National Notes Week 5
Kevin Marshall, National Contributor | October 01, 2015
The State of the Nation
The Reviews
What an intriguing week in the FCS! James Madison went through the defense of FBS Southern Methodist like Sherman went through Georgia. The Dukes piled up 34 first downs and 729 yards of total offense. QB Vad Lee was tremendous in claiming another FBS scalp for our Subdivision.
The Penn Quakers jumped all over an injury riddled Villanova and never looked back. Princeton crushed Lehigh. Those two victories out of conference by the Ivy League were impressive and make me wish that the Ivy League would schedule more non league games against quality opponents and participate in the playoffs.
Jacksonville State almost stubbed their toe against Tennessee-Martin but the Cocks were able to hold on and win by 7 after a furious comeback by the Skyhawks cut a 28 point fourth quarter lead to the final margin.
William and Mary held Stacy Bedell, who entered the game as the nations leading rusher, to 25 yards on 7 carries and the Tribe defense shutout Stony Brook.
Coastal Carolina had trouble early on with the Bryant Bulldogs, of the Northeast Conference, but the Chanticleers came clucking back and won.
In the Southern Conference the Chattanooga Mocs and Furman Paladins won defensive battles against Presbyterian and the Virginia Military Institute.
The two Montana schools both won Big Sky games. The Grizzly continue to have big problems in the red zone and the Bobcats continue to have no problems scoring and their defense looked better than it has so far this season. Game balls to all of those who emerged victorious.
The Interviews
In the Voices of the FCS segment we will be joined by a good friend of the program Scott Miller. Scott is the radio voice of the North Dakota State Bison. Coach Withers, of the James Madison Dukes, is our coach interview. Thanks to both of those gentlemen for being with us this week!
The Previews
NDSU @ SDSU – AGS Game Of The Week
The Bison prove that they are once again the class of the Missouri Valley. NDSU 34-31.
Northern Iowa @ Illinois State
The Panthers have looked great lately. That trend continues. UNI 27-24.
Southern Illinois State @ Western Illinois
A matchup of two Jekyll and Hyde football teams. Both have looked great and terrible this season. Salukis 38-24.
S.C. State @ Furman
Paladin defense is stout and wins another one for the home team. Furman 24-10.
Wofford @ Mercer
The Bears had a week off to prepare for the Terrier option offense. It won’t be enough time. Wofford 24-17.
Lamar @ Southeastern Louisiana
SELA wants to play fast and Lamar will slow them down for a while.
Lions 31-27.
Dartmouth @ Penn
Quakers had a great win last week but Dartmouth keeps it from being a streak. Dartmouth 28-20.
William and Mary @ Delaware
The Tribe defense dominates another CAA opponent. Tribe 24-10.
Montana State @ Northern Arizona
Bobcats have an explosive offense and the Lumberjacks can’t keep up. ‘Cats 38-17.
Montana @ UC-Davis
All Griz in this one. Montana 34-14.
