Jabbering JAG 131.5 (Conf. Play Midpoint)
We are at the midpoint in conference play which means we only have 5 games left to play, including the ones we will be discussing today. At this point in the season the OVC is still atop the conference rankings with no possible way that they will be dethroned. The MEAC is at the bottom and looking like they will probably finish there. So to you DII guys looking to move up... maybe consider the MEAC!
A10: Currently the #7 conference in Wilkinson (2 top 25 teams)
NO HUMAN v HUMAN games
Big Sky: Currently the #2 conference in Wilkinson (3 top 25 teams)
#6 St. Mary's vs #21 Portland State - These two teams seem to duke it out every year for the division title and they're right in the thick of things again this season. These two teams are undefeated in conference play. SMU has gone through some tough teams and has a top 15 SOS whereas PSU has only played 3 humans on the season. It should be a good game but with the coaching difference and battle tested team I am taking SMU 28-17.
Stephen F. Austin vs Montana State - These two teams are on the bubble at this point in the season and another loss probably seals their fate as both teams still have NAU and Texas State on the schedule. SFAU has done really well in jeffc's second season but haven't gotten some of the breaks they need. MSU is always a tough team under kdawg but with two straight simAI classes you have to wonder if he is active. I'm calling SFA 27-23
Gateway: Currently the #3 conference in Wilkinson (3 top 25 teams)
NO HUMAN v HUMAN games
Ivy: Currently the #8 conference in Wilkinson (1 top 25 team)
NO HUMAN v HUMAN games
MEAC: Currently the #10 conference in Wilkinson (1 top 25 team)
NO HUMAN v HUMAN games
NEC: Currently the #6 conference in Wilkinson (2 top 25 teams)
NO HUMAN v HUMAN games
OVC: Currently the #1 conference in Wilkinson (7 top 25 teams)
#20 Tennessee Tech @ #25 Marist - Two powerhouse teams in the OVC will do battle here. TTech hasn't missed a beat with newer coach NatiDawg and orangepace hasn't quite turned the corner in revamping Marist yet. This division is loaded with 5 of the 6 teams ranked in the top 25 so every game from here on out teams are going to have to scratch and claw for every yard. Marist will look to use the experience they gained from playing a tough SOS to try to help them to a win against another solid team. A loss for either team doesn't spell the end for their CC hopes but it definitely makes the road much more difficult. A tough call in this one but I'm going with Marist 35-31
#13 Tennessee Martin @ #19 Iona - Who saw this kind of season from either of these teams? Two teams/coaches early in their rebuilds but definitely not playing like it. Iona has played the tougher SOS but TMU is fresh of a very impressive win over Jacksonville State. With how tight and competitive the OVC is there is still a lot at stake so every win could mean "life or death." Coach lgftw took the first meeting over philfulmer but that was then and this is now. This one is really tough to call but I am taking UTM 30-27
PFL: Currently the #4 conference in Wilkinson (3 top 25 teams)
NO HUMAN v HUMAN games
SoCon: Currently the #9 conference in Wilkinson (1 top 25 team)
Appalachian State vs Western Carolina - A legendary coach vs a solid, veteran coach. Both of these teams are currently chasing Georgia Southern in the division and WCU needs a win here to stay stride for stride with GSU. ASU has struggled against some sims but they have a win against a human opponent this season. Both teams have extremely weak SOS so they will need every win just to have a shot at playoffs and right now both have a lot of work to do and it looks like ASU has a very very slim chance at making the post season. I know what nelsonba can do but still too early in the rebuild here WCU 33-17
East Tennessee State vs Nicholls State - Another battle between a first year, legendary coach and a more tenured coach. NSU looks to be already eliminated from CC and playoff contention so "spoiler" is now their role. ETSU will need to win out and stay tied with NWSU to have a deciding game in week 13 to see who plays for the SoCon CC. Both teams look to be on the outside looking in when it comes to playoffs so winning a CC is really the only shot either has of getting in at this time. I think NSU will try their hardest to spoil ETSU's season but I think they will fall short and ETSU will win 34-20
SWAC: Currently the #5 conference in Wilkinson (2 top 25 teams)
#3 Texas Southern @ Liberty - Texas Southern comes in to this game playing extremely well again this season, they are one of only nine undefeated teams in DIAA. Liberty comes in playing pretty well in conference play but needing to find a way to rebound after yesterday's loss. A second loss for Liberty will more than likely eliminate their CC hopes. This will be the 10th meeting between these two coaches and I'm calling TSU to keep it going 35-24
Overall it seems to be an "uneventful" day for most of the conferences but still plenty of exciting action to kick off inner-division play.
