Playoffs? Playoffs? (and CAA Championship)

[phawkes]

Quarterfinals: I expect UAlbany to defeat Idaho, but it will be tough. Two great QBs head-to-head.

I expect South Dakota State to knock off Villanova. Could be a defensive struggle, two of the top FCS defenses, but I don't think Wildcats' defense can stop Jack Rabbits' offense.

Go, Phoenix!

[phawkes]

I hate to say it, but I think tonight is the end of the line for UAlbany. Two great offenses, two great defenses. The JackRabbits have the advantage. However . . . Poffenbarger is the X factor. If he's hot, and he usually is, the Danes may pull off an upset. It will be interesting to see if great pitching beats great hitting. Offensive points may be hard to come by for both squads. The defenses are that good. But both teams have explosive players on offense. So, anything could happen, and probably will.

Go, Phoenix!

[eu96]

I refuse to watch the FCS playoffs when it gets to this point because the western teams ALWAYS play at home. Either in some loud dome with 20,000 fans, or in a blizzard with -5 degree temp. Like every single time. It’s a huge advantage, that I think has significantly contributed to their dominance. It’s another reason I strongly dislike the FCS classification.

[phawkes]

Absolutely valid point, eu96. Last week's game between Villanova and SDSU is a great example. 30 mph winds with a wind chill temp of 12, but Nova didn't have a chance anyway, in my opinion. The climate conditions tonight may very well favor the JackRabbits, rain likely with temp of 36ish. It's unfortunate that the playoff games, except for the championship, are at the higher seeded teams' home fields (same for DII), for financial reasons I suppose. SDSU stadium has a "hot box" on the sideline for the players to keep warm while not on the field. (I assume the visitors' side also has a hot box, but did not see it in the Nova game.) The Danes have had a good season playing away, but SDSU has more than just the weather going for them.

Go, Phoenix!

[elonman]

35-0 at half….

[eu96]

I agree that for economic reasons, the on-campus model is probably not going away. But here is a thought, can we please have the FCS championship game in a destination-type, warm weather city? This will make 14 straight years (not a typo) in Frisco. As anyone will tell you, Frisco is not a destination city, especially in January where it can be bitter cold. How about rotate the game between Sam Boyd Stadium in Vegas ( perfect size stadium), and UCF stadium in Orlando. Warm weather, and true destination venues. Plus, you flip between east coast and west coast every other year. This is still Division 1 football. Hey NCAA, let’s start treating it like it.

[phawkes]

SDSU 59, UAlbany 0. Ouch!