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Top 25 Summary 10/24

By Rob Weiss on October 26, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

1. Richmond Spiders vs. 12. Massachusetts Minutemen

My Prediction: Richmond Spiders 27 Massachusetts Minutemen 21

Reality: Richmond Spiders 34 Massachusetts Minutemen 12

Richmond shows up ready to play and starts putting the Minutemen to bed. Another UMass loss will seal their playoff fate. Richmond still has to face William and Mary and Villanova before claiming the #1 seed.

2. Montana Grizzlies at Sacramento State Hornets

My Prediction: Montana Grizzlies 38 Sacramento State Hornets 10

Reality: Montana Grizzlies 45 Sacramento State Hornets 30

Montana offense puts up big numbers, but the defense allowed more than I expected. Montana stays undefeated heading into a big Halloween match-up with Weber State.

3. Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Youngstown State Penguins

My Prediction: Southern Illinois Salukis 31 Youngstown State Penguins 20

Reality: Southern Illinois Salukis 27 Youngstown State Penguins 8

Salukis stay undefeated in MVFC play, but lose their starting QB for the season.

4. VillanovaWildcats vs. Rhode Island Rams

My Prediction: Villanova Wildcats 35 Rhode Island Rams 3

Reality: Villanova Wildcats 36 Rhode Island Rams 7

A good prediction score wise. Not sure anyone thought the Rams would compete. Wildcats are almost locked into a playoff spot.

5. Northern Iowa Panthers at 11. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

My Prediction: Northern Iowa Panthers 34 South Dakota State Jackrabbits 24

Reality: South Dakota State Jackrabbits 24 Northern Iowa Panthers 14

Panther offense is shut down, and the Jackrabbits get their biggest win to date. Barring a meltdown we should see the Jacks in the playoffs. UNI is now looking for a lot of help.

6. William & Mary Tribe vs. James Madison Dukes

My Prediction: William & Mary Tribe 28 James Madison Dukes 10

Reality: William & Mary Tribe 24 James Madison Dukes 3

Rough year for the Dukes. Reminds me of their 2005 season coming off of their championship. Tribe looks like they are ready for a playoff run after being left out last year.
7. Elon Phoenix at Chattanooga Mocs

My Prediction: Elon Phoenix 35 Chattanooga Mocs 14

Reality: Elon Phoenix 45 Chattanooga Mocs 10

Elon continues the march towards it’s first FCS playoff bid. Barring a meltdown, their game with App st should decide the SoCon.

8. New Hampshire Wildcats at Hofsta Pride

My Prediction: New Hampshire Wildcats 38 Hofsta Pride 7

Reality: New Hampshire Wildcats 18 Hofsta Pride 10

New Hampshire gets a little scare from Hofstra. UNH looks like they will continue their playoff streak.

9. Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Georgia Southern Eagles

Prediction: Appalachian State Mountaineers 38 Georgia Southern Eagles 24

Reality: Appalachian State Mountaineers 52 Georgia Southern Eagles 16

A little more lopsided than I expected. Rough year for GSU. App St-Elon for SoCon title.

10. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats

My Prediction: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 45 Sam Houston State Bearkats 21

Reality: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 42 Sam Houston State Bearkats 3

Wow. Not exactly what I predicted. SFA is looking like they are playoff bound.

11. South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. 5. Northern Iowa Panthers

See 5. Northern Iowa Panthers
12. Massachusetts Minutemen at 1. Richmond Spiders

See 1. Richmond Spiders
13. Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers

My Prediction: Jacksonville State Gamecocks 31 Eastern Illinois Panthers 14

Reality: Eastern Illinois Panthers 28 Jacksonville State Gamecocks 20

Eastern Illinois takes a big step towards the OVC autobid.

14. South Carolina State Bulldogs at Hampton Pirates

My Prediction: South Carolina State Bulldogs 35 Hampton Pirates 21

Reality: South Carolina State Bulldogs 21 Hampton Pirates 9

The Bulldogs win a lower scoring game than I expected. SCSU is undefeated in FCS play and may have an outside shot at a seed.

15. McNeese State Cowboys vs Southeast Louisiana Lions

My Prediction: McNeese State Cowboys 24 Southeast Louisiana Lions 10

Reality: McNeese State Cowboys 36 Southeast Louisiana Lions 35

A 4th quarter comeback keeps the Cowboys playoff plans on track.

16. Central Arkansas Bears vs. Nicholls State Colonels

My Prediction: Central Arkansas Bears 38 Nicholls State Colonels 7

Reality: Central Arkansas Bears 42 Nicholls State Colonels 13

About as predicted. The Bears look like they will be a power to be reckoned with once they are playoff eligible.

17. Weber State Wildcats at Northern Colorado Bears

My Prediction: Weber State Wildcats 35 Northern Colorado Bears 7

Reality: Weber State Wildcats 28 Northern Colorado Bears 20

A Win is a win, but those of you who predicted a much better game out of Northern Colorado were right on. I knew UNC was improved, but didn’t think they’d make a game of it.
18. Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens BYE

19. Cal Poly Mustangs vs. Dixie State (D-II)

My Prediction: Cal Poly Mustangs 28 Dixie State 7

Reality: Cal Poly Mustangs 44 Dixie State 14

Cal Poly picks up the D-II win. The Mustangs need to win out and get a lot of help in order to make the playoffs.

20. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks vs Idaho State Bengals

My Prediction: Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 45 Idaho State Bengals 10

Reality: Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 40 Idaho State Bengals 12

Another game where I was almost right on. Northern Arizona’s playoff hopes look better and better each week, although they do face a tough 3 game stretch at the end of the season. They go to Ole Miss, then to Weber State, and then finish with Eastern Washington at home.

21. Colgate Raiders at Holy Cross Crusaders

My Prediction: Holy Cross Crusaders 35 Colgate Raiders 17

Reality: Holy Cross Crusaders 42 Colgate Raiders 28

Holy Cross establishes themselves as the leader for the Patriot autobid.

22. Furman Paladins at The Citadel Bulldogs

My Prediction: Furman Paladins 24 The Citadel Bulldogs 17

Reality: The Citadel Bulldogs 38 Furman Paladins 28

Furman is on the edge of elimination. It’s not looking good for the Paladins. Big win for the Bulldogs.

23. Eastern Washington Eagles vs. Montana State Bobcats

My Prediction: Eastern Washington Eagles 38 Montana State Bobcats 21

Reality: Eastern Washington Eagles 35 Montana State Bobcats 24

About as close as you can get on the predictions. Keeps EWU’s playoff hopes alive (if they can win their appeal with the NCAA). MSU looks to play spoiler to Montana and NAU.

24. Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Austin Peay Governors

My Prediction: Eastern Kentucky Colonels 35 Austin Peay Governors 7

Reality: Austin Peay Governors 24 Eastern Kentucky Colonels 20

Austin Peay pulls the upset and may have knocked EKU out of the playoffs.
25. Liberty Flames at Charleston Southern Buccaneers

My Prediction: Liberty Flames 28 Charleston Southern Buccaneers 10

Reality: Liberty Flames 20 Charleston Southern Buccaneers 13

My record this week: 18-4

On the season: 41-14

Top 25 Predictions for 10/24

By Rob Weiss on October 22, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

1. Richmond Spiders vs. 12. Massachusetts Minutemen

Richmond has played quite a few close games this season. This should be another one. Massachusetts is looking for a big win to guarantee a playoff spot. Close, but no cigar.

Richmond Spiders 27 Massachusetts Minutemen 21

2. Montana Grizzlies at Sacramento State Hornets

Montana is still undefeated on the season. No reason this should change on Saturday unless The Griz are too busy thinking about their Halloween match-up with Weber State.

Montana Grizzlies 38 Sacramento State Hornets 10
3. Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Youngstown State Penguins

Southern Illinois is riding high from last weeks’ win over UNI. The MVFC is theirs for the taking. SIU stays focused and wins without much of a scare.

Southern Illinois Salukis 31 Youngstown State Penguins 20
4. VillanovaWildcats vs. Rhode Island Rams

Villanova posted a shutout on James Madison last week. I could see a second shutout in a row this weekend.

VillanovaWildcats 35 Rhode Island Rams 3
5. Northern Iowa Panthers at 11. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

The Panthers are reeling after last weeks loss to Southern Illinois. If the Panthers play like they did last week they will lose. I think they right the ship.

Northern Iowa Panthers 34 South Dakota State Jackrabbits 24
6. William & Mary Tribe vs. James Madison Dukes

The Tribe looks to keep the season going in the right direction. The Dukes are looking for anything at this point. The season outlooked changed for James Madison very quickly. William and Mary is too much for the Dukes to handle.

William & Mary Tribe 28 James Madison Dukes 10

7. Elon Phoenix at Chattanooga Mocs

Elon heads to Chatty coming off of a bye week. The Mocs are much better than expected in 2009. We’ll see how improved Chattanooga is this week.

Elon Phoenix 35 Chattanooga Mocs 14
8. New Hampshire Wildcats at Hofsta Pride

New Hampshire suffered its first loss last week. Won’t be two in a row.

New Hampshire Wildcats 38 Hofsta Pride 7
9. Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Georgia Southern Eagles

Who knows what to expect in this rivalry?

Appalachian State Mountaineers 38 Georgia Southern Eagles 24

10. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats

Lumberjacks are coming off of a huge win at Central Arkansas. They keep their SLC streak going in this one.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 45 Sam Houston State Bearkats 21

11. South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. 5. Northern Iowa Panthers

See 5. Northern Iowa Panthers
12. Massachusetts Minutemen at 1. Richmond Spiders

See 1. Richmond Spiders
13. Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers

The Gamecocks aim to prove they are the best OVC team in 2009. I think they do. Unfortunately they are ineligible for the playoffs.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks 31 Eastern Illinois Panthers 14

14. South Carolina State Bulldogs at Hampton Pirates

Current MEAC leader takes on the historical MEAC leader. Should make for a decent game.

South Carolina State Bulldogs 35 Hampton Pirates 21
15. McNeese State Cowboys vs Southeast Louisiana Lions

McNeese looks to improve their resume on the way to a playoff birth.

McNeese State Cowboys 24 Southeast Louisiana Lions 10
16. Central Arkansas Bears vs. Nicholls State Colonels

Nicholls State is having a rough year. It only gets worse as Central Arkansas gets back in a groove after their close loss to SFA.

Central Arkansas Bears 38 Nicholls State Colonels 7
17. Weber State Wildcats at Northern Colorado Bears

The Bears will be lucky to keep it within 3 scores.

Weber State Wildcats 35 Northern Colorado Bears 7
18. Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens BYE
19. Cal Poly Mustangs vs. Dixie State (D-II)

Cal Poly Mustangs 28 Dixie State 7
20. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks vs Idaho State Bengals

NAU is fighting for a playoff spot. Could get ugly.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 45 Idaho State Bengals 10
21. Colgate Raiders at Holy Cross Crusaders

Patriot playoff bid on the line. Colgate is exposed.

Holy Cross Crusaders 35 Colgate Raiders 17
22. Furman Paladins at The Citadel Bulldogs

Furman needs a win to stay in the playoff hunt.

Furman Paladins 24 The Citadel Bulldogs 17
23. Eastern Washington Eagles vs. Montana State Bobcats

Should be a battle for 2nd place in the Big Sky. This game is part of the battle.

Eastern Washington Eagles 38 Montana State Bobcats 21
24. Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Austin Peay Governors

The Colonels keep fighting for the OVC autobid.

Eastern Kentucky Colonels 35 Austin Peay Governors 7
25. Liberty Flames at Charleston Southern Buccaneers

Liberty Flames 28 Charleston Southern Buccaneers10

Playoff Predictions 10/21

By Rob Weiss on October 21, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

Quite a few upsets this last weekend.

Autobids:

Big Sky: Montana CAA: Richmond MEAC: South Carolina State MVFC: Southern Illinois OVC: Eastern Kentucky Patriot: Holy Cross SoCon: Elon Southland: Stephen F. Austin

At-large bids:

New Hampshire(2nd CAA), Villanova(3rd CAA), William and Mary(4th CAA), Appalachian State(2nd SoCon), Northern Iowa(2nd MVFC), South Dakota State(3rd MVFC), McNeese State(2nd Southland), Northern Arizona (2nd Big Sky)

Bracket:

South Carolina State @ (1)Richmond
Eastern Kentucky@ Appalachian State

Northern Arizona @ Northern Iowa
Holy Cross @ (4)Southern Illinois

Stephen F. Austin @ (2)Montana
New Hampshire @ McNeese State

William and Mary @ South Dakota State
Elon @ (3)Villanova

Top 25 Summary 10/17

By Rob Weiss on October 18, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

1. Richmond Spiders at Maine Black Bears

My Prediction: Richmond 38 Maine 17

Reality: Richmond 38 Maine 21

Pretty close on this prediction. Richmond didn’t show up for the first half but put the Black Bears away in the second half. No one has had an easy time in Orono this season.

2. Northern Iowa Panthers vs. 5. Southern Illinois Salukis

My Prediction: Northern Iowa 38 Southern Illinois 35

Reality: Southern Illinois 27 Northern Iowa 20

Not the offensive shootout I was predicting. This was a typical game in this series, other than the fact that the visiting team won for the first time in 13 games. The Southern Illinois offense was clicking for most of the game and had great special teams. The Panther defense held their own (1 TD was an INT return, and another was after a special teams fumble on the UNI 7). I look for both of these teams to make the quarterfinals this year.

3. New Hampshire Wildcats at 20. Massachusetts Minutemen

My Prediction: New Hampshire 27 Massachusetts 21

Reality: Massachusetts23 New Hampshire 17

What a crazy game?! New Hampshire drove in the last minute to the UMass 13, but couldn’t score. I expected this game to be close, but not come down to the last play. UMass is fighting their way back into playoff contention. 5 CAA teams looks like a lock at this point. 6 might be a possibility.

4. Montana Grizzlies vs. 21. Eastern Washington Eagles

My Prediction: Montana 35 Eastern Washington 28

Reality: Montana 41 Eastern Washington 34

Not too far off on this one. Montana pulls off the 7 pt win. Montana faces Weber State on Halloween. Should be a shootout.

5. Southern Illinois Salukis at 2. Northern Iowa Panthers

see 2. Northern Iowa Panthers
6. Villanova Wildcats at 19. James Madison Dukes

My Prediction: James Madison 24 Villanova 20

Reality: Villanova 27 James Madison 0

Way off on this one. Apparently James Madison forgot they had a game today. Very suprising with the way they’ve played everyone else this season. Good bounce back for Villanova.

7. William & Mary Tribe BYE

8. Elon Phoenix BYE

9. Central Arkansas Bears vs. 16. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

My Prediction: Central Arkansas 34 Stephen F. Austin 31

Reality: Stephen F. Austin 33 Central Arkansas 30

Close game as predicted, different winner. Stephen F Austin puts themselves in the driver’s seat for the SLC autobid.

10. Appalachian State Mountaineers at Wofford Terriers

My Prediction: Appalachian State 35 Wofford 10

Reality: Appalachian State 44 Wofford 34

Much closer game than predicted. App St stays undefeated in SoCon play.

11. South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. North Dakota State Bison

My Prediction: South Dakota State 35 North Dakota State 17

Reality: South Dakota State 28 North Dakota State 13

North Dakota State continues their slide. Jackrabbits face Northern Iowa in a game that could end the playoff hopes of the loser.

12. Jacksonville State Gamecocks BYE

13. South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. 22. Florida A&M Rattlers

My Prediction: South Carolina State 24 Florida A&M 14

Reality: South Carolina State 35 Florida A&M 20

Bulldogs are on their way to the playoffs. No one else should stand in their way.

14. Weber State Wildcats vs Sacremento State Hornets

My Prediction: Weber State 24 Sacremento State 14

Reality: Weber State 49 Sacremento State 10

The Wildcats win by a much larger margin that I predicted. Montana game is looming large in two weeks. Loss to Montana State could haunt them.

15. McNeese State Cowboys vs. Northwestern State Demons

My Prediction: McNeese 38 Northwestern State 7

Reality: McNeese 51 Northwestern State 23

Much higher scoring than I figured. McNeese stays in the playoff hunt.

16. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at 9. Central Arkansas Bears

see 9. Central Arkansas Bears

17. Cal Poly Mustangs

My Prediction: Southern Utah 24 Cal Poly 21

Reality: Cal Poly 24 Southern Utah 23

Great game, came down to the wire. Cal Poly stays on top of the Great West.
18. Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens at Towson Tigers

My Prediction: Delaware 35 Towson 13

Reality: Delaware 49 Towson 21

Delaware is really clicking now. Fighting for the 5th CAA bid.
19. James Madison Dukes vs. 6. Villanova Wildcats

See 6. Villanova Wildcats

20. Massachusetts Minutemen vs. 3. New Hampshire Wildcats

See 3. New Hampshire Wildcats
21. Eastern Washington Eagles at 4. Montana Grizzlies

See 4. Montana Grizzlies
22. Florida A&M Rattlers at 13. South Carolina State Bulldogs

See 13. South Carolina State Bulldogs
23. Colgate Raiders vs. Georgetown

My Prediction: Colgate 28 Georgetown 3

Reality: Colgate 31 Georgetown 14

A little bit closer than I thought. Same result.

24. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Portland State Vikings

My Prediction: Northern Arizona 38 Portland State 14

Reality: Northern Arizona 44 Portland State 23

The Lumberjacks are in the hunt for a playoff bid. 2nd place in the Big Sky should get them there.

25. Furman Paladins vs. Samford Bulldogs

My Prediction: Samford 24 Furman 17

Reality: Furman 26 Samford 24

Furman keeps their playoff hopes alive.

My record this week: 10-6

On the season: 23-10

Top 25 Predictions: Week 7

By Rob Weiss on October 15, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

1. Richmond Spiders at Maine Black Bears

Richmond will be too much for an up and down Maine team.The Spiders continue the longest winning streak in FCS football.

Richmond 38 Maine 17
2. Northern Iowa Panthers vs. 5. Southern Illinois Salukis

Another classic MVFC battle in Cedar Falls. Last Saluki win in the UNI-Dome was 1983. I think the streak continues.

Northern Iowa 38 Southern Illinois 35
3. New Hampshire Wildcats at 20. Massachusetts Minutemen

New Hampshire is riding high off of a Homecoming victory over a highly ranked Villanova squad. Massachusetts is on the other end of the spectrum after a blowout loss to Delaware. Massachusetts is looking for a Homecoming win of their own, but they come up just short.

New Hampshire 27 Massachusetts 21
4. Montana Grizzlies vs. 21. Eastern Washington Eagles

The Griz take on their 2nd Top 25 opponent in a row. EWU comes into the game with a high powered offense. The Griz have shown they can win close games and I think they’ll pull out another win.

Montana 35 Eastern Washington 28
5. Southern Illinois Salukis at 2. Northern Iowa Panthers

see 2. Northern Iowa Panthers
6. Villanova Wildcats at 19. James Madison Dukes

Villanova is on the road against a ranked team for the 2nd week in a row. Last weekend they couldn’t get past an undefeated New Hampshire squad. James Madison almost took down defending champion, Richmond. JMU is at home and due for the big win.

James Madison 24 Villanova 20

7. William & Mary Tribe BYE
8. Elon Phoenix BYE

9. Central Arkansas Bears vs. 16. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

Easily the game of the week in the Southland Conference, this game has a lot riding on the line. Central Arkansas looks to continue it’s dominance of the SLC and prove that they deserve a Top 10 ranking, while SFA looks to prove that they are back and plan to contend for the automatic bid to the playoffs. Central Arkansas is too tough at home.

Central Arkansas 34 Stephen F. Austin 31

10. Appalachian State Mountaineers at Wofford Terriers

After an 0-2 start, the Mountaineers have won 3 straight. Wofford is down after a lot of injuries have hurt depth. The hurt continues for Wofford.

Appalachian State 35 Wofford 10
11. South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. North Dakota State Bison

The Jackrabbits are riding high. Still undefeated in conference play heading into a tough stretch against NDSU and UNI. The Bison are off to one of their worst starts in years. One win on the year, big loss at home to UNI last week, and no Pat Paschall this week for the Bison. Jacks keep the Dakota Marker for the 3rd year in a row.

South Dakota State 35 North Dakota State 17
12. Jacksonville State Gamecocks BYE
13. South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. 22. Florida A&M Rattlers

Both teams are riding high. Each is 4-1 and 2-0 in the MEAC. Bulldogs have big game experience and homefield advantage. (read the full breakdown of this game on the FCS Update blog)

South Carolina State 24 Florida A&M 14
14. Weber State Wildcats vs Sacremento State Hornets

Weber State bounced back from their first conference loss last week with an 18-point win over Eastern Washington. Sacremento State has won two straight. The Hornets streak comes to an end.

Weber State 24 Sacremento State 14

15. McNeese State Cowboys vs. Northwestern State Demons

McNeese State took a hit to their playoff hopes last week, losing their first SLC game of the season to Stephen F Austin. The Cowboys look to roll over winless Northwestern State to get their playoff train back on track.

McNeese 38 Northwestern State 7
16. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at 9. Central Arkansas Bears

see 9. Central Arkansas Bears
17. Cal Poly Mustangs

Cal Poly comes home after losing to Montana last week. Southern Utah is much improved with 2 FBS losses and a close loss to 24. Northern Arizona. I think SUU pulls the upset.

Southern Utah 24 Cal Poly 21
18. Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens at Towson Tigers

Delaware looks to claw it’s way back into the CAA race, as well as make a case for an at-large bid. Towson’s looking to turn things around. It’ll be a little longer Tiger fans.

Delaware 35 Towson 13
19. James Madison Dukes vs. 6. Villanova Wildcats

See 6. Villanova Wildcats

20. Massachusetts Minutemen vs. 3. New Hampshire Wildcats

See 3. New Hampshire Wildcats
21. Eastern Washington Eagles at 4. Montana Grizzlies

See 4. Montana Grizzlies
22. Florida A&M Rattlers at 13. South Carolina State Bulldogs

See 13. South Carolina State Bulldogs
23. Colgate Raiders vs. Georgetown

Colgate stays undefeated, Georgetown stays winless.

Colgate 28 Georgetown 3

24. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Portland State Vikings

Northern Arizona looks to prove they belong in the Top 25. Portland State looks to get on the winning track. Lumberjacks prove themselves.

Northern Arizona 38 Portland State 14

25. Furman Paladins vs. Samford Bulldogs

Samford is on the edge of falling out of the playoff hunt. Furman isn’t too far behind. The Paladins need to win this one. but they won’t.

Samford 24 Furman 17

……and hack away at it.

Spotlight shines on Orangeburg

By Rob Weiss on October 15, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

All eyes in the MEAC will focus on Orangeburg, SC this weekend as the Florida A&M Rattlers face the South Carolina State Bulldogs

Both teams take the field Saturday with an overall record of 4-1, and a MEAC record of 2-0. Florida A&M’s lone loss came to in-state FBS rival Miami, and SC State also fell to an in-state rival when the faced South Carolina.

Florida A&M comes in with national sensation, LeRoy Vann, who has been featured on ESPN because of his explosiveness in the Rattlers return game. When asked about Vann and the problems he presented, S.C. State head coach, Buddy Pough said that they would not kick the ball out of bounds to avoid Vann touching the ball. The special teams battle could easily win this game.

The Bulldogs of South Carolina State are coming off of a 2008 playoff appearance in which they came close to upsetting FCS powerhouse, Appalachian State. They are lead by Senior RB Will Ford, who leads the team with 383 yards rushing. Ford is on the Payton Award watch list after rushing for 1,499 yards last year. Their marquee win at this point in the season came against Grambling State in week one. The game ended with a final score of 34-31, but the game was never really that close. The Bulldogs struggled at times, had conditioning issues, and just were not playing to their potential. If this game were played again I would expect the Bulldogs to win by 10+.

This game could very well decide the MEAC championship which would guarantee a spot in the 2009 FCS playoffs. While the loser could still learn an at-large bid, no one wants to leave it to chance.

Coach Pough feels like both teams have a strong resume for the playoffs. While the winner clearly has the better path, Pough feels both teams belong in at this point in the season. When asked about their non-conference schedule, Couch Pough said that he felt like they played on of the toughest non-conference slates in FCS football. This schedule included a neutral site game against Grambling State, FBS South Carolina, and Winston Salem State.

I contacted Florida A&M or this article, but was unable to get a response. Current issues in their athletic department may have caused communication issues. If we can get a comment from Coach Taylor, then the story will be updated.

Prediction:

South Carolina State 24 Florida A&M 14

Coming up this week 10/12

By Rob Weiss on October 12, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

The big story for this week will be a preview of the marquee match-up in the MEAC: South Carolina State vs. Florida A&M. I will be posting a breakdown of the game, as well as comments from both head coaches.

Also look for the beginning of our former FCS player profile series that will feature former FCS players on the ChampionshipSubdivision.com forums.

The Battle In The Trenches, Finale: The Recap From Fargo

By Rob Weiss on October 12, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

I arrived in Fargo around noon on Saturday, welcomed by tempatures in the low 30s and occasional flurries.

After a few minutes of adjusting to the cold, I was offered food, drink, and some warmth by one of the best tailgating atmospheres in FCS football. I have never seen so many custom painted buses, RVs and vans. Special thanks to the crews at the Rainforest and Rollin Thunder tailgates. I met a lot of Bison posters throughout the West lots and appreciate their hospitality.

Inside the Fargodome the media relations crew was very friendly and I had a great time with the local Fargo media.

We’ll be getting a photo gallery posted here at cs.com in the upcoming week, so stay tuned for that.

The focus of this last week was North Dakota State RB Pat Paschall and his challenge of facing the Northern Iowa defense. All in all the battle was pretty even. Let me break it down for you.

Here’s the lowdown:

Paschall rushed for 115 yards-

Paschall tied his season low this week with 115 yards on 19 carries. This was about 35 yards below his season average. The result is that Paschall no longer leads to country in yards per game. That title has moved to Deji Karim who faces the Northern Iowa defense on Saturday. Advantage: Northern Iowa

North Dakota State rushes for 206 yards-

The Bison rolled up a team total of 206 yards on Saturday. The Bison had 5 different players with carries, including QB Nick Mertens. The 206 yards of rushing offense was 141 yards more than UNI was averaging, and the most the UNI defense has allowed this season. Advantage: North Dakota State

Overall, both parties played the game under their averages. Obviously in the end the outcome favored the Panthers, but I would say that it was a successful game for Paschall and the Bison offensive line.

The Battle In The Trenches, Part 2: Purple Haze

By Rob Weiss on October 8, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

Through 5 games of the season, the Northern Iowa defense is only giving up 7.6 points per game. That includes holding FBS #12 Iowa to 17. The Panther defense is 5th in the country in rushing defense, allowing 65.6 yards per game. This is the challenge that awaits North Dakota State running back Pat Paschall, the number one running back in yards per game in FCS football.

This year’s Panther defense has left off exactly where last year ended, replacing last year’s man in the middle, Everette Pedescleaux, who graduated last spring and is currently with the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Pedescleaux, listed at 6-6 305 lbs, has been replaced by Chuck Kinney and Wes Lane. Both senior leaders are listed at 290 pounds.

But the biggest push on the defensive line comes from James Ruffin, a senior defensive end from Burnsville, MN. Ruffin was highly decorated after his junior season. He was named as a first team all-american by the American Football Coaches Association, Defensive Player of the Year in the Valley, first-team all-MVFC pick , second-team All-America pick by the Associated Press , third-team All-America honoree by The Sports Network. Ruffin finished last season with 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.

As a unit, the most ground yardage the team has given up this season was against South Dakota. The Coyotes ran for 151 total yards(90 net) on 35 attempts, an average of 4.3 yards per carry. The Coyotes only scored one TD in the game, and that came on a flea-flicker pass.

Their season low was last weekend against Indiana State. The Sycamores ran for 56 yards (42 net) on 25 attempts.

Looking forward to this battle on Saturday. We’ll finish this series with a recap over the weekend. Look forward to a photo gallery of gameday pictures from inside the Fargodome.

The Battle In The Trenches, Part 1: Meet Pat Paschall

By Rob Weiss on October 6, 2009 in FCS Update

Rob Weiss, FCS Update

This weekend, those of us in the Fargodome are in for what should amount to be an epic battle. North Dakota State’s running back, Pat Paschall, is currently the number one running back in all of FCS football. Paschall, coming into the game averaging 150.8 yards per game, is going to be up against the defense from the University of Northern Iowa. The Panther defense comes into Saturday’s game ranked in the top 10 in 3 major statistical categories.

Paschall, The Bison’s fifth year senior from St. Louis, Mo., was originally recruited to Georgia Southern University, where in his redshirt season he was named scout team player of the year. Unhappy with the situation in Statesboro, Paschall headed to Dodge City Community College, where he would eventually be recruited by North Dakota State.

In his sophmore season, his first with the Bison, Paschall would run the ball 84 times for a total of 530 yards and five TDs. He also had one reception for 16 yards and a touchdown.

His junior year was very similar to his sophmore campaign. He would run the ball 108 times for 601 yards and two TDs, so more carries, a little more yardage, but less TDs. He would also catch nine passes for 51 yards.

The 2009 season has already been great to Pat. Through 5 games he has rushed the ball 100 times for 765 yards (7.65 yards per carry) and 5 TDs. Career highs less than halfway through the season in both yards and TDs. He also has 6 receptions for 120 yards.

This week the Bison’s running game faces a highly ranked Panther defense.

We’ll turn to the Panther defense on Thursday and will finish next week with a post game commentary on what should be a great battle.

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