Commentary
The “underdog” role in the South Dakota – South Dakota State game is an artifact of the STATS poll. The Jacks’ will be on fire at home after their close road loss … bur the ‘Yotes will want to prove they should be ranked higher and to retain their undefeated record in the MVFC. Myself, I consider this a pickem’.
The difference in ranking between Western Carolina and Mercer is another poll anomaly, as far as I’m concerned. The pollsters somehow awarded the Bears repeated Top-10 rankings until this week, yet largely ignored the Catamounts. Perhaps we’ll know who’s the better team after this weekend.
The Maine at Rhode Island game shapes up to be a barn-burner. Despite their mediocre record, the way the Black Bear pounded Villanova suggests a team that may have gelled into a contender. I’d say: Look out Rhodies!
Is Villanova likely to lose two in a row … especially at home? Probably not. But New Hampshire won’t want to lose two in a row either … they will be a handful.
More drama in the CAA, between Stony Brook and William & Mary. Look at the overall records, despite the fact that W&M is ranked. … and one of the Seawolves losses was to an FBS opponent.
The Incarnate Word matchup at SE Louisiana has some elements of a trap game. The pollsters have given the Lions a few votes along the way, while keeping the Cardinals high in the rankings. But SELA actually leads the conference, and will want to keep it that way. I’m not sure I’d bet against them at home.
The Dartmouth at Columbia game is another match for the conference lead. I grant the Lions a slight home field advantage.
