National Notes Week 8
Kevin Marshall, National Contributor | October 22, 2015
The State of the Nation
The Reviews
Just when you think you have a good read on how this season is going to go the unexpected blindsides you like like a blocker on a punt return. The South Dakota Coyotes shocked FCS world by upsetting the top ranked Bison of North Dakota State. The Coyotes just seemed to want it more and that is unusual to say about an NDSU team. Continuing the good week that was for the teams from the Mount Rushmore State the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State dominated Youngstown State after the Penguins gifted the Jacks two first half turnovers. For Youngstown it seems that the new boss is the old boss as the Penguins again are fading when it matters most. Western Illinois won an extremely tough and hard hitting game against Northern Iowa 24-19 and Nikko Watson’s 115 rushing yards and the outstanding play of the Leatherneck secondary doomed the Panthers.
Illinois State crushed Missouri State behind the duo of Tre Roberson, who had 304 passing yards, and Marshaun Coprich who ran for 139 more and two scores. Redbird wideout Anthony Warrum was also key for Illinois State. Warrum had 194 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Weber State continued to surprise. The Wildcats scored 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to propel them to a 25-24 come from behind victory over North Dakota. Weber State seems to be starting to believe that they should win the close ones. Southern Utah shutout their second straight Big Sky Opponent in as many weeks. The Thunderbird defense has surrendered just a single field goal in conference play so far this year. SUU may be the most complete team in the Big Sky. They are, as I just mentioned, very solid on defense and Quarterback Amman Olsen is quietly having a stellar season. Portland State absolutely embarrassed Montana State. The Vikings gashed the Bobcats for 465 yards rushing and 59 points. Portland State looks poised to make a run at the Big Sky Championship.
The Fordham Rams proved that they can take a punch and then deliver haymakers of their own after surviving in overtime against the Holy Cross Crusaders. Rams running back Chase Edmonds ran for 162 yards and four touchdowns including the game winner in the extra session. Below the Mason and Dixon line the Chattanooga Mocs ran into a Virginia Military Institute team that fought like it was New Market all over again. Chattanooga placekicker Henrique Ribeiro kicked four field goals for the Mocs who were able to avoid the upset at the hands of the Keydets winning 33-27. The win was the Mocs 10th straight Southern Conference victory. The Citadel Bulldogs won the SoCon’s battle of the bulldogs going away. The Cadets used a very strong rushing attack, led by Quarterback Dominique Allen’s 166 yards, and a stingy defense to whip Samford 44-25. Cadet Dee Delaney was key for the ‘Dogs. Delaney had ten tackles, a pick, , a forced fumble, and a fumble return for a touchdown. Cadet Delaney was named SoCon Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. The Cowboys of McNeese State continued their quiet march up the AnyGivenSaturday.com Top 25 Poll with a solid all around performance against Central Arkansas. Wallace Scott’s scoop and score was the play of the game for McNeese in this one and helped the Cowboys outscore Central Arkansas 21-0 in the fourth quarter of a 28-13 Cowboy win.
The new #1 team in the FCS the James Madison Dukes proved they deserved the nod by defeating Elon 51-0. The Dukes have put up 50 points on the road the last two weeks and have won 14 straight regular season CAA games dating back to last season. 604 yards of total offense, including an impressive 406 on the ground, propelled the Dukes to the win. Quarterback Vad Lee completed 16 of his 22 attempts for 198 yards and two touchdowns. The William and Mary Tribe won for the second straight week over a ranked opponent by beating New Hampshire 34-18. The Tribe piled up 325 rushing yards with Kendell Anderson leading the way with 174 yards and two touchdowns. Game Balls go to all of the victorious squads.
The Interviews
In the Voices of the FCS Segment, longtime Voice of the Furman Paladins Mr. Chuck Hussion joins us. You’ll want to tune in to hear about mascot murder, felony theft, and all the other things that go into making a great rivalry. In our Head Coach Interview Segment, Mr. Ed Lamb of Southern Utah University was kind enough to sit down with us and talk Thunderbird and BSC football. Many thanks to both of these gentleman for giving of their time this week.
The Previews
NDSU @ Indiana State
The Bison have to break in backup Qb Easton Stick after losing Carson Wentz for 4-6 weeks due to a broken wrist. If their run is to continue this is a must win. NDSU 24-21.
Western Illinois @ Illinois State
The Leathernecks are tough as hell but not quite there yet. Too much Tre Roberson and Marshaun Coprich. Redbirds 31-27.
Northern Iowa @ South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits are playing well and the Panthers can’t seem to win the close ones. SDSU 23-19.
Princeton @ Harvard
Before last week this one had Ivy League Title implications. Now it is just another Harvard victory. Crimson 31-17.
Richmond @ James Madison
ESPN Gameday will be in attendance. The JMU fans will put on a show for the cameras and then Vad Lee and company will put on a show on the field. Dukes 42-30.
Samford @ Western Carolina
Two teams heading in opposite directions. Catamounts 27-24.
Chattanooga @ Wofford
Mike Ayers and his Terriers put it all together this week and upset the Mocs in Spartanburg. Wofford 28-27.
Coastal Carolina @ Monmouth
Monmouth will hang around for quite a while but Coastal will win it in the fourth quarter. Chanticleers 31-24.
Kennesaw State @ Liberty
The Flames are sliding but should have enough to beat Kennesaw State. Liberty 38-17.
Charleston Southern @ Gardner Webb
Gardner Webb is reeling and CSU is peaking. Buccaneers 31-10.
Weber State @ Northern Arizona
This one is really interesting. The Lumberjacks are a good team but so is Weber State. Weber State 28-25.
Southern Utah @ UC Davis
Thunderbirds Are Go! Southern Utah 38-23.
East Tennessee State @ Montana State
The Bucs are a first year restart football team with only two juniors on the roster. The rest are freshmen and sophomores. Better days are coming for ETSU just not this day. Bobcats 52-10.
North Dakota @ Montana
This should be a battle. Who can remain relevant in the Big Sky Conference race? I’ll take the Griz at home 28-24.
My Point of View
Get out there and find an FCS game close to you this week and support these Student Athletes who play the game because they are good at it and have a passion and love for it!
