Week 11 - opening the gate
11/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Respect. Otis Redding wrote a song about the notion, then Aretha Franklin changed the words and popularized it. Easton, PA's Bluetone Caf??, which was robbed of the 2003 Lafayette Football Chili Cook-Off title this past Saturday when a restaurant called Hartman's Two bribed voters with ice cream, desires respect too. And Colgate, which took Fisher Field to play Lafayette just after the cook-off ballots were in, played like a team that didn't get enough of it. Respect, that is, not chili.
The 10th-ranked Raiders are 9-0, and officially I-AA's lowest-rated undefeated team, behind No. 2 Delaware, No. 3 Southern Illinois, and No. 9 Penn. Their 47-31 win over the Leopards wasn't always pretty, though it was the type of game that good teams win in spite of their foibles. The 'Gate defense gave up way too many passing yards (392) and first downs (26), but had three key interceptions of Lafayette quarterback Marko Glavic, all of which were turned into touchdowns for the offense.
And it was that offense that was deserving of much of the adulation on this balmy day. Dick Biddle's team was balanced, with the running of Jamaal Branch (29 carries, 200 yards, 2 TD) countered by the arm of Chris Brown (13-18, 202 yards, 2 TD). When the Leopards stacked the box to take Branch away, Brown lofted it into the arms of 6-3 receiver Luke Graham (6 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown), who should provide a matchup problem for any and all of Colgate's future opponents.
"They're an outstanding football team", said Lafayette head coach Frank Tavani. "They have good balance offensively, a very athletic quarterback along with that, an offensive line that just pounds you, and a defense that plays real solid, very athletic in the secondary. We felt they were going to be the strongest team we were going to see all season, and I think that's true."
Tavani's comments didn't exactly jibe with Colgate's disrespect theory, but Lafayette linebacker Maurice Bennett fanned the flames of motivation when asked about Branch, who ran over Leopards all day like a poor man's Adrian Peterson. Maurice, is the running back that has nearly 1,500 yards in his last eight games, just torched you for 200, and is among the prime candidates for the Walter Payton Award the best back you have seen this year?
"I don't think so. I think [Fordham's Kirwin] Watson was a better running back. He's good, don't get me wrong. He breaks a lot of tackles, but I'd rather tackle him than tackle a real shifty back that's going to spin, guys like [Lehigh's Jermaine] Pugh or Watson. I don't know if he's the best."
That's more like it. When given the chance to present his team's case to the I-AA world, even Biddle was somewhat noncommittal. Asked if this was his best team, the head coach offered, "I don't know. Colgate's played how many years of football, 115, and this is only the sixth team that's won nine or more games. So we're one of six. We're not even Patriot League champs, we're not even in the playoffs, but I think we're pretty good. I think we're very good on offense."
The Raiders will try to further their conference title and postseason hopes beginning this week, when they host 24th-ranked Lehigh to start a two-game homestand that continues with No. 19 Fordham next Saturday. If the 'Gate escapes from that stretch unscathed, will Patriot League players, coaches, and fans as well as the I-AA nation afford its program the requisite amount of respect?
Pehaps, as Aretha sang, just a little bit.
Let's take a look at the week that was, and the week that will be, in I-AA:
ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS
Looking for up-to-the-minute I-AA playoff dirt? Click HERE for our latest take on who's in, who's out, and who's on the bubble as the regular season reaches its home stretch. An updated playoff synopsis will be posted each Monday leading up to the announcement of the bracket on Nov. 23
STOP THE VIOLENCE
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is having a fine 2003, with three teams ranked in the Top 25 poll and the league looking like a candidate to place multiple entries in the I-AA playoffs. But this season might also go down as the MEAC's "Year of the Brawl," after a number of postgame incidents have sought to tarnish the league's on-field reputation. The latest melee' took place last Saturday after North Carolina A&T's 13-7 road win over Bethune-Cookman. Aggie players reportedly stomped the B-CC logo, and offensive linemen Terry Jones attempted to plant an A&T flag used by cheerleaders at midfield, inciting the Wildcats into a broo-ha-ha. Previous postgame incidents took place in Howard's win over Florida A&M on Oct. 11, when Rattler players reportedly incited a brawl by vandalizing school property, and the same day, hostilities between Delaware State and Bethune-Cookman were such that the teams were not allowed to participate in the traditional postgame handshake. The next week, FAMU and A&T were involved in a minor fracas following the Aggies' 22-16 victory. Noting the recent streak of unpleasantness, it might be time for MEAC commissioner Dennis Thomas to enact some stiff sportsmanship guidelines in his league, standards that would dissuade players from engaging in action that has become increasingly embarrassing to both the conference and I-AA as a whole.
MID-MAJOR SHAKEUP
Though The Sports Network/CSTV I-AA Top 25 saw few changes at the top this past week after the top seven teams won, the I-AA Mid-Major ranks took on shifts of seismic proportions. No. 1 Monmouth was a 14-10 loser at Central Connecticut State, a defeat that opened the door for No. 2 Duquesne to take the top-ranked reigns. But the Dukes also fell, traveling to No. 4 Morehead State and absorbing a 15-10 defeat. On Monday morning, the team left standing in the pole position was old mid-major standby Dayton, which moved to 9-1 after defeating Drake this past weekend. The Flyers received 19 first-place votes, while 7-2 MSU accrued 11 (Monmouth garnered one first-place vote). Interestingly, UD could finish the season No. 1 in the country despite not being a factor in the conference title race. The Flyers, who lost to Pioneer League North division rival Valparaiso earlier this season, have been eliminated from contention for the Nov. 22 PFL North championship game. Valpo (6-3), the North champ, will face Morehead, the South champ, in that contest. Whether an MSU win in that mathcup would be enough to sway voters toward the Eagles' side remains to be seen. The team voted first in the Nov. 24 balloting will claim The Sports Network Cup, emblematic of the top I-AA mid-major program.
PLAYING DOWN
Any I-AA fans basking in the euphoria of the sub-classification's 10 I-A wins this season should temper that gloating by taking a look at I-AA's record against Division II and below. The mark currently stands at a fairly unimpressive 71-35 (.670), and though 27 of those defeats have been suffered by teams from non-playoff leagues, some of I-AA's best and brightest have also failed to get up while playing down. Montana's loss to North Dakota State on Sept. 6 was the Division II setback that received the most attention, but other possible I-AA playoff clubs like Florida Atlantic (45-17 loss to Valdosta State) and Jacksonville State (28-16 loss to North Alabama) have dropped decisive decisions to schools with far fewer scholarships. The Atlantic 10 (2-0), Gateway (11-0), and Patriot (3-0) are the only three I-AA leagues without a loss to Division II and below, and scholarship conferences such as the MEAC (3-2), Southland (5-2), Big South (6-4), and SWAC (4-4) have all taken on multiple sub-Division I defeats. The three mid-major conferences (MAAC, NEC, Pioneer), which operate under a Division III model, are a combined 14-13 versus Division II and below. This year's team winner in the sub-D-I futility category is Big South member Charleston Southern, which has four such defeats. In second place with one more opportunity to tie (vs. St. Joseph's (IN) next week) the Buccaneers is the Pioneer League's Butler, which has lost three times to Division II or III opponents.
ROBINSON WATCH
While speculation on the top candidates for the Walter Payton Award and Buck Buchanan Award figures to run rampant prior to the presentation of those honors on Dec. 18th, the hunt for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented annually to I-AA's top coach, figures to be spoken about in more muted tones. The Robinson, which is bestowed based on regular season performance only, will have an abundance of worthy suitors. Delaware's K.C. Keeler, Southern Illinois' Jerry Kill, Wofford's Mike Ayers, Northern Iowa's Mark Farley, North Carolina A&T's George Small, Florida Atlantic's Howard Schnellenberger, and Colgate's Dick Biddle would have to be on any short list of current candidates, and don't be surprised if Mark Whipple (UMass), Ellis Johnson (The Citadel), and Tommy Tate (McNeese State) receive their share of support as well. If I had to cast my vote today, it would probably go to Kill, who has SIU atop a league that has been I-AA's best from top to bottom this season. The other four slots on my Robinson ballot would likely include the following names, in no particular order: Ayers, Keeler, Small, and Schnellenberger.
THE GAMES
I was 15-5 in my picks last week, and made some solid predictions such as Wofford over The Citadel and Southern Illinois over Western Kentucky, in addition to wins by UMass and Delaware, among others. The Saturday was defined, of course, by Montana beating Northern Arizona, a result I failed to predict. Now, I am able to handle picking a game wrong, in fact I've been able to handle it 53 times this year (the record is 180-53 (.773) in 2003). But Griz fans have irked the hell out of me this week with hundreds of "eat crow" messages, despite the fact that I heard from all of about three of them BEFORE the game kicked off. I was far less irritated about hearing from UM supporters after my pick of Sam Houston State over Montana in the 2001 playoffs went awry, since I heard from every Treasure State resident including the governor well before the Grizzlies took the field. You don't have the right to litter prognosticators with abuse over results you weren't brave enough to publicly predict, just like I can't now take credit for signaling the decline of tech stocks in the 2002 economy. For those many wonderful Grizzly fans that already understood this phenomenon and chose not to berate, my apologies for the lecture.
VERY QUICK HITS
Florida International (2-7) at Louisiana-Lafayette (2-8), 5:00
Hopefully, the decision-makers at Florida International University will take note of the 800-or-so people at Cajun Field this week and gain a proper perspective on what life as a football-playing member of the Sun Belt Conference would look like. The Sun Belt, which is about to be left hurting for members by ongoing conference shifts, is known to be courting schools like FIU, Florida Atlantic, and Western Kentucky, who if they moved would soon be among those losing many more millions at the I-A level than they ever could have dreamed as members of I-AA. What do you get for that one fewer "A", besides lots of red ink? The right to be in a league that is 2-5 against I-AA this year and the butt of enough jokes to keep Craig Kilborn on the air. Make that record 2-6, by the way. Florida International is the better team here, and will win by single digits.
Rhode Island (3-6) at Cincinnati (4-4), 7:00
We would have preferred to see this matchup played in men's basketball circa 1998, where Jim Harrick and Bob Huggins could have had sportswriters doing cartwheels arguing over who runs the cleaner program (answer: neither). Instead, it's Rhody's Tim Stowers and UC's Rick Minter, about whom I can't find anything bad to say except that I'm told Minter insists on putting his picture on his business card. For the venial sin of vanity, we'll predict that Minter's Bearcats will struggle with URI's triple-option for about a quarter-and-a-half before pulling away behind quarterback Gino Guidugli. Cincy by about 25.
QUICK HITS
Richmond (2-6) at No. 4 Massachusetts (8-1), 12:00
A pair of Atlantic 10 teams at opposite ends of the league table will kick off Saturday's I-AA schedule, as former UMass head coach Jim Reid brings his Richmond team into Amherst to face the streaking Minutemen. The Spiders had their two-game win streak snapped against Villanova last Saturday, sticking with the Wildcats for three quarters before succumbing to three fourth period touchdown passes from VU QB Marvin Burroughs. Richmond, which gives up more than 400 yards per game, is now 101st in I-AA total defense. UR quarterback Bryson Spinner led the team in both passing (201 yards) and rushing (66 yards and a TD) in the losing effort. UMass' day was more positive, as Mark Whipple's crew gutted out a 28-24 decision against a determined Northeastern team. Quarterback Jeff Krohn keyed the Minutemen's seventh straight win, passing for 227 yards and three touchdowns in the come-from-behind victory. Cornerback Shannon James posted his second interception in as many weeks, helping make up for the absence of star safety Anton McKenzie (quadriceps). McKenzie is expected to be in the lineup this week. Massachusetts' success this season has been based primarily on its defense and running game, a formula that should work just fine against the Spiders. Richmond hasn't been able to halt many rushing attacks this year, and the offense has been generally unable to counter the defense's struggles by putting together scoring drives. UMass wins its eighth in a row, this time by double digits.
No. 11 Western Illinois (6-3) at Indiana State (3-7), 12:00
Sweet relief. That had to be what Western Illinois was feeling after ending a two-game losing streak with a 24-20 victory at Illinois State last week, as Don Patterson's team won a nail-biter and kept its I-AA playoff hopes firmly intact. The Leathernecks will this Saturday attempt to maintain the positive road vibes when they face a free-falling Indiana State unit. Injuries have sent a positive 3-2 start spiraling downward for ISU, with last week's 45-10 loss to SMS sustained without the services of starting QB Jake Schiff and running back Jake Shields. The Sycamores managed just 48 yards and six first downs all day, with freshman quarterback Philip Johnson's stat line (2-12 passing, 15 yards, 2 INT) an indication of how poorly things went against the Bears. Johnson has more interceptions (four) than completions (three) this season. Now Tim McGuire's team must contend with a WIU club that gutted out last week's win with a strong effort from running back Travis Glasford (160 yards) and a defense that held Illinois State scoreless over the last 30 minutes. Predictably, linebacker Lee Russell (9 tackles, 1 INT) paced the defensive effort. Western probably won't be taking anything for granted with its playoff aspirations on the line, but it would be hard to imagine the 'Necks not emerging from Terre Haute with a decisive win. Indiana State is a shadow of its former self due to injuries, and the Sycamores probably weren't a candidate to challenge WIU even if completely healthy. Western Illinois by three touchdowns-plus.
Princeton (2-5) at No. 9 Penn (7-0), 1:00
In Ivy League basketball, there is no fiercer rivalry than Penn/Princeton, mostly because the Quakers and Tigers have been more or less the only strong hoops programs among the Ancient Eight for several decades. In football, there is quite a bit more parity in the Ivy, meaning this Saturday's showdown between the conference's southernmost schools has a little less venom than it would if transpiring on the hardwood. But that doesn't mean Princeton won't be eager to knock Penn from the national Top 10 and end its undefeated run. The Tigers have won two of three since enduring an 0-4 start, and last Saturday's 28-6 triumph over Cornell was their most decisive of the 2003 season to date. Quarterback Matt Verbit threw three touchdown passes in the win, and running back Jon Veach found the end zone both by land and air. The real strong suit for Roger Hughes' club is the defense, however, with end Joe Weiss' three sacks pacing an effort that saw the Big Red amass just 28 rushing yards. Princeton will have a difficult time duplicating that effort against a Quaker unit that has received increasingly strong play from running back Sam Mathews (955 yards, 7 TD on the year). Mathews went for 173 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 24-21 win over Brown, complementing the work of a defense that held the Bears to 32 yards on the ground. Penn ranks seventh in I-AA against the run (95.43 yards per game), and I think that bodes well against a Tiger team that will try to establish Veach and its running backs on offense. Princeton shouldn't be able to score in bunches against the Quakers, while Mathews and the Penn attack should be able to find enough holes to earn the victory. Al Bagnoli's Penn team by a baker's dozen.
Delaware State (0-8) at No. 14 North Carolina A&T (8-1), 1:30
This almost looks too easy. One week before its colossal MEAC affair with Hampton, North Carolina A&T and its vaunted "Blue Death" defense gets to take on a Delaware State team that has seemingly been dying a Red and Columbia Blue death since the season began. DSU dropped to 0-8 with a 36-13 loss at South Carolina State a week ago, struggling to stop wideout Tavarus Morgan who caught seven passes for 112 yards and a touchdown and also threw for a score. A bright spot for the Hornets was the play of quarterback Keon Frazier, who threw for a pair of touchdown passes for the second straight week. But Frazier and company will have trouble moving the ball against an A&T team that continued to shine defensively in last Saturday's 13-7 win at Bethune-Cookman. George Small's team, which now ranks third in I-AA total defense (255.44 yards per game), kept B-CC off the scoreboard for the final 57-plus minutes of the contest. Offense has been harder to come by for the Aggies, but running back Frank Patterson (597 yards, 2 TD) should continue to get the ball on a team figuring to start Rico Watkins (344 passing yards, 4 TD, 0 INT) at quarterback this week. A&T's offensive woes won't be much of a factor as long as Small's defense keeps up its stingy play. I don't expect DSU to do much in the way of offensive production this week, which should spell an easy Aggie win. North Carolina A&T by double digits.
East Tennessee State (3-6) at No. 5 Wofford (8-1), 1:30
By 4:30 on Saturday, November 8th, it should be official. The Wofford Terriers will be Southern Conference champions for the first time in their history, will earn the right to make their initial I-AA playoff appearance (come to think of it, didn't they earn that right last year?), and will once-and-for-all erase the angst that has pervaded throughout the program since it was shamelessly bracket-busted in 2002. There will be jubilation in Spartanburg at that hour unless East Tennessee State, which is still searching for its first SoCon win of 2003, breaks up the party. The Buccaneers dropped to 0-5 in the league with a 34-22 loss to Georgia Southern last week, spoiling a day that saw safety Gerald Sensabaugh block a I-AA-record-tying three punts and running back Gaven Varner (150 yards, 1 TD) put up his fifth 100-yard outing of the season. The problem for Paul Hamilton's team was once again in the passing game, where Buc QBs combined to throw three interceptions while completing only four passes. Wofford, meanwhile, went on a furious third quarter explosion to put away The Citadel, 42-16. The Terriers scored three touchdowns in 3:44 to move to 6-0 in the league, with a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown by safety Matt Nelson sparking the run. Four turnovers for Mike Ayers' team were overshadowed by a rushing game that churned up 381 yards, including 83 and two touchdowns from fullback J.R. McNair. The good times will continue for Wofford this week. The Terriers are the superior team on both sides of the ball, and will be focused on wrapping up the league crown. They'll win by 25 or more, and a shutout is entirely possible.
No. 21 Northwestern State (6-3) at Sam Houston State (1-7), 3:00
It had to be a long two weeks for Northwestern State. The Demons were upset by Nicholls State at home back on Oct. 25, and then the cruel scheduling Gods gave Scott Stoker's team an extra seven days to think about it with last Saturday's open date. Too bad for the fellas from Natchitoches, but really too bad for Sam Houston State, which must continue its abysmal season by this week welcoming a team that is as rested as it is angry. NSU has built its standing this year on defense, but had trouble holding down Nicholls' option-based attack. The Colonels went for 232 on the ground in the contest, and quarterback Josh Son had his best passing day in nearly two years by tossing for 183 and a touchdown. The loss overshadowed a strong game for Demon QB Davon Vinson, who accounted for 298 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. Vinson will be vying for a similar effort against an SHSU squad that has given up more than 37 points a game in '03. The Bearkats hit that number in a 37-12 defeat at the hands of Nicholls State last week, with the Colonels' 310 rushing yards providing the difference. Quarterback Travis Tobaben (17-29, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) had his best passing day since week one, and freshman Wade Pate (9-19, 106 yards, 1 INT) saw action as well. Both Tobaben and Pate figure to play again this week, and neither is likely to do damage against a Northwestern State defense that has fared well against more conventional offensive systems this year. The Demons will come in hungry following their open date, and will win by about 15 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
No. 13 Grambling State (7-2) at Alabama State (5-3), 3:00
A hearty welcome back to the sidelines to Alabama State head coach Charlie Coe, who returns this week after missing two games stemming from a hospitalization due to chest pains. Okay, maybe "hearty" was a bad choice of words. Either way, Coe should be fit to guide his team into this Saturday's battle with Grambling State, though the fitness of his team to contend with the mighty G-Men is somewhat in question. GSU was scarcely challenged in a 48-15 rout of Texas Southern a week ago, with another big day by quarterback Bruce Eugene (332 passing yards, 5 TD) and wideout Tramon Douglas (8 receptions, 135 yards) aiding in the victory. An underrated defense was also staunch, keeping TSU off the board until late in the third quarter and holding the team under 300 yards for the day. Alabama State was idle last Saturday, one week after the Hornets dropped a 20-17 decision to Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic. Four field goals by the Bulldogs' Rashad Cylar helped minimize admirable performances from ASU quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (16-27 passing, 218 yards, 2 TD), running back Keldrick Williams (112 yards) and wideout Brandon Horace (5 receptions, 2 TD). Though Coe's return and Alabama State's level of rest indicates that this one could have some "upset special" potential, it won't lead me to pick against the G-Men. Grambling appears to be peaking after last week's blowout, and I can't help but remember ASU's 25-point loss to Southern back in late September. Doug Williams and the Tigers by at least 20.
Cal Poly (5-3) at UC Davis (5-2), 4:30
It's back to the road for Cal Poly this week, as the Mustangs attempt to advance their I-AA playoff chances by taking down I-AA newbie UC Davis in what will be the former school's first away affair since Oct. 11. It was on that date that Rich Ellerson's team ended an 0-3 visiting stretch with a 45-14 loss at I-A Akron. If the 'Stangs want to remain alive in the chase for their first-ever I-AA bracket appearance, they'll have to do better than that against an Aggie team that figures to be a regular postseason contributor when their four-year provisional period is up. Bob Biggs' crew pasted Saint Mary's (CA), 45-14, last week, outgaining the Gaels by nearly 300 yards on the afternoon. Running back Antar Mahasin bolted for 135 yards and two touchdowns on the day, while also catching four balls for 65 yards out of the Aggies' backfield. The defense, which is allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game on the year, limited SMC to 57 on the ground and forced four turnovers. Cal Poly was also a winner last week, winning its second straight by taking down Southern Utah, 33-21. Quarterback Chris Peterson (20-30, 231 yards, 3 TD) passed it well against the Thunderbirds, while Geno Randle (105 yards) kept the chains moving on the ground. Cornerback David Richardson's 16-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter helped give Ellerson's team an important win. Cal Poly will be playing for its postseason life here, but something tells me they won't get it done against a Davis club that has won four of the last five head-to-head meetings. Look for a close one to go the way of the Aggies, with a strong day from both Mahasin and the defense keying the three-point victory.
No. 7 Villanova (7-1) at Hofstra (1-8), 7:00
A Villanova team vying for a shot at the Atlantic 10 title and a I-AA playoff berth will head to Long Island, where the Wildcats will try not to look past the last-place Hofstra Pride. VU is 5-1 in the A-10 and sits a full game behind both Delaware and UMass. Hofstra, meanwhile, is 1-6 in the conference and will be attempting to scrape its way closer to the middle of the pack. Villanova arrives at Shuart Stadium fresh off a 42-13 road rout of Richmond last Saturday. The game marked the starting debut of freshman quarterback Marvin Burroughs, who completed 15 of 19 passes for 245 yards and five touchdowns in relief of injured Joe Casamento (shoulder). Don't expect Burroughs to surrender his starting job this week. Running backs Moe Gibson and Terry Butler combined for 138 rushing yards versus UR, and should continue to split time. The Wildcat defense was led last week by linebacker Brian Hulea, who posted 18 tackles for Andy Talley's team. Hofstra comes off a 23-9 loss at William & Mary a week ago, in a game that saw Joe Gardi's charges pitch a shutout in the first half but fail to score after halftime. The loss negated a season-best performance by Hofstra running back Trevor Dimmie, who went for 146 yards on the day. Quarterback Andrew English was also efficient, completing 18 of 28 passes for 160 yards. Linebacker and Buck Buchanan Award candidate Renauld Williams posted six tackles and a sack for the defense, but W&M went for 196 rushing yards, including 133 and two touchdowns from Delmus Coley. Hofstra has more talent than do most 1-8 football teams, but the Pride simply haven't been consistent enough to finish ballgames this year. They'll need a Herculean effort to beat a top-notch Villanova team, and I don't think they'll get it. The Wildcats will limit the Pride's offensive effectiveness, and Burroughs will be able to make the requisite amount of big plays on the other end. Villanova by a couple dozen.
Youngstown State (5-5) at No. 3 Southern Illinois (9-0), 7:00
I-AA's team of destiny rolls on. The Southern Illinois Salukis, perennial Gateway Football Conference doormats, continue to amaze during what has been a magical 2003 season. The latest act in SIU's made-for-Hollywood script occurred last week, when Jerry Kill's team erased a double-digit deficit with less than five minutes to play, stunning defending national champ Western Kentucky, 28-24. Next on the hit list for SIU is perennial I-AA front-runner Youngstown State, whose four national titles are unlikely to faze the fate-bound Salukis. Southern Illinois' triumph in Bowling Green came despite a down performance by the running game, with the "Thunder and Lightning" combo of Muhammad Abdulqaadir and Tom Koutsos held under 100 yards. Quarterback Joel Sambursky (228 passing yards, 2 TD) was the hero for the Dawgs, and a defense that kept WKU well under its rushing average also continued to impress. Look for a stronger ground effort for SIU this Saturday against a Youngstown State club that gave up 377 rushing yards in a 47-9 loss to Northern Iowa last Saturday. Jon Heacock's team was thoroughly outclassed by UNI, though quarterback Aaron Marshall (15-26, 213 yards, 1 TD) did post the finest passing day of his collegiate career. Marshall may continue to excel this week, but it won't be enough to challenge the Salukis. The Penguins are going to have tons of trouble slowing the SIU run, and don't figure to be in the game much past halftime. Jerry Kill's team moves to 10-0, this time by more than 20.
BIG TIME
No. 24 Lehigh (6-2) at No. 10 Colgate (9-0), 12:30
It's not for the Patriot League title, but it might as well be. Lehigh and Colgate, who will put their 4-0 conference records on the line in Hamilton this Saturday, will both have to dodge some pretty heavy landmines no matter the outcome of this week's tilt. The visiting Mountain Hawks will follow the battle with a road game at surprising Bucknell and the annual war with rival Lafayette in Bethlehem. The homestanding Raiders will have a still-playoff hungry Fordham team arriving in town on Nov. 15, and will finish the season at Holy Cross. You can come up with plenty of down-the-road rhetoric for both of these teams, but the bottom line is that it will be difficult to envision the winner of this Saturday's game not hoisting the Patriot League trophy in some form.
Lehigh arrives at Andy Kerr Stadium having won three straight games in decisive fashion since back-to-back losses to Penn and I-A Connecticut. The most recent triumph for Pete Lembo's team was a 35-3 whipping of Towson last week, in a game controlled by the Brown and White defense. The Mountain Hawks sacked Towson quarterbacks six times, allowed just 13 of 39 completed passes, and held the Tigers to 91 yards on the ground for the day. Linebacker Tom McGeoy had one of the sacks and a team-high 10 tackles, while cornerback Lawrence Williams posted an interception return for a touchdown, the Patriot League record fifth of his career. Offensively, Lehigh managed just 23 rushing yards, and quarterback Kyle Keating threw three interceptions. Running back Jermaine Pugh made up for a rough day on the ground by catching five balls for 40 yards and a touchdown out of the backfield.
Offense was not a problem in Colgate's last outing, as running back Jamaal Branch (29 carries, 200 yards, 2 TD), quarterback Chris Brown (13-18 passing, 202 yards, 2 TD), and wideout Luke Graham (6 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD) all had big days in a 47-31 win over Lafayette. The defense was a little on the shaky side, allowing the Leopards to get back in the game in the third quarter. The Raiders struggled with Lafayette's no-huddle offense and numerous underneath and dump routes, but ultimately won the game by forcing three Marko Glavic interceptions and limiting the 'Pards ability to run the ball (30 carries for 14 yards). Tackle Josh Sabo (6 tackles, 1 sack) and linebacker Tem Lukabu (14 tackles) were among those controlling the run.
On paper, Colgate is probably the better team, though I think the Raiders have holes that Lehigh can exploit. The Mountain Hawks have the talent to make some gains in the short passing game, and Pugh's versatility out of the backfield could give them some problems. If Keating locks onto receivers, however, the Colgate d-backs will make him pay. Also, I think Lembo's team will do a better job limiting Branch than have most of the Raiders' previous opponents. He might get his hundred, but the 'Gate will not dominate the line of scrimmage the way it did against Lafayette. Ultimately, however, I predict that this one will go Colgate's way. The presence of the 6-3 Graham allows Dick Biddle's team to stretch the field, allowing easier opportunities for Branch and the run game. I see Colgate making one fewer offensive mistake than Lehigh, and winning by five.
No. 2 Delaware (9-0) at Northeastern (5-4), 12:30
Mark Whipple should have received K.C. Keeler's thank you note by now. The UMass head coach led his team to a 28-24 win over Northeastern last week, knocking the Huskies out of the playoff race and making this week's journey to Parsons Field less arduous for Keeler and the Blue Hens. Which is not to say the game will be like a Saturday stroll through Faneuil Hall for UD, but with less on the line for Northeastern, Delaware is bound to have an edge in the motivation department.
The Hens pulled off a noteworthy Houdini act last week, rebounding from a 21-0 halftime deficit against Maine to force overtime and win, 24-21. Quarterback Andy Hall scored the team's first points on a 12-yard run just before the end of the third quarter, and an 80-yard punt return for a score by Sidney Haugabrook moments later pulled Keeler's club within striking distance. With the game hanging in the balance, Hall went up top for a 39-yard TD to David Boler to tie it at 21, and kicker Brad Shushman made up for two prior missed field goals by calmly draining a 36-yarder to win the game in overtime. Though the offense was sharp when it mattered, give credit to a defense that allowed the Black Bears just two significant drives (both resulting in missed field goals) after halftime. Defensive end Shawn Johnson, who is steadily building a case for inclusion on the Buck Buchanan Award list, paced the unit with 2.5 sacks on the day. UD heads into this week's game giving up just 15.3 points per game, the 12th-best figure in I-AA.
Northeastern ran out to a 21-7 lead on UMass last week, but couldn't hang on in their quest for what would have been win No. 1 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Don Brown's team was done in by three costly turnovers and a pair of missed field goals, as well as two big scoring passes by Minutemen QB Jeff Krohn. The miscues and lapses helped erase a decent effort from running backs Tim Gale and Anthony Riley, who combined for 144 yards and two touchdowns, as well as a defense that limited Massachusetts to 62 yards in the running game. Linebacker Liam Ezekiel (17 tackles, 1 INT) and wideout Quintin Mitchell (5 catches, 115 yards) were two of the notable playmakers. Look for NU, which ranks 10th in I-AA rushing offense (246.11), to continue attempting to establish the run against Delaware.
After last week's emotional letdown, I can't see Northeastern putting its best foot forward against Delaware this week. The Huskies, who are 1-9 against UD all-time, will only prevail if the Blue Hens are looking ahead to their showdown against UMass next Saturday. Keeler's team is still a little banged up, but I see Hall making the necessary plays and the defense being stingy once again. The Hens by 10.
No. 18 Furman (5-3) at Georgia Southern (5-4), 1:00
Now this should be interesting. I've been to Statesboro a bunch of times, but never before have I traveled to the Bulloch County seat when the home team is out of the playoff mix. GSU forfeited its postseason hopes by losing to The Citadel on Oct. 25, and now, astonishingly, they'll be playing only for a winning season and the right to be listed in the national Top 25. A victory against rival Furman on Senior Day would also salvage something positive on the morale front heading into a 2004 campaign that will be very important for head coach Mike Sewak's program.
GSU snapped a two-game losing skid by defeating East Tennessee State, 34-22, last week in Johnson City. The Eagles got 128 yards and a pair of touchdowns from fullback Jermaine Austin, and quarterback Chaz Williams (86 rushing yards, 1 TD) also played reasonably well in his first start since Sept. 27. The GSU defense forced four turnovers, including a pair of picks for sophomore corner Terence McBride. The special teams struggled, however, allowing Gerald Sensabaugh to block a I-AA-record-tying three punts in the contest. Furman would be wise to come after punter Sean Holland, and the Paladins will also want to attack a GSU run defense that has allowed a 100-yard rusher in three of its last four games.
Furman had a week off following its most recent outing, a 30-10 win over East Tennessee State. The Paladin defense held ETSU to 174 total yards for the game, including 66 on the ground. Linebacker Mike Killian led the way with eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Running back Hindley Brigham went for his fourth 100-yard game of the season, rambling for 126 yards on 20 carries. Quarterback Josh Stepp had a fine outing in his second career start in relief of injured Bo Moore, completing 10 of 14 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown and also rushing for a score. Moore (ankle sprain) could be back this week, but much of the onus will again be on a defense that is giving up just 12.3 points per game.
This is a landmine game for me. I've picked Georgia Southern to win four big games this season (McNeese State, Wofford, Appalachian State, The Citadel), and the Eagles have lost all four. I also predicted that Furman would beat App State and El Cid recently (both wrong), and have made classic missteps with my last two Furman/GSU picks. Who will I saddle with the Moss curse this week? Sorry Paladins, it is thee. The Furman defense has been terrific all season, and I think players like Brigham and wideouts Brian Bratton and Isaac West will be able to make some big plays on the other side of the ball. Untimely turnovers have plagued Georgia Southern in 2003, and I bet they'll be a factor here as well. Bobby Lamb's charges win it in a low-scoring game, on the strength of a Danny Marshall field goal.
Jacksonville State (5-3) at Samford (6-3), 2:00
It looks like the OVC's Alabama expansion has been a good thing. Without Jacksonville State and Samford, which joined the league this season, the Ohio Valley would have exactly one school (Tennessee State) with a winning overall ledger. The Gamecocks and Bulldogs have each been surprising contenders in their first conference season, and will this week try to improve their respective quests for an OVC title with a win at Seibert Stadium. At 4-1 in the league, JSU can maintain control of the league driver's seat, while the 4-2 Bulldogs will be attempting to remain a member of the championship mix.
The visiting Gamecocks were idle last week after completing a three-game sweep of the state of Tennessee with a win over Tennessee Tech (37-20), which followed consecutive triumphs over Tennessee-Martin (34-20) and Tennessee State (34-7). Jack Crowe's club continued to ride the rushing exploits of running back Kory Chapman (175 yards, 1 TD), who posted his third 100-yard outing in four games. Quarterback Maurice Mullins had 200 yards of total offense in the contest, rushing for a score and throwing a 30-yard scoring strike to Maurice Daughtry. A defense that has allowed JSU to rank second in I-AA turnover margin (+1.75) forced three turnovers, including a pair of interceptions from freshman linebacker George Summers.
Samford also comes off a victory against Tennessee Tech, with the Bulldogs' prevailing by a 42-24 margin. Quarterback Ray Nelson led the charge for Bill Gray's club, completing 24 of 36 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a pair of scores in the victory. Nelson's top target was again Efrem Hill (10 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD), who has put up All-America-type numbers (66 for 1,039 and 12 touchdowns) on the year. Samford's defense, which gives up 379 yards per game, allowed 417 to the formerly offensive-challenged Golden Eagles, but did get five tackles and a pick from linebacker Derrick Wheeler.
JSU has won three straight in this series, all by double digits, and I expect the winning trend to continue this week. The Gamecocks sport the stronger of the two defenses, and should do enough to limit the Nelson-to-Hill connection. Meanwhile, I see Chapman having another productive rushing day against a Samford defense that has been inconsistent at best this year. The Bulldogs will keep at close at home into the fourth quarter, but they'll ultimately fall by a touchdown.
No. 25 Hampton (6-2) at No. 17 Bethune-Cookman (6-2), 4:00
Welcome to Bethune-Cookman's last stand. The Wildcats are ranked No. 17 in the nation, but with two losses already in MEAC play, they'll have to win out just to have a shot at a second straight playoff appearance. Standing in the way of that quest, at least for the moment, is Hampton, which is 5-0 in the conference and within striking distance of its first MEAC crown since 1998. Though this week's tilt will undoubtedly be meaningful for the Pirates, a loss wouldn't be fatal since Joe Taylor's team can wrap up the MEAC automatic with a win against North Carolina A&T in Greensboro next Saturday no matter what happens in Daytona.
Hampton's November began with a 34-23 loss to constant nemesis Florida A&M, a defeat that snapped the Pirates' six-game win streak and raised major questions about the team's ability to stop a high-octane passing attack. FAMU completed 30 of 46 passes for 277 yards in the game, and also allowed Rattler quarterback Ben Dougherty to rush for 64 yards and a pair of scores. Top Hampton rusher Alonzo Coleman was limited to 49 yards on 19 carries, forcing quarterback Tim Frazier to wing it often (23-48, 361 yards, 1 TD) and make several mistakes (5 INT). Wideout Jerome Mathis was Frazier's top target, catching four passes for 141 yards and a 74-yard touchdown.
Bethune-Cookman also had problems on the offensive end last week, failing to generate much of a scoring attack in a 13-7 loss to North Carolina A&T. Alvin Wyatt's charges were held scoreless over the last 57:47 of the game, punting eight times in the first three quarters and turning it over on three of their last four drives. Quarterback Allen Suber was held to 21 rushing yards, and a decent passing day (10-20, 156 yards) was overshadowed by two fourth quarter interceptions. The offense's woes lessened the impact of a strong defensive performance, one highlighted by the nine-tackle, two-sack day of end Steve Baggs. The Wildcats come into the Hampton game ranked 12th in I-AA total defense (280.38 yards per game).
B-CC has won the last two games in this series, including a 37-7 rout last year, and will be attempting to continue the victory parade in a much-needed tilt this week. But something tells me this is the year of the Pirate. Hampton has come to play in every MEAC game (that has counted) in 2003, and I see them doing the same in Daytona. Look for Taylor to devise a plan to limit Suber's effectiveness, forcing B-CC to rely on less talented offensive options. Meanwhile, expect the Pirate offense to receive a renewed effort from Coleman, who will move the chains and find the end zone enough to lift Hampton to the road win. HU by a half-dozen.
No. 6 Northern Iowa (8-1) at No. 12 Western Kentucky (6-3), 5:00
Could this be the end of the line for your defending national champion? Western Kentucky enters its second-to-last contest with only four Division I victories, all against teams with losing records, and has been mathematically eliminated from the Gateway title race. The Hilltoppers must win their final two games to entertain at-large playoff hopes, and even then, David Elson's squad will probably need the I-AA selection committee to a) admit three at-large entries from one conference, which would be unprecedented or b) look the other way on those cupcake games (Union (KY), West Virginia Tech) to start the year and consider WKU to have a stronger case for playoff inclusion that one of the other would-be Gateway at-larges. It is also important to note that a loss for 6-3 Western Illinois against either Indiana State (3-7) or SMS (4-5) would boost the Hilltoppers in the all-important regional rankings, and that phenomenon coupled with a pair of Western Kentucky wins would likely help the 'Toppers sneak in the field. But before giving rise to that speculation, Elson's crew must first take down a Northern Iowa club that, oh by the way, has won eight straight games.
Northern Iowa laid a 47-9 woodshedding on Youngstown State last Saturday, in a game that was over well before halftime. The Panthers racked up 618 yards on the beleaguered YSU defense, with running backs Richard Carter (13 carries, 141 yards, 1 TD) and Terrance Freeney (113 yards, 1 TD) leading the onslaught along with quarterback Tom Petrie (13-24, 241 yards, 3 TD). The Panther defense wasn't too shabby either, allowing the ground-based 'Guins only 63 rushing yards and forcing YSU to punt nine times. Safety Justin Sandy (five tackles, 1 INT) was among the main contributors there. UNI enters this week's contest giving up fewer than 100 yards a game against the run and just 14.56 points per game.
Western Kentucky let a 24-13 lead over Southern Illinois slip away in the waning moments last week, as the Salukis came storming back to win, 28-24. A couple of big throws by Saluki quarterback Joel Sambursky (15-22, 228 yards, 1 TD) negated an otherwise fine performance by the defense, one that held Southern under 100 rushing yards for the first time this season. Linebacker Erik Dandy (15 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack) was named Gateway Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. The 'Topper offense was balanced, with running back Lerron Moore (142 yards, 1 TD) and wideouts Casey Rooney (5 receptions, 90 yards) and Shannon Hayes (5 receptions, 79 yards) among the principles there. Western is 12th in I-AA rushing offense (244.78 yards per game) entering Saturday's contest.
UNI has faced up to every challenge on its docket this season, while WKU has not been nearly as consistent. The Panthers have gone into hostile environments (Stephen F. Austin, Illinois State, Western Illinois) and won games, while last week showed that the Hilltoppers are beatable at home. The indicators all point to a Northern Iowa win, but I'm going against the indicators. UNI had one major hiccup during its 2001 run to the Gateway title (a 42-14 road loss at Illinois State), and I think they're due for one in 2003 as well. Western Kentucky will be jacked up to win a game it must have, and will perform well on both sides of the football on "Senior Day" in Bowling Green. Western by a touchdown.
Stephen F. Austin (5-3) at No. 1 McNeese State (7-1), 8:00
The I-AA world waits with great anticipation to see just how strong the top-ranked McNeese State Cowboys are. MSU has been winning games against marginal teams by uncomfortably small margins of late, and many have inferred that a similar performance against a quality team could result in the loss that knocks Tommy Tate's team from its perch. Stephen F. Austin, with a sizable portion of talent and its Southland title and playoff aspirations firmly on the line, represents that team. A victory in Lake Charles would put Mike Santiago's club in control of the SLC race, while McNeese's final two of Northwestern State and Nicholls State would suddenly appear more daunting.
Stephen F. Austin has been operating under the radar, quietly winning three straight since a disappointing 2-3 start. The Lumberjacks were off last Saturday, one week after defeating Texas State (44-27) to move to 2-0 in the Southland. Quarterback Michael Williams threw for 200 yards and ran for 70 against the Bobcats, but also threw three interceptions in the contest. Williams may see less time this week if former starter Zeke Dixon (1168 passing yards, 7 TD, 3 INT) is able to return from a broken wrist. Either way, SFA will need running back Cliff Edwards (478 yards, 7 TD on the year) and all-purpose threat Tony Tompkins (191 rushing yards, 28 receptions) to come up big. The 'Jack defense has mostly struggled this season, giving up more than 350 yards per game, though safety Brent Hafford (5 INT) has been among the bright spots.
Speaking of struggling defenses, McNeese State's once-stifling unit gave up 20 points or more for the fifth straight game in last Thursday's 38-28 triumph over Texas State. The Cowboys' defensive troubles have been luckily outweighed by the continued resurgence of the offense, particularly quarterback Scott Pendarvis (13-22 passing, 226 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT last week) and wideout B.J. Sams. Pendarvis and Sams will have to be on their respective games again this week, since top rusher Vick King is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. Backup Terrance Moses is also questionable, meaning freshman Chris Thomas (232 yards, 4 TD this season) could be Tate's man in the backfield. Linebacker Roderick Royal, who was named Southland Defensive Player of the Week after posting 13 tackles against the Bobcats, will try to engineer a defensive renaissance at Cowboy Stadium.
SFA went into McNeese and picked up a 26-21 win back in 2001, benefiting from three interception returns for touchdowns to score the win. The 'Jacks will probably be able to punch the ball in on offense this time, but will it be enough to come out of "The Hole" with a victory? I'm guessing not. For all their defensive problems in recent weeks, MSU has done what it takes to win, and Pendarvis and the passing game have been playing at a notably high level. I'll take McNeese to win yet another shootout, this time by seven.
No. 22 Idaho State (6-3) at No. 20 Northern Arizona (6-3), 8:05
Call it a playoff game. The winner of this week's Idaho State/Northern Arizona contest will be in terrific shape to make the postseason. The loser is done. Simple.
Idaho State arrives in Flagstaff as the hotter of the two clubs, by virtue of last week's 30-20 home handling of Portland State. Quarterback Mark Hetherington bounced back from a horrible outing against Weber State the week before, completing 30 of 44 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns within the friendly confines of Holt Arena. Formerly unknown running back and Cal transfer David Beverly had his coming out party as well, rushing for 135 yards in the contest. The defense, meanwhile, was unusually strong, holding PSU to 47 yards in the ground game and limiting the Viks to 12 first downs on the night. End Jared Allen recorded two more sacks for the ISU "D", giving him 16.5 for the season. The Bengals are now 116th in I-AA total defense (461.2 yards per game).
While Idaho State was partying, Northern Arizona was living a nightmare, as the Lumberjacks had their doors blown off in a 59-21 loss to Montana. NAU played poorly in every phase of its game, turning it over four times on offense, allowing several big plays on defense, and surrendering two punt returns for touchdowns to UM's Levander Segars. About the only bright spot for Jerome Souers' club was the play of wideout Johnny Marshall, who caught five balls for 134 yards and a touchdown and also returned a punt 69 yards for a score. Souers will this week welcome the return of running back Roger Robinson, who missed the Montana game with a broken rib suffered against Montana State one week earlier.
ISU hasn't won in Flagstaff since 1984, which is not a surprising stat for a program notorious for failing to show up in road games. Though both of these clubs have been mightily inconsistent, I have to side here with the home Lumberjacks, who should be able to exorcize last week's Demons by putting on offensive show against the much-maligned Bengal defense. Idaho State will score some points too, but not enough to win at the Walkup Skydome. NAU by 10.
No. 8 Montana (7-2) at Sacramento State (2-7), 9:05
The Big Sky season began with quite a lot of promise for Sacramento State. On Sept. 27, the Hornets looked ready to contend for the league crown after handling Idaho State, 47-21, and entered October at 1-0 in conference play. One week later, quarterback Ryan Leadingham went down for the year with multiple arm fractures against UC Davis, and first-year head coach Steve Mooshagian's team hasn't tasted success since. The losing streak is at five after last Saturday's 56-7 punishing at the hands of Montana State, and things could easily get worse when eighth-ranked Montana visits Hornet Stadium this week.
A four-degree wind chill didn't aide the efforts of the mostly California-bred Hornets last week, but there was no climate that could have disguised the team's shoddy play. Sac State gave up 201 ground yards to MSU rusher Bruce Molock, managed only 239 total yards of its own against the Bobcat defense, and allowed Corey Smith to return two punts for touchdowns. Mooshagian's team was playing its first game without top running back Tyronne Gross, who is likely out for the year with a strained knee. Quarterback Blake Mori was able to complete just 10 of 30 passes on the day, and found No. 1 wideout Fred Amey only three times. Amey, who has five 100-yard receiving days this season, probably ranks as the Hornets' only remaining active playmaker.
Montana's 59-21 shellacking of former No. 15 Northern Arizona last week left mouths agape throughout the I-AA nation. Though the Griz' 59 points would suggest an offensive epiphany, two punt returns for scores by Levander Segars and the play of a defense that sacked NAU quarterback Jason Murrietta six times and forced four turnovers was the main story. End Tim Bush reacted to his removal from the Buck Buchanan Award list by recording four sacks and eight tackles on the day. Grizzly QB Craig Ochs was once again solid for Bobby Hauck's offense, completing 18 of 27 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 31 yards and a score.
I see this game as being closer than most would expect. Montana isn't good enough to beat Big Sky teams by 38 points every week, and Sac State's 49-point loss should be a similar anomaly when viewing the larger landscape of its 2003 season. Still, you can't argue with the teams' talent disparity, especially with the Hornets down to backups at quarterback and running back. Sacramento State will play inspired football against the conference opponent that everyone wants to beat, but will ultimately lose by more than two touchdowns.
Mid-Major Game of the Week: No. 5 San Diego (7-2) at No. 1 Dayton (9-1), 1:00
OK, Dayton, here's your final chance to impress I-AA Mid-Major poll voters. Your season finale will put the lid on a 2003 season that will not end with a Pioneer Football League or division crown, but could warrant the nation's No. 1 ranking anyway. The Flyers will only finish No. 1 if teams like No. 2 Morehead State (7-2) and No. 3 Monmouth (8-1), which both have multiple games remaining, don't surpass UD in the polls over the course of the next three weeks. A sizeable win over a well-respected San Diego club at Welcome Stadium this week could be enough to give the Flyers their second straight Sports Network Cup, but the visiting Toreros will have other ideas.
San Diego will arrive in Dayton with a bevy of offensive weapons, including the nation's most efficient quarterback in Eric Rasmussen (2627 passing yards, 29 TD, 3 INT), I-AAs No. 2 rusher in freshman Evan Harney (1360 yards, 17 TD), and a pair of standout receivers in Adam Hannula (63 receptions, 983 yards, 12 TD) and Nick Garton (43 receptions, 783 yards, 10 TD). USD, which comes off a 53-7 waxing of Butler last week, currently ranks No. 2 in I-AA total offense (487.33 yards per game) and No. 3 in scoring (39.78 points per game). Although the defense has given up its fair share of points, the Toreros have surrendered a total of seven in its last two victories. Players like linebacker Jeff Langdon (63 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) have been among the principles there.
Dayton, which comes off a 31-15 win over Drake last Saturday, has been generally strong though not always dominant during its 9-1 run. The option-based Flyers are fifth in the nation in rushing (274.2 yards per game), with running backs Cliff Sachini (951 yards, 9 TD) and Geno Mattioda (601 yards, 11 TD) leading the way. Sachini has rushed for 100 yards or more in three straight games, including a 111-yard performance last week. Quarterback Brandon Staley (1303 passing yards, 314 rushing yards) has provided a credible passing wrinkle to Mike Kelly's system, and Jason Schmidt (20 receptions) has been Staley's top target. A defense that has given up fewer than 300 yards per game has often carried the Flyers, with end Eric Dearth (69 tackles, 3.5 sacks) posing as a possible All-America candidate there.
This one should be a battle, and the fact that Valparaiso was able to come into Dayton and win by throwing the football leads me to believe that the Toreros have the potential to beat the Flyers for the first time in 11 games. Still, I can't bring myself to pick against a Mike Kelly-coached team on Senior Day at Welcome Stadium, especially when the weather is expected to be in the low 40s. Give me UD by single digits in a high-scoring affair.
The 10th-ranked Raiders are 9-0, and officially I-AA's lowest-rated undefeated team, behind No. 2 Delaware, No. 3 Southern Illinois, and No. 9 Penn. Their 47-31 win over the Leopards wasn't always pretty, though it was the type of game that good teams win in spite of their foibles. The 'Gate defense gave up way too many passing yards (392) and first downs (26), but had three key interceptions of Lafayette quarterback Marko Glavic, all of which were turned into touchdowns for the offense.
And it was that offense that was deserving of much of the adulation on this balmy day. Dick Biddle's team was balanced, with the running of Jamaal Branch (29 carries, 200 yards, 2 TD) countered by the arm of Chris Brown (13-18, 202 yards, 2 TD). When the Leopards stacked the box to take Branch away, Brown lofted it into the arms of 6-3 receiver Luke Graham (6 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown), who should provide a matchup problem for any and all of Colgate's future opponents.
"They're an outstanding football team", said Lafayette head coach Frank Tavani. "They have good balance offensively, a very athletic quarterback along with that, an offensive line that just pounds you, and a defense that plays real solid, very athletic in the secondary. We felt they were going to be the strongest team we were going to see all season, and I think that's true."
Tavani's comments didn't exactly jibe with Colgate's disrespect theory, but Lafayette linebacker Maurice Bennett fanned the flames of motivation when asked about Branch, who ran over Leopards all day like a poor man's Adrian Peterson. Maurice, is the running back that has nearly 1,500 yards in his last eight games, just torched you for 200, and is among the prime candidates for the Walter Payton Award the best back you have seen this year?
"I don't think so. I think [Fordham's Kirwin] Watson was a better running back. He's good, don't get me wrong. He breaks a lot of tackles, but I'd rather tackle him than tackle a real shifty back that's going to spin, guys like [Lehigh's Jermaine] Pugh or Watson. I don't know if he's the best."
That's more like it. When given the chance to present his team's case to the I-AA world, even Biddle was somewhat noncommittal. Asked if this was his best team, the head coach offered, "I don't know. Colgate's played how many years of football, 115, and this is only the sixth team that's won nine or more games. So we're one of six. We're not even Patriot League champs, we're not even in the playoffs, but I think we're pretty good. I think we're very good on offense."
The Raiders will try to further their conference title and postseason hopes beginning this week, when they host 24th-ranked Lehigh to start a two-game homestand that continues with No. 19 Fordham next Saturday. If the 'Gate escapes from that stretch unscathed, will Patriot League players, coaches, and fans as well as the I-AA nation afford its program the requisite amount of respect?
Pehaps, as Aretha sang, just a little bit.
Let's take a look at the week that was, and the week that will be, in I-AA:
ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS
Looking for up-to-the-minute I-AA playoff dirt? Click HERE for our latest take on who's in, who's out, and who's on the bubble as the regular season reaches its home stretch. An updated playoff synopsis will be posted each Monday leading up to the announcement of the bracket on Nov. 23
STOP THE VIOLENCE
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is having a fine 2003, with three teams ranked in the Top 25 poll and the league looking like a candidate to place multiple entries in the I-AA playoffs. But this season might also go down as the MEAC's "Year of the Brawl," after a number of postgame incidents have sought to tarnish the league's on-field reputation. The latest melee' took place last Saturday after North Carolina A&T's 13-7 road win over Bethune-Cookman. Aggie players reportedly stomped the B-CC logo, and offensive linemen Terry Jones attempted to plant an A&T flag used by cheerleaders at midfield, inciting the Wildcats into a broo-ha-ha. Previous postgame incidents took place in Howard's win over Florida A&M on Oct. 11, when Rattler players reportedly incited a brawl by vandalizing school property, and the same day, hostilities between Delaware State and Bethune-Cookman were such that the teams were not allowed to participate in the traditional postgame handshake. The next week, FAMU and A&T were involved in a minor fracas following the Aggies' 22-16 victory. Noting the recent streak of unpleasantness, it might be time for MEAC commissioner Dennis Thomas to enact some stiff sportsmanship guidelines in his league, standards that would dissuade players from engaging in action that has become increasingly embarrassing to both the conference and I-AA as a whole.
MID-MAJOR SHAKEUP
Though The Sports Network/CSTV I-AA Top 25 saw few changes at the top this past week after the top seven teams won, the I-AA Mid-Major ranks took on shifts of seismic proportions. No. 1 Monmouth was a 14-10 loser at Central Connecticut State, a defeat that opened the door for No. 2 Duquesne to take the top-ranked reigns. But the Dukes also fell, traveling to No. 4 Morehead State and absorbing a 15-10 defeat. On Monday morning, the team left standing in the pole position was old mid-major standby Dayton, which moved to 9-1 after defeating Drake this past weekend. The Flyers received 19 first-place votes, while 7-2 MSU accrued 11 (Monmouth garnered one first-place vote). Interestingly, UD could finish the season No. 1 in the country despite not being a factor in the conference title race. The Flyers, who lost to Pioneer League North division rival Valparaiso earlier this season, have been eliminated from contention for the Nov. 22 PFL North championship game. Valpo (6-3), the North champ, will face Morehead, the South champ, in that contest. Whether an MSU win in that mathcup would be enough to sway voters toward the Eagles' side remains to be seen. The team voted first in the Nov. 24 balloting will claim The Sports Network Cup, emblematic of the top I-AA mid-major program.
PLAYING DOWN
Any I-AA fans basking in the euphoria of the sub-classification's 10 I-A wins this season should temper that gloating by taking a look at I-AA's record against Division II and below. The mark currently stands at a fairly unimpressive 71-35 (.670), and though 27 of those defeats have been suffered by teams from non-playoff leagues, some of I-AA's best and brightest have also failed to get up while playing down. Montana's loss to North Dakota State on Sept. 6 was the Division II setback that received the most attention, but other possible I-AA playoff clubs like Florida Atlantic (45-17 loss to Valdosta State) and Jacksonville State (28-16 loss to North Alabama) have dropped decisive decisions to schools with far fewer scholarships. The Atlantic 10 (2-0), Gateway (11-0), and Patriot (3-0) are the only three I-AA leagues without a loss to Division II and below, and scholarship conferences such as the MEAC (3-2), Southland (5-2), Big South (6-4), and SWAC (4-4) have all taken on multiple sub-Division I defeats. The three mid-major conferences (MAAC, NEC, Pioneer), which operate under a Division III model, are a combined 14-13 versus Division II and below. This year's team winner in the sub-D-I futility category is Big South member Charleston Southern, which has four such defeats. In second place with one more opportunity to tie (vs. St. Joseph's (IN) next week) the Buccaneers is the Pioneer League's Butler, which has lost three times to Division II or III opponents.
ROBINSON WATCH
While speculation on the top candidates for the Walter Payton Award and Buck Buchanan Award figures to run rampant prior to the presentation of those honors on Dec. 18th, the hunt for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented annually to I-AA's top coach, figures to be spoken about in more muted tones. The Robinson, which is bestowed based on regular season performance only, will have an abundance of worthy suitors. Delaware's K.C. Keeler, Southern Illinois' Jerry Kill, Wofford's Mike Ayers, Northern Iowa's Mark Farley, North Carolina A&T's George Small, Florida Atlantic's Howard Schnellenberger, and Colgate's Dick Biddle would have to be on any short list of current candidates, and don't be surprised if Mark Whipple (UMass), Ellis Johnson (The Citadel), and Tommy Tate (McNeese State) receive their share of support as well. If I had to cast my vote today, it would probably go to Kill, who has SIU atop a league that has been I-AA's best from top to bottom this season. The other four slots on my Robinson ballot would likely include the following names, in no particular order: Ayers, Keeler, Small, and Schnellenberger.
THE GAMES
I was 15-5 in my picks last week, and made some solid predictions such as Wofford over The Citadel and Southern Illinois over Western Kentucky, in addition to wins by UMass and Delaware, among others. The Saturday was defined, of course, by Montana beating Northern Arizona, a result I failed to predict. Now, I am able to handle picking a game wrong, in fact I've been able to handle it 53 times this year (the record is 180-53 (.773) in 2003). But Griz fans have irked the hell out of me this week with hundreds of "eat crow" messages, despite the fact that I heard from all of about three of them BEFORE the game kicked off. I was far less irritated about hearing from UM supporters after my pick of Sam Houston State over Montana in the 2001 playoffs went awry, since I heard from every Treasure State resident including the governor well before the Grizzlies took the field. You don't have the right to litter prognosticators with abuse over results you weren't brave enough to publicly predict, just like I can't now take credit for signaling the decline of tech stocks in the 2002 economy. For those many wonderful Grizzly fans that already understood this phenomenon and chose not to berate, my apologies for the lecture.
VERY QUICK HITS
Florida International (2-7) at Louisiana-Lafayette (2-8), 5:00
Hopefully, the decision-makers at Florida International University will take note of the 800-or-so people at Cajun Field this week and gain a proper perspective on what life as a football-playing member of the Sun Belt Conference would look like. The Sun Belt, which is about to be left hurting for members by ongoing conference shifts, is known to be courting schools like FIU, Florida Atlantic, and Western Kentucky, who if they moved would soon be among those losing many more millions at the I-A level than they ever could have dreamed as members of I-AA. What do you get for that one fewer "A", besides lots of red ink? The right to be in a league that is 2-5 against I-AA this year and the butt of enough jokes to keep Craig Kilborn on the air. Make that record 2-6, by the way. Florida International is the better team here, and will win by single digits.
Rhode Island (3-6) at Cincinnati (4-4), 7:00
We would have preferred to see this matchup played in men's basketball circa 1998, where Jim Harrick and Bob Huggins could have had sportswriters doing cartwheels arguing over who runs the cleaner program (answer: neither). Instead, it's Rhody's Tim Stowers and UC's Rick Minter, about whom I can't find anything bad to say except that I'm told Minter insists on putting his picture on his business card. For the venial sin of vanity, we'll predict that Minter's Bearcats will struggle with URI's triple-option for about a quarter-and-a-half before pulling away behind quarterback Gino Guidugli. Cincy by about 25.
QUICK HITS
Richmond (2-6) at No. 4 Massachusetts (8-1), 12:00
A pair of Atlantic 10 teams at opposite ends of the league table will kick off Saturday's I-AA schedule, as former UMass head coach Jim Reid brings his Richmond team into Amherst to face the streaking Minutemen. The Spiders had their two-game win streak snapped against Villanova last Saturday, sticking with the Wildcats for three quarters before succumbing to three fourth period touchdown passes from VU QB Marvin Burroughs. Richmond, which gives up more than 400 yards per game, is now 101st in I-AA total defense. UR quarterback Bryson Spinner led the team in both passing (201 yards) and rushing (66 yards and a TD) in the losing effort. UMass' day was more positive, as Mark Whipple's crew gutted out a 28-24 decision against a determined Northeastern team. Quarterback Jeff Krohn keyed the Minutemen's seventh straight win, passing for 227 yards and three touchdowns in the come-from-behind victory. Cornerback Shannon James posted his second interception in as many weeks, helping make up for the absence of star safety Anton McKenzie (quadriceps). McKenzie is expected to be in the lineup this week. Massachusetts' success this season has been based primarily on its defense and running game, a formula that should work just fine against the Spiders. Richmond hasn't been able to halt many rushing attacks this year, and the offense has been generally unable to counter the defense's struggles by putting together scoring drives. UMass wins its eighth in a row, this time by double digits.
No. 11 Western Illinois (6-3) at Indiana State (3-7), 12:00
Sweet relief. That had to be what Western Illinois was feeling after ending a two-game losing streak with a 24-20 victory at Illinois State last week, as Don Patterson's team won a nail-biter and kept its I-AA playoff hopes firmly intact. The Leathernecks will this Saturday attempt to maintain the positive road vibes when they face a free-falling Indiana State unit. Injuries have sent a positive 3-2 start spiraling downward for ISU, with last week's 45-10 loss to SMS sustained without the services of starting QB Jake Schiff and running back Jake Shields. The Sycamores managed just 48 yards and six first downs all day, with freshman quarterback Philip Johnson's stat line (2-12 passing, 15 yards, 2 INT) an indication of how poorly things went against the Bears. Johnson has more interceptions (four) than completions (three) this season. Now Tim McGuire's team must contend with a WIU club that gutted out last week's win with a strong effort from running back Travis Glasford (160 yards) and a defense that held Illinois State scoreless over the last 30 minutes. Predictably, linebacker Lee Russell (9 tackles, 1 INT) paced the defensive effort. Western probably won't be taking anything for granted with its playoff aspirations on the line, but it would be hard to imagine the 'Necks not emerging from Terre Haute with a decisive win. Indiana State is a shadow of its former self due to injuries, and the Sycamores probably weren't a candidate to challenge WIU even if completely healthy. Western Illinois by three touchdowns-plus.
Princeton (2-5) at No. 9 Penn (7-0), 1:00
In Ivy League basketball, there is no fiercer rivalry than Penn/Princeton, mostly because the Quakers and Tigers have been more or less the only strong hoops programs among the Ancient Eight for several decades. In football, there is quite a bit more parity in the Ivy, meaning this Saturday's showdown between the conference's southernmost schools has a little less venom than it would if transpiring on the hardwood. But that doesn't mean Princeton won't be eager to knock Penn from the national Top 10 and end its undefeated run. The Tigers have won two of three since enduring an 0-4 start, and last Saturday's 28-6 triumph over Cornell was their most decisive of the 2003 season to date. Quarterback Matt Verbit threw three touchdown passes in the win, and running back Jon Veach found the end zone both by land and air. The real strong suit for Roger Hughes' club is the defense, however, with end Joe Weiss' three sacks pacing an effort that saw the Big Red amass just 28 rushing yards. Princeton will have a difficult time duplicating that effort against a Quaker unit that has received increasingly strong play from running back Sam Mathews (955 yards, 7 TD on the year). Mathews went for 173 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 24-21 win over Brown, complementing the work of a defense that held the Bears to 32 yards on the ground. Penn ranks seventh in I-AA against the run (95.43 yards per game), and I think that bodes well against a Tiger team that will try to establish Veach and its running backs on offense. Princeton shouldn't be able to score in bunches against the Quakers, while Mathews and the Penn attack should be able to find enough holes to earn the victory. Al Bagnoli's Penn team by a baker's dozen.
Delaware State (0-8) at No. 14 North Carolina A&T (8-1), 1:30
This almost looks too easy. One week before its colossal MEAC affair with Hampton, North Carolina A&T and its vaunted "Blue Death" defense gets to take on a Delaware State team that has seemingly been dying a Red and Columbia Blue death since the season began. DSU dropped to 0-8 with a 36-13 loss at South Carolina State a week ago, struggling to stop wideout Tavarus Morgan who caught seven passes for 112 yards and a touchdown and also threw for a score. A bright spot for the Hornets was the play of quarterback Keon Frazier, who threw for a pair of touchdown passes for the second straight week. But Frazier and company will have trouble moving the ball against an A&T team that continued to shine defensively in last Saturday's 13-7 win at Bethune-Cookman. George Small's team, which now ranks third in I-AA total defense (255.44 yards per game), kept B-CC off the scoreboard for the final 57-plus minutes of the contest. Offense has been harder to come by for the Aggies, but running back Frank Patterson (597 yards, 2 TD) should continue to get the ball on a team figuring to start Rico Watkins (344 passing yards, 4 TD, 0 INT) at quarterback this week. A&T's offensive woes won't be much of a factor as long as Small's defense keeps up its stingy play. I don't expect DSU to do much in the way of offensive production this week, which should spell an easy Aggie win. North Carolina A&T by double digits.
East Tennessee State (3-6) at No. 5 Wofford (8-1), 1:30
By 4:30 on Saturday, November 8th, it should be official. The Wofford Terriers will be Southern Conference champions for the first time in their history, will earn the right to make their initial I-AA playoff appearance (come to think of it, didn't they earn that right last year?), and will once-and-for-all erase the angst that has pervaded throughout the program since it was shamelessly bracket-busted in 2002. There will be jubilation in Spartanburg at that hour unless East Tennessee State, which is still searching for its first SoCon win of 2003, breaks up the party. The Buccaneers dropped to 0-5 in the league with a 34-22 loss to Georgia Southern last week, spoiling a day that saw safety Gerald Sensabaugh block a I-AA-record-tying three punts and running back Gaven Varner (150 yards, 1 TD) put up his fifth 100-yard outing of the season. The problem for Paul Hamilton's team was once again in the passing game, where Buc QBs combined to throw three interceptions while completing only four passes. Wofford, meanwhile, went on a furious third quarter explosion to put away The Citadel, 42-16. The Terriers scored three touchdowns in 3:44 to move to 6-0 in the league, with a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown by safety Matt Nelson sparking the run. Four turnovers for Mike Ayers' team were overshadowed by a rushing game that churned up 381 yards, including 83 and two touchdowns from fullback J.R. McNair. The good times will continue for Wofford this week. The Terriers are the superior team on both sides of the ball, and will be focused on wrapping up the league crown. They'll win by 25 or more, and a shutout is entirely possible.
No. 21 Northwestern State (6-3) at Sam Houston State (1-7), 3:00
It had to be a long two weeks for Northwestern State. The Demons were upset by Nicholls State at home back on Oct. 25, and then the cruel scheduling Gods gave Scott Stoker's team an extra seven days to think about it with last Saturday's open date. Too bad for the fellas from Natchitoches, but really too bad for Sam Houston State, which must continue its abysmal season by this week welcoming a team that is as rested as it is angry. NSU has built its standing this year on defense, but had trouble holding down Nicholls' option-based attack. The Colonels went for 232 on the ground in the contest, and quarterback Josh Son had his best passing day in nearly two years by tossing for 183 and a touchdown. The loss overshadowed a strong game for Demon QB Davon Vinson, who accounted for 298 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. Vinson will be vying for a similar effort against an SHSU squad that has given up more than 37 points a game in '03. The Bearkats hit that number in a 37-12 defeat at the hands of Nicholls State last week, with the Colonels' 310 rushing yards providing the difference. Quarterback Travis Tobaben (17-29, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) had his best passing day since week one, and freshman Wade Pate (9-19, 106 yards, 1 INT) saw action as well. Both Tobaben and Pate figure to play again this week, and neither is likely to do damage against a Northwestern State defense that has fared well against more conventional offensive systems this year. The Demons will come in hungry following their open date, and will win by about 15 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
No. 13 Grambling State (7-2) at Alabama State (5-3), 3:00
A hearty welcome back to the sidelines to Alabama State head coach Charlie Coe, who returns this week after missing two games stemming from a hospitalization due to chest pains. Okay, maybe "hearty" was a bad choice of words. Either way, Coe should be fit to guide his team into this Saturday's battle with Grambling State, though the fitness of his team to contend with the mighty G-Men is somewhat in question. GSU was scarcely challenged in a 48-15 rout of Texas Southern a week ago, with another big day by quarterback Bruce Eugene (332 passing yards, 5 TD) and wideout Tramon Douglas (8 receptions, 135 yards) aiding in the victory. An underrated defense was also staunch, keeping TSU off the board until late in the third quarter and holding the team under 300 yards for the day. Alabama State was idle last Saturday, one week after the Hornets dropped a 20-17 decision to Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic. Four field goals by the Bulldogs' Rashad Cylar helped minimize admirable performances from ASU quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (16-27 passing, 218 yards, 2 TD), running back Keldrick Williams (112 yards) and wideout Brandon Horace (5 receptions, 2 TD). Though Coe's return and Alabama State's level of rest indicates that this one could have some "upset special" potential, it won't lead me to pick against the G-Men. Grambling appears to be peaking after last week's blowout, and I can't help but remember ASU's 25-point loss to Southern back in late September. Doug Williams and the Tigers by at least 20.
Cal Poly (5-3) at UC Davis (5-2), 4:30
It's back to the road for Cal Poly this week, as the Mustangs attempt to advance their I-AA playoff chances by taking down I-AA newbie UC Davis in what will be the former school's first away affair since Oct. 11. It was on that date that Rich Ellerson's team ended an 0-3 visiting stretch with a 45-14 loss at I-A Akron. If the 'Stangs want to remain alive in the chase for their first-ever I-AA bracket appearance, they'll have to do better than that against an Aggie team that figures to be a regular postseason contributor when their four-year provisional period is up. Bob Biggs' crew pasted Saint Mary's (CA), 45-14, last week, outgaining the Gaels by nearly 300 yards on the afternoon. Running back Antar Mahasin bolted for 135 yards and two touchdowns on the day, while also catching four balls for 65 yards out of the Aggies' backfield. The defense, which is allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game on the year, limited SMC to 57 on the ground and forced four turnovers. Cal Poly was also a winner last week, winning its second straight by taking down Southern Utah, 33-21. Quarterback Chris Peterson (20-30, 231 yards, 3 TD) passed it well against the Thunderbirds, while Geno Randle (105 yards) kept the chains moving on the ground. Cornerback David Richardson's 16-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter helped give Ellerson's team an important win. Cal Poly will be playing for its postseason life here, but something tells me they won't get it done against a Davis club that has won four of the last five head-to-head meetings. Look for a close one to go the way of the Aggies, with a strong day from both Mahasin and the defense keying the three-point victory.
No. 7 Villanova (7-1) at Hofstra (1-8), 7:00
A Villanova team vying for a shot at the Atlantic 10 title and a I-AA playoff berth will head to Long Island, where the Wildcats will try not to look past the last-place Hofstra Pride. VU is 5-1 in the A-10 and sits a full game behind both Delaware and UMass. Hofstra, meanwhile, is 1-6 in the conference and will be attempting to scrape its way closer to the middle of the pack. Villanova arrives at Shuart Stadium fresh off a 42-13 road rout of Richmond last Saturday. The game marked the starting debut of freshman quarterback Marvin Burroughs, who completed 15 of 19 passes for 245 yards and five touchdowns in relief of injured Joe Casamento (shoulder). Don't expect Burroughs to surrender his starting job this week. Running backs Moe Gibson and Terry Butler combined for 138 rushing yards versus UR, and should continue to split time. The Wildcat defense was led last week by linebacker Brian Hulea, who posted 18 tackles for Andy Talley's team. Hofstra comes off a 23-9 loss at William & Mary a week ago, in a game that saw Joe Gardi's charges pitch a shutout in the first half but fail to score after halftime. The loss negated a season-best performance by Hofstra running back Trevor Dimmie, who went for 146 yards on the day. Quarterback Andrew English was also efficient, completing 18 of 28 passes for 160 yards. Linebacker and Buck Buchanan Award candidate Renauld Williams posted six tackles and a sack for the defense, but W&M went for 196 rushing yards, including 133 and two touchdowns from Delmus Coley. Hofstra has more talent than do most 1-8 football teams, but the Pride simply haven't been consistent enough to finish ballgames this year. They'll need a Herculean effort to beat a top-notch Villanova team, and I don't think they'll get it. The Wildcats will limit the Pride's offensive effectiveness, and Burroughs will be able to make the requisite amount of big plays on the other end. Villanova by a couple dozen.
Youngstown State (5-5) at No. 3 Southern Illinois (9-0), 7:00
I-AA's team of destiny rolls on. The Southern Illinois Salukis, perennial Gateway Football Conference doormats, continue to amaze during what has been a magical 2003 season. The latest act in SIU's made-for-Hollywood script occurred last week, when Jerry Kill's team erased a double-digit deficit with less than five minutes to play, stunning defending national champ Western Kentucky, 28-24. Next on the hit list for SIU is perennial I-AA front-runner Youngstown State, whose four national titles are unlikely to faze the fate-bound Salukis. Southern Illinois' triumph in Bowling Green came despite a down performance by the running game, with the "Thunder and Lightning" combo of Muhammad Abdulqaadir and Tom Koutsos held under 100 yards. Quarterback Joel Sambursky (228 passing yards, 2 TD) was the hero for the Dawgs, and a defense that kept WKU well under its rushing average also continued to impress. Look for a stronger ground effort for SIU this Saturday against a Youngstown State club that gave up 377 rushing yards in a 47-9 loss to Northern Iowa last Saturday. Jon Heacock's team was thoroughly outclassed by UNI, though quarterback Aaron Marshall (15-26, 213 yards, 1 TD) did post the finest passing day of his collegiate career. Marshall may continue to excel this week, but it won't be enough to challenge the Salukis. The Penguins are going to have tons of trouble slowing the SIU run, and don't figure to be in the game much past halftime. Jerry Kill's team moves to 10-0, this time by more than 20.
BIG TIME
No. 24 Lehigh (6-2) at No. 10 Colgate (9-0), 12:30
It's not for the Patriot League title, but it might as well be. Lehigh and Colgate, who will put their 4-0 conference records on the line in Hamilton this Saturday, will both have to dodge some pretty heavy landmines no matter the outcome of this week's tilt. The visiting Mountain Hawks will follow the battle with a road game at surprising Bucknell and the annual war with rival Lafayette in Bethlehem. The homestanding Raiders will have a still-playoff hungry Fordham team arriving in town on Nov. 15, and will finish the season at Holy Cross. You can come up with plenty of down-the-road rhetoric for both of these teams, but the bottom line is that it will be difficult to envision the winner of this Saturday's game not hoisting the Patriot League trophy in some form.
Lehigh arrives at Andy Kerr Stadium having won three straight games in decisive fashion since back-to-back losses to Penn and I-A Connecticut. The most recent triumph for Pete Lembo's team was a 35-3 whipping of Towson last week, in a game controlled by the Brown and White defense. The Mountain Hawks sacked Towson quarterbacks six times, allowed just 13 of 39 completed passes, and held the Tigers to 91 yards on the ground for the day. Linebacker Tom McGeoy had one of the sacks and a team-high 10 tackles, while cornerback Lawrence Williams posted an interception return for a touchdown, the Patriot League record fifth of his career. Offensively, Lehigh managed just 23 rushing yards, and quarterback Kyle Keating threw three interceptions. Running back Jermaine Pugh made up for a rough day on the ground by catching five balls for 40 yards and a touchdown out of the backfield.
Offense was not a problem in Colgate's last outing, as running back Jamaal Branch (29 carries, 200 yards, 2 TD), quarterback Chris Brown (13-18 passing, 202 yards, 2 TD), and wideout Luke Graham (6 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD) all had big days in a 47-31 win over Lafayette. The defense was a little on the shaky side, allowing the Leopards to get back in the game in the third quarter. The Raiders struggled with Lafayette's no-huddle offense and numerous underneath and dump routes, but ultimately won the game by forcing three Marko Glavic interceptions and limiting the 'Pards ability to run the ball (30 carries for 14 yards). Tackle Josh Sabo (6 tackles, 1 sack) and linebacker Tem Lukabu (14 tackles) were among those controlling the run.
On paper, Colgate is probably the better team, though I think the Raiders have holes that Lehigh can exploit. The Mountain Hawks have the talent to make some gains in the short passing game, and Pugh's versatility out of the backfield could give them some problems. If Keating locks onto receivers, however, the Colgate d-backs will make him pay. Also, I think Lembo's team will do a better job limiting Branch than have most of the Raiders' previous opponents. He might get his hundred, but the 'Gate will not dominate the line of scrimmage the way it did against Lafayette. Ultimately, however, I predict that this one will go Colgate's way. The presence of the 6-3 Graham allows Dick Biddle's team to stretch the field, allowing easier opportunities for Branch and the run game. I see Colgate making one fewer offensive mistake than Lehigh, and winning by five.
No. 2 Delaware (9-0) at Northeastern (5-4), 12:30
Mark Whipple should have received K.C. Keeler's thank you note by now. The UMass head coach led his team to a 28-24 win over Northeastern last week, knocking the Huskies out of the playoff race and making this week's journey to Parsons Field less arduous for Keeler and the Blue Hens. Which is not to say the game will be like a Saturday stroll through Faneuil Hall for UD, but with less on the line for Northeastern, Delaware is bound to have an edge in the motivation department.
The Hens pulled off a noteworthy Houdini act last week, rebounding from a 21-0 halftime deficit against Maine to force overtime and win, 24-21. Quarterback Andy Hall scored the team's first points on a 12-yard run just before the end of the third quarter, and an 80-yard punt return for a score by Sidney Haugabrook moments later pulled Keeler's club within striking distance. With the game hanging in the balance, Hall went up top for a 39-yard TD to David Boler to tie it at 21, and kicker Brad Shushman made up for two prior missed field goals by calmly draining a 36-yarder to win the game in overtime. Though the offense was sharp when it mattered, give credit to a defense that allowed the Black Bears just two significant drives (both resulting in missed field goals) after halftime. Defensive end Shawn Johnson, who is steadily building a case for inclusion on the Buck Buchanan Award list, paced the unit with 2.5 sacks on the day. UD heads into this week's game giving up just 15.3 points per game, the 12th-best figure in I-AA.
Northeastern ran out to a 21-7 lead on UMass last week, but couldn't hang on in their quest for what would have been win No. 1 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Don Brown's team was done in by three costly turnovers and a pair of missed field goals, as well as two big scoring passes by Minutemen QB Jeff Krohn. The miscues and lapses helped erase a decent effort from running backs Tim Gale and Anthony Riley, who combined for 144 yards and two touchdowns, as well as a defense that limited Massachusetts to 62 yards in the running game. Linebacker Liam Ezekiel (17 tackles, 1 INT) and wideout Quintin Mitchell (5 catches, 115 yards) were two of the notable playmakers. Look for NU, which ranks 10th in I-AA rushing offense (246.11), to continue attempting to establish the run against Delaware.
After last week's emotional letdown, I can't see Northeastern putting its best foot forward against Delaware this week. The Huskies, who are 1-9 against UD all-time, will only prevail if the Blue Hens are looking ahead to their showdown against UMass next Saturday. Keeler's team is still a little banged up, but I see Hall making the necessary plays and the defense being stingy once again. The Hens by 10.
No. 18 Furman (5-3) at Georgia Southern (5-4), 1:00
Now this should be interesting. I've been to Statesboro a bunch of times, but never before have I traveled to the Bulloch County seat when the home team is out of the playoff mix. GSU forfeited its postseason hopes by losing to The Citadel on Oct. 25, and now, astonishingly, they'll be playing only for a winning season and the right to be listed in the national Top 25. A victory against rival Furman on Senior Day would also salvage something positive on the morale front heading into a 2004 campaign that will be very important for head coach Mike Sewak's program.
GSU snapped a two-game losing skid by defeating East Tennessee State, 34-22, last week in Johnson City. The Eagles got 128 yards and a pair of touchdowns from fullback Jermaine Austin, and quarterback Chaz Williams (86 rushing yards, 1 TD) also played reasonably well in his first start since Sept. 27. The GSU defense forced four turnovers, including a pair of picks for sophomore corner Terence McBride. The special teams struggled, however, allowing Gerald Sensabaugh to block a I-AA-record-tying three punts in the contest. Furman would be wise to come after punter Sean Holland, and the Paladins will also want to attack a GSU run defense that has allowed a 100-yard rusher in three of its last four games.
Furman had a week off following its most recent outing, a 30-10 win over East Tennessee State. The Paladin defense held ETSU to 174 total yards for the game, including 66 on the ground. Linebacker Mike Killian led the way with eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Running back Hindley Brigham went for his fourth 100-yard game of the season, rambling for 126 yards on 20 carries. Quarterback Josh Stepp had a fine outing in his second career start in relief of injured Bo Moore, completing 10 of 14 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown and also rushing for a score. Moore (ankle sprain) could be back this week, but much of the onus will again be on a defense that is giving up just 12.3 points per game.
This is a landmine game for me. I've picked Georgia Southern to win four big games this season (McNeese State, Wofford, Appalachian State, The Citadel), and the Eagles have lost all four. I also predicted that Furman would beat App State and El Cid recently (both wrong), and have made classic missteps with my last two Furman/GSU picks. Who will I saddle with the Moss curse this week? Sorry Paladins, it is thee. The Furman defense has been terrific all season, and I think players like Brigham and wideouts Brian Bratton and Isaac West will be able to make some big plays on the other side of the ball. Untimely turnovers have plagued Georgia Southern in 2003, and I bet they'll be a factor here as well. Bobby Lamb's charges win it in a low-scoring game, on the strength of a Danny Marshall field goal.
Jacksonville State (5-3) at Samford (6-3), 2:00
It looks like the OVC's Alabama expansion has been a good thing. Without Jacksonville State and Samford, which joined the league this season, the Ohio Valley would have exactly one school (Tennessee State) with a winning overall ledger. The Gamecocks and Bulldogs have each been surprising contenders in their first conference season, and will this week try to improve their respective quests for an OVC title with a win at Seibert Stadium. At 4-1 in the league, JSU can maintain control of the league driver's seat, while the 4-2 Bulldogs will be attempting to remain a member of the championship mix.
The visiting Gamecocks were idle last week after completing a three-game sweep of the state of Tennessee with a win over Tennessee Tech (37-20), which followed consecutive triumphs over Tennessee-Martin (34-20) and Tennessee State (34-7). Jack Crowe's club continued to ride the rushing exploits of running back Kory Chapman (175 yards, 1 TD), who posted his third 100-yard outing in four games. Quarterback Maurice Mullins had 200 yards of total offense in the contest, rushing for a score and throwing a 30-yard scoring strike to Maurice Daughtry. A defense that has allowed JSU to rank second in I-AA turnover margin (+1.75) forced three turnovers, including a pair of interceptions from freshman linebacker George Summers.
Samford also comes off a victory against Tennessee Tech, with the Bulldogs' prevailing by a 42-24 margin. Quarterback Ray Nelson led the charge for Bill Gray's club, completing 24 of 36 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a pair of scores in the victory. Nelson's top target was again Efrem Hill (10 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD), who has put up All-America-type numbers (66 for 1,039 and 12 touchdowns) on the year. Samford's defense, which gives up 379 yards per game, allowed 417 to the formerly offensive-challenged Golden Eagles, but did get five tackles and a pick from linebacker Derrick Wheeler.
JSU has won three straight in this series, all by double digits, and I expect the winning trend to continue this week. The Gamecocks sport the stronger of the two defenses, and should do enough to limit the Nelson-to-Hill connection. Meanwhile, I see Chapman having another productive rushing day against a Samford defense that has been inconsistent at best this year. The Bulldogs will keep at close at home into the fourth quarter, but they'll ultimately fall by a touchdown.
No. 25 Hampton (6-2) at No. 17 Bethune-Cookman (6-2), 4:00
Welcome to Bethune-Cookman's last stand. The Wildcats are ranked No. 17 in the nation, but with two losses already in MEAC play, they'll have to win out just to have a shot at a second straight playoff appearance. Standing in the way of that quest, at least for the moment, is Hampton, which is 5-0 in the conference and within striking distance of its first MEAC crown since 1998. Though this week's tilt will undoubtedly be meaningful for the Pirates, a loss wouldn't be fatal since Joe Taylor's team can wrap up the MEAC automatic with a win against North Carolina A&T in Greensboro next Saturday no matter what happens in Daytona.
Hampton's November began with a 34-23 loss to constant nemesis Florida A&M, a defeat that snapped the Pirates' six-game win streak and raised major questions about the team's ability to stop a high-octane passing attack. FAMU completed 30 of 46 passes for 277 yards in the game, and also allowed Rattler quarterback Ben Dougherty to rush for 64 yards and a pair of scores. Top Hampton rusher Alonzo Coleman was limited to 49 yards on 19 carries, forcing quarterback Tim Frazier to wing it often (23-48, 361 yards, 1 TD) and make several mistakes (5 INT). Wideout Jerome Mathis was Frazier's top target, catching four passes for 141 yards and a 74-yard touchdown.
Bethune-Cookman also had problems on the offensive end last week, failing to generate much of a scoring attack in a 13-7 loss to North Carolina A&T. Alvin Wyatt's charges were held scoreless over the last 57:47 of the game, punting eight times in the first three quarters and turning it over on three of their last four drives. Quarterback Allen Suber was held to 21 rushing yards, and a decent passing day (10-20, 156 yards) was overshadowed by two fourth quarter interceptions. The offense's woes lessened the impact of a strong defensive performance, one highlighted by the nine-tackle, two-sack day of end Steve Baggs. The Wildcats come into the Hampton game ranked 12th in I-AA total defense (280.38 yards per game).
B-CC has won the last two games in this series, including a 37-7 rout last year, and will be attempting to continue the victory parade in a much-needed tilt this week. But something tells me this is the year of the Pirate. Hampton has come to play in every MEAC game (that has counted) in 2003, and I see them doing the same in Daytona. Look for Taylor to devise a plan to limit Suber's effectiveness, forcing B-CC to rely on less talented offensive options. Meanwhile, expect the Pirate offense to receive a renewed effort from Coleman, who will move the chains and find the end zone enough to lift Hampton to the road win. HU by a half-dozen.
No. 6 Northern Iowa (8-1) at No. 12 Western Kentucky (6-3), 5:00
Could this be the end of the line for your defending national champion? Western Kentucky enters its second-to-last contest with only four Division I victories, all against teams with losing records, and has been mathematically eliminated from the Gateway title race. The Hilltoppers must win their final two games to entertain at-large playoff hopes, and even then, David Elson's squad will probably need the I-AA selection committee to a) admit three at-large entries from one conference, which would be unprecedented or b) look the other way on those cupcake games (Union (KY), West Virginia Tech) to start the year and consider WKU to have a stronger case for playoff inclusion that one of the other would-be Gateway at-larges. It is also important to note that a loss for 6-3 Western Illinois against either Indiana State (3-7) or SMS (4-5) would boost the Hilltoppers in the all-important regional rankings, and that phenomenon coupled with a pair of Western Kentucky wins would likely help the 'Toppers sneak in the field. But before giving rise to that speculation, Elson's crew must first take down a Northern Iowa club that, oh by the way, has won eight straight games.
Northern Iowa laid a 47-9 woodshedding on Youngstown State last Saturday, in a game that was over well before halftime. The Panthers racked up 618 yards on the beleaguered YSU defense, with running backs Richard Carter (13 carries, 141 yards, 1 TD) and Terrance Freeney (113 yards, 1 TD) leading the onslaught along with quarterback Tom Petrie (13-24, 241 yards, 3 TD). The Panther defense wasn't too shabby either, allowing the ground-based 'Guins only 63 rushing yards and forcing YSU to punt nine times. Safety Justin Sandy (five tackles, 1 INT) was among the main contributors there. UNI enters this week's contest giving up fewer than 100 yards a game against the run and just 14.56 points per game.
Western Kentucky let a 24-13 lead over Southern Illinois slip away in the waning moments last week, as the Salukis came storming back to win, 28-24. A couple of big throws by Saluki quarterback Joel Sambursky (15-22, 228 yards, 1 TD) negated an otherwise fine performance by the defense, one that held Southern under 100 rushing yards for the first time this season. Linebacker Erik Dandy (15 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack) was named Gateway Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. The 'Topper offense was balanced, with running back Lerron Moore (142 yards, 1 TD) and wideouts Casey Rooney (5 receptions, 90 yards) and Shannon Hayes (5 receptions, 79 yards) among the principles there. Western is 12th in I-AA rushing offense (244.78 yards per game) entering Saturday's contest.
UNI has faced up to every challenge on its docket this season, while WKU has not been nearly as consistent. The Panthers have gone into hostile environments (Stephen F. Austin, Illinois State, Western Illinois) and won games, while last week showed that the Hilltoppers are beatable at home. The indicators all point to a Northern Iowa win, but I'm going against the indicators. UNI had one major hiccup during its 2001 run to the Gateway title (a 42-14 road loss at Illinois State), and I think they're due for one in 2003 as well. Western Kentucky will be jacked up to win a game it must have, and will perform well on both sides of the football on "Senior Day" in Bowling Green. Western by a touchdown.
Stephen F. Austin (5-3) at No. 1 McNeese State (7-1), 8:00
The I-AA world waits with great anticipation to see just how strong the top-ranked McNeese State Cowboys are. MSU has been winning games against marginal teams by uncomfortably small margins of late, and many have inferred that a similar performance against a quality team could result in the loss that knocks Tommy Tate's team from its perch. Stephen F. Austin, with a sizable portion of talent and its Southland title and playoff aspirations firmly on the line, represents that team. A victory in Lake Charles would put Mike Santiago's club in control of the SLC race, while McNeese's final two of Northwestern State and Nicholls State would suddenly appear more daunting.
Stephen F. Austin has been operating under the radar, quietly winning three straight since a disappointing 2-3 start. The Lumberjacks were off last Saturday, one week after defeating Texas State (44-27) to move to 2-0 in the Southland. Quarterback Michael Williams threw for 200 yards and ran for 70 against the Bobcats, but also threw three interceptions in the contest. Williams may see less time this week if former starter Zeke Dixon (1168 passing yards, 7 TD, 3 INT) is able to return from a broken wrist. Either way, SFA will need running back Cliff Edwards (478 yards, 7 TD on the year) and all-purpose threat Tony Tompkins (191 rushing yards, 28 receptions) to come up big. The 'Jack defense has mostly struggled this season, giving up more than 350 yards per game, though safety Brent Hafford (5 INT) has been among the bright spots.
Speaking of struggling defenses, McNeese State's once-stifling unit gave up 20 points or more for the fifth straight game in last Thursday's 38-28 triumph over Texas State. The Cowboys' defensive troubles have been luckily outweighed by the continued resurgence of the offense, particularly quarterback Scott Pendarvis (13-22 passing, 226 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT last week) and wideout B.J. Sams. Pendarvis and Sams will have to be on their respective games again this week, since top rusher Vick King is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. Backup Terrance Moses is also questionable, meaning freshman Chris Thomas (232 yards, 4 TD this season) could be Tate's man in the backfield. Linebacker Roderick Royal, who was named Southland Defensive Player of the Week after posting 13 tackles against the Bobcats, will try to engineer a defensive renaissance at Cowboy Stadium.
SFA went into McNeese and picked up a 26-21 win back in 2001, benefiting from three interception returns for touchdowns to score the win. The 'Jacks will probably be able to punch the ball in on offense this time, but will it be enough to come out of "The Hole" with a victory? I'm guessing not. For all their defensive problems in recent weeks, MSU has done what it takes to win, and Pendarvis and the passing game have been playing at a notably high level. I'll take McNeese to win yet another shootout, this time by seven.
No. 22 Idaho State (6-3) at No. 20 Northern Arizona (6-3), 8:05
Call it a playoff game. The winner of this week's Idaho State/Northern Arizona contest will be in terrific shape to make the postseason. The loser is done. Simple.
Idaho State arrives in Flagstaff as the hotter of the two clubs, by virtue of last week's 30-20 home handling of Portland State. Quarterback Mark Hetherington bounced back from a horrible outing against Weber State the week before, completing 30 of 44 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns within the friendly confines of Holt Arena. Formerly unknown running back and Cal transfer David Beverly had his coming out party as well, rushing for 135 yards in the contest. The defense, meanwhile, was unusually strong, holding PSU to 47 yards in the ground game and limiting the Viks to 12 first downs on the night. End Jared Allen recorded two more sacks for the ISU "D", giving him 16.5 for the season. The Bengals are now 116th in I-AA total defense (461.2 yards per game).
While Idaho State was partying, Northern Arizona was living a nightmare, as the Lumberjacks had their doors blown off in a 59-21 loss to Montana. NAU played poorly in every phase of its game, turning it over four times on offense, allowing several big plays on defense, and surrendering two punt returns for touchdowns to UM's Levander Segars. About the only bright spot for Jerome Souers' club was the play of wideout Johnny Marshall, who caught five balls for 134 yards and a touchdown and also returned a punt 69 yards for a score. Souers will this week welcome the return of running back Roger Robinson, who missed the Montana game with a broken rib suffered against Montana State one week earlier.
ISU hasn't won in Flagstaff since 1984, which is not a surprising stat for a program notorious for failing to show up in road games. Though both of these clubs have been mightily inconsistent, I have to side here with the home Lumberjacks, who should be able to exorcize last week's Demons by putting on offensive show against the much-maligned Bengal defense. Idaho State will score some points too, but not enough to win at the Walkup Skydome. NAU by 10.
No. 8 Montana (7-2) at Sacramento State (2-7), 9:05
The Big Sky season began with quite a lot of promise for Sacramento State. On Sept. 27, the Hornets looked ready to contend for the league crown after handling Idaho State, 47-21, and entered October at 1-0 in conference play. One week later, quarterback Ryan Leadingham went down for the year with multiple arm fractures against UC Davis, and first-year head coach Steve Mooshagian's team hasn't tasted success since. The losing streak is at five after last Saturday's 56-7 punishing at the hands of Montana State, and things could easily get worse when eighth-ranked Montana visits Hornet Stadium this week.
A four-degree wind chill didn't aide the efforts of the mostly California-bred Hornets last week, but there was no climate that could have disguised the team's shoddy play. Sac State gave up 201 ground yards to MSU rusher Bruce Molock, managed only 239 total yards of its own against the Bobcat defense, and allowed Corey Smith to return two punts for touchdowns. Mooshagian's team was playing its first game without top running back Tyronne Gross, who is likely out for the year with a strained knee. Quarterback Blake Mori was able to complete just 10 of 30 passes on the day, and found No. 1 wideout Fred Amey only three times. Amey, who has five 100-yard receiving days this season, probably ranks as the Hornets' only remaining active playmaker.
Montana's 59-21 shellacking of former No. 15 Northern Arizona last week left mouths agape throughout the I-AA nation. Though the Griz' 59 points would suggest an offensive epiphany, two punt returns for scores by Levander Segars and the play of a defense that sacked NAU quarterback Jason Murrietta six times and forced four turnovers was the main story. End Tim Bush reacted to his removal from the Buck Buchanan Award list by recording four sacks and eight tackles on the day. Grizzly QB Craig Ochs was once again solid for Bobby Hauck's offense, completing 18 of 27 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 31 yards and a score.
I see this game as being closer than most would expect. Montana isn't good enough to beat Big Sky teams by 38 points every week, and Sac State's 49-point loss should be a similar anomaly when viewing the larger landscape of its 2003 season. Still, you can't argue with the teams' talent disparity, especially with the Hornets down to backups at quarterback and running back. Sacramento State will play inspired football against the conference opponent that everyone wants to beat, but will ultimately lose by more than two touchdowns.
Mid-Major Game of the Week: No. 5 San Diego (7-2) at No. 1 Dayton (9-1), 1:00
OK, Dayton, here's your final chance to impress I-AA Mid-Major poll voters. Your season finale will put the lid on a 2003 season that will not end with a Pioneer Football League or division crown, but could warrant the nation's No. 1 ranking anyway. The Flyers will only finish No. 1 if teams like No. 2 Morehead State (7-2) and No. 3 Monmouth (8-1), which both have multiple games remaining, don't surpass UD in the polls over the course of the next three weeks. A sizeable win over a well-respected San Diego club at Welcome Stadium this week could be enough to give the Flyers their second straight Sports Network Cup, but the visiting Toreros will have other ideas.
San Diego will arrive in Dayton with a bevy of offensive weapons, including the nation's most efficient quarterback in Eric Rasmussen (2627 passing yards, 29 TD, 3 INT), I-AAs No. 2 rusher in freshman Evan Harney (1360 yards, 17 TD), and a pair of standout receivers in Adam Hannula (63 receptions, 983 yards, 12 TD) and Nick Garton (43 receptions, 783 yards, 10 TD). USD, which comes off a 53-7 waxing of Butler last week, currently ranks No. 2 in I-AA total offense (487.33 yards per game) and No. 3 in scoring (39.78 points per game). Although the defense has given up its fair share of points, the Toreros have surrendered a total of seven in its last two victories. Players like linebacker Jeff Langdon (63 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) have been among the principles there.
Dayton, which comes off a 31-15 win over Drake last Saturday, has been generally strong though not always dominant during its 9-1 run. The option-based Flyers are fifth in the nation in rushing (274.2 yards per game), with running backs Cliff Sachini (951 yards, 9 TD) and Geno Mattioda (601 yards, 11 TD) leading the way. Sachini has rushed for 100 yards or more in three straight games, including a 111-yard performance last week. Quarterback Brandon Staley (1303 passing yards, 314 rushing yards) has provided a credible passing wrinkle to Mike Kelly's system, and Jason Schmidt (20 receptions) has been Staley's top target. A defense that has given up fewer than 300 yards per game has often carried the Flyers, with end Eric Dearth (69 tackles, 3.5 sacks) posing as a possible All-America candidate there.
This one should be a battle, and the fact that Valparaiso was able to come into Dayton and win by throwing the football leads me to believe that the Toreros have the potential to beat the Flyers for the first time in 11 games. Still, I can't bring myself to pick against a Mike Kelly-coached team on Senior Day at Welcome Stadium, especially when the weather is expected to be in the low 40s. Give me UD by single digits in a high-scoring affair.
Griz Football Spring Practice - 3/2/26
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Griz Football Spring Preview Press Conference
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Griz Football Winter Condo - 2/20/26
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Griz Football Winter Condo - 2/17/26
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