Sports Network Poll - 10/18 (Includes Voters)

[TexasTerror]

Check it out - TSN has revealed their voters! And how did Nicholls go from 11 votes last time to 0 this time, especially after their big win?

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/tsn-div-1aa-poll.htm

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (111) 6-0 3,718 1
2. Delaware Blue Hens (28) 7-0 3,594 2
3. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (11) 7-0 3,419 3
4. William & Mary Tribe 5-1 3,293 4
5. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1) 5-1 3,164 5
6. Villanova Wildcats 4-2 2,988 6
7. Montana Grizzlies 5-2 2,594 11
8. Eastern Washington Eagles 5-2 2,520 12
9. Wofford Terriers 5-1 2,394 14
10. New Hampshire Wildcats 4-3 2,047 16
11. James Madison Dukes 4-2 2,001 7
12. Massachusetts Minutemen 4-2 1,854 8
13. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 6-1 1,807 18
14. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 6-0 1,592 23
15. Montana State Bobcats 5-2 1,551 9
16. Richmond Spiders 3-3 1,479 20
17. Liberty Flames 5-2 1,341 19
18. South Carolina State Bulldogs 4-2 1,283 10
19. Northern Iowa Panthers 3-3 759 22
20. Penn Quakers 4-1 625 25
21. Western Illinois Leathernecks 5-2 622 NR
22. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 4-2 599 NR
23. Cal Poly Mustangs 4-3 584 13
24. Chattanooga Mocs 4-2 516 NR
25. Furman Paladins 4-2 462 NR

Others receiving votes: North Dakota State 353, Elon 329, Grambling State 319, Jacksonville 309, Jackson State 148, Hampton 144, Robert Morris 120, Southern Illinois 98, Georgia Southern 85, Colgate 63, Dayton 56, Sam Houston State 41, South Dakota State 32, Indiana State 24, Illinois State 24, McNeese State 24, Sacramento State 23, Lehigh 16, Yale 15, Southern Utah 13, Texas State 9, Weber State 8, UC Davis 7, South Dakota 4, Harvard 3, Tennessee State 2.

[Grizzaholic]

xviolinx

[GeauxLions94]

Check it out - TSN has revealed their voters! And how did Nicholls go from 11 votes last time to 0 this time, especially after their big win?

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/tsn-div-1aa-poll.htm

1. Appalachian State Mountaineers (111) 6-0 3,718 1
2. Delaware Blue Hens (28) 7-0 3,594 2
3. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (11) 7-0 3,419 3
4. William & Mary Tribe 5-1 3,293 4
5. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1) 5-1 3,164 5
6. Villanova Wildcats 4-2 2,988 6
7. Montana Grizzlies 5-2 2,594 11
8. Eastern Washington Eagles 5-2 2,520 12
9. Wofford Terriers 5-1 2,394 14
10. New Hampshire Wildcats 4-3 2,047 16
11. James Madison Dukes 4-2 2,001 7
12. Massachusetts Minutemen 4-2 1,854 8
13. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 6-1 1,807 18
14. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 6-0 1,592 23
15. Montana State Bobcats 5-2 1,551 9
16. Richmond Spiders 3-3 1,479 20
17. Liberty Flames 5-2 1,341 19
18. South Carolina State Bulldogs 4-2 1,283 10
19. Northern Iowa Panthers 3-3 759 22
20. Penn Quakers 4-1 625 25
21. Western Illinois Leathernecks 5-2 622 NR
22. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 4-2 599 NR
23. Cal Poly Mustangs 4-3 584 13
24. Chattanooga Mocs 4-2 516 NR
25. Furman Paladins 4-2 462 NR

Others receiving votes: North Dakota State 353, Elon 329, Grambling State 319, Jacksonville 309, Jackson State 148, Hampton 144, Robert Morris 120, Southern Illinois 98, Georgia Southern 85, Colgate 63, Dayton 56, Sam Houston State 41, South Dakota State 32, Indiana State 24, Illinois State 24, McNeese State 24, Sacramento State 23, Lehigh 16, Yale 15, Southern Utah 13, Texas State 9, Weber State 8, UC Davis 7, South Dakota 4, Harvard 3, Tennessee State 2.

Don't know about Nicholls, but I'm wondering how Texas State is still getting votes after going 0-2 in the Southland and allowing a average of 48 points per game in those two losses?

[TexasTerror]

The electorate... guess we can figure out which conferences do not get as involved as the others...


The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 Voters -

The Sports Network: Aaron Corrill, Andrew Gaddess, Craig Haley, Phil Sokol, Kevin Spiegel;
Big Sky: Brian Berger, Brad Bugger, Roy Burton, Dave Cook, Mick Holien, Jon Kasper, Heather Kennedy, Bill Lamberty, Brad Larsen, Jeff Lasky, Scott Marsh, Fritz Neighbor, Steve Schaack, Steve Shaff, Mitch Strohman; Big South: John Avery, Wade Branner, Blake Freeland, Adam Gutes, Brent Hager, Matt Hogue, Chris Lang, Marc Rabb, Mark Simpson, Todd Wetmore;
CAA Football: Mike Barber, Pete Clawson, Mike DeGeorge, Glenn Frazer, Dean Kenefick, Allen Lessels, Andrew Mahoney, John Martin, Scott Meyer, Mike Murphy, Dan O'Connell, Keith Pompey, Scott Selheimer, Kevin Tresolini, Matt Vautour, Melinda Waldrop, Jason Yellin; Great West: Amil Anderson, Eric Burdick, Jacque Cottrell, Neil Gardner, Jeremy Hoeck, Doug Kelly, Mike Robles, Randy Scovil;
Independent Schools: Ted Alexander, Chris Hooks, Opio Mashariki, Rich Radford, Kimberly Zivkovich;
Ivy League: Rick Bender, Ed Benkin, Eric Dolan, Michael Gold, Chris Humm, Craig Larson, Craig Sachson, Kurt Svoboda, Bruce Wood;
MEAC: Chris Carlson, Thomas Grant, Bill Hamilton, Leonard Hayes IV, Ed Hill Jr., Ronnie Johnson, Dennis Jones, Matt Michalec, Eric Moore, Patricia Porter, Dan Ryan, Maurice Williams, Brent Woronoff;
Missouri Valley Football Conference: John Bohnenkamp, Jason Clay, Todd Hefferman, Jason Hove, Ace Hunt, Mike Kern, Rick Kindhart, Kara Moran, Patrick Osterman, Trevor Parks, Randy Reinhardt, Jeff Schwartz, Lyndal Scranton, Terry Vandrovec, Mike Williams, Brock Wissmiller;
Northeast Conference: Brian DePasquale, Jim Duzyk, Andrew Santillo, Chris Shovlin, Jason Sullivan, Ralph Ventre, Greg Viscomi;
Ohio Valley Conference: Neal Bradley, John Brush, Michael Clark, Wallace Dooley, Barry Gresham, Jeff Honza, James Horne, Brad Kirtley, Joe Lofaro, Rich Moser, Brian Nielsen, Mike Parris, Kyle Schwartz, Greg Seitz; Patriot League: Charles Bare, Bill Bowman, Joe DiBari, Matt Dougherty, Keith Groller, Jeremiah Hergott, Steve Lomangino, Eric Malanowski, Matt Markus, Ryan Sakamoto;
Pioneer Football League: Cody Bush, Jack Cronin, Drew Dickerson, Jeff Elliott, Mike Ferraro, Marc Gignac, Ted Gosen, Joel Lamp, Mike Mahon, Barry Milligan, Chuck Mraz, Joe Prisco, Ryan Wronkowicz;
Southern Conference: Jay Blackman, Tommy Bowman, Rose Carter, Mike Flynn, Don Heath, David Jackson, Joey Mullins, Noelle Orr-Blaney, Chris Rash, Hunter Reid, Mandrallius "Many" Robinson, Adam Smith, Brent Williamson, Jason Yaman;
Southland: Jason Barfield , Louis Bonnette, James Dixon, Kevin Gore, Alex Hickey, Doug Ireland, Todd Lamb, Tyler Mayforth, Rick Poulter, Brent St. Germain, Matt Sullivan;
Southwestern Athletic Conference: Rodney Bush, Tom Galbraith, Ley Jean, Leonard Moon, Roderick Mosley, Wesley Peterson, Brandon Willis;
Other Representatives: Brian Brennan, Josh Buchanan, LeCounte Conaway.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/tsn-div-1aa-poll.htm

[TexasTerror]

Don't know about Nicholls, but I'm wondering how Texas State is still getting votes after going 0-2 in the Southland and allowing a average of 48 points per game in those two losses?

Perhaps we'll find out when Tyler Mayforth reveals his ballot... doubt Rick Poulter will! ;)

[Lehigh Football Nation]

3-loss Cal Poly still in the poll after their loss to Southern Utah?? Why not instead show some love to a team that has collectively outscored their opponents 122-16 over their last 3 games - Colgate? Even Grambling would be a better pick at 23.

How is Robert Morris buried below Jacksonville, Jackson State and Hampton?

[danefan]

3-loss Cal Poly still in the poll after their loss to Southern Utah?? Why not instead show some love to a team that has collectively outscored their opponents 122-16 over their last 3 games - Colgate? Even Grambling would be a better pick at 23.

How is Robert Morris buried below Jacksonville, Jackson State and Hampton?

Are there any other teams not ranked that have wins over teams currently ranked?

[WestCoastAggie]

Robert Morris is getting NO love in the polls at all. xsmhx

Thankfully, they control their own destiny for the NEC AQ.

[appfan2008]

Robert Morris is getting NO love in the polls at all. xsmhx

Thankfully, they control their own destiny for the NEC AQ.

I had them at 24 on the ags poll if that makes you feel any better

[Edge316007]

Why are there more voters than last time in the major FCS poll? Count the first place votes compared to last week

Also good to see Chattanooga finally getting some love

[WileECoyote06]

Robert Morris not being ranked at this point is ridiculous. I hope the AGS voters were more fair.

[JMUNJ08]

3-loss Cal Poly still in the poll after their loss to Southern Utah?? Why not instead show some love to a team that has collectively outscored their opponents 122-16 over their last 3 games - Colgate? Even Grambling would be a better pick at 23.

How is Robert Morris buried below Jacksonville, Jackson State and Hampton?

The accountability didn't help them aparently just getting rid of some of the HORRID votes that were cast.

[Green26]

Why is Northern Arizona not ranked higher than 22nd?

4-2, with a respectable loss to Arizona St and a loss to no. 8 ranked EWU. Big win over Montana State (no. 9 when they played) and respectable but inconsistent Southern Utah. No. 2 rated FCS team in the Sagarins.

I think NAU is going to give Montana a run for their money in Missoula. (UM injury situation is dire. 2 d-ends out for season, including best d-end. A top d-tackle hurt, and the best d-tackle just coming back and still hobbling. 3 lb's out for season, including the nos 4 and 5. Good corner just getting back. Top qb out for season. Best receiver out for multiple games. Another good receiver out for season to date. Two other receivers hurting. A top o-line reserve currently hurt. Best fullback out for season. Best rb playing but unable to practice much during week. The coach said it's the worst injury situation he's seen in his 30 years of coaching.)

[MacThor]

The coach said it's the worst injury situation he's seen in his 30 years of coaching.)

He's not coaching at Richmond this year.

[aceinthehole]

A joke of a poll - still!

#17 Liberty, but RMU isn't in the top-30? LU might be right, but them the Colonials have to be around #22.

Bethune-Cookman at #14 and SCSU at #18? Then Hampton has more votes than RMU? Come on!

The PL is way down, but Colgate isn't even getting a sniff, while Penn lands at 20? No way those 2 teams are that far apart!

[MacThor]

Are there any other teams not ranked that have wins over teams currently ranked?

SUU, Texas State, South Dakota St., SIU, URI, Maine.

[Walkon79]

The coach said it's the worst injury situation he's seen in his 30 years of coaching.)

The only one worse might be just a little to the south and east :)

[nmatsen]

I don't know if people should be happy, or scared that the Valley has 2 teams ranked, and the highest one is 19. Certainly you don't go from being one of the top 3 conferences in the nation perrenially to not being represented in the top 18 teams in the country. Do you? Can you honestly let the Valley be a 1 bid league?

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

I don't know if people should be happy, or scared that the Valley has 2 teams ranked, and the highest one is 19. Certainly you don't go from being one of the top 3 conferences in the nation perrenially to not being represented in the top 18 teams in the country. Do you? Can you honestly let the Valley be a 1 bid league?

Personally, I don't think so. I just think there is more parity than normal in the MVFC and as long as teams get seven D-I wins, they'll get an at large bid. Difficult to ignore the NDSU win over Kansas or the spanking YSU gave CCSU among OOC games. UNI had a close game with SFA and if mistakes had been cleaned up would have won. xtwocentsx

[RabidRabbit]

Personally, I don't think so. I just think there is more parity than normal in the MVFC and as long as teams get seven D-I wins, they'll get an at large bid. Difficult to ignore the NDSU win over Kansas or the spanking YSU gave CCSU among OOC games. UNI had a close game with SFA and if mistakes had been cleaned up would have won. xtwocentsx

WIU is one of the SHSU losses also.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Inconsistencies for sure! Personally, I wouldn't put any Patriot, NEC, Pioneer or Ivy team in the top 25. And I have more questions about the Big South today than earlier in the season. I know the MEAC or SWAC don't really have many OOC games to really help gauge their strength either.

Despite not winning a playoff game for many years, I think the MEAC has some credibility for the strong performance by SCSU against App the past two years. And I know back in 2006 when UNH played Hampton, they were a quality team. And the W&M guys I attended that playoff game with told me how good Hampton was the year they played in the playoffs. The OVC and Southland have had OOC wins against the MVFC the past two seasons.

Maybe the NEC and Patriot need to schedule more OOC games with the MEAC, OVC, Southland? It would give folks a much clearer picture of how your teams stack up against those conferences. Hopefully, the opening round of the playoffs will too. If so, expect there to be carry over into next year's voting.

[aceinthehole]

Inconsistencies for sure! Personally, I wouldn't put any Patriot, NEC, Pioneer or Ivy team in the top 25. And I have more questions about the Big South today than earlier in the season. I know the MEAC or SWAC don't really have many OOC games to really help gauge their strength either.

Despite not winning a playoff game for many years, I think the MEAC has some credibility for the strong performance by SCSU against App the past two years. And I know back in 2006 when UNH played Hampton, they were a quality team. And the W&M guys I attended that playoff game with told me how good Hampton was the year they played in the playoffs. The OVC and Southland have had OOC wins against the MVFC the past two seasons.

Maybe the NEC and Patriot need to schedule more OOC games with the MEAC, OVC, Southland? It would give folks a much clearer picture of how your teams stack up against those conferences. Hopefully, the opening round of the playoffs will too. If so, expect there to be carry over into next year's voting.

I respect you posts a lot, but that has to be the biggest piece of BS you ever wrote.

The NEC has to play more MEAC teams? Please, CCSU rolled over DSU 2 years ago when the Hornets were just 1 year removed from the top-25 and a playoff bid. Monmouth beat Morgan State in another recent NEC-MEAC matchup.

CCSU was 7-1 last year with wins the only loss to a top-10 W&M team, yet no ranking. We had beaten a PL and Ivy team and were 5-0 in NEC play. This year RMU beat a ranked team, and has 1 loss to a Dayton team that is just as good as any MEAC, NEC, PL, or Ivy team. What does RMU have to do other than join the CAA?

The NEC has beaten multiple CAA and ranked teams over the past few years and I put our resume against the MEAC, PL, Big South and Ivy any day of the week.

Just look at the computer rankings that have the NEC above the PL, Ivy, MEAC, SWAC, etc.

The FACT the MEAC has 2 top-25 teams and the MVFC has just 2 shows how silly this poll is. It's a popularity contest.

[danefan]

SUU, Texas State, South Dakota St., SIU, URI, Maine.

Thanks, I started to look it up and then got side tracked.

The main difference to me, is that all of those teams have lost (some numerous times) since they're win. RMU hasn't.

[MacThor]

Thanks, I started to look it up and then got side tracked.

The main difference to me, is that all of those teams have lost (some numerous times) since they're win. RMU hasn't.

Yep, that's why RM is in my poll, and those others aren't.

[JSU02]

I hear by claim all those Jacksonville U and Jackson State votes to be clearly intended for Jacksonville State, thus giving us 3876 points and the #1 ranking ;)

[Dane96]

Inconsistencies for sure! Personally, I wouldn't put any Patriot, NEC, Pioneer or Ivy team in the top 25. And I have more questions about the Big South today than earlier in the season. I know the MEAC or SWAC don't really have many OOC games to really help gauge their strength either.

Despite not winning a playoff game for many years, I think the MEAC has some credibility for the strong performance by SCSU against App the past two years. And I know back in 2006 when UNH played Hampton, they were a quality team. And the W&M guys I attended that playoff game with told me how good Hampton was the year they played in the playoffs. The OVC and Southland have had OOC wins against the MVFC the past two seasons.

Maybe the NEC and Patriot need to schedule more OOC games with the MEAC, OVC, Southland? It would give folks a much clearer picture of how your teams stack up against those conferences. Hopefully, the opening round of the playoffs will too. If so, expect there to be carry over into next year's voting.

Honestly, you are really going off the deep end of late. Your latest posts sound NOTHING like the person I know in person. Are you telling me right now that Robert Morris, with a win over a Top 20 team (current) cant' beat a team from the MEAC whose signature win is over a team that hasnt beat anyone of note?

Come on.

[jacksfan29]

Thanks, I started to look it up and then got side tracked.

The main difference to me, is that all of those teams have lost (some numerous times) since they're win. RMU hasn't.

Uh actually SDSU beat WIU and SIU (while SIU was in the top 25) the past two weekends and have not lost since UNI. In other words, SDSU hasn't lost since the win over WIU.

We don't deserve to be ranked at 2 - 4 but you need to get your facts straight.

SDSU 2010
Week 1 Loss - Delaware (top 25)
Week 2 Loss - Illinois State (bad loss)
Week 3 Loss - Nebraska (top 25 FBS)
Week 4 Loss - UNI (top 25)
Week 5 Win - WIU (top 25)
Week 6 Win - SIU (top 25 at game time)

[danefan]

Uh actually SDSU beat WIU and SIU (while SIU was in the top 25) the past two weekends and have not lost since UNI. In other words, SDSU hasn't lost since the win over WIU.

We don't deserve to be ranked at 2 - 4 but you need to get your facts straight.

SDSU 2010
Week 1 Loss - Delaware (top 25)
Week 2 Loss - Illinois State (bad loss)
Week 3 Loss - Nebraska (top 25 FBS)
Week 4 Loss - UNI (top 25)
Week 5 Win - WIU (top 25)
Week 6 Win - SIU (top 25 at game time)

OK I'm wrong on one game in one schedule (I only asked about teams that have wins over CURRENT top 25 teams), but my point still stands. RMU has a top 25 win in week 2 and hasn't lost since.

And if SDSU wins out you better believe they'll be ranked and in the playoffs at 7-4.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

I respect you posts a lot, but that has to be the biggest piece of BS you ever wrote.

The NEC has to play more MEAC teams? Please, CCSU rolled over DSU 2 years ago when the Hornets were just 1 year removed from the top-25 and a playoff bid. Monmouth beat Morgan State in another recent NEC-MEAC matchup.

CCSU was 7-1 last year with wins the only loss to a top-10 W&M team, yet no ranking. We had beaten a PL and Ivy team and were 5-0 in NEC play. This year RMU beat a ranked team, and has 1 loss to a Dayton team that is just as good as any MEAC, NEC, PL, or Ivy team. What does RMU have to do other than join the CAA?

The NEC has beaten multiple CAA and ranked teams over the past few years and I put our resume against the MEAC, PL, Big South and Ivy any day of the week.

Just look at the computer rankings that have the NEC above the PL, Ivy, MEAC, SWAC, etc.

The FACT the MEAC has 2 top-25 teams and the MVFC has just 2 shows how silly this poll is. It's a popularity contest.

Well, you'll have to bear with me since I'm now officially over the hill and have had yet another year of killing brain cells with Sam Adams Octoberfest and Winter Lager. xsmiley_wix xlolx

I was trying to suggest that multiple NEC teams having multiple games against the OVC, MEAC, Big South and Southland, etc. during one season would make significantly more of an impression on voters. Obviously one CCSU win over Del State and one Monmouth win over Morgan State didn't resonate within the voting community. I think the NEC needs more than a couple of wins over lower division MEAC teams to make a statement. Correct me if I'm wrong, but CCSU didn't beat DSU the year they won the MEAC. Sorry if I don't feel like the CCSU resume is as strong as you perceive it to be.

I've stated my opinion that I don't think any 40 or less scholarship could sustain a winning record in a full scholarship AQ league. And I can't vote for a NEC team for that reason, that's just me. I've also stated that the Patriot, Ivy and Pioneer don't play enough OOC games to truly provide a gauge of their ability. I don't buy into their excellence because LFN and Detroit Flyer say so. I've also stated I like to see two quality OOC games for one team to provide a better barometer than one win. My analysis of RMU is still swayed by the CCSU games against UNH and YSU. If RMU spanks CCSU like they did Albany, then I will take notice and give them more credit. My analysis of the Patriot is swayed by Lehigh's games with UNH and Villanova as well as Colgate's games with Monmouth and Furman -- didn't see anything that said top 25 Patriot team to me.

But I don't think I'm the person you really have a problem with (other than being a full scholly school homer) because I'm just as tough on the Patriot, Pioneer, Ivy, MEAC, Big South, OVC, SWAC, etc. as I am on the NEC. I've already stated there would be no NEC, Patriot, Pioneer, Ivy or SWAC team in my top 25. If Liberty and Gardner-Webb didn't have FBS wins, I'm not sure I'd have a Big South team left either. And I'd have more than two MVFC teams in my top 25. Maybe I give too much credit to the MEAC because I don't think they are as bad as many posters make them out to be. xconfusedx

Unlike past years the NEC has an AQ this year and can make a statement in the playoffs that will get everybody's attention. I know you don't like my opinion, but at least I'm being honest. If you still think it's BS, that's your prerogative.

[aceinthehole]

Maybe I give too much credit to the MEAC because I don't think they are as bad as many posters make them out to be. xconfusedx

I think this is what really stuck out at me. What evidence do you have that the MEAC isn't that bad, now or then? When have they beat a non-conf ranked opponent? When have they won a 1st round game?

I respect that you are straightforward in your opinion, even if I don't agree. My only issue with you is that you need to put the NEC, PL, Ivy, MEAC, SWAC, and Big South, in the same pool. Just evaluate these schools on the same crtieria. Don't expect the one school to do something you aren't expecting from the others.

How is BCU or SCSU more deserving of a ranking than RMU, Colgate, or Penn? Who have the MEAC schools beat? What is their conference SOS? etc.

[Humble Steward]

A joke of a poll - still!

#17 Liberty, but RMU isn't in the top-30? LU might be right, but them the Colonials have to be around #22.

Bethune-Cookman at #14 and SCSU at #18? Then Hampton has more votes than RMU? Come on!

The PL is way down, but Colgate isn't even getting a sniff, while Penn lands at 20? No way those 2 teams are that far apart!

These rankings are well deserved so I'm not sure why this is so surprising. I'm not arguing but it seems that you have some really harsh comments about the MEAC. I agree that if we win out (too early to look beyond the next game), we need to win in the playoffs. Hopefully, that will garner a little respect for the MEAC conference. South Carolina St. and B-CU are both well coached teams this year and have solid defenses. I'm proud to be a Wildcat and I am enjoying what's happening to our program this year. Believe me there is something special going on in Daytona Beach and the players are buying into the coaches game plan.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Honestly, you are really going off the deep end of late. Your latest posts sound NOTHING like the person I know in person. Are you telling me right now that Robert Morris, with a win over a Top 20 team (current) cant' beat a team from the MEAC whose signature win is over a team that hasnt beat anyone of note?

Come on.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't know if RMU could beat SCSU or BCU. I don't really know how either of those teams stack up because they haven't had many OOC games to help me analyze them. Sure, the "AGS" factor says that RMU could win the game. But I don't have enough data to convince me that they could win the game six out of ten times for example. I don't have enough data to tell me that the RMU win over Liberty isn't a "AGS" type win. Maybe I give SCSU too much credit for their performance at App State the past two years? Feel free to send me an email or PM on why it is so crystal clear to you that RMU is better than SCSU or BCU. I'm still opened minded, reasonable and objective. Don't think I've changed too much over the years. :)

What I saw of Albany two years ago told me a NEC team could win any one game but couldn't sustain winning over a full season in a full scholly league like the MVFC, Big Sky, SoCon or CAA nor make a deep playoff run. Having seen UNH in this situation for multiple years helped me recognize it. I was super impressed with the way Albany played the game, but felt they didn't have the size or depth to be FCS Top 25. Maybe that is clouding my vision today, but I just don't think a RMU win over Liberty and Dayton jumps out at me the way it does you. Maybe I'm clouded by seeing CCSU play UNH then seeing how they did at YSU?

I don't have some vendetta against the NEC teams. Ask Danefan, he'll tell you I've been much more critical of Ivy and Patriot teams.

Please don't read anything into silence in the coming days because I won't be online anywhere near as often in the next few days.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

But I don't think I'm the person you really have a problem with (other than being a full scholly school homer) because I'm just as tough on the Patriot, Pioneer, Ivy, MEAC, Big South, OVC, SWAC, etc. as I am on the NEC. I've already stated there would be no NEC, Patriot, Pioneer, Ivy or SWAC team in my top 25. If Liberty and Gardner-Webb didn't have FBS wins, I'm not sure I'd have a Big South team left either.

So let me get this straight - you just put in all nine teams of the CAA into your ballot, and then fill in the rest with MWC, Southland, and Big Sky teams?

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

I think this is what really stuck out at me. What evidence do you have that the MEAC isn't that bad, now or then? When have they beat a non-conf ranked opponent? When have they won a 1st round game?

I respect that you are straightforward in your opinion, even if I don't agree. My only issue with you is that you need to put the NEC, PL, Ivy, MEAC, SWAC, and Big South, in the same pool. Just evaluate these schools on the same crtieria. Don't expect the one school to do something you aren't expecting from the others.

How is BCU or SCSU more deserving of a ranking than RMU, Colgate, or Penn? Who have the MEAC schools beat? What is their conference SOS? etc.

I do the best I can with the time I have available. Many, many weeks I don't have the time to research completely because I'm working on Sunday or traveling back from UNH games. If I took the poll super seriously, I wouldn't even participate. I'd like to think that I do evaluate all those conferences the same way. For example, I do notice when an OVC team beats a MVFC team OOC and other results of that ilk.

As for the MEAC, I have the first hand observation of the 2006 Playoff game that UNH played at Hampton. I have the feedback from a poster, Tribe4SF, that I think very highly of. His W&M Tribe has played a few games against Hampton and Norfolk State over the years. I look at the results in the playoffs. Most years the MEAC loses, but most years it's a very competitive game. The UD-DSU and Richmond-Hampton blowouts as the exception. I understand that the poll is a reflection of this year, but in lieu of OOC games I have to rely on what I've seen in past years to a certain extent. Unfortunately, the lack of OOC games requires subjective evaluation. And yes I'm guilty of being far more familiar with the NEC because of their location and games with the CAA.

But the bottom line is I'm just an amateur fan with an opinion that really isn't all that important. None of us are pros in this ranking business. And like I said it's not me who is giving credit to Colgate and Penn rather than RMU. I still think you have more of a gripe with many, many other voting members. If I said I didn't have a MEAC team in my poll either you'd probably be happier. xsmiley_wix

[Waco Kid]

UTC is at least 10 spots too low. Only 2 L's are to the #1 and #3 teams by a total of 5 points. There is no way any 3 loss teams should be ahead of them.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

So let me get this straight - you just put in all nine teams of the CAA into your ballot, and then fill in the rest with MWC, Southland, and Big Sky teams?

You can be so ridiculous sometimes! Give me a break, where did I ever suggest such a thing? And don't you think that type of ballot would be rejected by the mods? xbangx All I'm guilty of is feeling that the Big Sky, MVFC, SoCon and yes the CAA are superior to the other leagues. I think results on the field during the regular season and playoffs have proven that. I do recognize achievements by other leagues, I notice FBS wins, OOC wins over other conferences. My poll isn't made up of just teams from those conferences.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

You can be so ridiculous sometimes! Give me a break, where did I ever suggest such a thing?

You suggested that in that sentence I highlighted, where you judge 2/3rd of the conferences more harshly than yours and a handful of others.

[Rekdiver]

Chatty is getting scary. These people are on a mission and could/should have beaten both jacksonville State and ASU. Congrats to NH. Looks like they want to spend winter further south in the playoffs.

[MacThor]

Chatty is getting scary. These people are on a mission and could/should have beaten both jacksonville State and ASU. Congrats to NH. Looks like they want to spend winter further south in the playoffs.

We miss you, Russ.

[asu70]

UTC is at least 10 spots too low. Only 2 L's are to the #1 and #3 teams by a total of 5 points. There is no way any 3 loss teams should be ahead of them.

Having seen UTC in person, I would certainly agree with your statement.

[aceinthehole]

UNH Alum in CT - I know you to be a great fan and a knowledgeable one at that. I don't hold you personally accountable for knowing the ins and outs of every team and every conference.

But just following your logic, a good Hampton showing in 2006 is no better than a Albany win over Delaware.

CCSU played W&M last year much better than they played UNH and YSU this year. We graduate a bunch of seniors and we are reloading this season and getting better each week. NEC just don't get any credit and posters are always looking for more proof, while MEAC and others live of their historical "AQ status" and the number of scholarships they offer.

Do you think that just because Texas Southern or Morgan State offers 63 rides, that makes the SWAC or MEAC a better conference than the NEC? How soon we forget (or make excuses for) that Albany shut out a Maine team THIS YEAR that upset UNH weeks later. Then the Danes are trounced by RMU, but somehow RMU is not worthy 8 weeks into the season just because they dropped a week 1 contest to a Dayton team that is on-par with any PL or Ivy team?

I'm not trying to rip you for your poll (I think you have some valid points), but I'm trying to open everyone's opinion into what NEC teams have accomplished. We have to forget about number of schollys or the lack of a playoff history and instead focus on the current results on the field. Yes, some of this will get settled in the playoffs, but these polls have an impact and influence on the perceived strength of each conference, and the NEC seems to get the short straw every week.

[JSU02]

UTC is at least 10 spots too low. Only 2 L's are to the #1 and #3 teams by a total of 5 points. There is no way any 3 loss teams should be ahead of them.

completely agree

[udchuck]

Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't know if RMU could beat SCSU or BCU. I don't really know how either of those teams stack up because they haven't had many OOC games to help me analyze them. Sure, the "AGS" factor says that RMU could win the game. But I don't have enough data to convince me that they could win the game six out of ten times for example. I don't have enough data to tell me that the RMU win over Liberty isn't a "AGS" type win. Maybe I give SCSU too much credit for their performance at App State the past two years? Feel free to send me an email or PM on why it is so crystal clear to you that RMU is better than SCSU or BCU. I'm still opened minded, reasonable and objective. Don't think I've changed too much over the years. :)

What I saw of Albany two years ago told me a NEC team could win any one game but couldn't sustain winning over a full season in a full scholly league like the MVFC, Big Sky, SoCon or CAA nor make a deep playoff run. Having seen UNH in this situation for multiple years helped me recognize it. I was super impressed with the way Albany played the game, but felt they didn't have the size or depth to be FCS Top 25. Maybe that is clouding my vision today, but I just don't think a RMU win over Liberty and Dayton jumps out at me the way it does you. Maybe I'm clouded by seeing CCSU play UNH then seeing how they did at YSU?

I don't have some vendetta against the NEC teams. Ask Danefan, he'll tell you I've been much more critical of Ivy and Patriot teams.

Please don't read anything into silence in the coming days because I won't be online anywhere near as often in the next few days.

Sir, Just for the sake of accuracy RMU did NOT beat Dayton. it was Dayton 24 RMU 14

[TBIRDSFN10]

Thanks, I started to look it up and then got side tracked.

The main difference to me, is that all of those teams have lost (some numerous times) since they're win. RMU hasn't.

Actually SUU has won the past two weeks. they have gone from 1-4 to 3-4. there loss are from 2 FBS and two ranked FCS teams (NAU and TXST). So you were saying what exactly? SUU is a lot better than what people think...xnodx

[WileECoyote06]

UNH Alum in CT - I know you to be a great fan and a knowledgeable one at that. I don't hold you personally accountable for knowing the ins and outs of every team and every conference.

But just following your logic, a good Hampton showing in 2006 is no better than a Albany win over Delaware.

CCSU played W&M last year much better than they played UNH and YSU this year. We graduate a bunch of seniors and we are reloading this season and getting better each week. NEC just don't get any credit and posters are always looking for more proof, while MEAC and others live of their historical "AQ status" and the number of scholarships they offer.

Do you think that just because Texas Southern or Morgan State offers 63 rides, that makes the SWAC or MEAC a better conference than the NEC? How soon we forget (or make excuses for) that Albany shut out a Maine team THIS YEAR that upset UNH weeks later. Then the Danes are trounced by RMU, but somehow RMU is not worthy 8 weeks into the season just because they dropped a week 1 contest to a Dayton team that is on-par with any PL or Ivy team?

I'm not trying to rip you for your poll (I think you have some valid points), but I'm trying to open everyone's opinion into what NEC teams have accomplished. We have to forget about number of schollys or the lack of a playoff history and instead focus on the current results on the field. Yes, some of this will get settled in the playoffs, but these polls have an impact and influence on the perceived strength of each conference, and the NEC seems to get the short straw every week.

Is your entire argument based on what other conferences are doing, or how they are perceived?

[chattanoogamocs]

Why are there more voters than last time in the major FCS poll? Count the first place votes compared to last week

Also good to see Chattanooga finally getting some love

Gracias.

[heath]

Why are there more voters than last time in the major FCS poll? Count the first place votes compared to last week

Also good to see Chattanooga finally getting some love

For the same reason that a CORRECT poll should not be released until October anyhow. Voters with a clue wanted to see the field and how teams look(voting later in the season) rather than going by pre-season (experts?). The next 2 weeks will be so interesting and probably piss a lot of fans off,but thats why we play the game.

[Dane96]

Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't know if RMU could beat SCSU or BCU. I don't really know how either of those teams stack up because they haven't had many OOC games to help me analyze them. Sure, the "AGS" factor says that RMU could win the game. But I don't have enough data to convince me that they could win the game six out of ten times for example. I don't have enough data to tell me that the RMU win over Liberty isn't a "AGS" type win. Maybe I give SCSU too much credit for their performance at App State the past two years? Feel free to send me an email or PM on why it is so crystal clear to you that RMU is better than SCSU or BCU. I'm still opened minded, reasonable and objective. Don't think I've changed too much over the years. :)

What I saw of Albany two years ago told me a NEC team could win any one game but couldn't sustain winning over a full season in a full scholly league like the MVFC, Big Sky, SoCon or CAA nor make a deep playoff run. Having seen UNH in this situation for multiple years helped me recognize it. I was super impressed with the way Albany played the game, but felt they didn't have the size or depth to be FCS Top 25. Maybe that is clouding my vision today, but I just don't think a RMU win over Liberty and Dayton jumps out at me the way it does you. Maybe I'm clouded by seeing CCSU play UNH then seeing how they did at YSU?

I don't have some vendetta against the NEC teams. Ask Danefan, he'll tell you I've been much more critical of Ivy and Patriot teams.

Please don't read anything into silence in the coming days because I won't be online anywhere near as often in the next few days.

I will keep it simple and public...since you aren't the only one I have issue with this voting season, and it is ok to have differences of opinion of course:

SHOW ME Bethune and SC State's signature win. Then show me the teams at the bottom of your poll...and their signature wins.

I think you will be hard pressed to do so...and that is my point. I dont think you have a vendetta...but 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 mean nothing to me. It is what can a team do this season.

[IaaScribe]

Sir, Just for the sake of accuracy RMU did NOT beat Dayton. it was Dayton 24 RMU 14


For the sake of accuracy, it was Dayton 28 RMU 14

[danefan]

Want to know why the TSN poll will never rate teams based on their merits?

1. There are very few writers that follow the national FCS landscape.
2. The # of voters representing each league is not equal.

A small cross-section courtesy of 401ks.....

Colonial: 18 voters
Missouri Valley: 16 voters
Big Sky: 15 voters
Ohio Valley: 14 voters
Pioneer: 13 voters
Northeast Conference: 7 voters

[McNeese75]

Following is from Alex Hickey, the McNeese beat writer for the Lake Charles American Press. Oh, and i will not be defending his poll so flame away to yourself, LOL


This week The Sports Network released the names of the voters in the FCS Top 25 poll, so I figured I might as well let everyone know how I am voting in the thing.

Listed below is how I voted this week. And here is how the Top 25 actually looks.

Let the debate rage away.

Rank Team

1 Delaware

2 Appalachian State

3 Jacksonville State

4 William & Mary

5 Stephen F. Austin

6 Villanova

7 Wofford

8 Southeast Missouri State

9 Bethune-Cookman

10 Massachusetts

11 Eastern Washington

12 James Madison

13 Northern Arizona

14 Montana State

15 Montana

16 New Hampshire

17 Grambling State

18 Liberty

19 Richmond

20 South Carolina State

21 Northern Iowa

22 Penn

23 Furman

24 Chattanooga

25 Western Illinois

[udchuck]

For the sake of accuracy, it was Dayton 28 RMU 14

You are so right,Thank you, I was more interested in the winner than the actual score. Thanks again.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Want to know why the TSN poll will never rate teams based on their merits?

1. There are very few writers that follow the national FCS landscape.
2. The # of voters representing each league is not equal.

A small cross-section courtesy of 401ks.....

Colonial: 18 voters
Missouri Valley: 16 voters
Big Sky: 15 voters
Ohio Valley: 14 voters
Pioneer: 13 voters
Northeast Conference: 7 voters

And some national FCS writers have become conspicuously absent from voting in their polls.

[downbythebeach]

Want to know why the TSN poll will never rate teams based on their merits?

1. There are very few writers that follow the national FCS landscape.
2. The # of voters representing each league is not equal.

A small cross-section courtesy of 401ks.....

Colonial: 18 voters
Missouri Valley: 16 voters
Big Sky: 15 voters
Ohio Valley: 14 voters
Pioneer: 13 voters
Northeast Conference: 7 voters

That's pretty much all you need to knowxlolxxlolx

[Mr. C]

And some national FCS writers have become conspicuously absent from voting in their polls.
Yes they have. Some of them had voted for nearly a decade. The poll is missing probably a dozen PROMINENT voters from different FCS walks of life from the 2009 season. Some of the best voters that they had. Makes you wonder ...

[danefan]

Yes they have. Some of them had voted for nearly a decade. The poll is missing probably a dozen PROMINENT voters from different FCS walks of life from the 2009 season. Some of the best voters that they had. Makes you wonder ...

The poll was pretty bad last year with all those voters as well.

Its really an easy fix if you ask me:
1. Even out the voters per conference and add a group of 5-10 national writers.
2. Require each voter to publicize his/her ballot as is the case for the FBS AP Poll.

That will weed out the SIDs (which have no business voting, IMO) and the wannabe writers that barely cover FCS ball but feel special voting.

Even if you reduce the overall voter numbers, the poll will instantly become better.

I'll be sending TSN a bill too BTW.