Preseason Rankings: Number 4, 6, and 14

[Rafter_Reese]

Interesting how much early respect we're getting after not making the cut last post season. I say interesting because the selection committee didn't think this same group of players was worth a spot in the playoffs last year. Our guys need to play with a chip this year after missing the playoffs.

http://goeags.com/news/2018/6/15/football-preseason-predictions-have-eagles-as-high-as-fourth-in-fcs.aspx

go eags!

 

[LDopaPDX]

Interesting how much early respect we're getting after not making the cut last post season. I say interesting because the selection committee didn't think this same group of players was worth a spot in the playoffs last year. Our guys need to play with a chip this year after missing the playoffs.

http://goeags.com/news/2018/6/15/football-preseason-predictions-have-eagles-as-high-as-fourth-in-fcs.aspx

go eags!

That was kind of my thought as well, but most polls had Eastern as the top-ranked team that didn't make the playoffs last year. In fact, Eastern was rated in front of several playoff participants. I don't believe a single poll had NAU above Eastern, but the NCAA was in love with them.

I'd suspect the difference in rankings has a lot to do with apprehension about whether the defense will be any good. After a decent 2016, there was a lot of regression last year. For this team to be a legit contender, that side of the ball needs a lot of improvement. Getting Tiuli back will help a lot.

 

[EWU98]

NAU....they worry me...their QB...and don't they have a top prospect WR?

 

[goeagles17]

4/6 seem a bit high. 14 sounds right.

We shouldn't be surprised about the respect. We've made the playoffs what, 6 out of the last 8 years or something? And generally gone pretty deep in those runs? Just one 7-4 with a playoff snub season isn't going to change that.

 

[Seattle Eagle]

The pundits are probably giving us a lot of credit because of the number of Seniors we'll have returning this season. I think we'll be a playoff contender and most likely one of the 3 or 4 teams in the mix for the Big Sky title. That being said I don't know that I could put us in the top 5. #14 seems about right to me.