Screamin_Eagle174
Active member
RANKINGS
ATHLON PRESEASON TOP 25
1. Georgia Southern (10-5, 5-3 SoCon) – As a rookie head coach last year, Jeff Monken skipped some steps in rebuilding the Eagles’ storied program with a national semifinal appearance. All but one starter returns this season. The triple option – led by quarterback Jaybo Shaw – baffles opponents, but the defense is even better because of junior nose tackle Brent Russell and safety Laron Scott.
2. William & Mary (8-4, 6-2 CAA Football) – Last year’s early exit in the FCS playoffs (to Georgia Southern) motivates the Tribe. The versatility of senior running back Jonathan Grimes (his 5,445 all-purpose yards ranks ninth in CAA history) takes pressure off quarterback Michael Paulus. The defense is outstanding with Jake Trantin, who missed last season, joining Dante Cook at linebacker. Cornerback/punt returner B.W. Webb beats opponents in multiple ways.
3. Eastern Washington (13-2, 7-1 Big Sky) – Who knew coach Beau Baldwin’s Eagles would outdo the debut of their red turf by winning their first FCS championship. The Eagles return 32 players with a combined 337 career starts. The Bo Levi Mitchell-to-Brandon Kaufman passing combo is lethal. Buck Buchanan Award winner J.C. Sherritt has turned over the defense to bruising tackle Renard Johnson and the Johnson twins, Matt (safety) and Zach (linebacker).
4. Montana State (9-3, 7-1 Big Sky) – Quarterback DeNarius McGhee (3,163 passing yards, 23 touchdowns) was arguably the FCS’ best freshman last season. He leads a potential offensive juggernaut, which returns 1,100-yard rusher Orenzo Davis and welcomes running back Tray Robinson from Nebraska. The defense has a young star in sophomore linebacker Aleksei Grosulak. Kicker Jason Cunningham dials up long distance.
5. Appalachian State (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – Don’t mind veteran coach Jerry Moore if he reloads instead of rebuilds his team. The Mountaineers lost many key players, but dual-threat quarterback DeAndre Presley, who passed and rushed for 34 TDs, and 6-5 wide receiver Brian Quick are among the nation’s best at their positions. The defense is driven by juniors, linebackers Justin Wray and Brandon Grier and strong safety Troy Sanders.
6. Delaware (12-3, 6-2 CAA Football) – It’s Trevor Sasek’s turn to go under the microscope of Delaware quarterbacks. The redshirt sophomore will work behind a veteran line with many weapons at his disposal, most notably Andrew Pierce (1,655 rushing yards, 14 TDs as a freshman). Coach K.C. Keeler’s national runners-up won’t have the same dominant defense, but leading tackler Paul Worrilow returns at linebacker.
7. Richmond (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – The Spiders’ team trainer prefers less work. If senior quarterback Aaron Corp, the Southern Cal transfer, is recovered from an ACL injury, and the rest of the offense gets healthy, coach Latrell Scott’s second season will go smoother. Wide receiver Tre Gray and a veteran line compliment Corp. Graduation decimated the defense, leaving linebacker Darius McMillian in charge.
8. Wofford (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – The triple option is associated with Georgia Southern, but the Terriers’ version led the FCS in rushing yards per game (297.8). They will continue to steamroll defenses with fullback Eric Breitenstein coming off a school-record 1,639 yards and 22 TDs. Defensive end Ameet Pall collected 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.
9. Jacksonville State (9-3, 6-2 OVC) – A different player seems to lead the balanced Gamecocks each game. They can beat opponents with one of two quarterbacks, senior Marques Ivory or sophomore Coty Blanchard, at the helm. A stout defense will take a step forward with rover Monte Lewis, defensive tackle Jamison Wadley and safety Keginald Harris.
10. Northern Iowa (7-5, 6-2 Missouri Valley) – The Panthers return 18 starters from a team that won the balanced Missouri Valley Football Conference. Tirrell Rennie is the best running quarterback in the FCS – he ground out 1,291 yards and 15 TDs – and running back Carlos Anderson just missed 1,000 yards. Defensive tackle Ben Boothby owns property in his opponents’ backfields.
11. North Dakota State (9-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – Last year’s relatively young squad grew up with two playoff wins. Opponents struggle to contain senior running back D.J. McNorton (1,559 rushing yards, 19 total TDs), while defensive end Coulter Boyer is a disruptive force for the Bison’s physical defense.
12. Massachusetts (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – Virginia Tech should not have let All-America linebacker, and Blacksburg, Va., native, Tyler Holmes get away. Senior tailback Jonathan Hernandez has never had the spotlight to himself, but does this year. The starting quarterback may be Bowling Green transfer Kellen Pagel.
13. New Hampshire (8-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – The secondary must be rebuilt, but the front seven is strong with defensive end Brian McNally and linebacker Matt Evans. Redshirt senior Kevin Decker takes over at quarterback and will put the ball in the hands of playmakers Dontra Peters and Joey Orlando.
14. Lehigh (10-3, 5-0 Patriot) – Some believe coach Andy Coen’s squad arrived a year ahead of schedule while it rolled through the Patriot League last season. The Mountain Hawks feature the passing duo of quarterback Chris Lum and split end Ryan Spadola as well as middle linebacker Mike Groome.
15. Sacramento State (6-5, 5-3 Big Sky) – Long considered a sleeping giant, the Hornets’ program has awakened. An excellent senior class, led by quarterback Jeff Fleming (school-record 23 TD passes) and defensive end Zach Nash (13 sacks), could power coach Marshall Sperbeck’s team to its first postseason appearance since 1988.
16. Chattanooga (6-5, 5-3 SoCon) – A daunting first half of the schedule may bury a quality Mocs team which boasts excellent senior and sophomore classes. Quarterback B.J. Coleman (26 TD passes) gets the ball to flanker Joel Bradford and running back Keon Williams. Cornerback Kadeem Wise was the SoCon Freshman of the Year.
17. Villanova (9-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – No FCS team is replacing a more talented senior class. Coach Andy Talley still has five starters from the Wildcats’ 2009 FCS championship squad, including playmaking cornerback James Pitts. Wide receiver Norman White caught 11 TDs a year ago.
18. Southern Illinois (5-6, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – The Salukis believe last year’s dropoff was an aberration. All five starting offensive linemen return to pave the way for quarterback Paul McIntosh, and running backs Shariff Harris and Steve Strother. A healthier secondary gets back strong safety Mike McElroy.
19. Montana (7-4, 5-3 Big Sky) – Second-year coach Robin Pflugrad faces pressure after the Grizzlies’ run of 12 straight Big Sky titles and 17 straight playoff appearances ended last year. There are more questions on offense than with the defense, which features cornerback Trumaine Johnson and linebackers Caleb McSurdy and Jordan Tripp.
20. Liberty (8-3, 5-1 Big South) – The Flames are 34-11 over the last four years, but haven’t reached the playoffs. It’s now or never for quarterback Mike Brown (FCS-best 346.4 yards of total offense per game) and wide receiver Chris Summers. Nobody will run through 6-5, 380-pound nose guard Asa Chapman.
21. Northwestern State (5-6, 4-3 Southland) – The Demons, behind nine players who earned a form of All-Southland honors, will try to go from 0-11 in 2009 to conference champs in coach Bradley Dale Peveto’s third season. Standout linebacker Derek Rose and quarterback Paul Harris are only juniors.
22. Eastern Kentucky (6-5, 5-2 OVC) – The Colonels want to build on last year’s season-ending four-game winning streak. Dual-threat quarterback T.J. Pryor will need more consistency while he directs a talented team which also boasts senior cornerback Jeremy Caldwell and junior wide receiver Orlandus Harris.
23. Indiana State (6-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) –
24. Central Arkansas (7-4, 4-3 Southland) –
25. Jacksonville (10-1, 8-0 Pioneer) –
_____________________________________________
LINDY'S
1. App St
2. EWU
3. Ga Sou
4. Delaware
5. Montana St
6. W&M
7. UNI
8. UNH
9. Wofford
10. Villanova
11. Jacksonville St
12. Lehigh
13. Montana
14. NDSU
15. SFA
16. SEMO
17. SC St
18. Bethune-Cookman
19. JMU
20. Penn
21. McNeese St
22. Richmond
23. Colgate
24. Grambling St
25. Liberty
MVP: DeAndre Presley, App St, QB
OFF POY: Bo Levi Mitchell, EWU, QB
DEF POY: Ameet Pall, Wofford, DE
Newcomer: Tray Robinson, RB, Montana St
___________________________________________
SPORTING NEWS
1. EWU
2. W&M
3. App St
4. UNI
5. Montana St
6. Ga Sou
7. Delaware
8. Montana
9. UCA
10. Wofford
11. UNH
12. SIU
13. McNeese St
14. Murray St
15. WIU
16. Southern Utah
17. Richmond
18. SFA
19. JSU
20. Liberty
21. UTC
22. Lehigh
23. Bethune-Cookman
24. Penn
25. UC Davis
TOP PLAYERS
OFF: DeAndre Presley
DEF: Ameet Pall
Newcomer: Jewell Hampton, RB, SIU
___________________________________________
AGS
1 Eastern Washington Eagles 1182 (35)
2 Georgia Southern Eagles 1088 (6)
3 William & Mary Tribe 1081 (4)
4 Appalachian State Mountaineers 1059 (3)
5 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 978
6 Montana State Bobcats 884
7 Wofford Terriers 830
8 North Dakota State Bison 749
9 Northern Iowa Panthers 731
10 New Hampshire Wildcats 703
11 Jacksonville State Gamecocks 633
12 Montana Grizzlies 526
13 Villanova Wildcats 513 (1)
14 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 496
15 Lehigh Mountain Hawks 429
16 Richmond Spiders 375
17 James Madison Dukes 365
18 Chattanooga Mocs 363
19 Liberty Flames 309
20 Cal Poly Mustangs 244
21 South Carolina State Bulldogs 230
22 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 188
23 Southern Illinois Salukis 187
24 Central Arkansas Bears 163
25 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 127
Other Receiving Votes:
McNeese State Cowboys 125, Pennsylvania Quakers 114, Western Illinois Leathernecks 100, Southern Utah Thunderbirds 98, Indiana State Sycamores 60, Eastern Kentucky Colonels 57, Old Dominion Monarchs 47, Florida A&M Rattlers 45, Harvard Crimson 44, South Dakota State Jackrabbits 41, Furman Paladins 33, Robert Morris Colonials 27, Jacksonville Dolphins 26, Murray State Racers 22, Weber State Wildcats 19, Elon Phoenix 19
_________________________________________
Southern Pigskin
1. Eastern Washington, Big Sky
2010 Record: 13-2
2. Georgia Southern, Southern
2010 Record: 10-5
3. William & Mary, CAA
2010 Record: 8-4
4. Appalachian State, Southern
2010 Record: 10-3
5. Delaware, CAA
2010 Record: 12-3
6. Montana State, Big Sky
2010 Record: 9-3
7. Wofford, Southern
2010 Record: 10-3
8. Northern Iowa, MVC
2010 Record: 7-5
9. Jacksonville State, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 9-3
10. North Dakota State, MVC
2010 Record: 9-5
11. Cal Poly, Great West
2010 Record: 7-4
12. Central Arkansas, Southland
2010 Record: 7-4
13. Montana, Big Sky
2010 Record: 7-4
14. Chattanooga, Southern
2010 Record: 6-5
15. Stephen F. Austin, Southland
2010 Record: 9-3
16. Richmond, CAA
2010 Record: 6-5
17. Liberty, Big South
2010 Record: 8-3
18. South Carolina State, MEAC
2010 Record: 9-3
19. SE Missouri State, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 9-3
20. Western Illinois, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 8-5
21. Villanova, CAA
2010 Record: 9-5
22. Southern Utah, Great West
2010 Record: 6-5
23. Jacksonville, Pioneer
2010 Record: 10-1
24. James Madison, CAA
2010 Record: 6-5
25. Penn, Ivy
2010 Record: 9-1
ATHLON PRESEASON TOP 25
1. Georgia Southern (10-5, 5-3 SoCon) – As a rookie head coach last year, Jeff Monken skipped some steps in rebuilding the Eagles’ storied program with a national semifinal appearance. All but one starter returns this season. The triple option – led by quarterback Jaybo Shaw – baffles opponents, but the defense is even better because of junior nose tackle Brent Russell and safety Laron Scott.
2. William & Mary (8-4, 6-2 CAA Football) – Last year’s early exit in the FCS playoffs (to Georgia Southern) motivates the Tribe. The versatility of senior running back Jonathan Grimes (his 5,445 all-purpose yards ranks ninth in CAA history) takes pressure off quarterback Michael Paulus. The defense is outstanding with Jake Trantin, who missed last season, joining Dante Cook at linebacker. Cornerback/punt returner B.W. Webb beats opponents in multiple ways.
3. Eastern Washington (13-2, 7-1 Big Sky) – Who knew coach Beau Baldwin’s Eagles would outdo the debut of their red turf by winning their first FCS championship. The Eagles return 32 players with a combined 337 career starts. The Bo Levi Mitchell-to-Brandon Kaufman passing combo is lethal. Buck Buchanan Award winner J.C. Sherritt has turned over the defense to bruising tackle Renard Johnson and the Johnson twins, Matt (safety) and Zach (linebacker).
4. Montana State (9-3, 7-1 Big Sky) – Quarterback DeNarius McGhee (3,163 passing yards, 23 touchdowns) was arguably the FCS’ best freshman last season. He leads a potential offensive juggernaut, which returns 1,100-yard rusher Orenzo Davis and welcomes running back Tray Robinson from Nebraska. The defense has a young star in sophomore linebacker Aleksei Grosulak. Kicker Jason Cunningham dials up long distance.
5. Appalachian State (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – Don’t mind veteran coach Jerry Moore if he reloads instead of rebuilds his team. The Mountaineers lost many key players, but dual-threat quarterback DeAndre Presley, who passed and rushed for 34 TDs, and 6-5 wide receiver Brian Quick are among the nation’s best at their positions. The defense is driven by juniors, linebackers Justin Wray and Brandon Grier and strong safety Troy Sanders.
6. Delaware (12-3, 6-2 CAA Football) – It’s Trevor Sasek’s turn to go under the microscope of Delaware quarterbacks. The redshirt sophomore will work behind a veteran line with many weapons at his disposal, most notably Andrew Pierce (1,655 rushing yards, 14 TDs as a freshman). Coach K.C. Keeler’s national runners-up won’t have the same dominant defense, but leading tackler Paul Worrilow returns at linebacker.
7. Richmond (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – The Spiders’ team trainer prefers less work. If senior quarterback Aaron Corp, the Southern Cal transfer, is recovered from an ACL injury, and the rest of the offense gets healthy, coach Latrell Scott’s second season will go smoother. Wide receiver Tre Gray and a veteran line compliment Corp. Graduation decimated the defense, leaving linebacker Darius McMillian in charge.
8. Wofford (10-3, 7-1 SoCon) – The triple option is associated with Georgia Southern, but the Terriers’ version led the FCS in rushing yards per game (297.8). They will continue to steamroll defenses with fullback Eric Breitenstein coming off a school-record 1,639 yards and 22 TDs. Defensive end Ameet Pall collected 12.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss.
9. Jacksonville State (9-3, 6-2 OVC) – A different player seems to lead the balanced Gamecocks each game. They can beat opponents with one of two quarterbacks, senior Marques Ivory or sophomore Coty Blanchard, at the helm. A stout defense will take a step forward with rover Monte Lewis, defensive tackle Jamison Wadley and safety Keginald Harris.
10. Northern Iowa (7-5, 6-2 Missouri Valley) – The Panthers return 18 starters from a team that won the balanced Missouri Valley Football Conference. Tirrell Rennie is the best running quarterback in the FCS – he ground out 1,291 yards and 15 TDs – and running back Carlos Anderson just missed 1,000 yards. Defensive tackle Ben Boothby owns property in his opponents’ backfields.
11. North Dakota State (9-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – Last year’s relatively young squad grew up with two playoff wins. Opponents struggle to contain senior running back D.J. McNorton (1,559 rushing yards, 19 total TDs), while defensive end Coulter Boyer is a disruptive force for the Bison’s physical defense.
12. Massachusetts (6-5, 4-4 CAA Football) – Virginia Tech should not have let All-America linebacker, and Blacksburg, Va., native, Tyler Holmes get away. Senior tailback Jonathan Hernandez has never had the spotlight to himself, but does this year. The starting quarterback may be Bowling Green transfer Kellen Pagel.
13. New Hampshire (8-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – The secondary must be rebuilt, but the front seven is strong with defensive end Brian McNally and linebacker Matt Evans. Redshirt senior Kevin Decker takes over at quarterback and will put the ball in the hands of playmakers Dontra Peters and Joey Orlando.
14. Lehigh (10-3, 5-0 Patriot) – Some believe coach Andy Coen’s squad arrived a year ahead of schedule while it rolled through the Patriot League last season. The Mountain Hawks feature the passing duo of quarterback Chris Lum and split end Ryan Spadola as well as middle linebacker Mike Groome.
15. Sacramento State (6-5, 5-3 Big Sky) – Long considered a sleeping giant, the Hornets’ program has awakened. An excellent senior class, led by quarterback Jeff Fleming (school-record 23 TD passes) and defensive end Zach Nash (13 sacks), could power coach Marshall Sperbeck’s team to its first postseason appearance since 1988.
16. Chattanooga (6-5, 5-3 SoCon) – A daunting first half of the schedule may bury a quality Mocs team which boasts excellent senior and sophomore classes. Quarterback B.J. Coleman (26 TD passes) gets the ball to flanker Joel Bradford and running back Keon Williams. Cornerback Kadeem Wise was the SoCon Freshman of the Year.
17. Villanova (9-5, 5-3 CAA Football) – No FCS team is replacing a more talented senior class. Coach Andy Talley still has five starters from the Wildcats’ 2009 FCS championship squad, including playmaking cornerback James Pitts. Wide receiver Norman White caught 11 TDs a year ago.
18. Southern Illinois (5-6, 4-4 Missouri Valley) – The Salukis believe last year’s dropoff was an aberration. All five starting offensive linemen return to pave the way for quarterback Paul McIntosh, and running backs Shariff Harris and Steve Strother. A healthier secondary gets back strong safety Mike McElroy.
19. Montana (7-4, 5-3 Big Sky) – Second-year coach Robin Pflugrad faces pressure after the Grizzlies’ run of 12 straight Big Sky titles and 17 straight playoff appearances ended last year. There are more questions on offense than with the defense, which features cornerback Trumaine Johnson and linebackers Caleb McSurdy and Jordan Tripp.
20. Liberty (8-3, 5-1 Big South) – The Flames are 34-11 over the last four years, but haven’t reached the playoffs. It’s now or never for quarterback Mike Brown (FCS-best 346.4 yards of total offense per game) and wide receiver Chris Summers. Nobody will run through 6-5, 380-pound nose guard Asa Chapman.
21. Northwestern State (5-6, 4-3 Southland) – The Demons, behind nine players who earned a form of All-Southland honors, will try to go from 0-11 in 2009 to conference champs in coach Bradley Dale Peveto’s third season. Standout linebacker Derek Rose and quarterback Paul Harris are only juniors.
22. Eastern Kentucky (6-5, 5-2 OVC) – The Colonels want to build on last year’s season-ending four-game winning streak. Dual-threat quarterback T.J. Pryor will need more consistency while he directs a talented team which also boasts senior cornerback Jeremy Caldwell and junior wide receiver Orlandus Harris.
23. Indiana State (6-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley) –
24. Central Arkansas (7-4, 4-3 Southland) –
25. Jacksonville (10-1, 8-0 Pioneer) –
_____________________________________________
LINDY'S
1. App St
2. EWU
3. Ga Sou
4. Delaware
5. Montana St
6. W&M
7. UNI
8. UNH
9. Wofford
10. Villanova
11. Jacksonville St
12. Lehigh
13. Montana
14. NDSU
15. SFA
16. SEMO
17. SC St
18. Bethune-Cookman
19. JMU
20. Penn
21. McNeese St
22. Richmond
23. Colgate
24. Grambling St
25. Liberty
MVP: DeAndre Presley, App St, QB
OFF POY: Bo Levi Mitchell, EWU, QB
DEF POY: Ameet Pall, Wofford, DE
Newcomer: Tray Robinson, RB, Montana St
___________________________________________
SPORTING NEWS
1. EWU
2. W&M
3. App St
4. UNI
5. Montana St
6. Ga Sou
7. Delaware
8. Montana
9. UCA
10. Wofford
11. UNH
12. SIU
13. McNeese St
14. Murray St
15. WIU
16. Southern Utah
17. Richmond
18. SFA
19. JSU
20. Liberty
21. UTC
22. Lehigh
23. Bethune-Cookman
24. Penn
25. UC Davis
TOP PLAYERS
OFF: DeAndre Presley
DEF: Ameet Pall
Newcomer: Jewell Hampton, RB, SIU
___________________________________________
AGS
1 Eastern Washington Eagles 1182 (35)
2 Georgia Southern Eagles 1088 (6)
3 William & Mary Tribe 1081 (4)
4 Appalachian State Mountaineers 1059 (3)
5 Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens 978
6 Montana State Bobcats 884
7 Wofford Terriers 830
8 North Dakota State Bison 749
9 Northern Iowa Panthers 731
10 New Hampshire Wildcats 703
11 Jacksonville State Gamecocks 633
12 Montana Grizzlies 526
13 Villanova Wildcats 513 (1)
14 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 496
15 Lehigh Mountain Hawks 429
16 Richmond Spiders 375
17 James Madison Dukes 365
18 Chattanooga Mocs 363
19 Liberty Flames 309
20 Cal Poly Mustangs 244
21 South Carolina State Bulldogs 230
22 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 188
23 Southern Illinois Salukis 187
24 Central Arkansas Bears 163
25 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 127
Other Receiving Votes:
McNeese State Cowboys 125, Pennsylvania Quakers 114, Western Illinois Leathernecks 100, Southern Utah Thunderbirds 98, Indiana State Sycamores 60, Eastern Kentucky Colonels 57, Old Dominion Monarchs 47, Florida A&M Rattlers 45, Harvard Crimson 44, South Dakota State Jackrabbits 41, Furman Paladins 33, Robert Morris Colonials 27, Jacksonville Dolphins 26, Murray State Racers 22, Weber State Wildcats 19, Elon Phoenix 19
_________________________________________
Southern Pigskin
1. Eastern Washington, Big Sky
2010 Record: 13-2
2. Georgia Southern, Southern
2010 Record: 10-5
3. William & Mary, CAA
2010 Record: 8-4
4. Appalachian State, Southern
2010 Record: 10-3
5. Delaware, CAA
2010 Record: 12-3
6. Montana State, Big Sky
2010 Record: 9-3
7. Wofford, Southern
2010 Record: 10-3
8. Northern Iowa, MVC
2010 Record: 7-5
9. Jacksonville State, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 9-3
10. North Dakota State, MVC
2010 Record: 9-5
11. Cal Poly, Great West
2010 Record: 7-4
12. Central Arkansas, Southland
2010 Record: 7-4
13. Montana, Big Sky
2010 Record: 7-4
14. Chattanooga, Southern
2010 Record: 6-5
15. Stephen F. Austin, Southland
2010 Record: 9-3
16. Richmond, CAA
2010 Record: 6-5
17. Liberty, Big South
2010 Record: 8-3
18. South Carolina State, MEAC
2010 Record: 9-3
19. SE Missouri State, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 9-3
20. Western Illinois, Ohio Valley
2010 Record: 8-5
21. Villanova, CAA
2010 Record: 9-5
22. Southern Utah, Great West
2010 Record: 6-5
23. Jacksonville, Pioneer
2010 Record: 10-1
24. James Madison, CAA
2010 Record: 6-5
25. Penn, Ivy
2010 Record: 9-1