DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum I am back!!!!! FCS Playoffs and Brackett

Once again I am back with the FCS Playoffs. There have been some changes this year. They have expanded from 16 to 20 teams and the first round was actually played last week.

App. State received the #1 seed
William & Mary the 2nd seed
Deleware the 3rd and
Montana State the 4th seed

Here is a link:

Linky Do

Again guys, this is some really good football and it's worth watching. This is one and done so these kids are playing to keep playing. There are some really good players too. Some definate pro prospects.

Yes, I am biased, but App. State and Western Illinios have two of the three Payton Watch Finalists, and they play each other Sat. at Noon on MASN. Should be a good game.

I hope some of you watch it and some of the other playoff games.

Remember, this is a college football champion ship decided the way it should be......ON THE FIELD.

Any logic as to why it was expanded ?

This is all I could find:

web page

I Hope more people pay some attention to it this yr. with the date and location shift, but I doubt it.

Guess some people just don't know what they are missing.

I keep my eye on it. Having grown up near Youngstown, I always keep an eye on Youngstown St.

I always loved going to those games. The quality of play might not be as "good" as the FBS, but it was still a ton of fun and really good players.

Still one of the most impressive football players I've ever seen on any level was Jermaine Hopkins from YSU. He was a DE and had calves that were about as big as my chest.

My dad graduated from YSU (went there when Ron Jarorwski (?splng?) was the QB)and we still have family that goes to every game up there. I have been to a few myself.

I wouldn't mind seeing them get back into the running. They haven't been the same since Tressel left.

Watch the game Sat. if you can, the two QB's are both Peyton finalists, so there should be some offense. App. State also has a safety that some Pro Scouts are looking at in Mark Legree, he is up for the Buchannan Award which is given out to the Best I-AA defensive player. He has been hurt with a Calf Strain the past couple of weeks, but he should be back for this game. He is a solid tackler and has a nose for the ball, lead I-AA in interceptions last yr. (in other words, might be a good pick-up for the Browns ).

Don't know if you get MASN or not, but that's the channel it's on Sat. at Noon.

Third Round Brackett and an article on the App. State / Villanova Game Sat. @ noon. The game will be on ESPN so everyone can watch it (and I know you all will ).

Article

Brackett

Wel, Delaware won last night. Here is a preview of today's games:

Quote:

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In the FCS Huddle: Week 15 Preview
By Andrew Gaddess, FCS Assistant

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Last week, an interesting scene unraveled out west as the North Dakota State Bison managed to knock off freshman phenom Denarius McGhee and the Montana State Bobcats, 42-17, to advance to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs.

The Bison, not known as a formidable road opponent, bulled their way to the victory behind a school-record 207 rushing yards from the shifty and explosive D.J. McNorton. Entering the fourth quarter trailing 17-14, the Bison completely exploded, scoring four times to cruise to victory.

Next up for this surging Missouri Valley Football Conference squad is a date with the No. 1 team in the nation, the Eastern Washington Eagles. Can the Bison pull off another surprising road victory over yet another Big Sky co- champion?

It is yet to be determined, but the test will surely be made tougher by the disorienting red Sprinturf of Roos field. The Eagles are a perfect 6-0 atop their newest 12th man.

A win for the Bison would pit them against the winner of Villanova-Appalachian State quarterfinal.

To win in the FCS playoffs is to repeat the extraordinary until it becomes second nature. The Bison are hoping that last Saturday's win over Montana State will prove to be habit forming.

FCS THIRD ROUND

(11) NEW HAMPSHIRE AT (5) DELAWARE

Kickoff: Friday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m. ET

Facts & Figures: Site: Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium (22,000) - Newark, Delaware. Surface: FieldTurf. Television: ESPN 2. Announcers: Pam Ward, Danny Kanell. Home Record: New Hampshire 4-1; Delaware 7-1. Away Record: New Hampshire 3-3; Delaware 3-1. Neutral Record: New Hampshire 1-0; Delaware 0-0. Series Record: Delaware (19-10-1). Last Meeting: October 6, 2007 (New Hampshire, 35-30 at New Hampshire). Series Streak: New Hampshire has won the last three meetings. Conference: New Hampshire - Colonial Athletic Association; Delaware - Colonial Athletic Association. Nicknames: New Hampshire Wildcats; Delaware Blue Hens. The Sports Network/Fathead.com Ranking: New Hampshire (11); Delaware (5). Head Coaches: New Hampshire - Sean McDonnell (88-57 at New Hampshire and Overall); Delaware - K.C. Keeler (72-41 at Delaware, 160-62-1 Overall). All-Time Record: New Hampshire (522-329-55); Delaware - (649-414-44). Playoff Records: New Hampshire (6-8); Delaware (20-13). Previous FCS Playoff Appearances: New Hampshire 8 (1991, 94, 2004-09); Delaware 14 (1981-82, 86, 88, 91-93, 95-97, 2000, 03-04, 07).

What to know: New Hampshire advanced to the quarterfinals with a 45-20 victory over Bethune-Cookman last Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Quarterback Kevin Decker, making his first start of season in place of the injured R.J. Toman, completed 23-of-35 passes for 289 yards and three second- half touchdowns.

With the score tied 14-14 at halftime, the Wildcats erupted for 21 third- quarter points. Terrance Fox, Chris Chandler and Joey Orlando each had touchdown receptions in the decisive quarter.

Linebacker Matt Evans paced the UNH defense with 10 tackles. His 145 tackles on the season lead the CAA and are the second-most in UNH single-season history. Defensive end Brian McNally recorded 2.5 sacks, giving him 11.5 for the season, which ties a UNH single-season record.

The defense now has 33 sacks on the season. The unit averages 2.67 sacks per game (No. 17 FCS) and has recorded 34 takeaways (tied No. 3 FCS). Cornerback Dino Vasso leads the team with six interceptions and Evans has forced three fumbles.

Of main concern entering the Wildcats' matchup with Delaware is the health of Toman. Decker is still penciled in as the starter, but it is likely that Toman, who is nursing a sprained ankle, will be ready to go. Also of concern is the health of running back Dontra Peters, who is hampered by a foot sprain. Peters played against Bethune-Cookman, but gained only 19 yards on six carries, had one catch for 27 yards and also failed to score. He is said to be at about 75 to 80 percent.

Delaware, which has advanced to the quarterfinals for the fourth time in nine seasons under head coach K.C. Keeler, did so last week with a 42-20 win over Patriot League champion Lehigh.

Lehigh held a 14-13 lead at the half, but, just like New Hampshire, Delaware reeled off 21 third-quarter points to seal the victory.

Pat Devlin recorded his fourth straight 200-yard passing game as he threw for 256 yards and completed touchdown passes to four different receiver in the win. Mark Schenauer led the Blue Hens with a career-high 113 receiving yards and a touchdown. Tim Crosby added 69 receiving yards and a score.

Running back Andrew Pierce continued his stellar freshman campaign, running for 88 yards and a touchdown. He was spelled by David Hayes, who also scored a rushing touchdown to go with his 74 yards on the ground.

The defense allowed a career day from Lehigh quarterback Chris Lum, who completed 35-of-58 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns. However, the unit played well when necessary, holding Lehigh to just seven second-half points. Cornerback Anthony Walters recorded two interceptions.

On the season, the Blue Hens' defense is ranked No. 1 in the nation in points allowed (12.33), No. 8 in rushing (99.6 ypg) and No. 5 in total defense (278.08 ypg).

While the UNH defense is founded on pressure and big plays, the Delaware defense relies on solid principles: team tackling and execution (the Blue Hens are averaging only one sack per game), but both defenses are incredibly successful in their own right.

Delaware seems to have a counter for the big-play capabilities of the Wildcats' defense. Devlin ranks No. 2 in the nation is passing efficiency (156.2 rating) and, more importantly, has thrown just two interceptions this season. Running back Andrew Pierce offers a counter to the Wildcats' uphill line play. His ability to gash a defense may keep the UNH line honest long enough to allow Devlin to find the open man.

Throw in the Toman and Peters injuries, along with the Blue Hens' home field advantage, and this matchup favors Delaware.

Prediction: Delaware, 23-17

(10) VILLANOVA AT (2) APPALACHIAN STATE

Kickoff: Saturday, Dec. 11, noon ET

Facts & Figures: Kidd Brewer Stadium (21,650) -- Boone, North Carolina. Surface: FieldTurf. Television: ESPN. Announcers: Mike Gleason, John Congemi. Home Record: Villanova 4-1; Appalachian State 7-0. Away Record: Villanova 4-3; Appalachian State 3-2. Series Record: First meeting. Conference: Villanova - Colonial Athletic Associate; Appalachian State - Southern. Nicknames: Villanova Wildcats; Appalachian State Mountaineers. Sports Network/Fathead.com Ranking: Villanova (10); Appalachian State (2). Head Coaches: Villanova - Andy Talley (187-106-1 at Villanova, 215-124-2 Overall); Appalachian State - Jerry Moore (199-78 at Appalachian State, 226-125-2 Overall). All-Time Record: Villanova (570-443-41); Appalachian State (548-304-28). Playoff Records: Villanova (9-7); Appalachian State (24-14). Previous FCS Playoff Appearances: Villanova 8 (1989, 91-92, 1996-97, 2002, 08-09); Appalachian State 17 (1986-87, 89, 91-92, 94-95, 98-99, 2000-02, 05-09).

What to know: The Villanova Wildcats had a challenge on their hands last week, as they traveled to Nacogdoches, Texas, to face an unfamiliar opponent in Stephen F. Austin and one of the best quarterbacks in FCS history in Jeremy Moses.

Moses was as advertised early, leading Stephen F. Austin to a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Wildcats responded, however, by scoring 47 of the game's final 50 points to run away with a 52-24 victory.

Quarterback Chris Whitney completed 21-of-30 passes for 222 yards and a career-high four touchdown passes, three of which were caught by receiver Norman White. Whitney found Matt Szczur 11 times for 128 yards and a touchdown.

The return of Szczur was paramount. After missing the bulk of the season with sprains in both ankles, Szczur finally appeared healthy. He added a big play threat (51-yard touchdown catch) and was effective out of the Wildcat formation.

Szczur's 68 rushing yards led a ground attack which compiled 234 yards. Aaron Ball and Angelo Babbaro were their usual reliable selves, gaining 63 and 47 yards, respectively.

Though designed to stop the run, the defense turned in an admirable performance, holding SFA scoreless in the second half and intercepting Moses three times. The Wildcats currently have the No. 8 scoring defense in the FCS (17 ppg). Despite their success against Moses, the Wildcats are still a run- stuffing team, ranking No. 7 in the FCS against the run (98.4 ypg) as opposed to No. 66 against the pass (207.6 ypg). This week's matchup against Appalachian State should provide a more favorable matchup for the defense.

The Appalachian State Mountaineers ran their way into the quarterfinals behind a career-high 264 rushing yards from quarterback DeAndre Presley in a 42-14 rout of Western Illinois - head coach Jerry Moore's 199th win with the SoCon power.

The snow-covered field was conducive to the run and the Mountaineers took advantage, racking up a season-high 417 rushing yards in the win. With his 264 rushing yards, Presley became just the fourth player in FCS history to surpass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.

The rest of the rushing duties were handled by committee, as Devon Moore, Travaris Cadet, Cedric Baker and Rod Chisholm all made significant contributions. The Mountaineers had just two completions and 47 yards through the air in the win.

With the score tied at 7-7 at the end of the first quarter, the Mountaineers used a 21-0 second quarter to gain an insurmountable advantage. The defense, aided by the elements, was tremendous, holding Walter Payton Award (sponsored by Fathead.com) finalist Matt Barr to 98 passing yards and one touchdown, while intercepting him three times. Western Illinois, which entered the game averaging 476.1 yards of total offense (No. 2 FCS), managed a season-low 231 yards.

Presley now ranks No. 34 in the nation and No. 1 among quarterbacks with 84.7 rushing yards per game. He leads an offense which scores 35.1 ppg (No. 7 FCS).

The defense, behind D.J. Smith, Marc Legree and Jabari Fletcher, is rife with talent, but has largely been outplayed by the offense this season. The Mountaineers rank just No. 71 in the FCS against the run (157.08 ypg), although they do play in the run-heavy SoCon.

Saturday's matchup between Villanova and Appalachian State is one of the most significant in FCS history, pitting two unfamiliar but similar powers in opposition of each other.

The Wildcats impressed last week, showing an ability to adapt on the fly to an unfamiliar opponent. Abandoning their run stopping principles, they dropped eight men into coverage and were able to stifle the FCS' best passer.

Appalachian State, while a superior team to Stephen F. Austin, provides a matchup more suitable to the Wildcats' tendencies. Villanova has perhaps the best offensive line in the country, a committee of reliable backs and a trump card in the recently returned Szczur.

Snow is not in Saturday's forecast in Boone, but cold weather further necessitates the need for an effective ground game. Coincidentally, both teams possess such an attack.

Prediction: Villanova, 27-23

(20) GEORGIA SOUTHERN AT (7) WOFFORD

Kickoff: Saturday, Dec. 11, 2 p.m. ET

Facts & Figures: Site: Gibbs Stadium (13,000) -- Spartanburg, South Carolina. Surface: Natural Grass. Television: ESPN3.com. Announcers: Doug Bell, David Diaz-Infante. Home Record: Georgia Southern 4-2; Wofford 5-0. Away Record: Georgia Southern 5-2; Wofford 5-2. Series Record: Georgia Southern (9-7). Last Meeting: October 9, 2010 (Wofford, 33-31 at Georgia Southern). Series Streak: Wofford has won four of the last six meetings. Conference: Georgia Southern - Southern; Wofford - Southern. Nicknames: Georgia Southern Eagles; Wofford Terriers. Sports Network/Fathead.com Ranking: Georgia Southern (20); Wofford (7). Head Coaches: Georgia Southern - Georgia Southern - Jeff Monken (8-4 at Georgia Southern and Overall); Wofford - Mike Ayers (155-106-1 at Wofford, 165-127-2 Overall). All-Time Record: Georgia Southern (327-180-10); Wofford (473-470-36). Playoff Records: Georgia Southern (40-10); Wofford (4-3). Previous FCS Playoff Appearances: Georgia Southern 16 (1985-90, 93, 95, 97-99, 2000-02, 04-05); Wofford 3 (2003, 07-08).

What to know: The Georgia Southern Eagles will face a familiar foe and a similar attack when they square off against their SoCon rival Wofford on Saturday.

Following a 41-16 victory over South Carolina State in the first round, the Eagles pulled a 31-15, second-round surprise at No. 4 (and No. 2 playoff seed) William & Mary, 31-15.

Although the offense tallied 31 points, the defense was the main catalyst in the win, holding The Tribe scoreless in the second half and refusing to allow an offensive touchdown. Josh Rowe led the Eagles with 12 tackles and Terico Agnew recorded two sacks. The Tribe was limited to just 214 yards of total offense.

The performance was nothing new, as the Eagles currently sport the No. 9 scoring defense in the nation (17.6 ppg). They also rank No. 6 in total defense (280.3 ypg), No. 14 in pass defense (161.6 ypg) and are tied for No. 9 with 29 forced turnovers. Brent Russell's eight sacks set the tone and Derek Heyden's 85 tackles pace the squad.

While the defense was stifling against William & Mary, the offense was punishing. The Eagles racked up 429 yards on the ground. Quarterback Jaybo Shaw attempted just six passes, but ran for 87 yards and three scores. Robert Brown scored a rushing touchdown of his own and ran for a team-high 178 yards.

As with the defense's effort, the offense's output was nothing new. The Eagles rank No. 3 in the FCS in rushing (268.6 ypg), second only to Wofford (307.3 ypg) among remaining playoff teams.

As with Georgia Southern, the running game is crucial to the Terriers' attack. Last week, they employed the run to seal a victory over Jacksonville State. With 3:51 remaining and Jacksonville State trailing 17-14, the Terriers ran the ball five consecutive times to kill the clock.

Eric Breitenstein carried the ball 28 times for 178 yards and two touchdowns. He now holds the school's single-season rushing record (1,537 yards). Mitch Allen managed the offense well, passing for 86 yards on 15 attempts and rushing for another 27 yards. Brenton Bersin caught six of Allen's eight completions for 70 yards.

Although it allowed nine fourth-quarter points, the Wofford defense was solid overall. Mike Niam led the way with 13 tackles, and Jamar Reaves and Preston Roseboro each had an interception. Jacksonville State entered the game averaging 33.8 ppg (No. 10 FCS).

The Terriers are not far behind the Eagles in terms of defensive prowess, ranking No. 12 in the FCS is scoring (18.58 ppg) and No. 9 in total defense (289.2 ypg). They have a force on the defensive line as well in Ameet Pall (12.5 sacks).

With strong defenses and powerful triple option attacks, these teams are distinctively similar, as evident by their Oct. 9 meeting, when the Terriers narrowly edged the Eagles, 33-31. Of course that game came down to a Breitenstein touchdown run, which put the Terriers on top, 33-31, and two defensive stands to secure the win. The Terriers outgained the Eagles, 302-243, on the ground.

This game promises to be another tight-fisted affair. The Terriers' only loss in their last 11 games came at the hands of Appalachian State, which the Eagles defeated on Nov. 6 to initiate their current five-game winning streak. Georgia Southern appears to be hitting on all cylinders heading into a winnable game for either team.

Prediction: Georgia Southern, 23-19

(21) NORTH DAKOTA STATE AT (1) EASTERN WASHINGTON

Kickoff: Saturday, Dec. 11, 3:30 p.m. ET

Facts & Figures: Site: Roos Field (8,600) -- Cheney, Washington. Surface: Red Sprinturf. Television: ESPN Game Plan and North Dakota NBC Sports Network. Announcers: Trey Bender, Jon Berger. Home Record: North Dakota State 6-1; Eastern Washington 6-0. Away Record: North Dakota State 3-3; Eastern Washington 3-2. Neutral Record: North Dakota State 0-0; Eastern Washington 1-0. Series Record: First meeting. Conference: North Dakota State - Missouri Valley; Eastern Washington - Big Sky. Nicknames: North Dakota State Bison; Eastern Washington Eagles. Sports Network/Fathead.com Ranking: North Dakota State (21); Eastern Washington (1). Head Coaches: North Dakota State - Craig Bohl (61-29 at North Dakota State and O erall); Eastern Washington - Beau Baldwin (24-11 at Eastern Washington and 34-14 Overall). All-Time Record: North Dakota State (613-362-34); Eastern Washington (473-391-23). Playoff Records: North Dakota State (2-0); Eastern Washington (6-7). Previous FCS Playoff Appearances: North Dakota State 0; Eastern Washington 7 (1985, 92, 97, 2004-05, 07, 09).

What to know: North Dakota State pulled off an impressive road victory over Montana State last week to advance to the quarterfinals.

Trailing 17-14 early in the first quarter, the Bison scored four consecutive times in the eventual 42-17 victory. D.J. McNorton ran for a school-record 207 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. He was most effective in crunch time, rushing for 163 yards and all four of his touchdowns in the second half.

As a team, the Bison rushed 46 times for a season-high 376 yards, while completing just 5-of-19 passes for 56 yards. Jose Mohler completed 3-of-11 passes but had 48 rushing yards and Brock Jensen completed 2-of-6 passes but tallied 28 rushing yards and a touchdown. Jensen suffered a slight concussion and left the game.

Given North Dakota State's poor performances on the road this season, it was crucial that the Bison pressure quarterback Denarius McGhee and win the turnover battle. They did both. Five different players recorded sacks in the game, while Preston Evans and Daniel Eaves both had fumble recoveries, and Marcus Williams and John Pike each recorded interceptions.

On the year, the Bison have forced 32 turnovers (No. 5 FCS). Evans leads the team with 90 tackles, while Eaves has 70 tackles and three interceptions. The Bison rank No. 7 in the FCS in scoring defense (16.6 ppg), which is predicated upon winning the turnover battle. They rank just No. 83 in rushing defense (167.1 ypg) and No. 46 in passing defense (192.6 ypg).

The win over Montana State was North Dakota State's first playoff road win since Nov. 25, 2000, and the Bison will face another stiff test on Saturday when they travel to Cheney, Wash,, to face the Eastern Washington Eagles.

The Eagles, the No. 1 team in the country, dispatched Southeast Missouri State with relative ease last week to advance to the quarterfinals.

Not known for their defense, the Eagles held SEMO to just 26 yards of total offense in the second half en route to the 37-17 win. Entering the half tied at 17, EWU linebackers J.C. Sherritt (10 tackles) and Tyler Washburn (nine tackles) were pivotal in pitching a second-half shutout. The Redhawks' standout running back Henry Harris gained 108 yards in the contest, but only found paydirt once.

This matchup did play into the Eagles' hands. SEMO was a run-heavy team and the Eagles, led by Sherritt, are more effective against the run, allowing 131.1 rushing ypg (No. 36 FCS) as opposed to 262.1 passing ypg (No. 114 FCS).

The offense, which carries the team, was spurred forward by the usual suspects. Taiwan Jones ran for 168 yards and two touchdowns and Bo Levi Mitchell completed 21-of-34 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Nicholas Edwards caught eight passes for 65 yards and a TD.

North Dakota State knows something about home-field advantage. The Bison have gone 6-1 in the Fargodome this season and after last week's win, 3-3 on the road. They should be familiar with EWU's advantage. The Eagles hope to turn the red turf at Roos Field into the FCS' version of Boise State's Smurf Turf. So far they have succeeded. The Eagles are 6-0 at home this season.

The Bison found success last Saturday by, once again, winning the turnover battle. Freshman Denarius McGhee was baited into mistakes, but EWU quarterback and SMU transfer Mitchell is slightly more seasoned. If he stays turnover free (and that is a big if, considering the nature of the Bison defense), then EWU should be able to pull out the win.

Prediction: Eastern Washington, 35-24

LAST WEEK'S RECORD: 6-2 (.750)

OVERALL RECORD: 221-80 (.734)

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They are predicting an App. Stae loss.........Oh well, we are playing at home so I beleive we have a really good shot. Should be a good game no matter what.