(08-01-2016 04:25 PM)TroyFootball05 Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 04:15 PM)BurlingtonApp Wrote:  I think there's a lot of people that are basing their Troy rankings on their game against App, despite them being pretry below average to mediocre against other teams last year. Then again, after the first three, spots 4-9 are pretty much a crapshoot.

Troy was up on NMSU 45-7 at halftime, ULM 48-14 at halftime, ULL 24-0 in the 1st QTR with a final score of 41-17, and beat #8 Charleston Southern 44-9 with 2 minutes left in the game. Say what you want, but top ten FCS teams aren't pushovers. That said, there were a few games where Troy just wasn't good: GS, GSU, and losing to Idaho and South Alabama. I believe many people feel the inconsistency was due to a new coaching staff.

In year two, Troy could be more dominant, and as bad as Troy has been in recent years, the rest of the SBC not named GS, APP, and ASU don't inspire much confidence within the league to justify without a doubt that they should be above Troy at the point.

These are the reasons I ranked Troy where I did. They are based off of potential considering how they played NC State early on and what they did against lesser competition in conference when compared to other teams. I see my Top five as a crap shoot due to talent, coaching and any given Saturday.

Ranking Troy above Southern wasn't as much a dig on Southern as it was recognizing Neal Brown, Brandon Silvers and the bowling ball running back along with a defense that was coming along throughout the season. This year may be a breakout season where Troy comes back to power.

Southern fans are also going to take anything less than 3rd as an insult to their history, however they don't take into account the history of Troy and the Louisiana of four years prior.

1. App St - They have the most returning so they should be here no question
t2. GS - Unless we fall of the rails with our new coach this train is going to keep running along
t2. stAte - Lots of talent (most in the league according to some) some key holes to fill
4. Troy - seen a lot of improvement from them last year and I think they are a dark horse for a top 2 finish
5. GSU - If this were NCAA 14 I'd give the defense an A and the offense a C+
t6. ULL - should be on the way back up but they will need to prove it on the field
t6. USA - they did better than I expected last year but a lot of work to do
8. Idaho - they have some weapons but will it be enough (could be higher if they play with a chip on their shoulder)
9. Texas St - They have a long way to go after last season
10. NMSU - Larry Rose III won't be enough I fear
11. ULM - The cupboard is a bit bare but if that new coach is a miracle worker they may finish higher

(08-01-2016 01:55 PM)eaglewraith Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 01:51 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 12:51 PM)eaglewraith Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 12:36 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  Conference Power Ranking from someone who doesn't know enough for it to matter:

1. Arkansas State

This is based on the fact that they have been the pride of the conference (in conference games) for the past five years. They struggled without Knighton last season which, in my opinion, is the reason the game against Toledo wasn't competitive and they ultimately dropped a close game to Missouri. The fans seem to think they will be fine with the QB transfer so I will take their word for it.

2. Appalachian State

Returning 17 starters including Taylor Lamb, Marcus Cox, John Law and Eric Boggs while having guys who can fill the voids left by departing seniors should not be understated. I am of the opinion, after finally watching the Arkansas State game again, that the primary reason App didn't finish 8-0 in conference last season was because of an injury and subsequent poor decision on how to replace him in game. Regardless, until a full conference season can be put together without a hick-up, the edge still goes to Arkansas State as coaching matters as much as the players.

3. Louisiana

With the multiple transfers they received and full acclimatization of the team to the new facilities, I believe that they will bounce back. They missed steady play at quarterback and the ability to get off the field on third and short last season which led to them being gassed by the end. If this can be fixed, the talent is in place on the roster, when compared to the rest of the Sun Belt, to make a run at the conference championship.

4. Troy

Neal Brown is a young, fiery coach, much in the same way that Satterfield is. The results were in place last year for the offensive side of the ball and with Silvers playing in his second season in a quick strike system, I expect Troy to not only be a tough out, but favored to win many of their games. Along with Louisiana, the talent is in place, it's just a matter of putting it all together.

5. Georgia Southern

A new coach, defensive minded, who wants to throw the ball more (not necessarily more efficiently), has spelled doom for Southern in the past. While he doesn't have the intentions of moving to a more traditional spread offense, the desire to throw the ball 20 times a game would suggest that this will be a more balanced attack and it would appear that Ellison and Upshaw aren't quite equipped to handle that. I believe that the defense will be okay as Southern as recruited well and has some of the conferences top athletes on that side of the ball.

I understand this will upset some people however any time I see a coach come in without roots in the triple option I get concerned. Running an offense dissimilar to what Southern is known for has never worked out well. We may call it the Curse of Erk. He demands that you run.....a lot.

6. Georgia State

It's hard to place this team after losing a 4 year starter at quarterback. It is also possible that last season was an aberration. I expect the defense to be better as a whole due to the transfers from UAB having a season under their belt in the GSU system.

7. South Alabama

They beat San Diego State and finished the season without being bowl eligible. Many fans seem to be pessimistic about this season and i'll take their word for it.

8. Idaho

Linehan coming back for his third season, as well as anger about being at Idaho when the move down was unannounced could add extra motivation for this team to perform. They could replace GSU in this list however one thing still remains.....they are Idaho.

9. NMSU

Defense need not apply

10. Texas State

Truly a conundrum. How could a school in beautiful San Marcos simply not have the athletes to compete? New coach is in coming which means that this team could also range anywhere from five to eleven.

11. ULM

I don't know why Idaho is moving down yet the War Hawks aren't.

LOL

Fritz didn't run the TO either. The switchover between Monken and Fritz was much more monumental than what Summers is getting. I'm not saying we're 1st....but 5th behind a team that has only scored a trash time TD on us offensively and a team that fell off the map last year with more questions to answer than us? Come on.

I also put you ahead of a team that only allowed you to score once on your field. By your logic, I should put them ahead of you? Troy has the talent, they have the coach, they just need to put it together. Louisiana fell off due to lack of consistent play at quarterback as well as an inability to get off the field in third and short situations. They have the talent to regain their position in the top five of the conference and the fun part is that you guys actually get to play the top teams in the conference this year.

We only have to play one top team that we haven't already been playing.

I have yet to see the Troy that everyone keeps talking about. Just because they pushed you last year means nothing to me. Ya'll have had zero issues with Gast, so of course you disregard them.

I know we're gonna do what we do. Looking forward to the games this year. Maybe we'll actually have some legit emotion from a coach that isn't looking for the first ride out of town.

This has nothing to do with the Troy and App State game. That more or less had to do with how App's defensive scheme aligned with Troy's quick out offense (obviously it wasn't favorable). I was placing Troy where I did based on the talent that they have returning and the energy that Neal Brown brings to that program. As I mentioned before, this wasn't a dig at Georgia Southern but was more or less giving kudos to a team on the rise.

Throw in a new head coach, for WEEK 1, I think that you are right where you need to be at number 5. If Fritz was returning I would probably have you ahead of Appalachian based on what you guys have coming back. But for Week 1, and really being out of the loop considering what exactly Tyson Summers coaching philosophy is, I put you at number 5.

Top Teams (2016 Week 1):

-Arkansas State
-Appalachian State
-Georgia Southern
-Louisiana
-Troy

A crapshoot based on the unknowns. Appalachian and Troy have the least unknowns whereas Georgia Southern has the most. At the end of the season, I expect this to be the Top 5, in any order. I also expect all teams to show up out of conference and get wins to fill the five bowls.

#1 Arkansas State

Everything else doesn't matter.


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#WolvesUp

(08-01-2016 04:38 PM)WolfBird Wrote:  #1 Arkansas State

Everything else doesn't matter.


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#WolvesUp

1. Arkansas State - We finally have a quarterback.
2. App State
3. ULL
4. GaS
5. Troy
6. South Alabama
7. Ga State
8. Idaho
9. NMSU
10. Tx State
11. ULM

(08-01-2016 02:11 PM)TrueBlueAlum Wrote:  Remember this is not predicted order of finish. Most recent games and bowl wins count. And this doesn't really include potential transfer impact because I haven't seen any of those guys play.

1. App St.
(Returning a lot and beat a decent Ohio team to end the season)

2. Arkansas St.
(Close 2nd but I'll play wait and see with the QB situation, oh and La Tech...)

3. Georgia Southern
(Crushed BGSU in their bowl game, secondary is a ? though)

4. Troy
(Games 7, 8, 9 last season were promising. I expect to see that team return)

5. Georgia St. - subject to change drastically after Ball St. game.
(Everyone else is just bad... and they had a decent defense to end the year)

6. UL - subject to change drastically after Boise game.
(They have recruited too well the last 4 seasons to repeat what happened last year)

7. USA
(I just don't know enough about this team to put them anywhere else)

7a. Coastal Carolina
(Because... they matter too)

8. Idaho
(They are going to win JUST enough to make dropping to the FCS awkward)

9. NMSU
(It's a shame that Larry Rose III's talent is wasted because of a poor defense.)

10. Tx. St.
(Going to take a while to recover from last year)

11. ULM
(I'm still a bit embarrassed we let them back in the game last season, I don't see it improving, the lack of enthusiasm in Monroe is a poison.)

There is plenty enthusiasm with our new coach at ULM. Just nobody talking trash till we turn it around on the field. We normally are in the top half of the conference and I see us finishing middle of the pack this year.

(08-01-2016 04:48 PM)Florida RedWolf Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 04:38 PM)WolfBird Wrote:  #1 Arkansas State

Everything else doesn't matter.


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#WolvesUp

1. Arkansas State - We finally have a quarterback.
2. App State
3. ULL
4. GaS
5. Troy
6. South Alabama
7. Ga State
8. Idaho
9. NMSU
10. Tx State
11. ULM

You had a quarterback last year. What you needed was a reliable back-up.

(08-01-2016 04:38 PM)WolfBird Wrote:  #1 Arkansas State

Everything else doesn't matter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

#WolvesUp

**Doesn't play App State

**The Sun Belt really needs to find a non-political way to resolve the revolving game issue so **(insert school here) doesn't need to be brought up. I don't feel like the champion, based on the top schools at the moment, can truly be crowned unless playing every other top school.

(08-01-2016 05:05 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 04:48 PM)Florida RedWolf Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 04:38 PM)WolfBird Wrote:  #1 Arkansas State

Everything else doesn't matter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

#WolvesUp

1. Arkansas State - We finally have a quarterback.
2. App State
3. ULL
4. GaS
5. Troy
6. South Alabama
7. Ga State
8. Idaho
9. NMSU
10. Tx State
11. ULM

You had a quarterback last year. What you needed was a reliable back-up.

Well we had one that was ok, now we have two that can win against anyone on the schedule.

The is the most depressing preseason in the 14 years I've followed the Bobcats. At worst we are supposed to be average, not bottom dwellers. I sure hope Withers is the answer because this sucks.

We are highly likely to start conference 1-3 since our OOC is tough this year. With zero expectations of this team and a rough start, I just hope teams look right past us and we cause a few upsets in conference play.

(08-01-2016 05:16 PM)Florida RedWolf Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 05:05 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 04:48 PM)Florida RedWolf Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 04:38 PM)WolfBird Wrote:  #1 Arkansas State

Everything else doesn't matter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

#WolvesUp

1. Arkansas State - We finally have a quarterback.
2. App State
3. ULL
4. GaS
5. Troy
6. South Alabama
7. Ga State
8. Idaho
9. NMSU
10. Tx State
11. ULM

You had a quarterback last year. What you needed was a reliable back-up.

Well we had one that was ok, now we have two that can win against anyone on the schedule.

From what I saw of Knighton, he was more than okay. He wasn't as consistent as you'd like to see and I personally believe that he didn't use his speed to run as much as he should have, but if any QB can get close to his production you should be fine. At worst, hold on to the ball and move the chains.

(08-01-2016 04:38 PM)WolfBird Wrote:  #1 Arkansas State

Everything else doesn't matter.

#WolvesUp

Haha.

Exactly.

The newbies don't get it yet. They will soon. Let them enjoy their preseason fun.

(08-01-2016 05:07 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 04:38 PM)WolfBird Wrote:  #1 Arkansas State

Everything else doesn't matter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

#WolvesUp

**Doesn't play App State

**The Sun Belt really needs to find a non-political way to resolve the revolving game issue so **(insert school here) doesn't need to be brought up. I don't feel like the champion, based on the top schools at the moment, can truly be crowned unless playing every other top school.

It's called a championship game.

And it's coming.

(08-01-2016 12:36 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  Conference Power Ranking from someone who doesn't know enough for it to matter:

1. Arkansas State

This is based on the fact that they have been the pride of the conference (in conference games) for the past five years. They struggled without Knighton last season which, in my opinion, is the reason the game against Toledo wasn't competitive and they ultimately dropped a close game to Missouri. The fans seem to think they will be fine with the QB transfer so I will take their word for it.

2. Appalachian State

Returning 17 starters including Taylor Lamb, Marcus Cox, John Law and Eric Boggs while having guys who can fill the voids left by departing seniors should not be understated. I am of the opinion, after finally watching the Arkansas State game again, that the primary reason App didn't finish 8-0 in conference last season was because of an injury and subsequent poor decision on how to replace him in game. Regardless, until a full conference season can be put together without a hick-up, the edge still goes to Arkansas State as coaching matters as much as the players.

3. Louisiana

With the multiple transfers they received and full acclimatization of the team to the new facilities, I believe that they will bounce back. They missed steady play at quarterback and the ability to get off the field on third and short last season which led to them being gassed by the end. If this can be fixed, the talent is in place on the roster, when compared to the rest of the Sun Belt, to make a run at the conference championship.

4. Troy

Neal Brown is a young, fiery coach, much in the same way that Satterfield is. The results were in place last year for the offensive side of the ball and with Silvers playing in his second season in a quick strike system, I expect Troy to not only be a tough out, but favored to win many of their games. Along with Louisiana, the talent is in place, it's just a matter of putting it all together.

5. Georgia Southern

A new coach, defensive minded, who wants to throw the ball more (not necessarily more efficiently), has spelled doom for Southern in the past. While he doesn't have the intentions of moving to a more traditional spread offense, the desire to throw the ball 20 times a game would suggest that this will be a more balanced attack and it would appear that Ellison and Upshaw aren't quite equipped to handle that. I believe that the defense will be okay as Southern as recruited well and has some of the conferences top athletes on that side of the ball.

I understand this will upset some people however any time I see a coach come in without roots in the triple option I get concerned. Running an offense dissimilar to what Southern is known for has never worked out well. We may call it the Curse of Erk. He demands that you run.....a lot.

6. Georgia State

It's hard to place this team after losing a 4 year starter at quarterback. It is also possible that last season was an aberration. I expect the defense to be better as a whole due to the transfers from UAB having a season under their belt in the GSU system.

7. South Alabama

They beat San Diego State and finished the season without being bowl eligible. Many fans seem to be pessimistic about this season and i'll take their word for it.

8. Idaho

Linehan coming back for his third season, as well as anger about being at Idaho when the move down was unannounced could add extra motivation for this team to perform. They could replace GSU in this list however one thing still remains.....they are Idaho.

9. NMSU

Defense need not apply

10. Texas State

Truly a conundrum. How could a school in beautiful San Marcos simply not have the athletes to compete? New coach is in coming which means that this team could also range anywhere from five to eleven.

11. ULM

I don't know why Idaho is moving down yet the War Hawks aren't.

Knighten not playing certainly hurt Arkansas State against Toledo. However, Kareem Hunt didn't play against the Red Wolves, which hurt the Rocket Offense. Brandon Allen and the Razorbacks were only able to put 12 points on the board against Toledo. Don't know how much Knighten would really have helped.

(08-01-2016 06:57 PM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  

(08-01-2016 12:36 PM)ericsaid Wrote:  Conference Power Ranking from someone who doesn't know enough for it to matter:

1. Arkansas State

This is based on the fact that they have been the pride of the conference (in conference games) for the past five years. They struggled without Knighton last season which, in my opinion, is the reason the game against Toledo wasn't competitive and they ultimately dropped a close game to Missouri. The fans seem to think they will be fine with the QB transfer so I will take their word for it.

2. Appalachian State

Returning 17 starters including Taylor Lamb, Marcus Cox, John Law and Eric Boggs while having guys who can fill the voids left by departing seniors should not be understated. I am of the opinion, after finally watching the Arkansas State game again, that the primary reason App didn't finish 8-0 in conference last season was because of an injury and subsequent poor decision on how to replace him in game. Regardless, until a full conference season can be put together without a hick-up, the edge still goes to Arkansas State as coaching matters as much as the players.

3. Louisiana

With the multiple transfers they received and full acclimatization of the team to the new facilities, I believe that they will bounce back. They missed steady play at quarterback and the ability to get off the field on third and short last season which led to them being gassed by the end. If this can be fixed, the talent is in place on the roster, when compared to the rest of the Sun Belt, to make a run at the conference championship.

4. Troy

Neal Brown is a young, fiery coach, much in the same way that Satterfield is. The results were in place last year for the offensive side of the ball and with Silvers playing in his second season in a quick strike system, I expect Troy to not only be a tough out, but favored to win many of their games. Along with Louisiana, the talent is in place, it's just a matter of putting it all together.

5. Georgia Southern

A new coach, defensive minded, who wants to throw the ball more (not necessarily more efficiently), has spelled doom for Southern in the past. While he doesn't have the intentions of moving to a more traditional spread offense, the desire to throw the ball 20 times a game would suggest that this will be a more balanced attack and it would appear that Ellison and Upshaw aren't quite equipped to handle that. I believe that the defense will be okay as Southern as recruited well and has some of the conferences top athletes on that side of the ball.

I understand this will upset some people however any time I see a coach come in without roots in the triple option I get concerned. Running an offense dissimilar to what Southern is known for has never worked out well. We may call it the Curse of Erk. He demands that you run.....a lot.

6. Georgia State

It's hard to place this team after losing a 4 year starter at quarterback. It is also possible that last season was an aberration. I expect the defense to be better as a whole due to the transfers from UAB having a season under their belt in the GSU system.

7. South Alabama

They beat San Diego State and finished the season without being bowl eligible. Many fans seem to be pessimistic about this season and i'll take their word for it.

8. Idaho

Linehan coming back for his third season, as well as anger about being at Idaho when the move down was unannounced could add extra motivation for this team to perform. They could replace GSU in this list however one thing still remains.....they are Idaho.

9. NMSU

Defense need not apply

10. Texas State

Truly a conundrum. How could a school in beautiful San Marcos simply not have the athletes to compete? New coach is in coming which means that this team could also range anywhere from five to eleven.

11. ULM

I don't know why Idaho is moving down yet the War Hawks aren't.

Knighten not playing certainly hurt Arkansas State against Toledo. However, Kareem Hunt didn't play against the Red Wolves, which hurt the Rocket Offense. Brandon Allen and the Razorbacks were only able to put 12 points on the board against Toledo. Don't know how much Knighten would really have helped.

He probably wouldn't have developed the same habit of throwing the ball to the other team that Tabary did.

If anything, that buys us a few more points. We actually played pretty well defensively considering we gave away a ton of points in that one.

Seminole Indian asked me to send in his Power Rankings for him

1. Arkansas State
2. ULL
3. Troy
4. South Alabama
5. Georgia State
6. Idaho
7. Texas State
8. Appalachian State
9. New Mexico State
10. Georgia Southern
11. ULM

I wish you stAte guys were just capable of a reasonable discussion without trolling.

(08-01-2016 09:23 PM)BurlingtonApp Wrote:  I wish you stAte guys were just capable of a reasonable discussion without trolling.

We are better than everyone else and we know it. Why is that trolling?


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#WolvesUp

September's coming.

(08-01-2016 12:57 PM)CoastalAlum2011 Wrote:  1. South Alabama
2. Everyone else

We will call it the Sun Belt Shocker Season.

This guy. I like.