Anyone Watching Bethune-Cookman at Norfolk State?

[Mr. C]

This is a huge game in regards to the MEAC championship tonight on ESPNU. B-CU has been playing some good defense after scoring on its first drive and has gotten pressure on NSU QB Chris Walley. It is 7-3 B-CU as the second half starts.

[superman7515]

A lot of rushing to start the half for Bethune-Cookman.

[superman7515]

Touchdown pass to KJ Stroud and Bethune-Cookman extends the lead.

[Mr. C]

A video review confirmed the TD for Bethune-Cookman. NSU trails 14-3 in the third period and needs to get Walley untracked.

[james_lawfirm]

This is a huge game in regards to the MEAC championship tonight on ESPNU. B-CU has been playing some good defense after scoring on its first drive and has gotten pressure on NSU QB Chris Walley. It is 7-3 B-CU as the second half starts.

Anyone notice that the OLs on both teams look small & slow? Or, is it the camera angle?

[superman7515]

KJ Stroud is a transfer to Bethune-Cookman from Rutgers. Played high school ball at Fort Hamilton in Virginia and got a few looks from NFL scouts early in his career, but has had a tough year this season.

[Mr. C]

Not all FBS transfer flourish at FCS schools.

Walley has been replaced by the Spartan backup to give NSU more running threat with the spread.

[superman7515]

Anyone notice that the OLs on both teams look small & slow? Or, is it the camera angle?

Norfolk State offensive line:
6'3" - 325
6'2" - 320
6'6" - 320
6'4" - 310
6'4" - 305
6'4" - 310
6'4" - 310
6'4" - 315

[superman7515]

Field goal for Norfolk State. 14-6

[Mr. C]

They are rotating QBs now and Walley just got sacked for the fourth time. B-CU is playing tough bump and run coverage and the Spartans haven't had time throw.

[Mr. C]

On fourth down, Norfolk State hit its second long field goal to make it 14-6.

[Mr. C]

Anyone notice that the OLs on both teams look small & slow? Or, is it the camera angle?

Norfolk State actually has very good speed, as does Bethune-Cookman. Having seen both of these teams in person in the past 12 months, I have to disagree.

[MR. CHICKEN]

16201....YEAH...AN' AH'M SITTIN' ON NORFOLK.....TA BEAT....BAFFOON/COOKIEMON....BAH 4.5......GOHENS..SPREAD......OH..FO' DUH DAYS..O' JIMMY SNYDER....AWK!

[superman7515]

NSU picks off a deep pass and takes over late in the 3rd quarter still down by 8.

[MR. CHICKEN]

TURN UP DUH HEAT...SPARTANS!

[Mr. C]

16201....YEAH...AN' AH'M SITTIN' ON NORFOLK.....TA BEAT....BAFFOON/COOKIEMON....BAH 4.5......GOHENS..SPREAD......OH..FO' DUH DAYS..O' JIMMY SNYDER....AWK!

Say what?

[Mr. C]

Could this defensive struggle come down to a late Norfolk State TD and two-point conversion? Anybody want to see overtime for this one?

[MR. CHICKEN]

Say what?

JIMMY DUH GREEK!

[Mr. C]

A 20-yard punt for B-CU will give Norfolk State the ball back on its own 37. Here is the Spartans' chance. Nico Flores at QB.

[Mr. C]

JIMMY DUH GREEK!

Just like that book that came out for conversational Klingon a few years ago, someone needs to do a Chickenspeak to English guide.

[Mr. C]

Near-miss pass to Victor Hairston deep as the third quarter ends. Key third down coming up for the Spartans.

[MR. CHICKEN]

CHICKEN...EBONICS...LAD!

[Mr. C]

CHICKEN...EBONICS...LAD!
xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:Dxrotatehxxrotatehxxrotatehxxro tatehxxrotatehxxrotatehxxrotatehxxrotatehxxrotateh xxrotatehxxcoolxxcoolxxcoolxxcoolxxcoolxxcoolxxcoo lxxcoolxxcoolx

Even K.C. Keeler is laughing at that one.

[MR. CHICKEN]

JES' READ IT...LIKE DUH LEGHORN!

[Mr. C]

It sure is hard trying to watch the FCS Thursday game of the week and the World Series at the same time.

[Mr. C]

Another good opportunity coming up for NSU on offense.

[MR. CHICKEN]

It sure is hard trying to watch the FCS Thursday game of the week and the World Series at the same time.

AN'..FOLLOWIN' DUH FELLAS...ON DUH BOARD..AH SAY.....AWK!

[Mr. C]

Definitely multi-tasking.

[Mr. C]

Weird sequence. NSU fumbled the ball away to B-CU and then the Wildcats, who have been run-oriented all night, start trying to hit the bomb. At least a 58-yard punt got B-CU out of trouble and has pinned Norfolk State in deep.

[MR. CHICKEN]

16204....YEAH...AN' TRYIN' TA HOLD HENRIETTAH'S...ATTENTION.....AS SHE'S THREATIN'...TA GO CLUBBIN'........BRAWK!

[Mr. C]

There is a video review to decide whether B-CU's Ryan Davis has recovered a fumble, or if the RB from NSU was down.

[Mr. C]

16204....YEAH...AN' TRYIN' TA HOLD HENRIETTAH'S...ATTENTION.....AS SHE'S THREATIN'...TA GO CLUBBIN'........BRAWK!

For some reason, the Kenny Rogers and the First Edition song "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town" is going through my mind.

[Mr. C]

The call on the field was reversed and B-CU is awarded the fumble deep in NSU territory.

[McNeese75]

Just like that book that came out for conversational Klingon a few years ago, someone needs to do a Chickenspeak to English guide.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1tayVbgzVY

[MR. CHICKEN]

For some reason, the Kenny Rogers and the First Edition song "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town" is going through my mind.

EGG-ZACKLY!

[Mr. C]

Isidore Jackson has 190 yards rushing for B-CU. NSU forced a three and out on B-CU.

[Mr. C]

40-yard field goal attempt for the Wildcats with nine minutes left goes way wide. B-CU leads 14-6 in the fourth.

[bjtheflamesfan]

In an effort to keep from yanking a 41 yard field goal the kicker gives no draw (or is it fade when youre pulling left?) at all and misses

[MR. CHICKEN]

AIN'T IT FUNNY.....HOW EVERAH-THIN'....CAN BE EXPLAINED....BAH SCIENCE....AWK!

[Mr. C]

EGG-ZACKLY!

Just as long as it's not "Hey Joe" (or the Ritchie Blackmore version, "Hey O.J.").

[bjtheflamesfan]

Is it draw when the ball goes left or fade?

[Mr. C]

In an effort to keep from yanking a 41 yard field goal the kicker gives no draw (or is it fade when youre pulling left?) at all and misses
The right hash got the kicker yet again.

[Mr. C]

B-CU has played such great D tonight. Nice breakup of a pass on third down and long. There is 8:13 left.

[MR. CHICKEN]

16205....MAH CAT...'NOVA...WANTS UH MASSAGE....IT'S SCARY UNDERAH..DUH ARC.....POINT SPREAD....DROPPIN'...LIKE MAH APPLE SHARES.....AN' HENRIETTAH....JES' SHOE-HORNED INTA PINK SLACKS...TIGHT WHITE SWEATER....'CAUSE IT'S CHILLY OUT.....SAYS SHE'S GOIN' FO' PIZZA....BRAWK!

[Mr. C]

There is always delivery (though not to my place in Boone). I like pepperoni and mushroom, Mr. Chicken.

[Mr. C]

16205....MAH CAT...'NOVA...WANTS UH MASSAGE....IT'S SCARY UNDERAH..DUH ARC.....POINT SPREAD....DROPPIN'...LIKE MAH APPLE SHARES.....AN' HENRIETTAH....JES' SHOE-HORNED INTA PINK SLACKS...TIGHT WHITE SWEATER....'CAUSE IT'S CHILLY OUT.....SAYS SHE'S GOIN' FO' PIZZA....BRAWK!

Is your cat really named Nova? :D:)xrotatehxxlolxxnodxxcoolx

[Mr. C]

B-CU got a first down by an inch.

[MR. CHICKEN]

DON'T FO'GET...DUH....DOMINO'S...ROASTED RED PEPPER...OPTION....AWK!

[MR. CHICKEN]

Is your cat really named Nova? :D:)xrotatehxxlolxxnodxxcoolx


AS TUBBY IS MAH WITNESS.....IT'S TRUE....NOT KIDDIN'...UH-UH.....AWK!

[Mr. C]

NSU forced a punt and will get the ball back with 5 minutes to play at the Spartan 18.

[MR. CHICKEN]

Is your cat really named Nova? :D:)xrotatehxxlolxxnodxxcoolx


COODN'T CALL HIM.....NEW HAMPSHIRE...xsmhx...AWK!

[Mr. C]

DON'T FO'GET...DUH....DOMINO'S...ROASTED RED PEPPER...OPTION....AWK!

Domino's is my favorite.

[Mr. C]

COODN'T CALL HIM.....NEW HAMPSHIRE...xsmhx...AWK!

You could have named him Jimmye (Laycock).

[MR. CHICKEN]

O' JERRY....(APPALACHIAN REFERENCE)....NEVERAH MIND...JERRY WAS DUH RAT!

[Mr. C]

COODN'T CALL HIM.....NEW HAMPSHIRE...xsmhx...AWK!

Or Mickey Matthews

[Mr. C]

I was waiting to see Xavier Boyce, the Virginia Tech transfer, make a play and he came through for 46 yards on a double post pattern.

[Mr. C]

Another Flores to Boyce connection to the 30. Third and short.

[Mr. C]

Flores keeper for a first down to the 26 with 3:44 left.

[Mr. C]

Almost disaster for the Spartans with a near interception on a bad Rico Flores read. Walley back in. NSU just spent its final time out.

[MR. CHICKEN]

C'MON SPARTANS...GET DUH SIX...GO FO' DUECE....TAKE DIS PUPPY INTA.....EXTRA INNIN'S....AWK!

[Mr. C]

Third and six pass Walley to Garrett for a first down on the slant. Garrett lost his footing, or it could have been an even bigger play. 1:41 left.

[bjtheflamesfan]

neither of you answered my question from the missed field goal about draw vs. fade

[Mr. C]

C'MON SPARTANS...GET DUH SIX...GO FO' DUECE....TAKE DIS PUPPY INTA.....EXTRA INNIN'S....AWK!

The Rangers are trying to do the same thing in St. Louis.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Where was this Bethune Cookman defense vs. Howard??

[Mr. C]

Great 11-yard catch for first and goal by Boyce on the sideline at the four.

[Mr. C]

Where was this Bethune Cookman defense vs. Howard??

The Wildcats have been a bit up and down. This is more like B-CU played last year.

[Mr. C]

neither of you answered my question from the missed field goal about draw vs. fade

I think more in terms of shanks and hooks (like my tee shots).

[Mr. C]

Great 11-yard catch for first and goal by Boyce on the sideline at the five.
With 57 seconds left, the play is under review. It should stay a catch. And it was confirmed. First and goal.

[MR. CHICKEN]

YES!...HE CAUGHT IT!

[JMUNJ08]

Call stands. Going to get interesting....

[MR. CHICKEN]

INTERCEPTED..WHO CALLED DAT PLAY...KEELER????????

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Gazooks what a horrible pass by Walley.

[Mr. C]

Deon Hanks picked off a pass to Boyce from Walley to seal the game. The fade was underthrown.

[danefan]

Is it just me or do both teams looks uncharacteristically slow for MEAC teams. Especially for BCU?

[Mr. C]

Big win for the Wildcats. Three turnovers killed the Spartans.

[MR. CHICKEN]

NUFFIN'...LIKE STARTIN' DUH POOLS...WIFF UH L........DODDLE-DOO!

[Mr. C]

Is it just me or do both teams looks uncharacteristically slow for MEAD teams. Especially for BCU?

No, No, No. These teams are NOT SLOW! I've seen both in person and both have good speed.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Kind of a shame that B-CU's best record could be 8-3 with 7 D-I wins... and they need NCAT to lose three more times in order for them to win the MEAC.

[bjtheflamesfan]

I think more in terms of shanks and hooks (like my tee shots).

lol ok which direction is a shank and which is a hook?

[danefan]

No, No, No. These teams are NOT SLOW! I've seen both in person and both have good speed.

May just be the TV angles then. In person does always look different.

[Mr. C]

For a righty (I am left-handed), a hook would be to the left and a shank would be the the right. I am notorious for shanks.

[Mr. C]

May just be the TV angles then. In person does always look different.

Norfolk State is a very athletic team and coach Pete Adrian, who has an NFL background, has used that a lot in his schemes. They just had a hard time protecting Walley tonight. Walley had been having a great season up to now. But despite some tough times, Bethune-Cookman is still a very talented team as well. A lot of us saw this Thursday night game as a trap game for NSU.

[Mr. C]

The Texas Rangers don't look like they will need extra innings, either. They have come back to lead 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth.

[MR. CHICKEN]

lol ok which direction is a shank and which is a hook?

AH'LL BITE.......ASSUMIN' RIGHT FOOTED KICKER.....HOOK...GOES LEFT.....SHANK.....GOES EITHER WAY.........BRAWK!

[Mr. C]

Kind of a shame that B-CU's best record could be 8-3 with 7 D-I wins... I've got to believe that their loss to Howard means there's almost no chance they make the playoffs... and with three conference losses, they're toast for getting the autobid as well, probably. It's too bad because they seem to be turning the corner.
With the dearth of good teams to fill a 20-team field, the MEAC still has a chance at getting two teams in. There will be a lot of teams with seven D-I wins. But the committee has frowned on losses like the Howard loss in the past. Remember Wofford losing to VMI in 2002?

[danefan]

The MEAC should not get two teams.


They shouldn't have had two bids last year.


That doesn't mean they won't. The Committee loves the MEAC.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

With the dearth of good teams to fill a 20-team field, the MEAC still has a chance at getting two teams in. There will be a lot of teams with seven D-I wins.

I'm looking at the MEAC race more closely, and... if you can figure out who will win it, you're a better man then I. Every week from here on out there are two games each week that will be critical to the title race.

And if 8 D-I wins are the only criteria, Bethune can certainly do that. They'd have to beat Morgan State and their inconsistent rival FAMU, but they certainly look like a team that could.

[Mr. C]

Well, at least the Texas Rangers earned a comeback win, if the Spartans couldn't.

[JMUNJ08]

With the dearth of good teams to fill a 20-team field, the MEAC still has a chance at getting two teams in. There will be a lot of teams with seven D-I wins. But the committee has frowned on losses like the Howard loss in the past. Remember Wofford losing to VMI in 2002?

I think they can as well. But it has to be the RIGHT 2 teams. Critical losses like Howard would make it tough for the committee to put 2 MEACs in...

[Mr. C]

I'm looking at the MEAC race more closely, and... if you can figure out who will win it, you're a better man then I. Every week from here on out there are two games each week that will be critical to the title race.

And if 8 D-I wins are the only criteria, Bethune can certainly do that. They'd have to beat Morgan State and their inconsistent rival FAMU, but they certainly look like a team that could.

From my seat, Norfolk State is the best team in the league. It would help the MEAC get two bids, if the league has a tie for the championship, which is more likely now.

[MR. CHICKEN]

Is it just me or do both teams looks uncharacteristically slow for MEAC teams. Especially for BCU?

IT'S YOU.....WATCH UH TV'D.....BIG LEAGUE...BASEBALL GAME......DUH CURVES/FASTBALLS.....APPEAR TA FLOAT....TA DUH CATCHER.....TRUST ME.....90+...FROM 66 FEET.....IS MOVIN'....AWK!

[Mr. C]

I think they can as well. But it has to be the RIGHT 2 teams. Critical losses like Howard would make it tough for the committee to put 2 MEACs in...

I agree. It would also help if one of the teams is South Carolina State, because of the fact the Bulldogs have been in the field and fared well in two of three playoff games in the past three years.

[danefan]

I agree. It would also help if one of the teams is South Carolina State, because of the fact the Bulldogs have been in the field and fared well in two of three playoff games in the past three years.

And lost. Don't forget lost.

In fact when was the last MEAC playoff win?

[MR. CHICKEN]

DUH BULL-DAWGS...HAD DUH MIS-FORTUNE...UH DRAWIN'....DUH PRIME-TIME....MOUSEKETEERS.....AN' WENT TOE-TA-TOE!

[Lehigh Football Nation]

SCSU will almost certainly get in as an at-large with 8 D-I wins, since they'd only have two losses to FBS teams and a loss to Norfolk State on their resume. But if they sweep their schedule, they could be tied with Norfolk State and NCAT and... my head hurts! xlolx

The MEAC teams with the most at-large friendly schedules are SCSU and Morgan State (Towson, Bowling Green, Robert Morris). The others might get really hurt by their D-II games (Norfolk State, Bethune-Cookman, NCAT).

[Mr. C]

And lost. Don't forget lost.

In fact when was the last MEAC playoff win?

Yes, the Bulldogs lost, but they pushed Appalachian State to the limit at Kidd Brewer Stadium and would have beaten a lot of other playoff teams in either year. SCSU probably should have won that game in 2009, but for the messed up field goal and ASU TD. The last MEAC winner was Florida A&M during the Rattlers' run to the semifinals in 1999 before losing to Youngstown State.

[Mr. C]

SCSU will almost certainly get in as an at-large with 8 D-I wins, since they'd only have two losses to FBS teams and a loss to Norfolk State on their resume. But if they sweep their schedule, they could be tied with Norfolk State and NCAT and... my head hurts! xlolx

The MEAC teams with the most at-large friendly schedules are SCSU and Morgan State (Towson, Bowling Green, Robert Morris). The others might get really hurt by their D-II games (Norfolk State, Bethune-Cookman, NCAT).

No way I see NCAT winning a share of the crown, even though I have a lot of respect for coach Rod Broadway.

[Mr. C]

DUH BULL-DAWGS...HAD DUH MIS-FORTUNE...UH DRAWIN'....DUH PRIME-TIME....MOUSEKETEERS.....AN' WENT TOE-TA-TOE!

You said it, my feathery friend.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

No way I see NCAT winning a share of the crown, even though I have a lot of respect for coach Rod Broadway.

Acutally, NCAT played U. Virginia-Lynchburg, a NAIA school that didn't even have a team in May. That will really, really, really work against them.

[Mr. C]

Isidore Jackson finished with 34 carries for 204 yards. Bethune-Cookman's defense limited Norfolk State to 248 yards.

[Mr. C]

Acutally, NCAT played U. Virginia-Lynchburg, a NAIA school that didn't even have a team in May. That will really, really, really work against them.
I wasn't saying that NCAT had a prayer of the playoffs without the auto bid. The Aggies don't.

[Dane96]

Wasn't impressed by either squad.

[ejjones]

SCSU is rebuilding this yr; lost starting QB 3 weeks ago. Should finish yr with 8 D1 wins and 2 FBS losses + Norfolk lost (a win we gave away-bad coaching).

[kdinva]

Tough first MEAC loss for NSU.............and they had to be disappointed at the crowd of only 10K (in a 30000 seat venue, on TV, undefeated in the league).........at least the MEAC's girl ref wasn't there.

[Brad82]

I played for Pete Adrian @ Rhody,shocked at the crowd.
Stadium looked good. Field not so good. RB from Bethune Cookman looked great.
Both teams did not play with the passion I saw against WVU and UM.
Jay Walker said thought only one MEAC team gets in play-offs,based on last night- I agree.

[WM2001]

There goes NSU's first top 25 ranking in a long time.

[ejjones]

I played for Pete Adrian @ Rhody,shocked at the crowd.
Stadium looked good. Field not so good. RB from Bethune Cookman looked great.
Both teams did not play with the passion I saw against WVU and UM.
Jay Walker said thought only one MEAC team gets in play-offs,based on last night- I agree.
I'm not lobbying for two MEAC teams this yr, but don't think last night game had the best teams playing.

FCS struggle with Thursday night attendance; there's a large contingent that typically road trip for weekend games, especially to Orangeburg, SC. I can easily see a drop in 6-7K due to a Thur vs Sat game. Atleast there AD had situational awareness and slashed tix $$ and was essentially giving away tix.

[heath]

I played for Pete Adrian @ Rhody,shocked at the crowd.
Stadium looked good. Field not so good. RB from Bethune Cookman looked great.
Both teams did not play with the passion I saw against WVU and UM.
Jay Walker said thought only one MEAC team gets in play-offs,based on last night- I agree.

I had trouble hearing Jay all night with the band playing,so much for noise makers at other stadiums,just hire a MEAC band.

[SpeedkingATL]

Jackson the RB for B-C looked good and really finished off his runs. B-C pounded the ball pretty good all night. Wasn't overly impressed with NSU except for the big WR and he could have done a better job fighting for the ball in the end zone on the last interception.

[RichH2]

Some good playes but neither team was impressive. norfolk qb I thought would be better.Not so much

[bleedingblue]

Both teams looked slow. Boring football and one team was ranked? I want another meac school in the second round of the playoffs..........nevermind they won't make it to the second round!

[bluehenbillk]

The MEAC has really slid in terms of being a competitive conference. Not that they've won a playoff game in well over a decade now, but if Norfolk is the best that they have? Wow.

[Franks Tanks]

My impression of MEAC and SWAC squads is that they have good skill players and poor line play. BCU especially had a few recievers and RB's that looked big, fast, and athletic. I watched Texas Southern and Alabama A&M play the other day and the line play was woeful, especially for A&M. Most of the linemen are big, but too many guys are slow and out of shape. I think the MEAC and SWAC does poorly against the rest of the FCS due to line play generally.

[DSUrocks07]

My impression of MEAC and SWAC squads is that they have good skill players and poor line play. BCU especially had a few recievers and RB's that looked big, fast, and athletic. I watched Texas Southern and Alabama A&M play the other day and the line play was woeful, especially for A&M. Most of the linemen are big, but too many guys are slow and out of shape. I think the MEAC and SWAC does poorly against the rest of the FCS due to line play generally.

xnodxxnodxxnodxxnodxxnodxxnodx

And that falls on coaching. That is where we are really exposed.

[blueballs]

I thought SCSU had some of the best athletes on defense GSU saw last year. Unfortunately for them their offense was so bad that they got wore down and beat bad, but there were some good players on SCSU- just not enough of 'em particularly offensively.

[ejjones]

I thought SCSU had some of the best athletes on defense GSU saw last year. Unfortunately for them their offense was so bad that they got wore down and beat bad, but there were some good players on SCSU- just not enough of 'em particularly offensively.

Yeah, our offense sucked & particularly because we have no OC; athlete wise I think man for man I'll pit our squad against anyone in FCS. Unfortunately, our coaching isn't good and that's the difference b/w good and great.

Someone please google our OC (Kevin Magourik) and you tell me his he became a coor...we've been calling for change on our message board for years.

[alvinkayak6]

Eh, it's a mix. Mostly, I think it is poor offensive game-planning and poor skill on offense. Walley is not a D-I FCS passer in any other conference. On the flipside, there are good defensive linemen like Ryan Davis from Bethune Cookman. The kicker for Norfolk State also booted some long field goals with extra room.

Overall, it is very boring to watch, yes. That is true. I think that's what makes Lehigh such a trendy team at the moment. They have a fast, high-powered offense which can put points on anybody in the FCS. I don't think they will win it all, but this team might go the farthest for a patriot league team since colgate. xcoffeex

[Humble Steward]

Great comments by everyone. I think every Wildcat has been a little disappointed with our offense all season. Our defense has been solid all year and really deserves credit for the "W" last night. We have had more turnovers on offense in the first 4 games than we did all last season and numerous of silly penalties as well. Our QB play has hindered us tremendously after losing Matt Johnson from last year. With that being said, it seems that this team is just starting to gel. I expect us to pick up the tempo and have a solid chance at running the table for the rest of the season. It would not surprise me if you have several teams in the MEAC with 2 conference losses this year. I know that we can compete when we play a complete game on both sides of the ball, because I was at the Miami game, when we gave them fits for 3 1/2 quarters.

I expect Norfolk State to lose another conference game and A&T to lose 3 (A&T has a tough schedule down the stretch and all on the road). I'm not sure that South Carolina St. loses another conference game. We'll see this weekend when they play FAMU in Orangeburg, SC. Stay tuned, because this is going to be a wild finish.xnodx

[superman7515]

Stay tuned, because this is going to be a wild finish.xnodx

Which is the worst thing that can happen to the MEAC because that means whoever wins is going to be the only one getting in and they're going to have a tough row to hoe.

[Humble Steward]

Which is the worst thing that can happen to the MEAC because that means whoever wins is going to be the only one getting in and they're going to have a tough row to hoe.

I think you are right. No objections on my part. However, I believe the competition in the MEAC is growing more competitive, which explains the number of conference losses. In three games against FBS schools, (Norfolk St vs. West Virginia, B-CU vs. Miami, and SCSU vs. Indiana) each team competed well and were very capable of winning these games. This is why on any given saturday these three teams are capable of beating each other. North Carolina A&T is a surprise thus far, but I believe they will be exposed in the next couple of weeks. So, I think an 8-3 team in the MEAC still deserves a fair look and consideration for an at large bid. People can disagree, but it's just my opinion.

[Mr. C]

I think you are right. No objections on my part. However, I believe the competition in the MEAC is growing more competitive, which explains the number of conference losses. In three games against FBS schools, (Norfolk St vs. West Virginia, B-CU vs. Miami, and SCSU vs. Indiana) each team competed well and were very capable of winning these games. This is why on any given saturday these three teams are capable of beating each other. North Carolina A&T is a surprise thus far, but I believe they will be exposed in the next couple of weeks. So, I think an 8-3 team in the MEAC still deserves a fair look and consideration for an at large bid. People can disagree, but it's just my opinion.

I agree with pretty much everything you say. The competition is getting better and an 8-3 team, with the dearth of quality teams to make up a 20-team field, should be considered.

[Mr. C]

Eh, it's a mix. Mostly, I think it is poor offensive game-planning and poor skill on offense. Walley is not a D-I FCS passer in any other conference. On the flipside, there are good defensive linemen like Ryan Davis from Bethune Cookman. The kicker for Norfolk State also booted some long field goals with extra room.

Overall, it is very boring to watch, yes. That is true. I think that's what makes Lehigh such a trendy team at the moment. They have a fast, high-powered offense which can put points on anybody in the FCS. I don't think they will win it all, but this team might go the farthest for a patriot league team since colgate. xcoffeex

I disagree with you on Walley (and so would Pete Adrian from conversations we have had). Walley was pressured a lot and had a very uncharacteristic night. He has been one of the most unsung QBs in the country thus far.

Lehigh (having seen the Hawks twice in person this season) has some holes to shore up. The passing offense is great (when Chris Lum isn't throwing stupid interceptions on bad reads and forced throws), but the secondary has been vulnerable at times and the special teams have been anything but special. Those kind of things get you beat in the playoffs.

[Mr. C]

Yeah, our offense sucked & particularly because we have no OC; athlete wise I think man for man I'll pit our squad against anyone in FCS. Unfortunately, our coaching isn't good and that's the difference b/w good and great.

Someone please google our OC (Kevin Magourik) and you tell me his he became a coor...we've been calling for change on our message board for years.

Your coaching isn't very good??? I'm going to send Buddy Pough to your house. Pough is EXTREMELY well-respected in FCS circles and MEAC circles.

[Mr. C]

My impression of MEAC and SWAC squads is that they have good skill players and poor line play. BCU especially had a few recievers and RB's that looked big, fast, and athletic. I watched Texas Southern and Alabama A&M play the other day and the line play was woeful, especially for A&M. Most of the linemen are big, but too many guys are slow and out of shape. I think the MEAC and SWAC does poorly against the rest of the FCS due to line play generally.

I wouldn't generalize between MEAC and SWAC teams. The MEAC, in my view, has improved from top to bottom in recent years. You don't see as many of the big, but slow O-Linemen like you did in the past. There have been several OL talents getting NFL camp looks, or better, in the past few years. Having seen teams like Norfolk State and B-CU, as well as South Carolina State, in person in the past two years, I think you would find more speed than you think, if you saw them with your own eyes, instead of on TV.

[Mr. C]

Wasn't impressed by either squad.

How does Albany (or other NEC teams) stack up with either of them in your view? I wish we could see the normal amount of NEC games on TV this season. There seems to be a real lack of those this year.

[Mr. C]

The MEAC has really slid in terms of being a competitive conference. Not that they've won a playoff game in well over a decade now, but if Norfolk is the best that they have? Wow.

You couldn't be any further off on that perception. Pete Adrian thinks NSU can win a playoff game this season and I think the Spartans can, too, if they get the right draw.

[Mr. C]

Both teams looked slow. Boring football and one team was ranked? I want another meac school in the second round of the playoffs..........nevermind they won't make it to the second round!

In actuality, these are probably two of the quicker teams in all of FCS. I don't know where the perception of either B-CU, or NSU being slow comes from. People also need to remember that Norfolk State had only four days of preparation for this game after playing last Saturday. It is not easy to look your best playing on a Thursday night.

[Mr. C]

I thought SCSU had some of the best athletes on defense GSU saw last year. Unfortunately for them their offense was so bad that they got wore down and beat bad, but there were some good players on SCSU- just not enough of 'em particularly offensively.

Very good observation. Of course, it comes from you having actually seen South Carolina State in person.

[danefan]

How does Albany (or other NEC teams) stack up with either of them in your view? I wish we could see the normal amount of NEC games on TV this season. There seems to be a real lack of those this year.

Hard to tell really. I've seen flashes from Albany that showed a team that could beat most most of the teams from the mid level conferences and then I've seen halves of football (especially the second half at Colgate and the first half vs Maine) that looked like we'd be lucky to win the PSAC. That's the reason we're 4-2 instead of 5-1.

As far as the TV schedule, I agree. There are 5 nationally broadcast games on MSG and the Fox Sports Channels, but the matchups are terrible.

Two left

Saturday, Oct. 29 Albany at Wagner 12:00 pm Fox College Sports, , ESPN3
Saturday, Nov. 5 Robert Morris at CCSU 12:00 pm Fox College Sports, PCNC Pittsburgh, Cox Sports CT (HD)

[Mr. C]

Hard to tell really. I've seen flashes from Albany that showed a team that could beat most most of the teams from the mid level conferences and then I've seen halves of football (especially the second half at Colgate and the first half vs Maine) that looked like we'd be lucky to win the PSAC. That's the reason we're 4-2 instead of 5-1.

As far as the TV schedule, I agree. There are 5 nationally broadcast games on MSG and the Fox Sports Channels, but the matchups are terrible.

Two left

Saturday, Oct. 29 Albany at Wagner 12:00 pm Fox College Sports, , ESPN3
Saturday, Nov. 5 Robert Morris at CCSU 12:00 pm Fox College Sports, PCNC Pittsburgh, Cox Sports CT (HD)

Robert Morris usually shows more TV games, particularly at home, than that. The Fox Pittsburgh station has really backed off of showing FCS games this season (they also use to show ALL Lafayette games, live and replay). I guess the RMU-CCSU game was put on the schedule because those teams played for the title in 2010 and CCSU was the preseason favorite.

[ejjones]

Your coaching isn't very good??? I'm going to send Buddy Pough to your house. Pough is EXTREMELY well-respected in FCS circles and MEAC circles.

Please send Pough by; he's family. I specifically mentioned the OC. I guess you can hold the Head coach accountable for hiring. Coach is also well-liked throughout the the state of South Carolina. We revealed our new offense this year, post Malcom Long era. I'm still holding out hope.

But back to coaching...we took our first snap from under center last week after missing out on numerous opportunities earlier in the season to score from inside the 3.

[DSUrocks07]

I think you are right. No objections on my part. However, I believe the competition in the MEAC is growing more competitive, which explains the number of conference losses. In three games against FBS schools, (Norfolk St vs. West Virginia, B-CU vs. Miami, and SCSU vs. Indiana) each team competed well and were very capable of winning these games. This is why on any given saturday these three teams are capable of beating each other. North Carolina A&T is a surprise thus far, but I believe they will be exposed in the next couple of weeks. So, I think an 8-3 team in the MEAC still deserves a fair look and consideration for an at large bid. People can disagree, but it's just my opinion.


The MEAC is only getting one in this year. Although we have been more competitive in recent years, we still don't have that "marquee" win for our conference.

[Humble Steward]

The MEAC is only getting one in this year. Although we have been more competitive in recent years, we still don't have that "marquee" win for our conference.

I disagree, with a 20 team playoff field. By the way A&T just loss the first of four games in a row on the road. FAMU just upset South Carolina St. on the road as well.

Just a prediction, but I believe that A&T bounces back next week and defeats Norfolk St. The MEAC is wide open and it would surprise me that this years champion has 2 losses in the conference.