FCS & Big Sky News

[SWeberCat02]

A couple of stories that could impact the Big Sky:

Future Sky member North Dakota continues it's fight with the NCAA over the use of it's Fighting Sioux nickname. Both sides seem to have their heels dug in on the issue. If the school doesn't drop the name by Aug 15, "the school will be barred from hosting NCAA postseason sporting events, and its teams will not be able to wear the nickname and logo on its uniforms in postseason contests."

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=6391276" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also, UMass will be leaving the CAA to join the MAC and move up to the FBS level. For the last several years the CAA has arguably been the top conference in FCS. But with the recent losses of several schools, including a traditionally good UMass (And look for Villanova to move to the Big East soon), and with the Sky improving every year and adding traditionally sound programs in Southern Utah, Cal Poly, UC Davis, and North Dakota, the Sky is surely on its way to being the strongest conference in the nation. Although one could argue that with EWU beating Delaware in the title game this past season, the Sky has already moved into that top spot. Either way, I'm super stoked about the future of the Big Sky and Weber St football! :thumb:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6390279" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[WILDCAT]

With what the NCAA is doing to UND, they are coming across as just a bunch of bullies, there is nothing "hostile" about UND's nickname or thier logo. Its just the NCAA picking on the small guy. I feel bad for UND. I also heard that this could hinder thier chance at joining the Big SKy, now, Im a little down the middle on UND joining, I think the Big Sky would be perfect without them, not because I think they are weak, but just because the football footprint would be perfect with only the 12 members we would have without UND. But I would hate for something as stupid as this to be the reason UND cant join.

As for Umass congrats I guess, goodbye playoffs and a real championship, hello meaningless bowl game.

Also both Lou Tech and NMSU want OUT of the WAC, NMSU wants into the Sun Belt and Lou Tech wants C-USA, but are in talks with the Sun Belt. If this happens, 6 of the 9 WAC members will be gone, leaving only Utah State, San Jose State and Idaho, what does this have to do with the Big Sky? Well if Utah State gets a MWC invite, they will take it or they are idiots. that leaves SJSU and Idaho, Could either of these 2 programs become future Big Sky members?


Die WAC Die

The Big Sky is in great shape, Montana made the right choice and although most of them dont believe it, It was the right choice. With reigning NC EWU and MSU and UM, along with an improving Sac and of Course Weber, the Big Sky is definetely gonna be the top conf in the FCS next year.

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4400367" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Top 10 FCS quarterbacks

"DeNarius McGhee, Montana State, So., 5-11, 203 - His leadership skills and intangibles are off the charts. The only freshman to be a Walter Payton Award finalist last season, McGhee already has been asked to be a high school graduation speaker this year. On the field, he is always looking for the big play while he moves around the pocket. He led the Big Sky with 263.6 passing yards per game, completing 227-of-362 attempts (62.7 percent) for 3,163 yards and 23 touchdowns with only six interceptions. His 153.75 passer rating ranked fourth in the FCS.

Bo Levi Mitchell, Eastern Washington, Sr., 6-2, 210 - All you have to know about Mitchell is that in his first season with the Eagles he led them to their first FCS national championship and was the Most Outstanding Performer of the title game. He took his game to a higher level whenever All-America tailback Taiwan Jones was sidelined by injury. By the end of the season, he had thrown for an FCS-high 37 touchdowns as well as 3,496 yards. He completed 300-of-505 attempts (59.4 percent). The SMU transfer is unflappable and isn't thrown off by a poor play or drive.

Brad Sorensen, Southern Utah, Jr., 6-5, 225 - After getting acclimated to the Thunderbirds' offensive system following a transfer from BYU, Sorensen completed over 76 percent of his passes over the team's final six games. They won five of the games, losing only to eventual FCS champion Eastern Washington by seven points, and captured their first Great West Conference title. Sorensen has the trust of his coaches because of his arm strength and ability to read defenses. He's so big that pass rushers struggle to bring him down. He finished sixth in the FCS with a 149.74 passer rating, completing 261-of-390 attempts (66.9 percent) for 3,163 yards and 21 touchdowns - all conference highs. He threw only six interceptions."


Weber will be facing some of the best QBs in the nation this year. Also returning are Dylan Orms at UNC and Jeff Fleming at Sac St. And Joe Montana's son Nate transferred from Notre Dame to UM.

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4400748" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Top 10 FCS linebackers

"A.J. Storms, Idaho State, Sr., 6-0, 215 - Take opposing offenses by Storms. The veteran outside 'backer led the FCS in tackles per game (13.3) last season. He played his best against the Bengals' better opponents, totaling 20 tackles against both Utah State and Montana, 18 versus Eastern Washington and 16 at Georgia. The 2010 Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America second-team selection is strong and quick, though he isn't big, having started his career as a defensive back in '08.

Linebackers on the cusp: Zach Johnson, Eastern Washington, Sr., 6-1, 225; Nick Webb, Weber State, Sr., 6-4, 230"

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4401913" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Top 10 FCS defensive linemen

"Zack Nash, Sacramento State, DE, Sr., 6-3, 265 - Nash was a high school linebacker, so that may allow him to view the game a little differently than other defensive ends. He is fast off the snap of the ball. He set the Hornets' single-season record with 13 sacks last season, including five in a win over Idaho State. He had 37 tackles, including 16.5 for loss. He has earned All-Big Sky honors in each of his first three seasons, including a first-team honor as a junior.

Renard Williams, Eastern Washington, DT, Sr., 6-2, 300 - A fourth-year starter, Williams has an enthusiastic style that rubs off on teammates. He was a playmaker while the Eagles won the FCS national championship last season. He totaled 54 tackles, including 13 for loss and 6.5 sacks, forced four fumbles, recovered two and had four QB hurries, and earned All-Big Sky first-team honors for the second straight week. He draws double teams, but counters well with his strong, big body.

Defensive linemen on the cusp: Zach Minter, Montana State, DT, Jr., 6-1, 265"

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4402904" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Top 10 FCS offensive linemen

"J.C. Oram, Weber State, Sr., OG, 6-4, 300

Chris Powers, Eastern Washington, Sr., C, 6-2, 270 - The last name says it all. Powers is the only returning offensive linemen who earned first-team honors on The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America Team last season. The FCS champion Eagles averaged nearly 400 yards per game last season and Powers helped anchor the line with his workmanlike style. EWU is known for producing outstanding linemen.

Offensive linemen on the cusp: Alex Terrien, Montana State, Sr., C, 6-4, 285; Caleb Turner, Weber State, Sr., OT, 6-4, 280"

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4402904

Top 10 FCS offensive linemen

J.C. Oram, Weber State, Sr., OG, 6-4, 300

Caleb Turner, Weber State, Sr., OT, 6-4, 280

That's one hell of a left side. :rockon:

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/haley/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Top 10 FCS defensive backs

Trumaine Johnson, Montana, CB, Sr., 6-3, 197

Asa Jackson, Cal Poly, CB, Sr., 5-11, 188 - Coach Tim Walsh says of Jackson: "In my 25 years of coaching, the best football player at his position." Jackson, a fourth-year starter, is a competitor in every way. He 4.40-second run in the 40-yard dash at Cal Poly's NFL Junior Day was the fastest time on the team. Jackson collected 55 tackles with two interceptions and nine pass breakups. He also is a dangerous punt returner, averaging 12.6 yards on 17 returns a year ago.

Matt Johnson, Eastern Washington, S, Sr., 6-2, 220 - With 15 career interceptions, Johnson will threaten the school record of 18. He's entering his fourth season as a starter, having earned All-Big Sky first-team and The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America third-team honors for the FCS champion Eagles last season. In 15 games, he totaled 105 tackles with five interceptions and eight other pass breakups, adding two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He is a physical presence who is instinctive.

 

[EWURanger]

Four EWU players on this list so far! :rockon:

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Four EWU players on this list so far! :rockon:

Gonna be 5 when WRs come out. :thumb:

 

[SWeberCat02]

Four EWU players on this list so far! :rockon:

Five if you count players on the cusp.

Big Sky players on the list thus far, including players on the cusp:
EWU - 5 (Mitchell, Z Johnson, Williams, Powers, M Johnson)
MSU - 3 (McGhee, Minter, Terrien)
WSU - 3 (Webb, Oram, Turner)
ISU - 1 (Storms)
UM - 1 (T Johnson)
Sac - 1 (Nash)

 

[EWURanger]

Four EWU players on this list so far! :rockon:

Five if you count players on the cusp.

Big Sky players on the list thus far, including players on the cusp:
EWU - 5 (Mitchell, Z Johnson, Williams, Powers, M Johnson)
MSU - 3 (McGhee, Minter, Terrien)
WSU - 3 (Webb, Oram, Turner)
ISU - 1 (Storms)
UM - 1 (T Johnson)
Sac - 1 (Nash)

That's true. Funny thing is we'd have had another one if Jones hadn't gone to the draft. Pretty solid list of Big Sky players on this list so far.

 

[SWeberCat02]

Four EWU players on this list so far! :rockon:

Gonna be 5 when WRs come out. :thumb:

Right you are.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/haley/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Top 10 FCS receivers

Brandon Kaufman, Eastern Washington, Jr., 6-5, 205 - With star tailback Taiwan Jones sidelined for the FCS semifinals and championship game last season, Kaufman took his play to an elite level, catching a combined 17 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns for the national champion Eagles. He finished the season with 76 receptions for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns in 15 games, and was the first EWU player to score on the new red turf at Roos Field. He uses his big body to be physical in traffic and long legs to get behind the secondary.

 

[SWeberCat02]

Four EWU players on this list so far! :rockon:

Five if you count players on the cusp.

Big Sky players on the list thus far, including players on the cusp:
EWU - 5 (Mitchell, Z Johnson, Williams, Powers, M Johnson)
MSU - 3 (McGhee, Minter, Terrien)
WSU - 3 (Webb, Oram, Turner)
ISU - 1 (Storms)
UM - 1 (T Johnson)
Sac - 1 (Nash)

Big Sky players on the list thus far, including players on the cusp:
EWU - 6 (Mitchell, Z Johnson, Williams, Powers, M Johnson, Kaufman)
MSU - 3 (McGhee, Minter, Terrien)
WSU - 3 (Webb, Oram, Turner)
ISU - 1 (Storms)
UM - 1 (T Johnson)
Sac - 1 (Nash)
Total - 15

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

I'm kinda not liking all this pub though... the expectations are so high, anything less than a run to at least the semifinals would be underachieving/a disappointment. :?

 

[SWeberCat02]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

I'm kinda not liking all this pub though... the expectations are so high, anything less than a run to at least the semifinals would be underachieving/a disappointment. :?

That's similar to how I felt about Weber going into the '09 season. With so much returning that season following the '08 conference championship season, expectations were sky high. Weber did make the playoffs that year but most would agree that the team didn't quite live up to all the high expectations some had before the season began.

 

[SWeberCat02]

No FCS playoffs for Idaho St.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4405241" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not that it matters much though, as the Bungles weren't making the playoffs anyway.

Also, Weber loses 0.43 scholarships due to their low APR report.

 

[smjcpa1]

Also, Weber loses 0.43 scholarships due to their low APR report.

The perfect score for a sport is 1000 on the APR report. The football team posted a good score of 939 for the 2009-2010 year, but because the multi-year average is below 925 there is a minor loss of scholarships. The APR score for the 2008-2009 year for football was 894, so there has been a VERY significant improvement in that area :thumb:

 

[SWeberCat02]

Also, Weber loses 0.43 scholarships due to their low APR report.

The perfect score for a sport is 1000 on the APR report. The football team posted a good score of 939 for the 2009-2010 year, but because the multi-year average is below 925 there is a minor loss of scholarships. The APR score for the 2008-2009 year for football was 894, so there has been a VERY significant improvement in that area :thumb:

http://www.standard.net/topics/sports/2011/05/24/wsu-makes-great-strides-apr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"The only sport at Weber State to face a penalty in the 2011-12 academic year will be football, but the squad has seen a significant APR improvement in recent years. Football posted an APR score of 939 in 2009-10 and improved its multi-year average to 913, up from 894 following 2008-09 and 881 in 2007-08.

The football team's single-year score has exceeded the NCAA's 925 benchmark each of the past three years. However, because the multi-year rate falls between 900 and 925, the football team will have a minor scholarship reduction for the 2011-12 school year."

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/misc/haley/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Top 10 FCS special teams players

Zach Brown, Portland State, PK, Jr., 6-1, 180 - An excellent athlete, Brown is kicking his way toward a possible NFL future. On field goals, he is an impressive 15 of 18 from 40-49 yards through two seasons. His career long is a 53-yard field goal. He was 18 of 26 overall last season - matching his school record for field goals in a season - and was perfect on extra points, which lifted him to 44-for-44 through two seasons. He's a consistent kicker with a big foot.

Jason Cunningham, Montana State, PK, Sr., 6-1, 175 - Montana State has done well with recruiting in Texas and Cunningham is one of the finds. He tied Bevins for the FCS high with 20 field goals last season, and he was more accurate in 24 attempts (83.3 percent). His long was 55 yards. He earned second-team honors on The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America Team. He's a fourth-year starter, but last year he struggled through his worst season on PATs, going 42 of 48.

David Harrington, Idaho State, P, Sr., 6-3, 185 - Harrington consistently provides the Bengals' defense with good field position. Twenty of his 60 punts went for at least 50 yards and he averaged a FCS-best 44.35 yards per punt. The hang time of his punts help set him apart, but he also is strong with directional punting. A former junior college transfer, he spent the 2009 season as a redshirt at Tennessee. Last season, he made The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America second team.

Tavoy Moore, Idaho State, KR/PR, Sr., 5-7, 195 - Coupled with Harrington, Moore gives Idaho State an exceptional special teams tandem. Last season, Moore became the first player in Big Sky history to return both kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns in the same game two different times - against Northern Colorado and Montana. He averaged 18.3 yards on punt returns and 24.1 yards on kickoff returns. The playmaker has shifty feet and is hard to catch once he has a step on an opponent. A third-team choice on The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America Team, he was fifth nationally in all- purpose yards per game (184.9).