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FCS_pwns_FBS
July 1st, 2018, 09:04 PM
So who is the "wild card" team for your conference? In other words, which team from your team's conference could have the widest range of possible outcomes in the season that won't really surprise you?

WestCoastAggie
July 1st, 2018, 09:13 PM
MEAC: FAMU & NSU.

These two teams can cause a 3-5 way tie for a conference title.

ElCid
July 1st, 2018, 09:18 PM
For the SOCON...

With Samford as the favorite. The wildcard teams are, in alphabetically order:

Chattanooga
Furman
Mercer
The Citadel
WCU
Wofford

:D



No offense to ETSU or VMI even if they may have a win or two each.

dewey
July 1st, 2018, 09:53 PM
For me it is UNI and YSU.

Dewey

Go...gate
July 1st, 2018, 10:57 PM
If Lehigh gets a defense, they could have a hell of a ball club.

PaladinFan
July 2nd, 2018, 04:59 AM
For the SOCON...

With Samford as the favorite. The wildcard teams are, in alphabetically order:

Chattanooga
Furman
Mercer
The Citadel
WCU
Wofford

:D



No offense to ETSU or VMI even if they may have a win or two each.

I’d be inclined to say UTC. They went from really good to really bad the last two years. In 2018, I could see them finishing near the back or near the top. They are the only team on that list that seems like they could finish 3-8 and 8-3.

bonarae
July 2nd, 2018, 05:31 AM
Ivy League: tough to call though. Harvard can be a dark horse challenger to Yale if the Crimson can consistently win.

ElCid
July 2nd, 2018, 08:16 AM
I’d be inclined to say UTC. They went from really good to really bad the last two years. In 2018, I could see them finishing near the back or near the top. They are the only team on that list that seems like they could finish 3-8 and 8-3.

Well ok. That's not as much fun as being wide open...again.

Iridebikes
July 2nd, 2018, 08:42 AM
So who is the "wild card" team for your conference? In other words, which team from your team's conference could have the widest range of possible outcomes in the season that won't really surprise you?

IMO, in the BIG SKY its going to be Montana State. It appears to me the Coach Choate has created a real solid base. Their big question mark is QB. THe kid will be a junior this year and has really explosive running ability. If they can develop a reliable passing game MSU could raise same havoc.

Redbird 4th & short
July 2nd, 2018, 08:59 AM
For me it is UNI and YSU.

Dewey

agree on YSU, but curious why you think UNI is wild card .. they have a lot coming back on offense, 2nd year for all their new coaches, and possible stability at QB position they have not had in a long while. In my view, everyone outside of NDSU and UNI (and InSU and MoST) in the MVFC is a wild card .. including ISUr, YSU, USD, SDSU, SIU, and WIU. Partly due to normal competitive balance .. but also lot of uncertainty with key losses. Even Clenz will have a hard time sandbagging his Panthers this season.

If I had to pick the "wildest card" it would be USD or SIU. But followed closely by the rest of us for 3rd thru 8th place .. and moreso than most years.

dewey
July 2nd, 2018, 09:28 AM
agree on YSU, but curious why you think UNI is wild card .. they have a lot coming back on offense, 2nd year for all their new coaches, and possible stability at QB position they have not had in a long while. In my view, everyone outside of NDSU and UNI (and InSU and MoST) in the MVFC is a wild card .. including ISUr, YSU, USD, SDSU, SIU, and WIU. Partly due to normal competitive balance .. but also lot of uncertainty with key losses. Even Clenz will have a hard time sandbagging his Panthers this season.

If I had to pick the "wildest card" it would be USD or SIU. But followed closely by the rest of us for 3rd thru 8th place .. and moreso than most years.

My thinking with UNI is that they "should" be good this year but they have disappointed in the last handful of years with teams that "should" have been better. Since 2012 every season has had at least 5 losses per season.
2017= 8-5
2016 = 5-6
2015 = 9-5
2014 = 9-5
2013 = 7-5
2012 = 5-6

They are more of a wild card in that that can they overperform and get to a semifinal or Frisco with the talent they have coming back? Or are they another 5 loss team that is fringe top 20 that loses in the 2nd round or quarterfinals?

Dewey

JSUSoutherner
July 2nd, 2018, 09:31 AM
I think it's fairly safe to say the JSU and APSU will both be in the playoffs conversation in November.

The biggest spoiler is probably either EIU or UTM.

clenz
July 2nd, 2018, 10:08 AM
I’m confident in UNI winning 3 games this year. Beyond that we are at least a 7 loss team.


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Smitty
July 2nd, 2018, 10:15 AM
The Citadel...

We are going to start seeing whether Brent Thompson can be successful

PaladinFan
July 2nd, 2018, 10:25 AM
The Citadel...

We are going to start seeing whether Brent Thompson can be successful

My memory is fuzzy, but I tend to remember that the Citadel would run option out of the hurry up under Houston. They seem to have gotten away from it with Thompson, but I thought it was effective.

FUBeAR
July 2nd, 2018, 10:28 AM
I’d be inclined to say UTC. They went from really good to really bad the last two years. In 2018, I could see them finishing near the back or near the top. They are the only team on that list that seems like they could finish 3-8 and 8-3.
Yeah, I agree with El Cid’s post, but if I had to pick just 1 Team, I’d probably go with Chatt, but only by the thinnest of hairs over Wofford.

Wofford, both lost a lot & also returns a lot on both sides of the ball. On O, though they lost a 3 year Starter at QB, we know the likely successor is a waterbug, who has demonstrated he can get it done (at least for short stints) on a big stage & I think this AF QB Transfer they have, Mosely, may also be in the mix in 2018 & is quite talented. They also return their top 3 RB’s. The OL, though, will require almost a complete makeover under a position Coach that has never Coached a down of College OLine. That’s a TALL order within, unquestionably, a critical position group. On D, they have outstanding talent returning on the DL, at LB, and in the Secondary, but they also lost key players within each of those groups, including 3 of 4 starting LB’s.

Coaching, and to a lesser extent, Sr leadership will be the X Factors for Wofford this year. With 3 tough SoCon games in their 1st 6, and 2 of those on the road, we should know the value of X by mid-season.

ElCid
July 2nd, 2018, 10:37 AM
My memory is fuzzy, but I tend to remember that the Citadel would run option out of the hurry up under Houston. They seem to have gotten away from it with Thompson, but I thought it was effective.

Yup, we slowed it a bit down the last couple years. Still not using 100% of play clock, but definitely using more. I like pounding the opponents D as fast as possible. But you got to be successful to make that work. The key will be whether our OL has improved or not. I think they will, but by how much is TBD. Also, with Black in there, I would expect a different passing scheme.

FUBeAR
July 2nd, 2018, 10:53 AM
The Citadel...

We are going to start seeing whether Brent Thompson can be successfulYep, See my “X Factor” comment about Wofford. I think we can pretty well conclude that Coach Mike Houston’s X Factor value is quite high. The jury is still out on Coach Brent Thompson’s, but the results of 2017, along with a bit of an exodus of Players prior to last season, have me leaning toward the conclusion that the latter’s X value may be quite a bit lower than the former’s.

longtimemocfan
July 2nd, 2018, 10:56 AM
I’d be inclined to say UTC. They went from really good to really bad the last two years. In 2018, I could see them finishing near the back or near the top. They are the only team on that list that seems like they could finish 3-8 and 8-3.

Couldn't agree more. Last year was purely a transition period. The philosophy and schemes were changed on both sides of the ball but were more glaring on offense due to mainly the OL and QB play. A lot of attention was given to the OL in the offseason. Whether or not that translates to play on the field with a better OLine and more experienced QB will remain to be seen. The defense is going to be very good. The main weakness from last year was also addressed in the offseason which was a lack of a pass rush.

SU DOG
July 2nd, 2018, 11:05 AM
Yep, I have said it before. The biggest turn-around team in the SoCon this year will be UTC. They simply have too much talent to not be near the top of the SoCon.

Tuna85
July 2nd, 2018, 11:12 AM
I'm gonna say the University of North Alabama for the Independent Transitional Conference....oh wait, wait, wait. Wait being the operational word. Glad we get to play some FCS football for a few years but hate to wait four years to even be considered a playoff wild card. Oh well, it is what it is. Just hang on everyone we're coming after paying our dues.

Gangtackle11
July 2nd, 2018, 11:16 AM
My Villanova Wildcats will either be a playoff team or a junk yard dog. Getting back 5 starters (4 on offense & CAA preseason DPOY from season ending injuries).

Cats should still have a very solid defense & might actually score enough points to beat most of their FCS opponents with the starting troops returning.

Nova has made the playoffs every even year since 2010 & missed every odd year. It’s an even year!

xpeacex

katss07
July 2nd, 2018, 12:36 PM
I think this might be the year ACU makes some noise. Not playoff level talent, but they could definitely give some good teams a scare.

TheKingpin28
July 2nd, 2018, 12:48 PM
I think this might be the year ACU makes some noise. Not playoff level talent, but they could definitely give some good teams a scare.So what you're saying is, is that they ARE finally dangerous, or am I reading too much into this? xlolx

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Mike296
July 2nd, 2018, 12:52 PM
I think it's fairly safe to say the JSU and APSU will both be in the playoffs conversation in November.

The biggest spoiler is probably either EIU or UTM.

Don’t count us in right off the bat, remember that most of our conference games last year were dogfights bar the JSU game and we had 3 FBS games. This year we did better scheduling with only Georgia as the FBS game but I wouldn’t count us as a shoe in just yet. UTM/ Murray State could play spoiler to either of us getting to the playoffs.

VandalBasher
July 2nd, 2018, 01:04 PM
I'm gonna say the University of North Alabama for the Independent Transitional Conference....oh wait, wait, wait. Wait being the operational word. Glad we get to play some FCS football for a few years but hate to wait four years to even be considered a playoff wild card. Oh well, it is what it is. Just hang on everyone we're coming after paying our dues.

I wonder what the purpose is for a team to wait a full four years with a move up, but no waiting time for a move down.

VandalBasher
July 2nd, 2018, 01:10 PM
Date

Opponent

Result
PF
PA



Sat2018-09-01

at
Fresno St (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=2776&s=300937)

64(-)

14 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881921813)

10
24



Sat2018-09-08


W New Mexico (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=8785&s=300937)

363(-)

99 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924629)

41
7



Sat2018-09-22

at
UC Davis (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=8200&s=300937)

153(-)

55 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924630)

31
28



Sat2018-09-29


Portland St (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=6302&s=300937)

242(-)

94 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924631)

38
17



Sat2018-10-06

at
Idaho St (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=3421&s=300937)

208(-)

79 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924632)

31
21



Sat2018-10-13

at
Montana St (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=5042&s=300937)

136(-)

49 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924633)

20
21



Sat2018-10-20


Southern Utah (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=7399&s=300937)

100(-)

46 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881929251)

24
27



Sat2018-10-27

at
E Washington (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=2383&s=300937)

103(-)

35 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924095)

26
31



Sat2018-11-03


North Dakota (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=5538&s=300937)

173(-)

81 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924636)

28
17



Sat2018-11-10


Montana (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=5035&s=300937)

142(-)

65 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924637)

30
24



Sat2018-11-17

at
Florida (https://www.masseyratings.com/team.php?t=2625&s=300937)

50(-)

9 % (https://www.masseyratings.com/game.php?gid=881924199)

10
28



Idaho will either be 6-5 or 9-2. According to Massey, the Vandals will most likely be around 7-4.

Tuna85
July 2nd, 2018, 01:15 PM
I wonder what the purpose is for a team to wait a full four years with a move up, but no waiting time for a move down.

Yeah I ask the same question. I have been told it is to allow us to get up to full scolly level and to be in full compliance to academic requirements for D1 student athletes per NCAA.

dewey
July 2nd, 2018, 01:20 PM
I’m confident in UNI winning 3 games this year. Beyond that we are at least a 7 loss team.


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You are getting close to McNeese State level of sandbaggingxlolx

Dewey

Catbooster
July 2nd, 2018, 01:32 PM
IMO, in the BIG SKY its going to be Montana State. It appears to me the Coach Choate has created a real solid base. Their big question mark is QB. THe kid will be a junior this year and has really explosive running ability. If they can develop a reliable passing game MSU could raise same havoc.

I agree. In general we've improved each year since Choate came, but the schedule also got tougher so it wasn't reflected in our win/loss.

We had a losing season last year, but 4 were to playoff teams (South Dakota State by 4, Weber by 8, Kennesaw State by 2, NAU by 1) with the other two to FBS Washington State and to EWU. Our passing game needs to improve for us to contend and we won't really know if that's the case for a few games. If Murray can make a decent improvement as a passer, to go along with his running ability, we can be a playoff team this year. He doesn't need to be a Gubrud or Cookus, just competent at the passing game. If we don't see improvement...

Daytripper
July 2nd, 2018, 02:09 PM
Southland: Abilene Christian. New coach and new stadium means a new commitment to winning. I think they have a chance to sneak up on the rest.

I was going to say SFA, but their coaching turmoil takes them out of the equation.

dbackjon
July 2nd, 2018, 03:09 PM
Yeah I ask the same question. I have been told it is to allow us to get up to full scolly level and to be in full compliance to academic requirements for D1 student athletes per NCAA.


It's that, plus to make sure that teams are moving up are committed to DI in the long haul Look at the alternative - say you are an outstanding DII basketball team, full of DI transfers and other players that would qualify at DI. You move up. Eligible immediately. Win some, make a tourney run. Can't hack it long term at DI, so you drop down. Then repeat the cycle.

- - - Updated - - -

Montana. NEW (old ) coach and QB.

FUBeAR
July 2nd, 2018, 03:43 PM
Yep, I have said it before. The biggest turn-around team in the SoCon this year will be UTC. They simply have too much talent to not be near the top of the SoCon.
I hear ya, but I would say, “Not necessarily” which is why I would call the Mocs the biggest “Wildcard.”

The dreaded “Here we go again” virus could become active if Chatt doesn’t get off to a solid start this year. Their early schedule is not as challenging as it was last year, but if they slip up & get upset by TTU and/or go into Charleston, a place where I believe they’ve struggled, and lose to the Bellhops and/or get whipped (again) by UTM, Samford very well could see a Team with their tails tucked between their hind legs when they arrive in The Scenic City on 9/22. If just 2 of those 3 things happen, all of the gains they made at the end of last year will be forgotten & Samford will send them to 0-5 or 1-4 and that virus will destroy the body...and send them on their way to 3-8 or 2-9. If they win the 1st 3 and look pretty good doing it, the HomewoodHounds will have a heckuva fight on their hands. If the Mocs can also win that one, they will contend for the SoCon Championship.

IMO, the Mocs are talented, but very fragile.

While I’m a big opponent of a ‘quick hook,’ if Chatt finishes 4-7 or worse in 2018, they need to seriously think about making a very difficult change because I just don’t think the Program would be able to recover if they didn’t.

Don’t misinterpret though - if I was ‘forced’ to project, I think Samford faces a 3-0 Chatt Team in Sept. and that quite a SoCon fracas ensues as Samford strives to keep from losing 3 games in a row, with Kennesaw on deck, and seeing this promising season go up in flames...and train whistles.

longtimemocfan
July 2nd, 2018, 08:44 PM
I hear ya, but I would say, “Not necessarily” which is why I would call the Mocs the biggest “Wildcard.”

The dreaded “Here we go again” virus could become active if Chatt doesn’t get off to a solid start this year. Their early schedule is not as challenging as it was last year, but if they slip up & get upset by TTU and/or go into Charleston, a place where I believe they’ve struggled, and lose to the Bellhops and/or get whipped (again) by UTM, Samford very well could see a Team with their tails tucked between their hind legs when they arrive in The Scenic City on 9/22. If just 2 of those 3 things happen, all of the gains they made at the end of last year will be forgotten & Samford will send them to 0-5 or 1-4 and that virus will destroy the body...and send them on their way to 3-8 or 2-9. If they win the 1st 3 and look pretty good doing it, the HomewoodHounds will have a heckuva fight on their hands. If the Mocs can also win that one, they will contend for the SoCon Championship.

IMO, the Mocs are talented, but very fragile.

While I’m a big opponent of a ‘quick hook,’ if Chatt finishes 4-7 or worse in 2018, they need to seriously think about making a very difficult change because I just don’t think the Program would be able to recover if they didn’t.

Don’t misinterpret though - if I was ‘forced’ to project, I think Samford faces a 3-0 Chatt Team in Sept. and that quite a SoCon fracas ensues as Samford strives to keep from losing 3 games in a row, with Kennesaw on deck, and seeing this promising season go up in flames...and train whistles.

I could absolutely see the scenario you describe unfold. The one where things can go south in a hurry or the one that starts 3-0. The defense doesn't worry me much. The offense should be much improved. Depends on how confident the offense becomes in the early going. Must establish a meaningful running game and QB play must be more consistent.

ST_Lawson
July 2nd, 2018, 09:02 PM
WIU - lost record-breaking WR, although I'm more worried about lost experience on O-line. not too worried about defense despite losing the tackle-o-matic. newish coach (former OC). 20-30 people at each home game.
I feel like we'll finish with a winning record since we do have talent returning in enough areas, but honestly...anywhere from 9-2 down to 3-8 seems possible to me.

PantherRob82
July 3rd, 2018, 10:28 AM
You are getting close to McNeese State level of sandbaggingxlolx

Dewey
I'm looking at about 5-7 wins. That's not very optimistic.

We will beat Hampton, Missouri State and Indiana State. Outside of that, I'm not sure.

Iowa and Montana are both almost guaranteed L's given our history against both of them.

clenz
July 3rd, 2018, 11:31 AM
You are getting close to McNeese State level of sandbaggingxlolx

Dewey

Who do we beat?

Hampton, Indiana State, Missouri State and....

Sell me on how UNI is actually better than anyone else on our schedule.


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dewey
July 3rd, 2018, 11:42 AM
Who do we beat?

Hampton, Indiana State, Missouri State and....

Sell me on how UNI is actually better than anyone else on our schedule.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here are my thoughts on the UNI 2018 schedule.

Montana - W...The Griz are transitioning from a air attack to Hauck's more balanced offense with a new coach and new QB.
Iowa - L...I will be cheering for the Panthers but I don't see it.
Hampton - Name your score in a W
Indiana State - W
NDSU - L
South Dakota - W...No Strevler
South Dakota State - W...No Goedert or Weinke and homecoming. Give me the Panthers
Western Illinois - L
Youngstown State - W...UNI historically has YSU's number and even in 2016 YSU barely beat the Panthers 14-10.
Missouri State - W

So 7-4....

The interesting piece is that some posters think UNI is a 5 win team while others think UNI is a top 2 MVFC team. That seems like a wild card team to me in the sense that you have no idea how the season will go for them.

Dewey

ST_Lawson
July 3rd, 2018, 12:42 PM
Here are my thoughts on the UNI 2018 schedule.

Montana - W...The Griz are transitioning from a air attack to Hauck's more balanced offense with a new coach and new QB.
Iowa - L...I will be cheering for the Panthers but I don't see it.
Hampton - Name your score in a W
Indiana State - W
NDSU - L
South Dakota - W...No Strevler
South Dakota State - W...No Goedert or Weinke and homecoming. Give me the Panthers
Western Illinois - L
Youngstown State - W...UNI historically has YSU's number and even in 2016 YSU barely beat the Panthers 14-10.
Missouri State - W

So 7-4....

The interesting piece is that some posters think UNI is a 5 win team while others think UNI is a top 2 MVFC team. That seems like a wild card team to me in the sense that you have no idea how the season will go for them.

Dewey

I agree. UNI feels like they're in the jumble in the middle of the conference. Not as good as NDSU, better than INSU or MSU...beyond that...any game could go either way. Is this going to be another one of those seasons where half the conference finishes 4-4?

PantherRob82
July 3rd, 2018, 12:54 PM
I see the Panthers as a 5-7 win team in the regular season. 8 would be a great year based on the schedule.

If they went 1-1 in the first two games it would exceed expectations. It has never mattered how good we are or how good Montana is, and with the game in Missoula I am not optimistic.

dewey
July 3rd, 2018, 12:57 PM
Boy it sure could be. Like you said besides Indiana State and Missouri State at the bottom and NDSU (hopefully) at the top the other teams could all be jumbled together.

Dewey

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Mike296
July 3rd, 2018, 01:10 PM
Watch out for UTM in the OVC this year, they could be dangerous this year.

clenz
July 3rd, 2018, 03:05 PM
Here are my thoughts on the UNI 2018 schedule.

Montana - W...The Griz are transitioning from a air attack to Hauck's more balanced offense with a new coach and new QB.
Iowa - L...I will be cheering for the Panthers but I don't see it.
Hampton - Name your score in a W
Indiana State - W
NDSU - L
South Dakota - W...No Strevler
South Dakota State - W...No Goedert or Weinke and homecoming. Give me the Panthers
Western Illinois - L
Youngstown State - W...UNI historically has YSU's number and even in 2016 YSU barely beat the Panthers 14-10.
Missouri State - W

So 7-4....

The interesting piece is that some posters think UNI is a 5 win team while others think UNI is a top 2 MVFC team. That seems like a wild card team to me in the sense that you have no idea how the season will go for them.

Dewey

UNI won’t beat Montana.

Night game in Missoula? Please. UNI took at top 4 team in the nation out there in 2011 and lost by 28. UNI will never win in Missoula.

Iowa is a loss.

USD has some voodoo with UNI the last few years. Talent doesn’t matter for them in that one. UNI won’t win in vermillion this year. First night kick for the Yotes since joining the MVFC, believe it or not, so that dump with be rocking.

SDSU? Nah. SDSU beat UNI the last two tones in Cedar Falls - homecoming and senior night respectively in Cedar Falls.

WIU? We found a way to lose by 9 to them after leading by 6 with 7 seconds left in the game....remember?

YSU? Remember that 14-10 game UNI lead the entire game YSU took the lead with 58 seconds. YSU was garbage, UNI was more garbage. Ran 9 total plays in the second half.


As I said, show me the logical ways UNI wins more than 4 games.


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ST_Lawson
July 3rd, 2018, 07:08 PM
WIU? We found a way to lose by 9 to them after leading by 6 with 7 seconds left in the game....remember?

True, but this year's game is in Macomb. We're only really good on the road, remember?

At the dome we have final-seconds craziness and 90+ yard INTs for TDs. At Hanson Field, it's a Panther win. 2013 was the last time the home team won in our matchups.



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NDSUtk
July 3rd, 2018, 07:29 PM
Southland: Abilene Christian. New coach and new stadium means a new commitment to winning. I think they have a chance to sneak up on the rest.

I was going to say SFA, but their coaching turmoil takes them out of the equation.Same ball girl though, right?

ElCid
July 3rd, 2018, 07:43 PM
Same ball girl though, right?

Oh my. There is an old, but somewhat twisted memory.

JacksFan40
July 3rd, 2018, 08:11 PM
UNI won’t beat Montana.

Night game in Missoula? Please. UNI took at top 4 team in the nation out there in 2011 and lost by 28. UNI will never win in Missoula.

Iowa is a loss.

USD has some voodoo with UNI the last few years. Talent doesn’t matter for them in that one. UNI won’t win in vermillion this year. First night kick for the Yotes since joining the MVFC, believe it or not, so that dump with be rocking.

SDSU? Nah. SDSU beat UNI the last two tones in Cedar Falls - homecoming and senior night respectively in Cedar Falls.

WIU? We found a way to lose by 9 to them after leading by 6 with 7 seconds left in the game....remember?

YSU? Remember that 14-10 game UNI lead the entire game YSU took the lead with 58 seconds. YSU was garbage, UNI was more garbage. Ran 9 total plays in the second half.


As I said, show me the logical ways UNI wins more than 4 games.


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We only lose to UNI on Hobo Day, so I have faith we can win the UNI-Dome. Haven’t lost there since 2012 I believe.

TheKingpin28
July 3rd, 2018, 09:13 PM
Oh my. There is an old, but somewhat twisted memory.So that just happened.

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ST_Lawson
July 3rd, 2018, 10:13 PM
Same ball girl though, right?

https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/017/492/bUNXwFD.jpg

caribbeanhen
July 4th, 2018, 07:29 AM
I would say Delaware but everyone is expecting them to be pretty good this year so how about Portland State....

Terry2889
July 4th, 2018, 10:04 AM
My Villanova Wildcats will either be a playoff team or a junk yard dog. Getting back 5 starters (4 on offense & CAA preseason DPOY from season ending injuries).

Cats should still have a very solid defense & might actually score enough points to beat most of their FCS opponents with the starting troops returning.

Nova has made the playoffs every even year since 2010 & missed every odd year. It’s an even year!

xpeacex

Maybe the most talented team not named NDSU or JMU in the country. Great recruiting classes over the past 5 years, cleaning up in South Jersey and PA. Looking forward to heading over to the Main Line for the UNH game this year. Gonna see if I can convince some of my old 'Nova adversaries to head over too : )

Daytripper
July 4th, 2018, 11:52 AM
Same ball girl though, right? She's just a middle aged mother of three now.....

ngineer
July 4th, 2018, 01:40 PM
This could have been posted every week for the past four years...xcoffeex

I think the conference championship comes down to Colgate and Lehigh; however, i understand the thread to be addressing that "other" team that could make thinks "interesting" within the league, i.e. a three way tie. IMO Lafayette, now in their second year with their new coach could be in a position to be the 'surprise' team. They have some decent recruits past two years and the 'newness' of their situation may still be giving them that hopeful spring in their step.

Of course, Bucknell, Fordham and Holy Cross seem incomplete in at least one significant area, but if cleaned up could make things even 'interestinger'.

And, of course, Georgetown is Georgetown.

IBleedYellow
July 4th, 2018, 08:13 PM
I wonder what the purpose is for a team to wait a full four years with a move up, but no waiting time for a move down.It's simple.

They are a Division 2 athletic department. They have lots of changes they will be working through for the next 2-5 years.

Also, this stops teams from D2 recruiting going "we're going D1 come here fast we have more scholarships." Then dropping back down. Only setting themselves up for short term success.

The 5 years makes sure they take an approach to be as successful as possible.

Also going from FBS to FCS or FCS to FBS only affects one program (possibly more with scholarships, blah blah) that will be the focus of transition.

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clenz
July 4th, 2018, 08:39 PM
It's simple.

They are a Division 2 athletic department. They have lots of changes they will be working through for the next 2-5 years.

Also, this stops teams from D2 recruiting going "we're going D1 come here fast we have more scholarships." Then dropping back down. Only setting themselves up for short term success.

The 5 years makes sure they take an approach to be as successful as possible.

Also going from FBS to FCS or FCS to FBS only affects one program (possibly more with scholarships, blah blah) that will be the focus of transition.

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Yup.

Moving D2 to D1 is moving you’re entire department up. Scholarship limits across the board change, budgets change, number of admins needed to make sure everything is compliant, and all that Jazz. That along is a SIGNIFICANT task that takes years.

There is also different academic standards at D2 than D1. Need time to get those players “sorted out”.

Realistically, a 4-5 year turn around for everything that a school has to do is insanely fast. There is so much that actually needs to be done, logistically that if you can’t prove you cant find the resources and people to get it done in 4 years you don’t deserve to be D1 and you’ll stop the transition because you’ll find your flaws. See WSSU.


The only difference between FBS and FCS is 22 scholarships for one sport, and one less coach allowed at the FCS level. The rest of the AD remains untouched, outside of some basic title IX requirements, but in moving down that doesn’t matter. It’s also why there is actually like a 2 year transition period moving up - to ensure scholarships and Title IX are met.


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DFW HOYA
July 4th, 2018, 10:51 PM
Of course, Bucknell, Fordham and Holy Cross seem incomplete in at least one significant area, but if cleaned up could make things even 'interestinger'.

And, of course, Georgetown is Georgetown.

Georgetown is Georgetown because, after 18 years, the case has not been made why Georgetown should spend another $5 million a year to finish in 5th place instead of 7th.

LUHawker
July 5th, 2018, 11:18 AM
Georgetown is Georgetown because, after 18 years, the case has not been made why Georgetown should spend another $5 million a year to finish in 5th place instead of 7th.

Who should make that case?

lucchesicourt
July 5th, 2018, 11:16 PM
Yup.

Moving D2 to D1 is moving you’re entire department up. Scholarship limits across the board change, budgets change, number of admins needed to make sure everything is compliant, and all that Jazz. That along is a SIGNIFICANT task that takes years.

There is also different academic standards at D2 than D1. Need time to get those players “sorted out”.

Realistically, a 4-5 year turn around for everything that a school has to do is insanely fast. There is so much that actually needs to be done, logistically that if you can’t prove you cant find the resources and people to get it done in 4 years you don’t deserve to be D1 and you’ll stop the transition because you’ll find your flaws. See WSSU.


The only difference between FBS and FCS is 22 scholarships for one sport, and one less coach allowed at the FCS level. The rest of the AD remains untouched, outside of some basic title IX requirements, but in moving down that doesn’t matter. It’s also why there is actually like a 2 year transition period moving up - to ensure scholarships and Title IX are met.


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There are many D2 schools that have higher academic standings than current D1 schools. All they have to do is compare SAT, ACT< and high school grades to do this. My school's academic requirements when we were D2 were higher, and still are, than most D1 schools. Most D1 players would not be accepted to my school when they were D2. The requirements, if anything, have been lowered after we turned D1, but not by much. When we were d2 we did not offer athletic scholarships, only academic schollies.

clenz
July 5th, 2018, 11:37 PM
There are many D2 schools that have higher academic standings than current D1 schools. All they have to do is compare SAT, ACT< and high school grades to do this. My school's academic requirements when we were D2 were higher, and still are, than most D1 schools. Most D1 players would not be accepted to my school when they were D2. The requirements, if anything, have been lowered after we turned D1, but not by much. When we were d2 we did not offer athletic scholarships, only academic schollies.

That’s simply not how it works. The NCAA clearinghouse for student athletes is different. There is significant, logistical, differences, that take years to vet out.

You’re also using anecdotal evidence of one school to represent the entire division, which is poor form.

It’s not about “getting into the school”. It’s about clearing NCAA guidelines and everything being congruent within the rules.




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tierre
July 6th, 2018, 02:07 AM
Prairie View