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FanofFCS
June 6th, 2011, 10:01 AM
FCS ALL-AMERICAN TEAM

OFFENSE
QB DeAndre Presley 5-11 195 Sr. Appalachian State
RB Nate Eachus 5-10 216 Sr. Colgate
RB Jonathan Grimes 5-10 201 Sr. William & Mary
FB Eric Breitenstein 5-11 225 Jr. Wofford
WR Brandon Kaufman 6-5 205 Jr. Eastern Washington
WR Chris Summers 6-4 190 Sr. Liberty
TE Alex Gottlieb 6-4 255 Sr. William & Mary
OL Natiel Curry 6-2 280 Sr. Bethune-Cookman
OL D.J. Hall 6-3 300 Sr. Texas State
OL Brett Moore 6-3 253 Sr. Georgia Southern
OL J.C. Oram 6-4 310 Sr. Weber State
OL Chris Powers 6-2 270 Sr. Eastern Washington

DEFENSE
DL Mario Kurn 6-2 220 Sr. San Diego
DL Ameet Pall 6-0 245 Sr. Wofford
DL Brent Russell 6-2 287 Jr. Georgia Southern
DL Renard Williams 6-2 300 Sr. Eastern Washington
LB Matt Evans 6-0 219 Jr. New Hampshire
LB Tyler Holmes 6-0 220 Sr. Massachusetts
LB A.J. Storms 6-0 215 Sr. Idaho State
DB Asa Jackson 5-11 188 Sr. Cal Poly
DB Matt Johnson 6-2 220 Sr. Eastern Washington
DB Trumaine Johnson 6-3 199 Sr. Montana
DB Kejuan Riley 6-0 182 Jr. Alabama State

SPECIALISTS
K Matt Bevins 6-2 185 Sr. Liberty
P David Harrington 6-3 185 Sr. Idaho State
KR Jeremy Caldwell 5-10 193 Eastern Kentucky
PR Dontrell Johnson 5-11 180 Sr. Murray State



PRESEASON TOP 25

1. Georgia Southern (10-5, 5-3 SoCon) – As a rookie head coach last year, Jeff Monken skipped some steps in rebuilding the Eagles’ storied program with a national semifinal appearance. All but one starter returns this season. The triple option – led by quarterback Jaybo Shaw – baffles opponents, but the defense is even better because of junior nose tackle Brent Russell and safety Laron Scott.

2. William & Mary (8-4, 6-2 CAA Football) – Last year’s early exit in the FCS playoffs (to Georgia Southern) motivates the Tribe. The versatility of senior running back Jonathan Grimes (his 5,445 all-purpose yards ranks ninth in CAA history) takes pressure off quarterback Michael Paulus. The defense is outstanding with Jake Trantin, who missed last season, joining Dante Cook at linebacker. Cornerback/punt returner B.W. Webb beats opponents in multiple ways.

3. Eastern Washington (13-2, 7-1 Big Sky) – Who knew coach Beau Baldwin’s Eagles would outdo the debut of their red turf by winning their first FCS championship. The Eagles return 32 players with a combined 337 career starts. The Bo Levi Mitchell-to-Brandon Kaufman passing combo is lethal. Buck Buchanan Award winner J.C. Sherritt has turned over the defense to bruising tackle Renard Johnson and the Johnson twins, Matt (safety) and Zach (linebacker).

4. Montana State (9-3, 7-1 Big Sky) – Quarterback DeNarius McGhee (3,163 passing yards, 23 touchdowns) was arguably the FCS’ best freshman last season. He leads a potential offensive juggernaut, which returns 1,100-yard rusher Orenzo Davis and welcomes running back Tray Robinson from Nebraska. The defense has a young star in sophomore linebacker Aleksei Grosulak. Kicker Jason Cunningham dials up long distance.

5. Appalachian State (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – Don’t mind veteran coach Jerry Moore if he reloads instead of rebuilds his team. The Mountaineers lost many key players, but dual-threat quarterback DeAndre Presley, who passed and rushed for 34 TDs, and 6-5 wide receiver Brian Quick are among the nation’s best at their positions. The defense is driven by juniors, linebackers Justin Wray and Brandon Grier and strong safety Troy Sanders.

6. Delaware (12-3, 6-2 CAA Football) – It’s Trevor Sasek’s turn to go under the microscope of Delaware quarterbacks. The redshirt sophomore will work behind a veteran line with many weapons at his disposal, most notably Andrew Pierce (1,655 rushing yards, 14 TDs as a freshman). Coach K.C. Keeler’s national runners-up won’t have the same dominant defense, but leading tackler Paul Worrilow returns at linebacker.

7. Richmond (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – The Spiders’ team trainer prefers less work. If senior quarterback Aaron Corp, the Southern Cal transfer, is recovered from an ACL injury, and the rest of the offense gets healthy, coach Latrell Scott’s second season will go smoother. Wide receiver Tre Gray and a veteran line compliment Corp. Graduation decimated the defense, leaving linebacker Darius McMillian in charge.

8. Wofford (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – The triple option is associated with Georgia Southern, but the Terriers’ version led the FCS in rushing yards per game (297.8). They will continue to steamroll defenses with fullback Eric Breitenstein coming off a school-record 1,639 yards and 22 TDs. Defensive end Ameet Pall collected 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.

9. Jacksonville State (9-3, 6-2 OVC) – A different player seems to lead the balanced Gamecocks each game. They can beat opponents with one of two quarterbacks, senior Marques Ivory or sophomore Coty Blanchard, at the helm. A stout defense will take a step forward with rover Monte Lewis, defensive tackle Jamison Wadley and safety Keginald Harris.

10. Northern Iowa (7-5, 6-2 Missouri Valley) – The Panthers return 18 starters from a team that won the balanced Missouri Valley Football Conference. Tirrell Rennie is the best running quarterback in the FCS – he ground out 1,291 yards and 15 TDs – and running back Carlos Anderson just missed 1,000 yards. Defensive tackle Ben Boothby owns property in his opponents’ backfields.

11. North Dakota State (9-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – Last year’s relatively young squad grew up with two playoff wins. Opponents struggle to contain senior running back D.J. McNorton (1,559 rushing yards, 19 total TDs), while defensive end Coulter Boyer is a disruptive force for the Bison’s physical defense.

12. Massachusetts (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – Virginia Tech should not have let All-America linebacker, and Blacksburg, Va., native, Tyler Holmes get away. Senior tailback Jonathan Hernandez has never had the spotlight to himself, but does this year. The starting quarterback may be Bowling Green transfer Kellen Pagel.

13. New Hampshire (8-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – The secondary must be rebuilt, but the front seven is strong with defensive end Brian McNally and linebacker Matt Evans. Redshirt senior Kevin Decker takes over at quarterback and will put the ball in the hands of playmakers Dontra Peters and Joey Orlando.

14. Lehigh (10-3, 5-0 Patriot) – Some believe coach Andy Coen’s squad arrived a year ahead of schedule while it rolled through the Patriot League last season. The Mountain Hawks feature the passing duo of quarterback Chris Lum and split end Ryan Spadola as well as middle linebacker Mike Groome.

15. Sacramento State (6-5, 5-3 Big Sky) – Long considered a sleeping giant, the Hornets’ program has awakened. An excellent senior class, led by quarterback Jeff Fleming (school-record 23 TD passes) and defensive end Zach Nash (13 sacks), could power coach Marshall Sperbeck’s team to its first postseason appearance since 1988.

16. Chattanooga (6-5, 5-3 SoCon) – A daunting first half of the schedule may bury a quality Mocs team which boasts excellent senior and sophomore classes. Quarterback B.J. Coleman (26 TD passes) gets the ball to flanker Joel Bradford and running back Keon Williams. Cornerback Kadeem Wise was the SoCon Freshman of the Year.

17. Villanova (9-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – No FCS team is replacing a more talented senior class. Coach Andy Talley still has five starters from the Wildcats’ 2009 FCS championship squad, including playmaking cornerback James Pitts. Wide receiver Norman White caught 11 TDs a year ago.

18. Southern Illinois (5-6, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – The Salukis believe last year’s dropoff was an aberration. All five starting offensive linemen return to pave the way for quarterback Paul McIntosh, and running backs Shariff Harris and Steve Strother. A healthier secondary gets back strong safety Mike McElroy.

19. Montana (7-4, 5-3 Big Sky) – Second-year coach Robin Pflugrad faces pressure after the Grizzlies’ run of 12 straight Big Sky titles and 17 straight playoff appearances ended last year. There are more questions on offense than with the defense, which features cornerback Trumaine Johnson and linebackers Caleb McSurdy and Jordan Tripp.

20. Liberty (8-3, 5-1 Big South) – The Flames are 34-11 over the last four years, but haven’t reached the playoffs. It’s now or never for quarterback Mike Brown (FCS-best 346.4 yards of total offense per game) and wide receiver Chris Summers. Nobody will run through 6-5, 380-pound nose guard Asa Chapman.

21. Northwestern State (5-6, 4-3 Southland) – The Demons, behind nine players who earned a form of All-Southland honors, will try to go from 0-11 in 2009 to conference champs in coach Bradley Dale Peveto’s third season. Standout linebacker Derek Rose and quarterback Paul Harris are only juniors.

22. Eastern Kentucky (6-5, 5-2 OVC) – The Colonels want to build on last year’s season-ending four-game winning streak. Dual-threat quarterback T.J. Pryor will need more consistency while he directs a talented team which also boasts senior cornerback Jeremy Caldwell and junior wide receiver Orlandus Harris.

23. Indiana State (6-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) –

24. Central Arkansas (7-4, 4-3 Southland) –

25. Jacksonville (10-1, 8-0 Pioneer) –

Bam
June 6th, 2011, 12:03 PM
Now this is more like it.

Grizzaholic
June 6th, 2011, 12:06 PM
better than most

BEAR
June 6th, 2011, 12:16 PM
24. Central Arkansas (7-4, 4-3 Southland) –

The unknown huh xlolx They could have at least said something about the field. xnodxxlolx

Jacked_Rabbit
June 6th, 2011, 12:25 PM
23. Indiana State (6-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) –


This seems like a bit of a stretch to me... If you are going to include a 4th MVFC team, Illinois St., Western Illinois, or SDSU would all be better choices in my opinion.

That said, good for Indiana State. They've came a long way in the last year or two.

Grizzaholic
June 6th, 2011, 12:28 PM
MSU, Davis will not be playing this year. He couldn't make grades. The coaches even had him sit out spring drills so he could focus on his classes and he still couldn't do it.

chattownmocs
June 6th, 2011, 12:43 PM
Is brent russell really a first team all-american? The best thing to do against GSU is run straight at him.

darell1976
June 6th, 2011, 01:09 PM
No team from the GWFC?? Whatever.

FanofFCS
June 6th, 2011, 01:09 PM
The unknown huh xlolx They could have at least said something about the field. xnodxxlolx

FCS PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS
Albany (NEC champ)
Appalachian State (at-large)
Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
Chattanooga (at-large)
Eastern Washington (Big Sky champ)
Delaware (at-large)
Georgia Southern (Southern Conference champ)
Jacksonville State (OVC champ)
Lehigh (Patriot champ)
Liberty (Big South champ)
Massachusetts (at-large)
Montana State (at-large)
New Hampshire (at-large)
North Dakota State (at-large)
Northern Iowa (Missouri Valley champ)
Northwestern State (Southland champ)
Richmond (at-large)
Sacramento State (at-large)
William & Mary (CAA champ)
Wofford (at-large)

UMass became ineligible for the playoffs after the preview was written by Craig Haley of TSN.

Grizzaholic
June 6th, 2011, 01:11 PM
No Montana in the playoffs again?

blueballs
June 6th, 2011, 01:24 PM
Is brent russell really a first team all-american? The best thing to do against GSU is run straight at him.

Did you not watch the playoffs last year?????

BEAR
June 6th, 2011, 01:29 PM
FCS PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS
Albany (NEC champ)
Appalachian State (at-large)
Bethune-Cookman (MEAC)
Chattanooga (at-large)
Eastern Washington (Big Sky champ)
Delaware (at-large)
Georgia Southern (Southern Conference champ)
Jacksonville State (OVC champ)
Lehigh (Patriot champ)
Liberty (Big South champ)
Massachusetts (at-large)
Montana State (at-large)
New Hampshire (at-large)
North Dakota State (at-large)
Northern Iowa (Missouri Valley champ)
Northwestern State (Southland champ)
Richmond (at-large)
Sacramento State (at-large)
William & Mary (CAA champ)
Wofford (at-large)

UMass became ineligible for the playoffs after the preview was written by Craig Haley of TSN.

No. No. I meant THE FIELD. xlolx xlolx
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247186_10150187334946580_111051716579_7490732_6121 067_n.jpg

Eaglesrus
June 6th, 2011, 01:45 PM
Is brent russell really a first team all-american? The best thing to do against GSU is run straight at him.

We'll just assume this is a tongue-in-cheek comment. Then again, you do seem to be the ultimate source of football knowledge in the country (in your mind, anyway).

Screamin_Eagle174
June 6th, 2011, 02:17 PM
Well, at least the AA team looks good. :D

bostonspider
June 6th, 2011, 02:18 PM
While I have hopes for my Spiders, 7th in the country???

chattownmocs
June 6th, 2011, 02:58 PM
I've watched plenty of film where teams line up, push russell to the side, and the back gets to the 2nd level untouched.

henfan
June 6th, 2011, 03:07 PM
A really good preview for the most part. Their Top 3 is my Top 3.

Brent Russell might be the best defensive lineman in the FCS.

WMTribe90
June 6th, 2011, 03:27 PM
As far as the CAA goes, here is where I'd have them ranked.


WM, 5-7
UD, 6-8
UNH, 8-10
UMass, 11-13
JMU, 11 - 13
UR, 16-18
VU, 20-22
ODU, 24-25

seantaylor
June 6th, 2011, 03:37 PM
Is brent russell really a first team all-american? The best thing to do against GSU is run straight at him.

Brent Russell is the best player in FCS on either side of the ball.

chattownmocs
June 6th, 2011, 03:47 PM
http://www.gomocs.com/newMediaPlayer/sl/console.htm?DB_MENU_ID=&oemid=17700&type=vod&CLIP_FILE_ID=728577&id=728577&SPID=10577&CLIP_ID=718668&SPSID=88681&DB_OEM_ID=17700

Run the ball right at him. Time and time again.

blueballs
June 6th, 2011, 05:00 PM
http://www.gomocs.com/newMediaPlayer/sl/console.htm?DB_MENU_ID=&oemid=17700&type=vod&CLIP_FILE_ID=728577&id=728577&SPID=10577&CLIP_ID=718668&SPSID=88681&DB_OEM_ID=17700

Run the ball right at him. Time and time again.

I watched and saw Russell get pushed off the ball once. I saw him jump a bunch of gaps and run by plays. The guy's work last year speaks for itself. See ya' in the 'boro this fall... beware of #66.

chattownmocs
June 6th, 2011, 05:11 PM
They ran right at him plenty of times. Ran right at the other side plenty of times with alot of success. It was pretty easy to see that the best way to attack Georgia Southern all year was run it straight at them. It wasnt just this game. Hes not the best player in the country. Not even close. I seriously doubt that he deserves to be an All-American.

WestCoastAggie
June 6th, 2011, 05:30 PM
Decent list.

Thoughts & Comments:

-I think that the OVC will have an excellent opportunity to earn a 2nd consecutive At-Large Playoff Bid. Jax. State, Murray State, EKU, SEMO and Tenn. State (YES, that Tenn. State) will all compete for the conference title and some will say that the Conference is considerably stronger than in years past.

-I also think we are placing too much pressure on Ga. Southern. Are the Eagles really the best FCS team in the country? Will they even win the SoCon? They will have some tough battles with UTC, Wofford, Furman and App. State.

-Is the CAA on the decline? Many teams in that conference apparently lost a good amount of talent.

-Is Sac. State really a diamond in the Big Sky rough?

-FAMU, with 25 seniors, will really be a team to watch this year. I really think they will finally break their losing streak against SCSU and will quite possibly go undefeated in the MEAC. If Trainor can step up and play well all season, they may very well be a top 5 team in November. A definite National Title dark horse indeed.

chattownmocs
June 6th, 2011, 06:26 PM
Chattanooga's got

at Nebraska
9. Jacksonville State
22.at Eastern Kentucky
5.at Appalachian State
Citadel
1.at Georgia Southern

to open the season

And they are still going to dominate.

Apphole
June 6th, 2011, 06:38 PM
Chattanooga's got

at Nebraska
9. Jacksonville State
22.at Eastern Kentucky
5.at Appalachian State
Citadel
1.at Georgia Southern

to open the season

And they are still going to dominate.

You are AGS's #1 homer, chattownmocs. I don't claim to be objective by any means but you really think you're gonna beat all those teams? I'm not sure how you feel you're going to "dominate," but you have to realize you are not favored in 3 of those games. In fact, I'd venture to say that you have a distinct chance of blowing all of those games sans Citadel. UTC does have a history of being a choke artist.

WestCoastAggie
June 6th, 2011, 07:03 PM
Chattanooga's got

at Nebraska
9. Jacksonville State
22.at Eastern Kentucky
5.at Appalachian State
Citadel
1.at Georgia Southern

to open the season

And they are still going to dominate.

Jiminy-jillikers, Radioactive Man, that is a ridiculously tough way to open the season. If the 'Moc's win 3 or more games to start the season, you all are definitely a top 10 squad.

Eaglesrus
June 6th, 2011, 07:39 PM
I've watched plenty of film where teams line up, push russell to the side, and the back gets to the 2nd level untouched.

I don't even see what you're talking about in the link you posted, but who are these other teams that you have watched "plenty of film" of? Just curious, since fans and coaches of most of the teams we've played have talked about how tough Russell is. Pretty interesting that coaches and writers have voted him all-conference and all-American but you think he's a pushover.

GaSouthern
June 6th, 2011, 07:56 PM
Eric Breitenstein is only a Junior!?!?!? CRAP.

citdog
June 6th, 2011, 08:00 PM
Eric Breitenstein is only a Junior!?!?!? CRAP.


http://www.topnews.in/files/israeli_flag.jpg

chattownmocs
June 6th, 2011, 09:01 PM
You are AGS's #1 homer, chattownmocs. I don't claim to be objective by any means but you really think you're gonna beat all those teams? I'm not sure how you feel you're going to "dominate," but you have to realize you are not favored in 3 of those games. In fact, I'd venture to say that you have a distinct chance of blowing all of those games sans Citadel. UTC does have a history of being a choke artist.

Naw not all, but probably at least 4, good chance at 5. We dont have a good chance to beat Nebraska. It would be tough to win all 5 of the others but this team will be good enough to do it. The problem with your thinking is that you think Chattanooga's history is going to play a factor. Maybe last year, but not this year. All that is irrelevant. If anything it will serve as motivation. I know it is a secret around here, but Chattanooga has some really good players. Rodney Allison recruited some really good players in his last class. Russ' first class was good but not elite, once he gained some traction he is recruiting at the highest level. This sophomore class is really really good.

kittiekop
June 6th, 2011, 09:51 PM
MSU, Davis will not be playing this year. He couldn't make grades. The coaches even had him sit out spring drills so he could focus on his classes and he still couldn't do it.

Like Grizzaholic said, no Davis for Montana State, but Groselak may also be gone for the season also with a spring injury. At least for the first part of the season. That all said, we have a healthy stable of backs, just unproven, and depth on the defense, if they can come together as a unit. The potential is there.

And Cunningham entering his senior year looks to break more team records and approach several conference marks. Looking for a big year from him. Looking forward to EWU in Cheney. Will be early-season game of the year.

Screamin_Eagle174
June 7th, 2011, 01:26 AM
Like Grizzaholic said, no Davis for Montana State, but Groselak may also be gone for the season also with a spring injury. At least for the first part of the season. That all said, we have a healthy stable of backs, just unproven, and depth on the defense, if they can come together as a unit. The potential is there.

And Cunningham entering his senior year looks to break more team records and approach several conference marks. Looking for a big year from him. Looking forward to EWU in Cheney. Will be early-season game of the year.

What's wrong with Grosulak?

Ditto about the EWU/MSU game. Can't wait. All of our biggest/most exciting games come early on this next year. UW (first time they've ever played FCS, and they don't have Locker), @Montana two weeks later, then our first defense of the red turf against MSU. Only other big game on the schedule is @Cal Poly the second to last week.

CrazyCat
June 7th, 2011, 11:16 AM
He tore his ACL in the spring game.

Grizzaholic
June 7th, 2011, 11:45 AM
He tore his ACL in the spring game.

Just sucks. Hate to see that type, or any type, of injury happen, let alone during the spring.



I still got you going to Frisco.

Screamin_Eagle174
June 7th, 2011, 03:20 PM
Just sucks. Hate to see that type, or any type, of injury happen, let alone during the spring.



I still got you going to Frisco.
xlolx

Grizzaholic
June 7th, 2011, 03:27 PM
xlolx


What? You disagree with me? I think the Cats will be very strong this year and if ASH can keep them from blowing up and losing to an inferior team, like they have done in the past, they got what is needed to make it there. I got them beating the Griz this year as well.

I hope I am wrong on that last one, but unless dicipline has changed in the Griz players this year I just don't see it happening.

TwoFeathers
June 9th, 2011, 08:16 PM
Brent Russell is the best player in FCS on either side of the ball.

... c'mon... come back to the real world.

TwoFeathers
June 9th, 2011, 08:19 PM
Decent list.

Thoughts & Comments:

-I think that the OVC will have an excellent opportunity to earn a 2nd consecutive At-Large Playoff Bid. Jax. State, Murray State, EKU, SEMO and Tenn. State (YES, that Tenn. State) will all compete for the conference title and some will say that the Conference is considerably stronger than in years past.

-I also think we are placing too much pressure on Ga. Southern. Are the Eagles really the best FCS team in the country? Will they even win the SoCon? They will have some tough battles with UTC, Wofford, Furman and App. State.

-Is the CAA on the decline? Many teams in that conference apparently lost a good amount of talent.

-Is Sac. State really a diamond in the Big Sky rough?

-FAMU, with 25 seniors, will really be a team to watch this year. I really think they will finally break their losing streak against SCSU and will quite possibly go undefeated in the MEAC. If Trainor can step up and play well all season, they may very well be a top 5 team in November. A definite National Title dark horse indeed.

Yeah, Villanova is rebuilding, and I don't think UD will be as good as last year. And I think W&M may be getting too much credit. However, JMU may surprise some. I think Richmond could go either way.

ngineer
June 9th, 2011, 08:26 PM
Overall, a pretty decent summary of the FCS favorites. Obviously based mostly on last year's performance and key returning stars, but it is the ultimate team game, and there isn't sufficient balance by everyone, then " all glory is fleeting."...

Screamin_Eagle174
June 10th, 2011, 01:56 AM
What? You disagree with me? I think the Cats will be very strong this year and if ASH can keep them from blowing up and losing to an inferior team, like they have done in the past, they got what is needed to make it there. I got them beating the Griz this year as well.

I hope I am wrong on that last one, but unless dicipline has changed in the Griz players this year I just don't see it happening.

They will have a good team for sure, but I'd give them a slightly better shot of making it to Frisco than people gave EWU before last season. They will win one, possibly two playoffs games then bow out.

Pard4Life
June 11th, 2011, 09:42 AM
Lehigh 14?? Another person smoking the stuff... Colgate is winning the PL. Here's what's gong to happen:
Lehigh narrowly beats Monmouth. UNH and Liberty both demolish Lehigh. The end.

LEHIGH61
June 11th, 2011, 12:56 PM
Yeh, genius you would know.

LUHawker
June 11th, 2011, 01:03 PM
Lehigh 14?? Another person smoking the stuff... Colgate is winning the PL. Here's what's gong to happen:
Lehigh narrowly beats Monmouth. UNH and Liberty both demolish Lehigh. The end.

Yeah, you were one of those clairvoyants telling us last that the Pards would contend in the PL. They contended alright, for the cellar. Colgate will contend for the PL title, but they need a QB. As for LC, they will trying to play spoiler come late November. 4-7 at best for the Pards.

Pard4Life
June 12th, 2011, 08:45 AM
Sorry fool I did not say we were going to be anywhere near the PL title. Last year, unlike you people, I understood that losing the core of our team does not translate into a top 15 ranking. Lehigh will be a strong PL team this year no doubt but a top 15 or 25 team nationally? Get real...

RichH2
June 12th, 2011, 12:42 PM
Whether we can be a top 25 team hinges on Liberty and Yale games. We need to win both to deserve a national ranking. UNH would be a nice bonus but even if their qb is not as good as last year they are on a different level than LU. A near perfect game by us and less than a stellar outing for UNH and its possible just not likely.In PL, Gate must be better than last year even with new qb. Pards also cant be as bad as last year. How good they will be depends on finding an OL. Bison will be a more veteran team with some speed and talent. Hoyas finally building but still too small and no depth. Cross will be competitive ,solid team but very few game changers. Fordham should be a very good team if qb develops but I lack confidence in their coaching staff. All that said I still think we win PL and finishe year in top 25. I'll start with my yerly pessimism in August worrying about injuries and the like.

Spider
June 12th, 2011, 02:12 PM
boston, i agree, not sure we belong at that no. but nice to see the 'respect'.

bjtheflamesfan
June 12th, 2011, 03:07 PM
Liberty has a big stretch to start the season (@ NC State, vs. RMU, vs. JMU, @ Lehigh, vs. Kentucky Wesleyan) KWC is pretty much a guaranteed win but if the flames can come out of that opening four game stretch 3-1 or maybe 4-0, depending on how other teams ahead of them do, I would not be surprised to see them around or in the top 10 come conference play. Itd take a lot of chips falling the right way for a top 5 but a 4-1 or 5-0 start certainly should get top 10 consideration.

SideLine Shooter
June 12th, 2011, 05:48 PM
Liberty has a big stretch to start the season (@ NC State, vs. RMU, vs. JMU, @ Lehigh, vs. Kentucky Wesleyan) KWC is pretty much a guaranteed win but if the flames can come out of that opening four game stretch 3-1 or maybe 4-0, depending on how other teams ahead of them do, I would not be surprised to see them around or in the top 10 come conference play. Itd take a lot of chips falling the right way for a top 5 but a 4-1 or 5-0 start certainly should get top 10 consideration.

I really don't think I would take that bet. It is good to think positive going into the season, just don't get too crazy.

LUHawker
June 12th, 2011, 07:10 PM
Sorry fool I did not say we were going to be anywhere near the PL title. Last year, unlike you people, I understood that losing the core of our team does not translate into a top 15 ranking. Lehigh will be a strong PL team this year no doubt but a top 15 or 25 team nationally? Get real...

"Fool" seems to be a bit of a stretch. LU finished up at 14 last year and has most of its skill players returning this year. Unlike LC which lost a ton of talent in 2010 from '09, LU has more pieces in place making a prediction in the 15 range quite reasonable. You are entitled to see it otherwise, but LU should be the PL favorite. Just because Eachus runs wild on the Pards, doesn't mean he can carry the team in every game.

Go Lehigh TU owl
June 12th, 2011, 07:51 PM
Does anyone know the number of sr's Lehigh might start this year? I did a quick glance and it seemed like it could be A LOT.

I don't see any reason why Lehigh can't duplicate last seasons success. The offense will be very good this year. I expect it to really take off in year two under Cecchini given the experience returning at the skill positions. I don't see many teams slowing it down.

The defense will once again be solid. The secondary is the biggest concern but there is game experience returning. Littlejohn SR and Andrews JR have proven to be very capable DB's. I'm interested to see if Newton moves to safety given the depth at LB.

ngineer
June 12th, 2011, 10:17 PM
My only concern about Lehigh is hour kicking game with Smith gone and an untested Soph being given the punting duties. Smith was a real weapon in the field position game last year. Placekicking also needs solidifying. Peery is ok from 35 on in, but we have no long range threat. Longsnapper will also be new. All other areas of the team will range from 'solid' to 'excellent'. Lehigh arrived early last year. Beating Northern Iowa out there really helped establish some confidence.

colorless raider
June 13th, 2011, 11:49 AM
Lehigh is clearly the favorite. Colgate should be good, but with a new qb and missing the Defensive POY will hurt.

RichH2
June 13th, 2011, 12:53 PM
Probably 15 seniors starting. So many seniors on 2 deep going into camp could be very dangerous, if they are distracted overmuch with the end of their college time. We can all remember that feeling of the real world looming over our shoulders. A large motivated and focused senior class is a a rare treasure. Given last season's progress and the staff's ability, I believe we are capable of a magnificent season. The trick of course will be for us to actually accomplish that. I think we can.

bjtheflamesfan
June 13th, 2011, 01:43 PM
I think its already been said a few times (by myself and others) but the Lehigh/Liberty matchup in Week 4 is probably the biggest matchup of the season for both squads non-conference within the FCS (with apologies to JMU). Liberty is playing 10 games in 10 weeks and this wraps up a tough opening stretch where they play two 2010 playoff teams (RMU and Lehigh), an in state rival (JMU) and a 2010-2011 bowl qualifier (NC State).

RichH2
June 14th, 2011, 12:10 PM
it will be a tough stretch for Liberty against good squads. As with us the OOC will determine any possible National rankings. Our game s/b a barnburner. Which while not good for my heart, will be entertaining. One of those games with a 1000 yds in O.

TTUEagles
June 14th, 2011, 02:21 PM
Decent list.

Thoughts & Comments:

-I think that the OVC will have an excellent opportunity to earn a 2nd consecutive At-Large Playoff Bid. Jax. State, Murray State, EKU, SEMO and Tenn. State (YES, that Tenn. State) will all compete for the conference title and some will say that the Conference is considerably stronger than in years past.


Really? After posting a 3-8 record last year? They also lost a fair number of starters, too. If you throw TSU in that OVC mix you have to include TTU as well, who only finished 5-6, but returns 25 seniors and 26 juniors with playing experience, beat TSU in N'ville and top-10-ranked JSU to end the season...

eiu1999
June 14th, 2011, 02:33 PM
Really? After posting a 3-8 record last year? They also lost a fair number of starters, too. If you throw TSU in that OVC mix you have to include TTU as well, who only finished 5-6, but returns 25 seniors and 26 juniors with playing experience, beat TSU in N'ville and top-10-ranked JSU to end the season...

Well, it certainly won't be EIU bidding for anything, that's for sure.

TTUEagles
June 14th, 2011, 02:43 PM
Well, with TTU, "we" return a lot of players - doesn't mean they were all that good. :) But, I'm my usually tortured, optimistic self. One day, I will learn.

eiu1999
June 14th, 2011, 02:55 PM
Well, with TTU, "we" return a lot of players - doesn't mean they were all that good. :) But, I'm my usually tortured, optimistic self. One day, I will learn.

I remember last years game between TTU-EIU, with EIU being sacked 8 times. And our whole OL returns.

TTUEagles
June 14th, 2011, 03:03 PM
I remember last years game between TTU-EIU, with EIU being sacked 8 times. And our whole OL returns.

I remember that, too. And TTU last year and this year is hanging our collective hats on our offense. They are billing 2011 as the "Fastest 60 minutes in football." I'm not exactly sure what that is going to mean - but, it opens the door for a whole lot of jokes...

eiu1999
June 14th, 2011, 03:14 PM
I remember that, too. And TTU last year and this year is hanging our collective hats on our offense. They are billing 2011 as the "Fastest 60 minutes in football." I'm not exactly sure what that is going to mean - but, it opens the door for a whole lot of jokes...

Well that's better than "Coach Spoos Retirement Season Farewell, ignore what's on field please".

ngineer
June 14th, 2011, 04:40 PM
Probably 15 seniors starting. So many seniors on 2 deep going into camp could be very dangerous, if they are distracted overmuch with the end of their college time. We can all remember that feeling of the real world looming over our shoulders. A large motivated and focused senior class is a a rare treasure. Given last season's progress and the staff's ability, I believe we are capable of a magnificent season. The trick of course will be for us to actually accomplish that. I think we can.

With the kind of senior leadership I have seen, I expect our guys to be really focused. They know they have an excellent core group of players who can really leave Lehigh with two back to back excellent seasons. Again, special teams will be the key or an achilles....