The numbers are in for another week, and we are only a week away from the playoff brackets being announced. This is going to be one wild week for some folks sitting on the bubble, so let's see how teams are faring in our weekly power ranking...
1. Bethune-Cookman (10-0, 2267)
Last Week's Rankng/Result: #1, Defeated Howard 35-20
Points Gained: 200
This Week: Florida A&M (at Orlando)
Because of quirky scheduling in the MEAC, the Wildcats won the conference title due to playing a 9 game schedule, where the Rattlers will only play 8 league teams. The Cats are the only undefeated team left in FCS action, so of course, they are deserving of being here.
I Pick: Bethune-Cookman
2. Jacksonville (10-1, 2052)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #2, Defeated Campbell 31-24
Points Gained: 188
This Week: Regular Season Completed
The Dolphins sit and wait, as the PFL does not provide an auto bid into the playoffs. With a #2 power ranking, obviously the PRS states that the Dolphins should get in. Huge season for JU, and congrats to Coach Bell and the entire team and staff on an 8-0 season in PFL play.
3. Dayton (10-1, 1953)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #6, Defeated Marist 41-34 (2OT)
Points Gained: 248
This Week: Regular Season Completed
What a shame that the Flyers and JU Dolphins never played this season. Both finished the PFL at 8-0, and Dayton would certainly be a nice fit for any playoff structure. It's too bad that the FCS will not be taking two from the PFL, because JU was just a bit better.
4. Jacksonville State (9-1, 1948)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #5, Defeated #9 Southeast Missouri State 29-27
Points Gained: 231
This Week: at Tennessee Tech
The Gamecocks likely will fall short of a regular season PRS title if Bethune-Cookman wins next weekend, but they are certainly in line to finish at number 2 with a win, as they would surpass JU and Dayton in total points. A liast ditch 17 yard Marquise Ivory TD pass saved their ass last weekend. They must avoid an upset loss to the spoiler Eagles this week.
I Pick: JSU
5. Appalachian State (9-1, 1933)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #8, Defeated #10 Wofford 43-13
Points Gained: 273
This Week: at Florida
A major upset over the reeling Gators in Gainesville would more than likely propel the Mountaineers to the #1 spot in the final rankings next week. I would never dismiss the Mountaineers out of hand, as I predicted the win over Michigan a few years back. Gret program and great coach. The Mountaineers locked up their 6th straight title in the SoCon this weekend, and that ties Georgia Southern's mark from 1997-2002. Into the playoffs we go!
I Pick: Florida, but an upset is highly possible.
6. Delaware (9-1, 1755)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: 9-1, 1755
Points Gained: 263
This Week: #32 Villanova
The old guard becomes new again with a win over the Wildcats, who are self destructing as we speak. The Blue Hens wrap up the Colonial title with a win or with a William & Mary loss.
I Pick: UD
7. Pennsylvania (8-1, 1730)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #12, Defeated Harvard 34-14
Points Gained: 254
This Week: at Cornell
Penn looks to be the class of the Ivy in 2010. A win over Cornell guarantees an undisputed league title, but considering the Qaukers have already beaten the Bulldogs, Penn wins the Ivy anyway.
I Pick: Penn
8. Stephen F. Austin (8-2, 1710)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #13, Defeated SE Louisiana 51-14
Points Gained: 238
This Week: Northwestern State
The Lumberjacks gain the auto bid with a win this week. A loss would shatter the picture in the Southland, so beating the Demons this week is imperative.
I Pick: SFA
9. Southeast Missouri State (9-2, 1608)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #3, Lost to #4 Jacksonville State 29-27
Points Lost: -125
This Week: Regular Season Completed
The Redhawks had a remarkable season in 2010, and came within seconds of locking up an Ohio Valley title this weekend. A title is still possible if Jacksonville State gets knocked off by Tennessee Tech. Everyone in Southeast Missouri is a huge Tech fan this weekend.
10. Wofford (8-2, 1558)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #4, Lost to #5 Appalachian State 43-13
Points Lost: -167
This Week: #25 Chattanooga
The Terriers lost their shot at dethroning the Mountaineers this weekend, and so will now wait to see where the y fall in the playoff picture, but first at hand is avoiding the letdown and an upset at the hands of the Mocs, who would love to move past the Terriers and steal a bid.
I Pick: Wofford
11. Robert Morris (8-2, 1509)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #7, Lost to Bryant 27-21
Points Lost: -185
This Week: Regular Season Completed
I am never a fan of laying down for a game after you have already qulaified for the playoffs, but that seems to be what the Colonials did. They have already received their playoff nod, so there was little to play for this week, but a loss kills momentum.
12. South Carolina State (8-2, 1474)
Last Week's Ranking:/Result: #16, Defeated Morgan State 32-10
Points Gained: 254
This Week: at North Carolina A&T
The Aggies won't pose much of a threat to the Bulldogs this week, but SC State looks unlikely to get into the playoffs at this point. I cannot see two schools from the MEAC making it in, and Bethune-Cookman is just better, and they also defeated the Bulldogs already.
I Pick: SC State
13. Eastern Washington (8-2, 1451)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #17, Defeated Southern Utah 31-24
Points Gained: 238
This Week: Idaho State
The Bengals should provide an easy win for the Eagles, but John Zamberlin has been fired at ISU, so his guys will likely give this game everything to try and steal a win heading out the door. Beware of the upset, as the Eagles cannot afford to lose here. Need a Montana State loss to win the Big Sky, and needs to beat Idaho State.
I Pick: EWU
14T. Grambling (8-2, 1412)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #9T, Lost to #18 Texas Southern 41-34 (OT)
Points Lost: -123
This Week: Idle
The Tigers actually have one more game remaining against arch rival Southern, but not until November 27, which disqualifies the Tigers for the playoffs, as the first round will take place that weekend.
14T. Lehigh (8-2, 1412)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #18, Defeated Georgetown 24-7
Points Gained: 241
This Week: at Lafayette
The Mountain Hawks won their first Patriot title since 2001 and locked up their first playoff bid since 2004. This rivalry against Lafayette is usually a fun game to watch if you can find it on TV. Watched it last season and was thouroughly entertained.
I Pick: Lehigh
16. Montana State (8-2, 1384)
Last Week's Raking/Result: #15, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: at #28 Montana
The Bobcats have a chance to kill the old guard with a win on the road next weekend, but that is no easy task. A win, and MSU secures a Big Sky title. A loss, and MSU is sweating to see if 3 make it in from the Big Sky. I think that 3 do make it in, but better not to chance it.
I Pick: MSU
17. William & Mary (7-3, 1353)
Last Week's Ranking: #9T, Lost to James Madison 30-24
Points Lost: -182
This Week: Richmond
That loss to the Dukes was very bad. The Tribe has pissed away a Colonial title, and a loss to the Spiders this week would jeopardize a tournament birth. The Tribe just has to win this game.
I Pick: William & Mary
18. Texas Southern (7-3, 1345)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #19, Defeated #14T Grambling 41-34 (OT)
Points Gained: 248
This Week: UA-Pine Bluff
The Tigers stole the SWAC West from Grambling this week, but a loss to the Lions would give it right back. A must win game for the Tigers this week.
I Pick: TSU
19. Liberty (7-3, 1240)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #14, Lost to Coastal Carolina 45-31
Points Lost: -183
This Week: Stony Brook
Liberty flamed out this week with a terrible loss to the Chanticleers on the road. The Flames now go home for a must win war with the Sea Wolves, but the Flames also need Coastal to lose now to lock up the Big South title. It doesn't look good.
I Pick: Liberty
20. Northern Iowa (7-3, 1140)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #23, Defeated Missouri State 38-14
Points Gained: 212
This Week: at Western Illinois
The Panthers have won the Missouri Valley title with the win over the Bears this weekend. Now UNI can destroy any chances that the Leathernecks have of getting into the playoffs. There are many schools praying that the Panthers won't lay down for this one.
I Pick: UNI
21. North Dakota State (7-3, 1100)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #24, Defeated South Dakota State 31-24
Points Gained: 188
This Week: at Missouri State
Yet another must win for the Bison this week. A loss could send the Bison home for the Holidays, but stranger things have happened. ND State has been hanging around all season.
I Pick: ND State
22. Florida A&M (7-3, 1076)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #26, Defeated Hampton 17-12
Points Gained: 172
This Week: vs. #1 Bethune-Cookman (at Orlando)
This is a big game, make no mistake. The stakes are high for the Wildcats and Rattlers, as A&M tries to spoilt the Cats' perfect season. A win by the Rattlers would definately shake up the playoff picture a bit.
I Pick: Bethune-Cookman
23. Yale (7-2, 1023)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #28, Defeated Princeton 14-13
Points Gained: 165
This Week: at Harvard
The Bulldogs can only share a piece of the Ivy title with a win and a Penn loss. That will be a nice building block, but there is no post season for Ivy schools. I hate that "tradition".
I Pick: UPSET ALERT!!! Harvard
24. Old Dominion (7-3, 1004)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #30, Defeated VMI 45-28
Points Gained: 212
This Week: at North Carolina Central
This will be the Monarchs final game as an independent before moving into the Colonial next season. Make no mistake, ODU is a very good football team, and the future is bright. There will likely be no playoff this season, but next season will be a dfferent story.
I Pick: ODU
25. Chattanooga (6-4, 932)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #32, Defeated Samford 48-14
Points Gained: 232
This Week: at #10 Wofford
The Mocs have had a strange ride this season, but they are definately one of the most improved teams in the antion for 2010. W win on the road this week will be a bunch to ask, but it is what they will need to qulaify for a playoff bid.
I Pick: Wofford
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
26. Georgia Southern (6-4, 910)
27. Colgate (6-4, 884)
28. Montana (7-3, 878)
29. New Hampshire (6-4, 869)
30. Central Connecticut State (7-3, 859)
31. McNeese State (6-4, 839)
32. Villanova (6-4, 826)
33. Western Illinois (6-4, 829)
34. Jackson State (7-3, 815)
35. Cal Poly (7-4, 814)
OUT: Central Arkansas, UMass, Harvard, Southern Utah
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