Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - There are plenty of O's surrounding matchups between FBS and FCS programs.
Yeah, usually about five of them attached to another number as a guaranteed payday to the FCS program which is paying a visit, presumably to take a beating.
But don't forget the many X's, too. Many of the FCS coaches have game plans in which they seek to pull a surprising upset, or at least make the FBS players sweat a little come the second half.
The guarantee in FBS-FCS matchups isn't just about the money, it's in the wins and losses, as FBS schools win, oh, about 95 percent of the time.
But when the FCS version of Cinderella stays late at the ball ...
Last season was a solid season as FCS schools won seven of the 90 matchups. All of the FCS programs enjoyed the chance to revel in the opportunity to play a big-time program in front of bigger, and sometimes, huge crowds.
They also received that all-too-important paycheck, which FCS schools use to help fund their athletics program.
This season, there are 92 FBS-FCS matchups, with all but eight in September and the biggest schedule occurring on the opening Saturday of the season, Sept. 3.
Surely, there will be some W's to mix in with the X's and O's.
Here are 25 matchups that stand out (on paper, that is; no upsets guaranteed):
Thursday, Sept. 1
Villanova at Temple - There's no truth to the rumor that the Mayor's Cup winner will get to play the rest of the season at Lincoln Financial Field and the loser gets dispatched to nearby Chester and PPL Park.
New Hampshire at Toledo - Before UNH lost at Pittsburgh last season, it had won five straight games against FBS opponents.
Montana State at Utah - If this was a year ago, the Bobcats might have been able to slip new quarterback DeNarius McGhee past the Utes. Not this year.
Saturday, Sept. 3
Appalachian State at Virginia Tech - Yeah, I think we know a little something about App State winning at Michigan and Virginia Tech losing at home to James Madison.
James Madison at North Carolina - Some say the Dukes play better against ACC teams than CAA teams.
Delaware at Navy - Interesting possibility: if the Blue Hens can pull an upset, it would bring the series back to even through 16 games.
McNeese State at Kansas - A year after Kansas fell to North Dakota State, the Cowboys have some defensive players (defensive end Desmund Lighten and free safety Malcolm Bronson) to trouble the Jayhawks.
Eastern Washington at Washington - The reigning FCS champion Eagles have a chance to make a statement across the state.
Montana at Tennessee - This isn't Western State. The Grizzlies are playing a FBS team for the first time since 2006.
Sacramento State at Oregon State - If Sac State quarterback Jeff Fleming gets in a groove, this will be a high-scoring game.
Richmond at Duke - The Spiders opened the 2009 season with a 24-16 win at Duke.
William & Mary at Virginia - Deja vu, the Tribe opened the 2009 season with a 26-14 win at Virginia.
Liberty at North Carolina State - Liberty's trio of quarterback Mike Brown, wide receiver Chris Summers and place-kicker Matt Bevins oozes FBS talent.
Chattanooga at Nebraska - Not a bad matchup of quarterbacks: Chattanooga's B.J. Coleman versus Nebraska's Taylor Martinez.
Texas State at Texas Tech - Welcome to the FBS a year early, Texas State.
Northern Iowa at Iowa State - With quarterback Tirrell Rennie and running back Carlos Anderson, the Panthers have a chance to control the clock.
Cal Poly at San Diego State - The visiting Mustangs have won each of the last two meetings (2006 and '08) by two points.
Saturday, Sept. 10
Wofford at Clemson - South Carolina teams collide. Wofford's undergraduate admissions is about one-tenth of Clemson's.
Southern Illinois at Mississippi - Do you think the Salukis wish Jacksonville State hadn't beaten Ole Miss last season?
Saturday, Sept. 17
Missouri State at Oregon - The visiting Bears surrendered 72 points to Murray State last season. Wonder how many Oregon will put on the scoreboard.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Central Arkansas at Arkansas State - This game won't be played on Central Arkansas' new purple and gray turf, but the Bears have an excellent chance of winning on the road.
Massachusetts at Boston College - Think this game will draw some interest in the Boston area? UMass will become New England's third FBS program next year.
North Dakota State at Minnesota - The Gophers lost to a different Dakota team last season, South Dakota. This time, Bison running back D.J. McNorton will provide a stern test for the Big Ten program.
Saturday, Oct. 22
Jacksonville State at Kentucky - JSU beat Ole Miss last season. At least the host Wildcats were smart enough to schedule their bye the weekend before Jack Crowe, who coached in the SEC at Auburn and Arkansas, brings his Gamecocks to Lexington.
Saturday, Nov. 19
Georgia Southern at Alabama - Hey, look, the Eagles can enter the FCS playoffs off a win.
OK, for good luck, here's one more of note:
UC Davis at Hawaii (Sept. 24) - The Aggies must have won this year's sweepstakes.
Aloha to all.
In the Beginning
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
College Football 2011 Predictions: 10 FBS Teams That Could Lose to the FCS
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Boothby and Rennie Named to Preseason Top 10 Lists
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – University of Northern Iowa
Boothby, a senior defensive end, led UNI with 9.5 sacks and 16.0 tackles for a loss last season, earning him first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. Rennie, a senior quarterback, finished second in the MVFC Player of the Year voting after tallying nearly 1,300 yards rushing and more than 1,500 yards passing in 2010.
Junior running back Carlos Anderson, who averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2010, was also listed as a running back to watch in 2011.
Anderson Listed Among FCS Top 10
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- University of Northern Iowa
Anderson Anderson and the Panthers open the 2011 season on Sept. 3 when they play at Iowa State
Friday, May 27, 2011
First of the Pre-season polls, UNI #10
1. Georgia Southern
2. William & Mary
3. Eastern Washington
4. Montana State
5. Appalachian State
6. Delaware
7. Richmond
8. Wofford
9. Jacksonville State
10. Northern Iowa
11. North Dakota State
12. U Mass
13. New Hampshire
14. Lehigh
15. Sacramento State
16. Chattanooga
17. Villanova
18. Southern Illinois
19. Montana
20. Liberty
21. Northwestern State
22. Eastern Kentucky
23. Indiana State
24. Central Arkansas
25. Jacksonville
2. William & Mary
3. Eastern Washington
4. Montana State
5. Appalachian State
6. Delaware
7. Richmond
8. Wofford
9. Jacksonville State
10. Northern Iowa
11. North Dakota State
12. U Mass
13. New Hampshire
14. Lehigh
15. Sacramento State
16. Chattanooga
17. Villanova
18. Southern Illinois
19. Montana
20. Liberty
21. Northwestern State
22. Eastern Kentucky
23. Indiana State
24. Central Arkansas
25. Jacksonville
Monday, May 16, 2011
In the FCS Huddle: Top 10 FCS offensive linemen
Fifth of an eight-part series featuring the best Football Championship Subdivision players at various positions.
By Craig Haley, FCS Executive Director
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - J.C. Oram used to think he would follow his older brother Shawn, a fellow offensive lineman, to Idaho State. The last place he thought he would wind up was at the Bengals' Big Sky Conference rival, Weber State.
"Back in the day, I used to hate Weber State," J.C. recalls. "Now it's kind of funny that I'm here."
Weber State opponents aren't laughing when they have to go up against the Wildcats' star. Oram has been pancaking defensive linemen ever since he arrived in Ogden, Utah.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound right guard didn't start his first college game in 2008, but he has in all 36 games since then, and has become one of the FCS' top 10 offensive linemen. His goal for his senior season, though, is to be considered the best offensive lineman in the nation.
"Dedication. You have to be dedicated whatever you do," Oram said of his goal. "Right now we're in the offseason, I'm lifting five days a week, trying to get stronger. I have to work on my footwork. It's all preparation right now."
This season will be a particularly good one for offensive linemen in the Big Sky. Oram is coming off a season in which he was a second-team selection on The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America Team.
He has been part of an offensive line that has blocked for All-Americas at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. This season, though, the Wildcats' offensive strength is up front, where their veteran line features the left side of Oram and tackle Caleb Turner, who also was a All-Big Sky first-team selection last season.
"I believe I'm better in pass blocking right now, but I'm working on my run to get better," said Oram, who made the All-Big Sky second team in both 2008 and '09. "I'm better at pulling. I like to pull, I like to get out there and get a full head of steam and hit somebody. That's what our base play is - power.
"I love pass blocking, I love being one-on-one with somebody and just stopping him on every move that he can do to me. It's just a great feeling."
Oram's physical style is built off sound technique, from his push off the line of scrimmage to taking the right steps to using his hands to knock defensive linemen back. With aspirations of a pro career, however, he believes he has to get stronger physically.
It's a good sign for his future that Oram thought his best games last season were against Weber State's two FBS opponents, Boston College and Texas Tech.
"I see the guy in front of me and I know that I'm better than him," Oram said. "I get down and I look at his technique. I've become really good at noticing stances and tips that will help me know what he's doing. If he's in a right- handed stance, he's probably going to go to the right. I pick up these things from watching film and I notice them. I look at that first and know what they're doing. Then once they're doing that, I just come off the ball as hard as I can and keep moving my feet until he's on the ground, and keep him on the ground."
Idaho State offered a scholarship to Oram in his senior year of high school, but the resident of Slaterville, Utah, clearly picked the right school. Weber State has enjoyed three straight winning seasons, with two playoff appearances and a 23-14 record. Idaho State is coming off three straight one-win seasons.
"When you hear about the Big Sky, you think of Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington. We're all good teams," Oram said. "Every game is so competitive and every game matters. If you lose one game, you might not have a shot to make it to the playoffs."
Here are nine more offensive linemen who are part of The Sports Network's FCS Preseason Top 10:
Rodney Austin, Elon, Sr., OG, 6-4, 311 - Austin is a high-energy player who puts everything into every play. He had a breakthrough season last fall when he helped the Phoenix rank first in the Southern Conference and second in the FCS in passing offense (322.4 yards per game) and first in the conference and ninth nationally with 435.2 total offensive yards per outing. He was rewarded with All-Southern Conference first-team honors.
Bryan Boemer, Southern Illinois, Sr., C, 6-2, 315 - Boemer's outstanding strength lets him move any defender on his own, so the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first-team standout frees up the two guards next to him to block other defenders. In his two seasons as a starter, the Salukis have had one of the better rushing attacks in the FCS. SIU will be returning all five starting offensive linemen from a year ago, but Boemer was named the team's offensive lineman of the game seven times in 11 games last season.
Tom Compton, South Dakota, Sr., OT, 6-6, 311 - Although blessed with excellent size, Compton remains quick (he ran a 5.08-second clocking in the 40-yard dash at South Dakota's junior pro day in March). South Dakota has had excellent offenses in recent seasons and Compton is entering his fourth season as a starter. The All-Great West Conference first-team selection can open running lanes and provide pass protection.
Evan Conrad, Southeast Missouri State, Jr., OT, 6-3, 305 - His forte is run blocking, but Conrad allowed only two sacks at left tackle last season. He anchored the line of the No. 3 rushing offense in the FCS. Conrad studies opponents and film well, and has a disciplined style. He was one of four SEMO offensive linemen to earn All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team honors last season, but was the only non-senior. During the regular season, he graded out over 91 percent with 77 knockdowns.
Natiel Curry, Bethune-Cookman, Sr., C, 6-2, 280 - Curry reads and reacts well against defensive sets. He is the leader up front for a resurgent Wildcats team that ranked second in scoring offense last season. Curry, named the MEAC's top center during his junior season, is always making sure teammates are in the right spot. Head coach Brian Jenkins lauds Curry for his intelligent play.
Gino Gradkowski, Delaware, Sr., OG, 6-4, 294 - The younger brother of NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is in his third season as a Delaware starter after transferring from West Virginia. Gradkowski can play center as well as guard and earned All-CAA Football first-team honors as a workhorse for one of the FCS' most balanced offenses. He plays a smart style and will draw pro interest in 2012.
D.J. Hall, Texas State, Sr., OG, 6-3, 300 - Under first-year head coach Dennis Franchione, Hall has been a quick learner of the new offensive schemes. He is athletic and has a physical style of play which elevates both sides of the ball in practice. He can pull to become the Bobcats' lead blocker on running plays or step back and anchor the pass blocking. He's in his fourth season as a starter, earning All-Southland Conference second-team honors as a redshirt freshman in 2008 and first-team honors in each of the past two seasons.
Brett Moore, Georgia Southern, Sr., OT, 6-3, 258 - Moore basically came out of nowhere to anchor the offensive line last season, when the Eagles finished fourth in the FCS with 261.2 rushing yards per game. He isn't big for a right tackle, but is athletic and fast, and he makes good decisions. The former walk-on at GSU was rewarded by the Southern Conference coaches with first-team honors.
Chris Powers, Eastern Washington, Sr., C, 6-2, 270 - The last name says it all. Powers is the only returning offensive linemen who earned first-team honors on The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America Team last season. The FCS champion Eagles averaged nearly 400 yards per game last season and Powers helped anchor the line with his workmanlike style. EWU is known for producing outstanding linemen.
Offensive linemen on the cusp:
Jeff Adams, Columbia, Sr., OT, 6-7, 305;
Roane Babington, James Madison, Sr., C, 6-2, 275;
David Pickard, Southern Illinois, Sr., OT, 6-5, 300;
Dan Shirey, Villanova, Jr., C, 6-2, 290;
Alex Terrien, Montana State, Sr., C, 6-4, 285;
Caleb Turner, Weber State, Sr., OT, 6-4, 280
05/16 13:23:04 ET
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - J.C. Oram used to think he would follow his older brother Shawn, a fellow offensive lineman, to Idaho State. The last place he thought he would wind up was at the Bengals' Big Sky Conference rival, Weber State.
"Back in the day, I used to hate Weber State," J.C. recalls. "Now it's kind of funny that I'm here."
Weber State opponents aren't laughing when they have to go up against the Wildcats' star. Oram has been pancaking defensive linemen ever since he arrived in Ogden, Utah.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound right guard didn't start his first college game in 2008, but he has in all 36 games since then, and has become one of the FCS' top 10 offensive linemen. His goal for his senior season, though, is to be considered the best offensive lineman in the nation.
"Dedication. You have to be dedicated whatever you do," Oram said of his goal. "Right now we're in the offseason, I'm lifting five days a week, trying to get stronger. I have to work on my footwork. It's all preparation right now."
This season will be a particularly good one for offensive linemen in the Big Sky. Oram is coming off a season in which he was a second-team selection on The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America Team.
He has been part of an offensive line that has blocked for All-Americas at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. This season, though, the Wildcats' offensive strength is up front, where their veteran line features the left side of Oram and tackle Caleb Turner, who also was a All-Big Sky first-team selection last season.
"I believe I'm better in pass blocking right now, but I'm working on my run to get better," said Oram, who made the All-Big Sky second team in both 2008 and '09. "I'm better at pulling. I like to pull, I like to get out there and get a full head of steam and hit somebody. That's what our base play is - power.
"I love pass blocking, I love being one-on-one with somebody and just stopping him on every move that he can do to me. It's just a great feeling."
Oram's physical style is built off sound technique, from his push off the line of scrimmage to taking the right steps to using his hands to knock defensive linemen back. With aspirations of a pro career, however, he believes he has to get stronger physically.
It's a good sign for his future that Oram thought his best games last season were against Weber State's two FBS opponents, Boston College and Texas Tech.
"I see the guy in front of me and I know that I'm better than him," Oram said. "I get down and I look at his technique. I've become really good at noticing stances and tips that will help me know what he's doing. If he's in a right- handed stance, he's probably going to go to the right. I pick up these things from watching film and I notice them. I look at that first and know what they're doing. Then once they're doing that, I just come off the ball as hard as I can and keep moving my feet until he's on the ground, and keep him on the ground."
Idaho State offered a scholarship to Oram in his senior year of high school, but the resident of Slaterville, Utah, clearly picked the right school. Weber State has enjoyed three straight winning seasons, with two playoff appearances and a 23-14 record. Idaho State is coming off three straight one-win seasons.
"When you hear about the Big Sky, you think of Montana, Montana State, Eastern Washington. We're all good teams," Oram said. "Every game is so competitive and every game matters. If you lose one game, you might not have a shot to make it to the playoffs."
Here are nine more offensive linemen who are part of The Sports Network's FCS Preseason Top 10:
Rodney Austin, Elon, Sr., OG, 6-4, 311 - Austin is a high-energy player who puts everything into every play. He had a breakthrough season last fall when he helped the Phoenix rank first in the Southern Conference and second in the FCS in passing offense (322.4 yards per game) and first in the conference and ninth nationally with 435.2 total offensive yards per outing. He was rewarded with All-Southern Conference first-team honors.
Bryan Boemer, Southern Illinois, Sr., C, 6-2, 315 - Boemer's outstanding strength lets him move any defender on his own, so the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first-team standout frees up the two guards next to him to block other defenders. In his two seasons as a starter, the Salukis have had one of the better rushing attacks in the FCS. SIU will be returning all five starting offensive linemen from a year ago, but Boemer was named the team's offensive lineman of the game seven times in 11 games last season.
Tom Compton, South Dakota, Sr., OT, 6-6, 311 - Although blessed with excellent size, Compton remains quick (he ran a 5.08-second clocking in the 40-yard dash at South Dakota's junior pro day in March). South Dakota has had excellent offenses in recent seasons and Compton is entering his fourth season as a starter. The All-Great West Conference first-team selection can open running lanes and provide pass protection.
Evan Conrad, Southeast Missouri State, Jr., OT, 6-3, 305 - His forte is run blocking, but Conrad allowed only two sacks at left tackle last season. He anchored the line of the No. 3 rushing offense in the FCS. Conrad studies opponents and film well, and has a disciplined style. He was one of four SEMO offensive linemen to earn All-Ohio Valley Conference first-team honors last season, but was the only non-senior. During the regular season, he graded out over 91 percent with 77 knockdowns.
Natiel Curry, Bethune-Cookman, Sr., C, 6-2, 280 - Curry reads and reacts well against defensive sets. He is the leader up front for a resurgent Wildcats team that ranked second in scoring offense last season. Curry, named the MEAC's top center during his junior season, is always making sure teammates are in the right spot. Head coach Brian Jenkins lauds Curry for his intelligent play.
Gino Gradkowski, Delaware, Sr., OG, 6-4, 294 - The younger brother of NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is in his third season as a Delaware starter after transferring from West Virginia. Gradkowski can play center as well as guard and earned All-CAA Football first-team honors as a workhorse for one of the FCS' most balanced offenses. He plays a smart style and will draw pro interest in 2012.
D.J. Hall, Texas State, Sr., OG, 6-3, 300 - Under first-year head coach Dennis Franchione, Hall has been a quick learner of the new offensive schemes. He is athletic and has a physical style of play which elevates both sides of the ball in practice. He can pull to become the Bobcats' lead blocker on running plays or step back and anchor the pass blocking. He's in his fourth season as a starter, earning All-Southland Conference second-team honors as a redshirt freshman in 2008 and first-team honors in each of the past two seasons.
Brett Moore, Georgia Southern, Sr., OT, 6-3, 258 - Moore basically came out of nowhere to anchor the offensive line last season, when the Eagles finished fourth in the FCS with 261.2 rushing yards per game. He isn't big for a right tackle, but is athletic and fast, and he makes good decisions. The former walk-on at GSU was rewarded by the Southern Conference coaches with first-team honors.
Chris Powers, Eastern Washington, Sr., C, 6-2, 270 - The last name says it all. Powers is the only returning offensive linemen who earned first-team honors on The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America Team last season. The FCS champion Eagles averaged nearly 400 yards per game last season and Powers helped anchor the line with his workmanlike style. EWU is known for producing outstanding linemen.
Offensive linemen on the cusp:
Jeff Adams, Columbia, Sr., OT, 6-7, 305;
Roane Babington, James Madison, Sr., C, 6-2, 275;
David Pickard, Southern Illinois, Sr., OT, 6-5, 300;
Dan Shirey, Villanova, Jr., C, 6-2, 290;
Alex Terrien, Montana State, Sr., C, 6-4, 285;
Caleb Turner, Weber State, Sr., OT, 6-4, 280
05/16 13:23:04 ET
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
In the FCS Huddle: Top 10 FCS running backs
Third of an eight-part series featuring the best Football Championship Subdivision players at various positions. By Craig Haley, FCS Executive Director
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - You would expect to find a blue cape with an "S" underneath Nate Eachus' Colgate football jersey.
Instead it's a short-sleeved black shirt.
Eachus, the FCS' 2010 leading rusher, was given the shirt by teammate Andrew Nairin and he doesn't remember going a game or practice without it last year.
OK, so maybe Eachus is a little superstitious. But you can't blame him for knowing what works great.
Nor can you blame Colgate head coach Dick Biddle for knowing what works, like giving the ball time and again to Eachus, one of the Top 10 FCS running backs this season.
As a junior, not only did Eachus' 1,871 rushing yards top the FCS, but the workhorse was No. 1 in scoring average (12 ppg), tied for the national lead with 22 touchdowns and averaged more carries per game (28.8) than any other back. He averaged 5.9 yards on his 317 carries.
"I think I'm going to be shooting for some higher expectations," Eachus said. "I've been successful and I was healthy last year to have as good of a season as I had. The great thing about this year is we have our whole offensive line coming back."
Eachus will be a leading candidate for the Walter Payton Award, which honors the outstanding player in the FCS, is presented by The Sports Network and sponsored by Fathead.com. He finished sixth in the voting last year.
The 5-foot-10, 216-pounder sits seventh in Patriot League history with 3,722 rushing yards, is destined to pass former Colgate star and 2003 Payton Award winner Jamaal Branch (4,108) and would become No. 1 if he reaches a potential goal of 2,000 yards this season. His former teammate, Jordan Scott, rushed for 5,621 yards at Colgate from 2005-08.
"Two-thousand yards would be great," Eachus said. "Personally, I try to set goals. I do set team goals first, which is (to) win the league, which is most important. And I would like to get 2,000 yards. As long as we're getting wins, the yards will come."
Eachus, from Drums, Pa., has a calm demeanor on the field. The all-business approach has led to him improving diet this offseason, and he says he feels faster and stronger.
That's not good news for opposing defenses, of course. Eachus already has seven 200-yard games in his career, including a school-record 291 yards against Cornell last season.
He wants to do a better job with ball security. He doesn't wear gloves, even late in the season when the weather can turn wintry in Hamilton, N.Y.
"People say that maybe I get worn out after 30 carries in a game, but I feel like I get better as the game goes on. ... It becomes easy for me in the fourth quarter," Eachus said.
"I'm just a low runner that goes to the hole fast and stays low. I guess you can say that a lot of it's from wrestling in high school. In wrestling, you've got to be down and on your feet. They both go hand-in-hand for each other. I'm so low, pretty quick and once in a while I'll be shifty. That's my style. I'm the kind of person who gives the blow and doesn't take the blow."
Opposing defenses will focus their game plans around stopping Eachus. Although Colgate, 7-4 last season, will return all five of their starting offensive linemen, it will be inexperienced at quarterback because of the graduation of three-year starter Greg Sullivan. Junior Josh Hasenberg or sophomore Gaven McCarney figure to line up under center as the new starter.
"What leads to running the ball a lot is the play-action pass. I think we're going to surprise a lot of teams this year, just throwing and running," Eachus said.
"What goes through my head is that I want to try and score every time. I'm an angry runner, try and score, don't take anything for granted."
Here are nine more running backs who are part of The Sports Network's FCS Preseason Top 10:
Eric Breitenstein, Wofford, Jr., 5-11, 205 - All right, Breitenstein is a fullback in the Terriers' triple option, but he's anything but a traditional plodding fullback. He isn't an exceptionally fast runner, but it often takes two defenders to bring him down, even when the defense knows Breitenstein will be running up the middle. His ability to make tacklers miss him and then find open space led to him rushing for a school-record 1,639 yards and 22 touchdowns on over six yards per carry last season. He went over 200 yards against both Furman and Samford.
Jamaine Cook, Youngstown State, Jr., 5-9, 195 - Penguins head coach Eric Wolford calls Cook the hardest worker on the team. He rushed for 1,276 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and the Penguins had a subpar offensive line. He should be even better as the line matures this season. He spins out of tackles and often makes something out of nothing. He's also an excellent pass catcher, with 25 receptions a year ago. Against Illinois State, Cook had 311 all- purpose yards and three touchdowns.
Tim Flanders, Sam Houston State, So., 5-9, 208 - Injuries hampered what could have been an incredible season for the Kansas State transfer last season. He rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in all seven games in which he played four quarters, finishing with 948 yards and 13 touchdowns on 172 carries. He is a powerful runner who stays low to the ground, whether between the tackles or on the edges. The I-formation runner still has a little "Wildcat" in him as he runs some of the Bearkats' plays out of the "wildcat" formation.
Jonathan Grimes, William & Mary, Sr., 5-10, 201 - The Tribe rely heavily on the production of Grimes, who enters his final season with 5,445 all-purpose yards, which ranks ninth in CAA Football history. He's not exceptionally fast, but he's tough between the tackles, catches passes out of the backfield and returns kickoffs. Grimes has rushed for 3,110 career yards in the brutally tough conference. He has earned All-CAA first-team honors in each of the past two seasons.
Mike Harris, Murray State, Sr., 5-11, 200 - A late-season ankle injury prevented Harris from eclipsing 1,000 yards last season, but he averaged 100.4 yards over nine games. The former junior college transfer has a quick first step and breakaway speed, as evidenced by his 94-yard touchdown run in a 242- yard performance against Tennessee Tech last season. He averaged 6.5 yards per rush. In the Racers' spread attack, opponents have to be ready for Harris as a pass catcher as well.
Mike Mayhew, North Carolina A&T, Sr., 5-10, 205 - The 2009 MEAC Rookie of the Year has a natural ability to find a seam and get through it. He won't break away for long runs consistently, but instead compiles yards with his downhill style. Mayhew rushed for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns on 221 carries as a junior, including 211 yards on 31 carries against a solid Bethune-Cookman defense.
D.J. McNorton, North Dakota State, Sr., 5-10, 203 - The versatility of McNorton puts a scare into opponents. A superb athlete who will draw some NFL interest next year, he rushed for 1,559 yards and had 433 receiving yards last season, when the Bison won two FCS playoff games and reached the national quarterfinals. McNorton not only is elusive, but he has excellent vision. Defenders really have to wrap him up to bring him down.
Andrew Pierce, Delaware, So., 5-11, 200 - Delaware had some good running backs returning last season, but it didn't stop Pierce from grabbing the starting job and running with it - literally. He opened his Delaware career by rushing for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in his first four games. With the Blue Hens reaching the FCS title game, Pierce had a national-high 329 carries for 1,655 yards and 14 touchdowns in 15 games. He rushed for 186 yards in a national semifinal against Georgia Southern and 142 yards and a touchdown in the championship game loss to Eastern Washington. He's a fast, but patient runner who doesn't make mistakes and grinds out yards between the tackles.
Nick Schwieger, Dartmouth, Sr., 5-10, 210 - If you're looking for a workhorse, it's Schwieger, who carried the ball at least 25 times in eight of his nine games last season. He has an excellent vision of the field and is a strong and powerful runner who wears down defenses. He shared the Bushnell Cup for Ivy League player of the year after rushing for a league-best 1,133 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 210 yards.
Running backs on the cusp: Carlos Anderson, Northern Iowa, Jr., 5-8, 172; Jordan Brown, Bryant, Jr., 5-9, 185; Miguel Maysonet, Stony Brook, Jr., 5-10, 205; Jonathan Hernandez, Massachusetts, Sr., 5-11, 190
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - You would expect to find a blue cape with an "S" underneath Nate Eachus' Colgate football jersey.
Instead it's a short-sleeved black shirt.
Eachus, the FCS' 2010 leading rusher, was given the shirt by teammate Andrew Nairin and he doesn't remember going a game or practice without it last year.
OK, so maybe Eachus is a little superstitious. But you can't blame him for knowing what works great.
Nor can you blame Colgate head coach Dick Biddle for knowing what works, like giving the ball time and again to Eachus, one of the Top 10 FCS running backs this season.
As a junior, not only did Eachus' 1,871 rushing yards top the FCS, but the workhorse was No. 1 in scoring average (12 ppg), tied for the national lead with 22 touchdowns and averaged more carries per game (28.8) than any other back. He averaged 5.9 yards on his 317 carries.
"I think I'm going to be shooting for some higher expectations," Eachus said. "I've been successful and I was healthy last year to have as good of a season as I had. The great thing about this year is we have our whole offensive line coming back."
Eachus will be a leading candidate for the Walter Payton Award, which honors the outstanding player in the FCS, is presented by The Sports Network and sponsored by Fathead.com. He finished sixth in the voting last year.
The 5-foot-10, 216-pounder sits seventh in Patriot League history with 3,722 rushing yards, is destined to pass former Colgate star and 2003 Payton Award winner Jamaal Branch (4,108) and would become No. 1 if he reaches a potential goal of 2,000 yards this season. His former teammate, Jordan Scott, rushed for 5,621 yards at Colgate from 2005-08.
"Two-thousand yards would be great," Eachus said. "Personally, I try to set goals. I do set team goals first, which is (to) win the league, which is most important. And I would like to get 2,000 yards. As long as we're getting wins, the yards will come."
Eachus, from Drums, Pa., has a calm demeanor on the field. The all-business approach has led to him improving diet this offseason, and he says he feels faster and stronger.
That's not good news for opposing defenses, of course. Eachus already has seven 200-yard games in his career, including a school-record 291 yards against Cornell last season.
He wants to do a better job with ball security. He doesn't wear gloves, even late in the season when the weather can turn wintry in Hamilton, N.Y.
"People say that maybe I get worn out after 30 carries in a game, but I feel like I get better as the game goes on. ... It becomes easy for me in the fourth quarter," Eachus said.
"I'm just a low runner that goes to the hole fast and stays low. I guess you can say that a lot of it's from wrestling in high school. In wrestling, you've got to be down and on your feet. They both go hand-in-hand for each other. I'm so low, pretty quick and once in a while I'll be shifty. That's my style. I'm the kind of person who gives the blow and doesn't take the blow."
Opposing defenses will focus their game plans around stopping Eachus. Although Colgate, 7-4 last season, will return all five of their starting offensive linemen, it will be inexperienced at quarterback because of the graduation of three-year starter Greg Sullivan. Junior Josh Hasenberg or sophomore Gaven McCarney figure to line up under center as the new starter.
"What leads to running the ball a lot is the play-action pass. I think we're going to surprise a lot of teams this year, just throwing and running," Eachus said.
"What goes through my head is that I want to try and score every time. I'm an angry runner, try and score, don't take anything for granted."
Here are nine more running backs who are part of The Sports Network's FCS Preseason Top 10:
Eric Breitenstein, Wofford, Jr., 5-11, 205 - All right, Breitenstein is a fullback in the Terriers' triple option, but he's anything but a traditional plodding fullback. He isn't an exceptionally fast runner, but it often takes two defenders to bring him down, even when the defense knows Breitenstein will be running up the middle. His ability to make tacklers miss him and then find open space led to him rushing for a school-record 1,639 yards and 22 touchdowns on over six yards per carry last season. He went over 200 yards against both Furman and Samford.
Jamaine Cook, Youngstown State, Jr., 5-9, 195 - Penguins head coach Eric Wolford calls Cook the hardest worker on the team. He rushed for 1,276 yards and 11 touchdowns last season and the Penguins had a subpar offensive line. He should be even better as the line matures this season. He spins out of tackles and often makes something out of nothing. He's also an excellent pass catcher, with 25 receptions a year ago. Against Illinois State, Cook had 311 all- purpose yards and three touchdowns.
Tim Flanders, Sam Houston State, So., 5-9, 208 - Injuries hampered what could have been an incredible season for the Kansas State transfer last season. He rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in all seven games in which he played four quarters, finishing with 948 yards and 13 touchdowns on 172 carries. He is a powerful runner who stays low to the ground, whether between the tackles or on the edges. The I-formation runner still has a little "Wildcat" in him as he runs some of the Bearkats' plays out of the "wildcat" formation.
Jonathan Grimes, William & Mary, Sr., 5-10, 201 - The Tribe rely heavily on the production of Grimes, who enters his final season with 5,445 all-purpose yards, which ranks ninth in CAA Football history. He's not exceptionally fast, but he's tough between the tackles, catches passes out of the backfield and returns kickoffs. Grimes has rushed for 3,110 career yards in the brutally tough conference. He has earned All-CAA first-team honors in each of the past two seasons.
Mike Harris, Murray State, Sr., 5-11, 200 - A late-season ankle injury prevented Harris from eclipsing 1,000 yards last season, but he averaged 100.4 yards over nine games. The former junior college transfer has a quick first step and breakaway speed, as evidenced by his 94-yard touchdown run in a 242- yard performance against Tennessee Tech last season. He averaged 6.5 yards per rush. In the Racers' spread attack, opponents have to be ready for Harris as a pass catcher as well.
Mike Mayhew, North Carolina A&T, Sr., 5-10, 205 - The 2009 MEAC Rookie of the Year has a natural ability to find a seam and get through it. He won't break away for long runs consistently, but instead compiles yards with his downhill style. Mayhew rushed for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns on 221 carries as a junior, including 211 yards on 31 carries against a solid Bethune-Cookman defense.
D.J. McNorton, North Dakota State, Sr., 5-10, 203 - The versatility of McNorton puts a scare into opponents. A superb athlete who will draw some NFL interest next year, he rushed for 1,559 yards and had 433 receiving yards last season, when the Bison won two FCS playoff games and reached the national quarterfinals. McNorton not only is elusive, but he has excellent vision. Defenders really have to wrap him up to bring him down.
Andrew Pierce, Delaware, So., 5-11, 200 - Delaware had some good running backs returning last season, but it didn't stop Pierce from grabbing the starting job and running with it - literally. He opened his Delaware career by rushing for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in his first four games. With the Blue Hens reaching the FCS title game, Pierce had a national-high 329 carries for 1,655 yards and 14 touchdowns in 15 games. He rushed for 186 yards in a national semifinal against Georgia Southern and 142 yards and a touchdown in the championship game loss to Eastern Washington. He's a fast, but patient runner who doesn't make mistakes and grinds out yards between the tackles.
Nick Schwieger, Dartmouth, Sr., 5-10, 210 - If you're looking for a workhorse, it's Schwieger, who carried the ball at least 25 times in eight of his nine games last season. He has an excellent vision of the field and is a strong and powerful runner who wears down defenses. He shared the Bushnell Cup for Ivy League player of the year after rushing for a league-best 1,133 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 210 yards.
Running backs on the cusp: Carlos Anderson, Northern Iowa, Jr., 5-8, 172; Jordan Brown, Bryant, Jr., 5-9, 185; Miguel Maysonet, Stony Brook, Jr., 5-10, 205; Jonathan Hernandez, Massachusetts, Sr., 5-11, 190
Monday, May 9, 2011
The yr in review
Rennie working to be a more complete QB
CEDAR FALLS - Tirrell Rennie tells it like it is, even if it hurts.
"For my part, it wasn't as good as my last (spring game)," said the University of Northern Iowa's senior quarterback after Friday's 90-minute scrimmage in the UNI-Dome.
"It was rough."
Rennie's first pass attempt Friday was intercepted by Tre'Darrius Canady. With the quarterbacks protected from contact, a quick whistle saved him from another pick later in the opening half. When he left the game for good midway through the second quarter, he had completed 2 of 4 passes for 18 yards and was "sacked" three times.
In the ground game and as a scrambler, Rennie is one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever wear the purple and gold. He ran for 1,291 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. But through the air, he connected on 56 percent of his passes for 1,526 yards with 11 interceptions to just eight touchdowns.
"Before next season, I'm trying to improve in the pass game," said Rennie. "My coaches know it and I know it and a lot of fans know it. When it comes to the run game, it's natural. I don't really need to tweak that much.
"The only thing I need to do now is execute in the passing game. Like Coach (Mark) Farley says, we can't be a one-dimensional team like last year, and I feel like if I improve my pass game we'll be a solid team."
On the other hand, UNI has two promising young quarterbacks in redshirt freshmen Jared Lanpher of Blue Springs, Mo., and Will Roth of Marion.
Lanpher showed a strong, accurate arm Friday when he connected on 13 of 23 passes for 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns - a 45-yarder to redshirt freshman receiver Brett LeMaster and a 5-yard bullet to tight end Steven Figueroa on a third-and-goal play.
Another big-gainer to LeMaster down the sideline was inches out of bounds.
"I enjoyed watching Lanpher throw the ball around," said Rennie. He does it real well. I've seen it all during practice, and I knew coming into spring ball he was a born natural."
Lanpher did throw a pair of interceptions. He underthrew Montari Leonard on a deep ball that was grabbed by Jaz Granderson and was later picked off by linebacker L.J. Fort.
"It seems like I haven't played football in so long, sitting on the sidelines and charting and everything," said the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder. "I feel like in the one year that I redshirted I learned a lot from Tirrell and Zach (Davis) and Caleb (Walter)."
Lanpher is nearly the polar opposite of Rennie.
"I've never really been a running quarterback," he noted. "I've always been one to be in the pocket and throw it, and then if I need to I can get a couple of yards. I'm not a Tirrell Rennie who can get on the edge for a touchdown."
But Lanpher can throw it, and he's got a stable of young receivers who can get open and catch it.
"I think we've got a great receiving corps," he said. "I can always count on them to be in their spots. Even if I'm not looking at them, they're in the spots where they need to be. They have a great work ethic, too, which means a lot."
UNI needs a backup for Rennie after Davis and Walter graduated early and gave up their final seasons. Farley was encouraged Friday.
"You saw Lanpher grow up," he noted. "I said it early: This is the first time I've actually seen a spring game pay off for a quarterback and for coaching kids.
"The player you saw grow up tonight was Lanpher, from the start of the game when he was nervous and didn't know what he was playing with to the calmness that he was playing with in the third and fourth quarter when he was throwing nice balls and throwing it on time and hitting the strike points.
"And then you saw LeMaster and his calmness and his poise. Those two stood out."
So, Farley walked off the UNI-Dome turf Friday encouraged by most of what he saw. Now it's up to all of his players to take it upon themselves to get themselves ready for fall camp.
"What we do between now and Aug. 3 is probably more important than what we do from Aug. 3 to whenever that first game is (Sept. 3 at Iowa State)," said Farley.
"The time that they put in will make the difference in how much they develop in the 13 weeks before we come to camp. In those 13 weeks, their individual time outside what we tell them to do is what's going to make us the team that we become."
Copyright 2011 wcfcourier.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed."For my part, it wasn't as good as my last (spring game)," said the University of Northern Iowa's senior quarterback after Friday's 90-minute scrimmage in the UNI-Dome.
"It was rough."
Rennie's first pass attempt Friday was intercepted by Tre'Darrius Canady. With the quarterbacks protected from contact, a quick whistle saved him from another pick later in the opening half. When he left the game for good midway through the second quarter, he had completed 2 of 4 passes for 18 yards and was "sacked" three times.
In the ground game and as a scrambler, Rennie is one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever wear the purple and gold. He ran for 1,291 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. But through the air, he connected on 56 percent of his passes for 1,526 yards with 11 interceptions to just eight touchdowns.
"Before next season, I'm trying to improve in the pass game," said Rennie. "My coaches know it and I know it and a lot of fans know it. When it comes to the run game, it's natural. I don't really need to tweak that much.
"The only thing I need to do now is execute in the passing game. Like Coach (Mark) Farley says, we can't be a one-dimensional team like last year, and I feel like if I improve my pass game we'll be a solid team."
On the other hand, UNI has two promising young quarterbacks in redshirt freshmen Jared Lanpher of Blue Springs, Mo., and Will Roth of Marion.
Lanpher showed a strong, accurate arm Friday when he connected on 13 of 23 passes for 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns - a 45-yarder to redshirt freshman receiver Brett LeMaster and a 5-yard bullet to tight end Steven Figueroa on a third-and-goal play.
Another big-gainer to LeMaster down the sideline was inches out of bounds.
"I enjoyed watching Lanpher throw the ball around," said Rennie. He does it real well. I've seen it all during practice, and I knew coming into spring ball he was a born natural."
Lanpher did throw a pair of interceptions. He underthrew Montari Leonard on a deep ball that was grabbed by Jaz Granderson and was later picked off by linebacker L.J. Fort.
"It seems like I haven't played football in so long, sitting on the sidelines and charting and everything," said the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder. "I feel like in the one year that I redshirted I learned a lot from Tirrell and Zach (Davis) and Caleb (Walter)."
Lanpher is nearly the polar opposite of Rennie.
"I've never really been a running quarterback," he noted. "I've always been one to be in the pocket and throw it, and then if I need to I can get a couple of yards. I'm not a Tirrell Rennie who can get on the edge for a touchdown."
But Lanpher can throw it, and he's got a stable of young receivers who can get open and catch it.
"I think we've got a great receiving corps," he said. "I can always count on them to be in their spots. Even if I'm not looking at them, they're in the spots where they need to be. They have a great work ethic, too, which means a lot."
UNI needs a backup for Rennie after Davis and Walter graduated early and gave up their final seasons. Farley was encouraged Friday.
"You saw Lanpher grow up," he noted. "I said it early: This is the first time I've actually seen a spring game pay off for a quarterback and for coaching kids.
"The player you saw grow up tonight was Lanpher, from the start of the game when he was nervous and didn't know what he was playing with to the calmness that he was playing with in the third and fourth quarter when he was throwing nice balls and throwing it on time and hitting the strike points.
"And then you saw LeMaster and his calmness and his poise. Those two stood out."
So, Farley walked off the UNI-Dome turf Friday encouraged by most of what he saw. Now it's up to all of his players to take it upon themselves to get themselves ready for fall camp.
"What we do between now and Aug. 3 is probably more important than what we do from Aug. 3 to whenever that first game is (Sept. 3 at Iowa State)," said Farley.
"The time that they put in will make the difference in how much they develop in the 13 weeks before we come to camp. In those 13 weeks, their individual time outside what we tell them to do is what's going to make us the team that we become."
Posted in Uni, Uni, Missouri-valley-football on Monday, May 2, 2011 9:45 am | Tags: University Of Northern Iowa, Tirrell Rennie, Jared Lanpher, Brett Lemaster, Darrius Canady
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Sunday, May 8, 2011
Spring Review
In the FCS Huddle: FCS spring game roundup
By Craig Haley, FCS Executive Director Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - There's no underselling the value of spring football.
Star players sit out, intrasquad scrimmages can be mere situational plays and some of the new standouts may not be heard from again in the fall.
But, in most cases, the spring can be a microcosm of what can be in store for the fall. The spring is when some players take important steps out of the shadows of other established players.
It can lead to increased playing time or a starting role.
All of the teams that finished in The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 last season have wrapped up their spring practices, with New Hampshire the final one on Saturday afternoon.
Most of the teams played spring games, and they vary in their structuring. Some used a modified scoring system that awarded points to the offense for first downs in addition to touchdowns and field goals and to the defense for changes of possession and turnovers.
It's important for teams to remain healthy in the spring, so some standouts - hey, careful there, QB No. 1 - even sat out spring practices.
Following are short synopses of how spring games went for last year's Top 25 teams:
1. Eastern Washington - Ronald Baines and Shane Stagg returned interceptions for the first two touchdowns of the Red team's 28-14 victory over the White. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, the Most Outstanding Performer of EWU's national championship game win over Delaware, didn't rise to an elite level, but the top running backs excelled. Mario Brown rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown for the Red, while Darriell Beaumonte rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown for the White. Linebacker Bobby Gentry had nine tackles and a sack, and defensive back T.J. Lee III had six tackles, two sacks and an interception for the winning side.
2. Delaware - The White team beat the Blue, 76-69, in a modified scoring system (sounds like the halftime score of a Knicks-Nuggets game, eh?). The defense's progress was behind the offense all spring, but closed the gap with eight sacks. Quarterback Trevor Sasek slightly outperformed challengers Tim Donnelly and Justin Burns. Cornerback Travis Hawkins, a transfer from the University of Maryland, and junior linebacker Leon Jackson led the defense.
3. Villanova - Depth was down as the Wildcats await a heralded freshman class this summer, so coach Andy Talley concluded spring practice without a true spring game. He said he is pleased with the attitude and work ethic of his squad, but the Wildcats lost a lot of top players. Five starters from the 2009 FCS championship club will help lead the team in August, when a number of jobs will be won. The top returning players are wide receiver Norman White, center Dan Shirey and cornerback James Pitts, with defensive end Marlon Johnson returning from a knee tear.
4. Appalachian State - The Mountaineers played three intrasquad scrimmages and their new 3-4 scheme impressed in all of them. Troy Sanders stood out as he transitioned from cornerback to the strong safety spot vacated by three-time All-America Mark Legree. Quarterback DeAndre Presley played well, with a lot of the key skills position players missing the final scrimmage.
5. Georgia Southern - The White team held on for a 21-20 victory over the Blue. Quarterbacks Jaybo Shaw, the returning starter, and Jerick McKinnon each threw for a touchdown and ran for one. Darreion Robinson rushed for 94 yards for the White, while outside linebacker John Stevenson had an impressive nine tackles for the Blue.
6. Wofford - There were three intrasquad scrimmages, and the last one did not include many starters. Coach Mike Ayers says he likes how quarterback Mitch Allen has taken command of the offense. Linebacker James Zotto had a pair of interceptions in the second scrimmage. Place-kicker Christian Reed was 5 of 6 in the first scrimmage (missing only a 52-yarder) and 4 of 4 in the second scrimmage.
7. New Hampshire - Wildcats fans are excited about new quarterback Kevin Decker and he performed well in Team Wild's 31-16 victory over Team Cats. Decker, a senior who is replacing three-year starter R.J. Toman, completed 9- of-15 passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Jimmy Owens also rushed for a 65-yard touchdown. Defensively, Tre Williams collected six tackles for Team Wild. Also, Jimmy Vailas had two sacks, both against his brother, Andy.
8. Stephen F. Austin - Lightning in the area cut short the Lumberjacks' spring game, but not before junior quarterback Dalton Williams played well, completing 13-of-19 passes for two touchdowns to Cordell Roberson. Sophomore Brady Attaway, last year's backup to Jeremy Moses, the 2010 Walter Payton Award (sponsored by Fathead.com) winner, had an interception that defensive back Justin Isadore returned 45 yards for a touchdown.
9. North Dakota State - The Bison divided their teams equally and the Green tripped the Gold, 24-17, before an impressive 3,051 at the Fargodome. The special teams made the opposition Green with envy as Ryan Smith returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and Brendin Pierre scored off Christian Dudzik's blocked punt. Tight end Matt Veldman was solid with five receptions for 68 yards.
10. William & Mary - No. 1 quarterback Mike Paulus sat out the spring after having offseason shoulder surgery, but reserve signal-callers Raphael Ortiz and Michael Graham threw touchdowns in the Green and Gold Game. The defense was particularly active, led by returning middle linebacker Jake Trantin (sack, forced fumble) and defensive lineman Nick Zaremba (two sacks). Maybe punter Tyler Bailey should have saved his 82-yarder for the regular season.
11. Montana State - The Bobcats' offensive backfield is crowded enough, but Cody Kirk, last year's top special teams player, staked his claim by rushing for 94 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries in the Blue team's 26-0 win over the Gold. Grayson Galloway was the quarterback of both teams, while standout DeNarius McGhee continues to heal from offseason surgery on his non-throwing (left) shoulder. Wide receiver Kruiz Siewing also impressed, while Clay Bignell was a standout defensively.
12. Jacksonville State - The White team's 20-point halftime lead shrank in the second half, but it held on to beat the Red, 30-28. For the White, starting quarterback Marques Ivory had a touchdown pass, and Calvin Middleton rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Thomas Darrah isn't expected to be one of the top two quarterbacks, but he was 24 of 38 for 243 yards for the Red. In addition, Trey Smith solidified himself as an impact transfer with 12 receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
13. Southeast Missouri State - The defense outperformed the offense in a 41-20 win. Linebacker Blake Peiffer had nine tackles and a sack, and defensive end Steve Hendry totaled three sacks. Renard Celestin rushed for 65 yards on 13 carries. In two earlier scrimmages, Celestin, converted-linebacker Bryant Worts, Ron Coleman and Lennies McFerren indicated there are some rushing options now that standout Henry Harris has moved on.
14. Lehigh - The Brown team (defense) kept the White (offense) without a first down on its first five possessions while pocketing a 39-25 win. Linebacker Mike Groome had a team-high five tackles and Nigel Muhammad collected two sacks. Surprisingly, quarterback Chris Lum struggled, completing 5-of-14 passes for 27 yards with three interceptions.
15. Bethune-Cookman - The Maroon team defeated the Gold, 14-7. The Wildcats are looking to replace quarterback Matt Johnson and David Blackwell showed off his moves on a 69-yard touchdown run to end the first half. The depth of the running backs was on display with Andronicus Lovette, Jonathan Moment and Rodney Scott. Place-kicking was a problem last season, but Sven Hurd made a 57-yard field goal in a post-game contest.
16. South Carolina State - In a scoring system that rewarded stops, the defense beat the offense, 32-23. Scoring on touchdown returns were Marquel Goodman (blocked kick), Cortney Ingram (43-yard fumble return) and Mason Harris (75-yard interception return). Richard Cue and Derrick Wiley were most impressive in the battle for the starting quarterback job. Talented wide receiver Lennel Elmore was effective on end-arounds, tallying 73 yards on six rushes.
17. Western Illinois - In a final controlled scrimmage, the defense had its way, or, more specifically, Ryan Demming did. He had four of the defense's eight sacks, including three in one set of plays. Junior quarterback Wil Lunt directed the No. 1 offense and threw for one touchdown. Josh Hudson remains in the running as well.
18. Penn - Under a scoring system in a simulated, situational scrimmage, the Red team shut out the Blue, 24-0. The biggest play was quarterback Andrew Holland's 50-yard touchdown pass to Conner Scott. Matt Hamscher played both offense and defense and was back for punt returns. The two-time defending Ivy League champions spent the spring solidifying at offensive line, fullback and defensive back.
19. Northern Iowa - The Purple and White teams played to a 14-14 tie. Maybe an overtime period would have benefited the defending Missouri Valley Conference champions? The standout was Zach Cutkomp, who rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries for the White. For the Purple, wide receiver Brett LeMaster caught three passes, including a 45-yard touchdown, and linebacker Jordan Smith collected seven tackles.
20. Montana - Head coach Robin Pflugrad used a fast-tempo offense in three scrimmages (the 87-play second scrimmage took only 57 minutes). The big question is who will be the Grizzlies' quarterback, with Jordan Johnson probably holding an edge over Nate Montana, son of Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana. Wide receiver Justin Sambrano played well. Defensively, John Kanagota was active for a unit that already has excellent linebackers.
21. Liberty - Nothing like a spring thriller. Alex Kacere's 36-yard field goal with 21.9 seconds left lifted the White team to a 10-9 victory over the Blue. Ironically, Kacere also kicked for the Blue and missed a 39-yard attempt as time expired. The defense shined during the game with defensive back Brandon Robinson making seven tackles, defensive lineman Paco Varol three sacks and defensive back Walt Aikens four tackles and two pass breakups for the White, and linebackers Jimmy O'Grady and Nick Martin collecting 10 and six tackles, respectively, for the Blue. The offensive player who was hard to stop was Ervin Garner, who had seven receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown, and added 63 yards on four carries for the White.
22. Jacksonville - Life is good in the Sunshine State when a program can run spring drills in February. The Dolphins were done a long time before many other programs. Quarterback Josh McGregor has taken his play to a higher level, and he got help when the left side of the offensive line found some candidates to block for him and running back J.J. Laster. Head coach Kerwin Bell also worked to improve his linebackers unit, which is led by Mike Klein in the middle, and the secondary, where Andre Addison, Colby Walden, Antwain Matthews and Leonard Smith have stepped up.
23. Grambling State - An announced crowd of 1,563 came out to see head coach Doug Williams back at Grambling, where the Gold team beat the Black, 14-7. The QB derby remained heated after incumbent Anthony Carrothers completed 4-of-6 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown, Antoine Temple went 8-for-12 for 66 yards and a touchdown, and D.J. Williams (Doug's freshman son) completed 5- of-11 passes for 55 yards. Defensive linemen Jomarcus Savage and Stuart Hein had strong outings.
24. Cal Poly - Trevor Weis' interception on the final play helped the defense slip past the offense, 33-32. Senior slotback Mark Rodgers, the Mustangs' offensive star, rushed for a touchdown and threw for one on an option pass. The defense, though, shut down the running game quite nicely, allowing 93 yards on 49 carries.
25. Dayton - The Red team topped the White, 7-2, behind safety Steve Wirkus' 35-yard interception return. Windy conditions hampered the quarterbacks, but redshirt freshman Zachary Splain stood out while he completed 12-for-20 passes for 185 yards. Three other QBs saw action as the Flyers look to replace standout Steve Valentino
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