We We Have Learned Thus Far

[drpnut]

MEAC-- only looks good on paper...

Big Sky-- gets two in, but only one shows up

CAA-- nuff said. Great conference

MVC-- Best team finished third

OVC-- weak

Big South- really?

NorthEast- ditto

Patriot--decent

SoCon-- underated

Southland--embarrassed two years in a row.


Biggest surprises: NDSU, GSU

Biggest hype: Will and Mary, SFA, Mont. St.

Most over-rated: Bethune Cookman, SEMO

Same-ole, same-ole: Appy, UNH, Delaware, Villy

Most intriguing: EWU, Woffy

Flame-outs: Jax. ST. (lost 3 in row), SC State, WIU, UNI

Lucky to get in: Coastal (got in on 5th tie-breaker)

Least likely to be back next year: Robert Morris, Lehigh

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

I don't see how Lehigh would be one of the least likely to be back next year. They return a good number of all league guys plus their QB. Their recruiting classes have gotten stronger the last couple years as well. The key will be the OL. They'll likely be the PL favorite and a Top 20 team come fall.

Colgate will be right there and Lafayette will be much better.

[superman7515]

Least likely to be back next year: Robert Morris, Lehigh

I don't know about Robert Morris, but having just watched UD & Lehigh, I will say that Lehigh seems to have a good team and from what I can tell a good amount of younger talent. I wouldn't put them in the least likely category. In fact, I may be more apt to put UD in the list. Young QB, although Sasek has gotten some spot starts this season, and Keeler has only once put two good seasons together in a row one time in his UD tenure.

[drpnut]

No offense... i wuz pulling for Lehigh, I just think for whatever reason, the Patriot hasn't recently had much stability (one team repeating) that' s all... just speculation...

[BlueHenSinfonian]

No offense... i wuz pulling for Lehigh, I just think for whatever reason, the Patriot hasn't recently had much stability (one team repeating) that' s all... just speculation...

If the PL decides to go scholly they could conceivably even get two bids to next years playoffs. The PL has proven themselves time and again to be more playoff worthy than the MEAC.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Doesn't 'Nova lose just about everyone? Like EVERYONE?

[drpnut]

I agree BlueHen... I would rather see a Patriot Team in over a MEAC or even OVC... I like Patriot LEague, my comment was more about the league than Lehigh per se...I would like to see some consistency

[UNHFan]

MEAC-- only looks good on paper...

Big Sky-- gets two in, but only one shows up

CAA-- nuff said. Great conference

MVC-- Best team finished third

OVC-- weak

Big South- really?

NorthEast- ditto

Patriot--decent

SoCon-- underated

Southland--embarrassed two years in a row.


Biggest surprises: NDSU, GSU

Biggest hype: Will and Mary, SFA, Mont. St.

Most over-rated: Bethune Cookman, SEMO

Same-ole, same-ole: Appy, UNH, Delaware, Villy

Most intriguing: EWU, Woffy

Flame-outs: Jax. ST. (lost 3 in row), SC State, WIU, UNI

Lucky to get in: Coastal (got in on 5th tie-breaker)

Least likely to be back next year: Robert Morris, Lehigh

I havent read the rest of your post.. but felt the need to say "Great post" good start

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

The SoCon is not the fourth best conference as the RPI had them. The SoCon is probably number 2 and the gap with the CAA may be closing.

The MEAC is bad but isn't as bad as folks are making them out to be...they had the toughest draws of all the conferences.

Lehigh is as good as any of the teams from outside the top 4 conferences.

[Saint3333]

This thread doesn't give the SoCon enough credit. Some people picked GSU to win, but no one saw 400+ yards on that defense (doubling their average points against).

[Reign of Terrier]

Socon is most certainly number 2, they were 1-3 games away from having 5 in. maybe just 1 from 4

[Wildcat80]

That would then be 8 years in a row.....we have a good nucleus---Decker at QB, RB Peters, TE Jeannot, LB's Evans & Buzbee and most of a young OL. But let's BEAT Delaware 1st!

[Reign of Terrier]

This thread doesn't give the SoCon enough credit. Some people picked GSU to win, but no one saw 400+ yards on that defense (doubling their average points against).

I'm not depriving GSU from their victory but no way was W&M prepared for that game.

[DSUrocks07]

MEAC-- only looks good on paper...

I'd agree with that assessment xbawlingx

[stevdock]

What I've learned about our team is that we could be really good next year. But in the mean time a 3-0 loss ignited this team and now they definitely believe they can play with anybody. With all the freshmen and sophomores we are playing this year they could be a force to be reckoned with in the future, but in the meantime don't mind taking playing one extra game a week to extend this season:)

[JSU85GRAD]

OVC does need to win a game but sending SEMO to EWU was a tough draw. Anyone who witnessed the JSU vs. Wofford game will tell you that it could have gone either way. JSU missed a short 37 yd FG and an extra point; couple of interceptions, etc. Not taking anything away from Wofford because they certainly were very disciplined and had a great game plan. Only pointing out that the team that tied for the SOCON championship didn't look that much better than JSU. Still have to win a playoff game before any real respect is going to be given.

[Old Cat Fan]

That a CAA team that didn't even make the playoffs beat the ACC champ that is routing FL St on national tv right now

[VUCats02]

Doesn't 'Nova lose just about everyone? Like EVERYONE?

There's no question next year will be a rebuilding year. You can relax. Temple should be able to not have to worry about losing to a FCS team next year, I will admit. With a healthy pierce, I expect you guys to crush us next year. However, I think we'll get ya the year after ;-)

We'll be losing a lot of key linebackers and guys in the secondary. Most of the d-line returns. We'll be losing two first team CAA offensive linemen and obviously szczur and whitney. Norman white will be back though (had 3 td's today - has become a serious threat this season). There is some great young talent on this team, but obviously it won't be good enough to instantly replace guys like Ijalana, Kirkland, terrence thomas, szczur, whitney, etc. I do think we can have some success in FCS play. It depends a lot on the QB play. I have no idea how good whitney's backup is. If he proves himself to be decent, I can see this team going 7-3 in FCS play, and we have seen from this year that 7 wins in the CAA = pretty safe to get in. But let's not talk too much about next year. We still got this one to worry about :-)

[ElonAlum]

That VT game was a FLUKE and you know it!


On that note JMU was a great team and it sucks that injuries derailed what was going to be a really good season.


All that being said.....its good to see the SoCon stepping up and playing like they should be!

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

There's no question next year will be a rebuilding year. You can relax. Temple should be able to not have to worry about losing to a FCS team next year, I will admit. With a healthy pierce, I expect you guys to crush us next year. However, I think we'll get ya the year after ;-)

I'm probably the most grounded TU person there is when it comes to where we stand relative to top level FCS teams. Obviously TU-VU is a great hoops rivalry and is getting there for football so neither one of us wants to lose. However, i can "accept" losing to a national champ fcs team. Some of my fellow Owls on the rival boards cannot.

I believe 'Nova is in for a JMU type season next year. Darn good team in the wrong conference.

[apaladin]

Jacksonville St sure has a nice big stadium now. Lots of empty concrete. Good luck in FBS land.

[SpeedkingATL]

I think we've learned that the CAA and SoCon are the deepest conferences in FCS by a good margin and that the SoCon is getting better. 6 out of 8 teams still playing prove that rather well.

And I wouldn't call the JMU victory a fluke......they beat VA Tech on Tech's turf...enough said.

[straightshooter]

We've learned that the GSU transition from the spread passing O to the flexbone option is way ahead of schedule. GSU is playing 16 true freshmen (six start), return 21 starters, 38 on the two deep and both specialists. No crowing here. Just amazed at the quickness of the transition.

[Blueandwhitefightfight]

I'm not depriving GSU from their victory but no way was W&M prepared for that game.

If you are the #2 team in the nation, are in the playoffs, and have TWO weeks to prepare there is not any excuse at all for the meltdown W&M displayed today.

GSU is that good. Our defense is playing lights out and our offense continues to get better with quarter we play.

What will it take for people to realize that GSU is legit now? A freakin 7th flag?

[Mattymc727]

I think we've learned that the CAA and SoCon are the deepest conferences in FCS by a good margin and that the SoCon is getting better. 6 out of 8 teams still playing prove that rather well.

And I wouldn't call the JMU victory a fluke......they beat VA Tech on Tech's turf...enough said.

Agreed, the SoCon is very powerful, same with the CAA. I feel like both of the conferences are competing in very fertile recruitng grounds, while the west has to compete with more FBS schools.

[Twentysix]

Agreed, the SoCon is very powerful, same with the CAA. I feel like both of the conferences are competing in very fertile recruitng grounds, while the west has to compete with more FBS schools.

I could imagine a world where NU Iowa Iowa st UofM and UWisc didnt exist. We would be so good lol. And/or the population of the western side of the midwest was comparable to the east coast.

Either would make us so much better.

Though I think NDSU will eventually win a title even without the scenario mentioned above.

Winning 2 playoff games is a great first step.

The last 2 great ND recruits have gone to Mizzou and Nebraska :(

Maybe with some playoff success we can sway them into being a superstar at a littler program.

[Mattymc727]

I could imagine a world where NU Iowa Iowa st UofM and UWisc didnt exist. We would be so good lol. And/or the population of the western side of the midwest was comparable to the east coast.

Either would make us so much better.

Though I think NDSU will eventually win a title even without the scenario mentioned above.

Winning 2 playoff games is a great first step.

Do you think that all of the conferences are even? if so, why do you say that? ( I have CAA goggles on, but there is still no proof that NDSU can win a NC in my opinion).

[Twentysix]

Do you think that all of the conferences are even? if so, why do you say that? ( I have CAA goggles on, but there is still no proof that NDSU can win a NC in my opinion).

Even, no. Will teams outside the CAA and socon ever win a NC again? Yes.

I dont mean this year lol.

[Twentysix]

To win a NC this year, NDSU would at the very least need, a QB that is above poor to average. NDSU would also require more than one active WR that understands how to run a route.

If everyone had a rush defense like MSU we could win one though :P

If i could pick and choose players from the last 5 years i could assemble a team that is probably better than every team this year. Unfortunately we havent had enough pieces of the puzzle just yet. It could happen though.

[cowboy91]

Even, no. Will teams outside the CAA and socon ever win a NC again? Yes.

I dont mean this year lol.

Any team not called Montana?

[jmufan]

Not to sound pessimistic about the CAA and its future, but I worry that the CAA will not be the conference that it once was until it is able to recapture some of the teams that it has lost or will be losing. I can see the SoCon taking the crown for a season or two. With that said, I do think the CAA will be extremely good, but it may take until after the fallout to see the CAA back in full force and into greatness again.

[Mattymc727]

To win a NC this year, NDSU would at the very least need, a QB that is above poor to average. NDSU would also require more than one active WR that understands how to run a route.

If everyone had a rush defense like MSU we could win one though :P

I think NDSU has done an excellent job thus far. They took advantage of the opportunity and are now in the quarterfinals. Honestly,I thought they had no chance of beating MSU, but thats where Im wrong. Congrats. But I still dont think they can beat either App State or Nova. If NDSU does, than you have first dibs at crushing me threw comments. I wish UNH had the type of stadium NDSU had considering the population levels of both states.

[Twentysix]

Any team not called Montana?

I would hope so.

[Twentysix]

I think NDSU has done an excellent job thus far. They took advantage of the opportunity and are now in the quarterfinals. Honestly,I thought they had no chance of beating MSU, but thats where Im wrong. Congrats. But I still dont think they can beat either App State or Nova. If NDSU does, than you have first dibs at crushing me threw comments. I wish UNH had the type of stadium NDSU had considering the population levels of both states.

Like ive said twice now, i have no expectation for a NC this year. Our defense really can be quite good. Unfortunately we have no passing game, its hard to consistently win without a passing game. I believe our QB who played most of the game today had 2 completions.

[Twentysix]

I think NDSU has done an excellent job thus far. They took advantage of the opportunity and are now in the quarterfinals. Honestly,I thought they had no chance of beating MSU, but thats where Im wrong. Congrats. But I still dont think they can beat either App State or Nova. If NDSU does, than you have first dibs at crushing me threw comments. I wish UNH had the type of stadium NDSU had considering the population levels of both states.

If your just using population to figure out UNH's stadium size it should be about 40,000 right? Double the size of ours :)

[Mattymc727]

If your just using population to figure out UNH's stadium size it should be about 40,000 right? Double the size of ours :)

sort of, but if UNH had a stadium with 40,000, we would have percentages of about 25%. I just want a sweet dome like yours that we can fit 12,000 in on a regular basis. With the populatio sizes (according to wikipedia), there is no reason we cant have that kind of support

[Twentysix]

sort of, but if UNH had a stadium with 40,000, we would have percentages of about 25%. I just want a sweet dome like yours that we can fit 12,000 in on a regular basis. With the populatio sizes (according to wikipedia), there is no reason we cant have that kind of support

NDSU has alot of fans that live on the nostalgia of winning 8 national championships in football. The old alums pump money into the program and continue to put there butts in the seats. Without the past NC's ndsu wouldnt be a football school, we would be funneling most of our money into basketball. Atleast thats my take.

[Mattymc727]

NDSU has alot of fans that live on the nostalgia of winning 8 national championships in football. The old alums pump money into the program and continue to put there butts in the seats. Without the past NC's ndsu wouldnt be a football school, we would be funneling most of our money into basketball. Atleast thats my take.

Great point, its tough here in New England because of the Patriots (I'm a huge fan myself), but all you have in ND is college ball (correct me if im wrong). UNH could easily get 12000 per home game but I feel like the administration pretends like that wont happen because of the Patriots. Also, the state is very frugal with their money

[Twentysix]

Great point, its tough here in New England because of the Patriots (I'm a huge fan myself), but all you have in ND is college ball (correct me if im wrong). UNH could easily get 12000 per home game but I feel like the administration pretends like that wont happen because of the Patriots. Also, the state is very frugal with their money

The Vikings and packers are practically instate teams, and the broncos are aswell if your from the western side, mostly via tv however. On the eastern side of the state going to vikings games is pretty common, its only a 200 mile drive.


I see what your saying, the vikings probably effect attendance numbers a little bit, but not enough to even be considered.

If NDSU were to start winning the valley with consistency it could be quite hard to get a ticket.

The year after we had back to back 10-1 years((06, 07), you had people camping outside the ticket office at 4am like it was blackfriday.

The interest in the NFL trumps FCS football 10000000 times over in ND.

[Cocky]

Jacksonville St sure has a nice big stadium now. Lots of empty concrete. Good luck in FBS land.

By % of stadium filled -

GSU @ W&M - 96.4%
NDSU @ Montana St - 94.8%
Wofford @ JSU - 78.7%
Lehigh @ Delaware - 62%
WIU @ App St - 61.5%
UNH @ BC - 57.3%
Nova @ SFA - 32.9%
SEMO @ EWU - 31.3%

Third percentage wise at least we are not in the boat alone.

[wmmii]

I'm not depriving GSU from their victory but no way was W&M prepared for that game.

Do think think it was lack of prep, we just have trouble with this type of offense. JMU beat us mid November with not nearly as good a version of the option as GSU ran. Bottom line is GSU out hustled and out played us - Coach Laycock said as much in the post game interview.

[wmmii]

If you are the #2 team in the nation, are in the playoffs, and have TWO weeks to prepare there is not any excuse at all for the meltdown W&M displayed today.

GSU is that good. Our defense is playing lights out and our offense continues to get better with quarter we play.

What will it take for people to realize that GSU is legit now? A freakin 7th flag?

You all played great and should get credit for it!

[wmmii]

By % of stadium filled -

GSU @ W&M - 96.4%
NDSU @ Montana St - 94.8%
Wofford @ JSU - 78.7%
Lehigh @ Delaware - 62%
WIU @ App St - 61.5%
UNH @ BC - 57.3%
Nova @ SFA - 32.9%
SEMO @ EWU - 31.3%

Third percentage wise at least we are not in the boat alone.

Where did you get these stats? Do not look right to me, the GSU @ W&M was not close to 96.4%

[cowboy91]

Not meaning this to be smack, but more because I want to know. Further, I am not going to imply that if Delaware gets the chance they will beat GSU.

If GSU is really "that good" why and how did they lose 4 games and finish 3rd in the Southern Conference?

And yes I understand they beat a team that was the co-champion of the CAA (and beat Delaware head-to-head)

Losing to Wofford (playoff team), Navy (I-A team), I'll grant you those. Losing to a playoff team is a pretty strong conference I can understand, but how do you lose to 6-5 Samford and 4-7 Chattanooga?

[Mntneer]

Not meaning this to be smack, but more because I want to know. Further, I am not going to imply that if Delaware gets the chance they will beat GSU.

If GSU is really "that good" why and how did they lose 4 games and finish 3rd in the Southern Conference?

And yes I understand they beat a team that was the co-champion of the CAA (and beat Delaware head-to-head)

Losing to Wofford (playoff team), Navy (I-A team), I'll grant you those. Losing to a playoff team is a pretty strong conference I can understand, but how do you lose to 6-5 Samford and 4-7 Chattanooga?

Umm, because the SoCon is a strong conference? Seriously, 7-4 CAA schools make the field and it's not questioned because that conference is "just so strong". But a 7-4 SoCon team is presumed to be mediocre. Chatty is a damn good team that was *this* close to making the field also. Agree that Samford is harder to explain but everyone has those games now and then. GSU kept it close vs Navy as well.

[Wildcat80]

I'm not depriving GSU from their victory but no way was W&M prepared for that game.

so are you blaming the DC Shoop??

[charliej]

Umm, because the SoCon is a strong conference? Seriously, 7-4 CAA schools make the field and it's not questioned because that conference is "just so strong". But a 7-4 SoCon team is presumed to be mediocre. Chatty is a damn good team that was *this* close to making the field also. Agree that Samford is harder to explain but everyone has those games now and then. GSU kept it close vs Navy as well.

Agreed. see URI.

[VUCats02]

GSU losing to Samford is like Nova losing to Rhode Island. Those games happen all the time in the CAA and SoCon. I don't care what their record was in the season. I didn't watch any of their games. What I did watch, was them yesterday against W&M, and they look very very scary. I do not seeing them losing to Wof no matter where it's played. I think it's very interesting how these two conferences are almost identical in strength. Unfortunately with the way the bracket was set up, it can't be a final four of SoCon and CAA.

[cowboy91]

Umm, because the SoCon is a strong conference? Seriously, 7-4 CAA schools make the field and it's not questioned because that conference is "just so strong". But a 7-4 SoCon team is presumed to be mediocre. Chatty is a damn good team that was *this* close to making the field also. Agree that Samford is harder to explain but everyone has those games now and then. GSU kept it close vs Navy as well.

Not a question of the strength of the Southern Conference, we know the Southern Conference is strong. It was more of a question of losing to the non-playoff teams. Interestingly enough two out of the three Southern Conference teams are like Delaware - their only losses are to playoff teams.

Do good, playoff teams lose to non-playoff teams? Sure, it happens, and it doesn't mean they will be any less successful than those that didn't lose to the non-playoff teams.

Not trying to suggest weakness by it, just found it interesting and acknowledge my general overall ignorance about GSU's season.

[GSUwinsagain]

Not a question of the strength of the Southern Conference, we know the Southern Conference is strong. It was more of a question of losing to the non-playoff teams. Interestingly enough two out of the three Southern Conference teams are like Delaware - their only losses are to playoff teams.

Do good, playoff teams lose to non-playoff teams? Sure, it happens, and it doesn't mean they will be any less successful than those that didn't lose to the non-playoff teams.

Not trying to suggest weakness by it, just found it interesting and acknowledge my general overall ignorance about GSU's season.

We had a true freshman QB playing 80 % of that game. No excuses, they beat us at our house. Everybody has injuries. We are hitting our stride right now

[SpeedkingATL]

The difference in coaching at GaSo this year as opposed to the Hatcher years is unbelievable. App layed over 700 yards on GaSo last year and had to claw for every yard this year at Paulson against many of the same players. The return to the option has helped but the defensive scheme and intensity has been impressive. That's great coaching! GaSo is at least one and probably two years ahead of their rebuilding schedule and with all the first and second year players playing I'm afraid they are going to be around the top of the SoCon again for awhile. They appear to get better every game and really got the boost of confidence they needed defeating App.

[wmmii]

The difference in coaching at GaSo this year as opposed to the Hatcher years is unbelievable. App layed over 700 yards on GaSo last year and had to claw for every yard this year at Paulson against many of the same players. The return to the option has helped but the defensive scheme and intensity has been impressive. That's great coaching! GaSo is at least one and probably two years ahead of their rebuilding schedule and with all the first and second year players playing I'm afraid they are going to be around the top of the SoCon again for awhile. They appear to get better every game and really got the boost of confidence they needed defeating App.

They looked very good against us yesterday

[Houndawg]

We learned that the MVC is down, but not as far down as the BSC.

[Houndawg]

Not meaning this to be smack, but more because I want to know. Further, I am not going to imply that if Delaware gets the chance they will beat GSU.

If GSU is really "that good" why and how did they lose 4 games and finish 3rd in the Southern Conference?

And yes I understand they beat a team that was the co-champion of the CAA (and beat Delaware head-to-head)

Losing to Wofford (playoff team), Navy (I-A team), I'll grant you those. Losing to a playoff team is a pretty strong conference I can understand, but how do you lose to 6-5 Samford and 4-7 Chattanooga?


Been wondering exactly that about NDSU. They're rollin' now though.

[Reign of Terrier]

If you are the #2 team in the nation, are in the playoffs, and have TWO weeks to prepare there is not any excuse at all for the meltdown W&M displayed today.

GSU is that good. Our defense is playing lights out and our offense continues to get better with quarter we play.

What will it take for people to realize that GSU is legit now? A freakin 7th flag?

beat us this week and I'd say your legit. Though not entirely. Wofford has its glaring weaknesses. Reaching the NC would make me realize their legitemacy. However, the more people say GSU will win this week the more I like Wofford's chances.

[TypicalTribe]

I think what we've learned is simply confirmation that ASU and Delaware are the two best teams, which they pretty much were all season. After that, there's a number of good teams, but anyone can beat anyone. Honestly, we've got 4 four-loss teams in the quarters, think about that. GSU and Villanova had to win OT games against ASU and Delaware to make the tourney, UNH had to close strong and NDSU might've been the last team in the field. Yet they're all still playing. Pretty much shows the parity in FCS.

As for W&M, I think the UNC game really took a lot out of them. They managed to get through the rest of the season, but losing Paulus really hurt, especially when they needed a better passer to make some big play in yesterday's game. I don't think they were winning anyway because the matchup was terrible for the Tribe defensively, but a more accurate thrower could have helped.

[tribefan40]

As for W&M, I think the UNC game really took a lot out of them. They managed to get through the rest of the season, but losing Paulus really hurt, especially when they needed a better passer to make some big play in yesterday's game. I don't think they were winning anyway because the matchup was terrible for the Tribe defensively, but a more accurate thrower could have helped.

While I agree that having Paulus wouldn't have been a bad thing, I don't know what difference it could have made yesterday. I think with a call here and a bounce here the score could have been closer, but at the end of the day we simply could not stop the flex bone. That offense is just flat out nasty and was run to perfection yesterday. Congrats to GSU for a lights out performance and my condolences to all those who face them from here on out. xsmileyclapx

[BlueHenSinfonian]

As for W&M, I think the UNC game really took a lot out of them. They managed to get through the rest of the season, but losing Paulus really hurt, especially when they needed a better passer to make some big play in yesterday's game. I don't think they were winning anyway because the matchup was terrible for the Tribe defensively, but a more accurate thrower could have helped.

I don't get what the big deal about Paulus is. UD would have won the W&M game if W&M had kept Paulus in, it wasn't until Callahan took the reigns that the tables really turned. Callahan has seemed like an accomplished QB this year.

[tribefan40]

I don't get what the big deal about Paulus is. UD would have won the W&M game if W&M had kept Paulus in, it wasn't until Callahan took the reigns that the tables really turned. Callahan has seemed like an accomplished QB this year.

Callahan was an accomplished qb this year and did win the UD game for us. I think what typical is talking about is the luxury of having both. When one mike wasn't getting it done the other could come in and change the playbook and most of the time the game. Looking forward to having Paulus next season with a year under his belt, should be fun to watch!

[VUCats02]

I don't get what the big deal about Paulus is. UD would have won the W&M game if W&M had kept Paulus in, it wasn't until Callahan took the reigns that the tables really turned. Callahan has seemed like an accomplished QB this year.

Actually you can say the exact opposite for the Nova game. Paulus played lights out against us. If Callahan was in there we probably would have had a better chance of beating W&M but that's just my guess.

[stevdock]

Been wondering exactly that about NDSU. They're rollin' now though.

So are we, trust me:) Although I think the most realistic prognosticators were expecting NDSU to get to no more than 6-5. This is a team that while they lost 8 games last year never got blown out of any of them, and now are learning fairly consistently how to win those games. Our biggest thing right now though is one of our staples is a solid O-Line. They have finally gelled; it just took 12 or 13 games to get there:)

[Cocky]

Where did you get these stats? Do not look right to me, the GSU @ W&M was not close to 96.4%

Post on another thread but after looking they don't look correct.

[Mr. C]

Callahan was an accomplished qb this year and did win the UD game for us. I think what typical is talking about is the luxury of having both. When one mike wasn't getting it done the other could come in and change the playbook and most of the time the game. Looking forward to having Paulus next season with a year under his belt, should be fun to watch!
Transfer QBs in the CAA seem to play much better in their second years than in their first. Even some of the best transfers have struggled in their first year. We all know what a great developer of QBs that Jimmye Laycock is.

[gsu_paintballer]

beat us this week and I'd say your legit. Though not entirely. Wofford has its glaring weaknesses. Reaching the NC would make me realize their legitemacy. However, the more people say GSU will win this week the more I like Wofford's chances.

Nevermind that we beat the #1 playoff seed and beat the #2 playoff seed on the road.

[heath]

What we've learned so far is,that a playoff system that determines a TRUE champ on the field(which allows great debate by fans on AGS) is truely much better than watching #1 play#2 in the polls and wondering,WHAT IF?

[Reign of Terrier]

Nevermind that we beat the #1 playoff seed and beat the #2 playoff seed on the road.

W&M didn't play a number 2 seed and had trouble playing option like offenses (See JMU's wildcat offense). Paulson does crazy things to App State. If you reach the semis you're almost legit, Wofford has some glaring weaknesses so if you beat us I wouldn't say it's an upset...in the case that you beat us, I would have to see how well you play in the semis before saying "Southern's back y'all"

you guys are my preseason 2011 pick to win the Socon now though

[JSU02]

Post on another thread but after looking they don't look correct.

We were at less than 50% capacity for the playoff game, after averaging 75% for the regular season. Seems as though everyone's attendance was down, most by a great deal from regular season averages

[Gordon Shumway]

One thing we have learned is that the committee will have no trouble taking 7-4 teams they feel deserving in the future. Half the remaining field was 7-4.xlolx

[eaglewraith]

We also learned that Georgia Southern has been out of the playoffs so long we've forgotten how the bid process works. We only submitted a bid for the first and second rounds, so we have nothing else. We'll be on the road even if we make it past Wofford with a UNH win.

This sucks.

[UNH Fanboi]

We also learned that Georgia Southern has been out of the playoffs so long we've forgotten how the bid process works. We only submitted a bid for the first and second rounds, so we have nothing else. We'll be on the road even if we make it past Wofford with a UNH win.

This sucks.

Wait, so is that why next week's game is at Wofford? That's pretty sucky, including for the NCAA. They'd make a lot more money with a game at tGSU.

[danefan]

Not necessarily. I think there is a default minimum bid, and UNH probably bid the minimum as well. So it comes down to facilities and expected attendance, which would are strongly in GaSo's favor. I wouldn't mind a game in Georgia. UNH's offense is well suited to bad weather.

There isn't a required bid, but there is a minimum. GSU apparently didn't even submit the minimum. If UNH did they'd win. If no team bids then they go to facilities, etc. and GSU would undoubtedly win.

[phoenix3]

Not meaning this to be smack, but more because I want to know. Further, I am not going to imply that if Delaware gets the chance they will beat GSU.

If GSU is really "that good" why and how did they lose 4 games and finish 3rd in the Southern Conference?

And yes I understand they beat a team that was the co-champion of the CAA (and beat Delaware head-to-head)

Losing to Wofford (playoff team), Navy (I-A team), I'll grant you those. Losing to a playoff team is a pretty strong conference I can understand, but how do you lose to 6-5 Samford and 4-7 Chattanooga?

Jaybo Shaw was out for the majority of the Samford game. I'm not sure of other injuries, but Shaw is the real deal & a supurb leader. Wofford, Navy and Chattanooga are acceptable losses. If Chatt shores up their D even a little, they will have a deep run in the playoffs next year. Their offense is strong and on the improve.

[UNH Fanboi]

There isn't a required bid, but there is a minimum. GSU apparently didn't even submit the minimum. If UNH did they'd win. If no team bids then they go to facilities, etc. and GSU would undoubtedly win.

Yeah, I just edited my post because I now notice that GSU is playing at Wofford next weekend, which could only be explained by Wofford winning by default.

[JohnStOnge]

I'll preface what I'm going to say by noting that I said early on that people were over-rating SFA. I remember specifically telling Texas Terror, when he referred to the Lumberjacks as a top 5 team, that there was no way SFA was really a top 5 team. And I expected Villanova to beat SFA pretty soundly.

But...having said that...it's interesting to note that a Southland team went on the road and beat the Southern Conference champion during the regular season in 2009 and another Southland team went on the road in 2010 and beat the Missouri Valley Conference champion.

The Southland isn't one of the top conferences. And I realize that the SFA win over Northern Iowa in 2010 was put into perspective to some extent by Lehigh's bouncing UNI out of the playoffs in the first round. But I do think it is better than what it shows in the playoffs. I have no idea as to why. But Southland teams do get wins over good teams from top conferences during the regular season.

[B&G]

Not sure why but App State has historically had a hard time with Southland foes. For this sole reason I wasn't hurt that Villanova won this past weekend.

[Blueandwhitefightfight]

According to the NCAA per our student newspaper (which is excellent and known nationally), the Athletic Dept. didn' t even bid for anything after the 2nd round. Looks like if we beat Wofford we will be staying on the road one more time (hopefully two more times).

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/showthread.php?79953-The-George-Anne-has-confirmed-that-GSU-didn-t-even-bid...

[seantaylor]

We also learned that Georgia Southern has been out of the playoffs so long we've forgotten how the bid process works. We only submitted a bid for the first and second rounds, so we have nothing else. We'll be on the road even if we make it past Wofford with a UNH win.

This sucks.

This is also BS. Why would we submit a bid for the second round when it was impossible to get a home game due to W&M's seed. Sammy is just an incompetent fool. And a lazy mfer.

[appst97]

The bids are submitted before the seeds/brackets are announced

[eaglewraith]

The bids are submitted before the seeds/brackets are announced

What does it hurt to submit a bid? It's only taken if you get the home game. You lose nothing by putting the paperwork in other than a little time spent doing your job.

[caribbeanhen]

Not sure why but App State has historically had a hard time with Southland foes. For this sole reason I wasn't hurt that Villanova won this past weekend.

if I were you, I would have been praying for SFA

[JSUBison]

This is also BS. Why would we submit a bid for the second round when it was impossible to get a home game due to W&M's seed. Sammy is just an incompetent fool. And a lazy mfer.

Fire Baker. xtwocentsx

[Redhawk2010]

What does it hurt to submit a bid? It's only taken if you get the home game. You lose nothing by putting the paperwork in other than a little time spent doing your job.

They were saying earlier when bids were being submitted that it was $1,000 to bid. I don't know if that would be a reason or not; just an idea..

[Twentysix]

They were saying earlier when bids were being submitted that it was $1,000 to bid. I don't know if that would be a reason or not; just an idea..

lol

[UNI Pike]

We learned that the OVC & MEAC do not deserve any bids beyond the AQ's (if that). 0-26 since 1991 during the playoffs. Cut the crap about a "tough match up" - you can't pull that stuff for 20 years.

[UncleSam]

We learned that the OVC & MEAC do not deserve any bids beyond the AQ's (if that). 0-26 since 1991 during the playoffs. Cut the crap about a "tough match up" - you can't pull that stuff for 20 years.

The Patriot League, which a lot of fans seem to dismiss, has 8 playoff wins since the mid 90's and no doubt would have had quite a few more if they hadn't been matched up disproportionately with CAA and SoCon opponents.

[UNI Pike]

The PL has 8 wins in +/- 15 years - that's pretty good if you as me. 0-26 is just plain awful. A turd is still a turd no matter how much perfume you put on it.

[jmufan999]

The SoCon is not the fourth best conference as the RPI had them. The SoCon is probably number 2 and the gap with the CAA may be closing.

geez, i think you're being kind, actually!

i'd say it changes year to year... this year, i think the SoCon is the best conference. i wasn't blown away by any CAA team i saw this year. not that UD, UNH, or Nova can't go far in the playoffs... but i'd vote SoCon #1 as a conference... this year. every year is different.

[Big Al]

MVC-- Best team finished third

Flame-outs: Jax. ST. (lost 3 in row), SC State, WIU, UNI

Best team finished third? Hardly. The MVFC overall was much more competitive this year, but no team had/has the guns to take it all the way to the NC. NDSU had the benefit of the best draw. UNI had the misfortune of playing a QB who had racked up enough small injuries over the season (without a bye week since week one, mind you) that he wasn't 100% against Lehigh. Bad news when your offense rotates solely around the QB. I suspect WIU or UNI would have had similar results had they gotten NDSU's draw.

The MVFC is the ACC of FCS this year -- several decent to good teams, but no great ones.

[AshevilleApp2]

Agreed, the SoCon is very powerful, same with the CAA. I feel like both of the conferences are competing in very fertile recruitng grounds, while the west has to compete with more FBS schools.

Can't agree with the last part. North Carolina alone has 5 FBS schools. Tennessee and Alabama have 4 each. South Carolina and Georgia have 2 each.

[gophoenix]

We learned that the OVC & MEAC do not deserve any bids beyond the AQ's (if that). 0-26 since 1991 during the playoffs. Cut the crap about a "tough match up" - you can't pull that stuff for 20 years.

How are they 0-26? FAMU and NC A&T both won games in 1999, so this cannot be right either for automatics or at large bid types from the MEAC

[UncleSam]

I agree, the CAA had their usual number of 'good' teams, but no really 'outstanding' teams this year. The next couple of weeks will tale the tale, but it wouldn't surprise me if the SoCon gets the edge over the CAA this year.

[UNH Fanboi]

geez, i think you're being kind, actually!

i'd say it changes year to year... this year, i think the SoCon is the best conference. i wasn't blown away by any CAA team i saw this year. not that UD, UNH, or Nova can't go far in the playoffs... but i'd vote SoCon #1 as a conference... this year. every year is different.

I think it's a little early to be saying that. There will be at least two and possibly three more SoCon v. CAA matchups in the playoffs. Let's wait until all the results are in.

There's no question though that the SoCon is stronger than it was in 2008 and 2009, which will probably end up being the high water mark of the CAA's strength.

[Twentysix]

Any team not called Montana?

Apparently. Go west!!!!! Middle finger to the east!