The Bobcat Nation

10 — Robert Morris at No. 25 Duquesne (NEC Front Row)
10— No. 22 Western Carolina at ETSU (ESPN+)
10 — Lehigh at Holy Cross (ESPN+)
10 — Columbia at No. 24 Harvard (ESPN+)
11 — UAlbany at No. 17 Stony Brook (FloFootball)
11 — No. 11 Rhode Island at Delaware (FloFootball)
11 — North Carolina A&T at No. 12 Villanova (FloFootball)
11 — Monmouth at New Hampshire (FloFootball)
11 — Elon at No. 20 William & Mary (FloFootball)
11:30 — No. 10 Mercer at VMI (ESPN+)
12 — No. 23 Chattanooga at The Citadel (ESPN+)
12 — No. 14 Tarleton State at West Georgia (ESPN+)
12 — No. 16 Central Arkansas at Eastern Kentucky (ESPN+)
12 — Tennessee State at Western Illinois (ESPN+)
12 — No. 19 UT Martin at Charleston Southern (ESPN+)
12 — Missouri State at Murray State (ESPN+)
12 — No. 6 SEMO at Lindenwood (ESPN+)
12 — Drake at St. Thomas (MidcoSports+)
12 — Indiana State at No. 5 South Dakota (ESPN+)
12 — No. 18 Illinois State at Northern Iowa (ESPN+)
12 — No. 3 South Dakota State at No. 21 North Dakota (ESPN+)
1 — North Alabama at Southern Utah (ESPN+)
1 — Alabama State at Grambling State (ESPN+)
1 — Lamar at No. 8 UIW (ESPN+)
1 — Mississippi Valley State at Jackson State (HBCU GO)
1 — Florida A&M at Prairie View A&M (ESPN+)
1 — Bethune-Cookman at Southern (JSN)
1 — Sacramento State at No. 2 Montana State (ESPN+)
1:30 — No. 13 Richmond at Campbell (FloFootball)
1: 30 — SC State at Howard (ESPN+)
2 — No. 9 Idaho at Portland State (ESPN+)
2 — No. 15 Abilene Christian at Austin Peay (ESPN+)
2:30 — Stephen F. Austin at Texas A&M-Commerce (ESPN+)
5 — Northwestern State at Southeastern Louisiana (ESPN+)
6 — Northern Arizona at Cal Poly (ESPN+)
8:15 — No. 4 UC Davis at No. 7 Montana (ESPN2)

Cats need Idaho to not stumble at PSU. Keep that win as quality as it can be.

And go Davis although I think they lose.

Prodigal Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 10:13 am

Cats need Idaho to not stumble at PSU. Keep that win as quality as it can be.

And go Davis although I think they lose.

I’m actually really looking forward to that Davis game. So much to watch for; top 10 matchup, they’re our next two opponents, Big Sky title implications, etc

I’m not convinced the griz D has things figured out. They’ve certainly played better than they were, but that’s at least in part a product of their opponents.
Davis should pose a very different threat, lucky for the griz, it’s at home.

For many reasons, I’m definitely pulling for Davis. If they lose, they could be that much more dangerous and hungry when they play the Cats the following week with the need for a win to stay in the top 8 conversation.

I'd like to see Idaho play well, although I'm not too sure about that game. PSU is dangerous unless defenses are completely locked in. Need the Vandals to win out to help our quality wins category.

Let's root for ......New Mexico (@SDSU, Wazzu, @Hawaii) & Maine (Bryant, @Elon, UNH) to win out , & UCD to win @um and @sac.

At this point do we really care how our previous opponents perform? Aren't we locked in to the 2 seed if we win out? The "quality" of our wins really only matters if we drop any of the last 3 games.

coloradocat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:33 pm

At this point do we really care how our previous opponents perform? Aren't we locked in to the 2 seed if we win out? The "quality" of our wins really only matters if we drop any of the last 3 games.

This is correct, it will only matter if MSU loses a game and gets leapfrogged in the seedings by SDSU and/or UC Davis. I can't really see how the result of Idaho/PSU matters since MSU has already blown out both. Idaho will still be a ranked win even if they lose to PSU.

coloradocat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:33 pm

At this point do we really care how our previous opponents perform? Aren't we locked in to the 2 seed if we win out? The "quality" of our wins really only matters if we drop any of the last 3 games.

You are correct......IF we win out it likely won't matter.

coloradocat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:33 pm

At this point do we really care how our previous opponents perform? Aren't we locked in to the 2 seed if we win out? The "quality" of our wins really only matters if we drop any of the last 3 games.

There is a decent to fair chance at getting the #1 if the Bison struggle and the Cats blow away Davis and UM. The 1 could mean hosting a Mercer or Idaho instead of SDSU in the semifinal and the xDSU's having to square off to get to Frisco. If Idaho wins out, if the other 2 teams don't trip up, Cats could end up with 3 top 12ish wins, an FBS win and they for sure are in the conversation to jump NDSU for the 1.
So yeah there is a point to cheering for previous opponents.

Prodigal Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 2:23 pm

coloradocat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:33 pm

At this point do we really care how our previous opponents perform? Aren't we locked in to the 2 seed if we win out? The "quality" of our wins really only matters if we drop any of the last 3 games.

There is a decent to fair chance at getting the #1 if the Bison struggle and the Cats blow away Davis and UM. The 1 could mean hosting a Mercer or Idaho instead of SDSU in the semifinal and the xDSU's having to square off to get to Frisco. If Idaho wins out, if the other 2 teams don't trip up, Cats could end up with 3 top 12ish wins, an FBS win and they for sure are in the conversation to jump NDSU for the 1.
So yeah there is a point to cheering for previous opponents.

I see what you're saying, but it also depends on how NDSU and SDSU close the season. They might both win out but they could possibly each lose one too. As for the Cats, agree winning out secures at least the #2 seed so wouldn't need to worry about what any other teams do *except for possibly deciding on the #2 vs #1 seed. If the Cats lose one of their last games, God forbid... then it becomes very important to look as past matchups, ratings, Massey, polls, etc..... with an outside shot at still possibly ending up with the #2. Long shot on that though.

All I know for sure and certain that when MSU beats Davis, it’s going to be because of the vaunted Griz Hangover…whether UM wins or not.

BelligerentBobcat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 4:53 pm

All I know for sure and certain that when MSU beats Davis, it’s going to be because of the vaunted Griz Hangover…whether UM wins or not.

Yep, so true...

Prodigal Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 2:23 pm

coloradocat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:33 pm

At this point do we really care how our previous opponents perform? Aren't we locked in to the 2 seed if we win out? The "quality" of our wins really only matters if we drop any of the last 3 games.

There is a decent to fair chance at getting the #1 if the Bison struggle and the Cats blow away Davis and UM. The 1 could mean hosting a Mercer or Idaho instead of SDSU in the semifinal and the xDSU's having to square off to get to Frisco. If Idaho wins out, if the other 2 teams don't trip up, Cats could end up with 3 top 12ish wins, an FBS win and they for sure are in the conversation to jump NDSU for the 1.
So yeah there is a point to cheering for previous opponents.

Seems pretty unlikely to me that if the committee thought NDSU at 8-1 deserved a higher seed than MSU at 8-0, that they would change their mind and seed a 12-0 MSU team ahead of an 11-1 NDSU team. Both MSU and NDSU have two tough games remaining (vs Mo St, at USD for NDSU and at UCD, vs UM for the Bobcats) so I don't see the needle moving a lot on strength of schedule if both teams keep winning.

I suppose it can't hurt if MSU's non-conference opponents get as many wins as possible, as conference games like UM/UCD or PSU/Idaho between two teams MSU will play or has played sort of cancel each other out regardless of the result. I just don't see the committee getting into details as far down the list of criteria as whether Utah Tech wins 1 or 2 or 3 games by the end of the season to be the deciding factor in who gets the #1 seed. If the committee views NDSU's win over SDSU as better than any of MSU's wins, I think that will ultimately decide it. We will see!

It would help come playoff seeding if North Dakota pulled the upset. Wishful thinking I know.

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 5:27 pm

Prodigal Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 2:23 pm

coloradocat wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 05, 2024 1:33 pm

At this point do we really care how our previous opponents perform? Aren't we locked in to the 2 seed if we win out? The "quality" of our wins really only matters if we drop any of the last 3 games.

There is a decent to fair chance at getting the #1 if the Bison struggle and the Cats blow away Davis and UM. The 1 could mean hosting a Mercer or Idaho instead of SDSU in the semifinal and the xDSU's having to square off to get to Frisco. If Idaho wins out, if the other 2 teams don't trip up, Cats could end up with 3 top 12ish wins, an FBS win and they for sure are in the conversation to jump NDSU for the 1.
So yeah there is a point to cheering for previous opponents.

Seems pretty unlikely to me that if the committee thought NDSU at 8-1 deserved a higher seed than MSU at 8-0, that they would change their mind and seed a 12-0 MSU team ahead of an 11-1 NDSU team. Both MSU and NDSU have two tough games remaining (vs Mo St, at USD for NDSU and at UCD, vs UM for the Bobcats) so I don't see the needle moving a lot on strength of schedule if both teams keep winning.

When the committee posted that top ten ETSU and UND were both ranked and had bad losses a few days later. ETSU is no longer ranked and UND is 22 and about to play both South Dakota's. At that exact moment NDSU for sure had a better resume. If the Cats beat Davis and the gris they pull much closer in terms of resume and an undefeated team from a power conference has a chance at being #1. Not saying it happens but stranger things have.

Considering where UCD and gris are currently ranked, which win/loss between those two give us the chance to have higher quality wins? Of course the Cats need to win out. If UCD wins, they stay at 4. How far do the gris fall? 10-11? If grid win, how high do they climb and how far does UCD drop. We need them both as highly ranked as possible to help separate MSU from SDSU potentially climbing due to their SOS. I realize we’re solidly at #2 right now and that’s good. BUT what if we blow out the last three and NDSU scrapes by. Can we move into #1?

94VegasCat wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:36 am

Considering where UCD and gris are currently ranked, which win/loss between those two give us the chance to have higher quality wins? Of course the Cats need to win out. If UCD wins, they stay at 4. How far do the gris fall? 10-11? If grid win, how high do they climb and how far does UCD drop. We need them both as highly ranked as possible to help separate MSU from SDSU potentially climbing due to their SOS. I realize we’re solidly at #2 right now and that’s good. BUT what if we blow out the last three and NDSU scrapes by. Can we move into #1?

Davis.

They are already the #4 team in the country and a win would cement them as a top tier team. It would be hard for a gris team with 2 bad to really bad loses to get into the top 5. Also, Cats play Davis IN Davis so a win @ the #4 team in the country would be better then beating say the #6 or #7 at home in the gris. The gris will fall but man it gets ugly around 12 - 13 so i don't think very far. The FCS is really top heavy this year.

94VegasCat wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:36 am

Considering where UCD and gris are currently ranked, which win/loss between those two give us the chance to have higher quality wins? Of course the Cats need to win out. If UCD wins, they stay at 4. How far do the gris fall? 10-11? If grid win, how high do they climb and how far does UCD drop. We need them both as highly ranked as possible to help separate MSU from SDSU potentially climbing due to their SOS. I realize we’re solidly at #2 right now and that’s good. BUT what if we blow out the last three and NDSU scrapes by. Can we move into #1?

I’ve been thinking about this for a few weeks, and I don’t think there’s a clear answer. If the Griz win against UC Davis, both teams would probably be ranked top 10 at the time we play them. Assuming we win both, that would be 3 top 10 wins. Is that better than 2 top 10 wins, but with a win over the #4? I think it’s just a matter of taste, and unfortunately the committee has a taste for bison.

GoodTimesAllTheTime wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:51 am

94VegasCat wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:36 am

Considering where UCD and gris are currently ranked, which win/loss between those two give us the chance to have higher quality wins? Of course the Cats need to win out. If UCD wins, they stay at 4. How far do the gris fall? 10-11? If grid win, how high do they climb and how far does UCD drop. We need them both as highly ranked as possible to help separate MSU from SDSU potentially climbing due to their SOS. I realize we’re solidly at #2 right now and that’s good. BUT what if we blow out the last three and NDSU scrapes by. Can we move into #1?

I’ve been thinking about this for a few weeks, and I don’t think there’s a clear answer. If the Griz win against UC Davis, both teams would probably be ranked top 10 at the time we play them. Assuming we win both, that would be 3 top 10 wins. Is that better than 2 top 10 wins, but with a win over the #4? I think it’s just a matter of taste, and unfortunately the committee has a taste for bison.

I think the committee has already told us that they are going to put NDSU at #1 if they win out. NDSU also plays Missouri State, who would likely be a Top 10 team if they were eligible. The committee will take that into account as another ranked win for NDSU if they win that game.

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2024 1:58 pm

GoodTimesAllTheTime wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:51 am

94VegasCat wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:36 am

Considering where UCD and gris are currently ranked, which win/loss between those two give us the chance to have higher quality wins? Of course the Cats need to win out. If UCD wins, they stay at 4. How far do the gris fall? 10-11? If grid win, how high do they climb and how far does UCD drop. We need them both as highly ranked as possible to help separate MSU from SDSU potentially climbing due to their SOS. I realize we’re solidly at #2 right now and that’s good. BUT what if we blow out the last three and NDSU scrapes by. Can we move into #1?

I’ve been thinking about this for a few weeks, and I don’t think there’s a clear answer. If the Griz win against UC Davis, both teams would probably be ranked top 10 at the time we play them. Assuming we win both, that would be 3 top 10 wins. Is that better than 2 top 10 wins, but with a win over the #4? I think it’s just a matter of taste, and unfortunately the committee has a taste for bison.

I think the committee has already told us that they are going to put NDSU at #1 if they win out. NDSU also plays Missouri State, who would likely be a Top 10 team if they were eligible. The committee will take that into account as another ranked win for NDSU if they win that game.

That isn't necessarily true. They ranked based on where teams were at that point. With some head to head meetings left almost impossible to end up with seeds exactly as they have them since one team has to lose those. Cats have the 1 top 10 ranked and 1 FBS win. With 2 top 10 matches left if Cats win and depending on how they do it, that can swing the committee