Around the FCS - Football life begins on opening night

By Though that book sits proudly in my home library Aug 30, 2007, 14:29 GMT

Philadelphia, PA - One of the best book titles I've ever run across is 'Life Begins on Opening Day' by Washington Post sports writer Thomas Boswell.

Though that book sits proudly in my home library, I somehow don't think about it but a couple of times a year - in April, when baseball season begins and again about this time of year, when we embark on a new college football season.

While many people are looking forward to getting their first college football fixes on Saturday afternoon, I'm not willing to wait that long. I'm ready for Thursday night in historic Williamsburg, Va.

It is only appropriate that the historic first football game in Colonial Athletic Association history would be played in a locale oozing in tradition, as William & Mary hosts Delaware at Zable Stadium.

'It's an honor to play the first game in the history of our conference,' said K.C. Keeler, who knows something about history as the coach at Delaware, one of the icons of the Football Championship Subdivision.

It is also an intriguing opener for a never dull league, whether you call it the Yankee Conference, the Atlantic 10, or the CAA.

Before the 2004 season, I sat with Keeler after lunch one afternoon and we chatted about how Delaware was a recruiting class or two away from being a yearly contender for the national championship.

Fast forward to 2007, and the Blue Hens are coming off back-to-back seasons without a playoff berth. The natives in Newark, Del., who fill up Delaware Stadium every week the Blue Hens are home, are truly getting restless as they wait for their favorite team to return to the top of the conference and back into the national title chase.

Keeler and company were embarrassed by a losing season in 2006 and had their pride hurt even more by finishing last statistically in conference for defense last year. That is a far cry from the national championship campaign of 2003, when the Shawn Johnson-led Blue Hens had one of the best defenses I've seen in 15 years of covering FCS.

Delaware has lived with that indignity for nine months, and is ready to prove things will be different in 2007. There is little worry about the offense, with strong-armed quarterback Joe Flacco and determined running back Omar Cuff back among the 10 starters on that side of the ball.

This is a team that will score points. It's just a matter of how many the defense will give up. Keeler and company would just as soon not get involved with many of those 52-49 games.

There are even more questions for veteran coach Jimmye Laycock and his William & Mary squad. The Tribe lived through the excitement of an Atlantic 10 tri- championship and a semifinal run in the playoffs in 2004, and what used to be a rather quaint Zable Stadium has never been quite the same.

Sailing along with a 5-2 record in 2005, the Tribe saw its season collapse with four consecutive losses to end the season. Combined with last year's 3-8 record - Laycock's worst record since 1982 - William & Mary has lost 13 of its last 16 games and has been picked to finish at the bottom of the CAA in 2007.

If ever there was a team that has something to prove in its opener, it's William & Mary.

Laycock has taken care of one problem by naming Jake Phillips as his starting quarterback after two seasons of a revolving door at the position between Phillips and Mike Potts.

Potts is considered a potential pro prospect, but Laycock thinks that Phillips gives the Tribe a better chance to win, with his playmaking ability.

The plot for this one is as thick as a Russian novel, even before the opening kickoff.

I've learned over the years to expect the unexpected in opening games. Anyone remember a youngster named Ricky Santos, coming off the bench for an injured all-conference, senior quarterback named Mike Granieri at Delaware Stadium in 2004? Santos led New Hampshire to an upset win over the defending national champs and things have never been quite the same in Durham, N.H.

Time will only tell if we have some similar theatrics played out on this Thursday night.

GOING TO THE BIG HOUSE

No, I'm not in trouble with the local authorities. I'm packing my bags for a trip to Ann Arbor, Mich. for Saturday's clash of FCS and FBS titans, Appalachian State and Michigan.

It isn't often that the best teams in FCS get the opportunity to take on the top teams in FBS. I remember Western Illinois giving eventual BCS national champion LSU all it wanted in 2003 before losing 35-7, and I was on hand at Tiger Stadium in 2005 when Appalachian State played LSU virtually even for three quarters before losing 24-0.

While stuffy commentators (are you listening Kirk Herbstreit?) around the country have stuck their nose in the air about this game and others on the opening week's schedule, I am one of those FCS purists that hold out hope that I might be in the press box to witness an upset of epic proportions.

It might not happen this Saturday, but one of these days, an FCS David is going to slay a true FBS Goliath.

Michigan figures to score plenty of points against an Appalachian State defensive line that is lining up three new starters. But the Wolverines are even younger on defense than the Mountaineers and Armanti Edwards, Kevin Richardson, Dexter Jackson and company will be one of the faster squads that Michigan plays all year.

Don't be surprised if ASU hangs around long enough and scores enough points to make the 100,000-plus at Michigan Stadium a bit nervous. I'm not crazy enough to predict an upset, but we can always hope.

Across the state line in Ohio, another of these choice match-ups, dismissed by critics, will be going on at the same time. Jim Tressel has invited his old team, Youngstown State, to come to the Horseshoe and take on his new powerhouse, Ohio State.

Ohio State is just the opposite of Michigan, the Buckeyes are breaking in a new quarterback and a bunch of other offensive personnel. YSU, meanwhile, is coming off its best season since the Tressel era, and Tressel protege Jon Heacock would love to hand his one-time boss a stunning loss.

With a veteran squad, led by senior quarterback Tom Zetts, the Penguins won't be awed by the atmosphere at Ohio Stadium. A year ago, YSU traveled to Happy Valley and turned in a respectable effort against Penn State.

My concern in this match-up is that the Penguins will get worn down by Ohio State's size, as happened last year in the loss at Penn State. But we can always hope that enough fluky plays happen to keep Youngstown State in the game.

YOU'VE GOT MAIL

Okay, I've read my e-mail this week and I've seen how anxious that the readers from FCS want and expect some predictions, so here we go. I'll just add one disclaimer. I didn't exactly get off to the best of starts with my prediction of an easy win for North Carolina Central last week in the Eagles' first Division I game against Division II Albany State.

The Golden Rams held off a late rally and defeated NCCU 16-10 in a game televised by CSTV. Not the way that the Eagles (or I) wanted to start.

With a ton of great and not so great games to choose from, I'll keep the dialog to a minimum, except for a few games, and give you predictions instead.

THURSDAY

FCS vs FBS

Weber State at Boise State

The Wildcats get sick of Smurf Turf early and lose to the high-powered home team. No tricks needed as Boise State wins, 62-10.

Southeast Missouri State at Cincinnati

The Bearcats nearly lost a game in 2005 to Western Carolina, hanging on by their fingernails for a 7-3 win (sounds like the Cincinnati Reds got a good pitching performance for a change that night). But this Cincinnati team is better offensively and Southeast Missouri doesn't pose that much of a threat. Cincinnati wins 56-7.

Murray State at Louisville

Murray State is rebuilding under the hand of Matt Griffin, but the Racers are not ready for the challenge of a top-10 Louisville squad. Louisville takes the roses and the rest of the garden in this nationally-televised game, 59-3.

Division II vs FCS

Carson-Newman at Chattanooga

Our Division II coordinator at The Sports Network, Mr. Aaron Corrill, tells me he is keeping his eye on several of these games this weekend, none more so than this game. But while Carson-Newman is year-in and year-out a quality D-II program and has a win under its belt, I think the Mocs will prevail. UTC wins, 34-14.

Angelo State at No. 18 Sam Houston State

The Rhett Bomar era begins with a big win, 49-7

Quincy at No. 12 Southern Illinois

Life without Arkee Whitlock starts okay as the Salukis ease into the season with a 55-0 shellacking.

Minnesota State vs No. 9 Northern Iowa

Even Coach Hayden Fox could give the 'Screaming Eagles' a win in this one, against one of the FCS's best teams. Eric Sanders and company get most of the night off and the Panthers still win, 55-13.

Ranked teams

Tennessee Tech at No. 17 Eastern Illinois

Eastern Illinois wins against an improved Tech attack, 35-21.

No. 20 South Dakota State at Western Illinois

One of the more interesting match-ups of the first weekend. With the Jackrabbits breaking in some new offensive players, Herb Donaldson and WIU give them a taste of what life in the Gateway Conference might be like. Western Illinois wins 31-17.

Drake at No. 7 Illinois State

Drake is clearly one of the top Mid-Major programs in FCS and the Bulldogs have dynamo Scott Phaydavong still in the backfield. Phaydavong gets his 100 yards, but Illinois State slices up the Drake defense for a 42-14 victory.

No. 19 Delaware at William & Mary

With the Blue Hen defense still trying to find its footing and William & Mary searching for confidence, Delaware wins a shootout, 41-31.

Saturday

FCS vs FBS

No. 1 Appalachian State at No. 5 (FBS) Michigan

Close for awhile before Michigan takes control in the fourth quarter for a 35-17 win.

No. 4 Youngstown State at No. 11 (FBS) Ohio State

The Buckeyes wear down the Penguins, but Jim Tressel take it easy on his old team for a 42-14 victory.

No. 8 James Madison at North Carolina

Sad for Butch Davis that his first game as the Tar Heels' new coach comes in a game like this. JMU scores early and often behind new quarterback Rodney Landers and holds on for a 42-38 victory.

No. 22 Tennessee-Martin at Southern Mississippi

Donald Chapman and company will give the Golden Eagles all they want before losing, 24-14.

No. 25 South Carolina State at Air Force

Ground Buddy vs an Air Force squad steeped in the tradition of such FCS programs as Wofford and Appalachian State. The new coaching staff at the Academy will be flying high with a 49-7 win.

Northeastern at Northwestern

Northwestern learned its lesson about preparation when it was thrashed by New Hampshire last season. It won't happen again for another CAA team. Bring your compass for Northwestern's 38-14 win.

Montana State at No 25 (FBS) Texas A&M

The Bobcats know how to beat a big-time program, but these Aggies won't be Buffaloed. Texas A&M wins 49-14.

Northern Colorado at No. 23 (FBS) Hawaii

This one won't be pretty. The Rainbow Warriors like to score and pad Colt Brennan's stats. Hawaii wins 84-7.

Western Carolina at Alabama

El Gato is what's for dinner as the most unrealistic fans in America open the Nick Saban era. Another game that could get ugly as the Tide wins, 70-3.

Indiana State at Indiana

The Hoosiers need some cheering up after the loss of their coach, Terry Hoeppner, to cancer in the off-season. The Sycamores will be gracious guests in a 49-21 loss.

Eastern Kentucky at Kentucky

I actually have a friend who is a Kentucky football fan. He will be happy at least for one Saturday, as the Wildcats claw out a 42-17 win over the Colonels.

Villanova at Maryland

A friend of mine at The Sports Network, Tony Moss, just published a book on a season of Villanova football. It is called 'A Season in Purgatory' and might describe what the Wildcats have to endure in this game against the Terrapins, breaking in a new quarterback. Maryland wins 45-10.

Central Arkansas at Louisiana Tech

Those psuedo-FBS Louisiana schools are good for a loss or two to FCS squads every year. But these Techsters, not to be confused with the women's basketball team, will hold off a good challenge to beat Central Arkansas 35-24.

Richmond at Vanderbilt

The Spiders are experienced at pulling out wins over FBS opponents, shutting out Duke last year in their season opener. Richmond should be competitive in this one, but Vanderbilt will prevail, 28-17.

Sacramento State at Fresno State

Do you really think I'm going to pick an FCS team to beat my alma mater? No chance. Pat Hill and company gain some needed confidence at the Hornets' expense, 45-14.

Gardner-Webb at Ohio U.

Don't be surprised to see the Bulldogs give Ohio a tussle before falling short in the second half, 31-20.

Nicholls State at Rice

Rice might wonder why it didn't stick with the option after enduring Nicholls State. But new Owl coach David Bailiff, the former Texas State coach, will know what to expect from the Colonels in this 31-21 Rice win.

Ranked teams

Holy Cross at No. 3 Massachusetts

Quarterback Dominic Randolph will keep things interesting, but the Minutemen have too many weapons against a suspect Crusader defense. UMass wins 42-28.

Southern Utah at No. 2 Montana

What a way to start the toughest schedule in FCS, with a trip to Washington- Grizzly Stadium. The Griz will enjoy this 55-14 victory.

No. 23 Coastal Carolina at Delaware State

CCU coach David Bennett couldn't get over how big the DSU offensive line was this week in his teleconference. The Chanticleers are just glad they don't grow them that big in the Big South. The Hornets sting CCU 28-21.

Presbyterian at No. 11 Furman

It will be the Blue Hose against the Purple Paladins, but Presbyterian will be feeling blue after a 45-17 loss in its first real adventure into the world of Division I.

Georgetown, Ky. at No. 14 Wofford

Mike Ayers will go kindly against his old alma mater, with the Terriers working on their passing game on the way to a 38-7 victory.

No. 15 Cal Poly at Texas State

In a rematch of the 2005 quarterfinals, the Mustangs will extract some revenge, opening up a new offense for a 28-14 win.

Other notable games

Charleston Southern at The Citadel

Is it okay to call this the 'battle' of Charleston when you are talking about a military school? CSU had a rough training camp, in terms of injuries, and will be playing short-handed defensively. Combine that with an improved Citadel squad and the fact that the Buccaneers beat the Bulldogs last year and you have the makings of a 38-14 Citadel win.

Florida A&M vs Southern

In another edition of the MEAC-SWAC challenge, FAMU will take advantage of a depleted SU defense to roll up a 42-28 victory.

North Carolina A&T at Winston-Salem State

With campuses that are only about 30 minutes apart, these two schools have a healthy rivalry. Winston-Salem State might be new to the MEAC and Division I, but the Rams have an advantage over a rebuilding NCA&T program right now and will win big, 31-14.

Game of the week

No. 13 Portland State at No. 10 McNeese State

You usually don't find match-ups like this on the first weekend of the season. It should be like a playoff atmosphere in Lake Charles, La. as teams with contrasting styles face off. Portland State is still learning new offensive and defensive systems and is facing a strong defensive team. McNeese might not score many points in this one, but the Cowboys should use their homefield advantage to take a 17-14 victory.

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