The FCS Wedge

AGS Poll: 2016 Preseason Top 25

Rank	Team:	Total Points	First Place Votes	Previous Wk.
1	North Dakota State Bison	2047	79	–
2	Northern Iowa Panthers	1836	1	–
3	Richmond Spiders	1789		–
4	Jacksonville State Gamecocks	1775	1	–
5	Sam Houston State Bearkats	1731	1	–
6	Chattanooga Mocs	1438		–
7	South Dakota State Jackrabbits	1436		–
8	Charleston Southern Buccaneers	1369		–
9	James Madison Dukes	1164		–
10	William & Mary Tribe	1154		–
11	Montana Grizzlies	1120		–
12	Illinois State Redbirds	1112		–
13	The Citadel Bulldogs	916		–
14	McNeese State Cowboys	893		–
15	Portland State Vikings	892		–
16	Eastern Washington Eagles	637		–
17	Northern Arizona Lumberjacks	580		–
18	North Dakota Fighting Hawks	511		–
19	Western Illinois Leathernecks	472		–
20	Colgate Raiders	456		–
21	Youngstown State Penguins	390		–
22	Villanova Wildcats	374		–
23	New Hampshire Wildcats	292		–
24	Towson Tigers	284		–
25	Fordham Rams	261		–

Rank	Team	Total Points	First Place Votes	Last Week
26	Southern Utah Thunderbirds	247		–
27	Harvard Crimson	215		–
28	Eastern Kentucky Colonels	206		–
29	Samford Bulldogs	139		–
30	Liberty Flames	136		–
31	Eastern Illinois Panthers	125		–
32	North Carolina A&T Aggies	77		–
33	Western Carolina Catamounts	59		–
34	Dartmouth Big Green	53		–
35	Montana State Bobcats	48		–
36	South Carolina State Bulldogs	47		–
37	Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks	40		–
38	Central Arkansas Bears	38		–
39	Cal Poly Mustangs	29		–
40	Bethune-Cookman Wildcats	27		–

2016 Patriot League Preview: Bucknell

*Thank you to the Patriot League posters on AGS who helped put this together

2015 Results: 4-7 (1-5)
Returning starters:

Offense – 8

Defense – 10

Oct 17, 2015; West Point, NY, USA; Bucknell Bison quarterback R.J. Nitti (6) drops back to pass against the Army Black Knights during the second half at Michie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Bucknell is a team defined by its defense which will need to find ways to score points and the man charged with that is quarterback R.J. Nitti. Nitti returns for his 3rd year as the starting quarterback and is coming off a year with 2,477 passing yards with 13 touchdowns but a concerning 10 interceptions. He operates behind a veteran OL anchored by Preseason All-American lineman Julien Davenport. The healthy return of running back C.J. Williams should help Nitti to improve upon his TD:INT by forcing the secondary to respect play action and giving the receiving corps room against defenders. That receiving corps is led by an an explosive WR/KR in Will Carter, who can be a game changer with the ball in his hand. Last season Carter finished the year with 60 catches, which is fourth most in single season history for the Bison, for 655 yards. One issue for Coach Susan to get righted this season is getting this group to finish drives with scores, which is something the Bison struggled with last season as they converted just 61% of their red zone possessions into points. Most concerning from that stat is the fact that just 45% of their trips into the red zone ended in a touchdown.

Once again, the defense will be the star of the team. Last season the defense led the Patriot League in points per game given up last season at just 18.7 (though the offense scored just 15.6 per game) and yards per game given up with 338 (again, the offense was behind at just 325 yards per game). The defensive line will be led by Ben Schumaker, who finished last season with 13.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks, and Abdullah Anderson and his 8 TFL and 4.5 sacks. The linebacking corps is led by the team’s leading tackler, and All Patriot performer, Mark Pyles. Last season Park finished with 95 tackles, 7.5 TFL and a pair of sacks. Joining park in the second level of the defense is the team’s second leading tackler from last season, Ben Richard who was also an All Patriot performer with 79 tackles and 8.5 TFL. The secondary will be led by Bryan Marine (4 INT, 53 tackles) and Connor Golden (60 tackles). There are other pieces in the secondary that saw a decent amount of playing time last season, but they will need to up their game to help take the defense to another level.

2016 Schedule

9/3 @ Marist

9/10 @ Duquense

9/17 Cornell

9/24 VMI

10/8 @ Holy Cross

10/15 Colgate

10/22 Lafayette

10/29 @ Charleston Southern

10/5 @ Lehigh

11/12 @ Georgetown

11/19 Fordham

AGS Patriot League Preseason prediction: 5^th place

2016 Preseason OVC Preview: Tennessee Tech – empty

2016 MVFC Preview: Indiana State

2015 Record: 5-6 (3-5)

Key Returnees: RB Genesy Roland, RB LeMonte Booker, WR Tonyan Robert, DB Marcus Grey, DB Tsali Lough

Key Losses: QB Matt Adam, WR Gary Owens, LB Connor Underwood

It’s no secret, to anyone that’s read AGS at any point in the last decade, that I’ve long considered Indiana State to be one of the worst FCS programs in the nation. While they have moved past that I still see some serious issues within the program. Yes, Indiana State was in the playoffs in 2014 and had 8 wins. Yes, Indiana State was over .500 (6-5) in 2010 and 2011. Yes, they are improved over their 2-54 record from 05-09. No, they aren’t going to become a playoff team on an annual, or even triennial, basis.

Mike Sanford is entering his 4th year in Terre Haute, and going into spring ball there was a bit of optimism around the program. The roster may not have been a title contender, but they had a legitimate QB prospect under center that would keep them in, and potentially single-handedly win them a few games in Matt Adam. Last season Adam led the team in rushing yards, when sack yardage is taken out of his total, as well as rushing TD. Adam was also a more than competent passer, completing 56.3% of his passes for 2,098 yards and 19 touchdowns. Coming into his red-shirt junior year, along with the amount of returning players around him on offense, there was a real reason to believe the offense could keep the Sycs in games. Then, in May, the bombshell that he would be sitting the 2016 season out to get his grades in order. That is a tremendous loss for Indiana State, by a great decision by Adam to prioritize academics that we don’t normally get to see from athletes.

So who takes over at QB for Indiana State? The only returning QB on the roster, or even listed on the roster as of writing this, is red-shirt sophomore Isaac Harker. That sentence, on it’s own is depressing to read on it’s own, then you add in the fact that Harker completed 2 passes for 16 yards last season and it gets real depressing, real quick. Harker did have a heavily touted high school career, but after sitting on the bench for three years I’d have concern with his ability to step in and succeed. Not all is lost though. Rumors of QB help coming in via transfer are strong, by way of Aaron Young from Wyoming. Young will be a redshirt sophomore this coming season as well. I try to stay out of speculation for incoming freshman and transfers, as there is too much room for error, and that’s the case for Young as well who saw the field only as a PAT holder last season.

Whoever Mike Sanford puts on the field come week one will have some help around him. Matt Adam may have been the most explosive weapon for the Sycamores last year but that isn’t to say there isn’t ammunition left. On the ground Roland Genesey averaged 4.98 yards per carry on his 117 carries last season and LeMonte Booker 4.97 while combing for 1,019 yards and 6 scores. Getting the two of them to repeat that type of performance is going to be key for the new quarterbacks development. I’m worried that the two will see a drop though. From the games I saw last year most of the holes that Genesey and Booker ran through were a result of the defenses reacting to Matt Adam’s dual threat explosiveness.

The receiving corps has returns quite a bit of experience, but will need to develop a rhythm with the new quarterback in a hurry. Robert Tonyan was Adam’s favorite target last year as he finished with 604 yards and 6 touchdowns on 40 receptions. Complimenting Tonyan are Sam Levingston (26 catches 319 yards 2 TD) and Kelvin Cook (22 catches 206 yards 1 TD). The loss of Gary Owens (36 catches 558 yards 8 TD) will be tough to overcome though. His last two years on campus Owens was to Indiana State what Zach Vraa was to NDSU. He was the go to guy when a big play was needed, and more often than not he made it. If Tonyan takes on that role and a younger guy slides into the role Tonyan occupied the corps should be alright.

How is Underwood's leadership replaced? — How is Underwood’s leadership replaced?

Outside of QB play, the defense will be what holds this team back, I believe. Yes, they do return 3 of their top 6 tacklers from last year, but they are all defensive backs. Once again I’ll say that if your DB’s are leading your team in tackles it’s a bad thing. My big concern for the Sycamore defense is the loss of Connor Underwood. Yes, he missed 4 games last year so there is experience without him on the field. It’s impossible to replace the kind of intelligence and leadership a guy Connor, who was a three time All Conference, an All American, and Buck Buchanan Finalist would provide. Coming into the year there are only 19 guys on defense who recorded at least one tackle last year, and only 8 that averaged 2 or more per game.

Schedule breakdown:

9/3 Butler – W 1-0 (0-0)

9/10 @ Minnesota (FBS) – L 1-1 (0-0)

9/17 @ Southeast Missouri State – L – 1-2 (0-0)

9/24 Illinois State – L 1-3 (0-1)

10/1 Missouri State – W 2-3 (1-1)

10/8 @ Western Illinois – L 2-4 (1-2)

10/15 South Dakota – W 3-4 (2-2)

10/22 @ Southern Illinois – L 3-5 (2-3)

10/29 @ Youngstown State – L 3-6 (2-4)

11/5 Northern Iowa – L 3-7 (2-5)

11/12 @ North Dakota State – L 3-8 (2-6)

I see a tough year in Terra Haute. Honestly, if Adam was playing this year I could see Indiana State as a 5, maybe 6, win team. I think he makes that big of a difference. The schedule does set up early for potentially gaining confidence and running a few games that I have as losses. The SEMO game is a complete toss up for me. It was a 1 point game last year in Terra Haute, so in Cape Girardeau I give the edge to SEMO. Illinois State I could see going to Indiana State given what the Redbirds lose that game will come down to which new QB steps up more. The only game I have potentially swinging to ISU is the USD game. It’s at home so I gave them the edge.

I’d like to be wrong with Indiana State. I’d like to see them become competitive year after year, I just don’t’ see it happening on a regular basis. This season could be a key year for Sanford. Indiana State tasted playoffs, and a win. If Sanford slides back two years in row after that how does it play within the athletic department and fans?

2016 MVFC Preview: Illinois State

2015 Record: 10-3 (7-1): Shared MVFC Champion, Playoffs (2nd Round)

Key Returnees: WR Anthony Warrum, CB Davontae Harris, DE Brannon Barry

Key Losses: QB Tre Roberson, RB Marshaun Coprich, DE Teddy Corwin, DE David Perkins, LB Pat Meehan, LB Alex Donnelly

Illinois State is coming off of back-to-back co-conference championships and over those two years they are a combined 23-5 with a trip to a national title game. A program coming off of a run like that you’d think there is no way there’s a significant drop the next year. There is a reason for optimism, if you’re a Redbird fan, that the regression won’t be too far. Brock Spack is entering his 8th year in Normal, where he’s won 65.88% of his games and seems to finally be finding “his program”. The realist in me, though, looks at that with a few tablespoons of salt as his first 5 years he was just 33-24, missed the playoffs in 4 of those 5, and was just 5-6 in 2013 with his seat starting to get a touch uncomfortable as he was unable to ride Matt Brown, who holds more records than almost every other MVFC quarterback, to a playoff berth. Something happened in 2014 to change that. Maybe it was his system finally taking hold. Maybe 09-13 had a large number of “bad bounces” that held them back. The more likely reason for the elevation the last two years is the reason I’m quite bearish about them moving forward: Tre Roberson, Marshaun Coprich, and Kurt Beathard.

The trio of an All Conference quarterback Tre Roberson, transferring in from Indiana (where he had received Big 10 Player of the Week honors), running back Marshaun Coprich transforming into a multi time All American, and offensive coordinator Kurt Beathard, stepping on campus. Those three electrified Redbird fans for two years. In 2015 Roberson and Coprich accounted for all but 592 yards and 8 total rushing and passing touchdowns. Heading into this season Roberson and Coprich have graduated, and the offensive coordinator announced his resignation June 16th. The timing of his resignation seems strange, there is no reason to doubt his wanting to spend time with his family as his youngest child will be a senior in high school this year.

With that trio gone, where does Illinois State turn?

Jake Kolbe, rSo, seems like the unquestioned starter going into the year. He’s the only QB with any real experience. He saw action in all 13 games for Illinois State last season, though he really only accumulated stats in two of them – Iowa and UNI. He looked impressive against both, but for the season completed just 26 passes for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns. He doesn’t have the dynamic ability of Tre, but he certainly looks “serviceable” at the very least. I have fewer questions about him stepping in and taking charge than I do whomever Spack starts at tailback. After Coprich, no other back had more carries than rSo. George Moreira who had 34 carries for 145 yards (4.2 ypc) and 1 touchdown. If I was putting a bet on a starter going into fall camp/week 1 it would be him, though Jamal Towns (28 carries 164 yards and 2 touchdowns) is another potentially solid starter. I doubt we see one back dominate carries like Coprich did. The bright spot for Illinois State is the returning receiving corps – more specifically, Anthony Warrum. Last season Warrum had 58 catches for 1,290 yards and 15 touchdowns. His numbers are higher in every category than the rest of the Redbird wide receivers combined. The key will be the new OC getting Kolbe in a position to get the ball into his hands, and a running game that can keep defenses from focusing strictly on the Kolbe/Warrum connection.

When looking at lost players, everyone, rightfully so, focuses on Roberson and Coprich. What 98% of people overlook is the losses on defense. Gone are DE Teddy Corwin (2x All Conference), LB Pat Meehan (2X 1st team All Conference, 1x 2nd Team All Conference), linebacker Alex Donnelly (2X All Conference and started every game over last three years), and DE David Perkins (3x All Conference selection, led team in TFL and sacks), among others. Those are not easy guys to replace. The Redbirds do return a fair amount of talent, but I wonder if the Richmond playoff game, where ISU was torched, gave a game plan for others to study. Overall though, the defense is in much better shape than the offense.

So where does all that leave Illinois State? Well, unfortunately NDSU is back on their schedule after being off for two years. They do get the best possible consolation prize though as Northern Iowa drops off for the next two. Here’s how I see their season going:

9/3 Valparaiso – W 1-0 (0-0)
9/10 @ Northwestern (FBS) – L 1-1 (0-0)
9/17 Eastern Illinois – W 2-1 (0-0)
9/24 @ Indiana State – W 3-1 (1-0)
10/1 @ North Dakota State – L 3-2 (1-1)
10/8 Youngstown State – L 3-3 (1-2)
10/15 Southern Illinois – W 4-3 (2-2)
10/22 @ South Dakota – W 5-3 (3-2)
10/29 South Dakota State – L 5-4 (3-3)
11/5 @ Western Illinois – L 5-5 (3-4)
11/12 Missouri State – W 6-5 (4-4)

As I mentioned, I’m probably more bearish than most on Illinois State. If Youngstown State was a few weeks later I’d probably take Illinois State, simply because of the normal late season Penguin meltdown when it gets cold and some inexperience of ISU getting traction. If the offense comes together the SDSU game could also be flipped. There are two I’m pretty solid on, but could be swayed on if the new coaching staff doesn’t get off to a smooth start at WIU, or better than expected start at USD.

We had never seen a 6-5 playoff team before last year, maybe ISU gets it this year based on name from the last few years, but I don’t see a playoff team. My guess is the high side, if everything clicks perfectly, for ISU is 8-3 (6-2) and worst case would be 4-7 (2-6). I know that’s a range, but I don’t know what to expect. They have good talent, just too many unknowns for me to trust them to be better than 6-5.

TSOTN Week 16 (Playoffs-4th Round)

National Notes Week 16

Kevin Marshall, National Contributor | December 16, 2015

The State of the Nation

We have reached the semifinals and three seeded teams remain. Sam Houston State has reached the semis for the fourth time in five years. North Dakota State has been here five years in a row. Are these two programs on a collision course for a rematch in Frisco? Richmond and Jacksonville State will have something to say about that kind of peeking ahead.

The Reviews

#1 Jacksonville State 58 #8 Charleston Southern 38
The second largest crowd in Jacksonville State history 22, 797 and a national television audience saw a great game between the Gamecocks and the Buccaneers. When you look at the final score it is hard to believe that this was a 13-10 game at the half. The Gamecocks came out in the second half and flat out dominated on offense. They racked up 45 points and 425 yards in that second half. It was the Eli Jenkins and Troymaine Pope show once again for the Cocks. Jenkins threw for 91 yards and rushed for 195 yards for the second consecutive week. Pope ran for 250 yards and three touchdowns. It was a record setting night for Jenkins and Pope. Pope became the Gamecocks all time single season rushing leader with 1576 yards. Jenkins broke the school record for total offense and has 7, 922 yards in his career. Congratulations to these two young men.

#7 Richmond 39 #2 Illinois State 27
The Richmond Spiders snapped a 19 game home winning streak by defeating the Redbirds in Normal. Spider running back Jacobi Green rushed for 137 yards and three touchdowns. Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta was 18 of 30 for 369 yards and his favorite target was Brian Brown. Brown had 141 receiving yards on just five grabs. The Spider defense was outstanding. All-American Marshaun Coprich was held to only 30 yards rushing. All season long we heard about how weak the CAA was but here we are again with a Colonial Athletic Association team in the semifinals.

#3 North Dakota State 23 Northern Iowa 13
This was just an old fashioned buckle your chin strap and hit somebody defensive struggle. The Bison eliminated the big play and the Panthers just couldn’t string together enough drives to win. Bison Freshman Bruce Anderson had the play of the day. Anderson fielded the second half kickoff at the 3 yard line and and took it all the way for a touchdown. Anderson gave the Bison the lead which they never relinquished. Bison quarterback Easton Stick was an efficient 13 of 17 for 116 yards and more importantly zero interceptions.

Sam Houston State 48 Colgate 21
The Bearkats scored on six of their first seven drives to overwhelm Colgate. The unseeded Bearkats have defeated three straight conference champions in this playoff run. Jeremiah Briscoe threw for 358 yards and four touchdowns and has really been the difference in these playoffs. He can make all the throws and doesn’t do anything to hurt his team. If he can continue this trend SHSU just may wind up in Frisco.

The Interviews

Mr. Mike Parris (@JSUVoice), Voice of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, joins us to speak about his team. Mr. Kooter Roberson, Voice of the Sam Houston State Bearkats, makes an appearance on The FCS Wedge to give us the scoop on the Bearkats. Thanks to both of these Southern Gentlemen for making the time to sit down with us. Kris Kallem and Lance Berndt break down the semifinals and update the FCS Coaching Carousel. Some good jobs were filled this week and some remain open. Get up to speed with Lance and Kris.

The Previews

#7 Richmond @ #3 NDSU
Richmond sis what that had to do to whip Illinois State last week. They stuffed the run and made the quarterback beat them throwing the ball. If they can do it that game plan will be successful in the Fargodome as well. I don’t think they can. Bison 24-21.

Sam Houston State @ #1 Jacksonville State
These may be the two most athletic teams in the FCS. Both of the play by play guys said they were almost a mirror image of one another. I think that Sam Houston State has the experience of being here before and that will be the difference. Bearkats in the upset 52-48.

TSOTN Week 15 (Playoffs-3rd Round)

National Notes Week 15

Kevin Marshall, National Contributor | December 11, 2015

The State of the Nation

What a tremendous second round of the FCS Playoffs! Three of the seeded teams went down in defeat. If you can get into the field and get on a roll you can hoist the trophy in Frisco! I believe that is why our system is superior to the so called ‘College Football Playoff’.

The Reviews

#1 Jacksonville State Chattanooga 35 OT
Just another epic slugfest in the series between these two. Gamecock quarterback Eli Jenkins threw for 208 yards, pushing him past the 5,000 yard mark in his career, and he also ran for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Troymaine Pope ran for 234 yards, the second most in a single game in school history, and also scored three touchdowns. The Mocs fought back from a 14 point deficit late in the third quarter and took the lead 35-28 with around nine minutes remaining in the contest. Pope promptly tied it at 35 apiece with a 74 yard touchdown run off of right tackle. In the extra session Chattanooga quarterback Jacob Huesman was intercepted in the endzone. Jenkins then ended the Chattanooga season with a 14 yard game winning touchdown run to propel the Gamecocks to the final eight.

#2 Illinois State 36 Western Illinois 19
Western Illinois hung around a lot longer than the Redbirds and their faithful would have liked. ISU led 7-6 at the half but trailed 12-7 in the third quarter. The final stanza belonged to Brock Spack and his Redbirds. Illinois State outscored the Leathernecks 21-7 and that was the difference. The rushing attack of ISU continues to be impressive. ISU ran for 350 yards and Marshaun Coprich led them to the victory with 217 yards and two touchdowns.

#3 North Dakota State 37 Montana 6
North Dakota State dominated the Griz in all facets of this game. Emory Hunt likes to say that a “strong defense and a powerful running game is the recipe for success at any level” and the Bison have both of these. NDSU ran the ball for 250 yards and held Montana to just 6 rushing yards. NDSU possessed the ball for over 40 minutes. Montana Coach Bob Stitt doesn’t feel that time of possession is an important stat. He prefers to look at the number of plays run. It is hard to win when the quarterback throws interceptions and your opponent is running the ball as well as the Bison are right now.

Sam Houston State 34 McNeese State 29
McNeese State was hoping that their home misfortunes in the playoffs were over. Clearly they are not. Bearkat quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe passed for 313 yards and three touchdowns. In the first meeting between these two Southland Conference schools the Cowboys defense held Sam Houston out of the endzone. That defense was torched this time around for 494 total yards and 26 first downs. McNeese still had a chance to take the lead late in the game. The Cowboys looked to be in excellent position with a first-and-goal at the Bearkat 1 yard line. Sacks and penalties pushed them back to the 40 and they had to punt. They never saw the ball again. Sam Houston went on an 11 play drive to end the game and the McNeese season.

Colgate 44 #5 James Madison 38
Emory and I don’t always get our picks correct, he does better than I do, but we both picked this upset. Colgate quarterback Jake Melville threw two touchdowns and ran for two more. Red Raider running back James Holland ran for 165 yards and two more touchdowns. Melville and Holland are quite the tandem for Coach Dan Hunt’s Colgate team. The Red Raiders started fast and made the Dukes play catchup most of the day. This was the seventh consecutive win for Colgate. They are playing as well as anyone left in the field.

Northern Iowa 29 #6 Portland State 17
Northern Iowa really ground this win out. Tyvis Smith and Aaron Bailey both rushed for over 200 yards and the Panther offensive line was outstanding. Jared Farley had 12 tackles and a pick for the stifling Panther defense. Brett McMakin added 10 tackles and also had an interception. Portland State has nothing to hang their heads about. The Vikings had an excellent season. Viking Coach Bruce Barnum was named the National Coach of the Year this week. I expect great things from PSU in the coming years.

#7 Richmond William and Mary 13
The Oldest Rivalry in the South was no contest the second time around in 2015. Spider running back Jacobi Green ran for 141 yards and three touchdowns to lead Richmond to the victory. The ground game was solid for Richmond. David Broadus added 60 yards and a touchdown to Green’s effort and quarterback Kyle Lauletta ran for two additional scores. The Richmond defense was also excellent. David Jones had a 100 yard pick six which really seemed to take the fight out of the Tribe. William and Mary quarterback Steve Cluley was ineffective. Cluley threw for just 79 yards and three interceptions.

#8 Charleston Southern 14 The Citadel 6
A defensive struggle that went down to wire in the Holy City sent CSU to the third round. Mike Holloway ran for 120 yards and a pair of second quarter touchdowns for the Buccaneers. Turnovers were the difference, as they usually are, and The Citadel put the ball on the ground five times. The Cadets were held to just 267 total yards, 199 on the ground, after piling up 524 in the Bulldogs first round win over Coastal Carolina. CSU has not lost to an FCS opponent all season. Perspective is tough to have when you lose a chance to get to the final eight but for The Citadel any way you look at it 2015 was one hell of a year. Picked to finish seventh in an eight team Southern Conference and playing for the right to advance to the final eight in the nation, not to mention beating USC, is an admirable achievement.

The Interviews

The FCS Wedge welcomes back Mr. KC Keeler, Head Coach at Sam Houston State, to the show this week. Mr. Mark Farley, Head Coach at Northern Iowa, makes his first appearance with us. Thanks to both of these gentlemen for making the time in a very busy week to be with us.

The Previews

Kris Kallem and Lance Berndt are with me this week to breakdown all of the Round Three games. These fellas bring stats galore and all you need to know about who is going to win and why.

#8 Charleston Southern @ #1 Jacksonville State
I like the Gamecocks in this one. The Buccaneers are seriously beat up at the quarterback position. Both of their top two signal callers are listed as doubtful for this game. The CSU defense will keep them in it but the offense can’t help them enough to win. Gamecocks 24-10.

#7 Richmond @ #2 Illinois State
This is a tough ballgame to pick. Each time I have left the Spiders eight legs up this season they have made me eat my words. The question for me is can Richmond stop the Redbird running game? Nobody else has been able to in 2015 but the Spiders may be that squad. If Richmond can contain Marshaun Coprich and make Tre Roberson beat them passing the ball they are capable of winning. It will be close but give me ISU 27-24.

Colgate @ Sam Houston State
The two headed monster for Colgate of quarterback James Melville and running back James Holland will be tough to stop. The Bearkat offense, led by Jeremiah Briscoe and Cory Avery, will also put up crooked numbers. This one comes down to the defenses and who can get off the field on third down. I expect the Bearkats to be more successful doing so. Sam Houston State 42-31.

Northern Iowa @ #3 North Dakota State
This matchup will feature two quarterbacks who were not on the field at the start of the season. Aaron Bailey, of UNI, really played well when inserted into the lineup in the second half of the regular season game between these two. Easton Stick, who did not play in the first meeting, will need his receivers to help him a bit more this week. Both defenses are excellent and points will be at a premium. I’ll take the Bison, in the Fargodome, 21-17.

2015 AGS Freshman Player Of The Year List

Brandon Lawrence, National Contributor | December 08, 2015

2015 Freshman Player Of The Year

Jabari Butler – CB, Abilene Christian

In a league like the Southland Conference, where offense generally runs rampant, it’s always a good idea for programs to reinforce the defense with young talent. That’s what Abilene Christian has done with a player like Butler, who contributed heavily in his inaugural season with the Wildcats.

Butler recorded 40 tackles in his first season, but did most of his damage keeping opposing quarterbacks from completing passes to their intended targets. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound freshman broke up nine passes this season and recorded six interceptions, also adding one fumble recovery in 11 games played. Butler ranked first in the Southland Conference in interceptions and second in passes defended with 1.36 per outing.

Case Cookus – QB, Northern Arizona

The way Cookus played in his first season, one would think he’s been at Northern Arizona for a number of years and is a veteran competing against Big Sky competition. The comfort level for Cookus taking over a Lumberjacks team that seems to be a perpetual contender in the conference was mind blowing, and his numbers support that. The freshman completed 222-of-322 passing in his first season for 3,111 yards and 37 touchdowns (an NAU and FCS freshman record) against only five interceptions.

Cookus completed a whopping 68.9 percent of his passes in 2015 and earned a 184.9 passer efficiency rating after averaging 282.8 passing ypg. For good measure, the signal caller added 90 rushing yards and three ground scores for 40 total touchdowns on the season. His 3,111 passing yards n a season ranks sixth in school history and ranked first in the entre FCS in terms of passing touchdowns.

John Santiago – RB, North Dakota

Unfortunately for Cookus, the freshman player of the year honor in the Big Sky Conference wasn’t a total runaway thanks to the efforts of Santiago, who was named the co-Freshman Player of the Year after an outstanding and explosive effort in which he rushed 223 times for 1,459 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping his North Dakota squad finish with a 5-3 overall record and a near miss on the FCS playoffs.

Santiago averaged 6.5 rushing yards per attempt, and gained 132.6 ypg on the ground in his first season. He also added five catches for 81 yards in 11 contests, and served as the team’s primary kickoff returner, boosting his all-purpose yardage to 196.3 ypg – good for third in the FCS in the category. Not bad for a rook.

Andrew Van Ginkel – DE, South Dakota

The Missouri Valley Conference is widely regarded as the best and deepest at the FCS level, and for a program like South Dakota that hasn’t been among the league’s annual giants in recent years, it’s important to build talent from the ground up to climb to that upper echelon. Van Ginkel gave the Coyotes a glimpse into the future with a strong freshman campaign in 2015, so much so that his efforts landed him among the freshman player of the year candidates.

Van Ginkel registered 54 total tackles for South Dakota – 18 of them were for a loss. The 6-4 lineman filled up the stat sheet with nine sacks, six quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and added a blocked kick in 11 games played for a defense that surrendered 25.5 ppg to opponents.

Micah Wright – WR, Maine

It was a down year for the Black Bears in what many believe was a down year for the Colonial Athletic Association as a whole. But Wright provided a bright spot and gave coaches an exciting look at a potential star in his first season in Orono. Wright hauled in 61 receptions for the Bears for 818 yards (ranked 43rd in the FCS) and five touchdowns, averaging 74.4 receiving ypg.

Wright’s ypg average and 13.4 yards per catch were both team bests for the Black Bears. The freshman added three carries for 34 yards, and had one punt return during the season advertising his versatility. His five receiving touchdowns ranked fifth among FCS freshmen, and his 61 receptions were best among first years in the CAA.

2015 AGS Defensive Player Of The Year List

Brandon Lawrence, National Contributor | December 08, 2015

2015 Defensive Player Of The Year

James Cowser – DE, Southern Utah

Cowser represents consistency at its finest. And putting up consistently dominant numbers led to the senior defensive end becoming the FCS’ all-time leader in career sacks after recording two against Sam Houston State in SUU’s playoff loss. Cowser has 43.5 career sacks.

In his final season with the Thunderbirds, the 6-foot-4 lineman registered 62 total tackles with 17 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 11 games. He added three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries to his stat line.

Cowser was the anchor of a defense that gave up just 20.8 ppg to opponents on the year. The Thunderbirds finished the regular season with an 8-3 record after a dismal 3-9 campaign in 2014.

Javon Hargrave – DT, South Carolina State

Talk about a bull rush up the middle. South Carolina State defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has been wreaking havoc in opponents’ backfields for years, and his senior campaign in 2015 was no different. The man up the middle showed once again why he’s a power threat in stopping not just the run, but also collapsing a quarterback’s pocket from the inside.

Hargrave registered 59 tackles this season, while a whopping 22 of them were for a loss. Sacking the opposing quarterback isn’t always a defensive tackle’s specialty, but the 6-2 Bulldogs senior seems to have re-written the guidebook for the position. His 13.5 sacks this season ranked second in the nation, while his 1.23 sacks per game ranked third in the FCS.

Hargrave added 11 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles in his 11 contests.

Tyrone Holmes – DE, Montana

The Big Sky Conference is well represented with strong defensive players, but Holmes, who wasn’t a household name like Cowser or Sacramento State’s Darnell Sankey headed into the season, blew everyone away with his outlandish performances and statistics.

The senior notched 77 total tackles this season with 17.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks in a conference largely known for its offense. Throw in seven quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles in his 11 games played during the regular season, and Holmes becomes a valid candidate for the defensive player of the year.

Patrick Onwuasor – S, Portland State

Sometimes it’s easy for defensive linemen and linebackers to get the all the credit, since the secondary is the last line of defense when facing an opponent. But Onwuasor was the anchor for a breakout Portland State team that allowed 21.7 ppg and 206.6 passing ypg to challengers.

Onwuasor recorded 75 tackles during the regular season en route to the Vikings’ Big Sky Conference championship, adding in two tackles for loss. When it comes to defensive backs, interceptions and passes defended are the stats most look at and judge. The 6-2 Arizona transfer recorded nine of each in his senior season to help the Vikings, who earned the sixth seed in the FCS playoffs.

Noah Spence – DE, Eastern Kentucky

Spence stands out as the only junior on the list of defensive player of the year candidates, and no one is more deserving after his outstanding season leading the Colonels up front. Eastern Kentucky’s front seven served as a well-oiled machine against the run in 2015, allowing just 111.8 rushing ypg to opponents thanks in large part to Spence’s efforts.

The 6-3 junior spent a significant amount of time in opponents’ backfields, evidenced by his 63 total tackles and 22.5 tackles for loss. The Ohio State transfer hurried the rival quarterback 15 times and managed 11.5 sacks in 11 games played. Spence added three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries to his efforts for a team that spent a majority of the season among the nation’s top 25.

2015 AGS Offensive Player Of The Year List

Brandon Lawrence, National Contributor | December 08, 2015

2015 Offensive Player Of The Year

Marshaun Coprich – RB, Illinois State

After a breakout 2014 campaign in which Coprich led the FCS in rushing with 2,274 yards and was named a first-team all-American, the senior back was no longer a best-kept secret in 2015. Opponents keyed in on the workhorse runner defensively, but no matter how much attention was paid to him, this powerful ball carrier still was able to put up gaudy numbers.

Coprich followed up his monster 2014 season by carrying the ball 276 times for 1,720 yards and 20 touchdowns, tying Fordham back Chase Edmonds for second-most ground touchdowns in the country. His 6.2 yards per carry allowed the 5-foot-9 Coprich to gain 156.4 rushing ypg. He added 13 catches for 139 yards out of the backfield for good measure, serving as a major cog in leading Illinois State to a 9-2 record in the regular season.

Coprich helped his Redbirds earn the No. 2 overall seed in the 2015 playoff bracket.

Chase Edmonds – RB, Fordham

Talk about keeping with tradition. Edmonds, who was named the fourth recipient of the former Jerry Rice Award in 2014, given to the nation’s best freshman player, proved to everyone he wasn’t a one-year wonder. The sophomore running back for Fordham formed a weekly duel with Lamar ball carrier Kade Harrington during the regular season as fans watched the two top backs vie for statistical reign.

After losing a handful of major offensive pieces to graduation following the 2014 season, Fordham’s Edmonds made sure to pick up the slack by constantly putting up eye-catching numbers on the ground week after week. The back finished the year with 1,643 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on 248 carries, giving him an average 149.4 ypg. His magnificent season started with a bang, accumulating 266 all-purpose yards and three rushing touchdowns in his Rams’ 37-35 upset of FBS member Army.

But it’s not just the rushing attack that had defenders fearing the 5-9 sophomore. Edmonds is an all-purpose threat, having caught 31 passes out of the backfield in 2015 for 383 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games played. Edmonds’s 169.2 all-purpose ypg rank fifth in the FCS.

Kade Harrington – RB, Lamar

Sometimes the rise from obscurity is much easier and faster than the rise to sheer dominance. Sometimes the two go hand-in-hand.

The aforementioned Harrington completed the latter in 2015 for his Lamar Cardinals, who finished in the middle of the Southland Conference pack but witnessed the rise of the most dominant FCS weapon in their own backfield. The junior running back thrashed all competition with eight consecutive games going over the 100-yard rushing barrier, including six times over 200 yards. Harrington and Edmonds each set the bar in the FCS this season with 347 rushing yards in a single game (Harrington against Abilene Christian). He finished the year as the nation’s leading rusher with 2,092 yards and 21 touchdowns on 266 carries, averaging an eye-popping 190.2 ypg.

Harrington also added 15 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games played, giving him the nation’s leading total of 213.4 all-purpose ypg. Not bad for someone who played in nine games a year ago and netted a total of 740 rushing yards.

Mark Iannotti – QB, Southern Illinois

It was a rough start for Iannotti’s Salukis, who lost three of their first four games in the 2015 campaign. But for what it’s worth, those three losses came by a grand total of five combined points (including a one-point loss to Big Ten power Indiana).

The senior Eastern Michigan transfer quarterback did everything he could to help his Missouri Valley Conference program stay afloat. Iannotti finished his senior season with 3,195 passing yards – tied for fourth in the country with Holy Cross’s Peter Pujals – and 24 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. His 290.5 passing ypg also ranked fourth in the country.

When defenders weren’t trying to contain Iannotti’s accurate aerial assault (65.6 percent completions), they were attempting to contain his adept ability to run the football. The signal caller toted the ball 179 times in 2015 for 716 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 65.1 rushing ypg – the best ground average on Southern Illinois.

Cooper Kupp – WR, Eastern Washington

There is no stopping Kupp, only the ability to contain him.

The junior receiver demonstrated his outstanding prowess in catching the football, regardless of whether or not he was open, in just about every contest this season. And it didn’t matter that Vernon Adams Jr. wasn’t throwing him the ball anymore. Kupp still hauled in a Big Sky Conference-record 114 receptions in 2015 for 1,642 yards (most in the country) and 19 touchdowns, averaging 149.3 receiving ypg.

But those numbers only begin to scratch the surface of what Kupp accomplished this season. In just three years in the FCS, Kupp already sits just two receiving touchdowns shy of the all-time career record (58), set by former New Hampshire pass catcher David Ball. He’s second on the all-time list with 4,764 career receiving yards, sitting only behind Elon’s Terrell Hudgins, who amassed 5,250 yards in his playing days. Kupp passed Jerry Rice to reach each feat.

Kupp announced recently he will return to Eastern Washington for his senior season, which means when all is said and done on his career Kupp will be the greatest pass catcher statistically in the history of the FCS.