The top four in my order are staying static for now, but I’m prepared to switch some things around in the next few weeks if the evidence is strong – even if a loss is not involved. Obviously, we’re getting closer to postseason projection time – and there aren’t a whole lot of at-large berths to go around.
Weber State won on one of the prettiest Hail Mary passes in years, edging unranked Northern Arizona with no time remaining. The Wildcats move into my top five.
Delaware is the team that’s really rising quickly right now. The Blue Hens have some momentum, and we’ll see how long they keep it up. The Big Sky trio of UC Davis, Idaho, and Eastern Washington have shown glimpses of greatness this year, but also have a blip or two on their resumes. But they remain in the order below because UC Davis beat Idaho, Idaho beat Eastern Washington … and of course, Weber State beat UC Davis.
VMI continues to have its best football season in decades. Good for the Keydets, who lead the SoCon right now and look more and more like a playoff team every week. Murray State – another program that hasn’t been a big winner in awhile – continues getting it done too. Both programs are 5-0 right now.
After that, it gets kind of hairy. I know non-Missouri Valley fans are going to complain about the number of MVFC teams on my ballot, but with so many programs not playing this year and the MVFC looking brutally tough? That’s just how it shakes out.
DROPPED: Incarnate Word – I’m just having a tough time figuring out the Southland Conference right now. I’ll keep an eye on UIW for now, but can’t rank it.
ADDED: Monmouth – I just have a hunch about this team and program right now. Their first game/win was solid.
JUST OUTSIDE: Austin Peay’s win over Jacksonville State was impressive, but there have been other blips this year with the Govs, so I’m holding off on them for now. Duquesne went to 4-0, but I just need maybe one more week/win with the Dukes.
Top 25 Ballot
1. NDSU
2. JMU
3. UND
4. SDSU
5. Weber State
6. Sam Houston
7. Delaware
8. Kennesaw
9. UC Davis
10. Idaho
11. EWU
12. VMI
13. Jacksonville State
14. Richmond
15. Murray State
16. Chattanooga
17. Missouri State
18. SIU
19. UNI
20. Nicholls
21. Rhody
22. Villanova
23. Maine
24. Gardner Webb
25. Monmouth
