Upset Guesses (Sept 20)

[IdaGriz01]

The “headliner” this week has to be the battle between two ranked teams: #7 New Hampshire at #17 Richmond.

But two others matchup are equally intriguing because the unranked team could easily be ranked if the pollsters saw things differently. After all, James Madison’s only loss was to FBS Maryland ... so it’s a bit of a surprise they’re aren’t ranked in the top-25. Same with Bryant, which is 3-0, having beaten two reasonably good FCS teams in Stony Brook and Maine.

Next, South Carolina State’s losses have been to FBS Clemson and highly ranked Coastal Carolina. Furman has not won over anyone good, and lost to a so-so Presbyterian team. This could turn out to be a good matchup.

I thought I’d throw in one “loser bowl” with two zero-win teams matched up. I picked the “favorite” based strictly on past reputation. But perhaps someone out there thinks Austin “Pee” could get its first win for the year.

Finally, I wanted to give you a chance to pick at least one FBS upset. Purdue is not a terrible FBS team, but they could be vulnerable.

As usual, team on the left is the under-dog. You can pick two upsets.

 

[AZGrizFan]

So Griz over NDSU wouldn't be an "upset"?

 

[go96griz]

What about MSU vs. EWU as an upset option as well? I recall that maybe you don't include Big Sky teams for some reason, correct??

 

[IdaGriz01]

What about MSU vs. EWU as an upset option as well? I recall that maybe you don't include Big Sky teams for some reason, correct??

Right.

I avoid using matchups involving Big Sky teams (conference or OOC) because those seem to set off even more craziness than usual. Everyone has their own "pet hates" and "second favorites" that skew the results. And those matchups usually end up with their own threads anyway ... so I focus on other parts of the FCS.

 

[AZGrizFan]

What about MSU vs. EWU as an upset option as well? I recall that maybe you don't include Big Sky teams for some reason, correct??

Right.

I avoid using matchups involving Big Sky teams (conference or OOC) because those seem to set off even more craziness than usual. Everyone has their own "pet hates" and "second favorites" that skew the results. And those matchups usually end up with their own threads anyway ... so I focus on other parts of the FCS.

Roger that. Thanks for clarifying. :thumb:

 

[IdaGriz01]

Bit surprised that JMU over Villanova is the leading vote getter right now. While JMU certainly has a chance, 'Nova is supposedly pretty tough at home.

 

[fanofzoo]

Liberty went FBS didn't they?

 

[IdaGriz01]

Liberty went FBS didn't they?

Headed that way as fast as they can, but not there yet. Right now they are a member of the FCS Big South Conference. Based on, I believe, their "move up" feasibility study, they are waiting for an invitation from some FBS conference. I assume that means they found that going it alone as an Independent was not feasible -- the BYU case would be instructive in that regard.

That's my understanding without really digging into it. Perhaps a Liberty fan could bring us up to date.

 

[IdaGriz01]

I see people are starting to lean a little more toward a Richmond win, at home, over UNH.

But no one thinks Austin P has a hope against Eastern Illinois.

 

[IdaGriz01]

And still no one thinks Austin "Pee" has any chance at all.

Perhaps they should just forfeit. [Hmmm, where have I heard that recently?]

 

[Grizzly Oredigger]

And still no one thinks Austin "Pee" has any chance at all.

Perhaps they should just forfeit. [Hmmm, where have I heard that recently?]

Austin Peay is one of the worst teams in the country...they stink...and their field is trying to kill them

 

[BisonMav]

Purdue is a bad B1G team, in a bad B1G. Should be easy pickin's for SIU.

Sign at Game Day read: Big Ten, Bad Math, Bad Football

 

[frozenorth]

went with bryant and siu, wanted to pick richmond too.

 

[IdaGriz01]

< Bump.>

Last chance to vote before the games begin.

 

[IdaGriz01]

Hmmm ... does not look so good for an upset of Purdue.

It also looked pretty dismal for JMU at #8 Villanova in the first quarter ... they couldn't do anything. But then JMU managed a long ball to score, first thing in the second. Might have a game there after all. (Showing on channel 630 on DirecTV, one of the Comcast stations.)