BigSouthFan
November 7th, 2016, 10:05 AM
Small slate for the Big South. Only 2 football games, both inner-conference. One, much bigger than the other..
Schedule
Charleston Southern @ Liberty - Liberty still somewhat of an unknown. Only played one really good football team and got trounced. GWU took Liberty to OT, and squeezed it out against CSU. I see CSU's loss as much needed. As long as they are somewhat healthy, I see CSU getting their act together and pulling this one off. Jamey Chadwell has had their number lately. BUCS by 7.
Presbyterian @ Kennesaw - This is a mix of a homer pick, and a mix of knowing emotions, especially those of "decent" football teams. KSU is 7-2, coming off of blowout of Clark Atlanta, albeit a very weak schedule, and they have themselves positioned for a possible tie of the Big South if they can beat CSU on the road NEXT week (granted, a CSU win at Liberty is needed for this scenario). I think they overlook PC and PC pulls the stunner out at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. BLUE HOSE by 3.
Power Rankings + Playoff Picture
1. Liberty (6-3) - We find out a lot about the Flames this weekend. Are they back to being a contender? The JSU games says no. This is the first good football team they would have faced (outside of Gardner-Webb which pushed them to OT) since JSU. I picked them to lose in a close one, I still think CSU may be the better and better coached football team, but you cannot snub a team that's undefeated in conference play from the top spot. They'll settle it on the field Saturday. Liberty wins and they are in the playoffs as the sole champion of the Big South.
2. Charleston Southern (5-3) - Even after the head to head loss to GWU, I still have them at 2nd, with a conversation for 1st based off resume. Let's be honest, GWU is not a bad loss. GWU could of easily beat Coastal, Liberty, and The Citadel this year. Personally, I think they needed this loss more than they needed a first round BYE, and I think Coach Chadwell uses his master motivational skills and they pull this one out in Lynchburg. After all, they have no choice but to win these last two. They need two wins and they are in the playoffs, winning the tiebreaker with Liberty for the AQ.
3. Gardner Webb (4-5) - Tough putting a 4-5 team over 7-2 Kennesaw, but the resume says it all. Big win at CSU, no chance for playoffs or Big South title. Hope they can find a way to squeak some more close ones out next year, they could really shake up the conference.
4. Kennesaw State (7-2) - Great record, terrible resume. Should handle PC this weekend, but there is a chance for a slip up which I picked. Small chance for share of Big South title, smaller chance for playoffs. Involves a CSU win at Liberty then a win @ CSU next weekend. Tall task ahead to share the title in it's second year of existence.
5. Monmouth (4-6) - Better than PC, but out of all contention.
6. Presbyterian (2-7) - Out in all facets. Tough season.
Schedule
Charleston Southern @ Liberty - Liberty still somewhat of an unknown. Only played one really good football team and got trounced. GWU took Liberty to OT, and squeezed it out against CSU. I see CSU's loss as much needed. As long as they are somewhat healthy, I see CSU getting their act together and pulling this one off. Jamey Chadwell has had their number lately. BUCS by 7.
Presbyterian @ Kennesaw - This is a mix of a homer pick, and a mix of knowing emotions, especially those of "decent" football teams. KSU is 7-2, coming off of blowout of Clark Atlanta, albeit a very weak schedule, and they have themselves positioned for a possible tie of the Big South if they can beat CSU on the road NEXT week (granted, a CSU win at Liberty is needed for this scenario). I think they overlook PC and PC pulls the stunner out at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. BLUE HOSE by 3.
Power Rankings + Playoff Picture
1. Liberty (6-3) - We find out a lot about the Flames this weekend. Are they back to being a contender? The JSU games says no. This is the first good football team they would have faced (outside of Gardner-Webb which pushed them to OT) since JSU. I picked them to lose in a close one, I still think CSU may be the better and better coached football team, but you cannot snub a team that's undefeated in conference play from the top spot. They'll settle it on the field Saturday. Liberty wins and they are in the playoffs as the sole champion of the Big South.
2. Charleston Southern (5-3) - Even after the head to head loss to GWU, I still have them at 2nd, with a conversation for 1st based off resume. Let's be honest, GWU is not a bad loss. GWU could of easily beat Coastal, Liberty, and The Citadel this year. Personally, I think they needed this loss more than they needed a first round BYE, and I think Coach Chadwell uses his master motivational skills and they pull this one out in Lynchburg. After all, they have no choice but to win these last two. They need two wins and they are in the playoffs, winning the tiebreaker with Liberty for the AQ.
3. Gardner Webb (4-5) - Tough putting a 4-5 team over 7-2 Kennesaw, but the resume says it all. Big win at CSU, no chance for playoffs or Big South title. Hope they can find a way to squeak some more close ones out next year, they could really shake up the conference.
4. Kennesaw State (7-2) - Great record, terrible resume. Should handle PC this weekend, but there is a chance for a slip up which I picked. Small chance for share of Big South title, smaller chance for playoffs. Involves a CSU win at Liberty then a win @ CSU next weekend. Tall task ahead to share the title in it's second year of existence.
5. Monmouth (4-6) - Better than PC, but out of all contention.
6. Presbyterian (2-7) - Out in all facets. Tough season.