The Bobcat Nation

As the final polls are released, here is a place to put them and discuss.

AGS poll
http://thefcswedge.com/ags-poll/ags-pol ... 5-results/

01/13/2020

Rank Team: Total Points First Place Votes
1 North Dakota State Bison 1725 69
2 James Madison Dukes 1656
3 Weber State Wildcats 1571
4 Montana State Bobcats 1488
5 Montana Grizzlies 1387
6 Northern Iowa Panthers 1360
7 Illinois State Redbirds 1337
8 Austin Peay Governors 1209
9 South Dakota State Jackrabbits 1089
10 Sac State Hornets 1077
11 Nicholls State Colonels 902
12 Central Arkansas Bears 852
13 Kennesaw State Owls 839
14 Southeastern Louisiana Lions 747
15 Monmouth Hawks 728
16 Villanova Wildcats 705
17 Albany Great Danes 682
18 Wofford Terriers 540
19 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 476
20 Furman Paladins 292
21 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils 286
22 North Dakota Fighting Hawks 276
23 Dartmouth Big Green 268
24 San Diego Toreros 192
25 North Carolina A&T Aggies 183
ORV:
26 Yale Bulldogs 179
27 Southern Illinois Salukis 146
28 Florida A&M Rattlers 69
29 Eastern Washington Eagles 46
30 Towson Tigers 34
31 Holy Cross Crusaders 29
32 South Carolina State Bulldogs 24
33 New Hampshire Wildcats 11
34 Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks 6
35 Princeton Tigers 5
36 Alcorn State Braves 3
37 Chattanooga Mocs 2
38 Harvard Crimson 2
39 UC Davis Aggies 2
38 McNeese State Cowboys 1

STATS FCS Poll
Rankings as of 1/13/2020
Rank School Votes Prev
1 North Dakota State (16-0) 3825 (153) 1
2 James Madison (14-2) 3672 2
3 Weber State (11-4) 3490 4
4 Montana State (11-4) 3366 5
5 UNI (10-5) 3101 6
6 Montana (10-4) 3006 7
7 Illinois State (10-5) 2886 13
8 Austin Peay (11-4) 2592 18
9 Sacramento State (9-4) 2590 3
10 South Dakota State (8-5) 2312 10
11 Central Arkansas (9-4) 2123 9
12 Monmouth (11-3) 2037 14
13 Kennesaw State (11-3) 1989 15
14 Nicholls (9-5) 1707 19
15 Villanova (9-4) 1580 8
16 Wofford (8-4) 1344 11
17 Southeast Missouri State (9-4) 1285 12
18 Albany (9-5) 1244 25
19 Southeastern Louisiana (8-5) 1170 NR
20 North Carolina A&T (9-3) 782 23
21 Furman (8-5) 770 16
22 Dartmouth (9-1) 607 21
23 Central Connecticut State (11-2) 606 17
24 Florida A&M (9-2) 527 20
25 Yale (9-1) 353 22
Others: North Dakota (257) , Southern Illinois (143) , San Diego (119) , Towson (104) , Holy Cross (29) , Alcorn State (26) , Princeton (22) , Eastern Washington (21) , UT Martin (19) , South Carolina State (9) , New Hampshire (9) , Maine (3)

I would put MSU ahead of Weber; minor nitpick. Other than that, it's satisfying to see us up that high.

MSU finished 4-3 (or 4-2 depending on how you count; Sac wasn't ranked when we played them but we know now they should have been) against ranked teams. That's nothing to scoff at.

I think, by the end of the season, we would have beat Weber fairly easily on a neutral field. Not destroyed them, but win by 10-14 points. But can't complain with finishing the season ranked in the top 4, that's quite an accomplishment!

BozoneCat wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 13, 2020 3:22 pm

I think, by the end of the season, we would have beat Weber fairly easily on a neutral field. Not destroyed them, but win by 10-14 points. But can't complain with finishing the season ranked in the top 4, that's quite an accomplishment!

This must be the highest final ranking since 1984, right?

I would think so. Also pretty cool that four Big Sky teams finished in the top 10.

And I don't usually pay attention to how the 2019 final ranking translates to the first polls of 2020 but I'd assume without any major coaching change ups or losses of multiple NFL players, etc... The top ten will probably look roughly the same.

catatac wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:09 pm

And I don't usually pay attention to how the 2019 final ranking translates to the first polls of 2020 but I'd assume without any major coaching change ups or losses of multiple NFL players, etc... The top ten will probably look roughly the same.

Yes. This final poll is actually rather important. Don't be surprised if the exact order changes somewhat. Though this is a good outline of what to expect next fall. With a much tougher schedule next year starting at #4 provides some nice cushion when there are early losses. Before people jump on me, catch your breath, if there are no losses then it's an easy march right up to #1 or 2.

BozoneCat wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 13, 2020 3:22 pm

I think, by the end of the season, we would have beat Weber fairly easily on a neutral field. Not destroyed them, but win by 10-14 points. But can't complain with finishing the season ranked in the top 4, that's quite an accomplishment!

I don't like this, I don't like this one bit! The Cats have never played well when they are ranked high. We need to be ranked #26 or something going into next year so we play with a chip on our shoulder!

NorthernPlains wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 6:26 pm

catatac wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:09 pm

And I don't usually pay attention to how the 2019 final ranking translates to the first polls of 2020 but I'd assume without any major coaching change ups or losses of multiple NFL players, etc... The top ten will probably look roughly the same.

Yes. This final poll is actually rather important. Don't be surprised if the exact order changes somewhat. Though this is a good outline of what to expect next fall. With a much tougher schedule next year starting at #4 provides some nice cushion when there are early losses. Before people jump on me, catch your breath, if there are no losses then it's an easy march right up to #1 or 2.

But that was my point. As I look at the schedules, MSU could potentially go undefeated and still not end up #1 or #2 which would completely suck. NDSU and JMU seem to have a death grip on the #1 and #2 seeds. Deservedly so, but I agree with Choate that at some point it might be more fair to have the later round playoff games at neutral sites.

catatac wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 10:49 am

NorthernPlains wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 6:26 pm

catatac wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:09 pm

And I don't usually pay attention to how the 2019 final ranking translates to the first polls of 2020 but I'd assume without any major coaching change ups or losses of multiple NFL players, etc... The top ten will probably look roughly the same.

Yes. This final poll is actually rather important. Don't be surprised if the exact order changes somewhat. Though this is a good outline of what to expect next fall. With a much tougher schedule next year starting at #4 provides some nice cushion when there are early losses. Before people jump on me, catch your breath, if there are no losses then it's an easy march right up to #1 or 2.

But that was my point. As I look at the schedules, MSU could potentially go undefeated and still not end up #1 or #2 which would completely suck. NDSU and JMU seem to have a death grip on the #1 and #2 seeds. Deservedly so, but I agree with Choate that at some point it might be more fair to have the later round playoff games at neutral sites.

Maybe I’m wrong, but when he said that leading up to the NDSU game, I took that as complete sarcasm. I don’t think he was serious at all. I think they’d be crazy to change the semi’s to a neutral site and I don’t see it ever happening.
We may not like it since NDSU and JMU have been so good lately, but that’s a part of the deal, when you’re good enough, you earn those home games.

Catsrgrood wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 11:14 am

catatac wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 10:49 am

NorthernPlains wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 6:26 pm

catatac wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:09 pm

And I don't usually pay attention to how the 2019 final ranking translates to the first polls of 2020 but I'd assume without any major coaching change ups or losses of multiple NFL players, etc... The top ten will probably look roughly the same.

Yes. This final poll is actually rather important. Don't be surprised if the exact order changes somewhat. Though this is a good outline of what to expect next fall. With a much tougher schedule next year starting at #4 provides some nice cushion when there are early losses. Before people jump on me, catch your breath, if there are no losses then it's an easy march right up to #1 or 2.

But that was my point. As I look at the schedules, MSU could potentially go undefeated and still not end up #1 or #2 which would completely suck. NDSU and JMU seem to have a death grip on the #1 and #2 seeds. Deservedly so, but I agree with Choate that at some point it might be more fair to have the later round playoff games at neutral sites.

Maybe I’m wrong, but when he said that leading up to the NDSU game, I took that as complete sarcasm. I don’t think he was serious at all. I think they’d be crazy to change the semi’s to a neutral site and I don’t see it ever happening.
We may not like it since NDSU and JMU have been so good lately, but that’s a part of the deal, when you’re good enough, you earn those home games.

You are correct. It was completely tongue in cheek but for some reason North Dakota fans still whined about it.

ilovethecats wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 11:20 am

Catsrgrood wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 11:14 am

catatac wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 10:49 am

NorthernPlains wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 6:26 pm

catatac wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:09 pm

And I don't usually pay attention to how the 2019 final ranking translates to the first polls of 2020 but I'd assume without any major coaching change ups or losses of multiple NFL players, etc... The top ten will probably look roughly the same.

Yes. This final poll is actually rather important. Don't be surprised if the exact order changes somewhat. Though this is a good outline of what to expect next fall. With a much tougher schedule next year starting at #4 provides some nice cushion when there are early losses. Before people jump on me, catch your breath, if there are no losses then it's an easy march right up to #1 or 2.

But that was my point. As I look at the schedules, MSU could potentially go undefeated and still not end up #1 or #2 which would completely suck. NDSU and JMU seem to have a death grip on the #1 and #2 seeds. Deservedly so, but I agree with Choate that at some point it might be more fair to have the later round playoff games at neutral sites.

Maybe I’m wrong, but when he said that leading up to the NDSU game, I took that as complete sarcasm. I don’t think he was serious at all. I think they’d be crazy to change the semi’s to a neutral site and I don’t see it ever happening.
We may not like it since NDSU and JMU have been so good lately, but that’s a part of the deal, when you’re good enough, you earn those home games.

You are correct. It was completely tongue in cheek but for some reason North Dakota fans still whined about it.

I think they’re having a hard time getting excited to play, so they take everything as a slight. They’re probably mad about what hotel a team plays at.

catatac wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 10:49 am

NorthernPlains wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 6:26 pm

catatac wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 14, 2020 1:09 pm

And I don't usually pay attention to how the 2019 final ranking translates to the first polls of 2020 but I'd assume without any major coaching change ups or losses of multiple NFL players, etc... The top ten will probably look roughly the same.

Yes. This final poll is actually rather important. Don't be surprised if the exact order changes somewhat. Though this is a good outline of what to expect next fall. With a much tougher schedule next year starting at #4 provides some nice cushion when there are early losses. Before people jump on me, catch your breath, if there are no losses then it's an easy march right up to #1 or 2.

But that was my point. As I look at the schedules, MSU could potentially go undefeated and still not end up #1 or #2 which would completely suck. NDSU and JMU seem to have a death grip on the #1 and #2 seeds. Deservedly so, but I agree with Choate that at some point it might be more fair to have the later round playoff games at neutral sites.

Anything is possible.

That said starting at #4 and then going undefeated would most likely put the Cats at #1 or 2 by season's end. In part it depends on how other teams do. That doesn't even mean others must lose. If JMU is squeaking out last season wins while MSU is winning soundly they can flip flop in the polls. NDSU gets a pass but even they risk a slight downgrade if they're looking too sloppy. Bottom line: Don't worry about. Win and everything takes care of itself.

Finally remember the polls don't indicate the final seeding. The committee is paying attention to how a team plays not just if they win. As to neutral sites for playoffs That will never happen, nor should it.

Doesn't NDSU play Oregon next year? If so they will have at least one loss. If MSU doesn't have any that could move us ahead of them.

Long Time Cat wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 3:28 pm

Doesn't NDSU play Oregon next year? If so they will have at least one loss. If MSU doesn't have any that could move us ahead of them.

Yes, first game, but I highly doubt they move out of first place even if they get blown out..... which they won't. They might win.

Long Time Cat wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 3:28 pm

Doesn't NDSU play Oregon next year? If so they will have at least one loss. If MSU doesn't have any that could move us ahead of them.

Do you have MSU beating Utah in Salt Lake City on 9/12/20?

catatac wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 4:04 pm

Long Time Cat wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 3:28 pm

Doesn't NDSU play Oregon next year? If so they will have at least one loss. If MSU doesn't have any that could move us ahead of them.

Yes, first game, but I highly doubt they move out of first place even if they get blown out..... which they won't. They might win.

Fortunately, Oregon will be completely stacked on defense, but I absolutely expect a close game until the Ducks pull away late-3rd quarter. First game for a new Oregon QB and 3 OL starters to replace could lead to hiccups early in the game.

PapaG wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 4:06 pm

Long Time Cat wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 3:28 pm

Doesn't NDSU play Oregon next year? If so they will have at least one loss. If MSU doesn't have any that could move us ahead of them.

Do you have MSU beating Utah in Salt Lake City on 9/12/20?

Stranger things have happened?

onceacat wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 6:12 pm

PapaG wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 4:06 pm

Long Time Cat wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 15, 2020 3:28 pm

Doesn't NDSU play Oregon next year? If so they will have at least one loss. If MSU doesn't have any that could move us ahead of them.

Do you have MSU beating Utah in Salt Lake City on 9/12/20?

Stranger things have happened?

Utah is way too good on D to get beat by an FCS team. They also have 2 experienced QBs battling for the job next year.