https://youtu.be/YchSPcw9L0E?si=g8GwQkQEFfHCZ_3z

https://defector.com/blessed-be-the-pylon-cam

Imagine my surprise reading this, when towards the end, the author waxes poetic about...the FCS Playoffs!

Click here to make your picks

Click here to view responses

Scoreboard!

Welcome to a new season of FCS Pick Em! I will post this each week!

Please remember to check your total every week to verify they were input correctly.

•1 point is given per correct pick.

I have a notification that goes out to everyone. Please let me know if you would like me to add you to the list or take you off the list if you are getting notifications and you do not want them.

Let's hear your hot take FCS opinions. The ones that you know in your heart of hearts are right, but for some reason aren't embraced with the FCS community (or particular fanbases) en masse!

Could be controversial (the Ivy League on the whole was a better conference than the CAA in 2018), unpopular but you know is true (Sam Houston was at least as good a team as JMU from 2011 through the "2020" season), or even somewhat popular but still liable to rankle some folks (the Walter Payton award should go to the "best" offensive player, not just the offensive player with the best stat line because they played a weak schedule).

Sorted by controversial for maximum spiciness

Rules

• Keep it somewhat relevant to the FCS

• Takes are welcome whether they're looking back historically or in reference to current games/rankings/polls/etc.

• Try to keep it civil (basic /r/CFB and /r/FCS rules still apply)

Seems like some serious disrespect to Lan? Or am I blinded by homerism?

I didn't expect him to win (although I think he deserves it), but not top 3? And how can you explain Calzada ahead of him?

https://herosports.com/fcs-targhee-lambson-tommy-mellott-cam-miller-named-top-3-walter-payton-award-finalists-bzbz/

No matter what happened, it's not all bad. Say something nice about your team or their performance.

Even though my Spiders are out, I’m super excited for this weekend!

Southern vs Jackson State - SWAC Championship - 2:00 ESPN2

Montana vs South Dakota State - 1:00 ESPN+

Villanova vs Incarnate-Word - 1:00 ESPN+

Rhode Island vs Mercer - 1:00 ESPN+

UT Martin vs Montana State - 2:00 ESPN+

Abilene Christian vs North Dakota State - 2:00 ESPN+

Tarleton State vs South Dakota - 2:00 ESPN+

Illinois State vs UC Davis - 2:00 ESPN+

Lehigh vs Idaho - 8:00 ESPN+

Which game are you the most excited about?

Credit to u/2Pollaski2Furious for the idea. Same sets of rules from the original FBS series apply here for the FCS teams. This is an award for FCS teams that humiliate themselves, whether it's a choke job, a crushing blow with everything to prove, or they have no business losing the match-up. Playoffs are going on right now, but as much as there are a few stinkers already (and I will get to these), I shall focus instead on the teams that didn't make it when they were thought to be something at one point or another.

PAST RECIPIENTS

Week 0: McNeese Cowboys (against Tarleton State 26-23)

Week 1: St. Thomas Tommies (against Sioux Falls 34-13)

Week 2: Eastern Washington Eagles (against Drake 35-32 OT)

Week 3: Dayton Flyers (against Indiana State 24-13)

Week 4: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (against Clark Atlanta 38-37)

Week 5: Harvard Crimson (against Brown 31-28)

Week 6: Montana Grizzlies (against Weber State 55-48 OT)

Week 7: Weber State Wildcats (against Northern Colorado 21-17)

Week 8: Villanova Wildcats (against Maine 35-7)

Week 9: North Dakota Fighting Hawks (against Youngstown State 41-40 OT)

Week 10: Central Arkansas Bears (against Utah Tech 34-21)

Week 11: Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (against Lindenwood 24-12)

Week 12: Florida A&M Rattlers (against MVSU 24-21)

Week 13: Duquesne Dukes (against CCSU 21-14)

LAST WEEK: Duquesne clearly got the most votes here, after turning the ball eight times. It wasn't just that this game determined who goes to the playoffs, but I would hate to be the quarterback throws seven picks. And this was just as they are on the verge of making it with a pretty decent season.

Now before we get to the nominees, I shall name some honorary mentions:

• The CAA is a royal mess. A top-heavy lineup that included a tournament-ineligible Delaware and an also-outgoing Richmond. Half of that upper echelon got eliminated in the first round already, and the other half had to fend off upsets.
• And while on the topic, FloSports. That is all.
• Dartmouth may claim the share of the Ivy League title, but in a tiebreaker that's an outright choke. Had they not laid an egg against Cornell it would have been outright.
• It won't be fair to bring Duquesne here for the second straight time since they otherwise had a decent season, but it's still clear that the final game really stung.
• Who knows when Northwestern State would win their next game.
• Also not going to nominate Delaware State, Mississippi Valley State or Northern Colorado. They had no expectations to begin with.

For this special, there will be nine nominees for this tank job:

Central Arkansas Bears (3-5 conference, 6-6 overall)

They've gotten as high as number 5 - with only a controversial loss against FBS Arkansas State - when they lost against Abilene Christian in a spirited showing then picking up the pieces with two consecutive wins. That poor showing against Utah Tech ensured that the wheels fell off, closing out the season 6-6 and unranked.

Furman Paladins (2-5 conference, 3-8 overall)

To think that they were quarterfinalists last year that played Montana close. There were similar expectations this year, but that quickly went away when they gave Charleston Southern their only win. And later in the year they gave VMI their only win. Matter of fact, it's been a pretty rotten year for the Southern Conference's South Carolina teams.

Lafayette Leopards (2-4 conference, 6-6 overall)

They were the only team in the Patriot League to be ranked, and in the year prior almost pulled off the upset against Delaware. This time though, they haven't even troubled the rankings since losing to Columbia, then limping in conference play since being blanked by Georgetown.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks (2-6 conference, 5-7 overall)

Last year's impressive run was fool's gold, and same with the start of their season where they outmaneuvered Montana after some halftime adjustments. The otherwise soft home schedule had their first reality check on the road against their in-state rivals, and became humiliatingly apparent against weaker opposition like a down Youngstown State and Indiana State. No wonder Bubba stepped down.

Sacramento State Hornets (1-7 conference, 3-9 overall)

So, what's this about Sac-12? Starting with a preseason ranking, it does seem like they'll have at least a decent year after their out-of-conference slate, but then they ended out with a 1-7 conference record, with only an overtime win against Weber State (see below) to show for it.

Southern Illinois Salukis (2-6 conference, 4-8 overall)

At first this seems like the start of another promising season, especially being in the preseason top ten and beating Austin Peay and eventual Southland champions Incarnate Word. They've taken a beating against the cream of the MVFC competition, then lost against Indiana State to keep in the doldrums.

Stony Brook Seawolves (5-3 conference, 8-4 overall)

It does feel a little unfair putting a vastly improved team here. After all, they were winless last year and seem to be serious contenders to be in the playoffs with losses only to Marshall and Villanova. The final two weeks were a nightmare, critically choking against New Hampshire and then being unable to stop Monmouth at home. These late losses and the consequent 5-3 conference record left them as the only 8-4 FCS team on the outside looking in. But hey, progress.

Weber State Wildcats (3-5 conference, 4-8 overall)

They did start the year with a STATS ranking, and in spite of a couple early FCS losses seemed to demonstrate that, especially after they beat Montana. After starting 3-3 and getting back in the top 20, they inexplicably lost at home to Northern Colorado (in doing so snapping the longest losing streak in the division) and lost a further four games before finally beating Cal Poly to end with a disappointing 4-8.

William & Mary Tribe (4-4 conference, 7-5 overall)

Okay, so last year was a minor setback in a bloated CAA, but surely with top 20 rankings with the Coaches and STATS, and with Delaware ineligible for playoffs, that means they'll be back in the playoffs this year, right? Well, frustrating losses against Towson and an emergent Stony Brook were one thing, but a home loss to Elon and a lack of showing against conference champions Richmond? A second straight year left out in the cold.

As usual, mark your votes with a <>, and feel free to nominate whatever you think I missed and I'll possibly make note of it. And who knows, maybe a write-in could win. Thank you!

Apologies for late post fiancée and I were shopping some cyber Monday deals

The Good

1. UT Martin wanted for murder in the state of New Hampshire. In the past 30+ point wins were expected but rarely on the road. UT Martin murdered the Wildcats with legitimate balance. Racking up 246 pass yards and 236 rush yards in a total 41-10 obliteration. It seemed like the Big South-OVC was seeking respect and the way you earn it is like this. Dominating in a playoff road game. Vigen was sitting at home nervously scouting this game because a cover may not be easy. One of the more interesting unseeded vs 1 seed matchups in recent memory plays in Bozeman.

2. Lehigh stuns Richmond. The Mountain Hawks showed the Spiders the Patriot League welcome by pulling off a playoff worthy 4th quarter comeback. First playoff win since 2011 and a great defensive performance.

3. Abilene Christian defense. It doesn’t matter how you do it, it just matters that you do. The ACU defense dominated allowing less than 200 yards and pitching a shutout. The offense just kinda did their job and scored points. This offense isn’t as scary without McIvor but if the defense can avoid getting totally mauled by the Bison anything can happen in a single elimination game

Honorable mentions: Drake not being a pushover, Central Connecticut State not being a pushover, Big South-OVC in the first round.

The Bad

1. Tarleton State. Don’t care that this is your first FCS playoff game, don’t care that you won. A Pioneer League draw is a gift in the first round. Playing an embarrassingly close game against non-scholarship program should count like an L. Good Luck in Vermillion. Buzz Saw incoming.

2. The CAA. Garbage just garbage. Two home losses, a game that should’ve been a home loss, and another close encounter with a death with a 40-scholarship NEC school. Trash. I just remember the guy who said the CAA’s only reason for not dominating FCS anymore was the Dakota Schools. Hot take but maybe it’s themselves. Power League my ass.

3. McNeese Head Coaching Change. No idea what happened with Gary Goff but that situation is toxic. Imagine firing a guy for improving year to year. In year 3. In year 3. You wonder why the Southland doesn’t run through you anymore. This is why. 5 coaches in 10 years. Idiocy.

Dishonorable mentions: No official line given so can’t roast Bobby, general E+ opening playoff weekend shenanigans.

The Bobby Hauck Tier presented by the Montana Drywall Association

The Montana Drywall Association, whether it’s your team not covering the spread, getting embarrassed in a rivalry, or the team you’re coaching not performing up to the expectation of a Reddit shit poster, we have you covered. Drywall built to last, as long as you don’t punch another hole through it.

1. Drywall Workers of Montana. Thankfully Bobby Hauck’s performance in the Brawl was bad enough that the Drywall workers managed to feed their families for thanksgiving due to all the drywall damage in the Griz half of the state. Other than that work seems like light but not this weekend with two potential matchups from the Montana schools that could cause grief.

2. SEMO Offense. You attempt 85 passes and only scored 27. Ugly. (Edit posted Box Score in the comments it was an insane game)

3. Ending of Villanova-EKU. CAA defenders will say he was out. Everyone with a brain says he was in. Terrible officiating. Villanova faces the dreaded buzzsaw.

Ugly Mentions: FloSports the Hauck Tier of Streaming Services, the OP for not putting Junior Bergen in the good, whatever you mention below

https://ucasports.com/news/2024/11/26/football-brown-to-restructure-coaching-staff.aspx

2024 FCS Imperialism Map - Week 14

Land Changes in Week 14:

1. UT Martin +91,030.8 sq mi from New Hampshire
2. Villanova +43,678.5 sq mi from Eastern Kentucky
3. Lehigh +29,082.6 sq mi from Richmond
4. Rhode Island +13,524.9 sq mi from Central Connecticut
5. Slippery Rock (DII) +7,098.1 sq mi from Kutztown (DII)

Our Top 5 by Land:

1. South Dakota - 932,936.6 sq mi
2. Montana State - 774,340.4 sq mi
3. West Georgia - 719,204.2 sq mi
4. UIW - 267,630.4 sq mi
5. South Dakota State - 250,969.7 sq mi

Land Consolidation in Week 15:

• #2 Montana State vs #6 UT Martin
• #4 UIW vs #7 Villanova

Vent here. This is a friendly place.

If you've been around the subdivision for a few years, you know that FCS betting lines don't tend to be released until morning-of for most games. So we decided to help support discussion heading into each week, creating a sportsbook with lines that we plan to release hopefully by Monday at the latest each week of the season. Presenting:

/r/FCS Sportsbook - Current Week's Lines and Matchup Prediction Tool

Betting Game

And since we've got lines for all of the games, we figured why not take it a step further and use those lines for another fun season long game? We'll be running a "betting" platform (through google forms) that will let you (fake) bet from $1-$10 (in dollar increments) against the spread on every FCS game. Below you will find the submission for each week.

NO REAL MONEY OR VALUE IS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS GAME.

FCS Betting Submission Form:

• Second Round FCS Games: OPEN FOR BETS HERE
• Current week's bets found here.

Why to (maybe) trust that these lines aren't complete nonsense

On the season, the /r/FCS Sportsbook's results through the First Round FCS Playoffs.

• Overall Total: 78.3% correct winner assessed, -0.13 spread bias, -0.11 O/U bias
• FCS games: 77.6% correct winner assessed, -1.09 spread bias, -0.28 O/U bias
• HBCU games: 76.6% correct winner assessed, 0.26 spread bias, -0.12 O/U bias
• FBS games: 74.7% correct winner assessed, -0.87 spread bias, 0.02 O/U bias
• D2 games: 77.6% correct winner assessed, 0.65 spread bias, -0.27 O/U bias
• D3 games: 81.8% correct winner assessed, 0 spread bias, -0.21 O/U bias
• NAIA games: 82.6% correct winner assessed, -0.17 spread bias, 0.7 O/U bias

On FBS v FBS (the same metric used to track models and Vegas on Prediction Tracker): 529/742 (71.3%), 46.8% against the spread, -.37 bias, 254.7 MSE. Which would be good enough to put it at #22 of 56 through the First Round of the FCS Playoffs. (It's also worth noting that apparently Prediction Tracker is counting one of the FBS v FBS games twice, hence their numbers being out of 743.)

Also went through and tried to find as many FCS lines as possible to compare how the /r/FCS Sportsbook did against those lines upon open. Have collected 790 lines through the First Round of the FCS Playoffs, Vegas opening lines went 611/790 (77.3%) in correctly assessing the winner, while in those same games the /r/FCS Sportsbook went 608/790 (77.0%) in correctly assessing the winner.

Our book ultimately had the same line as Vegas opening 41 times, and to-date in 2024 has gone 407/749 (54.3%) against the FCS Vegas spreads it differed on. Which continues to support the idea that we can present our lines as being pretty reasonable opening looks on the whole.

Few additional notes: there is no plan on moving lines based on how people bet, because that becomes a actual work to keep up on and I frankly don't want to bother. Again, there is no real money being bet. Also won't put any limits (besides the max $10/game) on how much someone can bet in any given week. So bet as many or as few games as you'd like. The plan will be to just keep track of user totals through the season.

It’s also worth noting that we really are not trying to promote gambling in any real sense despite the whole makeup of this.

Since the Supreme Court ruling, it’s become a much more prevalent part of sports reporting in a way that I totally understand can be annoying if it’s not why you watch (I’ve never placed a bet, for example, and really have no interest in doing so). But it’s a part of the culture at this point, so we’re trying to reach more folks and continue driving interest in the FCS as best as possible using the tools at hand.

I also remember seeing lines in the newspaper for CFB games as a kid (way too many years ago), and that being helpful in understanding what the “feel” for a game was when otherwise I might not have known. That really is the catalyst behind wanting to put out lines for the FCS community; the interactive betting part is more just to have another point of engagement for folks.

People will gloss over this as if it’s just a blanket ass-cover, but seriously if you struggle with gambling please reach out to places that can help.

The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. The network consists of 28 call centers that provide resources and referrals for all 50 states, Canada, and the US Virgin Islands. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.

2024 FCS Playoffs Imperialism Map - Base

2024 FCS Playoffs Imperialism Map - After Round 1

Land changes after the first round of the playoffs:

• #12 Illinois State takes Southeast Missouri
• #10 Rhode Island takes Central Connecticut
• UT Martin takes #16 New Hampshire
• Lehigh takes #9 Richmond
• #11 Villanova takes Eastern Kentucky
• #13 Tarleton takes Drake
• #15 Abilene Christian takes Northern Arizona
• #14 Montana takes Tennessee State

Match-ups in Round 2:

• #14 Montana at #3 South Dakota State
• #11 Villanova at #6 UIW
• #10 Rhode Island at #7 Mercer
• UT Martin at #1 Montana State
• #15 Abilene Christian at #2 North Dakota State
• #13 Tarleton at #4 South Dakota
• #12 Illinois State at #5 UC Davis
• Lehigh at #8 Idaho

Playoffs

UT Martin 41-10 (16)New Hampshire

(15)Abilene Christian 24-0 Northern Arizona

(14)Montana 41-27 Tennessee State

(13)Tarleton State 43-29 Drake

(12)Illinois State 35-27 Southeast Missouri

(11)Villanova 22-17 Eastern Kentucky

(10)Rhode Island 21-17 Central Connecticut State

Lehigh 20-16 (9)Richmond

Next Week

UT Martin @ (1)Montana State

(15)Abilene Christian @ (2)North Dakota State

(14)Montana @ (3)South Dakota State

(13)Tarleton State @ (4)South Dakota

(12)Illinois State @ (5)UC Davis

(11)Villanova @ (6)Incarnate Word

(10)Rhode Island @ (7)Mercer

Lehigh @ (8)Idaho

Other Games Played

SWAC

Alabama State 34-6 TuskegeeTuskegee (D2)

Florida A&M 28-20 Alabama A&M

Southern 24-14 Grambling

FCS Playoffs (Round 1) is upon us. Who are you watching/gonna watch today?

WAKE UP, IT'S GAME DAY!

GRAB YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE* AND LET'S WATCH SOME FOOTBALL

*FOR YOU UNDERAGED FANS, WE MEAN A COFFEE OR SOMETHING ಠ_ಠ

Today's Pick'em Games (all times listed in Central, the undisputed best time zone for football):

You can find the full schedule with up to the minute results over at the brand new /r/CFB Scoreboard.

Also seriously don't ask for "alternate" streams, because we don't want to deal with takedown notices. Plus most games can be listened to on streaming radio for free if you're really desperate.

If there's anything you want to talk about, celebrate, complain about, etc., go for it. Doesn't need to be FCS specific.

Note: Basic rules still apply

TURKEY: COOKED

CAPS LOCK: ON

BASIC RULES: STILL APPLY

YOUR OPINIONS: GARBAGE LIKE YOUR AUNT MILDRED'S GRAPE SALAD (A MINNESOTA CLASSIC), BUT WELCOME ALL THE SAME