FCS Stats Poll 9.19.16 > EWU up to #4

[GreatDayToBeAnEagle]

http://www.fcs.football/cfb/polls.asp?div=fcs#

Rank School Votes Prev
1 North Dakota State (3-0) 4175 (167) 1
2 Sam Houston State (2-0) 3888 3
3 Jacksonville State (2-1) 3793 4
4 Eastern Washington (2-1) 3502 8
5 Chattanooga (3-0) 3493 6
6 Montana (2-0) 3398 7
7 Richmond (2-1) 2730 2
8 William & Mary (2-1) 2594 13
9 Illinois State (2-1) 2390 5
10 Citadel (3-0) 2378 15
11 James Madison (2-1) 2342 11
12 Charleston Southern (1-2) 2335 12
13 Western Illinois (2-0) 2119 16
14 UNI (1-2) 2099 10
15 South Dakota State (1-2) 1499 9
16 Youngstown State (2-1) 1254 20
17 Coastal Carolina (2-1) 1220 17
18 Eastern Illinois (2-1) 1212 NR
19 Villanova (2-1) 1171 21
20 Stony Brook (2-1) 1124 NR
21 North Carolina A&T (2-1) 846 18
22 Albany (3-0) 836 25
23 Colgate (1-1) 712 23
24 McNeese (1-2) 612 14
25 Portland State (1-2) 542 19

 

[GreatDayToBeAnEagle]

And #2 in whatever poll this is: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/fcs-rankings-power-poll-week-4-2016

 

[Atomic Eagle]

21 North Carolina A&T (2-1) 846 18
23 Colgate (1-1) 712 23

:?:

 

[Seattle Eagle]

I don't know if we're a top 5 team right now, only because we haven't played a complete game yet. I know that has a lot to do with who we've played, but if we can play well in all three phases of the game and beat a very good NAU decidedly I will put us in there. Right now I'd put us somewhere between 6-10.

 

[dudeitsaid]

I don't know if we're a top 5 team right now, only because we haven't played a complete game yet. I know that has a lot to do with who we've played, but if we can play well in all three phases of the game and beat a very good NAU decidedly I will put us in there. Right now I'd put us somewhere between 6-10.

No way. We are absolutely a top 5 team...right now. Based on what the rest of the FCS has done, there aren't many better resumes. Heck, even our loss to NDSU in OT does a lot for our respect, especially after they just beat #13 FBS Iowa. And, what I think solidifies our ranking as top five is that we beat UNI, and took NDSU to OT while making many more mistakes, and sustaining more injuries. I think our depth is showing it is top five, to be competing with this many missing starters. And I think the ability to overcome painful turnovers and have a chance to win is a sign of a great team. There is no way with two turnovers that we should have taken a lead against the defensive powerhouse that NDSU is. Same with UNI. The INT in the endzone against WSU would have been the death knell for most FCS teams. They would have lost their minds. The ability to come back from 24-7 against UNI. Heck, the mindset of this team. This is reminding me more and more of the never say die mentality of the 2010 team. These guys are not getting rattled.

They have done as much as anyone to merit a top five ranking. Whether they will continue to build, and sustain their performance through the season remains to be seen...but they are definitely top five currently.

 

[LDopaPDX]

21 North Carolina A&T (2-1) 846 18
23 Colgate (1-1) 712 23

:?:

NC A&T has an FBS win, although it was lowly Kent State. Colgate is 1-1 and hasn't played anyone. I guess you could kinda justify NC A&T through the right lens, but the only reason I can see for Colgate is rampant East Coast bias or a desire to put at least one Patriot League team in the poll.

Still, I'd much rather be playing either one of these two than NAU this weekend, and NAU is unranked. I'd take NAU by 20 over either of these two.

 

[Hambone]

I don't know if we're a top 5 team right now, only because we haven't played a complete game yet. I know that has a lot to do with who we've played, but if we can play well in all three phases of the game and beat a very good NAU decidedly I will put us in there. Right now I'd put us somewhere between 6-10.

Which 5 teams are better than us at this point in the season?

 

[Seattle Eagle]

I don't know if we're a top 5 team right now, only because we haven't played a complete game yet. I know that has a lot to do with who we've played, but if we can play well in all three phases of the game and beat a very good NAU decidedly I will put us in there. Right now I'd put us somewhere between 6-10.

Which 5 teams are better than us at this point in the season?

Ok, we might be a top 5 team, but we won't stay one for very long until we get some things fixed. We need to get on the positive side of the TO margin to be a serious conference or national championship contender. Luckily we were able to stop turning the ball over against UNI in the second half, but when you look at the NDSU game the TO's are definitely the reason we lost that one.

The D is showing some promise and I loved how they played against UNI, but they will probably have a rough time tomorrow against NAU. With that said, if they continue make incremental improvement from week to week then the offense might be good enough to get us over the hump. Getting a few more guys healthy and not incurring any more serious injuries would also be really helpful.

 

[LDopaPDX]

I don't know if we're a top 5 team right now, only because we haven't played a complete game yet. I know that has a lot to do with who we've played, but if we can play well in all three phases of the game and beat a very good NAU decidedly I will put us in there. Right now I'd put us somewhere between 6-10.

Which 5 teams are better than us at this point in the season?

Ok, we might be a top 5 team, but we won't stay one for very long until we get some things fixed. We need to get on the positive side of the TO margin to be a serious conference or national championship contender. Luckily we were able to stop turning the ball over against UNI in the second half, but when you look at the NDSU game the TO's are definitely the reason we lost that one.

The D is showing some promise and I loved how they played against UNI, but they will probably have a rough time tomorrow against NAU. With that said, if they continue make incremental improvement from week to week then the offense might be good enough to get us over the hump. Getting a few more guys healthy and not incurring any more serious injuries would also be really helpful.

If Eastern's D has a bad game tomorrow, then it's probably safe to say we're not a good defense. NAU has scored 13 and 20 in their two D1 games. If they suddenly explode for 35 points or more, that's a real bad sign for the rest of the season.

I think our D is still a mystery. They looked great for half the game last week, but they still haven't played a full game. This would be a great opportunity to show they've turned the corner... Here's to hoping they do it!

 

[luckyintheorder]

I don't know if we're a top 5 team right now, only because we haven't played a complete game yet. I know that has a lot to do with who we've played, but if we can play well in all three phases of the game and beat a very good NAU decidedly I will put us in there. Right now I'd put us somewhere between 6-10.

Which 5 teams are better than us at this point in the season?

Ok, we might be a top 5 team, but we won't stay one for very long until we get some things fixed. We need to get on the positive side of the TO margin to be a serious conference or national championship contender. Luckily we were able to stop turning the ball over against UNI in the second half, but when you look at the NDSU game the TO's are definitely the reason we lost that one.

The D is showing some promise and I loved how they played against UNI, but they will probably have a rough time tomorrow against NAU. With that said, if they continue make incremental improvement from week to week then the offense might be good enough to get us over the hump. Getting a few more guys healthy and not incurring any more serious injuries would also be really helpful.

If Eastern's D has a bad game tomorrow, then it's probably safe to say we're not a good defense. NAU has scored 13 and 20 in their two D1 games. If they suddenly explode for 35 points or more, that's a real bad sign for the rest of the season.

I think our D is still a mystery. They looked great for half the game last week, but they still haven't played a full game. This would be a great opportunity to show they've turned the corner... Here's to hoping they do it!

SeattleEag is working hard at being a contrarian this week. Superstitious?

This is a great team and beginning to play to the level of skill of the athlete's on it. Been saying it for three years, the players are top tier, the coaching on D hasn't been. Look at any of the tapes of these players from HS and they are all super aggressive alpha males and Graham (old saw) wasn't aggressive in a meaningful way. Now that the culture is changing within the coaching staff, the alignment to the players mentality is getting better. First half against UNI was definitely a Graham"ish" game plan, second half was "let 'er rip" and an opportunity for the leaders on the field to shine; which they did. Coaches need to trust the players from the first snap and the Defense will do a good job, learn on the fly against any opponent and make stops. Look for this Defense to become more feared as the season progresses. Go Eags!

 

[kalm]

I don't know if we're a top 5 team right now, only because we haven't played a complete game yet. I know that has a lot to do with who we've played, but if we can play well in all three phases of the game and beat a very good NAU decidedly I will put us in there. Right now I'd put us somewhere between 6-10.

Which 5 teams are better than us at this point in the season?

Ok, we might be a top 5 team, but we won't stay one for very long until we get some things fixed. We need to get on the positive side of the TO margin to be a serious conference or national championship contender. Luckily we were able to stop turning the ball over against UNI in the second half, but when you look at the NDSU game the TO's are definitely the reason we lost that one.

The D is showing some promise and I loved how they played against UNI, but they will probably have a rough time tomorrow against NAU. With that said, if they continue make incremental improvement from week to week then the offense might be good enough to get us over the hump. Getting a few more guys healthy and not incurring any more serious injuries would also be really helpful.

If Eastern's D has a bad game tomorrow, then it's probably safe to say we're not a good defense. NAU has scored 13 and 20 in their two D1 games. If they suddenly explode for 35 points or more, that's a real bad sign for the rest of the season.

I think our D is still a mystery. They looked great for half the game last week, but they still haven't played a full game. This would be a great opportunity to show they've turned the corner... Here's to hoping they do it!

I won't be surprised at all if NAU scores 35. They moved the ball ok against ASU and WIU, just had trouble scoring. They'll be one of the better offenses we play all year.

Regarding Colgate:

1). They return 17 starters off a team that beat two CAA squads in the playoffs last year. This includes a very good LB in Kyle Denier and a scrappy QB in Jake Melville.

2). The PL has increased their schollie limits and is better than it was just a couple of years ago. I have no problem with their ranking.

 

[clawman1]

I don't know if we're a top 5 team right now, only because we haven't played a complete game yet. I know that has a lot to do with who we've played, but if we can play well in all three phases of the game and beat a very good NAU decidedly I will put us in there. Right now I'd put us somewhere between 6-10.

Which 5 teams are better than us at this point in the season?

Ok, we might be a top 5 team, but we won't stay one for very long until we get some things fixed. We need to get on the positive side of the TO margin to be a serious conference or national championship contender. Luckily we were able to stop turning the ball over against UNI in the second half, but when you look at the NDSU game the TO's are definitely the reason we lost that one.

The D is showing some promise and I loved how they played against UNI, but they will probably have a rough time tomorrow against NAU. With that said, if they continue make incremental improvement from week to week then the offense might be good enough to get us over the hump. Getting a few more guys healthy and not incurring any more serious injuries would also be really helpful.

If Eastern's D has a bad game tomorrow, then it's probably safe to say we're not a good defense. NAU has scored 13 and 20 in their two D1 games. If they suddenly explode for 35 points or more, that's a real bad sign for the rest of the season.

I think our D is still a mystery. They looked great for half the game last week, but they still haven't played a full game. This would be a great opportunity to show they've turned the corner... Here's to hoping they do it!

I won't be surprised at all if NAU scores 35. They moved the ball ok against ASU and WIU, just had trouble scoring. They'll be one of the better offenses we play all year.

Regarding Colgate:

1). They return 17 starters off a team that beat two CAA squads in the playoffs last year. This includes a very good LB in Kyle Denier and a scrappy QB in Jake Melville.

2). The PL has increased their schollie limits and is better than it was just a couple of years ago. I have no problem with their ranking.

Wow, good to know we have a Colgate aficionado on this board :lol:
Polls are interesting to watch but at this point there are some sleepers too low and dogs ranked too high. After this first week of conference play we will learn a lot more about most of the teams. Two critical games in the Big Sky are our game @ NAU and Mont. vs Cal Poly

 

[Rjones61]

As of right now, we will probably stay #4 or lower. I don't see Jacksonville or Sam Houston messing up their spots with their cupcake schedule. North Dakota State will deservedly stay number one, unless they drop three or more in the MVFC.

 

[JPN17]

As of right now, we will probably stay #4 or lower. I don't see Jacksonville or Sam Houston messing up their spots with their cupcake schedule. North Dakota State will deservedly stay number one, unless they drop three or more in the MVFC.

Maybe, fortunately at the end of the year the rankings won't matter, just the seeding of the selection committee. And if the Eagles do win out, with how tough their OOC schedule is, I don't see any way that they get worse than the 2 seed. But there is still a very long way to go before we reach that point.

 

[kalm]

As of right now, we will probably stay #4 or lower. I don't see Jacksonville or Sam Houston messing up their spots with their cupcake schedule. North Dakota State will deservedly stay number one, unless they drop three or more in the MVFC.

JSU actually played a solid OOC schedule with LSU, CCU, and Liberty. It looks like the OVC will hurt them a little, especially with EIU losing yesterday to SEMO (after excellent wins against ISUr and Miama of O). Assuming the same record we'd have a better resume.

While SHSU has a shit schedule and the Southland looks relatively week they could easily run the table and the committee handed them the #1 seed just a few years ago when they went undefeated...albeit with an FBS win that year as well.

 

[EWURanger]

With the way the committee values FBS wins (especially P5), if both NDSU and EWU win out, there's your #1 and #2 seeds. No way do JSU or Sam Houston get seeded above us in that scenario.

 

[LDopaPDX]

Strangely, and not that it matters, but Sagarin has us 7 spots below UNI. This is especially weird given we beat them and our best win came against Sagarin #33 Washington State, while their best win came against Iowa State-- a team in the 80s.

http://www.sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

Obviously, if the Cougs can keep winning, it helps us out a lot in the poll. Luckily, polls don't mean much in FCS since we settle things properly with a playoff.

 

[kalm]

Strangely, and not that it matters, but Sagarin has us 7 spots below UNI. This is especially weird given we beat them and our best win came against Sagarin #33 Washington State, while their best win came against Iowa State-- a team in the 80s.

http://www.sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

Obviously, if the Cougs can keep winning, it helps us out a lot in the poll. Luckily, polls don't mean much in FCS since we settle things properly with a playoff.

This is an example of how computer rankings are garbage and should be laughed at. Sagarin also has us with a higher SOS to go along better record and oh...that's right...the head to head. :lol:

 

[dudeitsaid]

Strangely, and not that it matters, but Sagarin has us 7 spots below UNI. This is especially weird given we beat them and our best win came against Sagarin #33 Washington State, while their best win came against Iowa State-- a team in the 80s.

http://www.sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

Obviously, if the Cougs can keep winning, it helps us out a lot in the poll. Luckily, polls don't mean much in FCS since we settle things properly with a playoff.

Polls and rankings have an odd love affair with UNI that makes no sense to me. Any other team that has performed the way they have would never be ranked the way they are year after year.

 

[EWURanger]

Strangely, and not that it matters, but Sagarin has us 7 spots below UNI. This is especially weird given we beat them and our best win came against Sagarin #33 Washington State, while their best win came against Iowa State-- a team in the 80s.

http://www.sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

Obviously, if the Cougs can keep winning, it helps us out a lot in the poll. Luckily, polls don't mean much in FCS since we settle things properly with a playoff.

This is an example of how computer rankings are garbage and should be laughed at. Sagarin also has us with a higher SOS to go along better record and oh...that's right...the head to head. :lol:

Honestly, I think it has to do with an over-inflation by Sagarin of the MVFC in general.