Rockne's Top Ten (8 Games) - Season 140
As we are getting ready to enter the third phrase of the season (division games), focus is switching away from teams strength of schedule and who they played to who are the teams to beat come postseason.
#10 (previously unranked) - Valdosta State - Beat #49 Harding 35-17. New coach rebuilding team to previous level. Hugh game tonight against #1 North Alabama. 2nd round, possibly 3rd round potential with the right breaks.
#9 (previously unranked) - Virginia State - Beat 2-6 St Augustine's. 3rd year coach trying to reverse the downward trend from team's championship season in season 137. Team has third round aspirations.
#8 (previously 8th) - Cheyney - Beat #53 Missouri Western State 51-14. Team working to get back in the final four after consecutive 3rd round losses. Makes third round again this season and then it depends on who's they will be facing.
#7 (previously 3rd) - Northern Michigan - Beat 5-3 Hillsdale. Coach is waiting for the playoffs for opportunity to establish his reputation. Talent to go all the way.
#6 (previously 4th) - Texas A&M-Commerce - Beat #128 East Central 76-3. With 46 game winning streak and consecutive championships, team to beat.
#5 (previously 2nd) - North Alabama - Beat #20 Central Arkansas 65-10. Team has been steadily getting closer to join the elite teams, just lacking some consistency. Team has chance to make final four three seasons after their title game appearance.
#4 (previously 5th) - Southern Connecticut - Beat #31 Pace 40-6. Division title on the line tonight against Long Island. Team has been on the upswing last couple season and should make it to the 3rd round again.
#3 (previously 6th) - Bloomsburg - Beat 7-1 Slippery Rock. Coach built this long-time SIM into a title contender in six seasons after their semi-final loss last season. Another visit to the final 4 or better is the goal.
#2 (previously 7th) - Long Island - Beat 5-3 Concord. Last challenge of the season tonight against Southern Connecticut. Team's goal is the national championship after two consecutive losses in that final game.
#1 (previously 1st)- Humboldt State - Beat 2-6 Augustana. Back-to-back semi-final losses has coach and team ready to take the next step...or two.
If you like to participate in this ranking, please site mail your top 10 (with or without comments) to omcs1981 by 8 PM central time. You can submit your top 10 just once, every day, or just when you have time. For it to continue, I must have at least one coach provide their rankings each day. Thanks and hope you enjoyed the article.