This particular week was brutal because I have several rules I like to go by when ranking – and some of those rules just don’t work right now. Like, normally I would want to have Southern Illinois ahead of NDSU based on their head-to-head result. But at this point? I need to see one more collapse by NDSU or one more massive win by SIU before I think I’m ready to do that, even though SIU’s one-game performance against the Bison was textbook perfect. But when it comes to the Missouri Valley Football Conference, those opportunities exist.
And how about North Dakota? Well, the Fighting Hawks have done nothing but play impressive football against impressive opponents since this spring season started. I was tempted to even put them at No. 1 but didn’t pull the trigger just yet.
James Madison isn’t perfect, but the Dukes are getting the job done so far. Still, they are ripe to lose that No. 1 spot if certain factors around the country take hold in the next few weeks.
Albany’s performance against a very good New Hampshire team is definitely worthy of note, and it’s reflected in my ballot. And congrats to VMI, Gardner-Webb, and Jackson State. In my years working with FCS Top 25 polls, I’ve never voted for these three programs – but trust me, good things are happening with these three teams.
Top 25 Ballot
Sam’s Top 25 Ballot
Playoff Predictions
1. JMU
2. North Dakota
3. Weber State
4. NDSU
5. UNI
6. Villanova
7. SDSU
8. Nicholls
9. Jacksonville State
10. Southern Illinois
11. Albany
12. Kennesaw State
13. Sam Houston State
14. Chattanooga
15. New Hampshire
16. Eastern Washington
17. UC Davis
18. Delaware
19. VMI
20. Furman
21. Gardner-Webb
22. Jackson State
23. South Dakota
24. Illinois State
25. Monmouth
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