Interesting Week 1 games

[CALUPA69]

Though they're mostly mismatch games, a few can give a glimpse of potential surprises both good and bad. I'm not nearly well enough informed to comment on the national picture, but games that intrigue me are SRU @ WAYNE ST, INDY @ASHLAND, BENTLEY @ WCU, NEW HAVEN @ IUP and ODU @ SHEPHERD. What else is worth keeping an eye on ?

[Braves'86]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

I'd throw in West Florida @ Carson-Newman (picked to win the SAC)

[Shugley]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

I'd throw in West Florida @ Carson-Newman (picked to win the SAC)

West Florida is going to be tough this year. I'm excited to see this game. Fortunately, DSU's first game is on a Thursday, which leaves me to watch the big ticket games on Saturday.

[LegalRam]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

From the CIAA land there are a couple of interesting matchups:

Benedict @ Fayetteville State - After being a doormat for years Benedict has been trending up in the SIAC the last few seasons and Fayetteville State has been CIAA runner-up the last two seasons. Benedict is picked second in the SIAC East and Fayetteville State is picked first in CIAA South.
VUU @ Hampton (FCS) - VA Union is projected to win the CIAA so if they can find a way to keep this respectable it could shed some light on their chances for a playoff run. Also, Hampton has Florida State transfer Deondre Francois at QB so if they can somewhat contain him that could speak volumes for their defense.

[codeblack]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Harding @ Ouachita Baptist should be a good week 1 game in the GAC. Sept 5th (Thursday).

[EveryCatAWildman]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

MIAA - Fort Hays @ Central Missouri (Thursday night) - Fort Hays trying to 3 peat as conference champs but very likely wouldn't even be a 2x if the UCM quarterback Bolles hadn't gotten hurt in the 4th quarter of these two teams meeting last year in week 1. Bolles is back and UCM is probably looking to get some revenge and stake their claim for an MIAA title run.

[GWolf]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Pueblo heading off to St George for the last time before Dixie goes FCS. Could be interesting since Pueblo has a history of manhandling FCS teams.

[Irishlaker]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Pueblo heading off to St George for the last time before Dixie goes FCS. Could be interesting since Pueblo has a history of manhandling FCS teams.

Sounds like they should move up.

[GWolf]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Sounds like they should move up.

Our team beat a weak Northern Colorado team in '13, then San Angelo who was nationally ranked and made the FCS playoffs in '14, our D2 championship year. I don't know the inner workings and all but it seems the powers that be in Pueblo would rather remain a big fish for now. I'm sure the same can be said for other strong D2 teams.

[Runnin' Cat]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Our team beat a weak Northern Colorado team in '13, then San Angelo who was nationally ranked and made the FCS playoffs in '14, our D2 championship year. I don't know the inner workings and all but it seems the powers that be in Pueblo would rather remain a big fish for now. I'm sure the same can be said for other strong D2 teams.

Angelo is not FCS. You mean Sam Houston State. And Dixie is not an FCS team as yet so I am not sure of the bearing of that in regards to the final game in DII.

Out West in the GNAC, we have two play up games, and two battles with LSC teams.

Western Oregon travels to Angelo State, and Azusa Pacific travels to face WTAMU. Meanwhile CWU travels the three hours to Palouse country to take on the Idaho Vandals in Moscow, a week after the Vandals have a pay day in Happy Valley. Simon Fraser travels down I-5 to take on Portland State.

[GWolf]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Angelo is not FCS. You mean Sam Houston State. And Dixie is not an FCS team as yet so I am not sure of the bearing of that in regards to the final game in DII.

Out West in the GNAC, we have two play up games, and two battles with LSC teams.

Western Oregon travels to Angelo State, and Azusa Pacific travels to face WTAMU. Meanwhile CWU travels the three hours to Palouse country to take on the Idaho Vandals in Moscow, a week after the Vandals have a pay day in Happy Valley. Simon Fraser travels down I-5 to take on Portland State.

Good catch! I get the two mixed up since we made a trip to Angelo too back then. Played and beat them in Dallas.

[cwfenn]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Though they're mostly mismatch games, a few can give a glimpse of potential surprises both good and bad. I'm not nearly well enough informed to comment on the national picture, but games that intrigue me are SRU @ WAYNE ST, INDY @ASHLAND, BENTLEY @ WCU, NEW HAVEN @ IUP and ODU @ SHEPHERD. What else is worth keeping an eye on ?

New Haven at IUP could be interesting, but not sure who the Chargers will have at QB. Loaded at WR though. They got a transfer QB from New Hampshire, but the last time they started a D1 transfer at QB, he played one half and eventually got moved to WR.

[Doomsday Defense]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

I wish this matchup was in midseason but both teams should come in healthy and it will be a good one.
Way too early prediction: OBU 20 Harding 17

[Irishlaker]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Our team beat a weak Northern Colorado team in '13, then San Angelo who was nationally ranked and made the FCS playoffs in '14, our D2 championship year. I don't know the inner workings and all but it seems the powers that be in Pueblo would rather remain a big fish for now. I'm sure the same can be said for other strong D2 teams.

Relax, Fella. My comment was VERY tongue-in-cheek.

[GWolf]

Re: Interesting Week 1 games

Relax, Fella. My comment was VERY tongue-in-cheek.

I had to give up mind reading so answered as if you meant it.