S139 The A-Rod Rockne Show (Episode 2)
Dan Nessler "Welcome to the A-Rod Rockne show! Thank you for joining us for part 2 of the top ten report. I'm Dan Nessler and to my side is Rockin' A-Rod Rockne. A-Rod, let's discuss your thoughts for each team in the top ten. What do you look for when you are thinking about which teams should be in the top ten?"
Rockin' A-Rod "When I look at teams, I try to think about what their strength and weakness is and which teams could match-up well and give them problems. How explosive a team can be or how well they can shutdown a top offense, will make a stronger case. Instead of starting at the top of the list, let's talk about a few of the lower teams first. "
#10. Western New Mexico
"Western New Mexico is a dark horse this season and here is why. Tmelonhead can pull off some upsets and he has had too in order to take over control of the RMAC. They have a great quarterback in Don Graves and a solid receiver out of wishbone in Kevin Velazquez. Their strength is at running back and it's mainly from Paul Brunson who is almost a 76 core rating and one of the best in the league. They use him as a major part of their offense so teams facing them are going to need to slow him down. The defensive line and linebackers are good, but where they will struggle is against passing teams. It's a very young secondary and if they fall behind, the Wishbone offense can be difficult to catch them back up."
Dan Nessler "I watch this team every year because there is so much potential on that roster but the playoff seed usual puts them into some difficult matche-ups early."
Rockin' A-Rod "It's really comes down to how a team can deal with the Ole Wishbone formation. Some coaches fear it and some salivate like their being served a steak dinner!
#9 Virginia State
Dan Nessler "How about #9, Virginia State. There seems to be a lot of fuss on their recent drop in the standings, how do you see VSU shaping up?"
Rockin' A-Rod "It's a good team and they could surprise some folks with a big upset. I don't think they are quite as good as when they won the NC, but that's because of some drop off after you get past a couple studs on the defense and get into the back-ups. In a close game where that defense is on the field, I can see them giving up some points. They gave up 30+ points on average to competitive rosters and in most final four games, that's going to end in a loss unless you have a high powered offense. I see a pretty good offense, but I'm not sure if I would call it high powered."
Dan Nessler "Once again, it comes down to how the match-ups line up based on the seeding. In anycase, coach Lsteenberg has done a great job and finished in the quarterfinals last season. So we know he can put this season together and give it another run."
#8. Central Oklahoma
"Okay A-Rod, the voters put Central Oklahoma down to #8. This team at one point was as high as #2 this season?"
Rockin' A-Rod "I think in the beginning there was a lot of people who jumped on the hype train after they beat Virgina State 37-13. But we discussed Virginia and the possible struggles they face and in the big picture, I can see them here or even up to #6. We won't know who they really are until the conference championship game.
Dan Nessler "It appears that they really rely on production from the running back position, how does that match-up for the playoffs?"
Rockin' A-Rod "A lot of coaches struggle with how can I contain the run but also these elusive speedster that sneak past everyone down field. For a simple answer, they can't deal with it. It's going to come down to talent and there are a lot of playoff teams this season that are lacking in that area. Their defense is very good and to hold VSU to only 13 points was a great job and shows that they are going to compete. Their offense is well balanced and the only weak point would be at Quarterback."
#5 (Tied) North Alabama
Dan Nessler "Well, that leaves North Alabama and I personally enjoy watching this team so I'll give me insight for this program"
"When ranking N. Alabama for me, it starts with the coach and the program that he has built since taking over. Fazbear05 is a coach that if anyone has been around long enough, does not want to face in the playoffs. He is use to taking all challenges and game plans very well for his opponent. I feel that with good talent like he has, game planning can be enough to get your team to the NC, which he did just two seasons ago on a 18-1 performance! Their win over NC Central was somewhat similar to Texas A&M-Commerce in the way their defense played and against Tusculum. Infact, I would put this team much higher in the polls after beating Valdosta State last evening 47-38. Strong against the run and they have a stud running back in Steven Johnson who is a 70 core player without being redshirt. The weakness will be at quarterback and secondary like so many teams this year. However, this team likes to pass and the quarterback may make a couple mistakes in the really big games."
Rockin' A-Rod "David Conn is a good kid and a student of the game. I remember watching game tape with this young man and boy was he sharp, he just nailed it. Last season he did throw 7 interceptions but this season he has yet to make a mistake. They are ranked high, I think they get a great seed and we will see them in the quarterfinals."
Dan Nessler "Indeed, I can see Oklahoma pulling off an upset this season. Our next rankings come as a surprise as we have a three way tie! It's a bit odd, but it's Long Island, Northern Michigan and North Alabama that are tied. I'm surprised to see two of these teams ranked so low this season."
Rockin' A-Rod "The first team that stands out is Long Island, what are you doing down there. This is a team that proved they could pass Northern Michigan and get to the National Championship last season. Their talent is similar to last year and today they have a very convincing win over Southern Connecticut. They have play-makers all over the defense and coach Bigpoppa should be able to produce 30+ points against any of the teams in the league this year. I got them as a final four team again."
Dan Nessler "They beat Pace 66-0 and Southern Connecticut 50-7, I would have to agree and he has his defense fine tuned right now."
Rockin' A-Rod "Not to cut you off Dan, but what makes them so dangerous is this I-Formation and Pro-Set mix and match thing. You don't know which way it's coming, in the air, on the ground or the same from both formations! It's a real guessing game."
#5 (Tied) Northern Michigan
Dan Nessler "Northern Michigan is a real surprise, I would of thought they would be a top three team this year. They are one of the most talented rosters on the field and currently undefeated."
Rockin' A-Rod "It's one of the best teams in the Nation Dan and the only thing I can think of why they rank lower is because they are under new leadership. Their hall of fame caliber coach retired and Mrbig987 has taken over and trying to get into a rhythm. They do look great against every team they played, but I think there is some discredit in their 31-30 win over Hillsdale. The critics thought the score would of been by a bigger margin and could be the reason for less votes. Rightfully so, the margin should of been a little bit more but this really comes down to coaching and the game plans that were implemented. Look, in the GLIAC you have upsets all the time and because the game was 31-30 doesn't mean it goes that way each time they play."
Dan Nessler "Where do you see them finishing this season?"
Rockin' A-Rod "No question it's a final four caliber team, it's a question if the coach will be comfortable turning up the game plan when it's time. They have an elite quarterback, two running backs and a wide receiver. This is an offensive power-house and probably the best in the league. Defensively, they can shut down a run game if needed and they have a shutdown cornerback in Ryan Stafford. Their weakness is also going to be in the secondary after Stafford. With their #13 ranking with WIS, it's possible they lose in the 2nd round against a tough match-up. If they can land themselves in an easier bracket, they could be final four contender."
#4 Texas A&M-Commerce
Dan Nessler "We have covered the lower 6 ranked teams in the poll and that brings us to the defending National Champions. A-Rod, how does Texas A&M-Commerce look for a repeat performance?"
Rockin' A-Rod "As we discussed last evening, this team has most of their core returning from last season. Those juniors are now seniors and the only thing that may of changed is their offense took a step back slightly but their defense took a step forward. They have an outstanding secondary in their starting core group ranging from 68-70 cores. Their linebacker and defensive line groups are better than most of the teams that we are going to see. The step back was mainly at wide receiver but WR Bernard Greene who is a 70 core is making noise this season showing some potential for explosiveness. The real story will be in the 4 running backs that are all over 70 core rating and their senior QB is finally in the stud rankings."
Dan Nessler "Indeed, I think we are entering the upper echelon in talent and you won't find too many weaknesses here. I can see Cheyney being a great head to head match-up and even Northern Michigan with their talent."
Rockin A-Rod "Well, teams like Long Island and Bloomsburg could also have some potential with their game planning and let's not forget about Humboldt State who has talent and great coaching."
#3 Bloomsburg
Dan Nessler "Very impressive as we rise up the rankings, that brings us to Bloomsburg. Are you surprised?"
Rockin' A-Rod "The performance of this team greatly depends on their coach and Jms245 has proven to be able to get the most out of his guys. They don't have the back-ups that some of these teams do and sub in and out most of their team during the game. This can make for some interesting ups and downs in the 2nd half, so you never know what your gonna get. I'm a bit worried about these guys in a match-up against one of the more heavier depth teams that can perform consistently all game. It will be interesting to see if they team stay the course or makes any changes."
Dan Nessler "The run game may have some issues but they sure look good passing this season. 66.9% completion ratio for 2736 yards by senior QB John Smith looks very reliable. They also like to spread the ball around, so you know their receivers are gonna be fresh."
Rockin' A-Rod "Very impressive wins over Presbyterian 52-24, Edinboro 65-38 and West Chester 37-13. If they keep moving up the WIS rankings, we could see them get a good seed and have a shot to be a real threat for a NC appearance."
#2 Humboldt State
Dan Nessler "There has been a lot of talk about Humboldt State this season and they have actually been the most consistent team in the rankings. Most of the time they were ranked #1 or #2, why is the popularity?"
Rockin' A-Rod "Rightfully so, this team finished in the semi-finals last season and has been on the rise since season 137. Jaylien1 is a great coach and no stranger to making some deep runs in the playoffs. I think you have to now look at this team and compare them to the other top 3 teams in the rankings. In my mind, they are a step over Bloomsburg but very comparable to Texas A&M-Commerce and Cheyney. They also beat 6 human opponents this season and their game against North Dakota St 45-28 was a very interesting look at their depth and ability to play defense. They were losing 21-17 at the half facing an all out shotgun attack. This can be a daunting task for any team if you don't have the personnel to cover. The second half, Humboldt ran away with it 28-7 and that is exactly what you want to see in a championship caliber team."
Dan Nessler "Right... Not every game is going to be pretty, but it's how you finish that matters. I think they have probably the best duo quarterback situation in the Nation with Ron Williams and Christopher Vasquez both boasting over 65 cores. They also have one of the best linebacker groups in the nation and I think they could be big versus some of the teams we spoke about."
Rocki'n A-Rod "Bingo Dan! It's all about the match-up baby. Lots of teams bank on running and throwing to their running backs and there is nothing better than a group of guys in the middle who aren't afraid to bang heads. They gotta great run defense but guess what? They can also cover!"
#1 Cheyney
Dan Nessler "Well A-Rod, we finally made it to the top. It's been a long evening, but we saved the best for last. Cheyney and head coach Waregl72 have a really strong team and they have played big all season. Some folks are thinking they may be a lock this season for the big show, what do you think?"
Rockin' A-Rod "When it comes to searching for a defense that is comparable to Texas A&M-Commerce, I would put Cheyney in the same sentence. Senior redshirt DB in Ronald Monroe who is a 70 core is going to anchor that secondary, three top linebackers and a real elite DL in Thomas Delacruz that weighed in at a whopping 75.5 Core rating. Very intimidating on paper, but in the games it has often been the difference maker. Their 20-17 win over Ferris State was a statement game when they blanked them in the second half after trailing 17-10. Big time pressure with 6 sacks and an interception from a 86 formation IQ senior quarterback. They boast everything you want, pressure and lower passing % in each game. They also have the ability to put up more points then their opponents and that is huge!"
Dan Nessler "Well, the Nation will be watching their RB Jose Clark who is having a great season with over 2400 yards on the ground and in receiving. This is going to be an incredible year of football come playoff time. But first, we will have the Conference Championships and A-Rod and myself will join you all then to discuss the possible outcomes."
Rockin' A-Rod "We could have some huge games this season to talk about, can't wait!"
Dan Nessler "Until next time... I'm Dan Nesller."
Rockin' A-Rod "And I'm A-Rod Rockne!"
Dan Nessler "We thank you for tuning in to the A-Rod Rockne show."