I am going to add a dimension to the PRS this week. I will first release the Rankings, and then I will start to break it down in a seperate post. This week saw some major surprises, and being as such, there have been some major shifts at the top. Let's take a look...
1. Bethune-Cookman (9-0, 2067)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #3, Defeated Hampton 23-18
Points Gained: 278
This Week: Howard
The Wildcats are number one for the first time in their history. They have deserved it, and have fought very hard all season to make it to this point. The win over Hampton was hard fought, and they had to rally at the end to win it. They should maintain their edge against Howard this week.
I Pick: Bethune-Cookman
2. Jacksonville (9-1, 1864)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #5, Defeated Butler 24-13
Points Gained: 232
This Week: Campbell
The Dolphins keep on finding higher ground to stand on. QB Josh MacGregor has passed for 9 TDs in the last two games, and he passed for 2 against the Bulldogs to give the Dolphins the win. This is the final regular season game for JU, and a win should mean a lock for the playoffs.
I Pick: JU
3. Southeast Missouri State (9-1, 1733)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #4, Defeated Southwest Baptist 40-14
Points Gained: 26
This Week: at #5 Jacksonville State
The Redhawks picked up the win against Southwest, but the D2 status of their opponent has cost them a #1 ranking this week. They have a major battle coming up against the Gamecocks for the Ohio Valley title and an automatic birth in the playoffs. Henry Harris rushed for 293 yards last week.
I Pick: SE Missouri
4. Wofford (8-1, 1725)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #7, Defeated Samford 10-3
Points Gained: 217
This Week: at #8 Appalachian State
The Terriers have been a major force on the national scene in 2010. Their power option game has been unstoppable, and this week is set up as the Southern Conference championship game. Another auto playoff birth is on the line.
I Pick: Appalachian State
5. Jacksonville State (8-1, 1717)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #1, Lost to Eastern Kentucky 49-37
Points Lost: -175
This Week: #3 Jacksonville State
The Gamecocks got dumped at a very bad time this week. They can still win the OVC, but they have to win against SE Missouri this week, and then finish out with a win over Tennessee Tech on the road. Even if they beat Southeast this week, they still must beat Tech the week after to qualify automatically.
I Pick: SE Missouri
6. Dayton (9-1, 1705)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #6, Defeated Drake 31-25
Points Gained: 187
This Week: at Marist
This is the final game of the season for the Flyers, and what an amazing season it has been. The tragedy about the current system is that the FCS playoffs would never take both Jacksonville and Dayton in the same year, and has never taken even one team from the PFL. Several teams will get bids that won't deserve them more than the Flyers in 2010.
I Pick: Dayton
7. Robert Morris (8-1, 1694)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #9, Defeated #35 Central Connecticut State 42-24
Points Ginaed: 260
This Week: at Bryant
STATUS: QUALIFIED FOR FCS PLAYOFFS
Congrats to the 2010 Colonials, as they are the first team in the country to get a playoff bid by virtue of winning the Northeast Conference. This is the first time that the NEC has been eligible for an auto bid.
I Pick: Robert Morris
8. Appalachian State (8-1, 1660)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #2, Lost to Georgia Southern 21-14
Points Lost: -193
This Week: #4 Wofford
Last week brought a nasty setback for the Mountaineers. They need a win this week, but will more than likely be playoff bound either way. Winning the SoCon and getting the auto bid would make it easier.
I Pick: Appalachian State
9T. William & Mary (7-2, 1535)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #10, Defeated New Hampshire 13-3
Points Gained: 273
This Week: at James Madison
The Tribe picked up a huge win this weekend, and now they look like the team to beat for the CAA title. Delaware and Villanova have already fallen to the Tribe, so the only team that can try to steal the crown is UMass. A win this week and a UMass loss would hand the title to the Tribe.
I Pick: The Tribe
9T. Grambling (8-1, 1535)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #8, Defeated Concordia (AL) 35-0
Points Gained: 35
This Week: #19 Texas Southern
The Tigers have yet to lose a SWAC game in 2010, and have not lost to an FCS opponent. This is not the week to start. There is still no word on whether the Tigers would accept an invitation to the FCS Playoffs, or if they would hold off for a Legacy Bowl bid. You know how I would lean.
I Pick: Grambling
11. Delaware (8-1, 1492)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #12, Defeated Towson 48-0
Points Gained: 246
This Week: at #29 UMass
There will be no bigger Blue Hen fans than the folks in Williamsburg this weekend. A Delaware win would cement the Blue Hens inthe FCS playoff structure, and would give William & Mary the CAA crown.
I Pick: Delaware
12. Pennsylvania (7-1, 1476)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #17, Defeated Princeton 52-10
Points Gained: 294
This Week: #27 Harvard
A win this week would solidify the crown on the heasd of the Quaker football team in the Ivy League. Too bad that the hypocritical Ivy League won;t let their football members participate in the post season due to academic concerns. Wierd that those concerns don't worry the League in EVERY OTHER SPORT!!! Let the boys play Ivy League...you look like fools.
I Pick: Penn
13. Stephen F. Austin (7-2, 1472)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #16, Defeated Nicholls State 48-13
Points Gained: 283
This Week: SE Louisiana
This week will be a must win for the Lumberjacks, but a win this week will lead to an even bigger must win next week against Northwestern State. Don't look ahead.
I Pick: SF Austin
14. Liberty (7-2, 1423)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #14, Defeated Gardner-Webb 40-14
Points Gained: 216
This Week: at Coastal Carolina
As long as the Flames can't shake Stony Brook, every game is a must win. Their shot to finally shake the Sea Wolves comes a week from next Saturday, and may very well serve as the Big South Championship tilt.
I Pick: Liberty
15. Montana State (8-2, 1384)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #15, Defeated Weber State 24-10
Points Gained: 188
This Week: Idle
The Bobcats have an open week to prepare for the game of the year against arch rival Montana. That game is a must win for the Bobcats to win the Big Sky title. Gonna be huge!!!
16. South Carolina State (7-2, 1220)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #19, Defeated Howard 54-14
Points Gained: 244
This Week: at Morgan State (Thursday)
The Bulldogs are not dead yet, but they need a bunch of help. They would be a very nice addition to the Legacy Bowl if Bethune-Cookman takes a shot at the FCS playoffs (which they should if the hang on and win the MEAC).
I Pick: SC State
17. Eastern Washington (7-2, 1213)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #13, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: #25 Southern Utah
The Eagles still have a chance to win the Big Sky if Montana defeats Montana State. This week brings an oddly scheduled non-conference game a week after a bye. This will be the last time that EWU and SUU meet as non-conference opponents, as the Thunderbirds are joining the Big Sky next season.
I Pick: EWU
18. Lehigh (7-2, 1171)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #20, Defeated Holy Cross 34-17
Points Gained: 251
This Week: at Georgetown
A Lehigh win this week puts a second team in the FCS playoffs. Lehigh should get ready to celebrate.
I Pick: Lehigh
19. Texas Southern (6-3, 1097)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #23, Defeated Southern 54-7
Points Gained: 295
This Week: #9T Grambling
It's game over for the Tigers if they do not beat Grambling. This is TSU's last shot at playing for the SWAC title. It's been a pretty amazing season for TSU in any event.
I Pick: Grambling
20. Villanova (6-3, 1059)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #11, Lost to Rhode Island 17-14
Points Lost: -189
This Week: New Hampshire
Villanova is now at risk from missing a chance to defend their title. Another loss this week to UNH would be devastating.
I Pick: Villanova
21. Western Illinois (6-3, 1024)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #18, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: at Southern Illinois
This is crunch time for the Leathernecks. WIU must win out to stay in the playoff conversation.They are in right now, but one more loss would push them out.
I Pick: WIU
22. Cal Poly (7-3, 994)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: Defeated South Dakota 38-24
Points Gained: 252
This Week: UC-Davis
The Mustangs are another team that needs to win out to get to the post season. This is the final game of the year, so here is their big shot.
I Pick: Cal Poly
23. Northern Iowa (6-3, 928)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #31, Defeated Indiana State 30-20
Points Gained: 240
This Week: Missouri State
The Panthers will need to win out. If they do, they will have a conference title and a playoff bid. A loss would be a dream killer.
I Pick: UNI
24. North Dakota State (6-3, 912)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #26, Defeated Southern Illinois 20-6
Points Gained: 184
This Week: South Dakota State
The Bison could have a very outside chance of busting the bracket. Two more wins would make them 8-3, which would also move them into the top 20.
I Pick: NDSU
25. Southern Utah (6-4, 906)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #21, Defeated Dixie State 52-0
Points Gained: 0
This Week: at #17 Eastern Washington
The TBirds would probably need a major win to get to the playoffs, and this week is their final game and chance. Even though they have won the final Great West title, they are still a minor player in the playoff race.
I Pick: EWU
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
26. Florida A&M (6-3, 904)
27. Harvard (6-2, 880)
28. Yale (6-2, 858)
29. UMass (6-3, 845)
30. Old Dominion (6-3, 792)
31. Central Arkansas (6-3, 786)
32. Chattanooga (5-4, 700)
33. Montana (6-3, 691)
34. Georgia Southern (5-4, 680)
35. Central Connecticut State (6-3, 659)
Fell Out: New Hampshire, Jackson State, Hampton
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