College Sports Madness top 44 FCS

[alabamagrizzly]

Something tells me there is a little east coast bias in this poll. JMU comes in at #25 and 7th in their conference. Southern Illinois is 26th and 4th in the Missouri Valley and NAU is 24th and 4th in the Big Sky.

Guess they're not too far off since the coaches poll has 6 CAA schools and the same Big Sky Con and Missouri Val Con schools in there top 25.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/polls?poll=7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#18 Richmond
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9549" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now we're starting to get into the upper level teams. They're the bottom of it but still in the upper level. We all remember Richmond ending our 2008 Nat Champ hopes in a pretty dominating fashion. Mark Mariani was about the only player to standout for the Griz in a 24-7 loss that we didn't score tell it was 24-0 in the forth quarter.

The Spiders this year return nine starters from a very pass happy offence only graduating two WR. Defence isn't in too bad of shape either only worrying about replacing their standout safety. A good chunk of their starters return including a good DE and a good LB. we should expect them to do all right but they got a tuff schedule. Nov will make or break them this year.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#17 Montana State
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9567" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ill be nice. No name callin'. Honest assessment here.

Last year probably left a bad taste in the mouths of the returning Cats. Unfortunately they're gonna need more then a bad taste to rebuild their O. Replacing a four year starter at QB, a three year starter at RB and the #1 WR the last two years is alot to ask. Luckily for them, they have some players that can do it as long as they stay healthy. They also return alot on D including two of their LB's and another that started two years ago but missed last year due to injury. Injuries have been the equalizer this off season also already losing a couple of key contributers. Many people consider them to have the best LB group in the BSC and they have one of the best shut down corners also.

Bottom line. Stay healthy and the next man up needs to step in and play. O'course how is that different from any other team?

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#16 Sam Houston State
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9581" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Eastern Wash might actually beat Sam Houston this year. O'course it won't mean as much in pre-week one of the regular season. If SHS isn't rebuilding this year, they are at least doing some serious remodeling starting with the coaching staff. The head coach has finaly moved on after all of his amazing seniors have graduated. On O they are replacing three and four year starters at QB, RB, and the top two WR. On the bright side they return four starting O lineman with only one of them being a Sr.

D isn't much better with only one D lineman, one LB'er, and two DB's returning as starters. They do have more depth on this side of the ball though with alot of other players returning with playing time under their belts. They have some what of a favorable schedule which should help them still make the playoffs but unless they have some true diamonds step up, they will not be the Nat Champ threat they've been before.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#12 Coastal Carolina
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9604" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm sure most fans remember who these guys are. You might not recognize some of the faces on offense though. Gone to the NFL are their RB and #1WR plus the 2nd and 3rd WR's and a couple O lineman. They're in good shape though for rebuilding the O since the expririenced QB and a good core of returning lineman will be back. The new starting RB also set a school record last year for yards per carry as the backup.

The D is in much better shape. Not known for having a stellar D last year, most of the starters return. They run a 4-2-5 D and four of their DB's are returning along with half the line and the team leading tackler at LB.

Oh ya, their coach seems to be pretty good too. I would expect to see them in the playoffs and with any luck, we'll get a rematch.

 

[AZGrizFan]

#12 Coastal Carolina
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9604" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm sure most fans remember who these guys are. You might not recognize some of the faces on offense though. Gone to the NFL are their RB and #1WR plus the 2nd and 3rd WR's and a couple O lineman. They're in good shape though for rebuilding the O since the expririenced QB and a good core of returning lineman will be back. The new starting RB also set a school record last year for yards per carry as the backup.

The D is in much better shape. Not known for having a stellar D last year, most of the starters return. They run a 4-2-5 D and four of their DB's are returning along with half the line and the team leading tackler at LB.

Oh ya, their coach seems to be pretty good too. I would expect to see them in the playoffs and with any luck, we'll get a rematch.

I definitely want another shot at them. With our schedule, though, it may be in Carolina this time. :?

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#12 Coastal Carolina
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9604" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm sure most fans remember who these guys are. You might not recognize some of the faces on offense though. Gone to the NFL are their RB and #1WR plus the 2nd and 3rd WR's and a couple O lineman. They're in good shape though for rebuilding the O since the expririenced QB and a good core of returning lineman will be back. The new starting RB also set a school record last year for yards per carry as the backup.

The D is in much better shape. Not known for having a stellar D last year, most of the starters return. They run a 4-2-5 D and four of their DB's are returning along with half the line and the team leading tackler at LB.

Oh ya, their coach seems to be pretty good too. I would expect to see them in the playoffs and with any luck, we'll get a rematch.

I definitely want another shot at them. With our schedule, though, it may be in Carolina this time. :?

Weelllll, considering I live in Alabama, I wouldn't mind that one bit. Besides, paybacks a bi*ch!

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#10 South Dakota State
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9639" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anybody who don't remember Mark Mariani and the Griz comeback against these guys in 2008 is probably about 10 or younger. Anyone above that has no excuse. Even all the fans that left when the score was 41-14(including me). Since then SDS has only gotten better and better and if not for No Dak St dominating their con the last four years, there's no tellin how much better they would have done.

The offense this year is in great shape returning arguably the best RB in the FCS. They also return a great, expeirienced QB and WR and three returning lineman.

The D on the other hand ain't in such good shape. They return their top tackler at LB but graduate three D lineman that were responsible for most of their sacks. They also return three DB's but they might have a long year if they cant find someone new to put pressure on the Q.

I would certainly expect to see them in the playoffs again this year cus of their offense but you know what they say about D and championships. Also here's the link to highlights of the comeback against SDS if anyone wants to relive it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tz_opg3JR3M" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#8 McNeese St
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9650" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

We have probably played the Cowboys more times then anyone else in the playoffs. Meeting four times in '94, '97, '02, and '06. The series is split 2-2 with the home team winning every contest. Most games have been close with the first three being decided by 5 or less points. The 2006 match up in Missoula was the last and most lopsided meeting with the Griz winning 31-6. For the first time these two teams will meet in the regular season with the Griz goin to Lake Charles in 2016 and McNeese goin north the next year.

This years team looks to be very promising despite a bunch of new faces. McNeese has been a hot bed for D-1A drop downs and paired with a couple very good recruiting classes, they are poised to challange for the Southern Con title. They bring in a new Kan State transfer at QB and pair a couple D-1A transfers with the incumbent at RB. Last years second and third receiver will have two highly touted young guys mixin it in with them and the line has some good expeirience on the roster.

The D wasn't as good last year but returns most of its leaders from last year. Three great D lineman and another great recruit on the line. A great LB and some good players ready to step in and the team leader in tackles at saftey. The secondary will be the most inexperienced though and they will need some unknowns to step up and produce.

A couple tuff road games will dictate how high they are goin into the playoffs but expect to see them in the top half of the feild at the very least.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#7 Northern Iowa
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9655" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These guys probably don't like us. Three times we've met in the playoffs in '94, '02, and during the playoff run that didn't count in '11. All three times were in Missoula and all three ended their season including the last two with a combined score of 86-10. Last years team had high hopes and a great sept but the ball didn't bounce their way in oct and after a four point loss at the Fargo Dome and three OT losses in a row, their season was practicly shot. This years team looks to knock off No Dak St and has the players, expierience, and schedule to do it.

The O returns 10 starters only losing one O lineman. Last years O wasn't great, which was a big part of their mid season let down, but the expierience will greatly help this team. They do return a good RB that can carry the load until their O gets rollin'.

The D, although not returning as many players, has a better chance of being the drive behind the success of this team. They return two great D lineman, their best two LB's, both corners and the stand out saftey. The D was by far the strong point of this team last year and it will be again this year.

The biggest thing UNI has going for them is the schedule. Both No Dak St and So Dak St come to Iowa. If the ball bounces their way some this year, we might finally have to travel their and they could have much more to celebrate.

 

[Ursa Major]

#7 Northern Iowa
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9655" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These guys probably don't like us. Three times we've met in the playoffs in '94, '02, and during the playoff run that didn't count in '11. All three times were in Missoula and all three ended their season including the last two with a combined score of 86-10. Last years team had high hopes and a great sept but the ball didn't bounce their way in oct and after a four point loss at the Fargo Dome and three OT losses in a row, their season was practicly shot. This years team looks to knock off No Dak St and has the players, expierience, and schedule to do it.

The O returns 10 starters only losing one O lineman. Last years O wasn't great, which was a big part of their mid season let down, but the expierience will greatly help this team. They do return a good RB that can carry the load until their O gets rollin'.

The D, although not returning as many players, has a better chance of being the drive behind the success of this team. They return two great D lineman, their best two LB's, both corners and the stand out saftey. The D was by far the strong point of this team last year and it will be again this year.

The biggest thing UNI has going for them is the schedule. Both No Dak St and So Dak St come to Iowa. If the ball bounces their way some this year, we might finally have to travel their and they could have much more to celebrate.

Don't forget the way their fans were treated in Missoula last time. Talk about setting up a revenge match-up. The fabled "fart heard round the FCS" could come back and bite us. I hope we don't draw these guys in the playoffs.

 

[SaskGriz]

#7 Northern Iowa
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9655" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These guys probably don't like us. Three times we've met in the playoffs in '94, '02, and during the playoff run that didn't count in '11. All three times were in Missoula and all three ended their season including the last two with a combined score of 86-10. Last years team had high hopes and a great sept but the ball didn't bounce their way in oct and after a four point loss at the Fargo Dome and three OT losses in a row, their season was practicly shot. This years team looks to knock off No Dak St and has the players, expierience, and schedule to do it.

The O returns 10 starters only losing one O lineman. Last years O wasn't great, which was a big part of their mid season let down, but the expierience will greatly help this team. They do return a good RB that can carry the load until their O gets rollin'.

The D, although not returning as many players, has a better chance of being the drive behind the success of this team. They return two great D lineman, their best two LB's, both corners and the stand out saftey. The D was by far the strong point of this team last year and it will be again this year.

The biggest thing UNI has going for them is the schedule. Both No Dak St and So Dak St come to Iowa. If the ball bounces their way some this year, we might finally have to travel their and they could have much more to celebrate.

Don't forget the way their fans were treated in Missoula last time. Talk about setting up a revenge match-up. The fabled "fart heard round the FCS" could come back and bite us. I hope we don't draw these guys in the playoffs.

I watched this game from Cassidy's Bar in Plentywood and don't know this story, can someone enlighten me?

 

[Ursa Major]

#7 Northern Iowa
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9655" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These guys probably don't like us. Three times we've met in the playoffs in '94, '02, and during the playoff run that didn't count in '11. All three times were in Missoula and all three ended their season including the last two with a combined score of 86-10. Last years team had high hopes and a great sept but the ball didn't bounce their way in oct and after a four point loss at the Fargo Dome and three OT losses in a row, their season was practicly shot. This years team looks to knock off No Dak St and has the players, expierience, and schedule to do it.

The O returns 10 starters only losing one O lineman. Last years O wasn't great, which was a big part of their mid season let down, but the expierience will greatly help this team. They do return a good RB that can carry the load until their O gets rollin'.

The D, although not returning as many players, has a better chance of being the drive behind the success of this team. They return two great D lineman, their best two LB's, both corners and the stand out saftey. The D was by far the strong point of this team last year and it will be again this year.

The biggest thing UNI has going for them is the schedule. Both No Dak St and So Dak St come to Iowa. If the ball bounces their way some this year, we might finally have to travel their and they could have much more to celebrate.

Don't forget the way their fans were treated in Missoula last time. Talk about setting up a revenge match-up. The fabled "fart heard round the FCS" could come back and bite us. I hope we don't draw these guys in the playoffs.

I watched this game from Cassidy's Bar in Plentywood and don't know this story, can someone enlighten me?

http://www.egriz.com/grizboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=55008#p718516" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[CDAGRIZ]

#7 Northern Iowa
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9655" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These guys probably don't like us. Three times we've met in the playoffs in '94, '02, and during the playoff run that didn't count in '11. All three times were in Missoula and all three ended their season including the last two with a combined score of 86-10. Last years team had high hopes and a great sept but the ball didn't bounce their way in oct and after a four point loss at the Fargo Dome and three OT losses in a row, their season was practicly shot. This years team looks to knock off No Dak St and has the players, expierience, and schedule to do it.

The O returns 10 starters only losing one O lineman. Last years O wasn't great, which was a big part of their mid season let down, but the expierience will greatly help this team. They do return a good RB that can carry the load until their O gets rollin'.

The D, although not returning as many players, has a better chance of being the drive behind the success of this team. They return two great D lineman, their best two LB's, both corners and the stand out saftey. The D was by far the strong point of this team last year and it will be again this year.

The biggest thing UNI has going for them is the schedule. Both No Dak St and So Dak St come to Iowa. If the ball bounces their way some this year, we might finally have to travel their and they could have much more to celebrate.

Don't forget the way their fans were treated in Missoula last time. Talk about setting up a revenge match-up. The fabled "fart heard round the FCS" could come back and bite us. I hope we don't draw these guys in the playoffs.

I watched this game from Cassidy's Bar in Plentywood and don't know this story, can someone enlighten me?

http://www.egriz.com/grizboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=55008#p718516" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's a true story. Griz fans are widely considered among the top when it comes to class and good kids from strong families. When it comes to ATM, however, we are, as a group, savages.

 

[SaskGriz]

#7 Northern Iowa
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9655" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These guys probably don't like us. Three times we've met in the playoffs in '94, '02, and during the playoff run that didn't count in '11. All three times were in Missoula and all three ended their season including the last two with a combined score of 86-10. Last years team had high hopes and a great sept but the ball didn't bounce their way in oct and after a four point loss at the Fargo Dome and three OT losses in a row, their season was practicly shot. This years team looks to knock off No Dak St and has the players, expierience, and schedule to do it.

The O returns 10 starters only losing one O lineman. Last years O wasn't great, which was a big part of their mid season let down, but the expierience will greatly help this team. They do return a good RB that can carry the load until their O gets rollin'.

The D, although not returning as many players, has a better chance of being the drive behind the success of this team. They return two great D lineman, their best two LB's, both corners and the stand out saftey. The D was by far the strong point of this team last year and it will be again this year.

The biggest thing UNI has going for them is the schedule. Both No Dak St and So Dak St come to Iowa. If the ball bounces their way some this year, we might finally have to travel their and they could have much more to celebrate.

Don't forget the way their fans were treated in Missoula last time. Talk about setting up a revenge match-up. The fabled "fart heard round the FCS" could come back and bite us. I hope we don't draw these guys in the playoffs.

I watched this game from Cassidy's Bar in Plentywood and don't know this story, can someone enlighten me?

http://www.egriz.com/grizboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=55008#p718516" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hey thanks, I went and reread the situation. For a moment I was worried it was about something that actually happened. :shock: :lol:

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#6 Villinova
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9661" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's another team that beat Bobby and the boys in a Nat champ game. The 2009 game was probably the closest game for any of Bobby's teams. It was also our last time there. We ended up getting beat pretty good by Matt Szczur. He was practicly a one man show. Since then Nova has been up and down but this year seems to be an up year.

The O is in real good shape with basically everyone coming back except three O lineman. The two returning lineman though received preseason recognition and their QB was voted preseason league MVP.

The D has a little more to concern. They are returning mabey one of the deepest LB'er cores in the country including a four year stater. They also return a four year starter at safety but after that it gets sticky. Their two best D lineman are gone and they will have untested sophomores and freshman playing CB.

This is another team that had some bad bounces last year and may need to depend on some good bounces this year to be successful.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#5 Montana
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9665" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anybody on this board follow these guys? I think a couple of us do. I know alot of us just like to come here and talk about how bad we suck. Well we don't. Atleast most people outside of eGriz think so. Y'all know the deal.

Great QB, great RB's, and great WR's. Super huge questions on the O line.

Best D line in the con, gonna be the best LB'er core in the con by next year, and a good core of battle tested DB's.

Kicking game; ugh. Coaches; this year to prove themselves.

I honestly beleive we have national title hopes if our O line comes together. I'm sure some of you disagree.

 

[tgreseth]

#5 Montana
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9665" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anybody on this board follow these guys? I think a couple of us do. I know alot of us just like to come here and talk about how bad we suck. Well we don't. Atleast most people outside of eGriz think so. Y'all know the deal.

Great QB, great RB's, and great WR's. Super huge questions on the O line.

Best D line in the con, gonna be the best LB'er core in the con by next year, and a good core of battle tested DB's.

Kicking game; ugh. Coaches; this year to prove themselves.

I honestly beleive we have national title hopes if our O line comes together. I'm sure some of you disagree.

I think you spilled some kool-aid on your rose-colored glasses! Sugar-coater...

 

[Ursa Major]

#5 Montana
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9665" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anybody on this board follow these guys? I think a couple of us do. I know alot of us just like to come here and talk about how bad we suck. Well we don't. Atleast most people outside of eGriz think so. Y'all know the deal.

Great QB, great RB's, and great WR's. Super huge questions on the O line.

Best D line in the con, gonna be the best LB'er core in the con by next year, and a good core of battle tested DB's.

Kicking game; ugh. Coaches; this year to prove themselves.

I honestly beleive we have national title hopes if our O line comes together. I'm sure some of you disagree.

I think you spilled some kool-aid on your rose-colored glasses! Sugar-coater...

Well, well, well, if it isn't Jacob Coogan's dad with a pithy comment!

As Geddes used to say, this post was brought to you by Jim Beam bourbon.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

#5 Montana
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/9665" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anybody on this board follow these guys? I think a couple of us do. I know alot of us just like to come here and talk about how bad we suck. Well we don't. Atleast most people outside of eGriz think so. Y'all know the deal.

Great QB, great RB's, and great WR's. Super huge questions on the O line.

Best D line in the con, gonna be the best LB'er core in the con by next year, and a good core of battle tested DB's.

Kicking game; ugh. Coaches; this year to prove themselves.

I honestly beleive we have national title hopes if our O line comes together. I'm sure some of you disagree.

I think you spilled some kool-aid on your rose-colored glasses! Sugar-coater...

Call em as you see em but ill tell you I ain't drank no kool aid through my blue stained lips.