National Notes Week 6
Kevin Marshall, National Contributor | October 08, 2015
The State of the Nation
The Reviews
Last week was full of big games with lots of hype. Some of these contests lived up to their billing and others did not. Let’s focus on those that did first. In perhaps the most exciting game of the week the Blue Hens of Delaware overcame a 9 point 4th quarter deficit and defeated the William and Mary Tribe with a field goal on the last play of the game. A Southeastern Conference team, of the FBS, again needed the extra session to defeat an Ohio Valley School. Eastern Kentucky held a two touchdown advantage over the Kentucky Wildcats with only 7:39 remaining in regulation but couldn’t hold it and lost 34-27 in overtime. A great effort without the reward for the Colonels.
North Dakota and Portland State, which in the preseason most prognosticators including your humble narrator expected little from, played a great game in the Rose City. North Dakota used a strong running game to defeat the previously undefeated Vikings 19-17 and move to 2-0 in the Big Sky. Southeastern Louisiana outlasted a very tough Lamar Cardinals team 30-27. The South Dakota State Jackrabbits ran into a North Dakota State Bison team that has really seemed to hit their stride. Nothing the Jackrabbits attempted to do worked very well and the Bison held them to -4 yards rushing. The NDSU offense possessed the ball for almost 40 minutes en route to a 28-7 victory. Illinois State, who was without their fine Quarterback Tre Roberson, beat Northern Iowa 21-13 in front of a record crowd in Normal. Marshaun Coprich broke the school record for career rushing yards with his 169 yards. Congratulations to Mr. Coprich.
In flood ravaged South Carolina the Furman Paladins paddled their way to a 17-3 victory over South Carolina State. The Paladin defense was again impressive. James Madison tallied over 500 yards of total offense for the 5th consecutive game and beat a pretty good Stony Brook team 38-20. Game balls go to all those winning teams.
The Interviews
This week on The FCS Wedge the Commissioner of the Southern Conference, Mr. John Iamarino , was nice enough to make the time to join us. Jacksonville State Gamecocks Head Coach John Grass is our Coach interview. You will want to tune in to the show this week to hear what these two gentlemen have to say. Thanks again to both for making the time to appear with us.
The Previews
Furman @ Chattanooga
The Paladin defense could decide this one but unless they can score a couple of defensive touchdowns I like the Mocs at home. Chattanooga 24-21
Wofford @ The Citadel
This one is always interesting because both teams run the triple option offense. The clock will run and this one will be over before you can get good and settled in. Wofford has won 16 in a row in this series and I see no reason why that streak will not continue. Terriers 24-20.
William and Mary @ Villanova
The Tribe will have to rebound quickly from last weeks heartbreaking loss to Delaware. Coach Jimmye Laycock is one of the best motivators around and he will pick up the pieces and have William and Mary ready to play. Villanova just is not the same team without Quarterback John Robertson. Tribe 24-10.
James Madison @ Towson
All Dukes in this one. Vad Lee is putting up great numbers and more importantly has his team winning. JMU 38-17.
Yale @ Dartmouth
Yale has a potent running attack behind Deshawn Salter and Dartmouth will not be able to stop them. Yale 27-20.
Northern Iowa @ North Dakota State
The Panthers have to get better offensively to get where they feel they should this season. The Bison defense is not the group to attempt to get well against. NDSU 31-17.
Indiana State @ South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits find themselves in a similar situation as William and Mary. Luckily they have an experienced hand at the helm as well in Head Coach John Stiegelmeier. I believe SDSU will not let the Bison beat them twice. SDSU 27-17.
Illinois State @ Youngstown State
The health of Redbird Quarterback Tre Roberson is the big question in this one. If he can play and be effective Illinois State should win. If he can’t then the Penguins have a huge advantage. I think Coach Bo Pelini will have the Penguins ready to play regardless. Penguins in the upset 21-20.
Southeastern Louisiana @ McNeese State
The Lions have played pretty well offensively and dominated the Time of possession last week against Lamar. I look for more of the same from them this week. The Cowboys are tough at home but I like the Lions in this one. Southeastern Louisiana 31-27.
Cal Poly @ Eastern Washington
A huge contrast in styles in this one. Cal Poly is really going to need multiple 8 or 9 minute scoring drives out of their Flexbone attack just to stay in this one. The Mustangs will have a few but not nearly enough. Eagles 42-28.
Sacramento State @ Montana State
The Bobcats have to play some defense. Poor tackling and bad positioning got them whipped at Northern Arizona last week. They will be better this week. Montana State 42-31.
Weber State @ Montana
The Griz defense has kept Montana afloat so far this season. Weber State has huge problems on offense. This will be ugly. Montana 38-3.
