AGS TOP 25 PRESEASON POLL

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Let's get this started. AGS has outpaced every other true poll, each and every year since we started it. Come on over to the poll board and give your top 25 and discuss teams. xthumbsupx

[tribefan40]

1. Villanova Wildcats
2. Montana Grizzlies
3. Appalachian State Mountaineers
4. William & Mary Tribe
5. Southern Illinois Salukis
6. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
7. Elon Phoenix
8. South Carolina State Bulldogs
9. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
10. Weber State Wildcats
11. Eastern Washington Eagles
12. McNeese State Cowboys
13. New Hampshire Wildcats
14. Northern Iowa Panthers
15. James Madison Royal Dukes
16. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
17. Richmond Spiders
18. Prairie View A&M Panthers
19. Eastern Illinois Panthers
20. Delaware Blue Hens
21. Cal Poly Mustangs
22. Liberty Flames
23. Florida A&M Rattlers
24. Lafayette Leopards
25. Texas State Bobcats

Total Stab in the dark outside the top ten. Don't rip me too hard. xwhistlex

[Wildcat80]

1. Villanova Wildcats
2. Montana Grizzlies
3. Appalachian State Mountaineers
4. William & Mary Tribe
5. Southern Illinois Salukis
6. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
7. Elon Phoenix
8. South Carolina State Bulldogs
9. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
10. Weber State Wildcats
11. Eastern Washington Eagles
12. McNeese State Cowboys
13. New Hampshire Wildcats
14. Northern Iowa Panthers
15. James Madison Royal Dukes
16. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
17. Richmond Spiders
18. Prairie View A&M Panthers
19. Eastern Illinois Panthers
20. Delaware Blue Hens
21. Cal Poly Mustangs
22. Liberty Flames
23. Florida A&M Rattlers
24. Lafayette Leopards
25. Texas State Bobcats

Total Stab in the dark outside the top ten. Don't rip me too hard. xwhistlex

New Hampshire is a Top Ten team! On paper we are returning more playmakers than McNeese who we defeated in the 1st round and I assume we have Weber & EWU comparative scores in our favor. Typical for a mary & bill fan. Will this be the year for UNH??? Hope so!!xthumbsupx

[Redbirdz]

Jacksonville State will definitely be a top ten contender, maybe top five.

[PhoenixPhan06]

Looks about right for the Phoenix. Anything in the top 10 is a reasonable pre-season pick.

[jmu_duke07]

1. Villanova Wildcats
2. Montana Grizzlies
3. Appalachian State Mountaineers
4. William & Mary Tribe
5. Southern Illinois Salukis
6. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
7. Elon Phoenix
8. South Carolina State Bulldogs
9. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
10. Weber State Wildcats
11. Eastern Washington Eagles
12. McNeese State Cowboys
13. New Hampshire Wildcats
14. Northern Iowa Panthers
15. James Madison Royal Dukes
16. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
17. Richmond Spiders
18. Prairie View A&M Panthers
19. Eastern Illinois Panthers
20. Delaware Blue Hens
21. Cal Poly Mustangs
22. Liberty Flames
23. Florida A&M Rattlers
24. Lafayette Leopards
25. Texas State Bobcats

Total Stab in the dark outside the top ten. Don't rip me too hard. xwhistlex

Appalachian St. WAY too high as is Montana. Also, Delaware in top 25??? Really xeyebrowx

[AppAlum2003]

Appalachian St. WAY too high as is Montana. Also, Delaware in top 25??? Really xeyebrowx

xnodx

ASU is WAAAAYYY too high - might be lucky to win 4 games this year xthumbsupx

[smallcollegefbfan]

I took a stab as well. I really like UNH and I believe SC State will surprise and be a possible top 5 team.

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. Montana
5. South Dakota State
6. South Carolina State
7. McNeese State
8. Elon
9. Stephen F. Austin
10. Appalachian State
11. Jacksonville State
12. Weber State
13. James Madison
14. Eastern Kentucky
15. Richmond
16. William & Mary
17. Delaware
18. Northern Arizona
19. Cal Poly
20. Grambling State
21. Liberty
22. Lehigh
23. Prairie View A&M
24. UC Davis
25. Colgate

[SaintDK10]

Jesus, I thought Jax St. was supposed to have a down year with Perrilloux gone. This could get really ugly for GSU this year...

[Wildcat80]

I took a stab as well. I really like UNH and I believe SC State will surprise and be a possible top 5 team.

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. Montana
5. South Dakota State
6. South Carolina State
7. McNeese State
8. Elon
9. Stephen F. Austin
10. Appalachian State
11. Jacksonville State
12. Weber State
13. James Madison
14. Eastern Kentucky
15. Richmond
16. William & Mary
17. Delaware
18. Northern Arizona
19. Cal Poly
20. Grambling State
21. Liberty
22. Lehigh
23. Prairie View A&M
24. UC Davis
25. Colgate

Now that's a Poll I can agree with ! Will not be easy though. nova, bill & mary, lehigh, jmu, richmond, plus Pittsburgh on schedule!xhurrayx

[PaladinFan]

Looks about right for the Phoenix. Anything in the top 10 is a reasonable pre-season pick.

Any particular reason why you are assured of a top ten slot? First round playoff exit and lost your best player and half your defense to graduation. Not saying they shouldn't be there, but why is that reasonable?

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Based on who they return, I would put Delaware closer to #10. Maybe App State and Montana are too high, but who would you replace them with?

I believe Villanova is a clear-cut Preseason #1 ... and then its a crapshoot after that.

[JSU02]

This could get really ugly for GSU this year...

We've been telling y'all that. Its not gonna be pretty...xlolx

[Saint3333]

For those CAA fans that participated in that assine ASU vs. CAA thread earlier this month, I find it interesting that you ranked only 1 or 2 CAA teams above them.

Not a huge fan of preseason polls, but when is the "official" AGS poll start?

[Grizo406]

Nice job, tribefan40 & SCFF!xthumbsupx

Anyone that ranks Montana in the top 5 is my BFF!!xnodxxlolx

[tribefan40]

New Hampshire is a Top Ten team! On paper we are returning more playmakers than McNeese who we defeated in the 1st round and I assume we have Weber & EWU comparative scores in our favor. Typical for a mary & bill fan. Will this be the year for UNH??? Hope so!!xthumbsupx

When was the last time UNH beat W&M? I can't find it. Please let me know..... xwhistlex

[tribe_pride]

For those CAA fans that participated in that assine ASU vs. CAA thread earlier this month, I find it interesting that you ranked only 1 or 2 CAA teams above them.

Not a huge fan of preseason polls, but when is the "official" AGS poll start?

I didn't participate but you have to remember that there is an 8 game season. The options were (a) win all, (b) win at least 7 (means 7-1), (c) with at least .500 (4-4 through 6-2) or (d) less than .500. Most said either 7-1 or at least .500.

I think only once in the last 5 years has a team finished undefeated. Usually there are 2 teams with only 1 loss. This year will be tougher as 2 of the weaker teams for the past few years are no longer in the league. This will lead to a lower chance that even the 2nd place team has only 1 loss.

If you thought that App would finish 2nd in the conference, 6-2 is not necessaily unreasonable which would mean at least .500.

[tribefan40]

For those CAA fans that participated in that assine ASU vs. CAA thread earlier this month, I find it interesting that you ranked only 1 or 2 CAA teams above them.

Not a huge fan of preseason polls, but when is the "official" AGS poll start?

That's because they're coming out of the SoCon, not the CAA xrotatehx
No seriously, I never said that ASU isn't a great program. They should be right up there again this year.

[Willie]

Appalachian St. WAY too high as is Montana. Also, Delaware in top 25??? Really xeyebrowx

Why is Montana too high? I'm not being a jackass here. I would just like to know why.

[tribefan40]

I took a stab as well. I really like UNH and I believe SC State will surprise and be a possible top 5 team.

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. Montana
5. South Dakota State
6. South Carolina State
7. McNeese State
8. Elon
9. Stephen F. Austin
10. Appalachian State
11. Jacksonville State
12. Weber State
13. James Madison
14. Eastern Kentucky
15. Richmond
16. William & Mary
17. Delaware
18. Northern Arizona
19. Cal Poly
20. Grambling State
21. Liberty
22. Lehigh
23. Prairie View A&M
24. UC Davis
25. Colgate

Boo! No way W&M finishes behind UR this year, they aren't going to be anything near the team they have been. UNH must have picked up some killer recruits, I might just have to drive up to Durham this year and witness it for myself. xrotatehx

[tribefan40]

Appalachian St. WAY too high as is Montana. Also, Delaware in top 25??? Really xeyebrowx

I disagree, both are still good programs and will be tops in their conferences. Delaware is returning a lot and was just outside the top 25 at seasons end (as was JMU)

[Saint3333]

I didn't participate but you have to remember that there is an 8 game season. The options were (a) win all, (b) win at least 7 (means 7-1), (c) with at least .500 (4-4 through 6-2) or (d) less than .500. Most said either 7-1 or at least .500.

I think only once in the last 5 years has a team finished undefeated. Usually there are 2 teams with only 1 loss. This year will be tougher as 2 of the weaker teams for the past few years are no longer in the league. This will lead to a lower chance that even the 2nd place team has only 1 loss.

If you thought that App would finish 2nd in the conference, 6-2 is not necessaily unreasonable which would mean at least .500.

I certainly do not want to relive that thread, but just to be clear the original question (as stated in the first post of that thread) was:

'How many CAA games do you think App would win if they had to play all 10 CAA schools "

7-3 is all it would take, therefore the humor when comparing the two threads.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Boo! No way W&M finishes behind UR this year, they aren't going to be anything near the team they have been.

I hope you're right. We're sick and tired of that I-64/Capital Cup trophy we've had up here for the last 5 years.

[Redbird Ray]

There is no f***ing way that 6 CAA teams are better than Illinois State (likely 3rd best MVFC) or whoever the third best SoCon team may be.

Oh, and I don't mean to be a dick, but the Patriot League sucks. Let's keep the top 25 poll reserved for legit top 25 teams.

Geez, must be something about the Yanks and Sawks playing that brings out the East Coast bias even more than usual.

[UNH Fanboi]

When was the last time UNH beat W&M? I can't find it. Please let me know..... xwhistlex

I asked myself that question once, and the answer is 1998. But all the losses since then have been close, with the exception of, ironically, the one in 2005, which was UNH's best team against a mediocre, 5-win W&M team.

[LakesBison]

South Dakota State will be lucky to win 7 games with their schedule.

Small college dude has them at #5, you're kidding right?

Cal Poly was miserable at the end of the year as well.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

There is no f***ing way that 6 CAA teams are better than Illinois State (likely 3rd best MVFC) or whoever the third best SoCon team may be.


Why is this so crazy? Richmond will probably be around 5th or 6th place CAA team and I'd be happy to see us play Illinois State anywhere.

We play Elon in the third week. They'll be top 3 in the SoCon and I think we have a pretty decent chance of beating them too.

[McNeese75]

Both polls thrown out so far have McNeese too high unless a transfer QB lands on campus before September. xcoolx

[smallcollegefbfan]

South Dakota State will be lucky to win 7 games with their schedule.

Small college dude has them at #5, you're kidding right?

Cal Poly was miserable at the end of the year as well.

They return a lot of talent mainly losing just Batten, Bender, Knips, Johnson, and Fox. The rest of the team is back. One thing to remember is that they had some players hurt last year that will upgrade this team in 2010. I really expect them to win more than 7 games. I expect 8 wins but the reason I have them so high are because the losses I expect are to Nebraska, top 5 SIU, and maybe Delaware.. If they beat Delaware and UNI I believe they will be a top 5 team, if they lose to one of them then I would say 9-15 range.

Cal Poly was not that good but I expect them to bounce back with a lot of good players returning and no major losses. They will get better. It would be shocking not to see them win 7-8 games this year.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Boo! No way W&M finishes behind UR this year, they aren't going to be anything near the team they have been. UNH must have picked up some killer recruits, I might just have to drive up to Durham this year and witness it for myself. xrotatehx

Just put something out to get discussion. As I get more information over the next 3-4 weeks I will tweak this heavily.

Over the years we have all scoffed at picks and as a group most of us on AGS have been right about some (Hofstra last year) and then missed on others. W&M loses a ton of talent. They had two draft picks and four or five total get in camps. I do expect them to be a little down. Richmond must replace their offensive line and QB but they have a good coach who should put a decent group on the field.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Both polls thrown out so far have McNeese too high unless a transfer QB lands on campus before September. xcoolx

I heard that is quite possible. :)

[JALMOND]

Why is Montana too high? I'm not being a jackass here. I would just like to know why.

Right now, I'd be hard pressed to place Montana in the top 10 (truthfully). The talent that is returning is enough to keep the Griz in the top 20-25 but a new coach coming in is always iffy. Also, the Griz play both EWU and Weber on the road (also a non-conference tilt on the road with Cal Poly, Walsh always enjoyed playing the Griz in Portland moreso than in Missoula when he was with PSU). Right now, I'd place them just outside the top 10, with room to move them up of course.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

For the first time in a few years i think Lehigh deserves some consideration for the Top 25. Given the talent returning and the depth that Coen and Co. have stockpiled the pieces are in place for a very good year. Everyone will know just how good the Hawks are on Sept. 11th when 'Nova rolls in to Goodman. Hopefully my Owls exact some revenge on the 'Cats the week before and VU comes to Bethlehem staggering a bit. I'm looking forward to what should be a very good year for both Temple and Lehigh!!

Colgate deserves some consideration too with Holy Cross and Lafayette slightly behind at this point.

[Head Cat]

I want to see those Engineering Hawks win a big game before I'm ready to put them in my top-25.

[McNeese75]

I heard that is quite possible. :)

xprayx

[Redwyn]

We shouldn't be in there to start - but mark my words Stony Brook will enter the top 25 before the season's out. With the Hofstra transfers, the strong CB from Rutgers, and the return of pretty much everyone...we're going to have a very, very good season.

[Gringer1]

Jesus, I thought Jax St. was supposed to have a down year with Perrilloux gone. This could get really ugly for GSU this year...

Reality might have finally set in.

[JSU02]

xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx

[Pard94]

There is no f***ing way that 6 CAA teams are better than Illinois State (likely 3rd best MVFC) or whoever the third best SoCon team may be.

Oh, and I don't mean to be a dick, but the Patriot League sucks. Let's keep the top 25 poll reserved for legit top 25 teams.

Geez, must be something about the Yanks and Sawks playing that brings out the East Coast bias even more than usual.

Wow...can't imagine what you're like when you mean to be a dick.

[whoanellie]

Any particular reason why you are assured of a top ten slot? First round playoff exit and lost your best player and half your defense to graduation. Not saying they shouldn't be there, but why is that reasonable?
For sure, I would if I were you not take much stock in Elon. The progam should not be taken seriously and if I were FU I would concentrate on other SoCon powerhouses. IMO Our coach beats your coach that should be enough.

[OL FU]

For sure, I would if I were you not take much stock in Elon. The progam should not be taken seriously and if I were FU I would concentrate on other SoCon powerhouses. IMO Our coach beats your coach that should be enough.

Well he ask a legit question, how about a legit answer:p

Being better than us for the last two years doesn't make you top tenxsmiley_wix

[AppIAA]

Well he ask a legit question, how about a legit answer:p

Being better than us for the last two years doesn't make you top tenxsmiley_wix

If something is said at all about Eloan, they get angry -- you know, since they've proven year in, year out, they should be in the top 10 conversation.. so when someone asks a valid question about how losing their primary production on both sides of the ball to graduation is going to hurt, of course they are going to say "just wait until next year"

But really, why should Elon be a preseason top 10 when they did lose their record breaking WR and half their defense?

[CopperCat]

1. Villanova Wildcats
2. Montana Grizzlies
3. Appalachian State Mountaineers
4. William & Mary Tribe
5. Southern Illinois Salukis
6. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
7. Elon Phoenix
8. South Carolina State Bulldogs
9. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
10. Weber State Wildcats
11. Eastern Washington Eagles
12. McNeese State Cowboys
13. New Hampshire Wildcats
14. Northern Iowa Panthers
15. James Madison Royal Dukes
16. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
17. Richmond Spiders
18. Prairie View A&M Panthers
19. Eastern Illinois Panthers
20. Delaware Blue Hens
21. Cal Poly Mustangs
22. Liberty Flames
23. Florida A&M Rattlers
24. Lafayette Leopards
25. Texas State Bobcats

Total Stab in the dark outside the top ten. Don't rip me too hard. xwhistlex

A few teams I think are too high here: ASU, UM SFA, Elon, and maybe McNeese.

Teams that shouldn't be in the top 25 at all: EWU, Cal Poly, NAU (I saw them in someone else's poll, they didn't even finish in the top four of the BSC last year)

Teams that should get some more props: UNH, SDSU, JMU, Richmond

Flame away.

[tribefan40]

I hope you're right. We're sick and tired of that I-64/Capital Cup trophy we've had up here for the last 5 years.

haha well played sir, you guys certainly do have our number here lately... xbowx

[PhoenixPhan06]

Any particular reason why you are assured of a top ten slot? First round playoff exit and lost your best player and half your defense to graduation. Not saying they shouldn't be there, but why is that reasonable?

We still return a lot of talent on offense led by Riddle, our stable of RB's, and some very capable WR's. There will be some turnover on the OL but there is enough experience and talent there to give Riddle enough time to do some damage.

Our LB core returns a lot of game day experience and although we lost some talent on the DL, we have a playmaker coming back in Brandon Ward at DE. One of our best LB's last year has made the switch to Safety and from all preseason reports, he has handled the transition well. Terrell Wilson will be the anchor in the secondary as a senior CB with KR/PR experience.

Our guys will hit the ground running with a vist to Duke on opening weekend, then travel to Richmond in our third game so after week 3, we will know a lot more about the 2010 edition of the Elon Phoenix.

[tribefan40]

Just put something out to get discussion. As I get more information over the next 3-4 weeks I will tweak this heavily.

Over the years we have all scoffed at picks and as a group most of us on AGS have been right about some (Hofstra last year) and then missed on others. W&M loses a ton of talent. They had two draft picks and four or five total get in camps. I do expect them to be a little down. Richmond must replace their offensive line and QB but they have a good coach who should put a decent group on the field.

No doubt we lost some talent but we still have a solid core on defense including two potential all-americans, a veteran offensive line and stud running back. The QB we lost was a one year starter and the situation shouldn't be vastly different this year. I'm not saying the UR will be bottom of the conference or anything, I just feel they lost significantly more than W&M.

We'll see in a few months! Can't Wait! xhurrayx

[tribefan40]

I asked myself that question once, and the answer is 1998. But all the losses since then have been close, with the exception of, ironically, the one in 2005, which was UNH's best team against a mediocre, 5-win W&M team.

Yeah 42-10 blowout of the #1 team. That was a good day. xnodx

[OL FU]

We still return a lot of talent on offense led by Riddle, our stable of RB's, and some very capable WR's. There will be some turnover on the OL but there is enough experience and talent there to give Riddle enough time to do some damage.

Our LB core returns a lot of game day experience and although we lost some talent on the DL, we have a playmaker coming back in Brandon Ward at DE. One of our best LB's last year has made the switch to Safety and from all preseason reports, he has handled the transition well. Terrell Wilson will be the anchor in the secondary as a senior CB with KR/PR experience.

Our guys will hit the ground running with a vist to Duke on opening weekend, then travel to Richmond in our third game so after week 3, we will know a lot more about the 2010 edition of the Elon Phoenix.

That's more like itxthumbsupx

Personally, I think Elon has a good shot at getting there. D is the question, whether the O production decreases without Hudgins is much less of a worry if the D steps up and plays well again.

Obviously the key to FUs success this year is the D. You guys have had good defenses for awhile. We haven't had one for 4 years. So my prediction of a good defense for FU this is year is much more a leap of faith than predicting one for Elon.

[JMU Newbill]

A lot of people on this thread are a lot higher on JMU than I am. I am expecting another "re-building" year.... .500 in the CAA would be a success in my book.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

A lot of people on this thread are a lot higher on JMU than I am. I am expecting another "re-building" year.... .500 in the CAA would be a success in my book.

Just curious, but why do you see it that way? The losses of Moats and Daniels?

[danefan]

POLLS! Screw the polls!

Win the conference and you're in!

xhurrayxxhurrayxxhurrayxxhurrayxxhurrayxxhurrayxxh urrayxxhurrayxxhurrayx


I've been waiting many years to say that.

[bjtheflamesfan]

I dont have a top 25 (been out of the football loop with grad school and of course AGS' issues before that) but I think LU is right about where they ought to be when it comes to preseason looks. Mike Brown is the guy at QB this year and I think he has a chance to really do well...Chris Summers has a chance to really break out and open some eyes on the national scene. Biggest question again will be the defense I think. the first third of the schedule really will set the tone for how the season will go. If LU splits JMU and BSU (Ball State not Boise State), It could be another very solid season. If LU sweeps both those games, that stone will be rolling so fast downhill there may not be anyone that can stop it.

[PaladinFan]

We still return a lot of talent on offense led by Riddle, our stable of RB's, and some very capable WR's. There will be some turnover on the OL but there is enough experience and talent there to give Riddle enough time to do some damage.

Our LB core returns a lot of game day experience and although we lost some talent on the DL, we have a playmaker coming back in Brandon Ward at DE. One of our best LB's last year has made the switch to Safety and from all preseason reports, he has handled the transition well. Terrell Wilson will be the anchor in the secondary as a senior CB with KR/PR experience.

Our guys will hit the ground running with a vist to Duke on opening weekend, then travel to Richmond in our third game so after week 3, we will know a lot more about the 2010 edition of the Elon Phoenix.

Wow. Wellcrafted answer to a question.

2010 may be keystone year for the Phoneix. If they can lose some of their best players, and stay up near the top of the heap, I think they will be a legitimate contender for year.

[McNeese75]

A few teams I think are too high here: ASU, UM SFA, Elon, and maybe McNeese.

Teams that shouldn't be in the top 25 at all: EWU, Cal Poly, NAU (I saw them in someone else's poll, they didn't even finish in the top four of the BSC last year)

Teams that should get some more props: UNH, SDSU, JMU, Richmond

Flame away.

Sounds pretty reasonable to me xnodx

[jmufan999]

i think #15 is probably about as high (meaning, as favorably) as JMU should be ranked. if we have 2 or fewer CAA losses, then we can re-evaluate.

right now, there is no reason to think that Villanova won't be the team to beat. i also am not sleeping on W&M or U of R, in conference. UNH is always in the mix. btw, i'd love for UNH to win a NC. i feel like they're one of the best programs around to have never won a title. maybe not a lot of respect given to them, but they're almost always in the playoffs and usually seem to win at least one or more playoff games. they've run into a tough UNI team a few times (i think? am i dreaming there?) but that's a tough team to beat, especially in the dome.

[RichH2]

Preseason polls are fun if for no other reason they generate threads like this one. Lehigh could and I hope will be in top 25 by the end of the season. UNH and Nova games will tell the tale. Daunting to see both looking at top 10 preseason rating

[UNH Fanboi]

Right now, I'd be hard pressed to place Montana in the top 10 (truthfully). The talent that is returning is enough to keep the Griz in the top 20-25 but a new coach coming in is always iffy. Also, the Griz play both EWU and Weber on the road (also a non-conference tilt on the road with Cal Poly, Walsh always enjoyed playing the Griz in Portland moreso than in Missoula when he was with PSU). Right now, I'd place them just outside the top 10, with room to move them up of course.

I can't see ranking Montana outside of the top 10. They may have lost some talent, but they are a recruiting juggernaut. They've also survived coaching changes before.

It doesn't really matter though. All polls before about week 5 aren't much more than wild guesses based upon the previous years results with some minor adjustments for what players are returning. Even the first few weeks of polls are pointless because most teams start off playing an FBS team and a couple of crappy OOC teams. How do you rank a team that lost to a top 25 FBS team 38-14, and then beat a crappy FCS team 42-14? You really can't. Or what about comparing one team that beat a ****ty FBS team to another team that had a "quality loss" to a Top 25 team? These are all arguments that we'll be having in the first couple of weeks, probably myself included, but only for ****s and giggles and not because I think there's any real validity to such early polls.

Looking at returning players is a very imprecise method because it's common for no name Freshmen and Sophmores step up and have great years, for Juniors and Seniors to disappoint, etc. Also, there's a large element of luck in last years results. If Montana had lost in the first round to SDSU, no one would have them ranked #2, even though they would be the exact same team.

[Wmbgskip]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. South Carolina State
5. Montana
6. Stephen F. Austin
7. Furman
8. Elon
9. Liberty
10. McNeese State
11. Eastern Washington
12. Appalachian State
13. Northern Iowa
14. Prairie View A&M
15. Richmond
16. Eastern Illinois
17. Penn
18. Massachusetts
19. Montana State
20. Eastern Kentucky
21. Stony Brook
22. South Dakota State
23. Florida A&M
24. Colgate
25. William and Mary

I think the CAA as a conference loses a lot, I think App State will have a year of stumbling with the graduation of Edwards, and I think that Furman is the class of the SoCon this year. Liberty finally breaks through, and quite honestly, I don't think SIU or Weber State should be penalized too much because of their drubbings from W&M - that was an incredible defense, which could still be a very good defense.

Assuming chalk holds and Matt Szczr doesn't become stuck in the Nationals' farm system, then the autobids this year would be Villanova, SIU, Furman, Montana, Holy Cross, SC State, SFA, Liberty, EKU, and Albany. Not sure if the Big South and NEC are absolutely getting autobids, but I would think that the whole point of going to 20 was because they applied for them.

--Skip

[DFW HOYA]

POLLS! Screw the polls! Win the conference and you're in!


Unless you're Fordham. xeyebrowx

[Redbird Ray]

Why is this so crazy? Richmond will probably be around 5th or 6th place CAA team and I'd be happy to see us play Illinois State anywhere.

We play Elon in the third week. They'll be top 3 in the SoCon and I think we have a pretty decent chance of beating them too.

We'll see what December has in store for us. I don't see more than 4 CAA teams in the playoffs this year though.

[danefan]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. South Carolina State
5. Montana
6. Stephen F. Austin
7. Furman
8. Elon
9. Liberty
10. McNeese State
11. Eastern Washington
12. Appalachian State
13. Northern Iowa
14. Prairie View A&M
15. Richmond
16. Eastern Illinois
17. Penn
18. Massachusetts
19. Montana State
20. Eastern Kentucky
21. Stony Brook
22. South Dakota State
23. Florida A&M
24. Colgate
25. William and Mary

I think the CAA as a conference loses a lot, I think App State will have a year of stumbling with the graduation of Edwards, and I think that Furman is the class of the SoCon this year. Liberty finally breaks through, and quite honestly, I don't think SIU or Weber State should be penalized too much because of their drubbings from W&M - that was an incredible defense, which could still be a very good defense.

Assuming chalk holds and Matt Szczr doesn't become stuck in the Nationals' farm system, then the autobids this year would be Villanova, SIU, Furman, Montana, Holy Cross, SC State, SFA, Liberty, EKU, and Albany. Not sure if the Big South and NEC are absolutely getting autobids, but I would think that the whole point of going to 20 was because they applied for them.

--Skip

Big South and NEC autobids begin this year.

[danefan]

Unless you're Fordham. xeyebrowx

At least Fordham chose that path.

[Redbird Ray]

Wow...can't imagine what you're like when you mean to be a dick.

Man, I am an asshole!!! Sorry PL! xlolxxlolxxlolx

[Cocky]

Jacksonville State will definitely be a top ten contender, maybe top five.

Did Jack quit?

[jstclmet]

[QUOTE=Wmbgskip;1521008]1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. South Carolina State
5. Montana
6. Stephen F. Austin
7. Furman
8. Elon
9. Liberty
10. McNeese State
11. Eastern Washington
12. Appalachian State
13. Northern Iowa
14. Prairie View A&M
15. Richmond
16. Eastern Illinois
17. Penn
18. Massachusetts
19. Montana State
20. Eastern Kentucky
21. Stony Brook
22. South Dakota State
23. Florida A&M
24. Colgate
25. William and Mary

I think the CAA as a conference loses a lot/QUOTE]

The order of finish within the conference may be different, but the conference as a whole will not fall. Graduation, injuries, academics, life issues affects all of FCS in the same way. There's no substantive argument to suggest the CAA will be impacted more than any other conference and will fall further, if at all, moreso than any other conference.

It's funny you would say the CAA loses a lot, but you have 5 in the top 25, and you have UMass, but don't have UD, JMU, or Maine. While I love UPenn as a program, but really, are you serious??? I'm not suggesting that UPenn is not a top 25 team, I just wouldn't have ranked them over the 3 CAA teams you omitted, nor W&M.

IMHO, it does not appear you have a good handle on the quality of strenght that lies within the CAA.

It's early, but if you want to look at the CAA in terms of tiers, consider

Nova, W&M, & UNH in the top tier.

Maine, UD, JMU, UR in the middle tier.

and UMass, URI, and TU in the bottom tier.

With that as your model, now you can include/exclude as many CAA teams as you like in your top 25.

[Wmbgskip]

Sorry, should've clarified that -- when compared to last year, when we'd have 4-6 teams in the top 10, the CAA will lose a lot of strength.

Given that, sorry, but Penn or (insert other Ivy here) will be able to take advantage of a weaker in-league slate, and commensurate better record. That'll boost them into the top 25 over several arguably better teams.

As for inside the CAA, You're right, I pretty much took five at random guessing that at least two will be north schools, and the south banging each other up. Hell, if Szczr doesn't come back, I'd drop Villanova out of the top 15 and then bump W&M and either Delaware or JMU up in the rankings in response.

--Skip

[soconjohn]

1. Villanova
2. Montana
3. New Hampshire
4. Appalachian State
5. William & Mary
6. South Carolina State
7. Elon
8. Southern Illinois
9. Stephen F. Austin
10. South Dakota State
11. McNeese State
12. Richmond
13. Southeastern Louisiana
14. Eastern Kentucky
15. Northern Arizona
16. Cal Poly
17. Jacksonville State
18. James Madison
19. Prairie View A&M
20. Delaware
21. Colgate
22. Liberty
23. Furman
24. Texas State
25. Chattanooga

[crusader11]

I'm surprised Holy Cross isn't getting much love here. We did play the national champions last year to a 10 point game and had them on the ropes until midway through the 4th quarter.

Granted, we lost Dom Randolph, but there are still many pieces to the puzzle that are returning this coming season. I'd say we are definitely a top 25 team to at least begin the year. We will find how good we are as we play UMASS and Harvard following Howard to begin the year.

[msusig]

Both polls thrown out so far have McNeese too high unless a transfer QB lands on campus before September. xcoolx

I wouldn't put McNeese in the top 10 and would be skeptical about top 15. We have to find a QB. Plus we play LSU & Missouri so MSU has to be pretty much flawless in conference. I'm not too worried about losing to Lamar or Cal Poly.

[jstclmet]

1. Villanova
2. Montana
3. New Hampshire
4. Appalachian State
5. William & Mary
6. South Carolina State
7. Elon
8. Southern Illinois
9. Stephen F. Austin
10. South Dakota State
11. McNeese State


I like your top 11, but I would re-sequence them just a lil bit;

1. Nova
2. SIU
3. UNH
4. SCSU
5. W&M
6. SDSU
7. ASU
8. SFA
9. Elon
10. McNeese
11. Montana

[CrazyCat]

1. Villanova




That's all I got so far :)

[UNH Fanboi]

I'm surprised Holy Cross isn't getting much love here. We did play the national champions last year to a 10 point game and had them on the ropes until midway through the 4th quarter.

Granted, we lost Dom Randolph, but there are still many pieces to the puzzle that are returning this coming season. I'd say we are definitely a top 25 team to at least begin the year. We will find how good we are as we play UMASS and Harvard following Howard to begin the year.

HC played a good game, but being tied or losing the entire game =/= having Villanova "on the ropes."

[ElonPride]

1. Villanova
2. Montana
3. New Hampshire
4. Appalachian State
5. William & Mary
6. South Carolina State
7. Elon
8. Southern Illinois
9. Stephen F. Austin
10. South Dakota State
11. McNeese State
12. Richmond
13. Southeastern Louisiana
14. Eastern Kentucky
15. Northern Arizona
16. Cal Poly
17. Jacksonville State
18. James Madison
19. Prairie View A&M
20. Delaware
21. Colgate
22. Liberty
23. Furman
24. Texas State
25. Chattanooga

SoCon John, I like this one! I would switch PVAM/Furman, SDSU/Elon.

[CrazyCat]

SoCon John, I like this one! I would switch PVAM/Furman, SDSU/Elon.


I'll support any Big Sky team in the top 25 but having only 2 and 1 being NAU makes me think some need to do more research.xtwocentsx

[soconjohn]

Well EWU lost virtually everyone to graduation...Portland State is all offense...MSU has had problems ever since coach Kramer was forced out and Weber State appears to be at the end of its two-year run...NAU is the only other team outside Montana to return a substantial amount of talent...Not saying MSU can't get there, just saying the 2009 season wasn't a great one for the Big Sky...It happens with every league...Now, those of us of us who do more research might find that Montana is the only team worthy to be ranked...I didn't rank Weber State simply because the way the Wildcats were "topsy-turvy" all season and especially thought twice about ranking them after their performance in the playoffs...It wouldn't be logical to rank MSU or Eastern Washington at this point, based on the only information available to research a preseason poll...But, since you are a Bobcat/Big Sky fan, I'm sure that you have an in-depth knowledge of the league, so I understand your argument.

[CrazyCat]

I'm not a politician trying to get votes.xsmiley_wix but a team that ends in the top 20 in the GPI and has 20 players returning who started at least one game last year should get some consideration.

[Houndawg]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. South Carolina State
5. Montana
6. Stephen F. Austin
7. Furman
8. Elon
9. Liberty
10. McNeese State
11. Eastern Washington
12. Appalachian State
13. Northern Iowa
14. Prairie View A&M
15. Richmond
16. Eastern Illinois
17. Penn
18. Massachusetts
19. Montana State
20. Eastern Kentucky
21. Stony Brook
22. South Dakota State
23. Florida A&M
24. Colgate
25. William and Mary

I think the CAA as a conference loses a lot, I think App State will have a year of stumbling with the graduation of Edwards, and I think that Furman is the class of the SoCon this year. Liberty finally breaks through, and quite honestly, I don't think SIU or Weber State should be penalized too much because of their drubbings from W&M - that was an incredible defense, which could still be a very good defense.

Assuming chalk holds and Matt Szczr doesn't become stuck in the Nationals' farm system, then the autobids this year would be Villanova, SIU, Furman, Montana, Holy Cross, SC State, SFA, Liberty, EKU, and Albany. Not sure if the Big South and NEC are absolutely getting autobids, but I would think that the whole point of going to 20 was because they applied for them.

--Skip

I agree with this, I don't know about Weber but SIU had to start a RS freshman at QB against those monsters and both he and Dieker, who shouldn't have tried to play, were playing hurt the second half. Given the score was 17-3 with 1:45 left I think we did about as well as could be expected against the best defense in the country who knew we couldn't throw long. When we ran for 100 yards in the 1st quarter and only had 3 pts, I had a bad feeling. Personally, I think W&M may been the best team in the country last year.xbowx

edit- I think SIU is more in the 5-7 range and you're sandbagging W&M. No way they drop that far.

[MSUBear42]

There is no f***ing way that 6 CAA teams are better than Illinois State (likely 3rd best MVFC) or whoever the third best SoCon team may be.

Oh, and I don't mean to be a dick, but the Patriot League sucks. Let's keep the top 25 poll reserved for legit top 25 teams.

Geez, must be something about the Yanks and Sawks playing that brings out the East Coast bias even more than usual.

Pleeeeassseeee tell me what makes ISU the #3 team in the MVFC? Please. No disrespecting, just wondering.

[McNeese75]

I wouldn't put McNeese in the top 10 and would be skeptical about top 15. We have to find a QB. Plus we play LSU & Missouri so MSU has to be pretty much flawless in conference. I'm not too worried about losing to Lamar or Cal Poly.

xrolleyesx Really? xconfusedx

[UNH Fanboi]

I can't believe so many people are putting UNH as their #3 team. I am cautiously optimistic about next year, but there are still too many question marks for me to be that confident. I guess people are just assuming that W&M and Richmond will drop because of graduation/coach change and that UNH will take their place.

[Redbird Ray]

Pleeeeassseeee tell me what makes ISU the #3 team in the MVFC? Please. No disrespecting, just wondering.

Finished third in conference last year with most of our key skill position players returning

Rivals #1 rated recruiting class in the MVFC coming in this year

Several transfers from Big Ten schools

Second year HC with tons of Big Ten experience in second year of his system

Soph QB, MVFC newcomer of the year last season who will only get better

Hot tip - Sporting News MVFC preview will have Illinois State third in conf behind SDSU (2) and SIU (1)

A few concerns I have, health, and adjusting to our new OC, but this shouldn't be too bad bc he is running the same spread as last year.

[JMUNJ08]

Finished third in conference last year with most of our key skill position players returning

Rivals #1 rated recruiting class in the MVFC coming in this year

Several transfers from Big Ten schools

Second year HC with tons of Big Ten experience in second year of his system

Soph QB, MVFC newcomer of the year last season who will only get better

Hot tip - Sporting News MVFC preview will have Illinois State third in conf behind SDSU (2) and SIU (1)

A few concerns I have, health, and adjusting to our new OC, but this shouldn't be too bad bc he is running the same spread as last year.


I agree that ISU can have an outside shot at the big dance being #3 in the MVFC, however the 3 things above don't help your argument.

- Recruiting classes come in to play 2 years + down the line. How many of them won't even be eligible to put on pads this year due to red shirts?

- Transfers from FBS are great but they can destroy chemistry and think they are better than their teammates/competition. If you have good character guys, now thats scary.

- A new OC in the old system will still take a few games to figure out whose number to call when.

Good luck to the birds! Is it next year you have Ball St. coming to town???

[whoanellie]

Any particular reason why you are assured of a top ten slot? First round playoff exit and lost your best player and half your defense to graduation. Not saying they shouldn't be there, but why is that reasonable? pardon for the miscommunication earlier on an earlier response
Assured? Why does Elon always have to defend itself on articles like these?... you'll have to take that up with the pollster... on Elon's retort We were 2 big toes from advancing to the second round. hell it's a pre-season poll but We have talent and depth and have a great coaching staff... We had 4 yrs ago the best linebacker in FCS but last yrs team was top 5 all the way around plus We have steadlily recruited players to fit our system and our guys know how to win... you did witness the Furman game last year? what was it like 5 guys made plays in that last drive? Reasonable? I think our guys just love to compete... 7-8-9 wins last 3 years looks like an upward trend to me. But it's all preseason B/S.

[Houndawg]

I agree that ISU can have an outside shot at the big dance being #3 in the MVFC, however the 3 things above don't help your argument.

- Recruiting classes come in to play 2 years + down the line. How many of them won't even be eligible to put on pads this year due to red shirts?

- Transfers from FBS are great but they can destroy chemistry and think they are better than their teammates/competition. If you have good character guys, now thats scary.

- A new OC in the old system will still take a few games to figure out whose number to call when.

Good luck to the birds! Is it next year you have Ball St. coming to town???

I have the birds winning the MVC this year. Their QB played his high school ball here, he's going to be a good one.

[jmufan999]

We'll see what December has in store for us. I don't see more than 4 CAA teams in the playoffs this year though.

agreed. 3 is possible also. i would say a 70% chance of being 4 on the dot.

[Head Cat]

I agree with this, I don't know about Weber but SIU had to start a RS freshman at QB against those monsters and both he and Dieker, who shouldn't have tried to play, were playing hurt the second half. Given the score was 17-3 with 1:45 left I think we did about as well as could be expected against the best defense in the country who knew we couldn't throw long. When we ran for 100 yards in the 1st quarter and only had 3 pts, I had a bad feeling. Personally, I think W&M may been the best team in the country last year.xbowx

edit- I think SIU is more in the 5-7 range and you're sandbagging W&M. No way they drop that far.
As good as William & Mary was last year (I think they were the second best team in the country), the Tribe lost twice to Villanova. I think you have to say from those results that Villanova was better than William & Mary.

Concerning 2010, I expect the Tribe to be good, but the loss of some substantial talent to the NFL makes me think that William & Mary will be a little less successful this season, though still a formidable team.

[crusader11]

Cat, you think the Cross should be a top 25 team? We, along with every other PL team, never get any love. In my opinion, the top 2 or 3 teams in the PL every year can hang with most teams in the country.

[Pard94]

Cat, you think the Cross should be a top 25 team? We, along with every other PL team, never get any love. In my opinion, the top 2 or 3 teams in the PL every year can hang with most teams in the country.

Hey Crusader11...nice to "see" you again. I have to disagree with you on a couple of fronts. First...as much as I never went along with my crumudeonly friend Carney in thinking HC was a one trick pony with Randolph last year, I don't believe this year's team should get a Top 25 nod going into the season without the likes of Randolph at the healm. Not to suggest they couldn't be ranked as the season goes on but the Crusaders have a lot to prove this year...namely can they do it without the Dominator. In fact I don't think any PL team deserves a ranking just yet. Again, just as the PL had three teams finish in the Top 25 last year (take note Red Bird Ray!) I think we could likely have multiple teams ranked by the end of the season. Maybe Colgate should be up there given they have Eachus running the ball.

I also don't think it is accurate to say that thee top 3 PL teams can hang with anyone in the country. That suggests to me that we could consistantly hang with the likes of Appalachian State, UNH, Nova and the like. Let's be realistic. I think the top three PL teams can get phyched up and, for a big game like the playoffs, we can give a scare for two or three quarters to just about anybody in the country (as we usually do). I think that is usually a combination of the PL team playing a great game and the national powerhouses perhaps looking past us. Now, if you get the right mix of players and if a PL team has one or two superstars anything is possible...which is what I root for every year. But to think that HC, Lafayette, Lehigh or Colgate could go out and grind it out with the cream of the national crop on a regular basis is just not accurate in my opinion. Then again I am equally confident the PL graduates more student athletes and contributes more doctors, scientists and engineers to society than all of those other schools. Alas this is a football board so that fact is not relevant. Perhaps someday soon the league will rexamine its ridiculous stance on scholarships and the conversation will be quite different. For now its's a simple matter of our league having different priorites than the football powerhouse schools. Until then, in my opinion, it would be fair to say that the top PL teams can hang with anyone from around #10-25 on a fairly consistant basis.

[tribefan40]

I agree with this, I don't know about Weber but SIU had to start a RS freshman at QB against those monsters and both he and Dieker, who shouldn't have tried to play, were playing hurt the second half. Given the score was 17-3 with 1:45 left I think we did about as well as could be expected against the best defense in the country who knew we couldn't throw long. When we ran for 100 yards in the 1st quarter and only had 3 pts, I had a bad feeling. Personally, I think W&M may been the best team in the country last year.xbowx

edit- I think SIU is more in the 5-7 range and you're sandbagging W&M. No way they drop that far.

xnodx

[tribefan40]

As good as William & Mary was last year (I think they were the second best team in the country), the Tribe lost twice to Villanova. I think you have to say from those results that Villanova was better than William & Mary.

Concerning 2010, I expect the Tribe to be good, but the loss of some substantial talent to the NFL makes me think that William & Mary will be a little less successful this season, though still a formidable team.

I agree that Villanova was the better team last year, but you were one big run from Sczur away from sitting out the NC, IMO. I think for W&M it will come down to the quarterback, all the other pieces seem to still be in place. Our biggest losses were on defense, (and they were significant) but we still have a ton of playmakers and should be a threat again this year. xtwocentsx

[Houndawg]

1. Villanova
2. Montana
3. New Hampshire
4. Appalachian State
5. William & Mary
6. South Carolina State
7. Elon
8. Southern Illinois
9. Stephen F. Austin
10. South Dakota State
11. McNeese State
12. Richmond
13. Southeastern Louisiana
14. Eastern Kentucky
15. Northern Arizona
16. Cal Poly
17. Jacksonville State
18. James Madison
19. Prairie View A&M
20. Delaware
21. Colgate
22. Liberty
23. Furman
24. Texas State
25. Chattanooga

I think UNI should be in there, 13-20 range; reports of their death are greatly exaggerated. They may be down a little, (and heading for a bad azzwhuppin in our new stadium), but they ain't out.

[jstclmet]

I agree that Villanova was the better team last year, but you were one big run from Sczur away from sitting out the NC, IMO. I think for W&M it will come down to the quarterback, all the other pieces seem to still be in place. Our biggest losses were on defense, (and they were significant) but we still have a ton of playmakers and should be a threat again this year. xtwocentsx

That is one big part of the Achilles Heel for the Tribe, at least when they're playing Nova. The Tribe is subject to giving up the big play. You can go back and look at games from the last 3 years and probably longer and point to big plays given up by the Tribe's defense. While their defense has gotten gradually better over that time frame, you're still subject to giving up at least one big TD play a game.

From the outside looking in, your defense does not appear to be as strong as it was in 2009. Just my opinion.

[RichH2]

94, Accurate analysis of PL competitiveness nationally. Top PL teams , some years just 1 some 3 can fit into mid to bottom of top 25. Very occasionally we'll have a team thatcan beat the best once. None of us has the depth of talent to compete every week vs CAA level teams. Nor do I expect even if we get schollies that that will alter drastically. Like N'western and Stanford we'll be able once in a while to get to the top realistically. Of course , if no schollies I expect PL will gradually decline.

[tribefan40]

That is one big part of the Achilles Heel for the Tribe, at least when they're playing Nova. The Tribe is subject to giving up the big play. You can go back and look at games from the last 3 years and probably longer and point to big plays given up by the Tribe's defense. While their defense has gotten gradually better over that time frame, you're still subject to giving up at least one big TD play a game.

From the outside looking in, your defense does not appear to be as strong as it was in 2009. Just my opinion.

Agreed. Although it seems like Nova was one of the few able to do that to us last year. I was waiting the entire game for Sczur to break one, with an athlete like that it seems inevitable!

I also agree that our defense will not be as strong this year, but still a force to be reckoned with. I think the focus will shift from the line to the second and third levels, where we have some great talent, IMO.

[Paladin1aa]

New coach........ new players........... new season............... lets get it started !! lol

[danefan]

Hey Crusader11...nice to "see" you again. I have to disagree with you on a couple of fronts. First...as much as I never went along with my crumudeonly friend Carney in thinking HC was a one trick pony with Randolph last year, I don't believe this year's team should get a Top 25 nod going into the season without the likes of Randolph at the healm. Not to suggest they couldn't be ranked as the season goes on but the Crusaders have a lot to prove this year...namely can they do it without the Dominator. In fact I don't think any PL team deserves a ranking just yet. Again, just as the PL had three teams finish in the Top 25 last year (take note Red Bird Ray!) I think we could likely have multiple teams ranked by the end of the season. Maybe Colgate should be up there given they have Eachus running the ball.

I also don't think it is accurate to say that thee top 3 PL teams can hang with anyone in the country. That suggests to me that we could consistantly hang with the likes of Appalachian State, UNH, Nova and the like. Let's be realistic. I think the top three PL teams can get phyched up and, for a big game like the playoffs, we can give a scare for two or three quarters to just about anybody in the country (as we usually do). I think that is usually a combination of the PL team playing a great game and the national powerhouses perhaps looking past us. Now, if you get the right mix of players and if a PL team has one or two superstars anything is possible...which is what I root for every year. But to think that HC, Lafayette, Lehigh or Colgate could go out and grind it out with the cream of the national crop on a regular basis is just not accurate in my opinion. Then again I am equally confident the PL graduates more student athletes and contributes more doctors, scientists and engineers to society than all of those other schools. Alas this is a football board so that fact is not relevant. Perhaps someday soon the league will rexamine its ridiculous stance on scholarships and the conversation will be quite different. For now its's a simple matter of our league having different priorites than the football powerhouse schools. Until then, in my opinion, it would be fair to say that the top PL teams can hang with anyone from around #10-25 on a fairly consistant basis.


94, Accurate analysis of PL competitiveness nationally. Top PL teams , some years just 1 some 3 can fit into mid to bottom of top 25. Very occasionally we'll have a team thatcan beat the best once. None of us has the depth of talent to compete every week vs CAA level teams. Nor do I expect even if we get schollies that that will alter drastically. Like N'western and Stanford we'll be able once in a while to get to the top realistically. Of course , if no schollies I expect PL will gradually decline.

Did you guys get a dose of reality in the offseason?

I mean last year it was all about how the PL should have been a mutli-bid league with 3 teams in the top 25.

Maybe it was a different group of PL posters?

[crusader11]

pard94- Very well said, and I certainly do not disagree with you. Being so close to the program at HC, and having watched Spring Practices on a daily basis, I think the 2010 Holy Cross team will still be very good. As you said, maybe we will and should not get top 25 consideration at the beginning of the year, but I think we will move our way into the top 25 at some point in the year.

I was mostly going off last year where I stated the top 3 teams could hang with pretty much anyone in the country. I believe if Lafayette and Colgate both played Villanova last year, they could have stayed within two scores and been "in" the game in the 4th quarter. Some years this is not the case.

Looking forward to the upcoming season, and our routine banters with danefan.

[JMU Newbill]

Just curious, but why do you see it that way? The losses of Moats and Daniels?


Just not convinced that the program took any steps in the right direction.

We had our best draft class ever in terms of the NFL, with 5 players either getting drafted or signing contracts/getting legitimate tryouts. Even with that talent, we were less than stellar last year.

Nothing has changed at qb. I am not convinved Dudzik can stay healthy for more than a handful of games, and I am not convinced that Thorpe has the confidence to lead the team.

We lost a senior RB (Holloman) and our two most experienced/best receivers (McCarter and Caussin).

Then look at the defensive side of the ball. We lost the Buchanan Award winner (Moats) and Sam Daniels, who in my opinion went very underrated throughout the year.

I just don't see a lot of upside to this year in terms of the recruiting we did and what we are returning. I think its another rebuilding year. Villanova, UR, UNH are all leaps and bounds ahead of us right now. W&M lost a good amount, but I think they are still ahead of us. I mean hell, we lost last year to a program that doesn't even exist anymore.

JMO... i'm sure a lot of JMU fans will disagree with me, and hopefully I am wrong!!!

[WestCoastAggie]

The PL, Big South & MEAC will be stronger leagues in 2010. Holy Cross, Lafayette, FAMU & Stony Brook can make very decent arguments for a preseason ranking.

[Mattymc727]

Maybe not now, but I would be surprised if UMaine isnt in the top 25 at some point, they were a tough opponent last year and return some great players

[Pard94]

Did you guys get a dose of reality in the offseason?

I mean last year it was all about how the PL should have been a mutli-bid league with 3 teams in the top 25.

Maybe it was a different group of PL posters?

No...Actually last year we were basing our arguments of facts...namely three teams ranked in the Top 25 AFTER all of the games were played. just for the record though...I never thought the PL deserved more than one bid. I would have taken it if it had occurred and I could see how by some miracle it may have happened. But I never thought we deserved it.

[Pard94]

pard94- Very well said, and I certainly do not disagree with you. Being so close to the program at HC, and having watched Spring Practices on a daily basis, I think the 2010 Holy Cross team will still be very good. As you said, maybe we will and should not get top 25 consideration at the beginning of the year, but I think we will move our way into the top 25 at some point in the year.

I was mostly going off last year where I stated the top 3 teams could hang with pretty much anyone in the country. I believe if Lafayette and Colgate both played Villanova last year, they could have stayed within two scores and been "in" the game in the 4th quarter. Some years this is not the case.

Looking forward to the upcoming season, and our routine banters with danefan.

I hope you guys do make the Top 25 at some point. In fact I hope every PL team with the exception of Lehigh makes into the national spotlight at some point this season. The more the merrier as it would indicate a very strong league. Of course it would be one of the seven signs of the apocolypse if G'town made it into the rankings so that wouldn't be good. I almost wrote "stranger things have happened" but I don't think that would be true.

[ysubigred]

New coach........ new players........... new season............... lets get it started !! lol

I'm not hearing to much about the team? What have you gathered?? On paper it all seem good but I know as well as you do that paper sucks xbangx

[Rekdiver]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. South Carolina State
5. Montana
6. Stephen F. Austin
7. Furman
8. Elon
9. Liberty
10. McNeese State
11. Eastern Washington
12. Appalachian State
13. Northern Iowa
14. Prairie View A&M
15. Richmond
16. Eastern Illinois
17. Penn
18. Massachusetts
19. Montana State
20. Eastern Kentucky
21. Stony Brook
22. South Dakota State
23. Florida A&M
24. Colgate
25. William and Mary

I think the CAA as a conference loses a lot, I think App State will have a year of stumbling with the graduation of Edwards, and I think that Furman is the class of the SoCon this year. Liberty finally breaks through, and quite honestly, I don't think SIU or Weber State should be penalized too much because of their drubbings from W&M - that was an incredible defense, which could still be a very good defense.

Assuming chalk holds and Matt Szczr doesn't become stuck in the Nationals' farm system, then the autobids this year would be Villanova, SIU, Furman, Montana, Holy Cross, SC State, SFA, Liberty, EKU, and Albany. Not sure if the Big South and NEC are absolutely getting autobids, but I would think that the whole point of going to 20 was because they applied for them.

--Skip

6-11 is out of whack. No way Elon and Furman or lLiberty finish ahead of App andI don't see Richmond that low either........ SCSU though is a team that belongs in the top 5.

[Franks Tanks]

The PL, Big South & MEAC will be stronger leagues in 2010. Holy Cross, Lafayette, FAMU & Stony Brook can make very decent arguments for a preseason ranking.

Lafayette and SBU will play this year so that should be a good barometer game.

I think Holy Cross, Lehigh, Lafayette, and Colgate all have enough talent to win the PL in 2010. Each team also has some holes to fill at important positions.

[JMUDuke2002]

Just not convinced that the program took any steps in the right direction.

We had our best draft class ever in terms of the NFL, with 5 players either getting drafted or signing contracts/getting legitimate tryouts. Even with that talent, we were less than stellar last year.

Nothing has changed at qb. I am not convinved Dudzik can stay healthy for more than a handful of games, and I am not convinced that Thorpe has the confidence to lead the team.

We lost a senior RB (Holloman) and our two most experienced/best receivers (McCarter and Caussin).

Then look at the defensive side of the ball. We lost the Buchanan Award winner (Moats) and Sam Daniels, who in my opinion went very underrated throughout the year.

I just don't see a lot of upside to this year in terms of the recruiting we did and what we are returning. I think its another rebuilding year. Villanova, UR, UNH are all leaps and bounds ahead of us right now. W&M lost a good amount, but I think they are still ahead of us. I mean hell, we lost last year to a program that doesn't even exist anymore.

JMO... i'm sure a lot of JMU fans will disagree with me, and hopefully I am wrong!!!

Huh? The offense struggled because of one man, Thorpe. When his play improved, the teams fortunes went up.

UR lost most of its team including Ward their starting quarterback for the last 100 years. WM lost some on defense and also has to find a new QB. They're helped by returning their great RB. Delaware still has their issues. If they can protect Devlin, they'll be good. If not, they'll be 6-5. Towson is Towson. Four teams will come out of the CAA this year just like every year. Possibly even 5 because of the expanded playoffs. The only teams I know for sure that will perform are UNH (they always do) and Villanova. The teams that will not perform are Towson and URI. Everyone else is in the great wide middle.

The biggest problem facing JMU is scheduling. We miss URI. We stand as good a chance as everyone else. Will we win the conference and go to the NC? Doubt it. Will we win 8 games? It's possible. I see two certain losses -- Va Tech and Villanova. The rest are wide open. I can't even remember the last time UNH won in Harrisonburg. And we'll face the same Liberty team that we beat last year except now in our place. But, I'm not a homer. I could also see a 6-5 or worse campaign. But, I don't buy that UR, UNH, UD, Maine and WM are leaps and bounds ahead of us.

[msusig]

xrolleyesx Really? xconfusedx

Yeah, they have a lot of road games to wear them down. I heard a rumor about a QB transfer from I think Tulsa. Who knows what the team will look like by the time the season start with injuries and transfers.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Huh? The offense struggled because of one man, Thorpe. When his play improved, the teams fortunes went up.

UR lost most of its team including Ward their starting quarterback for the last 100 years. WM lost some on defense and also has to find a new QB. They're helped by returning their great RB. Delaware still has their issues. If they can protect Devlin, they'll be good. If not, they'll be 6-5. Towson is Towson. Four teams will come out of the CAA this year just like every year. Possibly even 5 because of the expanded playoffs. The only teams I know for sure that will perform are UNH (they always do) and Villanova. The teams that will not perform are Towson and URI. Everyone else is in the great wide middle.

The biggest problem facing JMU is scheduling. We miss URI. We stand as good a chance as everyone else. Will we win the conference and go to the NC? Doubt it. Will we win 8 games? It's possible. I see two certain losses -- Va Tech and Villanova. The rest are wide open. I can't even remember the last time UNH won in Harrisonburg. And we'll face the same Liberty team that we beat last year except now in our place. But, I'm not a homer. I could also see a 6-5 or worse campaign. But, I don't buy that UR, UNH, UD, Maine and WM are leaps and bounds ahead of us.

What do you expect from your offensive and defensive lines?

Regarding W&M, they'll find quarterbacking play. I think they stand a good chance of being better on offense in 2010 than they were in 2009. It will be interesting to see how much the loss of Tracy, Lissemore and others will impact their defense. Shoop is a hell of a DC.

[TheValleyRaider]

I think Holy Cross, Lehigh, Lafayette, and Colgate all have enough talent to win the PL in 2010. Each team also has some holes to fill at important positions.

Quite so. Any of those 4 could win the League, though sitting here in late May, I feel that's closer to collective mediocrity than national competitiveness. I'm not convinced right now that any of them are better this coming season than they were in 2009 xtwocentsx

As for the Top 25, I wouldn't be surprised to see 0 PL teams make it, but likely we'll get 1, maybe 2. Holy Cross and Lafayette seem to be the early favorites around here, so I'd guess those 2. Colgate suffers from losing to both last year, and Lehigh still needs to pull off a winning record before getting people's attention

[Aho_Old_Guy]

xnodx

ASU is WAAAAYYY too high - might be lucky to win 4 games this year xthumbsupx

4 ? xeekx

You are much too kind. I'm thinking 2 .... maybe three, tops


(nudge-nudge wink-wink)

[HensRock]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. William & Mary
4. Elon
5. South Dakota State
6. New Hampshire
7. Montana
8. Richmond
9. Jacksonville State
10. Stephen F. Austin
11. Eastern Washington
12. South Carolina State
13. App State
14. McNeese State
15. Weber State
16. Delaware
17. Northern Iowa
18. Montana State
19. Penn
20. Eastern Illinois
21. Northern Arizona
22. James Madison
23. UC Davis
24. Furman
25. Illinois State

I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with regard to Armanti-less ASU and Montana and Richmond with new coaches.

[JALMOND]

Well EWU lost virtually everyone to graduation...Portland State is all offense...MSU has had problems ever since coach Kramer was forced out and Weber State appears to be at the end of its two-year run...NAU is the only other team outside Montana to return a substantial amount of talent...Not saying MSU can't get there, just saying the 2009 season wasn't a great one for the Big Sky...It happens with every league...Now, those of us of us who do more research might find that Montana is the only team worthy to be ranked...I didn't rank Weber State simply because the way the Wildcats were "topsy-turvy" all season and especially thought twice about ranking them after their performance in the playoffs...It wouldn't be logical to rank MSU or Eastern Washington at this point, based on the only information available to research a preseason poll...But, since you are a Bobcat/Big Sky fan, I'm sure that you have an in-depth knowledge of the league, so I understand your argument.

Your assessment of the Big Sky is unnerving. Here is something to help you out.

For you and everyone else who may be interested, this is what I am working on as far as the Big Sky is concerned. Granted it is only the end of spring ball and my true polls and rankings will not come out until closer to the beginning of the season, but to give you all an idea of where I have the teams as of now in a pretty competitive conference...

PRIME CONTENDERS

Eastern Washington---Yes, the Eagles lose Nichols, but Taiwan Jones returns as well as most of the receiving corp. If their QB transfer lives up to his hype, the Eagles won't miss Nichols much. If he exceeds his hype, the Eagles won't miss Nichols at all.

Montana---The Grizzlies have Reynolds coming back as well as the QB tandem, Selle and Roper. I'm holding out until I see the new coach, but they could have done much worse if they had passed on Pflugrad. We'll know a lot anyway about the Griz as they play at Cal Poly and at Eastern Washington within the first three weeks of the season.

Weber State---The Wildcats still have Higgins coming back and may have Nakamura returning (some of the Weber fans may have to help me on that one). They pride themselves on defense and should fall back to that this year. A favorable schedule works in their favor as they have both Montana and Eastern Washington at home.

COULD CONTEND IF THE CHIPS FALL RIGHT

Montana State---Many of the Bobcat youngsters last year were forced to play due to a devastating fall ball and early season injuries. A good example is when everyone returned at the end of the year, they were playing as good as or better than the rest of the conference. They just could not recover from the hole they dug early in the year. All that experience could maybe pay off this year.

Northern Arizona---What started off as a possibly wonderful season for the Jacks quickly turned sour at the end of the year, a normal routine that is quickly getting old. Once again, they have enough to get themselves up near the elite but can they fight that tradition and avoid fading at the end.

Sacramento State---Something unheard of, but after turning some heads last year, the inkling around Sacramento is could this possibly be the year they break through and contend. The talent and experience are there, unfortunately they will have to overcome a terrible schedule (road games at Montana, Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona).

A STEP OR TWO BACK

Northern Colorado---Talent is there, experience is there, and a buzz is going around campus that the Bears could be there. But a history that includes only four conference wins since joining the conference means that they need to show more than they have.

Portland State---A transition from Glanville to Burton and throwing out the run and shoot to enacting the pistol. New coach, new system, new offense, new defense, not this year for the Vikings.

Idaho State---Bengals are improving and have come a long way from where they were 2-3 years ago. What they have shown, to still be near the bottom shows just how bad they were. Improving, yes. But still near the bottom.

[JSU02]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. William & Mary
4. Elon
5. South Dakota State
6. New Hampshire
7. Montana
8. Richmond
9. Jacksonville State
10. Stephen F. Austin
11. Eastern Washington
12. South Carolina State
13. App State
14. McNeese State
15. Weber State
16. Delaware
17. Northern Iowa
18. Montana State
19. Penn
20. Eastern Illinois
21. Northern Arizona
22. James Madison
23. UC Davis
24. Furman
25. Illinois State

I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with regard to Armanti-less ASU and Montana and Richmond with new coaches.

Not too shabby :)

[jmu_duke07]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. William & Mary
4. Elon
5. South Dakota State
6. New Hampshire
7. Montana
8. Richmond
9. Jacksonville State
10. Stephen F. Austin
11. Eastern Washington
12. South Carolina State
13. App State
14. McNeese State
15. Weber State
16. Delaware
17. Northern Iowa
18. Montana State
19. Penn
20. Eastern Illinois
21. Northern Arizona
22. James Madison
23. UC Davis
24. Furman
25. Illinois State

I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with regard to Armanti-less ASU and Montana and Richmond with new coaches.


And why did you put JMU below Delaware? What new firepower did Delaware acquire in the offseason?

[JMU Newbill]

And why did you put JMU below Delaware? What new firepower did Delaware acquire in the offseason?


What fire power did JMU aquire in the offseason?

[OL FU]

Good to see some people considering Furman. I probably won't participate in the poll due to not having enough time to properly research, but this would be the first year in a while I would give consideration to a pre-season ranking of Furman. But I also wouldn't complain about a wait and see attitude toward our season.

[slostang]

I think Cal Poly will surprise some people in 2010. We had a rough 2009, but we had a new coaching staff, we had to replace 8 starters on offense, five on defense and we had a lot of injuries on a very young team. In 2010 we return 9 startes on offense plus transfer Mark Rodgers from West Virginia and 8 starters on defense plus transfer Matt Singletary (Mike Singletary's son) from Baylor. Cal Poly has been in the top 25 at the end of the season every year since 2004 with the exception of 2009 and they also have had two top ten finishes (2005 & 2008) during that time. I think they will be back in 2010.

[LUHawker]

Quite so. Any of those 4 could win the League, though sitting here in late May, I feel that's closer to collective mediocrity than national competitiveness. I'm not convinced right now that any of them are better this coming season than they were in 2009 xtwocentsx

As for the Top 25, I wouldn't be surprised to see 0 PL teams make it, but likely we'll get 1, maybe 2. Holy Cross and Lafayette seem to be the early favorites around here, so I'd guess those 2. Colgate suffers from losing to both last year, and Lehigh still needs to pull off a winning record before getting people's attention

Besides having been 1 & 2 last year, not sure why HC or Lafayette should be early favorites. Both teams had very good quarterbacks, particulary HC, and Lafayette lost a lot to graduation. I think right now with Eachus and Sullivan back, Colgate has to be the favorite in the PL. I believe that Lehigh will be better this year with a new OC and an experienced, if not stellar, QB. That being said, Lehigh is still a "show me" story. Despite being ineligible to win the crown, Fordham will challenge, but I still don't think they are at the top.

I think by year's end 2 PL teams in the top 25 - just not sure which two.

[Franks Tanks]

Besides having been 1 & 2 last year, not sure why HC or Lafayette should be early favorites. Both teams had very good quarterbacks, particulary HC, and Lafayette lost a lot to graduation. I think right now with Eachus and Sullivan back, Colgate has to be the favorite in the PL. I believe that Lehigh will be better this year with a new OC and an experienced, if not stellar, QB. That being said, Lehigh is still a "show me" story. Despite being ineligible to win the crown, Fordham will challenge, but I still don't think they are at the top.

I think by year's end 2 PL teams in the top 25 - just not sure which two.

Everyone thinks Lafayette lost the whole team. We least some good players, but no more than a typical year really. We still have the best reciving corp in the league and some young talanted RB's. Sure we need some things to fall in place to contend, but that is pretty much the story ever year.

Holy Cross will still be good, but they relied on Randolph so much.. it will be interetsing to see how that fare without him.

Gate has Eachus and Sullivan, but their recieving corp has been hit very hard by graduation and transfers. Their D is a bit suspect and not sure if they will be all that much better next year.

Lehigh brings back most of the team, but it was a team that had a losing season last year. They also fac a brutal OOC schdule.

Botton line is that we all have question marks. It will be another wild PL season as I doubt one clear favorite will emerge.

[headdressguy]

Am I the only one around here who thinks Maine has good chance of being a playoff team? Return a lot, almost all their toughest conference games in Orono - would one of the more knowledgeable folks around here help me see what I'm missing?

[UNH Fanboi]

Am I the only one around here who thinks Maine has good chance of being a playoff team? Return a lot, almost all their toughest conference games in Orono - would one of the more knowledgeable folks around here help me see what I'm missing?

I certainly think they're in the mix, but that mix includes every team except Towson and URI, so it's going to be very competitive. I think Maine won't get much mention because people have gotten used to assuming that UNH will be the lone playoff team from the North.

[LUHawker]

Botton line is that we all have question marks. It will be another wild PL season as I doubt one clear favorite will emerge.

Agreed.

On a separate note, I didn't write the LC lost its whole team to graduation, but when Tavani talks about it, it is at least a bigger than usual deal this year than most others.

[DFW HOYA]

On a separate note, I didn't write the LC lost its whole team to graduation, but when Tavani talks about it, it is at least a bigger than usual deal this year than most others.

He's underselling--Laf will be in among the top two in a three team race.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Am I the only one around here who thinks Maine has good chance of being a playoff team? Return a lot, almost all their toughest conference games in Orono - would one of the more knowledgeable folks around here help me see what I'm missing?

I just don't see it. Tell me which games they win between September 18th and October 16th.

[Franks Tanks]

Agreed.

On a separate note, I didn't write the LC lost its whole team to graduation, but when Tavani talks about it, it is at least a bigger than usual deal this year than most others.

Losing Curly is huge. Rarely have we been so dependant on one player, so I understand why Frank feels he is losing a lot with him. No doubt we have a big question at Q and that will be critical to our success in 2010.

I wouldnt say Lafayette is the favorite, I actually have no idea who the favorite should be, and it will be a typical wide open PL race.

[headdressguy]

I just don't see it. Tell me which games they win between September 18th and October 16th.

The only one I see in that group that they almost definitely lose is Nova. They almost beat UNH in Durham last year, and this W&M fan has our game against the Black Bears a toss-up right now. Perhaps "good chance at being a playoff team" was a bit strong; I just thought they'd have at least some support for a top 25 spot.

[WrenFGun]

I think UNH is overrated right now. We have no idea how their offensive line will mesh, they lose their starting RB (not that he performed very well), and they also lost the best TE in FCS and their starting LB.

There are a lot of good players returning, but the OL was a nightmare for much of last season and if that's not corrected it will be much of the same. I'd have UNH cautiously in the top 10 to 15 spots, and perhaps it's because the rest of the country has similar question marks, but I was frankly more confident in last year's team than this one ...

[WestCoastAggie]

I think UNH is overrated right now. We have no idea how their offensive line will mesh, they lose their starting RB (not that he performed very well), and they also lost the best TE in FCS and their starting LB.

There are a lot of good players returning, but the OL was a nightmare for much of last season and if that's not corrected it will be much of the same. I'd have UNH cautiously in the top 10 to 15 spots, and perhaps it's because the rest of the country has similar question marks, but I was frankly more confident in last year's team than this one ...

Is the OL that much of an issue? I mean you all did have a great season in 09. UNH is definitely a top 10 squad heading into the season and should be favorites to win the CAA and the NC.

[jstclmet]

Am I the only one around here who thinks Maine has good chance of being a playoff team? Return a lot, almost all their toughest conference games in Orono - would one of the more knowledgeable folks around here help me see what I'm missing?

Outside the CAA, no one knows a lot about Maine. Nor does Maine have many advocates here on AGS. Maine got off to a slow start last year with a lot of new and young players. Maine had also lost a lot of Seniors especially on defense from the previous year. Maine rebounded well and will be a force to be reckoned with.

Yes, everyone is sleeping on the Black Bears, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had the best record of all the teams formerly from the CAA North. Also, they get Nova at home. Temple notwithstanding, the Maine game (like UNH the year before) is worrisome.

Maine may not start the season in the top 25, but they certainly will end the season in the top 25, and most likely playoff bound.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

I think UNH is overrated right now. We have no idea how their offensive line will mesh, they lose their starting RB (not that he performed very well), and they also lost the best TE in FCS and their starting LB.

There are a lot of good players returning, but the OL was a nightmare for much of last season and if that's not corrected it will be much of the same. I'd have UNH cautiously in the top 10 to 15 spots, and perhaps it's because the rest of the country has similar question marks, but I was frankly more confident in last year's team than this one ...

It's funny how after Villanova, it seems everyone else seems to be in a similar boat...

[DFW HOYA]

I wouldnt say Lafayette is the favorite, I actually have no idea who the favorite should be, and it will be a typical wide open PL race.

Really, it's two schools every year out of a group of three (Col/Leh/Laf) with a wild-card like HC.

But since 2004, Bucknell has not finished higher than 4th, Fordham has one finish higher than 5th, and Georgetown has never finished higher than 6th.

[UNH Fanboi]

I think UNH is overrated right now. We have no idea how their offensive line will mesh, they lose their starting RB (not that he performed very well), and they also lost the best TE in FCS and their starting LB.

There are a lot of good players returning, but the OL was a nightmare for much of last season and if that's not corrected it will be much of the same. I'd have UNH cautiously in the top 10 to 15 spots, and perhaps it's because the rest of the country has similar question marks, but I was frankly more confident in last year's team than this one ...

There's some good discussion about the O-line on the UNH board:

http://unhwildcats.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=unhanda10football&action=display&thread=280&page=2


Question re: OLINE starters....on Saturday, there were so many guys out that they seemed to mix up the offensive starters.....so this is an uninformed guess as I have no connection to the team or Staff to know what the latest is BUT if i had to guess.....based on last years 2 deep at Vilanova, the reports, & Saturday - you would have Price & Pecoraro at LT/LG respectively (no change).....Zarkoski is your center, DiLima would stay at RT & Isiah Martin was 2 deep at RG.....however, it seems NH own Seamus Oneil is impressing so perhaps he starts at RG...I think he has the body for it. Mohr & Archer were also on the 2 deep & are both returning. This brings up an interesting point.....judging from the Vilanova 2 deep....we'd only be losing Dan Larkin at RG & Tom Neill at center. Everything I've seen & heard is that Zarkowski is as good as Neill & a firery leader...so that may not even be a step back....meaning on paper, the only position that would not improve would be RG....thats very positive.....3 out of 5 with another year under their belt to jell & Zarkowski in the center! .....getting back to the injury question. IF these guys are healthy, the OLINE may be a strength vs. a weakness. But IF your 2 300 pound tackles are injured & they need to move guys around....thats a problem

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

I think UNH is overrated right now. We have no idea how their offensive line will mesh, they lose their starting RB (not that he performed very well), and they also lost the best TE in FCS and their starting LB.

There are a lot of good players returning, but the OL was a nightmare for much of last season and if that's not corrected it will be much of the same. I'd have UNH cautiously in the top 10 to 15 spots, and perhaps it's because the rest of the country has similar question marks, but I was frankly more confident in last year's team than this one ...

At #3 I too think UNH is overrated, but I'd don't think things are as dire as you make them sound. I mean aren't eight of the ten on the OL two deep returning? And I don't think lines that are a "nightmare" win nine regular season games including a FBS win as well as go into McNeese and come out victorious in the playoffs. I'll agree that the line play might not have been championship caliber, but "nightmare" is a tad harsh of a descriptor.

Zarkoskie did begin the 2009 season as the starting center so I don't think it is far fetched to think he can step in for one of the two graduating players, Neill at Center. The rest of the crew should benefit from a year's experience and in the weight room. We're looking at no true freshmen on the OL two deep for the first time in three seasons. I'm thinking the OL this season is as good as last year's and potentially better. Still young, but deeper.

No question losing Sicko is huge, but Jeannot has shown a lot of talent and is bigger. He had a great performance when he stepped in for Sicko one game last year. Cullen was a highly touted TE recruit from FLA, now a Junior. I don't expect the drop off to be that significant. And with Fox returning at WR, we'll have better balance. And Fox significantly improves the kick return game. Losing Ware (LB) and Klein (DB) on defense are big losses, but again there appears to be talent waiting in the wings. I'm thinking at least two out of Jenkins (DE/LB), Buzbee (LB), Colbert (DE), Vines (DL), Houston (DB) and Jared Smith (DT) make an impact this year on defense. Smith is bigger at 6'3" 316 than both DT's who graduated. Smith and Young 6'3" 296 give UNH arguably their best run stoppers in a long time. I think the UNH defense has another incremental improvement with size and athleticism again this season.

My biggest concern is placekicking as I'm not sure we have anyone who replaces what Manning provided last season.

[tribefan40]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. New Hampshire
4. South Carolina State
5. Montana
6. Stephen F. Austin
7. Furman
8. Elon
9. Liberty
10. McNeese State
11. Eastern Washington
12. Appalachian State
13. Northern Iowa
14. Prairie View A&M
15. Richmond
16. Eastern Illinois
17. Penn
18. Massachusetts
19. Montana State
20. Eastern Kentucky
21. Stony Brook
22. South Dakota State
23. Florida A&M
24. Colgate
25. William and Mary

I think the CAA as a conference loses a lot, I think App State will have a year of stumbling with the graduation of Edwards, and I think that Furman is the class of the SoCon this year. Liberty finally breaks through, and quite honestly, I don't think SIU or Weber State should be penalized too much because of their drubbings from W&M - that was an incredible defense, which could still be a very good defense.

I love the fact you talk about the way W&M 'drubbed' your #2 team and then rank us 25th. The D will be good again this year, Shoop has finally brought a winning system to W&M and defense won't keep us out of the mix like it has in the past. xtwocentsx

[carney2]

I think by year's end 2 PL teams in the top 25 - just not sure which two.

I'll be a little surprised if it's two this year. Lots of questions; lots of holes to fill. The contenders (in alphabetic order):

COLGATE - Eachus and Sullivan are the top offensive threat in the League. Unfortunately, the graduation of Simmonds will allow defenses to play the run even more single mindedly. And, for the 3rd or 4th year in a row, the defense will not be causing opposing offensive coordinators many sleepless nights.

FORDHAM - No Skelton and no "wow" factor so far in loading the scholarship gun. A real cupcake OOC schedule should beef up the win-loss percentage, but this does not look like a top team in the Patriot League right now.*

*Yes, I know that Fordham does not qualify for the League championship this year and that their games do not count in the League standings. As far as I'm concerned however, they're in until they're out.

HOLY CROSS - Perhaps the most interesting team in the League. How will they do without Dominic Randolph? At this point they look like about .500 both in OOC games and in the League.

LAFAYETTE - They need to find a QB, an OL, and a running game. A great receiving corps and the usual steady defense should hold things together. I expect them to not do well in OOC games while they conduct auditions and do some on the job training in suspect areas, but they should have their act together for the League season.

LEHIGH - The defense will be solid, but questions remain on offense. The faithful feel that the new homegrown OC will make all the difference. Unless he is personally going to do the running, blocking, throwing and catching, you have to acknowledge that this will be the same group that frequently couldn't get out of their own way last year. A brutal OOC schedule will keep the Squawks out of the top 25 no matter how they perform in the League.

[TheValleyRaider]

Everyone thinks Lafayette lost the whole team. We least some good players, but no more than a typical year really. We still have the best reciving corp in the league and some young talanted RB's. Sure we need some things to fall in place to contend, but that is pretty much the story ever year.

Holy Cross will still be good, but they relied on Randolph so much.. it will be interetsing to see how that fare without him.

Gate has Eachus and Sullivan, but their recieving corp has been hit very hard by graduation and transfers. Their D is a bit suspect and not sure if they will be all that much better next year.

Lehigh brings back most of the team, but it was a team that had a losing season last year. They also fac a brutal OOC schdule.

Botton line is that we all have question marks. It will be another wild PL season as I doubt one clear favorite will emerge.

That's pretty much my thinking on the League right now

Maybe we should start a separate PL Preseason thread for this... xchinscratchx

[RichH2]

Chalk is for Gate based on skill positions. They will score. Their best D will be long drives on O.BU will be better but Susan does not yet have enuf good players . Nice frosh class but not much help this yr. LC D will key their season. Maybe they'll get a qb, if so they will be tough. HC wont be a walk over but unless they can come up with some dominant OL replacements and some rbs a long year of close tough losses. LU has all the pieces but unknown whether Coen and Ceech can get them t work consistently. D will be very good. OOC schedule brutal. GU not there yet

[Saint3333]

Not sure where ASU will be without AE, but history say there's a good chance they'll be in the top 10. From 1995-2005 ASU finished:

2
25
22
7
9
4
6
10
unranked
unranked
1

The 2010 ASU team on paper has more talent than the majority of those teams, I know they don't play the games on paper, but preseason polls are.

If the new QB can limit his turnovers his supporting cast will make him look pretty good.

[SpidersSportsEditor]

It's funny how after Villanova, it seems everyone else seems to be in a similar boat...

Very true. With the competitive, close games played in the CAA every year and the amount of turnover from last season, I don't think anyone in the conference is overly confident other than Nova and I don't think anyone should be. If I had to bet, I would pick W&M to finish second and after that I wouldn't even venture a guess. I'd love to say Richmond will do well, but big questions at OL, RB and DL other than Martin Parker, and a new head coach, there are just too many unknowns to make an accurate prediction. Don't think we'll learn too much until Sept. 4 either.

[jmu_duke07]

What fire power did JMU aquire in the offseason?

I'm not saying we did. I was just curious as to why Del will be better than last year since they lost some of their best players. Personally, I'm not that impressed with Devlin, but it could also be because of the guys around him.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I'm not saying we did. I was just curious as to why Del will be better than last year since they lost some of their best players. Personally, I'm not that impressed with Devlin, but it could also be because of the guys around him.

Trust me. Devlin is the real deal. Not his fault his receivers have brick hands. He probably had 20 in-completions that he threw right on the money but were just dropped.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Devlin will have a better line and improved playmakers around him. I think most Blue Hen fans would attest that Mark Duncan was a 'cancer' and a pretty big distraction last year.

[danefan]

I'm not voting, but if I were I'd have Delaware at around #10. A couple wins early and they'll be a top 5 team.

A definite Frisco attendee contender for sure.

[jstclmet]

Trust me. Devlin is the real deal. Not his fault his receivers have brick hands. He probably had 20 in-completions that he threw right on the money but were just dropped.

Whispers out of the UD camp says that he sometimes snaps at his linemen when they miss a block. While he may be getting the most ink as being the player the team is built around, not sure he's the most popular guy in the locker room.

[jmu_duke07]

Whispers out of the UD camp says that he sometimes snaps at his linemen when they miss a block. While he may be getting the most ink as being the player the team is built around, not sure he's the most popular guy in the locker room.

He must've been furious when JMU came into Newark last year. How many sacks were in that game?

[4th and What?]

A lot of people are posting that SC State either are a top 5 team preseason, or will be by the end of the season.

I'm not saying they aren't a high-caliber team, but how can they be ranked that high with the schedule they have? If they do not beat Georgia Tech, where is their quality win? Without a decent OOC win, I would have a hard time imagining a team in the top 5 or top 8. Other MEAC teams are playing App State, Furman, Holy Cross, or even ODU. SC State has Georgia Tech, Miss Valley State, and Benedict. Much of the paper that people have an issue with ranking teams now, will be all we really have for ranking SC State by the end of the season.

[bluehenbillk]

I'm not saying we did. I was just curious as to why Del will be better than last year since they lost some of their best players. Personally, I'm not that impressed with Devlin, but it could also be because of the guys around him.

Maybe you could fill us in on the best players we lost. I count 3, only 2 even played more than one game last year, our TE - Baker, Safety - Graves, DL - Gilbeaux. You can include WR - Duncan if you want but it's no loss as our WR's our deeper than they've ever been.

Nova is the league favorite, then you could lump UNH, UD, W&M, and JMU all together after that. UMass, Maine & UR next rung down, and URI & TU dwelling in the cellar.

[bluehenbillk]

Whispers out of the UD camp says that he sometimes snaps at his linemen when they miss a block. While he may be getting the most ink as being the player the team is built around, not sure he's the most popular guy in the locker room.


Who knows, maybe he does get in a teammates face when they don't perform. That being said, his teammates did vote him as a tri-captain for the 2010 team so I'd say his popularity really isn't an issue....

[JALMOND]

I think Cal Poly will surprise some people in 2010. We had a rough 2009, but we had a new coaching staff, we had to replace 8 starters on offense, five on defense and we had a lot of injuries on a very young team. In 2010 we return 9 startes on offense plus transfer Mark Rodgers from West Virginia and 8 starters on defense plus transfer Matt Singletary (Mike Singletary's son) from Baylor. Cal Poly has been in the top 25 at the end of the season every year since 2004 with the exception of 2009 and they also have had two top ten finishes (2005 & 2008) during that time. I think they will be back in 2010.

You give Walsh 2-3 years to get his system in place and recruit and he will get results. He never had that opportunity at Army, but then he was not the head coach. I'm looking for Cal Poly to make great strides this year and next. I'm sure he is eying the Montana game as a great barometer. His teams always gave the Griz fits in Portland when he was at Portland State (after the first 2-3 years of adjusting to the Big Sky level).

[B&G]

I'm going to say that Wofford surprises some people and has a bounce back season where they end up sneaking into the Top 25. With all of their injuries last year it allowed a lot of guys to get some experience. This was a young team. Another year with a great coach and their funky offense will make them a tough opponent... I could also see Samford and Chattanooga making bids to sneak into the Top 25... GSU is probably another year away... ASU returns a ton of starters. If they get anything decent from the QB position, then a Top 7 ranking is in the cards... Furman will probably blossom with Forcier taking over for Sorrells... Overall the SoCon may not be as top heavy this year but I see a lot of depth forming.

[tribefan40]

Maybe you could fill us in on the best players we lost. I count 3, only 2 even played more than one game last year, our TE - Baker, Safety - Graves, DL - Gilbeaux. You can include WR - Duncan if you want but it's no loss as our WR's our deeper than they've ever been.

Nova is the league favorite, then you could lump UNH, UD, W&M, and JMU all together after that. UMass, Maine & UR next rung down, and URI & TU dwelling in the cellar.

I don't know if I would lump UD and JMU in with UNH and W&M just yet. The cats and tribe are still stacked and will compete to take the CAA from 'Nova this year. UD has a fair amount to prove and JMU needs consistent quarterback play. It will be interesting to see how things pan out...

[bjtheflamesfan]

I'll say this...the stretch right out the gate really will say a lot about whether LU is moving into that second tier of FCS programs...Open @ home against St Fran, @ Ball State, @ Robert Morris and then @ JMU...if they come out 4-0, they are easily in the top 10 (and possibly snowballing to an undefeated season), they come out 3-1, Id say right around the 9-11 mark...2-2, they probably are top 20 at best...

[ThompsonThe]

"Terrell Hudgins, 2009 Hudgins Award Winner as best WR in FCS"

What is the "Hudgins Award" that you quote?....something an Elon fan made up to honor Terrell Hudgins?

[ThompsonThe]

A lot of people are posting that SC State either are a top 5 team preseason, or will be by the end of the season.

I'm not saying they aren't a high-caliber team, but how can they be ranked that high with the schedule they have? If they do not beat Georgia Tech, where is their quality win? Without a decent OOC win, I would have a hard time imagining a team in the top 5 or top 8. Other MEAC teams are playing App State, Furman, Holy Cross, or even ODU. SC State has Georgia Tech, Miss Valley State, and Benedict. Much of the paper that people have an issue with ranking teams now, will be all we really have for ranking SC State by the end of the season.

From what I have seen of S.C. State the last few years, I believe they CAN beat Georgia Tech.

[SideLine Shooter]

"Terrell Hudgins, 2009 Hudgins Award Winner as best WR in FCS"

What is the "Hudgins Award" that you quote?....something an Elon fan made up to honor Terrell Hudgins?

They had to give him some kind of award, you know, for the HUGE games he always had against App.xlolxxlolxxhurrayxxbangx

[SideLine Shooter]

I'll say this...the stretch right out the gate really will say a lot about whether LU is moving into that second tier of FCS programs...Open @ home against St Fran, @ Ball State, @ Robert Morris and then @ JMU...if they come out 4-0, they are easily in the top 10 (and possibly snowballing to an undefeated season), they come out 3-1, Id say right around the 9-11 mark...2-2, they probably are top 20 at best...

I really don't think I would take that bet on 4-0. What kind of odds you giving?xeyebrowx

[NHwildEcat]

We'll see what December has in store for us. I don't see more than 4 CAA teams in the playoffs this year though.

You may be right because of the losses of Hofstra and Northeastern...now the CAA's best teams records will more then likely show fewer wins because we have less teams to beat up on within our conference.

[bjtheflamesfan]

I really don't think I would take that bet on 4-0. What kind of odds you giving?xeyebrowx

Pretty long...I was more speculating...JMU has a chance to be a real statement game. I think the chances are better for LU to have a 2-1 record going into Harrisonburg, but if LU pulls the upset of BSU and goes into Bridgeforth 3-0 they have a chance with a win to get themselves solidly into the top 10 in a lot of polls. Im not saying that LU will go 4-0 but I am saying that having a 4-0 record with wins over JMU and BSU will certainly give them a chance to get into the upper third of most rankings

[Redwyn]

I'll say this...the stretch right out the gate really will say a lot about whether LU is moving into that second tier of FCS programs...Open @ home against St Fran, @ Ball State, @ Robert Morris and then @ JMU...if they come out 4-0, they are easily in the top 10 (and possibly snowballing to an undefeated season), they come out 3-1, Id say right around the 9-11 mark...2-2, they probably are top 20 at best...

3-1?!?! The 1 would need to be Ball State, so you're saying a simple win vs. JMU indicates an overwhelmingly strong program? St Francis was/is a pushover and all of Robert Morris' wins were within the NEC...If Liberty fails to go at least 2-2 the season is on course to be an unmitigated disaster.

What I will say is that Liberty deserves a top 25 spot on the board in the 20-25 range, no higher. With a win vs. JMU they deserve a spot 15-20, no higher. A win vs. Ball State and I can see 10-15. At no time should this team based on OOC alone be propelled into the top 10 without a total collapse of one of the teams popular for those slots (and the failure of any 10-15's to pick up the slack).

I have no problem with Liberty's program. it's on an upward trajectory and is a clear leader with SBU of the Big South. However, there just isn't enough meat in this schedule for me to believe that Liberty can make it into the top 10 on OOC basis alone. Replace one of the two NECs with another strong CAA or SoCon and win that? Then I'd be a believer.

[Redwyn]

SBU I see this happening - I hate that D2, but Hofstra disbanding and CCSU refusing to be the visiting team screwed us.

OOC:
South Florida
American International (D2)
Lafayette
U Mass

3-1 (loss to South Florida): Top 15-20
Any other situation - unranked

This is what you get when you play a D2 Seawolves - Run the table or go home!

[PhoenixPhan06]

"Terrell Hudgins, 2009 Hudgins Award Winner as best WR in FCS"

What is the "Hudgins Award" that you quote?....something an Elon fan made up to honor Terrell Hudgins?

Since they don't give out position awards in FCS, I thought he of all people deserved to have one named after him after 4 years of smashing records.

[jmufan999]

JMU needs consistent quarterback play

while i agree with you, i wouldn't say that i feel totally comfortable with W&M's QB situation either. any time you graduate a starting QB, there is a question mark.

[bluehenbillk]

From what I have seen of S.C. State the last few years, I believe they CAN beat Georgia Tech.


Just out of curiousity, what are you drinking?

[tribefan40]

while i agree with you, i wouldn't say that i feel totally comfortable with W&M's QB situation either. any time you graduate a starting QB, there is a question mark.

While I agree there are quesiton marks, we are replacing a one year starter (granted a talented one and senior.) W&M has a habit of producing good quarterbacks and has a good system for QBs to develop. While I think there will be concerns to begin the year, I expect the situation to stabilize behind lots of running from Grimes. xtwocentsx

[bjtheflamesfan]

3-1?!?! The 1 would need to be Ball State, so you're saying a simple win vs. JMU indicates an overwhelmingly strong program? St Francis was/is a pushover and all of Robert Morris' wins were within the NEC...If Liberty fails to go at least 2-2 the season is on course to be an unmitigated disaster.

What I will say is that Liberty deserves a top 25 spot on the board in the 20-25 range, no higher. With a win vs. JMU they deserve a spot 15-20, no higher. A win vs. Ball State and I can see 10-15. At no time should this team based on OOC alone be propelled into the top 10 without a total collapse of one of the teams popular for those slots (and the failure of any 10-15's to pick up the slack).

I have no problem with Liberty's program. it's on an upward trajectory and is a clear leader with SBU of the Big South. However, there just isn't enough meat in this schedule for me to believe that Liberty can make it into the top 10 on OOC basis alone. Replace one of the two NECs with another strong CAA or SoCon and win that? Then I'd be a believer.

The way I see it, the two biggest games in that early stretch are Ball State and JMU. St Fran and RMU should be wins (and most of the guys on Flamefans would share in that feeling), and for LU to go 4-0 (pretty long odds of that happening even with as good as the team has been) probably would get them right in that top 10 discussion, if not in the top 10. 3-1 (with the one being either JMU or BSU) gets them in that 8-11 debate. The rest of the schedule doesnt offer a ton of real advancement games (home for Savannah State and then the BSC schedule possibly leading to another collision course with your boys, this time for the autobid) so this first four game stretch is pretty important.

[WestCoastAggie]

SCSU is the biggest enigma out of the top 25. Heading into the Summer and Fall Camp, they return their whole D, which was very highly ranked in 09, and return most of their offense. In 09, this team was a botched snap from possibly beating App. St in Boone.

Their biggest question mark will be their schedule [They couldn't keep duckin' Benedict & MVSU is an absolute joke of a game if you ask me Why couldn't SCSU and Wofford get an agreement reached is beyond me.]

But with that, the Bulldogs will have to deal with a STRONGER MEAC conference. From top to bottom, with the exception of BCU & Howard [SSU & NCCU are not full members in 2010], EVERY MEAC team will be vastly improved from 09.

But even with the improved inter-conference competition, SCSU can and probably will go undefeated in MEAC & FCS play and will be a LEGIT National Championship contender.

The Defense is champ. ready and if that offense can improve from their 09 performance, look for the Bulldogs from Orangeburg to play in Jan.

[blukeys]

Just out of curiousity, what are you drinking?

Agreed, I am willing to buy a case and share it with bluhenbillk.

[SpeedkingATL]

Here's my guess considering we're still 100 days away and no snaps have taken place.

1-Villanova
2-Montana
3-William and Mary
4-Appalachian State
5-SC State
6-Southern Illinois
7-Elon
8-Northern Iowa
9-New Hampshire
10-S. F. Austin
11-South Dakota State
12-Eastern Washington
13-James Madison
14-Liberty
15-Furman
16-McNeese State
17-Eastern Illinois
18-Jacksonville State
19-Delaware
20-Cal Poly
21 Weber State
22-Richmond
23-Eastern KY
24-Prairie View A&M
25-Texas State

[jmufan999]

While I agree there are quesiton marks, we are replacing a one year starter (granted a talented one and senior.) W&M has a habit of producing good quarterbacks and has a good system for QBs to develop. While I think there will be concerns to begin the year, I expect the situation to stabilize behind lots of running from Grimes. xtwocentsx

fair points.

[lucchesicourt]

Cal Poly is sure getting more love than all the other members of the GWFC considering they finished last in the conference in 2009, don't you think?

[B&G]

SCSU is the biggest enigma out of the top 25. Heading into the Summer and Fall Camp, they return their whole D, which was very highly ranked in 09, and return most of their offense. In 09, this team was a botched snap from possibly beating App. St in Boone.

Their biggest question mark will be their schedule [They couldn't keep duckin' Benedict & MVSU is an absolute joke of a game if you ask me Why couldn't SCSU and Wofford get an agreement reached is beyond me.]

But with that, the Bulldogs will have to deal with a STRONGER MEAC conference. From top to bottom, with the exception of BCU & Howard [SSU & NCCU are not full members in 2010], EVERY MEAC team will be vastly improved from 09.

But even with the improved inter-conference competition, SCSU can and probably will go undefeated in MEAC & FCS play and will be a LEGIT National Championship contender.

The Defense is champ. ready and if that offense can improve from their 09 performance, look for the Bulldogs from Orangeburg to play in Jan.

Even FAMU? I would think they might be a notch worse this year. No Pulley & no Vann.

[4th and What?]

Cal Poly is sure getting more love than all the other members of the GWFC considering they finished last in the conference in 2009, don't you think?

The GWFC is completely up in the air right now. You can make an argument for any team in the conference. Hopefully a couple teams can rise above the rest and make some noise in the polls and the playoffs. While Cal Poly may of finished last in the division last year they were in the polls for a good chunk of the year, and had a win against SD St to hang their hat on.

Of course the last poll listed also has UNI at #8 who looks to be the expected #4 team in their conference going into this season, so I wouldn't read to much into it.

[WestCoastAggie]

Even FAMU? I would think they might be a notch worse this year. No Pulley & no Vann.

No Vann hurts FAMU in the return game BUT many loyal Rattlers claim Ukapi is a better passer than Pulley and he does have game experience. Also, Joe Taylor is one of the better FCS Recruiters.

[lucchesicourt]

But, Cal Poly finished 4-7, and was in the polls, why? They only won 4 games, and were 4-4 after 8 games? Have they really shown they were any better than ANY of the other teams in the conference? I think not. Cal Poly has a great program, but until they show up on the field, I would have a tough time saying they were or are any better than any of the teams in the GWFC. I would go so far as to say, all the other teams seemed to be better than Poly last year. So, I am just wondering why people think they are so good as to deserve to be ranked in ANYONE'S poll? Gee, UCD played a tougher schedule, won the conference, and few give them any recognition in the polls (not that I think they deserve to be in anyone's poll). I do not think any GWFC team has demonstrated they are qualified to be ranked in ANY poll as yet. These teams must perform on the field before they deserve a ranking, and no one has done that since the 2008 season. Not even Poly. So, why would anyone rank a GWFC team, is my question? I'd just like to hear their logic.

[4th and What?]

But, Cal Poly finished 4-7, and was in the polls, why? They only won 4 games, and were 4-4 after 8 games? Have they really shown they were any better than ANY of the other teams in the conference? I think not. Cal Poly has a great program, but until they show up on the field, I would have a tough time saying they were or are any better than any of the teams in the GWFC. I would go so far as to say, all the other teams seemed to be better than Poly last year. So, I am just wondering why people think they are so good as to deserve to be ranked in ANYONE'S poll? Gee, UCD played a tougher schedule, won the conference, and few give them any recognition in the polls (not that I think they deserve to be in anyone's poll). I do not think any GWFC team has demonstrated they are qualified to be ranked in ANY poll as yet. These teams must perform on the field before they deserve a ranking, and no one has done that since the 2008 season. Not even Poly. So, why would anyone rank a GWFC team, is my question? I'd just like to hear their logic.

I do not have Poly in my poll, just simply stating that brand recognition goes a long way with people, especially in preseason polls. It's tough to find 10 teams who are "deserving" to be in the polls right now, let alone 25. Right now I am toying with Davis in the 20-30 range, but that is probably a bit of homerism as well.

As far as who truly deserves to be in the polls right now, you probably have 0 teams from the GWC, Ivy, NEC, Patriot, or Pioneer, and maybe one team from the Big South, MEAC, and SWAC. So you're left with 6 conferences who only have 2-3 teams deserving. That leaves a good 5-10 teams who are going to take a bit of foresight on what people expect them to do during the season, and not what they have proven on the field already. Hence the uselessness of preseason polls in accuracy, but being good for discussion of the upcoming season.

[Tribe4SF]

While I agree there are quesiton marks, we are replacing a one year starter (granted a talented one and senior.) W&M has a habit of producing good quarterbacks and has a good system for QBs to develop. While I think there will be concerns to begin the year, I expect the situation to stabilize behind lots of running from Grimes. xtwocentsx

Grimes, Marriner and Riggins give the Tribe a wealth of options for both running the ball, and getting each of them the ball quickly in space. Expect to see a wide variety of alignments with all three running backs used from side line to side line when the ball is snapped.

Even with the RBs taking some heat off, either Brent Caprio or Mike Paulus is going to have to emerge quickly if the Tribe is to challenge in the CAA. With UMass on opening day, there will be a sense of urgency to establish good play at QB. I think the defense will again do its part, but one of these two is going to have to make plays.

[tribefan40]

Grimes, Marriner and Riggins give the Tribe a wealth of options for both running the ball, and getting each of them the ball quickly in space. Expect to see a wide variety of alignments with all three running backs used from side line to side line when the ball is snapped.

Even with the RBs taking some heat off, either Brent Caprio or Mike Paulus is going to have to emerge quickly if the Tribe is to challenge in the CAA. With UMass on opening day, there will be a sense of urgency to establish good play at QB. I think the defense will again do its part, but one of these two is going to have to make plays.

Agreed. I'm hoping there are enough playmakers left on defense to do just that. UMass will be a big challenge week one, but getting through them would allow us a couple weeks in the softer part of the schedule to get the QBs some reps and begin to solidify the position. After ODU it's gonna be tough every week!

[LeadBolt]

Agreed. I'm hoping there are enough playmakers left on defense to do just that. UMass will be a big challenge week one, but getting through them would allow us a couple weeks in the softer part of the schedule to get the QBs some reps and begin to solidify the position. After ODU it's gonna be tough every week!

The UMass game could very well set the tone for the season, much as UVA did last year, here's hoping for another positive start will lead to good things. Last year was a lot of fun!

[NHwildEcat]

1. Villanova
2. Southern Illinois
3. William & Mary
4. Montana
5. New Hampshire
6. Appalachian St.
7. South Carolina St.
8. Stephen F. Austin
9. South Dakota St.
10. Elon
11. Eastern Washington
12. Richmond
13. Weber St.
14. Jacksonville St.
15. Northern Iowa
16. Delaware
17. McNeese St.
18. Furman
19. James Madison
20. Pennsylvania
21. Montana St.
22. Liberty
23. Northern Arizona
24. Maine
25. Holy Cross

[GoAgs72]

I'm going to put UC Davis in the bottom 5 of top 25 but probably not Cal Poly just based upon last year's performance. The top position in the conference will probably change often through the season between UC Davis, Cal Poly and Southern Utah. The Aggies have SUU at Davis where the Thunderbirds have never performed well. However, Cal Poly gets the Aggies at home which is tough. North Dakota and South Dakota are wild cards - we have no pushovers in our conference which may keep everyone out of the playoffs again.

[4th and What?]

Any good patriot league resources out there? Granted they aren't going to have any teams high in the polls right now, but I'm definitely lacking in research on them right now.

[Squealofthepig]

Any good patriot league resources out there? Granted they aren't going to have any teams high in the polls right now, but I'm definitely lacking in research on them right now.

Glad I'm not the only one struggling; have reached out to a friend of mine who played for Colgate to see if he has any good links; outside of that, I've just been wading through the respective team's local media; the following has some links that I found useful, though any common place would certainly be welcome!

http://www.hoyasaxa.com/sports/thepl.htm

[ngineer]

Any good patriot league resources out there? Granted they aren't going to have any teams high in the polls right now, but I'm definitely lacking in research on them right now.

The Lehigh site is www.lehighsports.com Then just click the Varsity Sports drop down and select football. Reviews of recent articles on team leaders and the Spring Game are there. Indeed, today, our Co-Captain, Will Rackley was selected as one of the top 20 offensive FCS linemen in the country. LehighFootballNation blog also has various articles discussing the team, recruiting and the PL prospects in general.

[ngineer]

Following up on the PL. As usual, no one team appears in position after the spring to be dominant. Based upon returning starters and returning letterwinners, Colgate, Lehigh and Lafayette should all be in the hunt and, if the new Holy Cross QB can step in and not let the shadow of Randolph spook him, the Crusaders could be there, too. Fordham, Bucknell and Georgetown do not appear to have enough to seriously make a run at the league title, and FU won't be eligible anyway.
Colgate's offense should be hellacious on the ground and although they lost their all-american wr, Simonds, they return their QB who is a playmaker. Their big ? will be on defense.
Just the opposite is Lehigh, with 17 starters returning and good experience with the non starters returning. The defense looks very strong and while the offense returns 9 starters, it was horribly erratic last year. With a new and energetic OC on board we could see some juice that has been missing over the past couple years. Special teams should be strong with everyone back.
Lafayette's fortunes may well rise and fall on whether they can decide on and have a productive QB. 'Pards always seem to have a stable of good runners but filling graduation gaps in the line never seems to be a problem for Tavani as he always seems to bring the beef.
Holy Cross has a good returning nucleus and the big Q will be how much fall off will occur post-Randolph. May rely more on ground game than in years past. Crusader D needs to improve from last year and given Gilmore's forte is D, one could well expect improvement on that front.

[appfan2008]

ASU will be number one this year in my preseason poll... give me a reason they shouldnt be... until the season starts I believe they are the best team in the country.

[crusader11]

Any good patriot league resources out there? Granted they aren't going to have any teams high in the polls right now, but I'm definitely lacking in research on them right now.

crossports.com

Always some great chatter over on our message board.

[Keenan]

here is my Top 25 with a couple of surprises

1-Villanova
2-William & Mary
3-Southern Illinois
4-Elon
5-Appalachian State
6-Richmond
7-Montana
8-Eastern Washington
9-James Madison
10-New Hampshire
11-South Carolina State
12-Liberty
13-Delaware
14-South Dakota State
15-Northern Iowa
16-Jacksonville State
17-Furman
18-Maine
19-McNeese State
20-Weber State
21-Montana State
22-Eastern Illinois
23-Georgia Southern
24-Youngstown State
25-Stony Brook

[Squealofthepig]

here is my Top 25 with a couple of surprises

....
18-Maine
...


More data please? I personally would love to see Maine ranked, but a team that won only five games last year, in a tough league, with a handful of returning juniors and a HUGE Freshman class last year (45!)... I'll be cheering for them (would love to see the Battle of the Bears again!), but just not sure. Lots of great guys returning, and think next year we'll be talking about them a lot, just worry that now is too soon.

[Saint3333]

I'm shocked that anyone would have Richmond in their top 15, much less at 6. They lost 15 of 22 starters and their head coach. Looks like this poll may be a rehash of how last year finished without looking at the changes on the rosters.

[ngineer]

Agreed. I have Richmond as a 'marginal top 20"..I see them in the 17-25 range.

[Syntax Error]

ASU will be number one this year in my preseason poll... give me a reason they shouldnt be... until the season starts I believe they are the best team in the country.

Why?

[aggiemba]

here is my Top 25 with a couple of surprises

1-Villanova
2-William & Mary
3-Southern Illinois
4-Elon
5-Appalachian State
6-Richmond
7-Montana
8-Eastern Washington
9-James Madison
10-New Hampshire
11-South Carolina State
12-Liberty
13-Delaware
14-South Dakota State
15-Northern Iowa
16-Jacksonville State
17-Furman
18-Maine
19-McNeese State
20-Weber State
21-Montana State
22-Eastern Illinois
23-Georgia Southern
24-Youngstown State
25-Stony Brook

Wow, no UC-Davis or Cal Poly. xnonono2x

[4th and What?]

here is my Top 25 with a couple of surprises

1-Villanova
2-William & Mary
3-Southern Illinois
4-Elon
5-Appalachian State
6-Richmond
7-Montana
8-Eastern Washington
9-James Madison
10-New Hampshire
11-South Carolina State
12-Liberty
13-Delaware
14-South Dakota State
15-Northern Iowa
16-Jacksonville State
17-Furman
18-Maine
19-McNeese State
20-Weber State
21-Montana State
22-Eastern Illinois
23-Georgia Southern
24-Youngstown State
25-Stony Brook

Richmond, UNI, Weber St, Maine all questionable.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Richmond, UNI, Weber St, Maine all questionable.

I think people are overlooking Wofford. I expect them to compete for 2nd place in the SoCon. They should be in the top 20 IMO.

[Keenan]

I'm shocked that anyone would have Richmond in their top 15, much less at 6. They lost 15 of 22 starters and their head coach. Looks like this poll may be a rehash of how last year finished without looking at the changes on the rosters.

Richmond gets my respect for what they have done the past several seasons. Yes, they have a new HC and a plethora of new starters on both sides of the ball, but until they lose, they will have my vote. It may take until week#3 when they play Elon at home, but I don't think anyone can just write off Richmond until they prove otherwise. They have a solid foundation of winning and that's reflected by my vote.

I'm one that wishes there weren't any polls until Week#3 or #4, but I'll throw my xtwocentsx in there.

[Keenan]

I think people are overlooking Wofford. I expect them to compete for 2nd place in the SoCon. They should be in the top 20 IMO.

Pre-season polls are all about what have you done for me lately? Wofford finished 2009 at 3-8 which will not garner any preseason Top 25 votes, regardless of potential. If the Terriers start out this season at 4-1, then we'll start talking. Ohio is a given loss while Union (Ky.) is a given win. Show me wins @ a gritty Charleston Southern, home vs. Furman and @ Georgia Southern and you'll have your Top 25.

Wofford doesn't exactly have a favorable schedule to contend for the SoCon title. Road tilts against Georgia Southern,Elon AND Appalachian State? Ouch!

[ming01]

Illinois St. will be a top 25 team IMO

[Syntax Error]

Illinois St. will be a top 25 team IMO

I think so too

[Appguy]

I'm shocked that anyone would have Richmond in their top 15, much less at 6. They lost 15 of 22 starters and their head coach. Looks like this poll may be a rehash of how last year finished without looking at the changes on the rosters.

For me its becuase they pulled in a QB from USC, Aaron Corp who is probably better than most FBS QBs starting and only came to Richmond so he could start right away.

[B&G]

1. Villanova
2. Montana
3. William & Mary
4. Southern Illinois
5. Appalachian St.
6. New Hampshire
7. South Carolina St.
8. Weber St.
9. Jacksonville St.
10. South Dakota St.
11. Stephen F. Austin
12. Elon
13. Delaware
14. Eastern Washington
15. Richmond
16. McNeese St.
17. Liberty
18. Furman
19. James Madison
20. Prairie View A&M
21. Northern Iowa
22. Eastern Illinois
23. Northern Arizona
24. Central Arkansas
25. Wofford

... Mine was a little different. But I may be the sole vote for Wofford in the Top 25. At the #25 slot we're picking nits anyway so I voted for my surprise team for 2010.

[smallcollegefbfan]

1. Villanova
2. Montana
3. William & Mary
4. Southern Illinois
5. Appalachian St.
6. New Hampshire
7. South Carolina St.
8. Weber St.
9. Jacksonville St.
10. South Dakota St.
11. Stephen F. Austin
12. Elon
13. Delaware
14. Eastern Washington
15. Richmond
16. McNeese St.
17. Liberty
18. Furman
19. James Madison
20. Prairie View A&M
21. Northern Iowa
22. Eastern Illinois
23. Northern Arizona
24. Central Arkansas
25. Wofford

... Mine was a little different. But I may be the sole vote for Wofford in the Top 25. At the #25 slot we're picking nits anyway so I voted for my surprise team for 2010.

I have them at 14 in mine. They have everyone back and return a ton of players from injuries. They have 4 who missed most of the season who I believe will be All-SoCon this year. Breitenstein, Mike Niam, Mike Rucker, etc.

[ThompsonThe]

1. Appalachian State
2. Montana
3. Villanova
4. Southern Illinois
5. James Madison
6. New Hampshire
7. South Carolina St.
8. Furman
9. Jacksonville St.
10. South Dakota St.
11. Stephen F. Austin
12. Liberty
13. Delaware
14. Eastern Washington
15. Richmond
16. McNeese St.
17. Elon
18. Montana State
19. Wofford
20. William & Mary
21. Northern Iowa
22. Eastern Illinois
23. Northern Arizona
24. Central Arkansas
25. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

[PhoenixSupreme]

I've never done an AGS poll of any kind before so here's my 1st shot at this...

1. Montana
2. Villanova
3. William & Mary
4. Southern Illinois
5. New Hampshire
6. South Dakota St.
7. Eastern Washington
8. Stephen F. Austin
9. Jacksonville St.
10. Appalachian St.
11. South Carolina St.
12. Elon
13. James Madison
14. Furman
15. Weber St.
16. Eastern Illinois
17. Northern Iowa
18. Richmond
19. Colgate
20. UC Davis
21. Texas St.
22. Chattanooga
23. Liberty
24. Maine
25. McNeese St.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Is Chatty really that good this year? (potentially)

[JSU02]

(potentially)? YES

[smallcollegefbfan]

Is Chatty really that good this year? (potentially)

They could be. They have a lot of talent. Funny thing here is that many of their top players are just juniors so they could be even better next year.

[Squealofthepig]

Personally, what I love going into 2010 is that there are a bunch of known unknowns (with apologies to Donald Rumsfeld). There are quite a few teams with a lot of players back and some solid showings last year, but it's really just a guess as to where they'll wind up. Delaware, Maine, Chattanooga, Wofford, Elon - there's really no telling where they'll end up but I'm excited to see how they do.

One thing too with polls is that everyone has a different idea of how they're ranking - are you ranking how good you think a team is? Or are you ranking teams based on what their CV is? For preseason, you have to just take a good guess, though I was surprised by how many CAA teams I wound up ranking. May still root against 'em, but gotta give respect where due!

[SCSUDog4Life]

To have SCSU ranked lower than 7th in the Top 25 is a flat out travesty. All we've done over the past two years is prove that we will line up and play with the best of them. Two playoff appearances in Boone, NC with App State and arguably one of the best QB's in the history of the division on their heels TWICE in the 4th quarter, last year a botched snap away from moving on to play in the 2nd round.

I've learned it doesn't matter at the end of the day. We'll continue to lace em up and play whoever lines up against us and let the chips fall where they may. I will tell you this though....the coaches poll and the Sports Network poll will not have us ranked lower than 7th nationally and you can take that to the bank.

[Squealofthepig]

To have SCSU ranked lower than 7th in the Top 25 is a flat out travesty. All we've done over the past two years is prove that we will line up and play with the best of them. Two playoff appearances in Boone, NC with App State and arguably one of the best QB's in the history of the division on their heels TWICE in the 4th quarter, last year a botched snap away from moving on to play in the 2nd round.

I've learned it doesn't matter at the end of the day. We'll continue to lace em up and play whoever lines up against us and let the chips fall where they may. I will tell you this though....the coaches poll and the Sports Network poll will not have us ranked lower than 7th nationally and you can take that to the bank.

I had you close to where you wanted in my poll, fwiw, but saying you're a top program because you can almost beat top teams is unpersuasive (and making excuses just makes it worse, as now you're saying you found a way to lose a game you should have won). Beat Georgia Tech and you'll get respect and rocket up the poll.

And I'd happily take the bet on both SN and the coaches having you no lower than seventh, as mid-majors always get dinged in polls. Just the way it is.

[4th and What?]

To have SCSU ranked lower than 7th in the Top 25 is a flat out travesty. All we've done over the past two years is prove that we will line up and play with the best of them. Two playoff appearances in Boone, NC with App State and arguably one of the best QB's in the history of the division on their heels TWICE in the 4th quarter, last year a botched snap away from moving on to play in the 2nd round.

I've learned it doesn't matter at the end of the day. We'll continue to lace em up and play whoever lines up against us and let the chips fall where they may. I will tell you this though....the coaches poll and the Sports Network poll will not have us ranked lower than 7th nationally and you can take that to the bank.

And I guess UNI should of had a bowl invite last year for almost beating Iowa.

Beat a decent football program before you start demanding a top 10 ranking in any poll. Or perhaps you should start by scheduling one. SCSU continued to schedule OOC cupcakes this year which saddens me.

Running up the score on weak teams and "we almost won"s will only get you so far, which is where you are at (and I think 8 is a touch too high, but enough people buy the hype).

I understand you guys have history with some of those schools I consider weak, but it doesn't stop other MEAC schools from scheduling App St, Furman, Holy Cross, Tenn St or even ODU.

[Syntax Error]

SCSU is a reloading program now, expect it to hit the playoffs hard