI was out of the playoffs by the 5th game last year and he got hurt mid-season this year which kept him off the mid-year update to the Payton list. Sanders plays quarterback like Greg Maddux pitches. It's not physically overpowering, it's just efficient and effective and clutch when it counts.

[asumatt]

To quote Matt Dougherty of the Sports Network:

The Mountaineers win by a touchdown to bring the title home to Boone for the first time.

Prediction: Appalachian State 31, UNI 24

[Cap'n Cat]

Yeah, and last I checked, when ASU and Furman, or UNI and SIU, or any two teams in football step on the field, it's 11 on 11, and stats are kept. And you can compare those stats very effectively in a given season.

If you are trying for the rivalry emotions angle, try this one on for size. Try and convince anyone that SIU wanted to beat UNI more badly in the 2005 regular season than they wanted to beat ASU in the playoff quarterfinals. If you believe that, then you are slapping the SIU team in the face.

Your argument doesn't wash in this case. ASU played better against SIU than UNI did, the relevant stats say that. Both were road games for SIU. Both were on turf. The only difference in terms of field conditions was the temperature, but I'd hardly call Carbondale a warm climate in the late fall or winter. What more do you want?



Like I said a few pages back, dude has no credibility. Talks about football like that punk in his avatar would.

SMFH..............

ASU folks, I'd be embarrassed.

xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx

[Black and Gold Express]

Like I said a few pages back, dude has no credibility. Talks about football like that punk in his avatar would.

SMFH..............

ASU folks, I'd be embarrassed.

xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx

You whine an awful lot for somebody that allegedly doesn't care about my opinions. If you really didn't care, you wouldn't reply.

And let's see, your "reason" for it is that I posted something I heard that ended up not being true, and posted it in a manner asking for confirmation of it by someone that knew more. If this is the standard of "credibility", you're as much a bastion of mis-information as anyone else here, so your credibility is as good as mine then.

You're a joke dude, get over yourself.

[DinoDex200]

Like I said a few pages back, dude has no credibility. Talks about football like that punk in his avatar would.

SMFH..............

ASU folks, I'd be embarrassed.

xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx

I really don't think what he's saying is that off base. Comparing common opponents is really the only true comparison we have. Playing 6 degrees of separation is a complete wash. In I-AA football, you know even less about the opposing team than in I-A. It's a fact.

You seem to be ignoring that, in the supposed credibility killing post in question, he disagreed with the possibility of a UNI reprimand. You are discrediting him because he posted rumor and hearsay on a messageboard? I guess we all have no credibility then, huh?

[Cap'n Cat]

You whine an awful lot for somebody that allegedly doesn't care about my opinions. If you really didn't care, you wouldn't reply.

And let's see, your "reason" for it is that I posted something I heard that ended up not being true, and posted it in a manner asking for confirmation of it by someone that knew more. If this is the standard of "credibility", you're as much a bastion of mis-information as anyone else here, so your credibility is as good as mine then.

You're a joke dude, get over yourself.


As I said, no credibility - for that incident you made up and for this football talk. I'm trying to read around your drivel.

But, while we're at it - quantify for me, little guy, "talent" on the field, will ya?

This oughta be good.

SMFH, again..............that such people are allowed on this board.


:nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2: xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx

[Cap'n Cat]

I really don't think what he's saying is that off base. Comparing common opponents is really the only true comparison we have. Playing 6 degrees of separation is a complete wash. In I-AA football, you know even less about the opposing team than in I-A. It's a fact.

Wrong. I'm waiting for Junior to quantify "talent".

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:




You seem to be ignoring that, in the supposed credibility killing post in question, he disagreed with the possibility of a UNI reprimand. You are discrediting him because he posted rumor and hearsay on a messageboard? I guess we all have no credibility then, huh?

No rumor. The guy lied. He's the UMassfan of ASU.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

:nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2:

[tralfangar]

Not embarrassed at all. He's simply trying to make conversation and have an argument on which team is better based on the only comparison available.

The only reasons I've read so far on why UNI fans think they're the better team is because

1) Good Teamwork
2) Emotion
3) No Respect
4) Destiny
5) The game is played on the field

All are decent reasons , but you can't really compare any of them because you could easily say all of them for ASU as well. Find something BETTER to compare than SIU and I'm sure B&G will gladly debate about that instead.

[Cap'n Cat]

Not embarrassed at all. He's simply trying to make conversation and have an argument on which team is better based on the only comparison available.

The only reasons I've read so far on why UNI fans think they're the better team is because

1) Good Teamwork
2) Emotion
3) No Respect
4) Destiny
5) The game is played on the field

All are decent reasons , but you can't really compare any of them because you could easily say all of them for ASU as well. Find something BETTER to compare than SIU and I'm sure B&G will gladly debate about that instead.



Glad you see it that way, traf! The guy is into snapshots - VERY inaccurate. Doesn't account for all the intangibles, just the superficials. No credibility.....for some of us, at least.

:nod: :nod:

[Cap'n Cat]

BTW, I remembered that this is Discussion. I apologize for getting after him in this forum. We can continue elsewhere, if you'd like.


:)

[Black and Gold Express]

I really don't think what he's saying is that off base. Comparing common opponents is really the only true comparison we have. Playing 6 degrees of separation is a complete wash. In I-AA football, you know even less about the opposing team than in I-A. It's a fact.

You seem to be ignoring that, in the supposed credibility killing post in question, he disagreed with the possibility of a UNI reprimand. You are discrediting him because he posted rumor and hearsay on a messageboard? I guess we all have no credibility then, huh?

He's ignoring that, because he's got a screw loose upstairs, and for some unknown reason has decided to have it in for me. Like that's really going to keep me sleepless at night. :boring:

Here's the deal, I had a discussion with someone who is a real insider at ASU (I'm not going to name names, sorry) and the topic of the lack of the Third Down Bell in games came up. I mentioned that I had heard (on here) that UNI's PA announcers had gone back to doing their usual stuff in the UNI Dome late in the game, and if they did it, why couldn't we?

The reply I got said they were aware of it, but had heard that UNI was being looked at by the NCAA, and they expected fines were possible for it. And that was why ASU was going to toe the line.

So, I post back here asking about that, and as you stated, I said that if it was true it would be a load of garbage.

Turns out it was not true. Okay, no big deal, right? To most UNI fans, it seems so. But the li'l Cap'n suddenly gets a burr in his butt, and seems to take this personally? And in his child-like manner tries to take on the role of "message board bully" because of it?

Talk about xidiotx...

You make up your mind what you want to think of it.

[DinoDex200]

Glad you see it that way, traf! The guy is into snapshots - VERY inaccurate. Doesn't account for all the intangibles, just the superficials. No credibility.....for some of us, at least.

:nod: :nod:

If you want to make it part of the discussion, I'll ask the question:

What are the intangibles you speak of? And where does UNI have the advantage over ASU in this area?

It seems to me that many UNI fans are under the impression that ASU is here solely on talent, and UNI is here solely on their team chemistry, or some other unmeasurable quality.

Oh...and if either BnG or Cap'n can post a link of the thread in question, I might better be able to judge what caused this rift. Thanks.

[Black and Gold Express]

Glad you see it that way, traf! The guy is into snapshots - VERY inaccurate. Doesn't account for all the intangibles, just the superficials.

Okay then, why don't you break down this game for us. You've already tossed out a 33-13 win prediction for UNI. Why don't you give us some sound reasons for it.

I've played sports all my life, up through college in baseball, and recreationally in many others. I understand the nature of intangibles. I've never once said they don't matter. But if you are going to base a pick solely off those, then you're "prediction" is more of a "wish" than anything else.

That's why they keep statistics, to compare and contrast performances as best possible. They are obviously much more useful for teams with a lot of comon opponents. But when two teams have no head to head history, and have one common opponent, then please enlighten us on how you compare those two teams in a meaningful way.

This oughta be fun.

[Cap'n Cat]

He's ignoring that, because he's got a screw loose upstairs, and for some unknown reason has decided to have it in for me. Like that's really going to keep me sleepless at night. :boring:

Here's the deal, I had a discussion with someone who is a real insider at ASU (I'm not going to name names, sorry) and the topic of the lack of the Third Down Bell in games came up. I mentioned that I had heard (on here) that UNI's PA announcers had gone back to doing their usual stuff in the UNI Dome late in the game, and if they did it, why couldn't we?

The reply I got said they were aware of it, but had heard that UNI was being looked at by the NCAA, and they expected fines were possible for it. And that was why ASU was going to toe the line.

So, I post back here asking about that, and as you stated, I said that if it was true it would be a load of garbage.

Turns out it was not true. Okay, no big deal, right? To most UNI fans, it seems so. But the li'l Cap'n suddenly gets a burr in his butt, and seems to take this personally? And in his child-like manner tries to take on the role of "message board bully" because of it?

Talk about xidiotx...

You make up your mind what you want to think of it.



Keep digging that hole BGE!

Recounting that whole thing does you no favors. You lied, and like a 13 yr old girl, you couldn't RESIST posting untrue and/or exaggerated gossip.

And no one is taking that personally, you shat yourself and I'm just here to point that out. No credibility. My PM cache in the last half hour tells me so, as well. And from ASU people? Sad.....very.

xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx

Keep talkin', Junior. I'm hanging on every word...............

:eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow:

[Black and Gold Express]

Keep digging that hole BGE!

Recounting that whole thing does you no favors. You lied, and like a 13 yr old girl, you couldn't RESIST posting untrue and/or exaggerated gossip.

And no one is taking that personally, you shat yourself and I'm just here to point that out. No credibility. My PM cache in the last half hour tells me so, as well. And from ASU people? Sad.....very.

xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx

Keep talkin', Junior. I'm hanging on every word...............

:eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow:

You need people to PM you to make yourself feel better? Just how pathetic are you? Well, that 7000+ post count does tell a lot...

It wouldn't matter what was said, you've made up your mind in that little brain of yours already. So here's the final word I have to say on this topic, for good.

Oh no, some drunk in Minnesota who spends all day, every day, posting here doesn't like me. What am I ever to do? xlolx

waa waa

[DinoDex200]

Keep digging that hole BGE!

Recounting that whole thing does you no favors. You lied, and like a 13 yr old girl, you couldn't RESIST posting untrue and/or exaggerated gossip.

And no one is taking that personally, you shat yourself and I'm just here to point that out. No credibility. My PM cache in the last half hour tells me so, as well. And from ASU people? Sad.....very.

xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx xidiotx

Keep talkin', Junior. I'm hanging on every word...............

:eyebrow: :eyebrow: :eyebrow:

:rolleyes:

Lying about your PM cache doesn't earn alot of credibility either.

You still haven't delineated exactly what these magical "intangibles" we should all be on the look out for on Friday...and why UNI has more of something that's unquantifiable.

[Cap'n Cat]

Okay then, why don't you break down this game for us. You've already tossed out a 33-13 win prediction for UNI. Why don't you give us some sound reasons for it.

I've played sports all my life, up through college in baseball, and recreationally in many others. I understand the nature of intangibles. I've never once said they don't matter. But if you are going to base a pick solely off those, then you're "prediction" is more of a "wish" than anything else.

That's why they keep statistics, to compare and contrast performances as best possible. They are obviously much more useful for teams with a lot of comon opponents. But when two teams have no head to head history, and have one common opponent, then please enlighten us on how you compare those two teams in a meaningful way.

This oughta be fun.



Hang on, it will be fun.

First, you played baseball? Baseball is nothing more than croquet in tight pants.

Second, stats are for rubes. Suggestion: get your hands on video of the opposing teams. In case you can't do that,

Third, Junior, all homer "predictions" are wishes, so WTF? I'll give no "sound" reaons for it - just as you cannot extrapolate stats and provide SOUND reasons for your "wish". 'Twas two different games, Rover, so dream about comparisons, but don't dry hump them like you are.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Get it?


So, what do you do? Hope your wish comes true, throw out the stats (and, ahem, lotta good those stats did for Santos, Meyer, Sambursky and Nealy :eyebrow: ), and play the game.

Get it?

[Black and Gold Express]

Oh...and if either BnG or Cap'n can post a link of the thread in question, I might better be able to judge what caused this rift. Thanks.

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5833

Rereading it, I see where the Cap'n uses the old unnamed sources angle in there. So if I do that, and am somehow lying and actually "made it up", then I guess the Cap'ns no better off then, huh?

[Cap'n Cat]

:rolleyes:

Lying about your PM cache doesn't earn alot of credibility either.

You still haven't delineated exactly what these magical "intangibles" we should all be on the look out for on Friday...and why UNI has more of something that's unquantifiable.



Like BGE - you know all and see all, eh?

What a toad...........



(Looking back, searchin, trying to find where I said UNI has more of "something that's unquantifiable"......................

DinoDinosaur sez it's there, so it must be. He wouldn't misrepresent..................give me a minute.)


:asswhip: :asswhip: :asswhip:

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Damn. This "debate" is turning ugly, ain't it. :nono:

[DinoDex200]

So basically, there's no point to this thread? I guess we should all speculate on the game based solely on the strict guidelines you have set out? No stat comparisons. No common opponent comparisons. Just wild speculation? That makes sense.

Or, of course, we could go with the most popular post by UNI fans this week:

That's what EWU, UNH, and Texas St. all said, and look what happened to them!

Sound reasoning there.

[Cap'n Cat]

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5833

Rereading it, I see where the Cap'n uses the old unnamed sources angle in there. So if I do that, and am somehow lying and actually "made it up", then I guess the Cap'ns no better off then, huh?


Here: my unnamed source - Dome announcer himself!

Care to divulge your imaginary ghost, now, lyin' little kid?

Didn't think so.................

Credibility gap keeps expandin' for ya, BGE:

http://dommy.com/alan/pix/meteor-crater.jpg

[DinoDex200]

Wait, I'll help.


Doesn't account for all the intangibles, just the superficials.

Can't really quantify intangibles, can you?

[Cap'n Cat]

So basically, there's no point to this thread? I guess we should all speculate on the game based solely on the strict guidelines you have set out? No stat comparisons. No common opponent comparisons. Just wild speculation? That makes sense.

Or, of course, we could go with the most popular post by UNI fans this week:

That's what EWU, UNH, and Texas St. all said, and look what happened to them!

Sound reasoning there.


That's PART of my point, Dex!!!!

There is no sound reasoning! Stats and limited exposure to a common opponent are no way to judge a team or prognosticate a game - very unreliable!

Now, get out of the way while Junior and I duke it out.

:asswhip: :asswhip:

[Cap'n Cat]

Wait, I'll help.



Can't really quantify intangibles, can you?




Never said one could!!!!!!! Stats in a game such as this are JUST AS unreliable.

Do you read the posts, Dex?

:confused: :confused: :confused:

[appst89]

No rumor. The guy lied. He's the UMassfan of ASU.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

:nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2: :nonono2:

That's total BS. Please clarify how he lied. He reported what he had heard and asked if anyone else knew anything about it.

For someone so hung up on credibility, you're losing any you've had pretty quickly.

[tralfangar]

Make the pain stop :bang: :bang: :bang:

Go to smack thread pleeeeeease...then give us something to talk about concerning the game.

Here...the chickpea is neither a chick nor a pea...discuss.

[Cap'n Cat]

You need people to PM you to make yourself feel better? Just how pathetic are you? Well, that 7000+ post count does tell a lot...[/quote


Didn't ask 'em - they sure know you better than I do!!

[quote]It wouldn't matter what was said, you've made up your mind in that little brain of yours already. So here's the final word I have to say on this topic, for good.

Oh no, some drunk in Minnesota who spends all day, every day, posting here doesn't like me. What am I ever to do? xlolx

waa waa

Let's get this straight, buddy - I'm a drunk from Wisconsin, not Minnesota, who spends all day, everyday, posting here and doesn't like you.


GOT IT?

:spank: :spank:

[Cap'n Cat]

That's total BS. Please clarify how he lied. He reported what he had heard and asked if anyone else knew anything about it.

For someone so hung up on credibility, you're losing any you've had pretty quickly.


That's what he says, Apper. I don't believe him, that's all. You do? Hey, party on, dude!

:rolleyes:

[Black and Gold Express]

[QUOTE=Cap'n Cat]Second, stats are for rubes. Suggestion: get your hands on video of the opposing teams.[/QOUTE]

Plausible, but even with videos, you have to have a common denominator in there to make comparisons. So we're back to videos of the SIU games for each team, aka your "snapshot" that you already have commented on.

You cannot do a valid comparison without some actual way to link the teams. Looking at ASU/Furman and UNI/TSU won't tell you all that much other than they are both good teams (we knew that already), because there is no basis for comparison between Furman and Texas State. Personnel, abilities, and game styles are different.

We analyze players on things we see, such as speed, strength, accuracy, etc. But unless you've got the ability to see both teams lined up against the same opponent, the variables come flying in from everywhere.

You're like the dying breed of scouts in baseball, the ones that picked guys they thought "looked good" and had "that something special". They are dying out for a reason, because the successful franchises lately have been copying the Billy Beane Moneyball method of crunching numbers and getting real facts on prospects based off of hard data, not biased opinions. Maybe because that's more accurate?

Nah, couldn't be that.

What's funny is I have no doubt at all that if the stats in these scenarios favored UNI, you'd be the one "dry humping" them for all they are worth.

[Cap'n Cat]

Make the pain stop :bang: :bang: :bang:

Go to smack thread pleeeeeease...then give us something to talk about concerning the game.

Here...the chickpea is neither a chick nor a pea...discuss.

LMAO!!!!


OK, he wins. He's God.

I got a 2:30 meeting, then I'm headed for Chattanooga.

BGE, I'll PM you my cell number. Call me Thursday night or early Friday for beer.

:xmas:

Go Mounties!

[DinoDex200]

Never said one could!!!!!!! Stats in a game such as this are JUST AS unreliable.

Do you read the posts, Dex?

:confused: :confused: :confused:

Look...you said you had never mentioned anything unquantifiable, yet you clearly metioned intangibles. Intangibles are, by nature, unquantifiable.

You seem very hung up on them...and seem to value them more than anything concrete. I am just curious why UNI has an advantage in this area. Call it a half-assed attempt to turn this back into a discussion thread.

Although, I suppose this argument is better than being thread-jacked by some I-A lovin' newbie with 80 teams. :)

[Black and Gold Express]

LMAO!!!!


OK, he wins. He's God.

I got a 2:30 meeting, then I'm headed for Chattanooga.

BGE, I'll PM you my cell number. Call me Thursday night or early Friday for beer.

:xmas:

Go Mounties!

So you are going after all?

I won't be in until about 3 hours before gametime. I'm in section 129, swing on by.

Looking for the PM...

[Cap'n Cat]

[QUOTE=Cap'n Cat]Second, stats are for rubes. Suggestion: get your hands on video of the opposing teams.[/QOUTE]

Plausible, but even with videos, you have to have a common denominator in there to make comparisons. So we're back to videos of the SIU games for each team, aka your "snapshot" that you already have commented on.

You cannot do a valid comparison without some actual way to link the teams. Looking at ASU/Furman and UNI/TSU won't tell you all that much other than they are both good teams (we knew that already), because there is no basis for comparison between Furman and Texas State. Personnel, abilities, and game styles are different.

We analyze players on things we see, such as speed, strength, accuracy, etc. But unless you've got the ability to see both teams lined up against the same opponent, the variables come flying in from everywhere.

You're like the dying breed of scouts in baseball, the ones that picked guys they thought "looked good" and had "that something special". They are dying out for a reason, because the successful franchises lately have been copying the Billy Beane Moneyball method of crunching numbers and getting real facts on prospects based off of hard data, not biased opinions. Maybe because that's more accurate?

Nah, couldn't be that.

What's funny is I have no doubt at all that if the stats in these scenarios favored UNI, you'd be the one "dry humping" them for all they are worth.


Positively not true, BGE. I loath stats. *****, I can't even name five members of the UNI team, if you ask me!! That's how distant I am from names and numbers. But, having followed this troupe around for the past seven weeks, I know "team" (intangible) when I see it. No more, no less. Not sound, not quantifiable. As such, just as reliable, in this game, an indicator of the outcome. Not very.

Check your pM.

:xmas:

[appst89]

That's what he says, Apper. I don't believe him, that's all. You do? Hey, party on, dude!

:rolleyes:

You still haven't said how he lied. Asking a question isn't lying. :bang: :bang: :bang:

[Black and Gold Express]

That's PART of my point, Dex!!!!

There is no sound reasoning! Stats and limited exposure to a common opponent are no way to judge a team or prognosticate a game - very unreliable!

Now, get out of the way while Junior and I duke it out.

:asswhip: :asswhip:

Not as reliable as I'd like - obviously, but 1) it's all we got, and 2) it's a hell of a lot more accurate that going solely on intangibles.

[Cap'n Cat]

Going to a meeting. Apologies to BGE for calling him out here. I knee-jerked.

Go Appy!
Go Cats!

:hyped: :hyped: :hyped: :hyped:

[igo4uni]

So you are going after all?

.

He's been kind of "under the radar" about this. Very unlike the Cap'n. I think he's got a half time interview set up on ESPN2 and doesn't want to ruin the surprise. :cool:

[Black and Gold Express]

Going to a meeting. Apologies to BGE for calling him out here. I knee-jerked.

Go Appy!
Go Cats!

:hyped: :hyped: :hyped: :hyped:

Olive branch extended. Let's agree to disagree, and move forward?

[GreatAppSt]

pheeew!! thank goodnes that's over with. :nonono2: :rolleyes:

[Killsback]

As a Saluki who was at both the UNI game in the Dome and the Appy State game in the playoffs, I do have some observations.

Whitlock got hurt in the Appy State game in the second quarter, and finally left the game early in the third. He could not go any more. He was getting warmed up when he got hurt and was starting to get some pretty good yards. Whitlock ran all over UNI in the game in the Dome. But it was also SIU's game plan to control the clock with Whitlock.

At Appy state the Salukis got behind so fast that they did not get to use Whitlock as they had hoped. He still managed 95 yards on 20 carries.

Appy State's defense was better...quicker to the ball...but UNI's ofense was better than Appy's. I know that Appy State scored 38 on the Salukis, but an interception was returned to the SIU 11 and two TD's were on blown coverages. Not to say they would not have scored eventually, but Sanders is playing better than any QB at this time. If Sanders has time, he will pick Appy State apart and keep UNI in the game. I don't think UNI will be able to run against Appy very well.

My prediction is UNI 31 Appy State 27

[jwfgeol]

We know both teams can pass and score, but I think the game will hinge on the running game of both teams. If App is able to keep UNI one-dimensional, Sanders won't have the day he had against Texas State. If Richardson can get on track and take some pressure off of Elder, I see an App victory in Chatt.

Final
App 34
UNI 31

[DinoDex200]

Appy State's defense was better...quicker to the ball...but UNI's ofense was better than Appy's. I know that Appy State scored 38 on the Salukis, but an interception was returned to the SIU 11 and two TD's were on blown coverages. Not to say they would not have scored eventually, but Sanders is playing better than any QB at this time. If Sanders has time, he will pick Appy State apart and keep UNI in the game. I don't think UNI will be able to run against Appy very well.

My prediction is UNI 31 Appy State 27

The biggest reason Sambursky turned the ball over those two times was the pressure ASU got on him. From what I have seen, he's more mobile than Sanders. I think ASU will be able to pressure Sanders in a way he wasn't against Tx St.

What I guess I'm saying is that Sanders won't have time to pick ASU's secondary apart. At least, I don't think so.

[soweagle]

If this game is anyhting like this thread it will be one for the ages.

[DinoDex200]

If this game is anyhting like this thread it will be one for the ages.

And very random. :)

[Cincy App]

The biggest reason Sambursky turned the ball over those two times was the pressure ASU got on him. From what I have seen, he's more mobile than Sanders. I think ASU will be able to pressure Sanders in a way he wasn't against Tx St.

What I guess I'm saying is that Sanders won't have time to pick ASU's secondary apart. At least, I don't think so.

A big key to Friday night's game will be the matchup of ASU's defensive ends vs. UNI's offensive tackles. ASU's Hunter and Murrell are hard to handle and generally don't give opposing QB's time to set up in the pocket - particularly if their offense does not establish an effective running game.

Looking forward to a great game Friday between two deserving teams!

[Killsback]

Sambursky's first INT was simply overthrown..he never saw the safety. He was not pressured at all. The second one he got hit just as he was completing the throw and it was way short. The pressure was tremendous all day and that is why I said if Sanders is not pressured he will pick Appy apart. Can they get pressure on Sanders? I don't think UNI's run game will be a factor.

[Black and Gold Express]

Sambursky's first INT was simply overthrown..he never saw the safety. He was not pressured at all. The second one he got hit just as he was completing the throw and it was way short. The pressure was tremendous all day and that is why I said if Sanders is not pressured he will pick Appy apart. Can they get pressure on Sanders? I don't think UNI's run game will be a factor.

You have a perspective to answer this.

Who's O-line is quicker, SIU's or UNI's?

I remember in the days leading up to the ASU/SIU game, a lot of the SIU talk was that the thoughts were that since you outsized us on the lines, we'd have a tought time getting in there. But we were quick enough to get past the line (and used a lot of stunts if I recall correctly) and that size was countered.

A quick O-line will negate our abilities far more than a big line will. Furman's line is like that, and we got to Martin a lot less than usual. So if UNI's line is not appreciably more athletic and quick than SIU's, that could bode well for us.

Conversely, our O-line's stats have been real impressive in the sacks allowed department, but it's also because Richie and Trey are able to move enough to give the receivers time to get open, or in Trey's case more often it seems he's been quicker to check down and get the ball out of there.

Thoughts?

[Killsback]

I would say UNI's is quicker. Our running game is built on giving Whitlock just a little crease and he can do the rest. Your stunting at the last second hurt our blocking schemes and Whitlock was left to do a lot of the ground gaining by himself. He did a nice job of it, but....

UNI's line gets out on sweeps better and quick tosses.

[Appdad]

I would say UNI's is quicker. Our running game is built on giving Whitlock just a little crease and he can do the rest. Your stunting at the last second hurt our blocking schemes and Whitlock was left to do a lot of the ground gaining by himself. He did a nice job of it, but....

UNI's line gets out on sweeps better and quick tosses.

ASU's line is as quick as I have seen this year. They were quick enough to keep LSU off Richie and I have the tape from the Cox network. Their announcers couldn't believe Richie and they couldn't get over how our OL was picking things up.
Re-watch your tape and see the flow downfield on the screens.

A quick OL doesn't bother us as much as Felton as a back did. We are a little small on D but very quick. Our OL is quick enough to get in position to block and strong enough to get an offensive surge.

[bcrawf]

Look at all of the Big Plays in the past two months of UNI's run. What do most of them have in common? The defense is blitzing or there is a d-line stunt.

If you bring extra pressure against Sanders- YOU GET BURNED.

Our line is substantially quicker than SIU. The Right Tackle Joe Lobdell has the most perfect form I have ever seen from an O-Lineman (Shuffle, Shuffle, Punch) Its beautiful (I am a high school O-Line Coach by the way) The other four are well over 300 and have good quickness for guys that size.

Also, what is the best way to neutralize good D-Ends like ASU has (those guys are studs)? Run right by them- You will see a healthy dose of David Horne and a healthy Terrance Freeney.

The Intangibles Just Scream UNI- 27-24 :twocents:

[Appdad]

[QUOTE=A quick O-line will negate our abilities far more than a big line will. Furman's line is like that, and we got to Martin a lot less than usual. So if UNI's line is not appreciably more athletic and quick than SIU's, that could bode well for us.
Thoughts?[/QUOTE]

From what I have seen on two tapes, yes that is limited, the UNI QB is not near as fast as Martin. Martin is very fast and very hard for even our DE's to drag race.

[bcrawf]

Sanders has been playing on 1 leg since the beginning of October and still is!!

[Reed Rothchild]

Our running game is built on giving Whitlock just a little crease and he can do the rest.


Its also important to remember that the two teams blocking schemes are very different and require different approaches.

The key up front will be if our tackles can somehow contain App St. All-American defensive ends. Lobdell is quick and has improved since coming over from the dline. Rhinehart has all-american potential but has been inconsistent at times this year. He got owned by the Payton Candidate, Brent Hawkins, from Illinois St this year, but has made up for it with consistency down the stretch.

[SoCon48]

If Richardson can get on track and take some pressure off of Elder, I see an App victory in Chatt.



AMEN!! Big if, but is a real key.

[DinoDex200]

Look at all of the Big Plays in the past two months of UNI's run. What do most of them have in common? The defense is blitzing or there is a d-line stunt.

If you bring extra pressure against Sanders- YOU GET BURNED.

Our line is substantially quicker than SIU. The Right Tackle Joe Lobdell has the most perfect form I have ever seen from an O-Lineman (Shuffle, Shuffle, Punch) Its beautiful (I am a high school O-Line Coach by the way) The other four are well over 300 and have good quickness for guys that size.

Also, what is the best way to neutralize good D-Ends like ASU has (those guys are studs)? Run right by them- You will see a healthy dose of David Horne and a healthy Terrance Freeney.

The Intangibles Just Scream UNI- 27-24 :twocents:

We don't "blitz" alot in that we don't consistently rush more than 4, because all of our DL's are good at getting pressure. There have been certain situations where we will bring 5 or 6, but I've only seen it happen against Furman because 4 wasn't getting it done.

I think the biggest match-up in this game will be our run defense against your run offense. If the run isn't effective, and Sanders is in obvious passing situations, he won't be as effective, and our chance to get pressure goes up exponentially.

[Black and Gold Express]

The Intangibles Just Scream UNI- 27-24 :twocents:

I think you need your hearing checked, my friend. I'm clearly hearing "ASU 35, UNI 23"... :)