IdaGriz01
Well-known member
Avoiding Big Sky games for this poll is a special problem this week since there are several crucial conference games coming up. Beyond that, this week is difficult because there is only one other ranked-vs-ranked matchup and not many credible upset chances. (Obviously, unlikely upsets happen, but those are generally impossible to predict.) That’s why I’ve stated my rationale for including a game on the list:
The Maine-RI matchup is obviously the “marque” matchup for tomorrow, with both being ranked. So that was an easy call.
The Elon at Delaware tilt has all the earmarks of a “trap” game, with the Phoenix coming off their big upset of James Madison. And Delaware is at home, where they can be tough.
Since neither Western Carolina nor Chattanooga are ranked, I had to go with the overall records to choose a favorite. Normally, an upset would seem pretty unlikely, but the Mocs have been up and down all year.
Villanova is out of the hunt in the conference and would need to win out to have a shot at the playoffs. It’s double stretch that JMU would lose two in a row. So ‘Nova’s only remaining motivation has to be as “spoiler” and they are at home.
With its 1-4 record, Furman seems like an unlikely candidate to upset #6 Wofford, but they are at home, and they’ve had a week off to prepare. They need this game and then to win out to have even a sniff of a playoff spot (where they went two deep last year).
On paper, the UNI game at South Dakota also seems unlikely for an upset. However, the ‘Yotes did struggle some (at home) against Missouri State … and it’s desperation time for the Leathernecks. They simply cannot afford another loss.
It is equally desperation time for Indiana State and Missouri State, and especially for I-State. Both teams would need a run starting from here to have even an outside shot at a playoff bid.
I would not normally include a game from the feeble Northeast Conference, but there’s one that could be crucial. Both teams are currently undefeated in conference, so the winner will have a huge leg up on the final auto-bid.
Three votes (if desired) allowed, and you can change them later.
The Maine-RI matchup is obviously the “marque” matchup for tomorrow, with both being ranked. So that was an easy call.
The Elon at Delaware tilt has all the earmarks of a “trap” game, with the Phoenix coming off their big upset of James Madison. And Delaware is at home, where they can be tough.
Since neither Western Carolina nor Chattanooga are ranked, I had to go with the overall records to choose a favorite. Normally, an upset would seem pretty unlikely, but the Mocs have been up and down all year.
Villanova is out of the hunt in the conference and would need to win out to have a shot at the playoffs. It’s double stretch that JMU would lose two in a row. So ‘Nova’s only remaining motivation has to be as “spoiler” and they are at home.
With its 1-4 record, Furman seems like an unlikely candidate to upset #6 Wofford, but they are at home, and they’ve had a week off to prepare. They need this game and then to win out to have even a sniff of a playoff spot (where they went two deep last year).
On paper, the UNI game at South Dakota also seems unlikely for an upset. However, the ‘Yotes did struggle some (at home) against Missouri State … and it’s desperation time for the Leathernecks. They simply cannot afford another loss.
It is equally desperation time for Indiana State and Missouri State, and especially for I-State. Both teams would need a run starting from here to have even an outside shot at a playoff bid.
I would not normally include a game from the feeble Northeast Conference, but there’s one that could be crucial. Both teams are currently undefeated in conference, so the winner will have a huge leg up on the final auto-bid.
Three votes (if desired) allowed, and you can change them later.
