[RVAparks]

I have a question about FCS playoffs in general... Are conferences like the Pioneer and Ivy just flat out not considered for the playoffs because they are non-scholarship? Or is it a decision of the conference?

I'd just be curious to see how a team like Harvard would perform in the playoffs.

[Chris Lang]

Ivy does not allow its teams to participate in the postseason.

The Pioneer is a non-scholarship league that has applied for inclusion but has been denied. That will probably change if the field goes to 24.

[RVAparks]

Thanks Chris, as I was writing the questions I realized that the Ivy League likely doesn't want their schools in the playoffs since the playoff are generally close to exams.

I was curious about the Pioneer league b/c Campbell is a client of mine and I kind of keep tabs on them. They've won their past 4 games after starting out pretty slow. It's certainly a strange conference.

[Chris Lang]

The Pioneer was formed so teams could play Division I football without having to offer scholarships. Dayton, for instance, used to play Division III football but the NCAA passed a rule some time in the 90s saying you can't be Division III in football and DI in everything else. For the most part, it's a cost containment league, and from what I understand, the teams all pool money to help with the extensive travel and what not.

Campbell doesn't seem to have any interest in moving up to full-scholarship football, but the Camels will certainly have a home should they choose to do so.

[seawolf]

I know this is the Liberty board, and I'm sorry that I've been posting over here a lot the past couple days, but does anyone have any guesses as to where Stony Brook would end up if they get the Big South auto? All the playoff prognostications have Liberty winning, so I can't find anything on Stony Brook. I'm hoping that we would either host Albany, or go up to Maine or UNH this way we can play against other AE schools.

[Chris Lang]

You're probably on the right track. I think SBU would probably host Albany in round one if both teams qualify.

[RVAparks]

I know this is the Liberty board, and I'm sorry that I've been posting over here a lot the past couple days, but does anyone have any guesses as to where Stony Brook would end up if they get the Big South auto? All the playoff prognostications have Liberty winning, so I can't find anything on Stony Brook. I'm hoping that we would either host Albany, or go up to Maine or UNH this way we can play against other AE schools.

I don't know why we would waste out time talking about things that are impossible?

[Sly Fox]

I know this is the Liberty board, and I'm sorry that I've been posting over here a lot the past couple days, but does anyone have any guesses as to where Stony Brook would end up if they get the Big South auto? All the playoff prognostications have Liberty winning, so I can't find anything on Stony Brook. I'm hoping that we would either host Albany, or go up to Maine or UNH this way we can play against other AE schools.

We love having you and any other Stony Brook fans here. Feel free to chime in on any topic.

[BJWilliams]

I know this is the Liberty board, and I'm sorry that I've been posting over here a lot the past couple days, but does anyone have any guesses as to where Stony Brook would end up if they get the Big South auto? All the playoff prognostications have Liberty winning, so I can't find anything on Stony Brook. I'm hoping that we would either host Albany, or go up to Maine or UNH this way we can play against other AE schools.

I don't know why we would waste out time talking about things that are impossible?

Now now lets be hospitable RVA...as for your question, Id venture that theyd be paired with the NEC champ in a first round game and then get a trip to the #1 seed should they win that one

[RVAparks]

haha was just joking a round. It's like torture having to sit around a week waiting for this game.

[jcmanson]

I know this is the Liberty board, and I'm sorry that I've been posting over here a lot the past couple days, but does anyone have any guesses as to where Stony Brook would end up if they get the Big South auto? All the playoff prognostications have Liberty winning, so I can't find anything on Stony Brook. I'm hoping that we would either host Albany, or go up to Maine or UNH this way we can play against other AE schools.

Don't apologize for posting over here. Please post more. And pass the word to your friends.

[Cider Jim]

does anyone have any guesses as to where Stony Brook would end up if they get the Big South auto?

We at Liberty believe in miracles, but with all due respect, this one is NOT going to happen.
But good luck with an at-large bid!

[Number1inda'hoodG]

Pretty good roundtable with Alan York, Nick Pierce and Chris Lang from the website...

http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm? ... ewsID=8028

[rogers3]

does anyone have any guesses as to where Stony Brook would end up if they get the Big South auto?

We at Liberty believe in miracles, but with all due respect, this one is NOT going to happen.
But good luck with an at-large bid!

Miracles and Faith. My faith in our success at SBU is weak, CJ. I wish I had your faith!

[BJWilliams]

rogers...we have only been up there one time...if your faith in our chances was totally shot from one game...I dont know what to tell you

[RVAparks]

I can't decide if the bye week is a good thing or a bad thing...

[olldflame]

I feel strongly that the bye week is good for us. We have a lot of nagging injuries, and should be healthier than we have been for a long time, plus extra time to prepare.

[Cider Jim]

Miracles and Faith. My faith in our success at SBU is weak, CJ. I wish I had your faith!

Drink this, my son.

[BJWilliams]

would you rather we play 11 straight games with no break RVA? We have a lot of banged up people. I was concerned as soon as I saw that we had 10 straight games on our schedule. I covered EC Glass a couple years ago and they had 10 straight games and by the end of the year they were using JV players because so many of the varsity players were dealing with injuries and the buildup of bumps and bruises from the rigors of the schedule.

[RVAparks]

would you rather we play 11 straight games with no break RVA?

What? How in the world do you think I was trying to imply that? I certainly don't have a problem with bye weeks, but I'm not fond of the timing of this one. Many teams come out flat after their bye week and that has me a little nervous. Ideally I would of liked to have had a bye two weeks ago, play VMI this Saturday, and head to Stony Brook. Bye weeks are fine, but not when you're trying to get a good rhythm going for your biggest game in school history and the playoffs.

A good example is how the #2 and #4 seed got bounced last year by "play-in" winners.

[BJWilliams]

Having a rhythm is one thing, but we are a M*A*S*H unit that plays football at this point. Im not going to break out the stats on it but if you looked at the last few years, we havent exactly come out of bye weeks "flat". Coach Rocco has done well over the years making sure that the bye week isnt a wasted week and that the boys come ready to bring it for 60 minutes

[Schfourteenteen]

I can't wait to see Kellen Winslow in an LU jersey!

[RVAparks]

Little bit of a shake up w/ Wofford getting beatdown and Towson taking care of business. If New Hampshire loses to Maine are they out of the picture all together?

TSN now has us matched up with a home game against Tennessee Tech with the winner heading to Sam Houston State

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/fcs/FCS_Bracket.pdf

[Sly Fox]

I'd be down with that scenario!

[Kolzilla41]

Great article Lang. Cannot wait for Saturday. Is there any chance we might still get a first round bye?