Monday, September 17, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Montana Wine & Beer Festival Set For October 12
For Immediate Release - September 10, 2012
The “social event of the year” is coming soon. Summit Beverage and the Grizzly Scholarship Association (GSA) are excited to announce Montana Wine & Beer Festival (formerly Western Montana Wine Festival) is scheduled for Friday, October 12, at the Adams Center in Missoula. The event will run from 7-10 p.m.
The festival consists of fine wine and craft beer tasting with food samples from some of Missoula’s top restaurants and caterers. In addition, Montana artists will be on site displaying and selling art. A silent auction consisting of limited edition originals and a variety of collector’s wine items will be a part of the evening festivities. All proceeds from this event benefit the GSA.
Tickets are $60 per person and you must be 21 or older to attend.
Tickets are available at the GSA office in the Adams Center and Worden’s Market. To order by phone call 243-6481.
Greg Sundberg
Associate Athletic Director, External Operations
Executive Director - Grizzly Scholarship Association
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-4509
www.gogriz.com
The “social event of the year” is coming soon. Summit Beverage and the Grizzly Scholarship Association (GSA) are excited to announce Montana Wine & Beer Festival (formerly Western Montana Wine Festival) is scheduled for Friday, October 12, at the Adams Center in Missoula. The event will run from 7-10 p.m.
The festival consists of fine wine and craft beer tasting with food samples from some of Missoula’s top restaurants and caterers. In addition, Montana artists will be on site displaying and selling art. A silent auction consisting of limited edition originals and a variety of collector’s wine items will be a part of the evening festivities. All proceeds from this event benefit the GSA.
Tickets are $60 per person and you must be 21 or older to attend.
Tickets are available at the GSA office in the Adams Center and Worden’s Market. To order by phone call 243-6481.
Greg Sundberg
Associate Athletic Director, External Operations
Executive Director - Grizzly Scholarship Association
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
(406) 243-4509
www.gogriz.com
Griz Basketball Roundball Fundraiser
The University of Montana men's basketball Roundball Club's annual auction and golf tournament fundraising events will take place Sept. 13-14.
The auction, which this year will be held at Dahlberg Arena, will take place Thursday, Sept. 13, starting at 6 p.m. There will be live and silent auction items available, as well as raffle prizes.
The golf tournament will take place Friday, Sept. 14, at the Missoula Country Club, with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The cost of the tournament is $800 per team or $200 for an individual. There are still openings.
The fundraisers help pay for summer tuition, room, board, summer camp costs and other items not covered by the state budget.
Click above to access the 2012 Roundball Golf Classic entry form and the Roundball hole sponsorship form.
For more information on either event, contact Julie Tonkin at 406-243-5334.
The auction, which this year will be held at Dahlberg Arena, will take place Thursday, Sept. 13, starting at 6 p.m. There will be live and silent auction items available, as well as raffle prizes.
The golf tournament will take place Friday, Sept. 14, at the Missoula Country Club, with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The cost of the tournament is $800 per team or $200 for an individual. There are still openings.
The fundraisers help pay for summer tuition, room, board, summer camp costs and other items not covered by the state budget.
Click above to access the 2012 Roundball Golf Classic entry form and the Roundball hole sponsorship form.
For more information on either event, contact Julie Tonkin at 406-243-5334.
Pray for rain!!!
The Sawtooth fire is causing havoc up here in the Bitter Root. There is probably more, but I know at least three families of our Bitter Root Griz Fan club had to evacuate. Pray for rain or snow so these fires can be put it out.
It will be nice to travel to Missoula for some fresh air.
Go Griz!!!!!!!!
Doug
It will be nice to travel to Missoula for some fresh air.
Go Griz!!!!!!!!
Doug
2001 National Championship Team- 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees
We have a limited number of tickets available for the 2012 Hall of Fame Banquet that will be honoring the 2001 National Championship Team. The banquet is this Friday, September 14, 2012. Social hour at 6 p.m., Dinner at 7 p.m. We are expecting a good showing from the team and coaches, including Joe Glenn!
If you wish to purchase a ticket to the event, please call the Box Office at 406.243.4051. Tickets are $35 each. If you have any problems getting tickets, please let me know.
GO GRIZ,
Brynn Molloy
Assistant Director
Grizzly Scholarship Association
406.243.5405 (work)
www.gogriz.com
www.facebook.com/grizzlyscholarshipassociation
UP WITH MONTANA!
If you wish to purchase a ticket to the event, please call the Box Office at 406.243.4051. Tickets are $35 each. If you have any problems getting tickets, please let me know.
GO GRIZ,
Brynn Molloy
Assistant Director
Grizzly Scholarship Association
406.243.5405 (work)
www.gogriz.com
www.facebook.com/grizzlyscholarshipassociation
UP WITH MONTANA!
COMPLIANCE TIP OF THE WEEK
Official Visit Air Transportation
• UM can pay for a commercial round-trip airline ticket for a prospect to come on an official visit.
• UM may not pay for additional travelers, help find discounted rates, or pay fees for those additional individuals.Only men’s basketball has an exception to this rule.
• Flight must be round trip from any location to closest airport or if the prospect must fly to or from another location, UM may only pay up to the cost of the round trip from original point of departure to Missoula.
• A UM coach may not accompany the prospect on the flight without the official visit 48 hour time period starting.
• UM can pay for a commercial round-trip airline ticket for a prospect to come on an official visit.
• UM may not pay for additional travelers, help find discounted rates, or pay fees for those additional individuals.Only men’s basketball has an exception to this rule.
• Flight must be round trip from any location to closest airport or if the prospect must fly to or from another location, UM may only pay up to the cost of the round trip from original point of departure to Missoula.
• A UM coach may not accompany the prospect on the flight without the official visit 48 hour time period starting.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Tailgate #2 - September 15, 2012
Griz host talented & experienced Liberty Saturday in final non-league game
THE GAME: The 12th/14th-ranked University of Montana Grizzlies (1-1) are back home this Saturday, Sept. 15, hosting the Liberty Flames (0-2) in UM's Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217), with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m. (Mtn.).
HALL OF FAME WEEKEND: Prior to Saturday's game several players and coaches from Montana's 2001 national championship football team will be introduced. The Grizzlies defeated Furman 13-6 in the Division I-AA title game90y8j that season. The UM squad won a school-record 15 games en route to a 15-1 record, and will be inducted into the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 14 in a banquet at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park. GRIZ RADIO: Veteran Mick Holien calls the play-by-play for Griz football for the 20th season in a row. Former Griz (1991-94) wide receiver Scott Gurnsey and Greg Sundberg provide in-booth color. UM's flagship station is KGVO Radio, 1290 AM/KVWE 101.5 FM. (The entire 2012 Grizzly Football Radio Network is listed on add 6 of the weekly release). Go to: http://www.gogriz.com/genrel/083012aag.html. TV: The UM-LU game will be televised on Altitude Sports (DirecTV Channel 681, Dish Network Channel 410, or local cable provider (i.e. Optimum). Please check you local stations. Announcers: Mike Tilley (play-by-play), Ray Jones (color), and Mark Edwards (sideline). TV COORDINATES: Galaxy 17/ KU-Band 24-D/Downlink frequency 13193.5Mhz (Vertical).Online: www.gogriz.com/allaccess for radio coverage and video streaming (a fee does apply). FIRST MEETING: This will be the first game between the Griz and the Flames. GRIZ LAST WEEK (At Appalachian State, 35, Montana 27): Quarterback Jamal Jackson threw two touchdown passes and running back Steven Miller rushed for two scores as the 11th-ranked Mountaineers held off the Grizzlies.Montana had its biggest play of the young season with 8:54 left to play, as senior running back Dan Moore caught a screen pass from redshirt freshman Trent McKinney, and Moore broke free for an 87-yard touchdown - tying the school record for the fifth longest scoring reception, and cutting the ASU lead to 28-27. Redshirt freshman kicker Chris Lider missed the ensuing PAT, and the Mountaineers led by one point.
ASU tacked on a security TD with 5:05 remaining on a 2-yard touchdown run by Miller. Despite four turnovers, the Griz had a chance to tie the game on their last series. They advanced the ball to the ASU 42-yard line in the final 2-plus minutes of the game, but McKinney was picked off and the Mountaineers secured the win.
McKinney was 15-of-29 for a career-high 307 yards and 3 TDs, but he was picked off three times. Wide receiver Sam Gratton had 3 receptions for 104, and one score - all in the first half. Moore rushed 15 times for 93 yards and had 3 catches for a career-high 145 yards, while McKinney gained 68 yards on 13 totes. The Griz defense was led by free safety Matt Hermanson with 12 tackles, while linebacker John Kanongata'a added 10 stops.Jackson was 24-of-34-0 for 260 yards and 2 TDs. Miller rushed 27 times for 91 yards. (Game stats and story on add 12 of the weekly release). 10 FIRST-TIME STARTERS: Montana had 10 players have their first start against South Dakota on Sept. 1. OFFENSE: sophomore Mitch Saylor at wide receiver, sophomore tackle Trevor Poole, senior guard Jake Hendrickson, and McKinney. DEFENSE: senior end Josh Harris, junior defensive tackle Alex Bienemann, sophomore tackle Tonga Takai, sophomore end Zach Wagenmann, sophomore cornerback Josh Dennard, and junior cornerback Sean Murray. 7 STARTERS/33 LETTERMEN BACK: The Grizzlies return just seven starters and 33 lettermen from a senior-laden team that posted an overall mark of 11-3, won the Big Sky Conference regular-season championship (7-1), and advanced to the FCS semifinals.
WINNING TRADITION: Last year the Grizzlies won (or shared) their 16th Big Sky Conference championship in the past 19 years. The 2011 season was also the 18th time in the last 19 years that Montana has participated in the national playoffs. Montana has had 26 winning seasons in a row, dating back to 1986.
Gameday Weather:
Warm with plenty of sunshine
Hi 82° Lo 40°
This weekend's main course is Spaghetti!
Here is a list of items that are needed for this week's tailgate:
1) Spaghetti Sauce
2) Spaghetti Noodles
3) Garlic Bread
4) Cheese Plate
5) Vegetable Plate
6) Chips
7) Dessert
8) Parmesan Cheese
9) BEER!!!!!!!!!!! Contact Tim at 549 - 1293 or http://www.wordens.com/ for information about the a keg.
Post a comment below this post or email me (mtmotorstables@gmail.com) and we'll update this list.
Thank you and Go Griz!!!!
Doug
THE GAME: The 12th/14th-ranked University of Montana Grizzlies (1-1) are back home this Saturday, Sept. 15, hosting the Liberty Flames (0-2) in UM's Washington-Grizzly Stadium (25,217), with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m. (Mtn.).
HALL OF FAME WEEKEND: Prior to Saturday's game several players and coaches from Montana's 2001 national championship football team will be introduced. The Grizzlies defeated Furman 13-6 in the Division I-AA title game90y8j that season. The UM squad won a school-record 15 games en route to a 15-1 record, and will be inducted into the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 14 in a banquet at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park. GRIZ RADIO: Veteran Mick Holien calls the play-by-play for Griz football for the 20th season in a row. Former Griz (1991-94) wide receiver Scott Gurnsey and Greg Sundberg provide in-booth color. UM's flagship station is KGVO Radio, 1290 AM/KVWE 101.5 FM. (The entire 2012 Grizzly Football Radio Network is listed on add 6 of the weekly release). Go to: http://www.gogriz.com/genrel/083012aag.html. TV: The UM-LU game will be televised on Altitude Sports (DirecTV Channel 681, Dish Network Channel 410, or local cable provider (i.e. Optimum). Please check you local stations. Announcers: Mike Tilley (play-by-play), Ray Jones (color), and Mark Edwards (sideline). TV COORDINATES: Galaxy 17/ KU-Band 24-D/Downlink frequency 13193.5Mhz (Vertical).Online: www.gogriz.com/allaccess for radio coverage and video streaming (a fee does apply). FIRST MEETING: This will be the first game between the Griz and the Flames. GRIZ LAST WEEK (At Appalachian State, 35, Montana 27): Quarterback Jamal Jackson threw two touchdown passes and running back Steven Miller rushed for two scores as the 11th-ranked Mountaineers held off the Grizzlies.Montana had its biggest play of the young season with 8:54 left to play, as senior running back Dan Moore caught a screen pass from redshirt freshman Trent McKinney, and Moore broke free for an 87-yard touchdown - tying the school record for the fifth longest scoring reception, and cutting the ASU lead to 28-27. Redshirt freshman kicker Chris Lider missed the ensuing PAT, and the Mountaineers led by one point.
ASU tacked on a security TD with 5:05 remaining on a 2-yard touchdown run by Miller. Despite four turnovers, the Griz had a chance to tie the game on their last series. They advanced the ball to the ASU 42-yard line in the final 2-plus minutes of the game, but McKinney was picked off and the Mountaineers secured the win.
McKinney was 15-of-29 for a career-high 307 yards and 3 TDs, but he was picked off three times. Wide receiver Sam Gratton had 3 receptions for 104, and one score - all in the first half. Moore rushed 15 times for 93 yards and had 3 catches for a career-high 145 yards, while McKinney gained 68 yards on 13 totes. The Griz defense was led by free safety Matt Hermanson with 12 tackles, while linebacker John Kanongata'a added 10 stops.Jackson was 24-of-34-0 for 260 yards and 2 TDs. Miller rushed 27 times for 91 yards. (Game stats and story on add 12 of the weekly release). 10 FIRST-TIME STARTERS: Montana had 10 players have their first start against South Dakota on Sept. 1. OFFENSE: sophomore Mitch Saylor at wide receiver, sophomore tackle Trevor Poole, senior guard Jake Hendrickson, and McKinney. DEFENSE: senior end Josh Harris, junior defensive tackle Alex Bienemann, sophomore tackle Tonga Takai, sophomore end Zach Wagenmann, sophomore cornerback Josh Dennard, and junior cornerback Sean Murray. 7 STARTERS/33 LETTERMEN BACK: The Grizzlies return just seven starters and 33 lettermen from a senior-laden team that posted an overall mark of 11-3, won the Big Sky Conference regular-season championship (7-1), and advanced to the FCS semifinals.
WINNING TRADITION: Last year the Grizzlies won (or shared) their 16th Big Sky Conference championship in the past 19 years. The 2011 season was also the 18th time in the last 19 years that Montana has participated in the national playoffs. Montana has had 26 winning seasons in a row, dating back to 1986.
Gameday Weather:
Warm with plenty of sunshine
Hi 82° Lo 40°
This weekend's main course is Spaghetti!
Here is a list of items that are needed for this week's tailgate:
1) Spaghetti Sauce
2) Spaghetti Noodles
3) Garlic Bread
4) Cheese Plate
5) Vegetable Plate
6) Chips
7) Dessert
8) Parmesan Cheese
9) BEER!!!!!!!!!!! Contact Tim at 549 - 1293 or http://www.wordens.com/ for information about the a keg.
Post a comment below this post or email me (mtmotorstables@gmail.com) and we'll update this list.
Thank you and Go Griz!!!!
Doug
FCS champ North Dakota State is No. 1
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Defending FCS national champion North
Dakota State is back to No. 1 in The Sports Network FCS Top 25.
No doubt the Bison believed they had never left the top perch.
The national voting panel reacted to North Dakota State beating yet another
FBS program on Saturday by moving the Bison past Sam Houston State in the new
poll on Monday.
NDSU (2-0) collected 94 of the 161 first-place votes and 3,946 points. Sam
Houston State (1-0), which had been atop the poll since the preseason, received
61 first-place votes and 3,897 points.
Sam Houston State had 22 more first-place votes after the first week of the
season. This week's switch occurred as a result of the Bison's 22-7 win at
Colorado State on Saturday. Sam Houston State opened its season with a 54-7 win
over Division II Incarnate Word - a tuneup for Saturday's visit to Baylor.
"You're going to play as you practice. Our guys are about business," North
Dakota State coach Craig Bohl said after his Missouri Valley Football Conference
program earned its sixth win over an FBS opponent since 2006 - the most among
FCS schools.
"I want to be real clear, this didn't happen by chance. It was a methodical
plan that those guys put together all week long and came out and performed
really well."
The Citadel coach Kevin Higgins probably was thinking the same about his team
Saturday after it beat then-No. 3 Georgia Southern, 23-21, in a Southern
Conference opener.
On Monday, The Citadel made one of the poll's other significant moves by
entering the rankings at No. 21 - the Bulldogs' first appearance in the Top 25
since the Oct. 13, 2008 rankings.
After Georgia Southern dropped eight spots, Montana State (2-0) moved up one
spot to No. 3. The Bobcats struggled past Drake, 34-24, in coach Rob Ash's
return game against the Bulldogs program he guided from 1989-2006.
Also moving up one spot each were No. 4 James Madison (2-0), which plays
Virginia Tech this weekend; No. 5 Youngstown State (2-0); No. 6 Old Dominion
(2-0); and No. 7 Northern Iowa (1-1).
Appalachian State (1-1) moved up three spots to No. 8 after its 35-27 victory
over fellow FCS power Montana. It was the Mountaineers' first win over Montana
in a series that includes two wins by the Grizzlies in the playoffs.
No. 9 Wofford (2-0) and No. 10 Eastern Washington (1-1) rounded out the Top
10.
They were followed by No. 11 Georgia Southern (1-1), No. 12 Towson (0-1), No.
13 Delaware (2-0), No. 14 Montana (1-1), No. 15 Illinois State (2-0), No. 16
Lehigh (2-0), No. 17 Stony Brook (2-0), No. 18 New Hampshire (1-1), No. 19
McNeese State (2-0) and No. 20 Eastern Kentucky (1-1).
After No. 21 The Citadel (2-0), the Top 25 wrapped up with No. 22 Indiana
State (1-1), No. 23 Stephen F. Austin (1-1), No. 24 Jacksonville State (1-1) and
No. 25 Maine (0-1).
The only team to fall from the Top 25 was Central Arkansas. The Bears, No. 25
a week ago, received the most votes among teams outside the rankings.
A national panel of sports information and media relations directors,
broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries select the Top 25. A first-place
vote is worth 25 points, a second-place vote 24 points, all the way down to one
point for a 25th-place vote.
During the regular season, the Top 25 will be released every Monday
afternoon, except for the final weekend of the regular season, when it will be
released Sunday morning, Nov. 18, prior to the selection of the FCS playoff
field.
The Sports Network will release a final Top 25 following the FCS championship
game, which will be held Jan. 5 in Frisco, Texas.
| The Sports Network FCS Top 25 | ||||||
| College Football Poll | ||||||
| Team (First-place votes) | 2012 Record | Points | Previous Rank | |||
| 1. | North Dakota State Bison (94) | 2-0 | 3946 | 2 | ||
| 2. | Sam Houston State Bearkats (61) | 1-0 | 3897 | 1 | ||
| 3. | Montana State Bobcats (1) | 2-0 | 3485 | 4 | ||
| 4. | James Madison Dukes (1) | 2-0 | 3398 | 5 | ||
| 5. | Youngstown State Penguins (4) | 2-0 | 3367 | 6 | ||
| 6. | Old Dominion Monarchs | 2-0 | 3037 | 7 | ||
| 7. | Northern Iowa Panthers | 1-1 | 2884 | 8 | ||
| 8. | Appalachian State Mountaineers | 1-1 | 2796 | 11 | ||
| 9. | Wofford Terriers | 2-0 | 2554 | 10 | ||
| 10. | Eastern Washington Eagles | 1-1 | 2431 | 9 | ||
| 11. | Georgia Southern Eagles | 1-1 | 2201 | 3 | ||
| 12. | Towson Tigers | 0-1 | 1987 | 13 | ||
| 13. | Delaware Blue Hens | 2-0 | 1900 | 15 | ||
| 14. | Montana Grizzlies | 1-1 | 1756 | 12 | ||
| 15. | Illinois State Redbirds | 2-0 | 1692 | 18 | ||
| 16. | Lehigh Mountain Hawks | 2-0 | 1639 | 16 | ||
| 17. | Stony Brook Seawolves | 2-0 | 1460 | 17 | ||
| 18. | New Hampshire Wildcats | 1-1 | 1422 | 14 | ||
| 19. | McNeese State Cowboys | 2-0 | 962 | 22 | ||
| 20. | Eastern Kentucky Colonels | 1-1 | 704 | 21 | ||
| 21. | The Citadel Bulldogs | 2-0 | 649 | NR | ||
| 22. | Indiana State Sycamores | 1-1 | 571 | 23 | ||
| 23. | Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks | 1-1 | 564 | 19 | ||
| 24. | Jacksonville State Gamecocks | 1-1 | 509 | 24 | ||
| 25. | Maine Black Bears | 0-1 | 472 | 20 | ||
| Others receiving votes: Central Arkansas 462, Norfolk State 256, Bethune-Cookman 207, Harvard 159, Northern Arizona 158, Sacramento State 149, North Dakota 123, UT Martin 71, Tennessee Tech 64, Cal Poly 52, Albany 50, Samford 41, South Dakota State 36, Tennessee State 29, Richmond 24, Alabama State 23, Eastern Illinois 21, Penn 17, Southern Utah 16, South Carolina State 15, Western Illinois 11, Lafayette 9, Coastal Carolina 9, William & Mary 7, Southeast Missouri State 7, Georgetown 6, Liberty 6, Villanova 4, Alcorn State 3, Alabama A&M 2, Murray State 1, Monmouth 1, Drake 1, Cornell 1, Chattanooga 1.... The Sports Network FCS Top 25 Voters - The Sports Network: Aaron Corrill; Craig Haley; Tim McDonnell; Phil Sokol; Kevin Spiegel. Big Sky Conference: Brian Berger; Brad Bugger; Eric Burdick; Dave Cook Neil Gardner; Matt Gerrish; Paul Grua; Jeremy Hoeck; Mick Holien; Jon Kasper; Doug Kelly; Heather Kennedy; Bill Lamberty; Mike Lund; Scott Marsh; Fritz Neighbor; Ryan Powell; Mike Robles; Steve Schaack; Randy Scovil; Steve Shaff; Mitch Strohman. Big South: Zeke Beam; Wade Branner; Mike Cawood; Matthew Clark; Adam Gutes; Matt Hogue; Chris Lang; Marc Rabb; Mark Simpson; Eric Thacker; Todd Wetmore; Alan York. CAA Football: Ted Alexander; Scott Burns; Pete Clawson; Dave Cohen; Glenn Frazer; Dean Kenefick; Allen Lessels; Andrew Mahoney; John Martin; Scott Meyer; Mike Murphy; Dan O'Connell; Scott Selheimer; Mike Stoss; Kevin Tresolini; Kimberly Zivkovich. Ivy League: Rick Bender; Eric Dolan; Jeremy Hartigan; Chris Humm; Craig Larson; Dan Loney; Craig Sachson; Kurt Svoboda; Ron Vaccaro. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference: Thomas Grant; Bill Hamilton; Ed Hill Jr.; Brian Holloway; Chris Hooks; Ronnie Johnson; Dennis Jones; Matt Michalec; Patricia Porter; Dan Ryan; Michael Stambaugh; Maurice Williams; Brent Woronoff. Missouri Valley Football Conference: Bryan Boettcher, John Bohnenkamp; Scott Gierman; Todd Golden; Jeremy Hoeck; Jason Hove; Todd Hefferman; Ace Hunt; Mike Kern; Rick Kindhart; Jeff Kolpack; Colin McDonough; Patrick Osterman; Trevor Parks; Randy Reinhardt; Jeff Schwartz; Mike Williams; Terry Vandrovec. Northeast Conference: Lizzie Barlow; Matt Harmon; Spencer Kowitz; Andrew Santillo; Chris Shovlin; Jason Sullivan; Jeff Symonds; Ralph Ventre; Greg Viscomi. Ohio Valley Conference: Neal Bradley; John Brush; Michael Clark; Wallace Dooley; Jeff Honza; James Horne; Brad Kirtley; Travis Kriens; Joe Lofaro; Rich Moser: Brian Nielsen: Karl Park: Mike Parris: Rob Schabert: Kyle Schwartz: Greg Seitz. Patriot League: Charles Bare; Bill Bowman; Joe DiBari; Matt Dougherty; Keith Groller; Phil LaBella; Steve Lomangino; Eric Malanowski; Matt Markus. Pioneer Football League: Ty Patton, Mark Brumbaugh; Cody Bush; Jack Cronin; Mike Ferraro; Ted Gosen; Doug Hauschild; James Nasella; Paul Oren; Matt Schabert; Matt Segal; Jason Williams; Ryan Wronkowicz. Southern Conference: Jay Blackman; Tommy Bowman; Mike Flynn; Barrett Gilham; Don Heath; Mike Hoffman; David Jackson; Joey Mullins; Tyler Norris Goode; Chris Rash; Hunter Reid; Todd Shanesy; Adam Smith; Brent Williamson. Southland Conference: Jason Barfield; Louis Bonnette; Matthew Bonnette; Jamie Bustos; Erik Cox; James Dixon; Kevin Gore; Alex Hickey; Doug Ireland; Todd Lamb; David McCollum; Brent St. Germain; Gene Shallenberg; Matt Sullivan. Southwestern Athletic Conference: Antoine Bell; Santoria Black; Rodney Bush; Natalie Hicks; Chris Jones; Duane Lewis; Leonard Moon; Edrin Nicholson; Wesley Peterson; Brandon Willis. Other Representatives: Rolf Bertulies; Brian Brennan; Josh Buchanan; Jim Seman. | ||||||
Friday, September 7, 2012
Not Just Hype - Griz at App
Montana will travel more than 2,000 miles to play at Appalachian State on Saturday night in what is being billed as one of the most anticipated match-ups in NCAA Football Championship Subdivision history.
Judging from resumes, it’s not just hype.
The programs have combined to win five national titles and have made a combined 40 playoff appearances. The Grizzlies have had 26 straight winning seasons, and the Mountaineers have had winning seasons 26 of the past 27 years.
The programs have met twice, both times in the FCS playoff semifinals on cold and snowy days in Missoula, Mont., in games that went to the wire. The Grizzlies won both, 19-16 in overtime in 2000 and 24-17 in 2009 in a game that wasn’t decided until the final play.
It’s a regular-season matchup that makes sense and draws interest, athletics director Charlie Cobb of ASU said.
Cobb and Jim O’Day, the former athletics director at Montana, scheduled the game about four years ago.
“We had always talked about, as members of the FCS committee, one of the things that we needed to do to elevate the brand of FCS football is that we all need to play each other and create some inter-regional games of national interest outside of conference play,” Cobb said.
“Appalachian and Montana seemed to be a natural rivalry, even though we’re not geographically close to each other, so we decided to put our money where our mouth was and play the game.
“They’re coming here, and then we’re going there next year to start the season.”
Over the past six seasons, ASU and Montana have led all FCS programs in home-game attendance three times. Last season, ASU had the highest regular-season attendance average of 28,031. Montana was second at 25,662.
“Both of the previous match-ups were in Missoula, so for us it is important to have the Montana folks to come play in Boone,” Cobb said. “It’s really about two programs, even though we’re not in the same geographic footprint, where there’s a lot of comparison…. This is one of the games that fans really want to see their team play.”
From the players’ perspective, there is anticipation of a big-game atmosphere.
“When I first heard that the game was scheduled, I was excited,” said punter Sam Martin of ASU, a fifth-year senior and one of a few current players who played in the 2009 game. “Those guys, year in and year out, have great athletes, they’re coached well and play extremely hard. It’s a great FCS matchup.”
Linebacker Brandon Grier of the Mountaineers said: “I remember it was a great atmosphere when we played them there. They are a great team, and they got us the last time. I’m looking forward to them coming here. It’s a night game, our first home game this season. It’s going to be a great game.”
Brock Coyle, a Montana linebacker who played in the 2009 game and, like most of his teammates will be making his first trip to North Carolina, said: “This will be a big-time game between two FCS powerhouse programs. Our stadium really had a big-time feel to it when we played them. ESPN was there, and it really had a different feel to it. We’re excited for the opportunity to go there and play.”
By: TOMMY BOWMAN, Winston-Salem Journal
Judging from resumes, it’s not just hype.
...
ASU and Montana have won more games than any other FCS programs over the past seven seasons — the Mountaineers have 79 victories, the Grizzlies 78.The programs have combined to win five national titles and have made a combined 40 playoff appearances. The Grizzlies have had 26 straight winning seasons, and the Mountaineers have had winning seasons 26 of the past 27 years.
The programs have met twice, both times in the FCS playoff semifinals on cold and snowy days in Missoula, Mont., in games that went to the wire. The Grizzlies won both, 19-16 in overtime in 2000 and 24-17 in 2009 in a game that wasn’t decided until the final play.
It’s a regular-season matchup that makes sense and draws interest, athletics director Charlie Cobb of ASU said.
Cobb and Jim O’Day, the former athletics director at Montana, scheduled the game about four years ago.
“We had always talked about, as members of the FCS committee, one of the things that we needed to do to elevate the brand of FCS football is that we all need to play each other and create some inter-regional games of national interest outside of conference play,” Cobb said.
“Appalachian and Montana seemed to be a natural rivalry, even though we’re not geographically close to each other, so we decided to put our money where our mouth was and play the game.
“They’re coming here, and then we’re going there next year to start the season.”
Over the past six seasons, ASU and Montana have led all FCS programs in home-game attendance three times. Last season, ASU had the highest regular-season attendance average of 28,031. Montana was second at 25,662.
“Both of the previous match-ups were in Missoula, so for us it is important to have the Montana folks to come play in Boone,” Cobb said. “It’s really about two programs, even though we’re not in the same geographic footprint, where there’s a lot of comparison…. This is one of the games that fans really want to see their team play.”
From the players’ perspective, there is anticipation of a big-game atmosphere.
“When I first heard that the game was scheduled, I was excited,” said punter Sam Martin of ASU, a fifth-year senior and one of a few current players who played in the 2009 game. “Those guys, year in and year out, have great athletes, they’re coached well and play extremely hard. It’s a great FCS matchup.”
Linebacker Brandon Grier of the Mountaineers said: “I remember it was a great atmosphere when we played them there. They are a great team, and they got us the last time. I’m looking forward to them coming here. It’s a night game, our first home game this season. It’s going to be a great game.”
Brock Coyle, a Montana linebacker who played in the 2009 game and, like most of his teammates will be making his first trip to North Carolina, said: “This will be a big-time game between two FCS powerhouse programs. Our stadium really had a big-time feel to it when we played them. ESPN was there, and it really had a different feel to it. We’re excited for the opportunity to go there and play.”
By: TOMMY BOWMAN, Winston-Salem Journal
CSN West: West Proves in First Week Why it Might be the Best in FCS
Published on 09-06-2012 08:37 PM
There were four upsets of FBS schools by an FCS team this past week and three of those were by conferences in the CSN West. Ironically, all four were from four different conferences and per each of the league’s preseason ballots, none were projected two win their conference’s title.
By Kent Schmidt
CSN West Columnist
College Sporting News
We saw two wins on Thursday night and another two (with one being away from the West) on Saturday night.
After the past two national champions and three of the past four finalists, I think this first week of FCS play proves that the West is best.
Who defeated their FBS opponent in Week 1?
The four teams that won in opening week over the supposedly higher level of college football. McNeese State over Middle Tennessee State, Eastern Washington defeated Idaho, Tennessee-Martin (the lone non-West team) over Memphis, and Youngstown State over Pittsburgh were the winners.
That is a winner from the Southland, Big Sky, Ohio Valley, and the Missouri Valley.
McNeese State beat Middle Tennessee, 27-21, and Eastern Washington won easily over Idaho, 20-3, on Thursday night, and Youngstown State manhandled Pittsburgh, 31-17, and UT Martin slipped past Memphis, 20-17, on Saturday.
Of the four wins, I was the most impressed with the Youngstown State win over Pittsburgh.
The Penguins were headed by quarterback Kurt Hess, who threw for 154 yards and two touchdowns, and Youngstown State totaled 381 offensive yards.
Running back Jamaine Cook rushed for 84 of the team's 204 rushing yards on 21 carries. Andre Stubbs ran for 71 yards and one touchdown and caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.
The win was the first Youngstown win over an FBS school in its last 10 games since 2001.
Where there any other close games involving West teams?
Yes, Indiana State narrowly lost to Indiana 24-17 and Northern Iowa just about pulled off the upset of FBS ranked Wisconsin 26-21.
What these scores show me is that the difference between FCS and FBS is getting even narrower.
I also am impressed with the Missouri Valley as this league looks to be one with a number of teams that could win their title.
Are there any opportunites this week for some FBS upsets?
Yes, there are a number opportunities for West teams to notch another upset. The biggest ones I see are Illinois State over Eastern Michigan, Northern Arizona over Nevada-Las Vegas, Sacramento State over Colorado, and North Dakota State over Colorado State.
With four upsets overall, I could see this year having the most FBS upsets for FCS teams in history. Teams in the FCS are getting closer and closer to their FBS counterparts. And I enjoy every one of these games.
* * *
FCS WEST GAME OF THE WEEK
Montana (1-0) @ Appalachian State (0-1), 6:30 Eastern
The Grizzlies have had their share of off-field issues but are coming off an impressive win over South Dakota at home to start their season. Appalachian State is coming off a closer than the score would indicate against FBS East Carolina.
These two FCS powerhouse teams have met twice before and both times in the NCAA playoffs in the semi-final round. Montana won both contests that were both in Missoula.
Appalachian State and Montana are the top winningest programs in all of the FCS with 79 and 78 victories, respectively since I have been covering FCS football in 2004. The last meeting was a 24-17 Montana win in 2009.
Wins against Appalachian State at their home of Kidd Brewer Stadium are rare. Coach Jerry Moore is 20-3 all-time in home openers for the Mountaineers.
I see this game being close but the home field should be the advantage for the Mountaineers. I will take App State by a field goal. Appalachian State 27 Montana 24.
By Kent Schmidt
CSN West Columnist
College Sporting News
We saw two wins on Thursday night and another two (with one being away from the West) on Saturday night.
After the past two national champions and three of the past four finalists, I think this first week of FCS play proves that the West is best.
Who defeated their FBS opponent in Week 1?
The four teams that won in opening week over the supposedly higher level of college football. McNeese State over Middle Tennessee State, Eastern Washington defeated Idaho, Tennessee-Martin (the lone non-West team) over Memphis, and Youngstown State over Pittsburgh were the winners.
That is a winner from the Southland, Big Sky, Ohio Valley, and the Missouri Valley.
McNeese State beat Middle Tennessee, 27-21, and Eastern Washington won easily over Idaho, 20-3, on Thursday night, and Youngstown State manhandled Pittsburgh, 31-17, and UT Martin slipped past Memphis, 20-17, on Saturday.
Of the four wins, I was the most impressed with the Youngstown State win over Pittsburgh.
The Penguins were headed by quarterback Kurt Hess, who threw for 154 yards and two touchdowns, and Youngstown State totaled 381 offensive yards.
Running back Jamaine Cook rushed for 84 of the team's 204 rushing yards on 21 carries. Andre Stubbs ran for 71 yards and one touchdown and caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.
The win was the first Youngstown win over an FBS school in its last 10 games since 2001.
Where there any other close games involving West teams?
Yes, Indiana State narrowly lost to Indiana 24-17 and Northern Iowa just about pulled off the upset of FBS ranked Wisconsin 26-21.
What these scores show me is that the difference between FCS and FBS is getting even narrower.
I also am impressed with the Missouri Valley as this league looks to be one with a number of teams that could win their title.
Are there any opportunites this week for some FBS upsets?
Yes, there are a number opportunities for West teams to notch another upset. The biggest ones I see are Illinois State over Eastern Michigan, Northern Arizona over Nevada-Las Vegas, Sacramento State over Colorado, and North Dakota State over Colorado State.
With four upsets overall, I could see this year having the most FBS upsets for FCS teams in history. Teams in the FCS are getting closer and closer to their FBS counterparts. And I enjoy every one of these games.
* * *
FCS WEST GAME OF THE WEEK
Montana (1-0) @ Appalachian State (0-1), 6:30 Eastern
The Grizzlies have had their share of off-field issues but are coming off an impressive win over South Dakota at home to start their season. Appalachian State is coming off a closer than the score would indicate against FBS East Carolina.
These two FCS powerhouse teams have met twice before and both times in the NCAA playoffs in the semi-final round. Montana won both contests that were both in Missoula.
Appalachian State and Montana are the top winningest programs in all of the FCS with 79 and 78 victories, respectively since I have been covering FCS football in 2004. The last meeting was a 24-17 Montana win in 2009.
Wins against Appalachian State at their home of Kidd Brewer Stadium are rare. Coach Jerry Moore is 20-3 all-time in home openers for the Mountaineers.
I see this game being close but the home field should be the advantage for the Mountaineers. I will take App State by a field goal. Appalachian State 27 Montana 24.
The Rock Readies for Saturday’s Home Opener
Sept. 6, 2012. As has become the norm in recent years, changes will abound at Kidd Brewer Stadium when No. 11/8 Appalachian State University football hosts No. 12/9 Montana in Saturday’s much-anticipated 2012 home opener at The Rock.
The home of the Mountaineers, which turns 50 years old when Appalachian hosts The Citadel on Sept. 15, has featured major changes nearly every season since 2006 and this year is no different.
For the second straight season, temporary bleachers are being installed in stadium’s north end zone. Due to the popularity of the bleachers that stand just 10 feet from the playing field, 700 more seats are being added this season, bringing the total to 2,400 and upping Kidd Brewer Stadium’s official seating capacity to 23,850. In addition to general-admission seating earmarked specifically for Appalachian State students, the north end zone bleachers will also house the Appalachian State Marching Mountaineers in 2012.
Another new fan-friendly feature at The Rock this season is the addition of four LED ribbon boards — two located on the facade of the Appalachian Athletics Center on the stadium’s west side and two located on the face of the east-side upper deck. The LED boards will feature information to enhance the gameday experience throughout the game, including statistics, fan-friendly graphics and important stadium messages.
A 41st-consecutive over-capacity regular-season crowd is almost assured for Saturday’s home opener (6:30 p.m. — ESPN Gameplan/ESPN3) but a very limited number of reserved seats remain for the mammoth showdown between perhaps the two most-recognizable programs in NCAA Division I FCS. Tickets can purchased online at GoASU.com, by phone at 828-262-2079 or in person at the Appalachian State athletics ticket office, located at the Holmes Center.
For more information on Kidd Brewer Stadium, visit GoASU.com’s Gameday Central page and TailgateAtTheRock.com.
The home of the Mountaineers, which turns 50 years old when Appalachian hosts The Citadel on Sept. 15, has featured major changes nearly every season since 2006 and this year is no different.
For the second straight season, temporary bleachers are being installed in stadium’s north end zone. Due to the popularity of the bleachers that stand just 10 feet from the playing field, 700 more seats are being added this season, bringing the total to 2,400 and upping Kidd Brewer Stadium’s official seating capacity to 23,850. In addition to general-admission seating earmarked specifically for Appalachian State students, the north end zone bleachers will also house the Appalachian State Marching Mountaineers in 2012.
Another new fan-friendly feature at The Rock this season is the addition of four LED ribbon boards — two located on the facade of the Appalachian Athletics Center on the stadium’s west side and two located on the face of the east-side upper deck. The LED boards will feature information to enhance the gameday experience throughout the game, including statistics, fan-friendly graphics and important stadium messages.
A 41st-consecutive over-capacity regular-season crowd is almost assured for Saturday’s home opener (6:30 p.m. — ESPN Gameplan/ESPN3) but a very limited number of reserved seats remain for the mammoth showdown between perhaps the two most-recognizable programs in NCAA Division I FCS. Tickets can purchased online at GoASU.com, by phone at 828-262-2079 or in person at the Appalachian State athletics ticket office, located at the Holmes Center.
For more information on Kidd Brewer Stadium, visit GoASU.com’s Gameday Central page and TailgateAtTheRock.com.
In the FCS Huddle: A chance to reward Montana and App State
By Craig Haley, FCS Executive Director/Senior Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - If the Montana-Appalachian State showdown
lives up to what so many people think it could be Saturday, the NCAA selection
committee should reward the losing team come Selection Sunday on Nov. 18.
This is a dream matchup of intersectional national powers, anticipated for
years, the kind not seen often in the FCS, or college football, for that matter.
With Appalachian State ranked No. 11 nationally and Montana at No. 12, it's
not quite a No. 1-versus-2 matchup, as it could have been in the past. But it's
huge nonetheless.
Appalachian State won three straight national titles from 2005-07 and Montana
has an even more storied championship game history, with seven appearances,
including national titles in 1995 and 2001.
For these teams to schedule this game at Appalachian State - with a return
game at Montana next year - the winning team should not be the only one to gain
from it if it's a close game, maybe even a classic.
Of course, each team would have to hold its own in its conference season for
it to be a playoff team. Then the selection committee would have a chance to
make an example of how higher scheduling should be favored over teams ducking
tougher competition, as, say, CAA Football power Delaware is doing this season
with a non-conference slate of Division II West Chester, Delaware State from the
MEAC and Bucknell of the Patriot League.
"Do you go plan games that are not very challenging (and) you know you're
going to win?" Montana coach Mick Delaney said. "I'm not a big fan of that. I
think you need to find out where you're at as early as you can and play as good
an opponent as is possible.
"When you're playing a team that you very possibly could play again in the
playoffs, I'm not so sure about that one. But that's what it is, and it's going
to be a great atmosphere and a great FCS football game."
"I think it's a great matchup. I've told our players this year (that) our
schedule is very much like a Big Ten, Pac-12, Southeast Conference (team)," said
Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore, whose team is coming off a loss to FBS
member East Carolina.
"I like competitive football. It's my nature."
There are competitive series on the horizon, especially involving Big Sky and
Southland schools. Maybe there's just not enough of them east of the Mississippi
River.
North Dakota State, the reigning FCS champion, will play Montana State next
year, then face Montana in 2014 and '15.
Montana State hosts Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 15, and there's a return game
in Nacogdoches, Texas, next year.
Sam Houston State and Eastern Washington have a series in 2013 and '14.
McNeese State, which has a home-and-home series with Weber State over the
next two seasons, will play Appalachian State in 2014 and' 15, and Montana in
2016 and '17.
Matchups like Central Arkansas-Murray State and Chattanooga-Jacksonville
State this week are risky games just like Montana-Appalachian State, but on a
lesser scale. Yet they're just as necessary.
This past Sunday's Alabama State/Bethune-Cookman game on ESPN was similar as
the MEAC-SWAC Challenge continued to be a highlight on the FCS' opening weekend.
Perhaps other conferences, and it's been kicked around by CAA Football, could
benefit from matching up a top team against another power conference in the
national spotlight (hello, NBC Sports Network).
Schools, of course, try not to "over-schedule," take on too many tough games
before conference play. But in 2012 and '13, the NCAA is allowing FCS schools to
play 12 games instead of the usual 11, so it's easier to have a riskier game.
The Appalachian State-Montana home-and-home started to take shape during the
Mountaineers' three-year run of national title when athletic director Charlie
Cobb eyed scheduling his program against championship-level teams. Montana saw
fit to it and the contracts were signed in 2009.
"It certainly seems to be doing what you would like to do," Delaney said,
"and that is calling a lot of attention to both quality programs."
Hopefully, other schools are taking note of it.
WHAT WE KNOW, WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW
The Sports Network FCS Top 25 can be found at http://tinyurl.com/88q2k7t.
Also, once again this season, In the FCS Huddle is projecting the potential
FCS playoff field. The projections are a long-range look at the season - not
based off current records or rankings - and can be found at
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/fcs/FCS_Bracket.pdf.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TICKETS
Tickets for the 2013 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game on Jan. 5 at
the 20,086-seat FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, Texas, can be purchased online at
www.ncaa.com/fcs for two seating locations: midfield ($35) and sideline ($30).
Groups of 15 or more or those interested in purchasing suites or in other
private seating areas can call (469) 365-0000 for more details. Accessible
seating must be purchased at the FC Dallas Stadium box office or by calling the
same number.
The 20-team playoff bracket will be announced Nov. 18.
AROUND THE NATION
Big Sky: Talk about an interesting end to his career. Running back Deonte
Williams was the 2008 Big Sky newcomer of the year at Northern Arizona, left
after one season, played one year at Sierra College, transferred to Cal Poly and
now is ending his career in the Big Sky. He rushed for 109 yards and caught a
touchdown in the Mustangs' season-opening win over San Diego ... Idaho State's
Rodrick Rumble, who had 112 receptions last season, is expected to be
unavailable again on Saturday against Black Hill State because of a lingering
injury from preseason camp. He could return versus Nebraska (Sept. 22) or
Sacramento State (Sept. 29) ... Yeah, Eastern Washington and Washington State
were probably due to get together. They will meet Saturday in Pullman for the
first time since 1908.
Big South: Inconsistent Coastal Carolina quarterback Aramis Hillary hopes he
has settled into a groove in his third season as the Chanticleers' starter. He
rushed for two touchdowns, threw for another and operated the offense well in a
Week 1 win over North Carolina A&T. Up next is a tough road test at Furman
... Stony Brook senior Miguel Maysonet needs to rush for 68 yards to reach 3,000
in his career. Former Liberty back Rashad Jennings, who is starting for the
Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, is the Big South's all-time leader with 3,633
yards.
CAA Football: New Richmond coach Danny Rocco, the former Liberty mentor, will
take on some familiar foes from the Big South in the next two weeks: Gardner-
Webb on Saturday and VMI on Sept. 15 ... While Rhode Island heads to Monmouth
and 4,600-seat Kessler Field on Saturday, Georgia State visits Tennessee and
102,455-seat Neyland Stadium.
Ivy: One of the league's more dynamic players, Yale wide receiver and kickoff
return Chris Smith, will sit out the upcoming season for what first-year coach
Tony Reno said is "personal issues." Smith is expected to return to school next
fall and rejoin the football program ... One returning player expected to have
an impact on this year's league race is Brown quarterback Patrick Donnelly, who
will help the Bears' ever-evolving offensive style return more to a running
game. He often ran out of the Wildcat in 2010, but was injured last season.
MEAC: The NCAA-imposed sanctions on Howard for improper use of textbook
allowances will keep quarterback Greg McGhee sidelined through the next two
games, but All-America linebacker Keith Pough will return to the lineup Saturday
against Rutgers ... Appalachian State-Montana aside, it's hard to find a more
meaningful FCS game this week than Bethune-Cookman at South Carolina State. Both
teams are coming off impressive wins in the first week of the season. The winner
would join defending champ Norfolk State in the early driver's seat ... Speaking
of the Spartans, senior linebacker Jamal Giddens tied with the national high in
Week 1 with 4.5 tackles for loss, and teammates Lynden Trail, Deon King and Eric
Hitch weren't far behind with three each.
Missouri Valley: North Dakota State visits Colorado State on Saturday. The
Bison were 6-0 on the road last season, including a win at FBS Minnesota. In
fact, they are 5-3 against the FBS since joining the FCS in 2006 ... The NDSU-
Colorado State game is one of six first-ever matchups for Valley teams this week
... As Southern Illinois looks to rebound this season, the Salukis offense
showed excellent signs in a loss to Eastern Illinois, with Iowa transfer Mika'il
McCall (three touchdowns) a running and receiving threat out of the backfield
for quarterback Kory Faulkner.
Northeast: No NEC team is prepping for conference play quite like Central
Connecticut State. The Blue Devils are coming off a 49-17 loss to No. 17 Stony
Brook and still have to face No. 16 Lehigh on Saturday and visit No. 14 New
Hampshire on Sept. 15 ... NEC teams were 1-8 in season-opening action, with
Albany the lone winner. The Great Danes' visit to Robert Morris in the NEC
opener for both teams matches the conference's first two FCS playoff
representatives.
Ohio Valley: The OVC is the place to be for terrific FCS non-conference
matchups on Saturday. No. 24 Jacksonville State hosts Chattanooga from the
Southern Conference, Murray State entertains No. 25 Central Arkansas from the
Southland Conference and Tennessee State plays Jackson State from the SWAC in
the 23rd annual Southern Heritage Classic at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.
The OVC trio all lost the last meetings in those series ... It's one thing for
nerves to create some undisciplined play in a season opener, but Tennessee State
committed 20 penalties for 178 yards in its 17-14 win over Florida A&M. Huh?
Patriot: Georgetown quarterback Isaiah Kempf won't play against Wagner
because of the concussion he suffered during the first series against Davidson
... Colgate will try to avoid its first 0-2 start since 2002 when it visits
South Dakota. It's the farthest west a Patriot League team has played since Holy
Cross went to San Diego in 2003 ... A big game against Central Connecticut State
would get Lehigh senior Ryan Spadola, the FCS' active career leader with 2,871
receiving yards, to the 3,000-yard plateau.
Pioneer: Defending co-champion Drake puts an 11-game home winning streak in
front of No. 4 Montana State and sixth-year coach Rob Ash, who spent 18 seasons
roaming the sidelines at Drake from 1989-2006 as the Bulldogs' head coach. The
winningest coach in Drake history went 125-63-2 and won four PFL titles. Since
2008, Drake is 21-3 at home under coach Chris Creighton ... Drake joins Morehead
State (No. 21 Eastern Kentucky) and Valparaiso (No. 6 Youngstown State) as
non-scholarship PFL teams taking on nationally ranked opponents in Week 2.
SoCon: Would the conference race ever open up if The Citadel upsets No. 3
Georgia Southern at home Saturday. The Bulldogs almost beat GSU last season,
falling, 14-12, in Statesboro, Ga. ... It would reason that Elon senior receiver
Aaron Mellette will get back on track against North Carolina Central after the
least productive outing (two catches for nine yards against North Carolina)
since his freshman season. Last year, Elon quarterback Thomas Wilson threw for
416 yards against N.C. Central.
Southland: After Nicholls' opener was postponed by aborted travel following
Hurricane Isaac, the Colonels head to South Alabama for their first game. They
have shaken up the offense, with three-year starting quarterback LaQuinton
Caston moving to wide receiver, Landry Klann and Beaux Hebert expecting to share
time under center, and running backs Jesse Turner and Marcus Washington sharing
carries ... McNeese State hosts Division I McMurry on Saturday. The Cowboys have
a 19-0 all-time record against non-Division I competition.
SWAC: Double trouble: Not only does Grambling State feature running back
Dawrence Roberts, the conference's preseason offensive player of the year, but
aptly named freshman Jeremy Runner had a 166-yard debut, including a 75-yard
touchdown run ... Alabama State hopes to get back on track after a loss to
Bethune-Cookman in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, hosting Mississippi Valley State in
the conference opener for both teams. The Hornets will need more out of Georgia
transfer Isaiah Crowell, who rushed for 18 yards and a touchdown and had 17
receiving yards against Bethune-Cookman.
JUST THE PICKS
Last Week's Record: 72-9 (.889)
Season Record: 72-9 (.889)
All Times ET
Thursday, Sept. 6
North Greenville (0-1) at X-Tennessee Tech (1-0), 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 8
X-Albany (1-0, 0-0 NEC) at Robert Morris (0-1, 0-0), noon
X-Bryant (0-1, 0-0 NEC) at St. Francis, Pa. (0-1, 0-0), noon
Dayton (0-1) at X-Duquesne (0-1), noon
New Hampshire (1-0) at X-Minnesota (1-0), noon
X-Lehigh (1-0) at Central Connecticut State (0-1), noon
X-Rhode Island (0-0) at Monmouth (0-1), 1 p.m.
X-Illinois State (1-0) at Eastern Michigan (0-1), 1 p.m.
Southern Illinois (0-1) at X-Miami-Ohio (0-1), 1 p.m.
Maine (0-0) at X-Boston College (0-1), 1 p.m.
Wagner (0-1) at X-Georgetown (1-0), 1 p.m.
Austin Peay (0-1) at X-Virginia Tech (0-0), 1:30 p.m.
Jacksonville (0-1) at X-Charleston Southern (0-1), 1:30 p.m.
Chowan (1-0) at X-VMI (0-1), 1:30 p.m.
Quincy (0-1) at X-Indiana State (0-1), 2:05 p.m.
Southern Utah (0-1) at X-California (0-1), 3 p.m.
Sacramento State (0-1) at X-Colorado (0-1), 3 p.m.
Weber State (0-1) at X-Brigham Young (1-0), 3 p.m.
Colgate (0-1) at X-South Dakota (0-1), 3 p.m.
Eastern Washington (1-0) at X-Washington State (0-1), 3 p.m.
Delaware State (1-0) at X-Delaware (1-0), 3:30 p.m.
Howard (1-0) at X-Rutgers (1-0), 3:30 p.m.
Missouri State at X-Louisville (1-0), 3:30 p.m.
Colorado Mesa (0-1) at X-Northern Colorado (0-1), 3:35 p.m.
Georgia State (0-1) at X-Tennessee (1-0), 4 p.m.
Indianapolis (0-1) at X-Western Illinois (1-0), 4 p.m.
Valparaiso (0-1) at X-Youngstown State (1-0), 4 p.m.
Coastal Carolina (1-0) at X-Furman (0-1), 5 p.m.
Nicholls (0-0) at X-South Alabama (0-1), 5 p.m.
Black Hills State (0-0) at X-Idaho State (0-1), 6 p.m.
Bucknell (0-0) at X-Marist (1-0), 6 p.m.
West Virginia State (1-0) at X-North Carolina A&T (0-1), 6 p.m.
Morehead State (1-0) at X-Eastern Kentucky (0-1), 6 p.m.
Fordham (1-0) at X-Villanova (0-1), 6 p.m.
Savannah State (0-1) at X-Florida State (1-0), 6 p.m.
Franklin (0-1) at X-Butler (0-1), 6 p.m.
Virginia-Wise (0-1) at X-Campbell (0-1), 6 p.m.
Bethune-Cookman (1-0, 0-0 MEAC) at X-South Carolina State (1-0, 0-0), 6 p.m.
Gardner-Webb (0-1) at X-Richmond (0-1), 6 p.m.
X-Old Dominion (1-0) at Hampton (0-1), 6 p.m.
Alcorn State (1-0) at X-James Madison (1-0), 6 p.m.
X-Georgia Southern (1-0, 0-0 SoCon) at The Citadel (1-0, 0-0), 6 p.m.
Morgan State (1-0) at X-Buffalo (0-1), 6 p.m.
Pace (0-1) at X-Stony Brook (1-0), 6 p.m.
GAME OF THE WEEK: Montana (1-0) at X-Appalachian State (0-1), 6:30 p.m. - The
visiting Griz have the size and muscle, and the Mountaineers the speed and
home-field advantage.
UT Martin (1-0) at X-Northern Illinois (0-1), 7 p.m.
X-West Alabama (1-0) at Samford (1-0), 7 p.m.
Incarnate Word (1-0) at X-Sam Houston State (0-0), 7 p.m.
Mississippi Valley State (0-1, 0-0 SWAC) at X-Alabama State (0-1, 0-0), 7
p.m.
Texas Southern (1-0) at X-North Texas (0-1), 7 p.m.
Chattanooga (0-1) at X-Jacksonville State (0-1), 7 p.m.
Lafayette (0-0) at X-William & Mary (0-1), 7 p.m.
X-Davidson (0-1) at Lenoir-Rhyne (0-1), 7 p.m.
Presbyterian (1-0) at X-Georgia Tech (0-0), 7 p.m.
Norfolk State (1-0) at X-Liberty (0-1), 7 p.m.
Jackson State (0-1) vs. X-Tennessee State (1-0) in Memphis, Tenn., 7 p.m.
Portland State (1-0) at X-North Dakota (1-0), 7 p.m.
Alabama A&M (1-0, 0-0 SWAC) at X-Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-0, 0-0), 7 p.m.
North Dakota State (1-0) at X-Colorado State (1-0), 7 p.m.
Central State (0-1) at X-Northern Iowa (0-1), 7 p.m.
Central Arkansas (0-1) at X-Murray State (0-1), 7 p.m.
Arkansas-Monticello (1-0) at X-Northwestern State (0-1), 7 p.m.
Lincoln, Pa. (0-1) at X-Wofford (1-0), 7 p.m.
Eastern Illinois (1-0) at X-Western Michigan (0-1), 7 p.m.
Mars Hill (0-1) at X-Southeast Missouri State (0-1), 7 p.m.
North Carolina Central (1-0) at X-Elon (0-1), 7 p.m.
Western Carolina (1-0) at X-Marshall (0-1), 7 p.m.
Florida A&M (0-1) at X-Oklahoma (1-0), 7 p.m.
X-Montana State (1-0) at Drake (1-0), 7:05 p.m.
X-South Dakota State (0-1) at Southeastern Louisiana (0-1), 8 p.m.
Prairie View A&M (0-1) at X-Lamar (0-1), 8 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin (1-0) at X-SMU (0-1), 8 p.m.
UC Davis (1-0) at X-San Jose State (0-1), 8 p.m.
McMurry (0-1) at X-McNeese State (1-0), 8 p.m.
Western New Mexico (1-0) at X-San Diego (0-1), 9 p.m.
Northern Arizona (0-1) at X-UNLV (0-1), 10 p.m.
In the FCS Huddle: Week 2 Preview
By Tim McDonnell, FCS Assistant
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Each year during the start of college
football season, our favorite FCS schools are showcased on a national level,
and, more often than not, it's because they are getting pummelled by FBS
programs.
The first Saturday of the season is almost always highlighted by some of the
best teams from the FBS beating up on weaker opponents who have no business
playing in the game.
Let's face it, when FCS schools face FBS opponents, it's a daunting task. The
odds are always against the lesser-talented, underfunded and seemingly
overmatched football team with fewer scholarships.
"The only difference I would say between the two levels is over time," said
Illinois State coach Brock Spack, whose team faces Eastern Michigan this week.
"You know, if you had to play 12 games like that over a season, it would be
tough. With 63 scholarships, you play one or two of those games (FBS games) you
can play well, you might get worn down over time, but any given Saturday I think
our league is good, well-coached, tough and as physical as any league in
America. I've always been very impressed with it."
Every once in a while, the so-called weaker opponents - which the majority of
time are FCS schools - slay Goliath with an upset sling. It's not a common
occurrence in any sense, but in the last couple of years, FCS teams have come
away with legitimate wins over their "big brother" Division I foes.
Most notably, Appalachian State defeated the No. 5-ranked Michigan Wolverines
in the Big House (2007) and James Madison took down the No. 13-ranked Virginia
Tech Hokies in Blacksburg in 2010. There certainly have been other numerous
victories, but none came in such shocking fashion.
In Week 1, FCS teams went a combined 4-31 versus FBS programs. Youngstown
State defeated Pittsburgh, UT Martin defeated Memphis, Eastern Washington beat
Idaho and McNeese State took down Middle Tennessee State.
There easily could have been other opportunities with Wagner losing 7-3 at
Florida Atlantic, William & Mary losing 7-6 at Maryland, Northern Iowa
losing 26-21 at Wisconsin, Liberty falling 20-17 at Wake Forest and Indiana
State losing to Indiana, 24-17.
This week's schedule features 26 FCS-versus-FBS contests. Interestingly
enough, two teams which upset FBS schools last week will try to make it two in a
row in Week 2. Eastern Washington and UT Martin play at Washington State and
Northern Illinois, respectively.
"There's still 10 games left, but, hey, I'm sure looking forward to trying to
capitalize off of it," UT Martin coach Jason Simpson said about his team's FBS
upset in Week 1. "The team chemistry and the confidence that you build ... this
week is going to be an unbelievable challenge for us, but, hey, it won't hurt
you."
Playing one FBS game and getting a victory is tough enough, but trying to
beat two FBS teams in one year and in back-to-back weeks is nearly impossible.
"I don't want to have to play two a year, but this year we felt like it was
something we needed to do for our program," Simpson said. "It doesn't guarantee
us anything the rest of the season, but you would rather be sitting here 1-0
than the opposite of that."
Illinois State plays an 0-1 Eastern Michigan team which lost to Ball State
last week. The Redbirds are coming off a 56-14 win over Dayton and had two
running backs go over 100 yards, while quarterback Matt Brown threw for three
touchdowns.
"I get excited until I watch the tape," Spack said as he laughed. "Eastern
Michigan is pretty good. You know, we're going to have to play very well. I
obviously hope that maybe we can go and compete. I think we're at a stage in our
program where we are ready for a game like this and we'll see how ready we are.
... We really don't look at the foe or opponent, as much as we've got to focus
on the process of getting better and trying to be successful on Saturday."
The following is a game-by-game breakdown for The Sports Network/Fathead.com
FCS Top 25 and other select games (all times ET):
Saturday, Sept. 8
No. 16 Lehigh Mountain Hawks (1-0) at Central Connecticut State Blue Devils
(0-1), noon
Series record: Tied, 1-1
Last meeting: Central Connecticut State 28, Lehigh 21
What to know: Lehigh came away with a win in Week 1 against an improved
Monmouth squad and senior Michael Colvin finished 17-of-32 for 221 yards, two
touchdowns and two interceptions in his debut as starting quarterback. Many
wondered how the Mountain Hawks would look without Chris Lum under center and
while it wasn't the prettiest win, coach Andy Coen should feel better heading
into the matchup versus a struggling Central Connecticut team.
The Blue Devils faced a tough task last week, opening the season at
nationally ranked Stony Brook. The Seawolves used a couple of big plays to help
build their first-half lead. Early on, they scored on three straight plays to
make the score 21-0 in the first quarter. CCSU utilized junior quarterback
Andrew Clements, who rushed for a career-high 103 yards in the loss, scoring a
pair of touchdowns, but the Blue Devils only passed for 64 yards in the contest.
Stud receiver Ryan Spadola picked up right where he left off, catching nine
passes for 111 yards last week, leading the developing offensive attack.
Colvin's confidence should grow in an expected win versus a rebuilding CCSU
program.
Prediction: Lehigh 35, Central Connecticut State 14
No. 14 New Hampshire (1-0) at Minnesota (1-0), noon (Big Ten Network)
Series Record: First meeting
Last Meeting: None
What to Know: UNH is 5-4 all-time against FBS opponents, stringing together
an unprecedented five straight wins from the 2004-09 seasons. The Wildcats want
to hang in the game - or better yet, lead it - and make the Gophers start
questioning themselves and remembering their losses to FCS members in the last
two seasons (South Dakota in 2010 and North Dakota State in 2011).
UNH wants to control the clock - as it did against Holy Cross - but the game
plan may be a bit more conservative with redshirt freshman Sean Goldrich facing
a Big Ten opponent which picked off three passes at UNLV. Unlike other FCS
teams, though, the Wildcats have big enough lines to give Minnesota some trouble
in the trenches.
Former Southern Illinois coach Jerry Kill, the 2004 Eddie Robinson Award
winner, is in his second season guiding the Golden Gophers. He will have senior
quarterback MarQueis Gray test the Wildcats defense with his dual- threat
abilities.
Prediction: Minnesota 34, New Hampshire 20
No. 18 Illinois State Redbirds (1-0) at Eastern Michigan Eagles (0-1), 1 p.m.
(CSN-Chicago)
Series record: Tied, 12-12-6
Last meeting: Illinois State 28, Eastern Michigan 7 (Oct. 19, 1981)
What to know: With all the success the Missouri Valley Football Conference
had in last week's kickoff, Illinois State quietly defeated Dayton, 56-14. The
Redbirds offense put up impressive numbers with two hundred-yard rushers in
Darrelynn Dunn (137 yards, three touchdowns) and Cameron Hunt (120 yards, one
touchdown). Quarterback Matt Brown was 22-of-34 for 192 yards passing and three
touchdowns.
However, Illinois State's opponent in Week 2, Eastern Michigan, does not even
compare to Dayton. The Eagles and Redbirds will be renewing a rivalry that has
been dormant since the 1981 campaign. Although EMU is coming off a 37-26 loss
versus Ball State, it doesn't help that the Eagles have posted an 8-3 record
against FCS opponents since 2001. Eastern Michigan will be well aware of any
upset possibility and can't afford to drop to 0-2 on the season. On the other
hand, the battle of the birds could come down to special teams.
Prediction: Illinois State 36, Eastern Michigan 33
No. 20 Maine Black Bears (0-0) at Boston College Eagles (0-1), 1 p.m.
(ESPN3.com)
Series record: Tied, 3-3
Last meeting: Boston College 22, Maine 0
What to know: Last year, the Black Bears accomplished something that few
teams have done in the last decade. That is, win a playoff game at "The Rock"
versus Appalachian State, in the first round of the FCS playoffs. Of course,
this season, few expect Maine to make any noise in CAA Football without
quarterback Warren Smith, linebacker Vinson Givans and safeties Jerron McMillian
and Trevor Coston. Longtime coach Jack Cosgrove hands over the offense to junior
Marcus Wasilewski, whose inexperience could show in the opener at Boston
College.
Keep in mind, the Eagles are coming off a disappointing loss in the hands of
the Miami Hurricanes on national television and their defense struggled, so the
timing is ideal. Maine only lost to Pittsburgh, 35-29, last year and Cosgrove
has shown the ability to sneak up on a couple of FBS programs. But, with the
loss of many key players - and Boston College coach Frank Spaziani on the hot
seat - BC should take care of business.
Prediction: Boston College 42, Maine 17
Quincy Hawks (0-1) at No. 23 Indiana State Sycamores (0-1), 2:05 p.m.
Series record: Tied, 1-1
Last meeting: Indiana State 56, Quincy 22 (Oct. 2, 2010)
What to know: If there were any questions about junior running back Shakir
Bell living up to his stellar sophomore campaign, they were answered pretty
quickly in Indiana State's seven-point loss to Indiana. Bell, who tied for
second place in the Walter Payton Award voting last year, rushed for 192 yards
on 24 carries and one touchdown in a game which ISU easily could have won.
"He has been playing great," coach Trent Miles said about Bell. "He doesn't
amaze me anymore. Unfortunately for him, we have come to the expectation to play
well."
Signal-caller Mike Perish made his Sycamores debut and amassed 211 yards
through the air on 20-of-31 passing. If Indiana State can further improve its
passing offense, it could make a run in conference play, which begins Sept. 22
versus South Dakota State.
First and foremost this week, the Sycamores play Division II Quincy, which
lost in Week 1 and gave up 368 rushing yards. Bell could put up even bigger
numbers than last week.
Prediction: Indiana State 51, Quincy 13
No. 9 Eastern Washington Eagles (1-0) at Washington State Cougars (0-1), 3
p.m. (Pac-12 Network)
Series record: Washington State leads, 2-0
Last meeting: Washington State 73, Eastern Washington 0 (1908)
What to know: In coach Beau Baldwin's Eastern Washington debut in 2008, the
Eagles opened the season with a 49-24 loss to Texas Tech. In that game,
quarterback Graham Harrell and wide receiver Michael Crabtree and the Red
Raiders piled up 536 of its 639 yards of offense through the air. The relevance
of that contest? Texas Tech was led by Mike Leach back then, and now for the
second time, Baldwin faces another Leach-coached team as EWU visits Washington
State.
In one of the most intriguing matchups in Week 2, Eastern Washington looks to
take down two straight FBS opponents after last week's 20-3 win at Idaho. SMU
transfer Kyle Padron was only 13-of-33 for 260 yards, with one touchdown and one
interception. His production should improve with targets like Brandon Kaufman,
Nicholas Edwards and Greg Herd becoming more comfortable with him. The Eagles
defense had a huge game last week, allowing only 237 yards of total offense.
Leach's Cougars couldn't do anything offensively in a 30-6 loss at Brigham
Young, which was surprisingly uncharacteristic. If Eastern Washington can get
things started quickly on offense, expect the Eagles to have a legitimate shot a
pulling one out in Pullman. The last time these teams met in 1908, Washington
State won by 73. There's a good chance this one will be closer.
Prediction: Eastern Washington 28, Washington State 21
Delaware State Hornets (1-0) at No. 15 Delaware Blue Hens, 3:30 p.m. (NBCSN)
Series record: Delaware leads, 3-0
Last meeting: Delaware 45, Delaware State 0 (Sept. 17, 2011)
What to know: In Week 1, Delaware came away with a 41-21 win versus Division
II West Chester in the final game of a series that dates back to 1941. The Blue
Hens remain ranked at No. 15 partly because the victory was less than stellar.
West Chester put up 224 rushing yards compared to 177 for Delaware. The biggest
performance of the night came from the visitor's running back, Rondell White,
who rushed for 209 yards and caught a touchdown pass while racking up 269
all-purpose yards. Even more amazing, White broke the Delaware Stadium record
for rushing yards by an opponent.
If any coach in the FCS will have his team focused and ready in Week 2, it is
K.C. Keeler. In the fourth installment of this Route 1 rivalry, UD should once
again prove it's not anything close to a rivalry versus Delaware State.
Nick Elko ran four yards for a touchdown with 45 seconds left to lift
Delaware State to a 17-10 season-opening win over Virginia Military Institute,
but the Hornets run into an angry inner-state opponent who will establish the
run with Andrew Pierce.
Prediction: Delaware 42, Delaware State 10
Valparaiso Crusaders (0-1) at No. 6 Youngstown State Penguins (1-0), 4 p.m.
Series record: Youngstown State leads, 1-0
Last meeting: Youngstown State 77, Valparaiso 13 (Sept. 10, 2011)
What to know: Youngstown State is coming off one of the FCS' most impressive
wins last week, with its 31-17 upset at Pittsburgh. The Penguins outgained the
Panthers, 381-369, had more first downs, 23-17, and the defense forced two
turnovers. Quarterback Kurt Hess (13-of-23) threw for 154 yards and two
touchdowns, running back Jamaine Cook rushed for 84 yards and had a key halfback
pass touchdown, extending the lead to 21-10 early in the third quarter. Perhaps
the biggest surprise was the addition of redshirt freshman Andre Stubbs, who had
172 all-purpose yards (71 rushing, 61 receiving and 40 kickoff returns) and
scored two touchdowns - one receiving, one on the ground.
Valparaiso gave up a 6-yard touchdown run with 24 seconds to play in losing
its opener to Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference member St. Joseph's
(Ind.). The Crusaders gave up 549 yards, while St. Joseph's wide receiver Julian
Walker had a huge game, catching 11 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Coach Eric Wolford should have his YSU squad mentally prepared after such a
big win. This one could get ugly.
Prediction: Youngstown State 55, Valparaiso 13
Pace Setters (0-1) at No. 17 Stony Brook Seawolves (1-0), 6 p.m.
Series record: Stony Brook leads, 10-2
Last meeting: (Stony Brook won, 1998)
What to know: Stony Brook last started the season with a 2-0 record in 2007.
After a seemingly easy victory against Central Connecticut State, in which Stony
Brook rolled up 489 total yards, the Seawolves should have no problem taking
care of business versus Pace.
Miguel Maysonet rushed for 171 yards and scored three touchdowns last week,
while Iowa transfer Marcus Coker debuted with 75 yards and a touchdown on the
ground. SBU hopes to set itself nicely for more difficult opponents in the next
three weeks. Included are road contests at Syracuse and Army, with a home game
versus Colgate in between.
The Setters, out of the Northeast-10 Conference, lost their season opener at
Bentley, 42-0. Interestingly enough, the two New York-based teams were once
similar competitors at the Division II level. This contest should prove just how
different the programs turned out.
Prediction: Stony Brook 62, Pace 7
Morehead State Eagles (1-0) at No. 21 Eastern Kentucky Colonels (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: Eastern Kentucky leads, 49-16-4
Last meeting: Eastern Kentucky 16, Morehead State 8 (Sept. 13, 2008)
What to know: Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State meet for the 70th time
overall, but just the second meeting since 1995. When the Eagles competed in the
Ohio Valley Conference from 1948 until 1995, the schools played in the regular
season finale 31 times.
In Week 1, Eastern Kentucky fell to Purdue, 48-6, despite forcing five
turnovers. The Colonels had trouble moving the ball on offense, gaining only 190
yards, and on defense they gave up 547 yards.
Pioneer Football League member Morehead State scored 24 points in the first
13 minutes of its season opener to blow out Southern Virginia, 55-0. Senior
quarterback Zach Lewis led Morehead State by completing 16-of-22 passes for 249
yards and four touchdowns, with one rushing score. But Eastern Kentucky will be
a completely different challenge. The Colonels need to get their ground game
going with Matt Denham. Expect EKU to get back on track after a slow start to
open the season.
Prediction: Eastern Kentucky 33, Morehead State 20
Alcorn State Braves (1-0) at No. 5 James Madison Dukes (1-0), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: This offseason, Alcorn State wanted to hire a new head coach
who would make them more competitive. After the Braves' season opening win
versus last year's SWAC champion, Grambling State, it was clear Jay Hopson was
the man for the job. Alcorn started off its new era in the right direction, but
that will all change this week when the Braves take on James Madison.
The Dukes put on a show in a 55-7 rout of Saint Francis (Pa.). They converted
on every trip to the red zone, running 89 offensive plays and holding the Red
Flash to just 155 yards of total offense on 49 plays and only 4-for-12 on
third-down conversions. Lead signal-caller Justin Thorpe lived up to the hype of
a Madison offense that has a scary amount of talent. The senior rushed for 76
yards and two touchdowns, while passing for 177 yards. The Dukes might not lose
at home this year.
Coach Hopson told one reporter that his team will travel to Harrisonburg via
bus, leaving Friday at 4:30 a.m. It won't be a fun trip home after the 7 p.m.
game ends Saturday.
Prediction: James Madison 52, Alcorn State 17
Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (0-1) at Richmond Spiders (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Gardner-Webb faced a very dangerous Wofford team in Week 1 and
only managed to score one touchdown in its 34-7 setback. Wofford ran for a
whopping 402 yards and held the Runnin' Bulldogs to 12 yards on the ground.
Coach Ron Dickerson Jr. faces a familiar face to the Big South Conference with
Richmond head coach Danny Rocco (formally of Liberty), who is in his seventh
season as a Division I FCS head coach and first in charge of the Spiders'
program.
Richmond looks to keep its unblemished night game record at Robins Stadium
intact, after a 43-19 loss at Virginia last week. Senior quarterback John Laub
set career bests in the loss, going 17-of-35 for 178 yards.
The Spiders have not lost a home opener since the 2005 season, beating three
Big South teams during the streak. This game is huge for Rocco to show his team
can be a lot more competitive than last season's 3-8 campaign.
Prediction: Richmond 38, Gardner-Webb 14
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (1-0, 0-0 MEAC) at South Carolina State Bulldogs
(1-0, 0-0), 6 p.m. (ESPN3.com)
Series record: South Carolina State leads, 29-8
Last meeting: South Carolina State 26, Bethune-Cookman 18 (Sept. 10, 2011)
What to know: If it weren't for one of the FCS' most colossal matchups this
week - and in recent decades, for that matter - between Appalachian State and
Montana, this game would take center stage in Week 2.
After trailing 21-0 in the second quarter in last week's annual MEAC/SWAC
Challenge, Bethune-Cookman decided to throw in Louisiana Tech transfer, multi-
dimensional quarterback Brodrick Waters. The senior, who also can play wide
receiver and running back, threw for two touchdowns, ran for 100 yards and added
a touchdown on the ground. B-C stunned Alabama State, scoring 38 unanswered
points on route to a 38-28 win. The Wildcats rushed for 367 yards and were
helped by running backs Isidore Jackson and Rodney Scott, who ran for 123 and
100 yards, respectively.
South Carolina State took care of business in Week 1, defeating CAA Football
newcomer Georgia State on the road, 33-6. The Bulldogs offense racked up 488
yards total offense, with junior receiver Caleb Davis and senior Lennel Elmore
each finishing with over 100 yards receiving on the night.
Last year, Bethune-Cookman entered its Week 2 matchup in similar fashion,
beating Prairie View A&M, 63-14, but lost at home against the Bulldogs,
26-18. The players, coaches and the conference, for that matter, understand the
significance of this game. Each team has high expectations in the MEAC and a
blemish early could hurt one of these teams further down the road.
Prediction: Bethune-Cookman 24, South Carolina State 23 (OT)
No. 3 Georgia Southern Eagles (1-0, 0-0 Southern) at The Citadel Bulldogs
(1-0, 0-0), 6 p.m.
Series record: Georgia Southern leads, 17-4
Last meeting: Georgia Southern 14, The Citadel 12 (Nov. 5, 2011)
What to know: Very few times throughout the FCS football season a pair of
triple option teams square off. That is, of course, unless you look at the
Southern Conference, which is home to three veer-oriented programs in Georgia
Southern, The Citadel and Wofford.
In the SoCon's only conference game this week, The Citadel - a team in its
third season in a new offense - takes on Georgia Southern, whose success has
related directly to its a lethal run game.
In last week's 49-14 dismantling of Charleston Southern, the Bulldogs rushed
for 479 yards, their most in a game in 18 years, while using a plethora of
rushers who accounted for seven touchdowns. Starting quarterback Ben Dupree ran
for 77 yards and two touchdowns and sixth-year senior Rickey Anderson scored
three touchdowns. However, if the Bulldogs want to win this week, they can't
play like they did in the first half, fumbling the ball six times, losing two of
them.
Georgia Southern made its season opener versus Jacksonville look like a walk-
through scrimmage. New signal-caller Ezayi Youyoute ran for 164 yards and three
scores, while sophomore sensation Dominique Swope added 104 rushing yards and
three touchdowns of his own. Like the Bulldogs, the Eagles scored seven
touchdowns on the ground, but even more impressive, they rushed for 557 yards.
A year ago, the Bulldogs held the Eagles to 191 rushing yards and 320 yards
of total offense, but GSU squeaked out with a 14-12 win, after blocking a pair
of extra points. The Citadel won't have the element of surprise this week and
Georgia Southern will capitalize on every mistake they make.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 42, The Citadel 24
No. 7 Old Dominion Monarchs (1-0) at Hampton Pirates (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: Old Dominion leads, 2-0
Last meeting: Old Dominion 45, Hampton 42 (Sept. 17, 2011)
What to know: Old Dominion's first road game of 2012 is also its shortest,
having to travel just 14 miles to play area rival Hampton. Last year, the
Monarchs won, 45-42, and were still trying to figure out their identity after
just three games. Flash forward almost one year later and ODU seems to be a
clear favorite after a 57-23 win over Duquesne. There's no doubt, much of the
Monarchs' success comes in the hands of their sophomore quarterback, Taylor
Heinicke, who shook off a slow start in Week 1, finishing with 530 yards of
total offense and 492 yards through the air.
On the other hand, Hampton trailed 31-7 at halftime versus Tennessee Tech -
making a nice second-half comeback - but lost, 41-31. Hampton's defense looked
vulnerable, allowing 548 yards - 209 rushing and 339 passing. Nine of Old
Dominion's 11 games will be played in the state of Virginia, and it shouldn't
face a real test until Sept. 22 versus New Hampshire.
Prediction: Old Dominion 50, Hampton 17
No. 12 Montana Grizzlies (1-0) at No. 11 Appalachian State Mountaineers
(0-1), 6:30 p.m. (ESPN Game Plan, ESPN3.com)
Series record: Montana leads, 2-0
Last meeting: Montana 24, Appalachian State 17 (Dec. 12, 2009)
What to know: You won't be able to find too many people in Boone, N.C., on
Saturday night who will not be in attendance at "The Rock" for one of the most
anticipated regular-season non-conference matchups in the history of the FCS.
For those questioning the significance of a regular-season contest between
the Southern and Big Sky conferences, keep in mind both programs have a combined
five national championships, 10 FCS championship-game appearances and 40 FCS
postseason berths. In the last seven years, Appalachian State and Montana are
the winningest programs in all of the FCS with 79 and 78 victories,
respectively.
To make things even more interesting, Appalachian is coming off a
disappointing 8-4 season without a playoff win (yes, disappointing in the eyes
of the Mountaineers faithful) and lost to Eastern Carolina last week. The
Grizzlies had a troubled offseason with player arrests, assault allegations and
the firing of its head coach. Montana won its opener, but trailed a South Dakota
team that won three FCS games in 2011, 24-16 midway through the third quarter.
The Grizzlies rushed the ball effectively and won, 35-24.
Very rarely do teams come away with victories against Appalachian State in
the confines of Kidd Brewer Stadium. Coach Jerry Moore is 20-3 all-time in home
openers for the Mountaineers and 10-1 in the last 11 years.
Prediction: Appalachian State 33, Montana 28
No. 25 Central Arkansas Bears (0-1) at Murray State Racers (0-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: Central Arkansas leads, 2-0-1
Last meeting: Central Arkansas 21, Murray State 20 (Sept.18, 2010)
What to know: Central Arkansas played well in its opener versus SEC foe
Mississippi. The Bears led 20-14 at the half, but were outscored 35-7 in the
second half, losing, 49-27. In just his second career start, quarterback Wynrick
Smothers (maybe the best name in the FCS) completed 25-of-32 passes for 247
yards and two touchdowns.
This game could be strange for UCA, at least early on, because Murray State
played on the road at Florida State last week and lost, 69-3. So being able to
accurately prepare for a team that played the FBS' No. 7-ranked team in the
Seminoles will be harder than expected. Defensively, Central Arkansas played
well in the first half against an SEC team. UCA will have a lot of confidence to
come away with a win versus a developing Racers' squad.
Prediction: Central Arkansas 35, Murray State 14
Norfolk State Spartans (1-0) at Liberty Flames (0-1), 7 p.m. (Flames Sports
Net, MASN2)
Series record: Liberty leads, 3-1
Last meeting: Norfolk State 34, Liberty 17 (Nov. 19, 2005)
What to know: Liberty nearly started off the Turner Gill era with a victory
versus an FBS opponent in Wake Forest, before the Demon Deacons came up with a
critical fourth-down stop with less than two minutes remaining to win, 20-17.
The Flames outgained Wake Forest on the night, finishing with 363 total
offensive yards to Wake Forest's 293 total offensive yards, of which only 98
came on the ground.
Norfolk State won last year's MEAC title and defeated Division II Virginia
State, 24-0, to open the season. Liberty's biggest challenge will be facing a
defense that allowed just 107 yards of total offense versus Virginia State and
ranked No. 2 in the FCS in total defense in allowing a stingy 275 yards per game
in 2011. The Spartans lost seven starters from that dominant defense and played
well against an easy opponent last week, so Liberty won't know how good
Norfolk's defense is until they have played a couple of series.
Flames coach Turner Gill missed the majority of practice this week to mourn
the loss of his mother. He plans to coach Saturday and his team will show up to
support him.
Prediction: Liberty 20, Norfolk State 10
No. 2 North Dakota State Bison (1-0) at Colorado State Rams (1-0), 7 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: North Dakota State looked like a team which was defending a
national title last week in its 52-0 blasting of Robert Morris. However, this
week the Bison play FBS member Colorado State, which is a whole different animal
compared to RMU. On the other hand, the Bison gave up only 88 yards of total
offense and Robert Morris only had three snaps inside NDSU territory with the
48-yard line being its deepest advancement. At any level, when you accomplish
that feat, it's impressive.
Colorado State picked up a win in coach Jim McElwain's debut over long-time
rival Colorado. The Rams offense was mediocre in the victory, but the defense
was solid, giving up 245 yards, only 58 of those on the ground. Redshirt
freshman linebacker Cory James added three sacks, while place-kicker Jared
Roberts was 3-of-3 on field-goal attempts.
Colorado State knows it will have to earn a win, even while playing at home.
North Dakota State has a 5-3 record against FBS teams since 2006 and has a
legitimate shot to take down CSU in Collins. A win for the Bison would make
three straight FBS victories in the last three years.
Prediction: North Dakota State 24, Colorado State 20
Chattanooga Mocs (0-1) at No. 24 Jacksonville State Gamecocks (0-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: Chattanooga leads, 27-9
Last meeting: Chattanooga 38, Jacksonville State 17 (Sept. 10, 2011)
What to know: Both Chattanooga and Jacksonville State have a lot to gain and
a lot to lose with this early season matchup. Both teams lost their season
openers to FBS programs in South Florida and Arkansas, respectively.
The Mocs won't have quarterback Terrell Robinson, who quit the team for two
days this week and won't be on the travel squad. Redshirt freshman Jacob
Huesman, the coach's son, will get his first start.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville State will be without senior running back Washaun
Ealey, who was arrested Wednesday morning on drug possession charges and will
not play this week.
The Gamecocks struck fear in thousands of Arkansas Razorback fans Saturday
... at least early on in the contest, when the Gamecocks led 14-7 in the
beginning stages of the second quarter. The No. 10-ranked Razorbacks then woke
up and reeled off 28 straight points and never looked back.
UTC's defense is one of the best in the SoCon, which saying a lot. However,
Jacksonville State is 10-2 home openers under coach Jack Crowe, and the Mocs
have a lot of questions on offense.
Prediction: Jacksonville State 17, Chattanooga 16 (OT)
Portland State Vikings (1-0) at North Dakota Fighting Sioux (1-0), 7 p.m. -
(considered non-conference game by Big Sky Conference)
Series record: Tied 1-1
Last meeting: North Dakota 17, Portland State 10 (1981)
What to know: For the first time in 31 years, Portland State plays North
Dakota. However, although they are both Big Sky Conference members, the contest
will be considered a non-conference game (the NCAA allows the conference to do
this because of the lack of FCS teams out west). Each team faced weak opponents
in their openers and are looking to make some noise in the generally wide-open
Big Sky race.
North Dakota put forth a dominant performance - including 653 yards of total
offense - last Thursday in the team's 66-0 season-opening win over South Dakota
School of Mines. The whooping came with a price, as starting quarterback Braden
Hanson will miss two to three weeks after suffering a leg injury. Fifth-year
senior Marcus Hendrickson will get his first career start against the Vikings.
Portland State came away with a victory over a competitive NAIA Carroll
College team. True freshman Kieran McDonagh made his debut as the lead Vikings
signal- caller, passing for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
With 13 teams now in the conference, the competitive nature has grown. Thus,
both teams still have much to prove.
Prediction: North Dakota 28, Portland State 20
Lafayette Leopards (0-0) at William & Mary Tribe (0-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: William and Mary played as well as any FCS team versus an FBS
school in its 7-6 loss at Maryland in Week 1. The Tribe's defense held the Terps
scoreless until midway through the fourth quarter. In all, W&M forced four
turnovers and allowed just 236 yards of total offense. Once again, coach Jimmye
Laycock lost his starting quarterback to injury. Brent Caprio will miss the game
with a shoulder injury, while Michael Graham will compete with Raphael Ortiz for
the lead signal-caller.
Lafayette, a member of the Patriot League, is coming off a 4-7 campaign in
2011 and looks to rebuild. The Leopards' initial trip to Williamsburg, Va., is
the farthest south the Lafayette program has ventured since 1988.
Prediction: William & Mary 28, Lafayette 10
Incarnate Word Cardinals (1-0) at No. 1 Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-0), 7
p.m. (Bearkat Sports Net)
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Last year's Southland Conference champion and national
runner-up Sam Houston State opens the 2012 season against future league member
Incarnate Word. The Bearkats began 2011 unranked in The Sports Network FCS Top
25, but finished 14-1 after North Dakota State kept the top-seeded Bearkats from
becoming the first undefeated team in the FCS since Marshall finished 15-0 in
1996. Coach Willie Fritz, who is 20-6 in three seasons with the program, faces
an even tougher test in 2012, with only three true home games.
Sam Houston plays on the road at FBS foes Baylor and Texas A&M (to end
the season) and return 20 starters from last year's squad. The target has
certainly grown for the Bearkats, but Incarnate Word will serve as the first
step moving forward in their new season.
Prediction: Sam Houston State 56, Incarnate Word 7
Central State Marauders (0-1) at No. 8 Northern Iowa Panthers (0-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Few expected Northern Iowa to compete like it did at Camp
Randall Stadium versus Wisconsin. The Panthers nearly pulled out a dramatic
comeback win, rallying from a 19-point deficit only to be defeated, 26-21.
Redshirt freshman Sawyer Kollmorgen answered any questions UNI had at the
quarterback position. He completed 18-of-34 pass attempts for 265 yards and
three touchdowns and was named the Missouri Valley Football Newcomer of the
Week.
Mark Farley's team faces Division II Central State, which will be utterly
overmatched in the UNI-Dome. Northern Iowa faces another Big Ten opponent, Iowa,
in Week 3 and can't afford to mess around against the Marauders.
Prediction: Northern Iowa 48, Central State 10
Lincoln Lions (0-1) at No. 10 Wofford Terriers (1-0), 7 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Wofford started the season in typical fashion with a 34-7 win
at Gardner-Webb. The Terriers ran for 402 yards, including 219 by Eric
Breitenstein, and limited the Runnin' Bulldogs to only 12 rushing yards. Wofford
recorded five sacks despite being without one of its best defenders in
All-America linebacker Alvin Scioneaux (shoulder), who will be limited in the
first couple weeks of the season.
Lincoln lost its opener to rival Cheyney University and played its first home
game in more than 60 years after reviving the program in 2008. The Lions
outgained Cheyney, 419-229, and gave up 207 rushing yards.
Breitenstein could have a huge day, in the first half. Wofford should cruise
into its Week 3 SoCon matchup versus Western Carolina.
Prediction: Wofford 55, Lincoln 13
No. 4 Montana State Bobcats (1-0) at Drake Bulldogs (1-0), 7:05 p.m.
Series record: Tied, 1-1
Last meeting: Montana State 48, Drake 21
What to know: Montana State plays on the road versus a Drake program that
coach Rob Ash essentially built from the ground up. Ash arrived in Bozeman prior
to the 2007 season after leading Drake for 18 seasons, piling up 125 victories
during his time in Des Moines, Iowa.
Last week, in the first night game in the history of Bobcat Stadium, Montana
State came away with a convincing 33-6 win over Chadron State. The Bobcats
allowed just 135 yards of offense and starting quarterback DeNarius McGhee
continued his impressive streak of throwing at least one touchdown in each of 26
career games. The junior now has 51 career touchdown passes after his four-
touchdown performance in Week 1.
Drake defeated Grand View, 28-8, in its season opener, and has now won 11
straight home contests, the last loss coming versus Lehigh on Sept. 4, 2010.
Senior quarterback and 2011 Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Year
Mike Piatkowski threw for 271 yards to push him over 7,000 career passing yards.
He is one of just eight active FCS passers who have surpassed that milestone in
their careers.
It will be an emotional game for Ash, who is still the winningest head coach
in Drake football history. Although the Bulldogs are 7-2 against current members
of the Big Sky Conference, MSU has far too many weapons on both sides of the
ball.
Prediction: Montana State 42, Drake 17
No. 19 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-0) at Southern Methodist Mustangs
(0-1), 8 p.m. (Time Warner Texas)
Series record: Southern Methodist leads, 1-0
Last meeting: Southern Methodist 21, Stephen F. Austin 23
What to know: Stephen F. Austin had to wait an extra 24 hours - thanks to
Hurricane Isaac - to start its season off with a 49-14 win over Southwestern
Oklahoma. Junior signal-caller Brady Attaway completed 21-of-37 passes for 354
yards and three touchdowns. The Lumberjacks ranked No. 1 in the FCS in sacks and
tackles for loss last season and the defense showed it has the same intentions
in 2012. Eight players recorded a sack and 13 others had a tackle for loss.
This is an interesting matchup because SFA faces an FBS - inner-state foe
Southern Methodist - which was smoked by Baylor, 59-29, last week. The
Lumberjacks have a chance to come away with a victory if their stud receivers,
Gralyn Crawford and Cordell Roberson - who now have combined for 50 touchdown
receptions in their standout careers - can get open, early and often.
A win in Week 2 would be enormous for Stephen F. Austin, especially when you
look at its next two games on the schedule, at Montana State and Texas State in
back-to-back weeks.
Prediction: Southern Methodist 24, Stephen F. Austin 23
McMurry War Hawks (0-1) at No. 22 McNeese State Cowboys (1-0), 8 p.m.
Series record: McMurry leads, 2-0
Last meeting: McMurry 21, McNeese State 0 (1958)
What to know: McNeese State came away with one of the most surprising FCS
over FBS victories in Week 1, topping Middle Tennessee State on the road, 27-21.
The victory was the 18th win by the Southland Conference against FBS foes since
2000.
The Cowboys dominated the line of scrimmage, rushing for 298 yards, 105 of
which came on behalf of junior running back Marcus Wiltz. The upset win launched
McNeese into the Top 25 and opened a lot eyes in the Southland for a team that
was voted to finish fourth in the conference's preseason poll.
McMurry lost 51-0 in its debut as an NCAA Division II program, but actually
leads the series, 2-0. However, the programs haven't played since 1958. The
Cowboys won't have a letdown this week after such a big win to open the season.
Prediction: McNeese State 55, McMurry 10
Last Week's Record: 22-5 (.814)
Season Record: 22-5 (.814)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
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