I made this post on the AAC board and would like everyone's thoughts on the matter. I would be lying if I said that this "race" has not made things more interesting. So far, it's been fun to keep up with things.

Here you go:

The race for the Access Bowl has come down to four teams: Colorado State, East Carolina, Temple and Marshall. Of these, Marshall has the best shot at making it due to their SOS, as I don't think that ECU, Temple or CSU will finish without another loss.

Marshall's toughest remaining games: FIU, UAB and a conference championship game (against either Rice or La Tech, if I'm guessing).

ECU's toughest remaining games: Temple, Cincinnati, Central Florida.

Temple's toughest remaining games: Pick one. They have Ped State, Cinci, UCF, ECU, Houston and Memphis left. They have the smallest chance -by far- of winning out. My guess is that they beat PSU, Cinci and Tulane to finish with a 7-5 record. I could easily see them sneaking out a win against ECU at home, as well.

CSU's toughest remaining games: Utah State, Air Force and a conference championship game (against SDSU or SJSU).

ECU sputtered in the first half yesterday against USF but dominated the second half. I've read on the CUSA board that Marshall looked undisciplined and sloppy at times in their game against Middle as well. I watched Colorado State get up on Nevada 31-10 and then turned it off; it appears that Nevada staged one hell of a comeback attempt.

Anything can happen from here on out but if yesterday told me anything, it's that both ECU and CSU will likely drop one along the way and that Marshall is likely to win out.

Before I get piled on regarding my SOS remark, please don't take it as a smart-a$$ed remark. I'm just telling things as I see them. The road games that Marshall will play against both FIU and UAB will be tough, as will a conference championship game... even if they are hosting.

One more thing: I've read that Marshall did not look great yesterday. What was the story?

I read your comments on the AAC Board. I think it is a pretty simple setup for entry into the Access Bowl. It's ECU to lose right now and as it stands today, Marshall is the only school that is competing for it. I know the Selection Committee Poll will determine the highest rated G-5 program to participate in the Access Bowl. I also believe when the Selection Committee releases their first poll, it will mirror the AP and Coaches Poll.

The only way schools other than ECU or Marshall will have a shot at the Access Bowl is by both of those schools losing a game. Both ECU and Marshall have tough games ahead of them so it can definitely happen.

(10-12-2014 08:59 AM)Ned Low Wrote:  I made this post on the AAC board and would like everyone's thoughts on the matter. I would be lying if I said that this "race" has not made things more interesting. So far, it's been fun to keep up with things.

Here you go:

The race for the Access Bowl has come down to four teams: Colorado State, East Carolina, Temple and Marshall. Of these, Marshall has the best shot at making it due to their SOS, as I don't think that ECU, Temple or CSU will finish without another loss.

Marshall's toughest remaining games: FIU, UAB and a conference championship game (against either Rice or La Tech, if I'm guessing).

ECU's toughest remaining games: Temple, Cincinnati, Central Florida.

Temple's toughest remaining games: Pick one. They have Ped State, Cinci, UCF, ECU, Houston and Memphis left. They have the smallest chance -by far- of winning out. My guess is that they beat PSU, Cinci and Tulane to finish with a 7-5 record. I could easily see them sneaking out a win against ECU at home, as well.

CSU's toughest remaining games: Utah State, Air Force and a conference championship game (against SDSU or SJSU).

ECU sputtered in the first half yesterday against USF but dominated the second half. I've read on the CUSA board that Marshall looked undisciplined and sloppy at times in their game against Middle as well. I watched Colorado State get up on Nevada 31-10 and then turned it off; it appears that Nevada staged one hell of a comeback attempt.

Anything can happen from here on out but if yesterday told me anything, it's that both ECU and CSU will likely drop one along the way and that Marshall is likely to win out.

Before I get piled on regarding my SOS remark, please don't take it as a smart-a$$ed remark. I'm just telling things as I see them. The road games that Marshall will play against both FIU and UAB will be tough, as will a conference championship game... even if they are hosting.

One more thing: I've read that Marshall did not look great yesterday. What was the story?

The team wasn't playing well(especially in the 2nd quarter). Got the ball with great field position 2 drives in a row and squandered the opportunities with stupid penalties(holding, offensive face mask, and 2 taunting calls) only to be capped off with a cato fumble. The team didn't look great and it was one of Catos worst performances in years(despite 300+ yards and 4 total TDs) but the Herd still won by 25 against the best team we've played so far.
I'm sure Doc is gonna be working the team hard this week for all of the sloppiness.

[/quote]
The team wasn't playing well(especially in the 2nd quarter). Got the ball with great field position 2 drives in a row and squandered the opportunities with stupid penalties(holding, offensive face mask, and 2 taunting calls) only to be capped off with a cato fumble. The team didn't look great and it was one of Catos worst performances in years(despite 300+ yards and 4 total TDs) but the Herd still won by 25 against the best team we've played so far.
I'm sure Doc is gonna be working the team hard this week for all of the sloppiness.
[/quote]

Agreed. The Cato fumble was completely avoidable. He was holding the ball in an outstretched arm, trying to come up with something out of nothing. Easy strip for the Raiders lineman. Can't have that happen, ever! We had a TON of penalties yesterday. Very chippy game by all accounts. I don't think I have ever heard so many face mask calls in one game!

Go HERD !!!

(10-12-2014 08:59 AM)Ned Low Wrote:  [i]The race for the Access Bowl has come down to four teams: Colorado State, East Carolina, Temple and Marshall. Of these, Marshall has the best shot at making it due to their SOS, as I don't think that ECU, Temple or CSU will finish without another loss.

I think you've pegged the contenders very well, and your analysis is reasonable based on remaining opponents. I still think it's ECU's to lose. Every comment I heard on the broadcast stations yesterday talked about strength of schedule as being an indicator, and rightly in my opinion, gave ECU the nod if all four of these teams win out (which I agree, is unlikely. All 4 face challenges and all 4 have shown they can play less than stellar football.) I have to think that the "13" are feeling the same way.

Although if the selectors watched both Marshall and ECU yesterday, neither were all that impressive, although both won.

So, who knows?

ECU's offense was not clicking at all in the first half yesterday but truthfully, the USF D was playing very well and there were some questionable calls to say the least. We played "determined" in the second half and got out of there with a hard-fought win.

BTW, we had 13 penalties for 148 yards. The INT that Carden threw was nothing more than a punt (deep INTs don't bother me that much); the same can be said for USF's lone TO.

Their offense slowed it way down. We only ran 71 plays last night which is low by our standards. We ran the ball well and our receivers got open in the second half. That was the key, along with our running game.

In all honesty, I am so glad that we are running an offense that will allow for a few mistakes. I'm pretty sure that Marshall fans feel the same way.

Marshall is a very, very good team who deserves to be in the Top 25. I think that you'll be in this week, as a matter of fact. Colorado State has Utah State next week in what turns out to be a huge game. Marshall has a tough game at UAB and we, thankfully, have the weekend off to prepare for UConn, rest and get coached-up. We need it.

For the record, I think that Marshall wins next week, scoring 45-55 points. Doc's going to have them ready, for sure. Good luck (to both teams).

(10-12-2014 08:59 AM)Ned Low Wrote:  Marshall's toughest remaining games: FIU, UAB and a conference championship game (against either Rice or La Tech, if I'm guessing).

Rice has turned the corner with three straight wins, and may be the toughest opponent in the regular season. If the Owls roll into Marshall on a six-game winning streak (beating North Texas, Florida International, and UTSA), the 2013 C-USA conference championship rematch will probably gather media interest.

(10-12-2014 11:03 AM)ESE84 Wrote:  

(10-12-2014 08:59 AM)Ned Low Wrote:  Marshall's toughest remaining games: FIU, UAB and a conference championship game (against either Rice or La Tech, if I'm guessing).

Rice has turned the corner with three straight wins, and may be the toughest opponent in the regular season. If the Owls roll into Marshall on a six-game winning streak (beating North Texas, Florida International, and UTSA), the 2013 C-USA conference championship rematch will probably gather media interest.

Rice travels to Marshall. I'm thinking the Owls will be walking into an ambush especially considering how the CG went down last season with Rice getting the homefield. Rice is playing better for sure but I think Marshall beat y'all down and payback will be sweet revenge for the Herd.

Like everybody else, I think it's a two team race right now. If Temple can somehow get through their remaining schedule with no loss, I'd throw them in the mix, but I just can't see that happening. I can't take Colorado State seriously right now. I think they'll need help. I'll be interested to see what happens if Marshall keeps winning by 20+ and ECU plays a bunch of closer games. It's really hard to separate the two teams right now.

(10-12-2014 10:44 AM)Ned Low Wrote:  ECU's offense was not clicking at all in the first half yesterday but truthfully, the USF D was playing very well and there were some questionable calls to say the least. We played "determined" in the second half and got out of there with a hard-fought win.

BTW, we had 13 penalties for 148 yards. The INT that Carden threw was nothing more than a punt (deep INTs don't bother me that much); the same can be said for USF's lone TO.

Their offense slowed it way down. We only ran 71 plays last night which is low by our standards. We ran the ball well and our receivers got open in the second half. That was the key, along with our running game.

In all honesty, I am so glad that we are running an offense that will allow for a few mistakes. I'm pretty sure that Marshall fans feel the same way.

Marshall is a very, very good team who deserves to be in the Top 25. I think that you'll be in this week, as a matter of fact. Colorado State has Utah State next week in what turns out to be a huge game. Marshall has a tough game at UAB and we, thankfully, have the weekend off to prepare for UConn, rest and get coached-up. We need it.

For the record, I think that Marshall wins next week, scoring 45-55 points. Doc's going to have them ready, for sure. Good luck (to both teams).

That is incorrect. Marshall plays FIU this week. Marshall and UAB play 11/22.

Either way, I think Marshall deserves to be ranked. They are winning in impressive ways.

(10-12-2014 11:12 AM)baruna falls Wrote:  Either way, I think Marshall deserves to be ranked. They are winning in impressive ways.

You guys probably don't feel this way.. but it's too bad you weren't in CUSA for at least another year so we could settle this access bowl talk on the field.

(10-12-2014 08:59 AM)Ned Low Wrote:  I made this post on the AAC board and would like everyone's thoughts on the matter. I would be lying if I said that this "race" has not made things more interesting. So far, it's been fun to keep up with things.

Here you go:

The race for the Access Bowl has come down to four teams: Colorado State, East Carolina, Temple and Marshall. Of these, Marshall has the best shot at making it due to their SOS, as I don't think that ECU, Temple or CSU will finish without another loss.

Marshall's toughest remaining games: FIU, UAB and a conference championship game (against either Rice or La Tech, if I'm guessing).

ECU's toughest remaining games: Temple, Cincinnati, Central Florida.

Temple's toughest remaining games: Pick one. They have Ped State, Cinci, UCF, ECU, Houston and Memphis left. They have the smallest chance -by far- of winning out. My guess is that they beat PSU, Cinci and Tulane to finish with a 7-5 record. I could easily see them sneaking out a win against ECU at home, as well.

CSU's toughest remaining games: Utah State, Air Force and a conference championship game (against SDSU or SJSU).

ECU sputtered in the first half yesterday against USF but dominated the second half. I've read on the CUSA board that Marshall looked undisciplined and sloppy at times in their game against Middle as well. I watched Colorado State get up on Nevada 31-10 and then turned it off; it appears that Nevada staged one hell of a comeback attempt.

Anything can happen from here on out but if yesterday told me anything, it's that both ECU and CSU will likely drop one along the way and that Marshall is likely to win out.

Before I get piled on regarding my SOS remark, please don't take it as a smart-a$$ed remark. I'm just telling things as I see them. The road games that Marshall will play against both FIU and UAB will be tough, as will a conference championship game... even if they are hosting.

One more thing: I've read that Marshall did not look great yesterday. What was the story?

I think if Marshall wins out and goes undefeated they EASILY get it over a one loss ECU. Marshall will pass ECU in the polls weeks before the final poll and eventual Comittee selection process. In fact IF Marshall remains unbeaten and is one of only a few to not have a loss Marshall will be talked about for the playoff. Nothing serious as I doubt any of us will ever see a playoff spot as long as it's only 4 schools but media talking heads will continue to mention an undefeated team and with that will come the common... "Well they won't make the playoff but they should go to the bowl game" etc etc etc...

Hype and media drive everything from the Hesiman to the Playoff Selection Comittee to your avg fan watching a game.

13-0 will be the ticket.

The bad thing for Marshall is Oliver Luck having a say. That's terrible for Marshall 100% terrible.

ECU at 16 is a joke. They lost to maybe the 11th best team in the SEC and trailed after 3 quarters to a bottom 20 team. And those two ACC wins mean nothing.

(10-12-2014 12:22 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  

(10-12-2014 08:59 AM)Ned Low Wrote:  I made this post on the AAC board and would like everyone's thoughts on the matter. I would be lying if I said that this "race" has not made things more interesting. So far, it's been fun to keep up with things.

Here you go:

The race for the Access Bowl has come down to four teams: Colorado State, East Carolina, Temple and Marshall. Of these, Marshall has the best shot at making it due to their SOS, as I don't think that ECU, Temple or CSU will finish without another loss.

Marshall's toughest remaining games: FIU, UAB and a conference championship game (against either Rice or La Tech, if I'm guessing).

ECU's toughest remaining games: Temple, Cincinnati, Central Florida.

Temple's toughest remaining games: Pick one. They have Ped State, Cinci, UCF, ECU, Houston and Memphis left. They have the smallest chance -by far- of winning out. My guess is that they beat PSU, Cinci and Tulane to finish with a 7-5 record. I could easily see them sneaking out a win against ECU at home, as well.

CSU's toughest remaining games: Utah State, Air Force and a conference championship game (against SDSU or SJSU).

ECU sputtered in the first half yesterday against USF but dominated the second half. I've read on the CUSA board that Marshall looked undisciplined and sloppy at times in their game against Middle as well. I watched Colorado State get up on Nevada 31-10 and then turned it off; it appears that Nevada staged one hell of a comeback attempt.

Anything can happen from here on out but if yesterday told me anything, it's that both ECU and CSU will likely drop one along the way and that Marshall is likely to win out.

Before I get piled on regarding my SOS remark, please don't take it as a smart-a$$ed remark. I'm just telling things as I see them. The road games that Marshall will play against both FIU and UAB will be tough, as will a conference championship game... even if they are hosting.

One more thing: I've read that Marshall did not look great yesterday. What was the story?

I think if Marshall wins out and goes undefeated they EASILY get it over a one loss ECU. Marshall will pass ECU in the polls weeks before the final poll and eventual Comittee selection process. In fact IF Marshall remains unbeaten and is one of only a few to not have a loss Marshall will be talked about for the playoff. Nothing serious as I doubt any of us will ever see a playoff spot as long as it's only 4 schools but media talking heads will continue to mention an undefeated team and with that will come the common... "Well they won't make the playoff but they should go to the bowl game" etc etc etc...

Hype and media drive everything from the Hesiman to the Playoff Selection Comittee to your avg fan watching a game.

13-0 will be the ticket.

The bad thing for Marshall is Oliver Luck having a say. That's terrible for Marshall 100% terrible.

Please explain how if we win out and you win out that you will pass us in the polls and get the access bowl.

(10-12-2014 12:46 PM)keebler645 Wrote:  ECU at 16 is a joke. They lost to maybe the 11th best team in the SEC and trailed after 3 quarters to a bottom 20 team. And those two ACC wins mean nothing.

Granted UNC and South Carolina has stunked it up and Va Tech high ranking is a distant memory, ECU deserves to be where they are at in the rankings.

(10-12-2014 01:39 PM)pcm0103 Wrote:  

(10-12-2014 12:22 PM)MU ATO Wrote:  I think if Marshall wins out and goes undefeated they EASILY get it over a one loss ECU. Marshall will pass ECU in the polls weeks before the final poll and eventual Comittee selection process. In fact IF Marshall remains unbeaten and is one of only a few to not have a loss Marshall will be talked about for the playoff. Nothing serious as I doubt any of us will ever see a playoff spot as long as it's only 4 schools but media talking heads will continue to mention an undefeated team and with that will come the common... "Well they won't make the playoff but they should go to the bowl game" etc etc etc...

Hype and media drive everything from the Hesiman to the Playoff Selection Comittee to your avg fan watching a game.

13-0 will be the ticket.

The bad thing for Marshall is Oliver Luck having a say. That's terrible for Marshall 100% terrible.

Please explain how if we win out and you win out that you will pass us in the polls and get the access bowl.

I think he just did...lol

(10-12-2014 11:08 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  Like everybody else, I think it's a two team race right now. If Temple can somehow get through their remaining schedule with no loss, I'd throw them in the mix, but I just can't see that happening. I can't take Colorado State seriously right now. I think they'll need help. I'll be interested to see what happens if Marshall keeps winning by 20+ and ECU plays a bunch of closer games. It's really hard to separate the two teams right now.

If both ECU and MARSHALL win out and MARSHALL wins CUSA championship game; MARSHALL is in. Just like the BIG12; the AAC does not have a CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. I think the Committee should and will punish both on Selection Day. They will leave the BIG12 Champ out of the Playoffs, and the AAC Champ out of the Access Bowl!

We have no idea what the selection committee will decide. We can speculate, but we don't know. Here is what they have stated:

Other polls don't matter
Win/loss record will be a factor
SOS will be a factor
Head to head and games against similar competition will be a factor
Conference champions will be the only candidates considered
Margin of victory will be a factor
All games of contenders will be viewed by the committee members

How much weight is given to each of these criteria is unknown. Other considerations that may not have been mentioned is also unknown. All any team can do is win, and hope for the best.

(10-12-2014 02:35 PM)BlueRaiderBoy Wrote:  

(10-12-2014 11:08 AM)blazers9911 Wrote:  Like everybody else, I think it's a two team race right now. If Temple can somehow get through their remaining schedule with no loss, I'd throw them in the mix, but I just can't see that happening. I can't take Colorado State seriously right now. I think they'll need help. I'll be interested to see what happens if Marshall keeps winning by 20+ and ECU plays a bunch of closer games. It's really hard to separate the two teams right now.

If both ECU and MARSHALL win out and MARSHALL wins CUSA championship game; MARSHALL is in. Just like the BIG12; the AAC does not have a CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. I think the Committee should and will punish both on Selection Day. They will leave the BIG12 Champ out of the Playoffs, and the AAC Champ out of the Access Bowl!

First, we have no idea what the Selection Committee will do in regards to ranking teams. The only thing we do know is whatever G-5 team is ranked the highest in the Selection Committee poll will get the access bowl slot. Maybe Marshall playing in the CUSA CG and winning it while be undefeated may push the Herd over a one-loss ECU team. Maybe ECU overall SOS will be more favored by the committee.

As far as the Big 12 goes, they will not be left out for two reasons:

1. The Big 12 plays 9 conference games.
2. They will still have games schedule during the other conferences CGs so they will still be on TV.