National Championship Contenders 2008

[ericsaid]

Who and how will a team win the national championship?

[ericsaid]

Appalachian has a decent argument and to be honest I am more excited about this year than any other year, with Arm-anti coming back, and then Devon Moore the former back up to Kevin Richardson, but you can't be more excited for the defensive front seven. They return all sevon players. There will be two transfers from SEC schools playing DE, hopefully can start??, and they are good tim washington from LSU proved himself last seaosn but the transfer from vandy should be good 6'4 245 i think? and runs a 4.65, and then 2 al american DT's coming back this season with gary tharrington and anthony williams. Then the three all american line backers coming back, D.J. Smith may be the socon's defensive player of the year starting only 7 games last season and maiing 110+ tackles, thats something special, and jaque roman who was the team lead with 120+ tackles and pierre banks with 103? tackles, all are all american players from 2007, and then cortez gilbert who has the potential to be an honorable mention all american this coming season, possibly, the secondary i believe will be apps weakness and i dont believe anyone thinks their offense is in doubt, devon moore can be a good if not better then kevin richardson, and the o-line has experience because so many injuries last season, so its not like your throwing some freshmen in there, expect app to make another run

[BDKJMU]

Someone from ASU want to state whether ALL 3 linebackers, including that freshman, and BOTH defensive tackles from ASU were All Americans last season? That would be 5 of their front 7, which frankly, I didn't think looked very good- JMU rushed for over 300 against them.

I thought maybe a couple of guys in the ASU front 7 made an All American list, but nowhere near 5. Coming into the JMU game 90th against the run. Me thinks this new poster is pulling stuff out of his arse.

[ericsaid]

See there's this thing where i'm not, you can check the sport networks all american team, gary tharrington DT was 3rd team, anthony williams DT was 1st team, and pierre banks LB was 1st team and D.J. smith and Jaque Roman were honorable mentions. Williams, Tharrington, and Roman will be juniors this season, Banks will be a senior and D.J. Smith will be a sophomore. and here is the link

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4120590

I'm not going to arugue about the 300+ rushing yards because we still wonxlolx

[BDKJMU]

See there's this thing where i'm not, you can check the sport networks all american team, gary tharrington DT was 3rd team, anthony williams DT was 1st team, and pierre banks LB was 1st team and D.J. smith and Jaque Roman were honorable mentions. Williams, Tharrington, and Roman will be juniors this season, Banks will be a senior and D.J. Smith will be a sophomore. and here is the link

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4120590

I'm not going to arugue about the 300+ rushing yards because we still wonxlolx

Tharrington wasn't a 3rd team Sports Network All American at D tackle, was at De end.

As far as the Sports Network All American teams, sure the 1st-3rd may be somewhat legit, but the honorable mention is a joke. They have 12 linebackers making 1st-3rd team All American, and I counted another 32 making honorable mention, for a total of 44 linebackers! It was similar with other positions. They gave it to everybody and his brother, totally watering it down.

Go to the other All American teams, and Walter Camp and Coaches which only did a 1st team ASU front 7 had zero All Americans.

AP, whic did 3 teams, ASU front 7 had one All American on the 3rd team, Tharrington.

So to say that 5 of those 7 were All American caliber LAST season is a joke. No one is 90th in rushing defense and has 5 All Americans in their front 7.

2007 AFCA COACHES’ ALL-AMERICA TEAM
Offense
Pos., Name, Ht., Wt., Cl., School
WR, Ryan Maher, 6-1, 184, Sr., Holy Cross
WR, Ramses Barden, 6-6, 228, Jr., Cal Poly
OL, Jesse Padilla, 6-5, 310, Sr., Lafayette
OL, David Hale, 6-6, 305, Sr., Weber State
OL, Chad Rinehart, 6-5, 308, Sr., Northern Iowa
OL, Mitch Erickson, 6-6, 285, Sr., South Dakota State
OL, Kerry Brown*, 6-6, 310, Sr., Appalachian State
QB, Ricky Santos, 6-2, 215, Sr., New Hampshire
RB, Chad Simpson, 5-10, 210, Sr., Morgan State
RB, Omar Cuff, 5-10, 195, Sr., Delaware
RB, Mike McLeod, 5-11, 200, Jr., Yale

Defense
Pos, Name, Ht., Wt., Cl., School
DL, Bryan Smith, 6-3, 230, Sr., McNeese State
DL, Kroy Biermann, 6-3, 241, Sr., Montana
DL, Brian Johnston, 6-5, 280, Sr., Gardner-Webb
DL, Kendall Langford, 6-6, 294, Sr., Hampton
LB, Jason Williams, 6-3, 225, Jr., Western Illinois
LB, Brian Bradford, 6-2, 235, Sr., Towson
LB, Zach East, 6-2, 230, Sr., Prairie View A&M
DB, Tony LeZotte, 6-0, 200, Sr., James Madison
DB, Steven Williams, 5-11, 190, Sr., Harvard
DB, Derrick Huff, 5-11, 188, Sr., Eastern Kentucky
DB, Al Donaldson, 5-10, 170, Jr., Alabama A&M

Specialists
Pos, Name, Ht., Wt., Cl., School
P, Chris MacDonald, 6-4, 215, Sr., Texas State
PK, Piotr Czech, 6-5, 210, Sr., Wagner
AP, Jayson Foster, 5-9, 164, Sr., Georgia Southern

*-2006 AFCA All-America

2007 WALTER CAMP ALL-AMERICA TEAM
Offense
Pos, Name, School, Cl., Ht., Wt.
WR, Terrell Hudgins, Elon, So., 6-2, 226
WR, Ramses Barden, Cal Poly, Jr., 6-6, 228
TE, Matt Champa, Dayton, Sr., 6-2, 219
OL, Kerry Brown, Appalachian State, Sr., 6-6, 310
OL, Mike Byrne, Delaware, Sr., 6-6, 295
OL, Matt Austin, Massachusetts, Sr., 6-5, 285
OL, Nate Safe, North Dakota State, Sr., 6-5, 310
OL, Chad Rinehart, Northern Iowa, Sr., 6-5, 308
C, Brennan Carvalho#, Portland State, Sr., 6-1, 310
QB, Ricky Santos%, New Hampshire, Sr., 6-2, 215
RB, Omar Cuff, Delaware, Sr., 5-10, 195
RB, Tim Hightower, Richmond, Sr., 6-1, 225
PK, Dan Carpenter, Montana, Sr., 6-2, 207

Defense
Pos, Name, School, Cl., Ht., Wt.
DL, Kroy Biermann#, Montana, Sr., 6-3, 241
DL, Bryan Smith#, McNeese State, Sr., 6-3, 230
DL, Brian Johnson, Gardner-Webb, Sr., 6-5, 280
DL, Eric Bakhtiari, San Diego, Sr., 6-4, 260
LB, Kye Stewart, Illinois State, Sr., 6-0, 210
LB, Bobby Daly, Montana State, Jr., 6-1, 215
LB, Jason Hatchell, Massachusetts, Sr., 6-0, 240
LB, Joe Mays, North Dakota State, Sr., 5-11, 243
DB, Corey Lynch, Appalachian State, Sr., 6-0, 205
DB, Tony LeZotte@, James Madison, Sr., 6-0, 200
DB, Ladarius Webb, Nicholls State, Jr., 5-11, 205
DB, Derrick Huff, Eastern Kentucky, Sr., 5-11, 188
P, Chris MacDonald, Texas State, Sr., 6-4, 215
KR, Jeremy Gilchrist, Hampton, Jr., 5-10, 174

# 2006 Walter Camp FCS All-America
% 2005 and 2006 Walter Camp All-America
@ 2005 Walter Camp All-America

2007 ASSOCIATED PRESS ALL-AMERICA TEAM
First Team
Offense
Pos, Name, Cl., Ht., Wt., School
QB, Ricky Santos, Sr., 6-2, 215, New Hampshire
RB, Omar Cuff, Sr., 5-10, 195, Delaware
RB, Jayson Foster, Sr., 5-9, 164, Georgia Southern
WR, Ramses Barden, Jr., 6-6, 228, Cal Poly
WR, Terrell Hudgins, Jr., 6-2, 226, Elon.
OL, Kerry Brown, Sr., 6-6, 290, Appalachian State
OL, Chad Rinehart, Sr., 6-5, 310, Northern Iowa
OL, Mitch Erickson, Sr., 6-6, 290, South Dakota State
OL, Brennan Carvalho, Sr., 6-1, 310, Portland State
OL, Demetrius Bell, Sr., 6-5, 263, Northwestern State
TE, Blake Martin, Sr., 6-3, 235, Sam Houston State
All-Purpose, Jeremy Gilchrist, Jr., 5-10, 174, Hampton
PK, Jon Striefsky, Jr., 6-1, 185, Delaware

Defense
Pos, Name, Cl., Ht., Wt., School
DL, Kroy Biermann, Sr., 6-3, 241, Montana
DL, Eric Bakhtiari, Sr., 6-4, 260, San Diego
DL, Bryan Smith, 6-2, 230, McNeese State
DL, Brian Johnston, 6-5, 280, Gardner-Webb
LB, Bobby Daly, Jr., 6-1, 215, Montana State
LB, Brian Bradford, Sr., 6-2, 235, Towson
LB, Brannon Carter, Sr., 6-3, 233, Northern Iowa
DB, Tony LeZotte, Sr., 6-0, 200, James Madison
DB, Corey Lynch, Sr., 6-0, 205, Appalachian State
DB, Bobbie Williams, Sr., 6-1, 210, Bethune-Cookman
DB, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Sr., 6-2, 180, Tennessee State
P, Chris MacDonald, Sr., 6-4, 215, Texas State

Second Team
Offense
Pos, Name, Cl., School
QB, Josh Johnson, Sr., San Diego
RB, Tim Hightower, Sr., Richmond
RB, Tyler Roehl, Jr., North Dakota State
WR, Eddie Cohen, Sr., Western Carolina
WR; Aaron Boyce, So., Eastern Washington
OL, Nate Safe, Sr., North Dakota State
OL, Matt Austin, Sr., Massachusetts
OL, Jesse Padilla, Sr., Lafayette
OL, David Hale, Sr., Weber State
OL, Brad Samsa, Jr., Youngstown State.
TE, Matt Champa, Sr., Dayton.
All-Purpose, Larry Shipp, Sr., Tennessee Tech
PK, Dan Carpenter, Sr., Montana

Defense
Pos, Name, Cl., School
DL, Kendall Langford, Sr., Hampton
DL, Rudolph Hardie, Sr., Howard
DL, Jovan Belcher, Jr., Maine
DL, Greg Peach, Jr., Eastern Washington
LB, Mike Gallihugh, Sr., Colgate
LB, Zach East, Sr., Prairie View A&M
LB, Jason Williams, Jr., Western Illinois
DB, Kareem Moore, Sr., Nicholls State
DB, Derrick Huff, Sr., Eastern Kentucky
DB, LaDarius Webb, Jr., Nicholls State
DB, Al Donaldson, Jr., Alabama A&M
P, Benjamin Dato, Sr., Fordham

Third Team

Offense
Pos, Name, Cl., School
QB, Eric Sanders, Sr., Northern Iowa
RB, Herb Donaldson, Jr., Western Illinois
RB, Mike McLeod, Sr., Yale
WR, Tremayne Kirkland, Sr., Portland State
WR, Andre Roberts, Fr., Citadel
OL, Mike Byrne, Sr., Delaware
OL, Stephen Field, Jr., Cal Poly
OL, Matt Alfred, Sr., Eastern Washington
OL, James Lee, Sr., South Carolina State
OL, Brandon Keith, Sr., Northern Iowa
TE, Clay Harbor, So., Missouri State
All-Purpose, J.T. Rogan, Jr., San Diego
PK, Gavin Halliford, Jr., Jacksonville State

Defense
Pos, Name, Cl., School
DL, Marcus Dixon, Sr., Hampton
DL, Pierre Walters, Jr., Eastern Illinois
DL, Robert Brown, Jr., Wagner
DL, Gary Tharrington, So., Appalachian State
LB, Joe Mays, Sr., North Dakota State
LB, Jason Hatchell, Sr., Massachusetts
LB, Ronnie McCullogh, Sr., Bethune-Cookman
DB, Steven Williams, Sr., Harvard
DB, Tyler Koch, Sr., South Dakota State
DB, David Hyland, Jr., Morehead State
DB, K.J. Gerard, Jr., Northern Arizona
P, Tyson Johnson, Sr., Montana

[ericsaid]

I concede, but a freshmen linebacker who didn't start his first game until the end of october and had 16 tackles and an interception and a touchdown in that game is saying something, and he ended the season with 121 tackles, 2nd on the team to Jaque Roman who had 127 tackles and pierre banks had 108, and all are coming back so either way, all american or not you can say they will probably come back this year with more experience and a chip on their shoulder from doing so poorly stopping the run last season.

Playing in a conference where almost every team runs a spread offense can do that to you.

[ericsaid]

RB, Jayson Foster, Sr., 5-9, 164, Georgia Southern

Obviously the A.P. doesn't know what they're talking about either, as far as I know Foster played quarterback.xeyebrowx

[seantaylor]

Appalachian has a decent argument and to be honest I am more excited about this year than any other year, with Arm-anti coming back, and then Devon Moore the former back up to Kevin Richardson, but you can't be more excited for the defensive front seven. They return all sevon players. There will be two transfers from SEC schools playing DE, hopefully can start??, and they are good tim washington from LSU proved himself last seaosn but the transfer from vandy should be good 6'4 245 i think? and runs a 4.65, and then 2 al american DT's coming back this season with gary tharrington and anthony williams. Then the three all american line backers coming back, D.J. Smith may be the socon's defensive player of the year starting only 7 games last season and maiing 110+ tackles, thats something special, and jaque roman who was the team lead with 120+ tackles and pierre banks with 103? tackles, all are all american players from 2007, and then cortez gilbert who has the potential to be an honorable mention all american this coming season, possibly, the secondary i believe will be apps weakness and i dont believe anyone thinks their offense is in doubt, devon moore can be a good if not better then kevin richardson, and the o-line has experience because so many injuries last season, so its not like your throwing some freshmen in there, expect app to make another run

No one is impressed with your SEC transfers. Your homegrown kids are much better than those guys ever will be. Use the paragraph format.

[seantaylor]

Appy is going to struggle in the run game this year. They no longer will have the best O line in the nation, and lose a great running back.

[KiddBrewer]

werent supposed to have the best o-line in the country after losing matt eisenhower either........who knows

[OL FU]

Richmond.


Long shot (maybe not a long shot but not typically considered)- Eastern Washington

[blueballs]

IN the SoCon App will be the favorite because of what they've accomplished the last 3 years and combined with what some of the other teams lost. But to paint App's front seven as almighty when they were absolutely torched by Wofford and GSU, and to a lesser degree by JMU and EWU, is a big stretch. That's why I think they're in for a long night in Baton Rouge, but that's for another thread.

That being said watch Elon... they return a lot of folks and relied heavily on FR last year, I think they'll be a playoff team as will Furman. Furman brings a lot of players back and a lot of folks will tell you they will upgrade their QB position with Sorrells.

[Touchdown Yosef]

Appy is going to struggle in the run game this year. They no longer will have the best O line in the nation, and lose a great running back.

O-Line is by far my biggest question for this year as I am sure it is for most App Fans. I think we under recruited there and I fully expected to have a big transfer come into the O-Line. That being said I know where we stand with our back ups from last year and Jerry Moore I'm sure feels like we will be fine. I feel like I have beaten our pre-season alalysis into the ground already but I guess we don't have much else to talk about.

I for one will certainly be watching Elon. The matchup of our new secondary and their passing game really scares me. The Socon will be close again this year and I don't think anyone goes undefeated in conference play.

As far as this thread I will also be watching Richmond and EWU. Don't let a slow start by either team fool you they will both be breaking in a new coach and are both solid teams. I think I am most looking forward to see how the gateway plays out this year with their new additions.

[PaladinFan]

App's defense didn't really impress anyone last year. Their offense is a machine. They have to replace some key leadership in the defensive backfield.

I think the NC will again be the "usual suspects." UNI will be around, Umass, Delaware, Furman, Richmond, NDSU, etc.

[seantaylor]

IN the SoCon App will be the favorite because of what they've accomplished the last 3 years and combined with what some of the other teams lost. But to paint App's front seven as almighty when they were absolutely torched by Wofford and GSU, and to a lesser degree by JMU and EWU, is a big stretch. That's why I think they're in for a long night in Baton Rouge, but that's for another thread.

That being said watch Elon... they return a lot of folks and relied heavily on FR last year, I think they'll be a playoff team as will Furman. Furman brings a lot of players back and a lot of folks will tell you they will upgrade their QB position with Sorrells.

Elon drops back to Elon status IMO. They won't sneak up on anyone anymore, and they lose their offensive coordinator.

[AshevilleApp2]

I'm curious to see North Dakota State, and how they stack up with the rest of the country, now that they are finally eligible for the playoffs.

[bluehenbillk]

Contenders to win it all this year: App State, Richmond, NDSU, maybe another team from the CAA.

[terrierbob]

With no one on either first or second team I'll be surprised if we win a game.xrolleyesx

[Touchdown Yosef]

With no one on either first or second team I'll be surprised if we win a game.xrolleyesx

Oh come on aren't you used to being overlooked outside the Socon yet?

[Bluehenfan08]

Most of the teams from last year will be contenders. Delaware will be tuff to stop if they get there QB situation settled.

[furman94]

I truly believe that FU will return to the top of the Socon this year with Appy and GSU. Last year was a fluke (hopefully) and we will be back in the races and reclaim our status as FCS powerhouse! Look out for us in the playoffs...

[OL FU]

I truly believe that FU will return to the top of the Socon this year with Appy and GSU. Last year was a fluke (hopefully) and we will be back in the races and reclaim our status as FCS powerhouse! Look out for us in the playoffs...


I think that is possible. But we have to run an offense that keeps people guessing like we did the last half of the year and more importantly, we have to find a defense. We looked better the last part of year but that was mainly because we played contain Foster defense against GSU. We can't continue to score 50 points and lose.

[furman94]

Amen!

[Cocky]

I would say to count us out. Unless one of our true freshmen QBs turn into Armanti Edwards.

[I-AA Fan]

Appy is going to struggle in the run game this year. They no longer will have the best O line in the nation, and lose a great running back.

They never have had the best O-Line in the country. That is the whole idea behind the spread ...speed. That is why teams like UMass, YSU, and Delaware had their troubles ...too big & slow. That is also why other teams in the SoCon do not have as much trouble ...similar styles & speed. That is also why they can lose linemen and not suffer. The best overall lines in the country are going to be in the GFC and OVC. It is just a more rushing and more of a pro-set style.

[WVAPPmountaineer]

Someone from ASU want to state whether ALL 3 linebackers, including that freshman, and BOTH defensive tackles from ASU were All Americans last season? That would be 5 of their front 7, which frankly, I didn't think looked very good- JMU rushed for over 300 against them.

That might have been because JMU had the ball for 41 minutes and APP for 19 - Also, did they make that 4th and a foot?????????

[LehighFan11]

I would say to count us out. Unless one of our true freshmen QBs turn into Armanti Edwards.

Haha yea doesn't everyone what an impact freshman like Armanti.

I'd have to say JMU, Richmond, App are favorites. How much did UNI lose?

[93henfan]

Luckily, in this subdivision, so long as your league participates in the playoffs, you have as good a chance as anyone else to be a contender. No pollsters to worry about here, unless you're fighting for the last couple of spots in the field of 16, and if you lost to Morehead State or UC-Davis, then you don't have much of an argument.

[james_lawfirm]

RB, Jayson Foster, Sr., 5-9, 164, Georgia Southern

Obviously the A.P. doesn't know what they're talking about either, as far as I know Foster played quarterback.xeyebrowx


Actually, the game I saw in Boone, Mr. Foster played every position on every play, on both sides of the ball, at the same time. Man, am I glad he graduated.

[james_lawfirm]

Appy is going to struggle in the run game this year. They no longer will have the best O line in the nation, and lose a great running back.


Ooohh! I disagree here. App will run the ball, perhaps even better than last year. The OL will do just fine.

[Eaglesrus]

Actually, the game I saw in Boone, Mr. Foster played every position on every play, on both sides of the ball, at the same time. Man, am I glad he graduated.

I was all set to give you rep. until that last sentence :(

[gophoenix]

Elon drops back to Elon status IMO. They won't sneak up on anyone anymore, and they lose their offensive coordinator.

And GSU has no more proven they won't sink deeper down either.

[phillyAPP]

Luckily, in this subdivision, so long as your league participates in the playoffs, you have as good a chance as anyone else to be a contender. No pollsters to worry about here, unless you're fighting for the last couple of spots in the field of 16, and if you lost to Morehead State or UC-Davis, then you don't have much of an argument.

GREAT STATEMENT !!!

[OrygunBison]

After the years we had in '06 and '07, I'm a little worried that we've already peaked and that this might be a little of a letdown this year. On paper, though, this year's team will be the best ever.

I'm hoping that we'll be a contender...providing we make it through our tough conference schedule.

[NYJMUSupporter]

I think that JMU has as good of a shot at the title as anyone. We return our entire offense and our all american rb Eugene Holloman will be back inthe fold in 08. I also expect that our slash player, Kerby Long will fillin nicely for LC Baker and should help our offense continue to improve. We return our entire offensive line. The group has potential to be the biggest, most athletic group we have ever had at JMU. And of course we return our QB Rodney Landers. I expect Landers to continue to be a force next season. He single handedly one about half of our games last season. I expect that he will be a finalist for the FCS Player of the year when all is said and done.
On defense we return the majority of our DL and Secondary. We have to replace Tony Lezotte, which will be very difficult to accomplish. Biggest question for JMU will be the LB position. However considering we only play 2 linebackers on most plays, I think we will be ok in this area.

Biggest concern I have this year is our schedule. Matchups witl:
-UNC
-UMASS
-APP State
-Delaware
-Richmond
will really test this team.

Only time will tell. Should be exciting to watch! I can't wait for the JMU vs App State game. It should be amazing!

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

NYJMU - We play Duke this year, UNC was last year. ;)

A lot of JMU and App St. fans very high on their teams for good reasons.

A lot of other posters giving credit to UR, UNI, Delaware, UMass and EWU to continue to be strong.

Lots of anticipation for NDSU in the Gateway.

No mention of contenders from smaller conferences (Southland, OVC, Patriot, etc.).

One glaring team missing from the conversation - MONTANA! xeekx ;)

That about sums it up...

[Touchdown Yosef]

NYJMU - We play Duke this year, UNC was last year. ;)

A lot of JMU and App St. fans very high on their teams for good reasons.

A lot of other posters giving credit to UR, UNI, Delaware, UMass and EWU to continue to be strong.

Lots of anticipation for NDSU in the Gateway.

No mention of contenders from smaller conferences (Southland, OVC, Patriot, etc.).

One glaring team missing from the conversation - MONTANA! xeekx ;)

That about sums it up...


I was going to ask about Montana, but I don't think they will be the best team in the big sky. Could the streak end this year? That being said it is hard to argue with consistent dominance and they do deserve to be in this convo.

[ncbears]

I was going to ask about Montana, but I don't think they will be the best team in the big sky. Could the streak end this year? That being said it is hard to argue with consistent dominance and they do deserve to be in this convo.

That would be the universit of northern colorado. errr...maybe not this year. I think we're still a year away from contending.

I think EW will be the team to beat in the conference.

[ASUG8]

Actually, the game I saw in Boone, Mr. Foster played every position on every play, on both sides of the ball, at the same time. Man, am I glad he graduated.

Yeah, he's the Chuck Norris of FCS.

[blueballs]

And GSU has no more proven they won't sink deeper down either.

Yup, lots of ??????? on the offensive side of the ball for the Eagles for sure.

I can point out no less than 5 games on GSU's schedule right now that they wouldn't be favored in; come fall, who knows? But right now 6-5 or worse is possible.

[parr90]

We will have the players to beat anyone. Its just a matter of putting it together.

[ncbears]

We will have the players to beat anyone. Its just a matter of putting it together.

ummm...who is "we"?

[mcveyrl]

ummm...who is "we"?

it's a general "we." he's speaking for all of fcs.

it's deep.

[Canyoncat]

Never count out Montana, but I think EWU will be the team with the best chance to make it all the way from the BSC.

Dark horses could be MSU, PSU and Weber provided some questions are answered. NDSU and SDSU might get a rude welcome in the Gateway. Who ever comes out of that conference has a great shot as well.

Going to be a very fun year again!!!

GO CATS!!

[nevadagriz]

ASU,NDSU,JMU.EWU,RICHMOND all deserve the hype, watch out for Mcneese St, UD, and maybe even PSU! I prefer if montana stays out of the contention talk, it would be great if folks just wrote the griz off and heaped praise on EWU. I really think that the Griz will continue the playoff streak (just barely though) and WIN THEIR FIRST EVER ROAD PLAYOFF GAME! xeekx That is my one and only prediction for the 08' seasonxnodx
I almost forgot to add GSU the godfathers of FCS do not sleep on the eagles!

I also have a question on Wofford how will they be next year, are they losing alot of players?
The SoCon will once again be a fun conference to follow.

[seantaylor]

They never have had the best O-Line in the country. That is the whole idea behind the spread ...speed. That is why teams like UMass, YSU, and Delaware had their troubles ...too big & slow. That is also why other teams in the SoCon do not have as much trouble ...similar styles & speed. That is also why they can lose linemen and not suffer. The best overall lines in the country are going to be in the GFC and OVC. It is just a more rushing and more of a pro-set style.

Uh, yes. Appy easily had the best O line in the country.

[PaladinFan]

We will have the players to beat anyone. Its just a matter of putting it together.

How do you figure? I see the Eagles as a middle of the road SoCon team right now. They need some guys to really step up big time and fill the space left by Foster. He was your leading passer and rusher (that's two spots to fill in one player).

Do I think GSU will be back in force in two years? Yes. Competing for the conference title most likely. Had a nice recruiting class, and a lot of those guys might see playing time, but the Eagles have huge holes to fill with little or no experienced guys to fill them.

.

[parr90]

We came pretty close this year to winning the conference this past year. It could be another average year. Hatcher didnt run his system this past season. You will see a little different offense this season. As far as the comment about winning I meant we have the talent to beat anyone. If they gel together quickly they just might. I still look for two years to be were we want to be.

[gophoenix]

I just don't think Elon snuck up on anyone. After the preseason games, App came strong against us with Wofford loss the previous week. We played the best complete game of the year against Wofford. And after that, every other game was a game where the other team put their guns against us. We won some, we lost some.

App, Furman, Wofford, GSU, The Citadel and Elon all have the talent and experience to run the conference or come in 7th place or beat on each other enough to only get 1 team in the playoffs.

Who knows. But, I just disagree that Elon will be "typical Elon" again under Lembo. Even if we are last place and make every game a 1 point loss is not typical Elon.

[WVAPPmountaineer]

I just don't think Elon snuck up on anyone. After the preseason games, App came strong against us with Wofford loss the previous week. We played the best complete game of the year against Wofford. And after that, every other game was a game where the other team put their guns against us. We won some, we lost some.

App, Furman, Wofford, GSU, The Citadel and Elon all have the talent and experience to run the conference or come in 7th place or beat on each other enough to only get 1 team in the playoffs.

Who knows. But, I just disagree that Elon will be "typical Elon" again under Lembo. Even if we are last place and make every game a 1 point loss is not typical Elon.

I definitely think Elon will be right in the thick of the battle - if they get a running game to go with their passing attack - Watch Out!!! - Lembo's work has been impressive ---

[mountaineer in Cane Land]

I think that this is one of the most talanted team App has ever put on the field. The offense should be as good if not better than last year (the number one offense in the FCS). The defensive line should doninate, the linebacking corp is one of the best, if not the best in the FBS. The defensive lineman/linebacker transfer from Vanderbilt was projected to be one of the best if not the best defensive player Vandy had before he transfered. Bobby Johnson was so pissed he left, that he refused to let him out of his schlorship. The only problem I see is the secondary which still should be pretty good, and finding a backup quaterback. Moores biggest problem is finding playing time for everyone. Of course,things change during the season, (injuries, players attitudes, grades, etc) but if this team lives up to their potential, anything less than a Southern Conference chamionship, and a National championship will be a disappointment.

[Go Bison]

NDSU and SDSU might get a rude welcome in the Gateway. Who ever comes out of that conference has a great shot as well.

Going to be a very fun year again!!!

GO CATS!!

You might be right. NDSU plays at UNI and also at Youngstown State. They will have their work cutout for them but at least this year there is hope for the playoffs. It should be a fun ride.

[GOKATS]

Never count out Montana, but I think EWU will be the team with the best chance to make it all the way from the BSC.

Dark horses could be MSU, PSU and Weber provided some questions are answered. NDSU and SDSU might get a rude welcome in the Gateway. Who ever comes out of that conference has a great shot as well.

Going to be a very fun year again!!!

GO CATS!!

EWU has the players for sure, but they also have a new HC whose only HC experience is one year at Central Washington (though he was an assistant at EWU prior to that). If Paul Wullf was still the HC I'd say the Eagles would be definite favorites to win the BSC- it should be an interesting year in the Big Sky.

[seantaylor]

How do you figure? I see the Eagles as a middle of the road SoCon team right now. They need some guys to really step up big time and fill the space left by Foster. He was your leading passer and rusher (that's two spots to fill in one player).

Do I think GSU will be back in force in two years? Yes. Competing for the conference title most likely. Had a nice recruiting class, and a lot of those guys might see playing time, but the Eagles have huge holes to fill with little or no experienced guys to fill them.

.

Funny, because I see Furman finishing no higher than they did last year. Lose too many good players off a bad team.

[seantaylor]

I think that this is one of the most talanted team App has ever put on the field. The offense should be as good if not better than last year (the number one offense in the FCS). The defensive line should doninate, the linebacking corp is one of the best, if not the best in the FBS. The defensive lineman/linebacker transfer from Vanderbilt was projected to be one of the best if not the best defensive player Vandy had before he transfered. Bobby Johnson was so pissed he left, that he refused to let him out of his schlorship. The only problem I see is the secondary which still should be pretty good, and finding a backup quaterback. Moores biggest problem is finding playing time for everyone. Of course,things change during the season, (injuries, players attitudes, grades, etc) but if this team lives up to their potential, anything less than a Southern Conference chamionship, and a National championship will be a disappointment.

Cannot see how in the world your offense will be better than last year. You lost every playmaker besides Edwards, and the majority of your offensive line. I do think that Appy's D will be improved.

[spoogemcgee18]

The App State linebacking corps is downright terrifying with the French Connection, Jaques and Pierre, and DJ Smith is going to make some jaws drop this season.

[mountaineer in Cane Land]

The reason I believe this is, perhaps Apps best offensive team for these reasons:

1. wide receivers -we are loaded, we have possession receivers, speed receivers (hill has been clocked in the same range as Jackson) and size,6'5'' 225 pound receiver named quick. The only problem is lack of experence, and Moore being able to keep everyone happy.

2. Running Backs- Devon Moore got alot of playing time last year, he is a very good running back, and just as important, is a very good receiver coming out of the back field, a must in a spread offense. The only question is, who is going to step up and be the back up to Moore?

3. Offensive Line- We have alot of young offensive lineman who got alot of experence last year becouse of injuries, the experence should really help, I expect this unit to be as good as last years group.

4. Quaterback- Edwards, the best, most exciting player in the FCS, this is no debate about this. Everytime he touches the ball, he is a threat to go the distance, either with his throwing or running ability. The big question is, can we find a back-up. If Edwards get hurt, and the freshman quaterback we signed isn't ready, the season could come crashing down around us.

5. The Defense- The only way last year to stop the offense, was to keep them off the field. This years defense should be much better, which should get 2 or 3 more possessions per game for the offense. That should mean 7 to 10 more points a game.

Man, I wish the season started tomarrow!!!

[D1scout]

You know, I haven't heard a whole lot about Don Patterson's Leathernecks at Western Illinois having the potential to win the FCS NC in 2008. Nevertheless, I believe they are going to have a real solid team this coming season and have a chance to make a run at it.

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

Yup, lots of ??????? on the offensive side of the ball for the Eagles for sure.

I can point out no less than 5 games on GSU's schedule right now that they wouldn't be favored in; come fall, who knows? But right now 6-5 or worse is possible.

I know we have some question marks, but I think pretty much every team in the SoCon (minus Elon and maybe Western) is not going to as good as they were last year. For all practical purposes, Samford should be considered a doormat for the time being.

Coach Hatcher will win at least one that we aren't supposed to win (I'm thinking Furman or App. State), and our OOC schedule (minus UGA) shouldn't be of any problem. I have the same expectations as last year. 6, 7, or 8 wins are most likely. Anything outside of that range IMO is not.

[crunifan]

You know, I haven't heard a whole lot about Don Patterson's Leathernecks at Western Illinois having the potential to win the FCS NC in 2008. Nevertheless, I believe they are going to have a real solid team this coming season and have a chance to make a run at it.

No offense, but every year we hear about Western Illinois coming back to the top half of the Gateway, and every year they finish near the bottom.

And with the way UNI waltzed over them last year, I don't have the feeling they are strong enough to make the playoffs let alone win the National Title. Not with UNI, SIU, Youngstown, and now North Dakota State and South Dakota State in the conference.

[CID1990]

I know we have some question marks, but I think pretty much every team in the SoCon (minus Elon and maybe Western) is not going to as good as they were last year. For all practical purposes, Samford should be considered a doormat for the time being.

Coach Hatcher will win at least one that we aren't supposed to win (I'm thinking Furman or App. State), and our OOC schedule (minus UGA) shouldn't be of any problem. I have the same expectations as last year. 6, 7, or 8 wins are most likely. Anything outside of that range IMO is not.

Yes, The Citadel is going to be much worse in 08 than they were in 07.

[slostang]

If Cal Poly's schedule does not get them, they have the talent to be in the hunt. They return 10 of 11 starters off the number one offense in the FCS in 2007 (487 yds/gm) and number 6th scoring offense (39.3 pts/gm). They return the highest rated QB (Jonathan Dally, 196.7 - 29 passing TDs 12 rushing TDs) number two WR (Ramses Barden, 57 rec. for 1,467 yds and 18 TDs) 2005 Payton finalist at RB (James Noble, over 3,000 career yards rushing). Cal Poly returns 7/8 starters off a defense that has produce 3 of the last 4 Buchanan winners.

As far as the schedule Cal Poly faces San Diego State, Montana, McNeese, Northwestern State, South Dakota State, Idaho State, UC Davis and Wisconsin in 2008.

[LarryBoy]

Funny, because I see Furman finishing no higher than they did last year. Lose too many good players off a bad team.

I wouldn't by any means call Furman in '07 a bad team, but merely a team that got caught in the insanity of competitive conference. Down the stretch, I firmly believe they could have played with anyone in the FCS. Furman may finish no higher than last year, but it won't be because the talent isn't there; we should be much quicker and more competent on both sides of the ball. I am stoked to see what Jordan Sorrells can do under center as the legitimate leader of the offense.

[already123]

not sayin NAU is a national champion team (yet) but they are def a playoff team. With the people coming back on offense and D (QB Lance Kriesien, RB Alex Henderson, TE Fitzpatrick, S Cyrus Igono, CB KJ Gerard, and more!) NAU looks to take the big sky

[seantaylor]

I know we have some question marks, but I think pretty much every team in the SoCon (minus Elon and maybe Western) is not going to as good as they were last year. For all practical purposes, Samford should be considered a doormat for the time being.

Coach Hatcher will win at least one that we aren't supposed to win (I'm thinking Furman or App. State), and our OOC schedule (minus UGA) shouldn't be of any problem. I have the same expectations as last year. 6, 7, or 8 wins are most likely. Anything outside of that range IMO is not.

I agree that we are going to win, but there is no way we should lose to Furman. I know we got beat this year, but the talent across the board is not even close. And unless you consider Bobby Lamb a great coach, that is a game we should win. We beat Appy in Boone last year. I can't see them coming into the hornets nest and winning. We have just got to win against the bums we have been losing to the last couple of years. IE Chatty, Citadel, Elon.

[seantaylor]

Yes, The Citadel is going to be much worse in 08 than they were in 07.

Yes they are. No more Lawson=2-3 Socon wins.

[blueballs]

I wouldn't by any means call Furman in '07 a bad team, but merely a team that got caught in the insanity of competitive conference. Down the stretch, I firmly believe they could have played with anyone in the FCS...

I thought Furman's performance against GSU from the start of the third quarter to the middle of the fourth quarter was the best of any team GSU played against last year.

Furman will be a serious contender the conference and if everything breaks right for them will be a team to be dealt with in the playoffs. Going into the 2008 season I would rate them third or fourth in the conference behind App and Elon and about even with Wofford but it wouldn't surprise me if they won it.

[HENJOHN]

At the beginning of last season I picked Northen Iowa and Delaware in the Final game and it was too bad they played each other in the Quarters, but here's some possibilities for 2008:

APP STATE, JMU, McNEESE, N Dakota ST, GA Southern, E Washington and MOntana to possibly rebound.

CAA- Darkhorse Longshot-- Villanova

[JohnStOnge]

APP STATE, JMU, McNEESE, N Dakota ST, GA Southern, E Washington and MOntana to possibly rebound. CAA- Darkhorse Longshot-- Villanova

I wouldn't have expected anybody to mention McNeese in this conversation after the first round debacle of this past season. But I do think they were a lot better than they showed in that game.

They should be better on offense. Steven Whitehead is supposed to be back and so is Quinten Lawrence...a guy who's supposed to be in the high 4.2s to low 4.3s in the 40 and has official (track) times of 6.79 over 60 meters and 10.49 over 100 meters. Whitehead is a little "slower" at, reportedly, around 4.4, but they should have enough speed at wideout to have potential for causing some problems for people.

Their offensive line is coming back largely intact, they have a solid quarterback returning, and they should be strong at running back.

It's been a long time since they've been characterized by the kind of very solid to dominant defenses they had through most of the 1990s through about 2002. I've heard they should be better in the secondary because of some redshirts they had waiting in the wings. On the other hand, they're not going to have Bryan Smith...a guy who changed the whole dynamic when he played. I think there will also be some coaching changes on the defensive side of the ball. We'll just have to see.

Which I guess is the way it always is anyway.

[BDKJMU]

Tharrington wasn't a 3rd team Sports Network All American at D tackle, was at De end.

As far as the Sports Network All American teams, sure the 1st-3rd may be somewhat legit, but the honorable mention is a joke. They have 12 linebackers making 1st-3rd team All American, and I counted another 32 making honorable mention, for a total of 44 linebackers! It was similar with other positions. They gave it to everybody and his brother, totally watering it down.


To further elaborate, when the Sports Network has over 300 players on their 3 All American teams plus honorable mention, which is over 10% of all I-AA starters, literally has just about every player from the AQ conferences who made 1st team all conference, and a lot of second teamers on their too, an avg of about 2.5 per team, even more for teams from the power conferences, it show you what a watered down joke the Sports Network honorable mention All American team is. I don't know why they just don't do 3 teams and not have honorable mention, when the other All American teams just have one team-3 teams, but none have honorable mention.

[Ronbo]

We have 8 starters back on Offense but it will be rebuilding year for the Defense. With this being a rebuiding year for the Griz we should go 9-3 and will not be a NC contender. We might however tie for the Big Sky with EWU and someone else. It could be one of those years where 3 teams go 6-2 in Conference play.

[CID1990]

Yes they are. No more Lawson=2-3 Socon wins.

Be sure to make sure your team thinks that too, then.

The new kid is a better QB than Lawson, and he showed it in his 3 starts last season.

[seantaylor]

Be sure to make sure your team thinks that too, then.

The new kid is a better QB than Lawson, and he showed it in his 3 starts last season.


You are smoking crack. The new kid is not even half the player Lawson was.

[AppMan]

No one is impressed with your SEC transfers. Your homegrown kids are much better than those guys ever will be. Use the paragraph format.

Tim Washington played well at times and at others wasn't a factor. He did seem to improve in his consistency of good play during the playoffs. He has all the tools to be a dominating player, but has shown at times to be a little soft. A move to DT during the playoffs seemed to be good for him. Quavian Lewis (6-4 255 DE from Vandy) is another story. He is the real deal and will have a huge impact on our defense. With Lewis ASU will be very deep at the DE position and will allow Tharrington (6-1 280) to be moved to DT. Our DT's were very young and inexperienced last season and it showed. Juco Malcolm Bennett (6-2 270) will be a big help inside. Our secondary will be young, but more athletic and physical than in the past. Rising Jr Cortez Gilbert started the National Championship game and showed why some believed him to be the best corner on our team. With the additions up front to keep opposing O-linemen off our LB's, I fully expect the LB group to be one of the best in the country. The O-line did take a hit with the graduation of Brown and 3 other Sr's (including the tight end), but there are some talented guys in the pipeline who got a lot of experience last year due to all the injuries we suffered through. RS freshman center Brett Irvin started at Michigan and played a very solid game, Pat Mills, Daniel Kilgore, & Nick Sloan (all in the 6-3 280 to 290 range) are rising sophomores that got extensive PT last season. We lost wideouts Dexter Jackson and my MVP Hans Batichon, but the other 2 starters were sophomores and 3 of the 4 backups in the National Championship game were either freshmen & sophomores. Although you don't just replace your all time leading rusher, Devon Moore showed in the championship game he is more than capable of stepping into that position. Plus, we signed a potential star who was offered by Illinois. The again there's #14 at the QB spot. With Armanti in the game ASU always has a shot. Other than how the secondary comes together my biggest concern is replacing a very solid and productive place kicker & snapper combination. A lot of games are won and lost there. All this doesn't guarantee a 4th straight trip to Chattanooga, but I believe whan the dust settles the Mountaineers will be iin the mix once again.

[AppMan]

Yes they are. No more Lawson=2-3 Socon wins.

Don't know about that. I was very impressed with the freshman QB Blanchard. That kid has a lot of upside.

[PaladinFan]

Don't know about that. I was very impressed with the freshman QB Blanchard. That kid has a lot of upside.

Right, but still, like GSU with Foster, and Furman with Gray, Lawson was the engine that made the car go. Can he be replaced? yeah. Will it be tough to do it? yeah.

[PSUVikings]

Appy and........Well just them until someone figures out how to beat them when it matters...

[hapapp]

my biggest concern is replacing a very solid and productive place kicker & snapper combination..

I suspect Coach Moore agrees with you. When was the last time he gave scholarship aid to a freshmen kicker?

[RazorEdge19]

Uh, yes. Appy easily had the best O line in the country.

No they didn't. In all seriousness, GSU did.

[rudy1648]

Quite frankly,,I think this year will be more of a rebuilding year for ASU. Replacing the entire defensive secondary, a good bit of the offensive line, finding a reliable QB backup and the starting running back position will be tough, and no one has really talked about who is going to replace Julian Rouch as the place kicker. That said, I think we will have a good shot at returning to the NC game again. We have some good people returning and good people stepping up from the bench or from transfers. But I think with most of the people who play this year returning for the '09 season,,,THAT is when we will really be a powerhouse. The JMU game will be huge and will go a long way to give us a true picture of how good the Mountaineers are this year.

[ur2k]

At the top of the list has to be App. Until someone figures out how to stop #14 - they are the favorites.
Whoever emerges from the CAA will be a contender - could be JMU, Delaware (question for Hens - who's your QB?), UR, Nova who were playing great football at the end of the season as another poster alluded to above.
Will UNI or NIU be good again this year? What about Montana?

[gvilleapp]

You are smoking crack. The new kid is not even half the player Lawson was.

I know he gave us all we wanted and then some. A better arm than Duran and I was surprised how well he ran when he had to against us.

I see El Cid winning 7, maybe 8 games. If it's 8, then they are in the playoffs for the first time since I think '92 or '93. That Webber Int. game really hurts The Citadel's playoff chances when you consider they also have Clemson and Florida out of conference.

[gvilleapp]

Right, but still, like GSU with Foster, and Furman with Gray, Lawson was the engine that made the car go. Can he be replaced? yeah. Will it be tough to do it? yeah.

I mean no disrespect to Gray, but I think you guys will be a better offensive football team with Sorrells at QB. Seems to run the offense smoothly and has a cool head. He doesn't like to run so the key is to cover receivers long enough to get pressure on him and make him move around or leave the pocket. I for one am glad we faced Gray last year in Greenville instead of Sorrells.

I will say it will be tough for you guys to replace Felton. When he was healthy, he was practically unstopable. I still remember the playoff game in '05 and I can't understand why BL stopped using him much in the second half.

[seantaylor]

No they didn't. In all seriousness, GSU did.

I wish. But that wasn't the case.

[Eaglesrus]

I wish. But that wasn't the case.

As much as I would like to agree with everything you say I have to disagree. I do believe we had a great O-line this year. They opened huge holes for Jayson and others in '07, and I have great concern as to how we are going to replace those guys. 7 of the 10 two deep are gone, but I hope Hatcher can work some miracles.

[seantaylor]

As much as I would like to agree with everything you say I have to disagree. I do believe we had a great O-line this year. They opened huge holes for Jayson and others in '07, and I have great concern as to how we are going to replace those guys. 7 of the 10 two deep are gone, but I hope Hatcher can work some miracles.

Oh, I agree our O line was great. But it wasn't as good as Apps.

[furman94]

I mean no disrespect to Gray, but I think you guys will be a better offensive football team with Sorrells at QB. Seems to run the offense smoothly and has a cool head. He doesn't like to run so the key is to cover receivers long enough to get pressure on him and make him move around or leave the pocket. I for one am glad we faced Gray last year in Greenville instead of Sorrells.

I will say it will be tough for you guys to replace Felton. When he was healthy, he was practically unstopable. I still remember the playoff game in '05 and I can't understand why BL stopped using him much in the second half.

You obviously have not seen Mike Brown!

[ericsaid]

The o-line app is having to replace was hurt for some of the season last year, mario acitelli was an all socon Olineman and broke his leg last year so a backup(not sure who) got some playing time and did very well obviously, then scott suttle didnt play against michigan or lenoir rhyne so theres another bit of experience, and Kerry Brown ofcourse is just amazing. Everyone saw the secondary that was brought in, in thois years recruiting class so expect them to be a bit rough at times this year but having 3 four year starters in the secondary during their junior season will be great so App is set for a while i believe. The front seven will possibly be the most solid in all of FCS, maybe not the biggest but possibly the fastest. Who know's?

Armanti really didn't really have many holes to run threough a lot of times if you saw him play, just kind of made a few or was already out in space.

I believe maybe 2 years and Richmond may have the team chemistry back up since this season will be their first year with the new head coach. In a couple oif years expect them in the Championship, saw the,m play at Appalachian and as far as i know they have a couple of runningbacks they signed this year so they'll be thrown in to the lions den right away with the departure of Hightower, who i wasa more impressed with in the Texas vs. The Nation game than against Appalachian.

North Dakota St. i believe everyone in anxious to see how they will do in a real conference, even those like me who know nothing about the team or school, but from what i saw and heard last year, could be a very dangerous team this season. I hope they do beat Northern Iowa though.

As for James Madison, i hope App beats them but it could be a good game. It won't be like this past year though where Appalachian was forced to make stops on defense in which they did when they had to. With more experience they have and holding the two top runners in the FCS to under 100 yards in consecutive games, they will be a much better run defense this year. If JMU is better then i think and beats App they have in my opinion a legit shot at a national championship.

As of right now, ofcourse I believe Appalachian will win because im a huge fan, and because of armanti and the players they will have stepping up this year, front 7 will be good, all 3 linebackers coming back, each had over 100 tackles last season, then the d-line, 2 all american DT's on the "watered down list" as was put in a post earlier, and the offense will be almost as explosive this season as they were last. Devon Moore is everybit as good of a runner as k-rich, and brian quick a rising redshirt freshmen 6'5 210, then tavaris washington who is everybit as fast as Dexter Jackson, and Coco Hillary will have a great year, a very physical reciever. The o-line will have enough experience to win games, by no means will they be as good as last years, but they will be good enough to win which is all that matters. The secondary will be the deciding factor this coming season.

Leonard Love is a safety coming back this season and cortez gilbert is a corner who played in almost every game last season, both of these plkayers intercepted a pass, Love's was at Michigan. They will have to replace two great corners and an awesome safety though. Guess everyone will have to see how it all pans out and that starts tomorrow.

App's spring practices start on February 25th, with the spring game being held on March 29th.

[ericsaid]

You obviously have not seen Mike Brown!


If he was the little short fast kid that burnt Applachain last year a couple of times then he will be great out in space, not so much when he's held up, but once he gets out in space might as well go sit on the bench and wait till the next series.

[ericsaid]

Quite frankly,,I think this year will be more of a rebuilding year for ASU. Replacing the entire defensive secondary, a good bit of the offensive line, finding a reliable QB backup and the starting running back position will be tough, and no one has really talked about who is going to replace Julian Rouch as the place kicker. That said, I think we will have a good shot at returning to the NC game again. We have some good people returning and good people stepping up from the bench or from transfers. But I think with most of the people who play this year returning for the '09 season,,,THAT is when we will really be a powerhouse. The JMU game will be huge and will go a long way to give us a true picture of how good the Mountaineers are this year.

See theres this little thing where we already have a runningback lined up, two actually, Devon Moore go wtach highlights on youtube of the national championship, he bruned Delaware with i believe a 54 or 44 yard run, #20, he's fast, he runs over people and will be just as good as kevin was. And as my signature says, we don't rebuild, we reload.

[proasu89]

See theres this little thing where we already have a runningback lined up, two actually, Devon Moore go wtach highlights on youtube of the national championship, he bruned Delaware with i believe a 54 or 44 yard run, #20, he's fast, he runs over people and will be just as good as kevin was. And as my signature says, we don't rebuild, we reload.

In the spirit of the Academy Awards....

Best supporting Homer goes to Ericsaidxhurrayx xsmileyclapx xhomerx

[katstrapper]

If North Dakota St is elgible this year they will be in the mix!!

[Mountain Panther]

If North Dakota St is elgible this year

They will be.

[BDKJMU]

I think that this is one of the most talanted team App has ever put on the field. The offense should be as good if not better than last year (the number one offense in the FCS). The defensive line should doninate, the linebacking corp is one of the best, if not the best in the FBS. The defensive lineman/linebacker transfer from Vanderbilt was projected to be one of the best if not the best defensive player Vandy had before he transfered. Bobby Johnson was so pissed he left, that he refused to let him out of his schlorship. The only problem I see is the secondary which still should be pretty good, and finding a backup quaterback. Moores biggest problem is finding playing time for everyone. Of course,things change during the season, (injuries, players attitudes, grades, etc) but if this team lives up to their potential, anything less than a Southern Conference chamionship, and a National championship will be a disappointment.

I just looked at the ASU-JMU 1st round game notes and ASU started 7 seniors on offense: 3 on the o-line, the tight end, 2 of 3 receivers, and Richardson at TB.

I'm sure the ASU o-line will be good. Will be as good or better than last season with the 3 new starters in the interior of the line? Will there be an All American like Kerry Brown?

I know the ASU receivers will be good. But will they be as good or better minus the 2 senior receivers? Will their be a receiver as good as Jackson was his senior year?

How about the new tight end?

Same thing at tailback. Will Moore as a Junior be as good or better than Richardson was as a senior? Will whoever Moore's backup is will he be as good as Moore was last season (you need at least 2 good tailbacks).

I know ASU has the most explosive offensive player in I-AA since Adrian Peterson at (GSU 98'-01' for those not knowledgeable on their I-AA history) at QB, and I'm sure their were some backups who would have started for most other teams, and I know ASU signed a good class, but with only 4 starters back on offense, I don't see how ASU could match offensively what they did in 07'. I'm sure with Armanti the ASU offense will be real good. But as good or better than 07'?

On defense with the whole front 7 coming back and that Vandy transfer of course the whole front 7 will be way better as numerous ASU posters have stated. But replacing all 4 starters in the secondary, with losing Lynch himself is like losing 2 starters (same for JMU losing Lezotte) there is now way those 4 new starters in the secondary will be nearly as good as those 4 seniors with Lynch were. I could see the ASU defense being way better against the run, not as good against the pass (even with a better pass rush), slightly better overall.

With I counted 15 seniors on the (44) 2 deep from those same game notes, only 29 returning, (yes, I know ASU got a couple of transfers) I just don't get your statement "I think that this is one of the most talanted team App has ever put on the field."

[ericsaid]

Well the question isn't if they will be eligable now, it's will they produce in a much bigger faster stronger conference then what they were in? Sure beating Minnisota was all good and nice, but face facts, Minnisota was probably ONE of the worst teams in the FBS and everyone realizes it. I'm anticipating them to do decent but not be amazing like last year.

[BisonBacker]

Well the question isn't if they will be eligable now, it's will they produce in a much bigger faster stronger conference then what they were in? Sure beating Minnisota was all good and nice, but face facts, Minnisota was probably ONE of the worst teams in the FBS and everyone realizes it. I'm anticipating them to do decent but not be amazing like last year.


The big question mark is going to be our starting QB. We will have a great running game and a good defense but we lost Steve Walker to graduation. He will be a tough act to follow but we have some very promising QB's in the mix but they will not have been game tested for the most part. Steve ran the show for the last 3 years. I still expect a strong Bison team and to be a contender in the Gateway. Although the GWFC was smaller the only sure win in the conference was SUU and they put a scare in a few teams last year. The Minnesota win wasn't as big a deal in hindsight the bigger of the two FBS games IMHO was the win over CMU. We pounded them into oblivion and yet they came back to win the MAC. It will be a fun year coming up in the Gateway no doubt.

[ericsaid]

There is Josh Jackson who is also very fast and decent size, 5'10 220. He is very good. I saw him against Western Carolina and against Delaware and he's faster then Devon Moore I believe from what I saw, but maybe doesn't have the instincts. Jackson is also a senior and had 5.9 ypc.

A freshman App signed will be a GREAT addition to their RB's. He is 5'9 195 according to Coach Jerry Moore. This season at one of the premier football high schools and the country, he ran for 42 touchdowns this past season, not 24 but 42. Yes sure he was in high school but you can't deny thats just amazing, also rushed for more than 2400 yards in one season. Also the recievers, are a big loss yes, but they are replacable. Coco Hillary will be a strong wide out at 5'10 190 or 200. Then Brian Quick coming in as a redshirt freshman, 6'5 210, and James Hill who is very speedy, not much slower than Dexter Jackson, i'd say maybe a 4.45? or 4.4 flat. Saw him in person at the ga,mes running and such. Many recievers got a lot of playing time too, Josh Johnson who doesnt play much because he doesn't match the speed requirement of Appalachian, he is used when a first down is needed and is more of a possession tuype of reciever and he has played his first two years. Trey Elders brother Blake Elder also plays reciever and caught some passes this seaosn and he may step up. A replacement isn't as hard to find for wide recievers either. Not compared to other positions.

Your not really replacing four starters either because of Cortez Gilbert who started a couple of play off games and played in every game during the regular season. He has the potential to be better then the starters Appalachian. had before in Justin Woahzeah and Jerome Touchstone. Leonard Love who intercepted a pass against Michigan will be in the running for the safety spot, but I haven't seen him play enough to have an opinion.


As i've said in previous posts, Appalachians back up o-lineman have experience because many of them had to fill in for their injured teamates. 3 of the four o-lineman were out at one point or another during this season.

[asknoquarter21]

I think people are looking into what appalachian lost on offense too much.

as far as the offensive line goes we will be better off than many people think. Mario Acitelli and Jonathon Bieschke are both all american caliber Tackles. Acitelli started as a freshman but was hurt much of last year. he will return as a junior (or possible sophomore, not sure if he got a redshirt). Bieschke played well this past year after we lost Isenhour. Kerry Brown will be greatly missed. Corbett Harris is a big frame at 6'5 and could take that LG position occupied by Brown. Brett Irvin played the whole game against Michigan at Center because Scott Suttle (another senior) was injured, and he played well.


The Wide Reciever position will be as good and deep as it has been in a long time. Coco Hillary and T.J. Courman are very similar players in that both will catch the ball over the middle and turn up field or catch a screen and look to run. Both players are very dangerous in the open field. Josh Johnson is a tall WR with great hands that can use his body to shield off a defender and make a catch(will be a huge target next year). You cant replace the speed of dexter jackson(fastest 40 at the combine). But as a WR core the speed is still there as well as size, Brian Quick 6'5 redshirt last year.

Tight End isn't a problem because in our spread offense when we use a tight end he is usually a blocker.

Running back is not much different than WR. Kevin Richardson is hard to replace, he was PERFECT for our system because his vision, and his quickness through the whole, however, Devin Moore is very similar in his running style except he is bigger and faster, not a problem i mind having. Rod Chisholm is possibly the back up you are referring to he was a 2 or 3 year starter on a very good Charlotte Independence football team that has dominated since chris leak was QB there is 2001. Guess we will have to see how good he ends up being.

And for the QB position there isn't a QB i would rather have in the country...NO ONE...we brought in a freshman as well DeAndre Pressley, very similar playing style to Armanti Edwards, incase Armanti gets hurt again.

[Jerbearasu]

I am not one for making bold predictions so I will make the obvious one... The national champion will come out of the CAA, Gateway or SoCon next year...
In regards to App, everyone is pretty accurate as to what has been said. The O-Line and Secondary will both be good but also very thin. An injury or two could cause major damage for us in those areas. Only other spot to question is TE and believe me this is a very important position for App. Daniel Kilgore is the only returning player with experience and I am not too impressed with him. I look for Ben Jorden (RS Freshman) to take over this spot and a big part of the running game will be determined upon him contributing right away. Also, someone on the defense needs to show they have the ability to create the game changing play (Jason Hunter, Marques Murrell, Jeremy Wiggins and Corey Lynch were able to do this on a consistent basis in the past). App has had this established each year until now. I expect DJ Smith to command this post.
JMU is a team I am very fearful of next year. Replacing Lezotte's leadership will be key. I also think they could have the depth problem at LB. If someone goes down that could really hurt their chance at a deep run in the playoffs.
UMass should also be in the mix again this year with Coen in his last year for the Minutemen. They have a few key replacements on defense but should be solid top to bottom.
I am excited for NDSU to be in the mix. They have a good shot at playing in December and the other team out of the Gateway I just have a feeling will be there is Youngstown State. Not sure why but I just think they will be pretty good again next year.

[seantaylor]

It's going to be interesting. Losing a player like Foster is very tough for GSU. But, the offense we were running last season is not Hatcher's O. You have to believe that the offense this year will be more efficient with Hatcher calling the plays that he knows, and has been extremely successful with.

IMO, GSU had easily the best recruiting class in the nation on paper. But you don't win games on paper. At running back, we will be much better than we were last year. Lamar Lewis was good, but not a home run threat. Zeke Rozier, if he comes back healthy from his injury becomes the best running back in the conference. If not, than one of the 3 star freshman RB's will have to step up. We have to replace our whole O line, but that has never been a problem at GSU.

On defense we return EVERYONE on the two deep from a young and mistake prone squad. The defense will be much better this year.

The Socon race should be fun.

[mlbowl]

I am not one for making bold predictions so I will make the obvious one... The national champion will come out of the CAA, Gateway or SoCon next year...
.

Well then.......it's all settledxrolleyesx

[WrenFGun]

Not much love for the CAA North this season. While I agree that the class of the league is probably UR and JMU (and UD and 'Nova should also be good), those guys are going to beat up on each other and I think it's going to be tough, with those schedules, for more than two teams to come out. Even matchups with Towson (Schaeffer) and W&M (prolific offense) won't be cake.

UMass has a pretty tough schedule (the one UNH had last year, really)...so it's going to be tough for them, too. I thought it might be worth mentioning UNH, though, even in light of the loss of Santos. R.J. Toman played very well against UD and Iona, and should be able to step in and play well immediately. UNH has explosive threats at RB (Kackert), TE (Sicko) and WR (Boyle), as well as a wide complement of depth (Simpson and Jellison at RB, Mason, Negron, Wright, Fox, Chandler at WR). They'll return five players who started at some point on the OL last season, including three full-timers.

On defense, UNH returns 7 of 11 defensive starters, and while the defense wasn't good last year, they'll be very young. Hugo Souza, Steve Young and Dino Vasso should really move foreward next year. They'l have to replace leading tacklers Karim (Devon Jackson, Sean Ware) and Pammer (McGuiness, Klein, Duper) but they have a lot of depth that saw time last year. The big question is DE, where they lost Marvin Wright and Matt Perdoni. Currently you can pencil in Kevin Peters and Kyle Maroney, but hopefully some youngers can step in.

They have very good ST returnees.

Just as a look at the schedule (@Army, Albany, @URI, @Dartmouth, W&M, Towson, @NU, @'Nova, Hofstra, UMass, @Maine). A lot of winnable games on that schedule, with some toughies at home.

[OL FU]

I wouldn't by any means call Furman in '07 a bad team, but merely a team that got caught in the insanity of competitive conference. Down the stretch, I firmly believe they could have played with anyone in the FCS. Furman may finish no higher than last year, but it won't be because the talent isn't there; we should be much quicker and more competent on both sides of the ball. I am stoked to see what Jordan Sorrells can do under center as the legitimate leader of the offense.

If you are ever inclined to use the ignore feature, I suggest that seantaylor would be a good first candidatexnodx

PS, he seems to forget that his characterization of Furman means two bad teams beat GSU last yearxsmiley_wix

[rudy1648]

See theres this little thing where we already have a runningback lined up, two actually, Devon Moore go wtach highlights on youtube of the national championship, he bruned Delaware with i believe a 54 or 44 yard run, #20, he's fast, he runs over people and will be just as good as kevin was. And as my signature says, we don't rebuild, we reload.


I did not say ASU would not be a contender for NC honors again. I said I thought we still had a shot at this year's championship. I said there are lots of unanswered questions about this year's team. Yes, we have Devon to fill KRich's postion, but will need a backup to him just as Devon was KR's backup. We have AE, but will need a backup for him should he have another injury. We will have to replace Julian. Yes, we have some players who got gametime experience last year, but they will have to step up to frontline players this year. My point was, IMO, this year's team may be even stronger in '09.

[rudy1648]

See theres this little thing where we already have a runningback lined up, two actually, Devon Moore go wtach highlights on youtube of the national championship, he bruned Delaware with i believe a 54 or 44 yard run, #20, he's fast, he runs over people and will be just as good as kevin was. And as my signature says, we don't rebuild, we reload.

And,,I saw Devon's run in the championship game in person.

[rudy1648]

I am not one for making bold predictions so I will make the obvious one... The national champion will come out of the CAA, Gateway or SoCon next year...
In regards to App, everyone is pretty accurate as to what has been said. The O-Line and Secondary will both be good but also very thin. An injury or two could cause major damage for us in those areas. quOnly other spot to estion is TE and believe me this is a very important position for App. Daniel Kilgore is the only returning player with experience and I am not too impressed with him. I look for Ben Jorden (RS Freshman) to take over this spot and a big part of the running game will be determined upon him contributing right away. Also, someone on the defense needs to show they have the ability to create the game changing play (Jason Hunter, Marques Murrell, Jeremy Wiggins and Corey Lynch were able to do this on a consistent basis in the past). App has had this established each year until now. I expect DJ Smith to command this post.
JMU is a team I am very fearful of next year. Replacing Lezotte's leadership will be key. I also think they could have the depth problem at LB. If someone goes down that could really hurt their chance at a deep run in the playoffs.
UMass should also be in the mix again this year with Coen in his last year for the Minutemen. They have a few key replacements on defense but should be solid top to bottom.
I am excited for NDSU to be in the mix. They have a good shot at playing in December and the other team out of the Gateway I just have a feeling will be there is Youngstown State. Not sure why but I just think they will be pretty good again next year.

I agree with what you are saying,,,and know that several reserves filled in admirably last year on the Oline and in defensive backfield. But,,I would have to add to your list of uncertainties the place kicking position. I remember 3 years ago, we would cross our fingers when Julian Rauch would attempt extra points. Then, through the next 2 years, he became automatic. Two years ago in the NC game, I think every one of his kickoffs were touchbacks. His field goal won the Michigan as I am sure you know. With the rule change, moving kickoffs back 5 yards, very seldom did his kicks make it to the endzone. I think the place kicking replacement will be very important also.

[89Hen]

Good grief... I kind of ignored this thread and it's up to 11 pages. Can somebody summarize? Do we have a chance? ;) xpopcornx

[PaladinFan]

If he was the little short fast kid that burnt Applachain last year a couple of times then he will be great out in space, not so much when he's held up, but once he gets out in space might as well go sit on the bench and wait till the next series.

Brown is #15 and was the kid who ran right past every App State player on the field last year on a 50 yrd run. He very likely is now one of the fastest players in the conference and is just as dangerous on kick returns as he is in the backfield.

Furman will probably sport one of those "three headed monster" running attacks in 08 like they had when Ingle Martin was quarterbacking with Mike Brown, Stephone LaFrance, and Tank Baker.

Everyone is really waiting to see what Sorrells can do. He's gotten nothing but spot starts in 2 years but has come in and won some clutch games for us. Considering this will be his 4th year in the offense and his father is the bloody Off. Coordinator, he could be very, very good.

With 4 offensive linemen returning our offense has the potential to be a fun one to watch. If they can give Sorrells time then he could very likely just pick apart any defense you throw at him. I believe in 2007 Furman gave up the fewest sacks in the conference and basically that whole unit is returning.

[mlbowl]

Good grief... I kind of ignored this thread and it's up to 11 pages. Can somebody summarize? Do we have a chance? ;) xpopcornx

You guys do but we don't;)

[OL FU]

Brown is #15 and was the kid who ran right past every App State player on the field last year on a 50 yrd run. He very likely is now one of the fastest players in the conference and is just as dangerous on kick returns as he is in the backfield.

Furman will probably sport one of those "three headed monster" running attacks in 08 like they had when Ingle Martin was quarterbacking with Mike Brown, Stephone LaFrance, and Tank Baker.

Everyone is really waiting to see what Sorrells can do. He's gotten nothing but spot starts in 2 years but has come in and won some clutch games for us. Considering this will be his 4th year in the offense and his father is the bloody Off. Coordinator, he could be very, very good.

With 4 offensive linemen returning our offense has the potential to be a fun one to watch. If they can give Sorrells time then he could very likely just pick apart any defense you throw at him. I believe in 2007 Furman gave up the fewest sacks in the conference and basically that whole unit is returning.


I agree. I have very little concern that we will do well offensively.xnodx

Now DEFENSExhurrayx xhurrayx DEFENSExhurrayx xhurrayx DEFENSExhurrayx xhurrayx DEFENSExhurrayx xhurrayx

[Rekdiver]

There is a difference between rebuilding and reloading and ASU ain't rebuilding. ASU may lose 2 of the first three games and 1 in conference game but barring a major injury bug will be back in Chattanooga.......
There are players at every position except a quality backup QB. I've never seen anything like it......

[89Hen]

barring a major injury bug will be back in Chattanooga.......
Or JMU not fumbling. xcoffeex

[elcid96]

You are smoking crack. The new kid is not even half the player Lawson was.

Bart Blanchard has a much stronger and more accurate throw than Lawson, but Lawson was a better athlete. He usually ran for as much as he threw.

[elcid96]

You heard it here first. The Citadel will be in the playoffs next year.

[Touchdown Yosef]

You heard it here first. The Citadel will be in the playoffs next year.

Bold prediction and I will be pulling for you except when you are in boone. What Socon games do you expect to win?

[ElonPride]

You heard it here first. The Citadel will be in the playoffs next year.

Maybe the SoCon will pull a CAA and get nearly half of the conference in the playoffs with App, Furman, Woff, GSU, Elon & El Cid all being possible contenders! xsmiley_wix

[PaladinFan]

There is a difference between rebuilding and reloading and ASU ain't rebuilding. ASU may lose 2 of the first three games and 1 in conference game but barring a major injury bug will be back in Chattanooga.......
There are players at every position except a quality backup QB. I've never seen anything like it......

Wow. I guess the rest of us just shouldn't show up. It's almost like ASU didn't lose two conference games in '07, make it past the first round by a fortunate turn of events, and lose their entire defensive backfield to graduation.

They will be good, but they are certainly not invincible.

[AshevilleApp2]

Wow. I guess the rest of us just shouldn't show up. It's almost like ASU didn't lose two conference games in '07, make it past the first round by a fortunate turn of events, and lose their entire defensive backfield to graduation.

They will be good, but they are certainly not invincible.

Absolutely not invincible. We could lose four regular season games and miss the playoffs with the schedule were playing.

[BDKJMU]

Not much love for the CAA North this season. While I agree that the class of the league is probably UR and JMU (and UD and 'Nova should also be good), those guys are going to beat up on each other and I think it's going to be tough, with those schedules, for more than two teams to come out. Even matchups with Towson (Schaeffer) and W&M (prolific offense) won't be cake.

UMass has a pretty tough schedule (the one UNH had last year, really)...so it's going to be tough for them, too. I thought it might be worth mentioning UNH, though, even in light of the loss of Santos. R.J. Toman played very well against UD and Iona, and should be able to step in and play well immediately. UNH has explosive threats at RB (Kackert), TE (Sicko) and WR (Boyle), as well as a wide complement of depth (Simpson and Jellison at RB, Mason, Negron, Wright, Fox, Chandler at WR). They'll return five players who started at some point on the OL last season, including three full-timers.

On defense, UNH returns 7 of 11 defensive starters, and while the defense wasn't good last year, they'll be very young. Hugo Souza, Steve Young and Dino Vasso should really move foreward next year. They'l have to replace leading tacklers Karim (Devon Jackson, Sean Ware) and Pammer (McGuiness, Klein, Duper) but they have a lot of depth that saw time last year. The big question is DE, where they lost Marvin Wright and Matt Perdoni. Currently you can pencil in Kevin Peters and Kyle Maroney, but hopefully some youngers can step in.

They have very good ST returnees.

Just as a look at the schedule (@Army, Albany, @URI, @Dartmouth, W&M, Towson, @NU, @'Nova, Hofstra, UMass, @Maine). A lot of winnable games on that schedule, with some toughies at home.

The CAA South got 3 teams in last season, and I think that will be the case again, 3 of the 4 between JMU, UR, NOVA, and UD.
-
JMU gets UMass and Hofstra @ home out of the North and have to travel to Maine

UD and UR have Maine @ home and have to travel to UMass and Hofstra. As a matter of fact, UD has the most brutal schedule I have ever seen. At an ACC and 6 likely top 25, 5 on the road:
@ Maryland
@ Furman
@ UMass
@ Hofstra
@ JMU
@ UR
home Nova
They would have to win 3 of those 7, not drop any of their other 5 (W&M will be no gimme with 18 starters including Phillips back).

UR has a similar type of 12 game schedule, almost as bad: @ an ACC and good So-Con, 6 likely top 25, 4 on the road:,
@ UVA
@ Elon
@Hofstra
@Umass
@Nova
home JMU
home UD

JMU's 11 game schedule isn't quite as bad, considering their ACC is Duke, and although their So-Con is ASU, at least JMU has them at home, 6 likely top 25, but only 2 on the road:
@ Duke
home UMass
home ASU
home Hofstra
home UD
@ UR (JMU's home away from home- only 2 hrs from JMU, JMU has a lot of alumni in Richmond area, and will probably have at least 1/3 of the fans)
@ Nova


Nova has the UNH, NE, and URI from the North. Their schedule isn't posted yet, but I know they play WVU, but I don't know of any top notch OOC I-AA they play like UD, UR, and JMU do, so they probably have the least difficult schedule of the Big 4 from the CAA South.

Unfortunately for UMass, they (along with Hofstra and Maine) have the brutal half of the South. Umass has JMU on the road, and UR and UD @ home. I think UMass drops 2 of those 3, plus will lose @ Texas Tech, plus will drop one of their 5 CAA North games. I think they'll go 8-4, which may or may not get them in.

UNH has a much easier schedule than UMass. Last season they went 3-2 vs the CAA North, I think the same will happen this season breaking in the new QB (yes, I know he's good). I think the most likely loss would be UMass. I think @ Nova will be a 3rd loss. Then it comes down to will UNH win @ Army in their opener to make it 4 straight wins against I-A, and beat W&M @ home (W&M will be much improved with 18 starters, including Phillips back, who will probably throw for a million yards). I just see UNH at 6-5 or 7-4 again this season.

The CAA South was 11-7 vs the North in 07' (JMU 3-0, UR 3-0, UD 2-1, Nova 2-1, W&M 1-2, Towson 0-3). I think the South will be at least that vs the North in 08'. I think 3 to 4 of the 5 following teams get in the playoffs: JMU, UR, UD, Nova, and UMass. CAA ain't getting 5 in this year. They'll get 3-4.

[BDKJMU]

Maybe the SoCon will pull a CAA and get nearly half of the conference in the playoffs with App, Furman, Woff, GSU, Elon & El Cid all being possible contenders! xsmiley_wix

CAA got 5 of 12 teams in, which is about .42%. For the So-Con (aren't you going to 9 teams this season with Samford?) a rough equivalent % wise would be 4 teams. I think the CAA will get 4 teams in the 08' playoffs, and the So-Con will get 3, 33% from each conference. That would be one more than last year for the So-Con, and 1 less for the CAA. Would that make you happy? :)

[mlbowl]

Wow. I guess the rest of us just shouldn't show up.

Now you're catching onxnodx

[BDKJMU]

Absolutely not invincible. We could lose four regular season games and miss the playoffs with the schedule were playing.

Losing to LSU, JMU, and 2 So-Con is a decent possibility, but ASU would still get in at 8-4 after being the 3 time defending champs and starting out at #1. I say #1 because someone correct me if I'm wrong:
UD won 03' title and was preseason 04' #1
JMU won the 04' title and was pre season 05' #1
ASU won the 05' title and was pre season 06' #1
ASU won the 06' title and was pre season 07' #1
ASU won the 07' title and will be pre season 08' #1
Team X wins the 08' title and will be pre season 09' #1

See the pattern. Doesn't matter that you have only 11 starters back. Doesn't matter if a team has 10, or 15, or 20 starters back from the season before. Win the national title, and you'll likely be pre season #1 the next season.

ASU is probably the only team in the country playing a 12 game schedule (it seems over 1/2 the teams are) that is a lock to get in at 8-4 based on being 3 time defending champs. UD would be the next most likely as they have the most brutal schedule I have ever seen.

[WrenFGun]

Unfortunately for UMass, they (along with Hofstra and Maine) have the brutal half of the South. Umass has JMU on the road, and UR and UD @ home. I think UMass drops 2 of those 3, plus will lose @ Texas Tech, plus will drop one of their 5 CAA North games. I think they'll go 8-4, which may or may not get them in.

UNH has a much easier schedule than UMass. Last season they went 3-2 vs the CAA North, I think the same will happen this season breaking in the new QB (yes, I know he's good). I think the most likely loss would be UMass. I think @ Nova will be a 3rd loss. Then it comes down to will UNH win @ Army in their opener to make it 4 straight wins against I-A, and beat W&M @ home (W&M will be much improved with 18 starters, including Phillips back, who will probably throw for a million yards). I just see UNH at 6-5 or 7-4 again this season.

Good analysis. I don't think anyone is going to have a difficult time with Hofstra this season, but that's just me. UNH's three toughest games are @ Nova, UMass and @Army. Frankly, they should be the prohibitive favorites in all of their other games. There isn't one game where I sit and think that they have no chance. Naturally, Toman's a first year starter, so hiccups are possible, but he has enough experience where I think it unlikely. I expect wins over UMass and NU this season, because I'm tired of losing to both of them. :)

[McNeese75]

Good grief... I kind of ignored this thread and it's up to 11 pages. Can somebody summarize? Do we have a chance? ;) xpopcornx

Just ask ericsaid :D

[AshevilleApp2]

Losing to LSU, JMU, and 2 So-Con is a decent possibility, but ASU would still get in at 8-4 after being the 3 time defending champs and starting out at #1. I say #1 because someone correct me if I'm wrong:
UD won 03' title and was preseason 04' #1
JMU won the 04' title and was pre season 05' #1
ASU won the 05' title and was pre season 06' #1
ASU won the 06' title and was pre season 07' #1
ASU won the 07' title and will be pre season 08' #1
Team X wins the 08' title and will be pre season 09' #1

See the pattern. Doesn't matter that you have only 11 starters back. Doesn't matter if a team has 10, or 15, or 20 starters back from the season before. Win the national title, and you'll likely be pre season #1 the next season.

ASU is probably the only team in the country playing a 12 game schedule (it seems over 1/2 the teams are) that is a lock to get in at 8-4 based on being 3 time defending champs. UD would be the next most likely as they have the most brutal schedule I have ever seen.

Actually I do think we'd get in at 8-4, I'd just rather not take the chance.

[ericsaid]

Or JMU not fumbling. xcoffeex

Or Delaware just not sucking completely, which judging by the way Delaware played Appalachian then the same result would have come had JMU played Delaware in the title game so I really don't understand everyone bringing up the game Appalachian State won, regardless of why. There were too many factors that went into the end result of that game then just the fumble.

Mcneese has no chance. I would still say JMU has the best out of the CAA and possibly just as good of a chance as App has, would be exciting to see them play in the Title game and I believe evryone affiliated with these two schools would love it.

[ericsaid]

I'm going to GSU and App state this year, if im the the hospital, damn it someone better fly me there. App may break the 30,000 barrier this season. Closest was 28,900 last season.

[Touchdown Yosef]

I'm going to GSU and App state this year, if im the the hospital, damn it someone better fly me there. App may break the 30,000 barrier this season. Closest was 28,900 last season.

The game is in Statesboro this year so if there are 30,000 people there they will be mostly GSU fans. I do hope we can do it this year but I think the home opener would be the most likely game then possibly homecomming. This all depends on the new stands actually being finished in time for the season which I am skeptical of and have yet to see any official architecuaral renderings of.

[89Hen]

Or Delaware just not sucking completely, which judging by the way Delaware played Appalachian then the same result would have come had JMU played Delaware in the title game
I guess we could ignore that UD beat JMU and just go with your opinion. xcoffeex

I'm sure your fellow App fans are really proud to have you posting here. xwhistlex

[mcveyrl]

Mcneese has no chance. I would still say JMU has the best out of the CAA and possibly just as good of a chance as App has, would be exciting to see them play in the Title game and I believe evryone affiliated with these two schools would love it.


This was you from the "what will JMU '08 look like" thread:


villanova also wont do anything this season, or next or the next UR is returning a lot of players and from what i saw ayt the App semi final game will be a force to be reckoned with for the next couple of years, as for james madison, im sorry i cant say the same thing

I think some kid has your account information...xeekx xeekx


Wait...alexale...is that you???

[Appinator]

Wait...alexale...is that you???

Alexale had better punctuation.....xlolx

[ericsaid]

I did forget about that, there may be for the Furman game since they should be better this year than last. Hope the game they play against UD is on television, any predictions on that game from anyone?

[mcveyrl]

I did forget about that, there may be for the Furman game since they should be better this year than last. Hope the game they play against UD is on television, any predictions on that game from anyone?

Anybody have a guess on this?

I'm going to need to know how you're affiliated with ASU?

Student? Boone resident? Creator of the video that shall not be named?

Let me guess. You graduated from ASU, but got your law degree at whichever semi-final team has a law school...

[ericsaid]

Anybody have a guess on this?

I'm going to need to know how you're affiliated with ASU?

Student? Boone resident? Creator of the video that shall not be named?

Let me guess. You graduated from ASU, but got your law degree at whichever semi-final team has a law school...

Wrong on all counts. My brother is an Alum from Appalachian. I live 45 minutes away from Boone but go to all the home games for the most part that I can. I am also only a junior in high school so I hope to get into App in about a year. However my grandfather is a Michigan Alum and my dad an Elon alum, so it's entertaining for me to watch App beat bothxthumbsupx

[McNeese75]

Or Delaware just not sucking completely, which judging by the way Delaware played Appalachian then the same result would have come had JMU played Delaware in the title game so I really don't understand everyone bringing up the game Appalachian State won, regardless of why. There were too many factors that went into the end result of that game then just the fumble.

Mcneese has no chance. I would still say JMU has the best out of the CAA and possibly just as good of a chance as App has, would be exciting to see them play in the Title game and I believe evryone affiliated with these two schools would love it.

xrolleyesx xnonox

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JDKW8TV1L._SS500_.jpg

[McNeese75]

Wrong on all counts. My brother is an Alum from Appalachian. I live 45 minutes away from Boone but go to all the home games for the most part that I can. I am also only a junior in high school so I hope to get into App in about a year. However my grandfather is a Michigan Alum and my dad an Elon alum, so it's entertaining for me to watch App beat bothxthumbsupx

xlolx Well that explains a lot. Eric, you better hope you can get into ASU because the way your going on around here you might end up getting xasswhipx if you show up somewhere else xnodx

[theasushow]

hey...first post ever, but i have been reading the board for about 2 years now. yes, i am yet another asu fan/alum, have asu fans always dominated this board or did that just happen in the say...last three years?

obviously we should be stacked next year...i feel we are very fortunate to be playing 4 "tougher" games at the rock. elon, furman, citadel, wofford, or it could be a different story. we should be able to beat wcu, su and utc on the road.

[furman94]

Welcome to the board lurker! ASU fans have multiplied over the past 3 years. Bandwagon maybe?

[furman94]

Anybody have a guess on this?

I'm going to need to know how you're affiliated with ASU?

Student? Boone resident? Creator of the video that shall not be named?

Let me guess. You graduated from ASU, but got your law degree at whichever semi-final team has a law school...

Nah, he isn't the Spider loving, App worshiping, JMU lawyerwanabe, SOB from the playoffs. Where is old Alexi anywho?

[JohnStOnge]

Mcneese has no chance

I guarantee you that if we'd been having this discussion in the spring of 2005 nobody would've thought of Appalachian State as having a chance. The Mountaineers were coming off a 6-5 2004 season and I can remember people on this very board saying it was time for Coach Moore to hang it up. In fact, at that point, McNeese had been to the national title game twice while Appalachian State had never made it there. Most I-AA fans would probably have thought McNeese would win a national title before App State would.

You just never know.

[Cap'n Cat]

No mention of UNI. Probably a good thing.

:)

[theasushow]

Mcneese has a ton of talent...no disputing that. Their conference just doesnt prepare them for the playoffs. With that being said, I was glad ewu took them out in the first round, it would have been a shoot out with asu in the second round...at their place, scary.

[BDKJMU]

No mention of UNI. Probably a good thing.

:)

I see from the UNI depth chart showing 6 returning starters on offense, but loses Sanders at QB and 4 o lineman. Shows 7 returning on defense.
http://www.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/niwa/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/depth-chart

Breaking in a new starting QB behind 4 new lineman doesn't sound good. So I guess thats your big ? QB and o-line?

[AshevilleApp2]

No mention of UNI. Probably a good thing.

:)

I think UNI has a great chance.

[89Hen]

I am also only a junior in high school so I hope to get into App in about a year.
Ohhhhhhhhhh, that does explain a lot.xoopsx

[CID1990]

Bold prediction and I will be pulling for you except when you are in boone. What Socon games do you expect to win?

We'll go into all of them expecting to win them.

Realistically? I think a solo loss to ASU in Boone is very possible. Losses to Furman and Wofford on the road are also possible, but I think we will turn around the close road losses of two years ago. Elon will also be a very tough game, but I don't think they match up against us as well as Wofford or even Furman.

Our team's fate is in its own hands, but I am much more excited about this team than I was about last year's team. Blanchard is a tougher kid than Duran, and will make up for less athletic ability with more grit. Anyone who saw him play knows that although he is slower than Duran, he takes the licks much more solidly. Our receiver corps is going to be huge, and our defense is going to be much improved, as well.

[Touchdown Yosef]

We'll go into all of them expecting to win them.

Realistically? I think a solo loss to ASU in Boone is very possible. Losses to Furman and Wofford on the road are also possible, but I think we will turn around the close road losses of two years ago. Elon will also be a very tough game, but I don't think they match up against us as well as Wofford or even Furman.

Our team's fate is in its own hands, but I am much more excited about this team than I was about last year's team. Blanchard is a tougher kid than Duran, and will make up for less athletic ability with more grit. Anyone who saw him play knows that although he is slower than Duran, he takes the licks much more solidly. Our receiver corps is going to be huge, and our defense is going to be much improved, as well.

I hope you do it. It would be an interesting year if the second and third place finishers in the conference were The Citadel and Elon.

[PaladinFan]

We'll go into all of them expecting to win them.

Realistically? I think a solo loss to ASU in Boone is very possible. Losses to Furman and Wofford on the road are also possible, but I think we will turn around the close road losses of two years ago. Elon will also be a very tough game, but I don't think they match up against us as well as Wofford or even Furman.

Our team's fate is in its own hands, but I am much more excited about this team than I was about last year's team. Blanchard is a tougher kid than Duran, and will make up for less athletic ability with more grit. Anyone who saw him play knows that although he is slower than Duran, he takes the licks much more solidly. Our receiver corps is going to be huge, and our defense is going to be much improved, as well.

I never under estimate the Citadel. Without your team ferociously battling back down 20 points Furman would likely have been in the playoffs.

[mcveyrl]

Wrong on all counts. My brother is an Alum from Appalachian. I live 45 minutes away from Boone but go to all the home games for the most part that I can. I am also only a junior in high school so I hope to get into App in about a year. However my grandfather is a Michigan Alum and my dad an Elon alum, so it's entertaining for me to watch App beat bothxthumbsupx

That does explain a lot...although I've noticed your posts have picked up. Which way 45 minutes? I'm about an hour and a half from Boone in Tenn.

[GreatAppSt]

No mention of UNI. Probably a good thing.

:) The every other year rule for UNI continues?xeyebrowx

[Eaglesrus]

We'll go into all of them expecting to win them.

Realistically? I think a solo loss to ASU in Boone is very possible. Losses to Furman and Wofford on the road are also possible, but I think we will turn around the close road losses of two years ago. Elon will also be a very tough game, but I don't think they match up against us as well as Wofford or even Furman.

Our team's fate is in its own hands, but I am much more excited about this team than I was about last year's team. Blanchard is a tougher kid than Duran, and will make up for less athletic ability with more grit. Anyone who saw him play knows that although he is slower than Duran, he takes the licks much more solidly. Our receiver corps is going to be huge, and our defense is going to be much improved, as well.

So you think that ASU, Furman, Wofford and Elon are the only SoCon teams that have any possibility of beating you this year? Very interesting. I think it will be possible for us to loose to every other team in the conference, just not likely in several cases and a toss-up in most others.

[already123]

when do the preseason polls get released?

[89Hen]

when do the preseason polls get released?
AGS is third week in May.

[AppStFan76]

Does it really matter we all know App will be #1!! Does anything else matter?

[PaladinFan]

Does it really matter we all know App will be #1!! Does anything else matter?

wow. annoying.

[AppStFan76]

wow. annoying.

Oh come on just trying to have a little fun. Bet if Furman was coming in at #1 we would ALL know about it!xsmiley_wix xthumbsupx

[Retro]

This thread has turned into the "Will APP State win it all and if not why so" thread with people under 100 posts! xdizzyx

http://rdr.zazzle.com/img/imt-dzn/pd-235739836620774422/isz-m/tl-Repeat+Offender.jpg

[ericsaid]

That does explain a lot...although I've noticed your posts have picked up. Which way 45 minutes? I'm about an hour and a half from Boone in Tenn.

Down the mountain, on 321.

[furman94]

Amen Retro!

ATTN: I'M GONNA SAY IT HERE! APP WILL NOT WIN IT ALL THIS YEAR! THE 'NEERS WILL FALL OFF THEIR HIGH MOUNTAIN HORSE AND THEIR DYNASTY WILL END. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE DAMNED H** H** H** VIDEO THAT WILL NOT BE NAMED! 3 HOTS, 3 CHAMPIONSHIPS. OVER AND DONE WITH!


































hopefully! knock on wood...lol

[ericsaid]

I believe this year may be more of rebuilding for most teams in the SoCon but Appalachian(in some peoples opinions they are, for those who know anything about Appalachian can realistically say Appalachian is not rebuilding) and elon. No one is mentioning Elon in all of these and them having one of the top FCS passers last season doesnt mean anything to anyone? Appalachian and Elon I can see are the two teams who are in the playoffs, ofcourse with work and all their tough schedules. It will be interesting to see how Wofford copes with the departure of Renaldo Gray, or Grey whatever.

The other SoCon team that might have a chance is Wofford. Yes, that makes four teams possibly making it from the SoCon, which can be done considering 5 teams from the CAA made it last season.

Funny how the Head of the Selection Committee is the head of the CAA.xeyebrowx

[ericsaid]

and i forgot georgia southern

[AshevilleApp2]

Amen Retro!

ATTN: I'M GONNA SAY IT HERE! APP WILL NOT WIN IT ALL THIS YEAR! THE 'NEERS WILL FALL OFF THEIR HIGH MOUNTAIN HORSE AND THEIR DYNASTY WILL END. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE DAMNED H** H** H** VIDEO THAT WILL NOT BE NAMED! 3 HOTS, 3 CHAMPIONSHIPS. OVER AND DONE WITH!


































hopefully! knock on wood...lol

You may well be right. I'm just glad to see App and dynasty in the same post. By a Furman fan. Thanks. xthumbsupx

[AshevilleApp2]

Down the mountain, on 321.

Look out ya'll, it's a Caldwell County man.

[lizrdgizrd]

Amen Retro!

ATTN: I'M GONNA SAY IT HERE! APP WILL NOT WIN IT ALL THIS YEAR! THE 'NEERS WILL FALL OFF THEIR HIGH MOUNTAIN HORSE AND THEIR DYNASTY WILL END. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE DAMNED H** H** H** VIDEO THAT WILL NOT BE NAMED! 3 HOTS, 3 CHAMPIONSHIPS. OVER AND DONE WITH!

hopefully! knock on wood...lol

Damn, I knew I should have added another couple Hots on there. xbangx

[ericsaid]

Look out ya'll, it's a Caldwell County man.

Hahaha, if only everyone knew what you meant, and no i'm anything but a caldwell county man, not from around here, just live here for the time being.

damned rednecks

[ericsaid]

Damn, I knew I should have added another couple Hots on there. xbangx


Change the title of the video title and put more hots on itxthumbsupx

[CharlestonAppFan]

Hahaha, if only everyone knew what you meant, and no i'm anything but a caldwell county man, not from around here, just live here for the time being.

damned rednecks

Watch it there eric xmadx that's where this App fan is originally from as are quite a few of my friends. Although I would have to agree that I did get out of that place as soon as I could after ASU :D . Which high school are you attending?

[CharlestonAppFan]

Look out ya'll, it's a Caldwell County man.

And your point being? xeyebrowx

[Touchdown Yosef]

I believe this year may be more of rebuilding for most teams in the SoCon but Appalachian(in some peoples opinions they are, for those who know anything about Appalachian can realistically say Appalachian is not rebuilding) and elon. No one is mentioning Elon in all of these and them having one of the top FCS passers last season doesnt mean anything to anyone? Appalachian and Elon I can see are the two teams who are in the playoffs, ofcourse with work and all their tough schedules. It will be interesting to see how Wofford copes with the departure of Renaldo Gray, or Grey whatever.

The other SoCon team that might have a chance is Wofford. Yes, that makes four teams possibly making it from the SoCon, which can be done considering 5 teams from the CAA made it last season.

Funny how the Head of the Selection Committee is the head of the CAA.xeyebrowx


Lets stay away from that topic, I believe it has been discussed once or twice before.

[AshevilleApp2]

And your point being? xeyebrowx

There's some crazy folks, and I mean this in a good way, in Caldwell County. Some of my best friends, and most of the people I tailgate with before ASU games, are from there.

[CharlestonAppFan]

There's some crazy folks, and I mean this in a good way, in Caldwell County. Some of my best friends, and most of the people I tailgate with before ASU games, are from there.

I betcha I know all of them too....how old are these tailgaters you speak of?

[AshevilleApp2]

I betcha I know all of them too....how old are these tailgaters you speak of?

Early to mid-40's.

[CharlestonAppFan]

Early to mid-40's.

actually, I might not know who they are then :o . I'm 32 years old, but I don't think I would know many people over the age of 35 or 36, but you never know. Caldwell County people are crazy, but the craziest region around there is Wilkes County xnodx ....

but having said that I probably know some of them anyway; it's a small town and I'm related to half of that county xeyebrowx xnonono2x that's one reason I had to get out of that place xlolx

[furman94]

I believe this year may be more of rebuilding for most teams in the SoCon but Appalachian(in some peoples opinions they are, for those who know anything about Appalachian can realistically say Appalachian is not rebuilding) and elon. No one is mentioning Elon in all of these and them having one of the top FCS passers last season doesnt mean anything to anyone? Appalachian and Elon I can see are the two teams who are in the playoffs, ofcourse with work and all their tough schedules. It will be interesting to see how Wofford copes with the departure of Renaldo Gray, or Grey whatever.

The other SoCon team that might have a chance is Wofford. Yes, that makes four teams possibly making it from the SoCon, which can be done considering 5 teams from the CAA made it last season.

Funny how the Head of the Selection Committee is the head of the CAA.xeyebrowx

Are you stoopit?! Renaldo was at FU, not Wofford! I honestly don't think that App and Elon are the only 2 teams in! READ YOUR SOCON HISTORY YOUNG, IGNORANT PADAWAN!

[Jerbearasu]

This thread has turned into the "Will APP State win it all and if not why so" thread with people under 100 posts! [/IMG]

First of all, funny post. Secondly, I agree. I really want to start a thread with absolutely no mentioning App allowed but ultimately know that someone would pull ASU into the convo...
I'd like to hear reasons why people think a team could win the National Championship and the biggest factor they'd need to overcome to do so...
Finally, I think Elon may get into the playoffs but even if they do, I just don't see them going all the way. They have a great QB and a great group of receivers (including one of the best in the FCS) but they don't have a proven running game. Also, their defense is middle of the road in the SoCon so I just don't think they would stack up well especially come playoff time...

[eagle1]

Even though we had a coaching change, I still think that EWU is a legit national championship contender. Coach Baldwin is solid and will not change much offensively but look for the Eags to be much better defensively going to a traditional 4-3. I also think that App State, James Madison, and Delaware have legitimate shots at a the 2008 National Championship. Is NDSU eligible for the post-season? If so I think that I would put them into the mix as well. Go Eagles!!!

[seantaylor]

Elon will not make the playoffs. They will have a worse year than this past season. They lost their O coordinator, and their road schedule is tougher than last year.

[Col Hogan]

I believe this year may be more of rebuilding for most teams in the SoCon but Appalachian(in some peoples opinions they are, for those who know anything about Appalachian can realistically say Appalachian is not rebuilding) and elon. No one is mentioning Elon in all of these and them having one of the top FCS passers last season doesnt mean anything to anyone? Appalachian and Elon I can see are the two teams who are in the playoffs, ofcourse with work and all their tough schedules. It will be interesting to see how Wofford copes with the departure of Renaldo Gray, or Grey whatever.

The other SoCon team that might have a chance is Wofford. Yes, that makes four teams possibly making it from the SoCon, which can be done considering 5 teams from the CAA made it last season.

Funny how the Head of the Selection Committee is the head of the CAA.xeyebrowx


Yo.....Nimrod...Over here......






How many votes did the SOCON have on the selection committee...and How many votes did the CAA have on the same committee...xcoffeex

[furman94]

Don't listen to anything ericsaid says. He don't know what he be talkin bout!

[gophoenix]

I believe this year may be more of rebuilding for most teams in the SoCon but Appalachian(in some peoples opinions they are, for those who know anything about Appalachian can realistically say Appalachian is not rebuilding) and elon. No one is mentioning Elon in all of these and them having one of the top FCS passers last season doesnt mean anything to anyone? Appalachian and Elon I can see are the two teams who are in the playoffs, ofcourse with work and all their tough schedules. It will be interesting to see how Wofford copes with the departure of Renaldo Gray, or Grey whatever.

The other SoCon team that might have a chance is Wofford. Yes, that makes four teams possibly making it from the SoCon, which can be done considering 5 teams from the CAA made it last season.

Funny how the Head of the Selection Committee is the head of the CAA.xeyebrowx

Maybe. Right now, there are 6 SoCon Contenders in my opinion: App, The Citadel, Elon, Furman, GSU and Wofford. And for anyone to come out on top means not losing to UTC, Western or Samford. And I guarantee all of those three knock off multiple teams of the potential top 6. Who it will be? Who knows. And some of those top 6 match up great against others and terrible against others. So really, I can't tell what will happen. All I know is that with more teams putting up good numbers in the SoCon, it is making for a way more exciting conference season than any I can remember in the past 10 years.

My prediction for next year is much like it was this year. The SoCon beats up on itself all season and gets 2, maybe 3, in the playoffs again. The saving grace is that we seem to have stepped up scheduling this year and that 12th game adds some padding to it.

[furman94]

Maybe. Right now, there are 6 SoCon Contenders in my opinion: App, The Citadel, Elon, Furman, GSU and Wofford. And for anyone to come out on top means not losing to UTC, Western or Samford. And I guarantee all of those three knock off multiple teams of the potential top 6. Who it will be? Who knows. And some of those top 6 match up great against others and terrible against others. So really, I can't tell what will happen. All I know is that with more teams putting up good numbers in the SoCon, it is making for a way more exciting conference season than any I can remember in the past 10 years.

My prediction for next year is much like it was this year. The SoCon beats up on itself all season and gets 2, maybe 3, in the playoffs again. The saving grace is that we seem to have stepped up scheduling this year and that 12th game adds some padding to it.


Except for FU! We'll be back in it. No more 6-5 or ther'll be some pretty pissed Paladin Fans!

[Jerbearasu]

Except for FU! We'll be back in it. No more 6-5 or ther'll be some pretty pissed Paladin Fans!

Probably a question for another thread but how much is Bobby Lamb on the hot seat?

[furman94]

Uh, this FU fan expects ALOT from him this year. 6-5 don't cut it. If we don't step up to our yearly status in the playoffs this year, I believe that the seat will start to burn his arse untill he pulls a Jerry Moore annd we win 3 National Championships!

[ericsaid]

Watch it there eric xmadx that's where this App fan is originally from as are quite a few of my friends. Although I would have to agree that I did get out of that place as soon as I could after ASU :D . Which high school are you attending?

South Caldwell actually.

[ericsaid]

Are you stoopit?! Renaldo was at FU, not Wofford! I honestly don't think that App and Elon are the only 2 teams in! READ YOUR SOCON HISTORY YOUNG, IGNORANT PADAWAN!


I meant Furman, i knew that because he is Armanti's cousin, sorry.

[ericsaid]

actually, I might not know who they are then :o . I'm 32 years old, but I don't think I would know many people over the age of 35 or 36, but you never know. Caldwell County people are crazy, but the craziest region around there is Wilkes County xnodx ....

but having said that I probably know some of them anyway; it's a small town and I'm related to half of that county xeyebrowx xnonono2x that's one reason I had to get out of that place xlolx

The only good thing about living here is because i'm related to no one around here excpet me immediate family, meaning my mom and dad so its pretty great.

Minus the fact that i'm still in caldwell countyxeyebrowx

[furman94]

I meant Furman, i knew that because he is Armanti's cousin, sorry.

No Hard Feelings!

[PaladinFan]

Probably a question for another thread but how much is Bobby Lamb on the hot seat?

Bobby Lamb is not on the hotseat at all. I agree with Furman94, though, go read up on your SoCon history. You'll find ASU's rise to the top has been very very recent.

[ericsaid]

Well, Furman may have a shot at App judging by their quarterback this year coming up, read a bio on FU's website. Looks dangerous, but the only way furman wins the game is if they can get the ball away without the quarterback being hit on every down.

[ericsaid]

But Furman does have my allegience for their game against Delaware

[furman94]

Well, Furman may have a shot at App judging by their quarterback this year coming up, read a bio on FU's website. Looks dangerous, but the only way furman wins the game is if they can get the ball away without the quarterback being hit on every down.

So, you are saying that Renaldo was hit on every down this year at the FU ASU game?

[gophoenix]

Except for FU! We'll be back in it. No more 6-5 or ther'll be some pretty pissed Paladin Fans!

And that's the problem in the SoCon. Most schools expect national championship success every year. Where in the CAA and other leagues they are comfortable with year to year swapping.

Problem is, even if we all have top 10 caliber teams, not all of us are going to win. And that's a problem with fans of the old guard now. You guys want The Citadel, Elon, Wofford and the rest to be good, but just not good enough to beat you so that the old guard stays the same.

So what happens if the SoCon stays like it is now and everyone is jockeying every year for position and it's different schools winning it every year from now on, unlike all the years past?

[ericsaid]

So, you are saying that Renaldo was hit on every down this year at the FU ASU game?

No, i'm saying it may be worse this year because App's entire front 7 is coming back. They were decent last year but should be one of the best in the FCS this year. Should be a good game as usual, aside from 06'

[mlbowl]

Like I said, this championship is already decided....it's time to start discussing 09

[ericsaid]

I didn't say App would have the best team. One of the top front 7's yes. Secondary, definently won't. Offense could be towards the top again, maybe not last years offense but still explosive im assuming.

[Chi Panther]

I see from the UNI depth chart showing 6 returning starters on offense, but loses Sanders at QB and 4 o lineman. Shows 7 returning on defense.
http://www.cstv.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/niwa/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/depth-chart

Breaking in a new starting QB behind 4 new lineman doesn't sound good. So I guess thats your big ? QB and o-line?

First off UNI doesn't have a prayer at the playoffs this year.....;)

UNI will however have a RS-JR QB who spent 3 years learning from Sanders and he is built like house. http://unipanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/grace_pat00.htmlWIth the exception of QB, every skill player that started returns.

UNI will be starting 4 new OL this year, but they will not be short of experience and they were lucky enough to play behind 2 kids at this year's NFL Combine.

UNI's defense will be the best its been since 1992

[mtgrizfan4life]

AGS, I am posting this for future reference when GRIZ fans start calling for Haucks job again this year. As evidenced by this thread very few GRIZ fans are posting here, and to be honest we do not expect as much from the GRIZ this year. I am being fair here so far I hope.

The GRIZ were in a similar position in 05, when considered a rebuilding year with too many ? marks, yet again won the conference and made the playoffs. For the record, if they are to be knocked off the door is wide open this year for a new king. Despite rebuiding this year and the conference having so many unprovens other than EWU, I expect the GRIZ to make the playoffs once again and finish 2nd in the BSC. Many at EGRIZ are predicting a huge downfall and record ranging from 10-2 to 6-6. I expect 10-2 or 9-3 and the GRIZ to get progressively better as the year progresses. Our OL and experienced QB will see us through conference play. Kicking game will be down some, return game will be GREAT, and defense will once again be very good. Hauck has proven to me defense is a staple at Montana now. I have no reason to believe there will be a drastic downfall there.

If anything inexperienced kicking game with experienced QB and OL should lead to opening up the offense more, resulting in more TDS in the RedZone. We also will again have some open field, quicker offensive guys similar to Heidelberger and Segers. The big play element has been missing the last few years. I am going out on the limb and saying the GRIZ will not have a huge drop and surprise many here and EGRIZ.

With that said, if they do as I expect, will all you here tell the Hauck bashers to shutup? As things look now, will the GRIZ not be overachieving by making the playoffs again? I guarantee despite what Hauck does this year or any year,,GRIZ fans will be boasting about the team, yet in the same sentence still want Hauck GONE. A few will come on here once the season kickoffs and claim they knew it all along that the GRIZ would be back. (I have not seen that yet on this thread or AGS, have you?) Take notice of the GRIZ fans keeping the faith in this program and those remaining silent or skeptical. How many here expect GRIZ fans to be calling for Haucks job once again, even if the GRIZ overachieve this year?

I feel Hauck has done a great job and is a great coach at any level. I hope some on AGS will back me when myself and few other GRIZ fans are tellling the bashers to shut up! Anyway, sorry to carry on. I just wanted to say this now, and hope the majority of AGS agrees with me on how critical GRIZ fans can be of a damn good coach for a damn good program.
Thank you all and good luck to all teams this year. Is anyone ready for football?

[Jerbearasu]

Bobby Lamb is not on the hotseat at all. I agree with Furman94, though, go read up on your SoCon history. You'll find ASU's rise to the top has been very very recent.

If by recent you mean the mid-80's then yes I assume it is pretty recent... ASU's championships have come in the past 3 years but it is not like that is the first success we've tasted.
The reason I would say BL is on the hot seat is because of the hype his teams have had only to not rise to the top. With the talent he has had I think many alumni would expect more than what was acheived. App had this problem in 01 and 02. They returned virtually everybody from a semifinal team and went to the QF's in 01 and 1st round in 02... Many thought FU of 07 was top 5 material, including myself, and they went 6-5... Also, you can't keep losing close games to rival teams and expect people to be content. Furman was right there in 05 but have trailed off since. And like I mentioned before it doesn't help when you lose consistently to a conference rival (ask John Cooper... he was basically fired from Ohio State because his record against Michigan was horrible).
I am not implying Furman should send him packing but they should expect more than a 6-5 team or even a first round bump from the playoffs.

[furman94]

What I've been saying for a couple of yeas now!

[OL FU]

If by recent you mean the mid-80's then yes I assume it is pretty recent... ASU's championships have come in the past 3 years but it is not like that is the first success we've tasted.
The reason I would say BL is on the hot seat is because of the hype his teams have had only to not rise to the top. With the talent he has had I think many alumni would expect more than what was acheived. App had this problem in 01 and 02. They returned virtually everybody from a semifinal team and went to the QF's in 01 and 1st round in 02... Many thought FU of 07 was top 5 material, including myself, and they went 6-5... Also, you can't keep losing close games to rival teams and expect people to be content. Furman was right there in 05 but have trailed off since. And like I mentioned before it doesn't help when you lose consistently to a conference rival (ask John Cooper... he was basically fired from Ohio State because his record against Michigan was horrible).
I am not implying Furman should send him packing but they should expect more than a 6-5 team or even a first round bump from the playoffs.


Furman expects better than 6-5 teams. But it will take more than one to put Lamb on the hot seat. Now if we continue, the seat will heat up. The teams have not been as good as the '05 team (which wasn't as good as the '04 team). There are not many Martin's that come through the league. Personally, I think we had a few problems. '06 was injury filled and we were still 8-3. One of the reasons we were 8-3 is that it was not a very good year for the SoCon ( except for ASU). I think in '07 the coaches at the first of the year played to minimize injuries and thought we could run a very vanilla offense and win. Whether it was because they not calculate the increased speed in the SoCon or they just had the "We are Furman mentality". I don't know. I also wonder if they realized how porous the defense was going to be. After the Wofford game, the coaches made offensive adjustments but we could never quite match the speed of the other teams with our defense. From everything I can see in recruting the coaches tried to address that this year. Where that leaves us next year is a guess. The o-line will be back with a years experience. I truly believe the offense will be strong next year. As I said before, my concern is still the defense. For 30 years I have watched Furman play bend don't break defense. In '06 and 07 we broke. ('07 much worse than '06). I have never been one to brag about my strategic knowledge so I won't here. But without speed on defense to counter speed on offense it could be another tough year. We have to have the speed and aggressive defensive play calling to have the confidence to play the receivers close and contain the QB similar to what we did at GSU in the later part of the year. (Personally, I thought the GSU game was one of the best coached Furman games I have seen in a while) Without that, we are going to have to score a lot of points to win.

[AshevilleApp2]

actually, I might not know who they are then :o . I'm 32 years old, but I don't think I would know many people over the age of 35 or 36, but you never know. Caldwell County people are crazy, but the craziest region around there is Wilkes County xnodx ....

but having said that I probably know some of them anyway; it's a small town and I'm related to half of that county xeyebrowx xnonono2x that's one reason I had to get out of that place xlolx

Wilkes is right there. Something about the foothills?

[AshevilleApp2]

AGS, I am posting this for future reference when GRIZ fans start calling for Haucks job again this year. As evidenced by this thread very few GRIZ fans are posting here, and to be honest we do not expect as much from the GRIZ this year. I am being fair here so far I hope.

The GRIZ were in a similar position in 05, when considered a rebuilding year with too many ? marks, yet again won the conference and made the playoffs. For the record, if they are to be knocked off the door is wide open this year for a new king. Despite rebuiding this year and the conference having so many unprovens other than EWU, I expect the GRIZ to make the playoffs once again and finish 2nd in the BSC. Many at EGRIZ are predicting a huge downfall and record ranging from 10-2 to 6-6. I expect 10-2 or 9-3 and the GRIZ to get progressively better as the year progresses. Our OL and experienced QB will see us through conference play. Kicking game will be down some, return game will be GREAT, and defense will once again be very good. Hauck has proven to me defense is a staple at Montana now. I have no reason to believe there will be a drastic downfall there.

If anything inexperienced kicking game with experienced QB and OL should lead to opening up the offense more, resulting in more TDS in the RedZone. We also will again have some open field, quicker offensive guys similar to Heidelberger and Segers. The big play element has been missing the last few years. I am going out on the limb and saying the GRIZ will not have a huge drop and surprise many here and EGRIZ.

With that said, if they do as I expect, will all you here tell the Hauck bashers to shutup? As things look now, will the GRIZ not be overachieving by making the playoffs again? I guarantee despite what Hauck does this year or any year,,GRIZ fans will be boasting about the team, yet in the same sentence still want Hauck GONE. A few will come on here once the season kickoffs and claim they knew it all along that the GRIZ would be back. (I have not seen that yet on this thread or AGS, have you?) Take notice of the GRIZ fans keeping the faith in this program and those remaining silent or skeptical. How many here expect GRIZ fans to be calling for Haucks job once again, even if the GRIZ overachieve this year?

I feel Hauck has done a great job and is a great coach at any level. I hope some on AGS will back me when myself and few other GRIZ fans are tellling the bashers to shut up! Anyway, sorry to carry on. I just wanted to say this now, and hope the majority of AGS agrees with me on how critical GRIZ fans can be of a damn good coach for a damn good program.
Thank you all and good luck to all teams this year. Is anyone ready for football?

Yes I'm ready for football. I hope people aren't after his job, but it doesn't surprise me. In 2004, there were a good number of App fans saying the game had passed Coach Moore by, and he should be retired.

If Montana's coach is good enough to get you into the playoffs nearly every (how many years in a row?), and runs a clean program, he deserves to stay or leave on his own terms.

[Touchdown Yosef]

And that's the problem in the SoCon. Most schools expect national championship success every year. Where in the CAA and other leagues they are comfortable with year to year swapping.

Problem is, even if we all have top 10 caliber teams, not all of us are going to win. And that's a problem with fans of the old guard now. You guys want The Citadel, Elon, Wofford and the rest to be good, but just not good enough to beat you so that the old guard stays the same.

So what happens if the SoCon stays like it is now and everyone is jockeying every year for position and it's different schools winning it every year from now on, unlike all the years past?

That is not a problem with the Socon. Every fan and every team is optimistic and demands greatness. It is the expectations of winning that have allowed the Socon to produce more national champions than any other conference in FCS. I don't think that JMU Delaware and Umass are really all that comfortable "swapping" they all play for the NC every year, it just doesn't always play out the way they want it to. That is the nature of the beast in such a large league with so many great programs. If years like this past one keep up in the Socon then great! Things change and some things stay the same and new teams being competitive is welcome and it is the point of a strong conference. If I wish all the luck in the world to Elon and The Citadel except when they come to Boone, than so be it that is simply sportsmanship. I will do the same for Furman and Wofford because I have respect for their school and football program and I want to see them do well, just not against my Mountaineers.

The Socon does not have a problem, it is a deep league filled with storied programs that demand greatness. The Socon champ leaves for the playoffs well tested and ready to take on anyone in the nation and that is why the Socon's best are often times FCS's best. (the same can be said for the CAA as well) The minute our programs stop expecting a NC at the end of every year is the year that we no longer will compete as one of the top conferences in FCS.

[AshevilleApp2]

That is not a problem with the Socon. Every fan and every team is optimistic and demands greatness. It is the expectations of winning that have allowed the Socon to produce more national champions than any other conference in FCS. I don't think that JMU Delaware and Umass are really all that comfortable "swapping" they all play for the NC every year, it just doesn't always play out the way they want it to. That is the nature of the beast in such a large league with so many great programs. If years like this past one keep up in the Socon then great! Things change and some things stay the same and new teams being competitive is welcome and it is the point of a strong conference. If I wish all the luck in the world to Elon and The Citadel except when they come to Boone, than so be it that is simply sportsmanship. I will do the same for Furman and Wofford because I have respect for their school and football program and I want to see them do well, just not against my Mountaineers.

The Socon does not have a problem, it is a deep league filled with storied programs that demand greatness. The Socon champ leaves for the playoffs well tested and ready to take on anyone in the nation and that is why the Socon's best are often times FCS's best. (the same can be said for the CAA as well) The minute our programs stop expecting a NC at the end of every year is the year that we no longer will compete as one of the top conferences in FCS.

Good post.

[PaladinFan]

Well, Furman may have a shot at App judging by their quarterback this year coming up, read a bio on FU's website. Looks dangerous, but the only way furman wins the game is if they can get the ball away without the quarterback being hit on every down.

Furman gave up the fewest sacks in the Conference last season. They return 4 of 5 offensive linemen. App State finished second in the conference in sacks, behind Furman, and they played 4 more games.

You have a good front seven, but don't for a moment think that a lot of that pressure came as a direct result of great pass coverage by a very good defensive backfield. Also remember it isn't as if App's defense was smothering in 07 like it was in 05 and 06. If memory serves me they gave up nearly 30 points a game and Wofford nearly hung 50 on them.

Not saying they won't be a fine team, but understand that it isn't as if ASU just flat dominated the competition in 2007. Maybe other conference competition, but not in the SoCon.

[Touchdown Yosef]

Furman gave up the fewest sacks in the Conference last season. They return 4 of 5 offensive linemen. App State finished second in the conference in sacks, behind Furman, and they played 4 more games.

You have a good front seven, but don't for a moment think that a lot of that pressure came as a direct result of great pass coverage by a very good defensive backfield. Also remember it isn't as if App's defense was smothering in 07 like it was in 05 and 06. If memory serves me they gave up nearly 30 points a game and Wofford nearly hung 50 on them.

Not saying they won't be a fine team, but understand that it isn't as if ASU just flat dominated the competition in 2007. Maybe other conference competition, but not in the SoCon.

I hope no one believes that we were a dominant team last year within the Socon. (i don't think many do) There was parody in the Socon last year like there hasn't been before and almost every game was close.

[blueballs]

[QUOTE=AshevilleApp2;877214]Yes I'm ready for football. I hope people aren't after his job, but it doesn't surprise me. In 2004, there were a good number of App fans saying the game had passed Coach Moore by, and he should be retired.
QUOTE]

I sat at Paulson Stadium on an October afternoon in 2004 and watched GSU just completely dismantle App State by a 54-7 count. While there was a feeling of revenge for the bus ramming incident the year before in a way it was painful to watch as the rivalry had always been very close and hard fought and is a game both sides always pencil on their schedules.

A lot of folks around me who have seen a lot of good, and often great, football played on that turf over the years thought App was headed towards mediocrity and a possible coaching replacement while there was talk of that GSU squad possibly taking its place among the great championship teams of the past.

Now, three years later, App has won three consecutive national titles and GSU has had three coaches, APR hits, and has played in less playoff games than App has won NC's. There is a lesson in that unfolding of events, and that lesson is hire the best folks you can, give them the best resources you can, and then trust them to do what's right without outside meddling. App did, GSU didn't, and the results speak for themselves.

[appst97]

Like I said, this championship is already decided....it's time to start discussing 09

If you listen to some people on here, I believe 09 has been decided already as well. I'll see you guys in August when we have something a little more tangible to discuss.

[lizrdgizrd]

I hope no one believes that we were a dominant team last year within the Socon. (i don't think many do) There was parody in the Socon last year like there hasn't been before and almost every game was close.
PARITY

I point this out only because I have seen this word misused all over AGS and I finally can't stand seeing it again.

PARODY (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/parody)-6. a poor or feeble imitation or semblance; travesty

PARITY (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/parity)-1. equality, as in amount, status, or character.

[rudy1648]

Bobby Lamb is not on the hotseat at all. I agree with Furman94, though, go read up on your SoCon history. You'll find ASU's rise to the top has been very very recent.

How many years constitue "recent"? Last 10? 20? And by rise to the top, do you mean winning the SoCon, or finishing in the top 3?

[89Hen]

And that's the problem in the SoCon. Most schools expect national championship success every year. Where in the CAA and other leagues they are comfortable with year to year swapping.
xconfusedx Not sure I understand gp. You don't think UD, JMU and UMass expect to be NC contenders every year, just the same as ASU, GSU and FU? That wouldn't have been true 15 years ago, but with UD and UMass each having a title and a runner-up in the last 10 years and JMU turning up their program, the CAA has just as many teams that are consistently at the top as the SoCon. Maybe this wasn't what you were saying though. xconfusedx

[blur2005]

I just discovered that JMU plays App on Sept 20, which is an off week for UVA in football. I may be able to make it to that game, which would be excellent.

[ChickenMan]

the CAA has just as many teams that are consistently at the top as the SoCon.



Not just as many... more... ;)

[PaladinFan]

How many years constitue "recent"? Last 10? 20? And by rise to the top, do you mean winning the SoCon, or finishing in the top 3?

My point is to say that App State joined the conference in 1971 and in the 34 years between 1971 and 2005 they had a grand total of 5 conference championships.

Furman, during the same span, had 12 conference titles and a national championship. Georgia Southern joined the conference in 1991 and by 2005 had won 8 titles and six national championships.

In 05,06,07 App has won three conference titles and three national championships. Still 3 NCs behind GSU and tied for Furman for the second most appearances in the national title game. ASU still has an all time losing record against the Paladins and (and I'm not 100% positive, but I think) the Eagles as well as an all time losing record against those two teams in Boone.

What does that mean? Nothing really. Only to say that ASU's rise to conference and I-AA supremacy has been really rather recent.

[PaladinFan]

[QUOTE=AshevilleApp2;877214]Yes I'm ready for football. I hope people aren't after his job, but it doesn't surprise me. In 2004, there were a good number of App fans saying the game had passed Coach Moore by, and he should be retired.
QUOTE]

I sat at Paulson Stadium on an October afternoon in 2004 and watched GSU just completely dismantle App State by a 54-7 count. While there was a feeling of revenge for the bus ramming incident the year before in a way it was painful to watch as the rivalry had always been very close and hard fought and is a game both sides always pencil on their schedules.

A lot of folks around me who have seen a lot of good, and often great, football played on that turf over the years thought App was headed towards mediocrity and a possible coaching replacement while there was talk of that GSU squad possibly taking its place among the great championship teams of the past.

Now, three years later, App has won three consecutive national titles and GSU has had three coaches, APR hits, and has played in less playoff games than App has won NC's. There is a lesson in that unfolding of events, and that lesson is hire the best folks you can, give them the best resources you can, and then trust them to do what's right without outside meddling. App did, GSU didn't, and the results speak for themselves.

Your team was steamrolling opponents that year. Well, up until you visted Greenville that November xthumbsupx

[ElonPride]

In 05,06,07 App has won three conference titles and three national championships. Still 3 NCs behind GSU and tied for Furman for the second most appearances in the national title game. .

Elon's been to 4 national title games, and won 2.........

Sorry it wasn't on the I-AA/FCS level, but just wanted to throw it out there as a quip xsmiley_wix

[AshevilleApp2]

My point is to say that App State joined the conference in 1971 and in the 34 years between 1971 and 2005 they had a grand total of 5 conference championships.

Furman, during the same span, had 12 conference titles and a national championship. Georgia Southern joined the conference in 1991 and by 2005 had won 8 titles and six national championships.

In 05,06,07 App has won three conference titles and three national championships. Still 3 NCs behind GSU and tied for Furman for the second most appearances in the national title game. ASU still has an all time losing record against the Paladins and (and I'm not 100% positive, but I think) the Eagles as well as an all time losing record against those two teams in Boone.

What does that mean? Nothing really. Only to say that ASU's rise to conference and I-AA supremacy has been really rather recent.

I may be wrong, but I think the post you're responding to meant that App has had success over a period of years. Trips to the semi-finals in 1987 and 2000, fifteen playoff appearances in 21 years, etc.

That takes nothing away from the points you made for Furman and GSU. Good job of number crunching.

[Rekdiver]

Whatever the numbers....I'm certaintly enjoying the bragging rights of "recent". You think that Notre Dame is spending alot of time talking about the past?

[BDKJMU]

xconfusedx Not sure I understand gp. You don't think UD, JMU and UMass expect to be NC contenders every year, just the same as ASU, GSU and FU? That wouldn't have been true 15 years ago, but with UD and UMass each having a title and a runner-up in the last 10 years and JMU turning up their program, the CAA has just as many teams that are consistently at the top as the SoCon. Maybe this wasn't what you were saying though. xconfusedx


In all Fairness, the So-Con, and the Gateway, you could say in any season the CAA had more bad teams as well. That is because the So-Con and Gateway are smaller leagues. Up till last season the So-Con only had 8 teams, and the Gateway 7 to the CAA's 12. So at if the CAA had 3 teams in the top 10, and So-Con had 2, percentage wise that would be the same for both leagues- 25%

Majority of schools from the 3 conferences, which are the top 3 in I-AA, will be in the top 50 GPI at any one time. Even though both So-Con and Gateway are going to 9 teams, it will usually be the case that the CAA (which will go to 13 teams in 09') will have one or 2 more teams in the top 10 or 15, but will usually have one or 2 more outside the GPI top 50.

[BDKJMU]

[QUOTE=blueballs;877288]

Your team was steamrolling opponents that year. Well, up until you visted Greenville that November xthumbsupx

I remember making a trip to Greenville that (04') Nov also. It turned out quite wellxthumbsupx

[89Hen]

In all Fairness, the So-Con, and the Gateway, you could say in any season the CAA had more bad teams as well. That is because the So-Con and Gateway are smaller leagues. Up till last season the So-Con only had 8 teams, and the Gateway 7 to the CAA's 12. So at if the CAA had 3 teams in the top 10, and So-Con had 2, percentage wise that would be the same for both leagues- 25%
The quote was "most schools in the SoCon"... the reality is other than Wofford's one run to the semis, only three have sniffed NC's in the last 10 years... the same number as in the CAA. Everyone has dreams of NC's, but few have expectations every year. xpeacex

[BDKJMU]

Yes I'm ready for football. I hope people aren't after his job, but it doesn't surprise me. In 2004, there were a good number of App fans saying the game had passed Coach Moore by, and he should be retired.



I sat at Paulson Stadium on an October afternoon in 2004 and watched GSU just completely dismantle App State by a 54-7 count. While there was a feeling of revenge for the bus ramming incident the year before in a way it was painful to watch as the rivalry had always been very close and hard fought and is a game both sides always pencil on their schedules.

A lot of folks around me who have seen a lot of good, and often great, football played on that turf over the years thought App was headed towards mediocrity and a possible coaching replacement while there was talk of that GSU squad possibly taking its place among the great championship teams of the past.

Now, three years later, App has won three consecutive national titles and GSU has had three coaches, APR hits, and has played in less playoff games than App has won NC's. There is a lesson in that unfolding of events, and that lesson is hire the best folks you can, give them the best resources you can, and then trust them to do what's right without outside meddling. App did, GSU didn't, and the results speak for themselves.




Your team was steamrolling opponents that year. Well, up until you visted Greenville that November xthumbsupx

I remember a trip to Greenville that Nov. It turned out quite well xthumbsupx

[gophoenix]

That is not a problem with the Socon. Every fan and every team is optimistic and demands greatness. It is the expectations of winning that have allowed the Socon to produce more national champions than any other conference in FCS. I don't think that JMU Delaware and Umass are really all that comfortable "swapping" they all play for the NC every year, it just doesn't always play out the way they want it to. That is the nature of the beast in such a large league with so many great programs. If years like this past one keep up in the Socon then great! Things change and some things stay the same and new teams being competitive is welcome and it is the point of a strong conference. If I wish all the luck in the world to Elon and The Citadel except when they come to Boone, than so be it that is simply sportsmanship. I will do the same for Furman and Wofford because I have respect for their school and football program and I want to see them do well, just not against my Mountaineers.

The Socon does not have a problem, it is a deep league filled with storied programs that demand greatness. The Socon champ leaves for the playoffs well tested and ready to take on anyone in the nation and that is why the Socon's best are often times FCS's best. (the same can be said for the CAA as well) The minute our programs stop expecting a NC at the end of every year is the year that we no longer will compete as one of the top conferences in FCS.

I just don't see that mentality being shared by most Furman, App and GSU fans. Many of whom still believe that the only reason The Citadel, Wofford and Elon as doing well is because the conference is down, not because those other schools have stepped up.

[OL FU]

I remember a trip to Greenville that Nov. It turned out quite well xthumbsupx

Last year's fumble was almost a payback for that year's fumblexbawlingx

[AshevilleApp2]

I just don't see that mentality being shared by most Furman, App and GSU fans. Many of whom still believe that the only reason The Citadel, Wofford and Elon as doing well is because the conference is down, not because those other schools have stepped up.

It's a shame if that is the case. I'm excited that other schools are stronger, it makes us all better. I've been waiting for Elon to start moving up since you joined the conference. I used to live in Greensboro and remember when you were a power. Now it's time for WCU and Chattanooga to step up.

[ericsaid]

Seem's as if recruiting for the FCS in general has picked up this year since the App-Michigan game, and UD-Navy. Recruits seeing the little guys beat up on the big boys.

[PaladinFan]

Last year's fumble was almost a payback for that year's fumblexbawlingx

I thought the exact same thing. I couldn't determine which I wanted more, for App to lose a heartbreaker at home or for JMU to get bounced from the playoffs because of an inopportune fumble.

Both, in my humble opinion, would have been poetic justice.

[Touchdown Yosef]

I just don't see that mentality being shared by most Furman, App and GSU fans. Many of whom still believe that the only reason The Citadel, Wofford and Elon as doing well is because the conference is down, not because those other schools have stepped up.

That is fine if they don't share those same feelings or have different beliefs as to the rise of Elon, and The Citadel (in my opinion Wofford has always been a strong team that could beat anyone in the right year) it still doesn't mean that anything is wrong with the conference. Fan's sentiments and expectations will not be the downfall of this conference. Keep playing consistently good football make the playoffs and opinions will change.

[OL FU]

That is fine if they don't share those same feelings or have different beliefs as to the rise of Elon, and The Citadel (in my opinion Wofford has always been a strong team that could beat anyone in the right year) it still doesn't mean that anything is wrong with the conference. Fan's sentiments and expectations will not be the downfall of this conference. Keep playing consistently good football make the playoffs and opinions will change.

I don't think most people share those feelings. But on the other hand most people are humanxeyebrowx and old habits and thought patterns are hard to break. xnodx

[PaladinFan]

I don't think most people share those feelings. But on the other hand most people are humanxeyebrowx and old habits and thought patterns are hard to break. xnodx

I don't think that at all. It's clear that they are improved. I was in Paladin Stadium a few years ago when I watched Furman beat Elon 56-7 (their first year in the conference, I think) in a game that shouldn't have even been that close. Now they can play with us.

Are App, Furman, and GSU still better programs? Sure. But the talent level in the rest of the conference is improving. In most other conferences Elon and the Citadel are in the playoffs no question.

[mcveyrl]

My outsiders view on the SoCon is this. I think the "lower" teams are improving, but will have a hard time sustaining the success of App, GSU, and Furman (and to a certain extent, Wofford). But, they will continue to have a couple years of good and a few years of bad. I think that the "few years of bad" will start to be less and less as time goes on.

I hope this makes sense...

[Touchdown Yosef]

I don't think that at all. It's clear that they are improved. I was in Paladin Stadium a few years ago when I watched Furman beat Elon 56-7 (their first year in the conference, I think) in a game that shouldn't have even been that close. Now they can play with us.

Are App, Furman, and GSU still better programs? Sure. But the talent level in the rest of the conference is improving. In most other conferences Elon and the Citadel are in the playoffs no question.

I don't think they do either I just think that Pheonix is a little down on the conference right now for some reason.

[ElonPride]

[QUOTE=PaladinFan;878820]I don't think that at all. It's clear that they are improved. I was in Paladin Stadium a few years ago when I watched Furman beat Elon 56-7 (their first year in the conference, I think) in a game that shouldn't have even been that close. QUOTE]

Was that the year you were up 35-0 in the 1st quarter? Man, that was a painful game xsmhx

[OL FU]

I don't think that at all. It's clear that they are improved. I was in Paladin Stadium a few years ago when I watched Furman beat Elon 56-7 (their first year in the conference, I think) in a game that shouldn't have even been that close. Now they can play with us.

Are App, Furman, and GSU still better programs? Sure. But the talent level in the rest of the conference is improving. In most other conferences Elon and the Citadel are in the playoffs no question.

I agree. My point was, I suppose it will take longer than a year or two of success for the mindset that the SoCon has improved from top to bottom to sink in. xnodx

It is probably a little easier for old timers like me that remember the top of the SoCon being Furman and Chattanooga or Furman and Western. Not many people can remember those days.

[OL FU]

I don't think they do either I just think that Pheonix is a little down on the conference right now for some reason.

I think he is tired of getting beat up and feeling like Elon is not getting credit for last year. Just a guess. I do think they deserve much credit but most of the credit will come with consistent success. xnodx

[lizrdgizrd]

I agree. My point was, I suppose it will take longer than a year or two of success for the mindset that the SoCon has improved from top to bottom to sink in. xnodx

It is probably a little easier for old timers like me that remember the top of the SoCon being Furman and Chattanooga or Furman and Western. Not many people can remember those days.
If you're old enough to remember that I'm surprised you're able to. xlolx

[OL FU]

If you're old enough to remember that I'm surprised you're able to. xlolx

I googled itxsmiley_wix

[gophoenix]

I don't think that at all. It's clear that they are improved. I was in Paladin Stadium a few years ago when I watched Furman beat Elon 56-7 (their first year in the conference, I think) in a game that shouldn't have even been that close. Now they can play with us.

Are App, Furman, and GSU still better programs? Sure. But the talent level in the rest of the conference is improving. In most other conferences Elon and the Citadel are in the playoffs no question.

Since being SoCon,
Furman 24-7
Furman 10-0
Furman 45-6
Furman 24-13
Furman 52-49

For the most part, the Furman/Elon series has been remarkably good games since we joined the conference despite how good you or haw bad we've been. Except for the 45-6 game.

The game you're referring to is 57-7 loss in Greenville the night of the 4 hour thunderstorm delay. I remember that, I stood under the bleachers on the other side for the whole time to watch you guys go up 35-0 in the first quarter.

[CharlestonAppFan]

It is probably a little easier for old timers like me that remember the top of the SoCon being Furman and Chattanooga or Furman and Western. Not many people can remember those days.

Wow....all I can say is.....wow xeekx xeekx xlolx

[Jerbearasu]

It is probably a little easier for old timers like me that remember the top of the SoCon being Furman and Chattanooga or Furman and Western. Not many people can remember those days.

My grandfather used to tell me stories of how his grandfather would go to those games!xlolx xlolx xlolx

[OL FU]

My grandfather used to tell me stories of how his grandfather would go to those games!xlolx xlolx xlolx

We prolly sat next to each otherxbawlingx

[mtnman]

furman owned the socon for many years and app,i can go back to that 70-7 game with utc.how things have changed.

[PaladinFan]

Since being SoCon,
Furman 24-7
Furman 10-0
Furman 45-6
Furman 24-13
Furman 52-49

For the most part, the Furman/Elon series has been remarkably good games since we joined the conference despite how good you or haw bad we've been. Except for the 45-6 game.

The game you're referring to is 57-7 loss in Greenville the night of the 4 hour thunderstorm delay. I remember that, I stood under the bleachers on the other side for the whole time to watch you guys go up 35-0 in the first quarter.

The most vivid thing I remember about that game (outside of the downpour) was that Furman's Ike West had 176 yrds receiving and three touchdowns on three catches and then called it a night. I mean, #16 was a great WR, but that's just silly.

Couple years ago you guys played great D. I remember the Phoenix holding Ingle Martin and Co. to 10 points. Now it seems your offense is great and if you could find a defense you'd be set. This years game I thought Furman was the better team but Elon certainly had the best player (Hudgins). We couldn't find a way to stop that guy.

[gophoenix]

The most vivid thing I remember about that game (outside of the downpour) was that Furman's Ike West had 176 yrds receiving and three touchdowns on three catches and then called it a night. I mean, #16 was a great WR, but that's just silly.

Couple years ago you guys played great D. I remember the Phoenix holding Ingle Martin and Co. to 10 points. Now it seems your offense is great and if you could find a defense you'd be set. This years game I thought Furman was the better team but Elon certainly had the best player (Hudgins). We couldn't find a way to stop that guy.

Your running game this year was the key. I could sit and blame injuries, but that is silly because injuries affect everyone. Our D is shot, but that is mainly because Paul Hamilton left that cupboard dry, really dry. We had almost an entire corps of freshman playing D last year. Should be a bit improved this year. We'll see though.

It's exciting just do know you're in it these days.

It's true our D was fairly good back then for parts of those seasons. But the D can't score all the points. If the O can't do anything, the D rarely wins the game.

[ericsaid]

Can a team have an awesome offense and an awesome defense? no, especially not in college football its hard to focus on both. Found that to be evident with the SoCon.

No defense wanted to step up so it was offenses pounding away at eachother.

[Bison05]

Im sorry but that poll is way too incomplete. Only one team out of the Gateway (even though its my team, I could name 3 others that have legitimate shot at winning a NC)? xnonono2x

[ericsaid]

thought i'd add a pole to jumpstart this thread again.

[ericsaid]

I couldn't put but 10 on there, and i believe the gateway is much like the big ten of FBS, popular but overrated, and ofcourse i think the SEC is overrated before we take this thread beyond its intended topic.

NDSU from what i saw last year has the best chance out of the Gateway. With UNI losing their 3 or 4 year starting quarterback and 4 offensive lineman and maybe a runningback?(sorry if im wrong), they are not a contender in my opinion.

Now for the others you were speaking of id like to hear. I could see YSU maybe and thats about it. SIU lost Nick Hill so they aren't because unless they have a replacement for him, from what i saw in the UD-SIU game, nick hill was the team's offense. Sorry if that offends anyone.

[Touchdown Yosef]

I couldn't put but 10 on there, and i believe the gateway is much like the big ten of FBS, popular but overrated, and ofcourse i think the SEC is overrated before we take this thread beyond its intended topic.

NDSU from what i saw last year has the best chance out of the Gateway. With UNI losing their 3 or 4 year starting quarterback and 4 offensive lineman and maybe a runningback?(sorry if im wrong), they are not a contender in my opinion.

Now for the others you were speaking of id like to hear. I could see YSU maybe and thats about it. SIU lost Nick Hill so they aren't because unless they have a replacement for him, from what i saw in the UD-SIU game, nick hill was the team's offense. Sorry if that offends anyone.

With the addition of the Dakotas this year they are far from overrated and have every right to be considered one of the top conferences in FCS. SEC overrated? Eric come on now.

[Touchdown Yosef]

Can a team have an awesome offense and an awesome defense? no, especially not in college football its hard to focus on both. Found that to be evident with the SoCon.

No defense wanted to step up so it was offenses pounding away at each other.

Yes, a team can have both and I think it is easier to do in College Football than professional. Perhaps you are familiar with our 2005 team, or countless other great college football teams (LSU comes to mind)?