Jabbering JAG 132.3 (Surprises and Disappointments)

Well it is time for my annual surprise teams and disappointment teams through non-conference play. I had intended to get this out yesterday but got busy with 2 kiddos. Also I wrote this before the second half of today's games simulated so some of this may not necessarily be accurate. Also, as a disclaimer, this isn't meant to be offensive to the "disappointment" coaches. All it means is that I believe, and probably most of the Wilkinson community would agree, that where you are and where I think you could/should be don't coincide right now.

Surprise Teams:

Drake- I know, I know this team is still loaded with talent but it is a first year coach with a full class of sim players and this squad is 5-0. Oh and they’re undefeated through the #6 ranked SOS! Drake struggled in the first game of the season but has been rolling ever since. Today in week 6 they are tied so maybe still some holes to fill but never the less the Bulldogs have looked stellar so far. SR QB Justin Todd is killing it right now with 19 touchdowns and 0 interceptions through 5 games.

Stephen F. Austin - This team is just in year 3 of their rebuild but with how they’re playing on the field you would hardly notice. This team sits at 4-1 this season and has gone through 5 human opponents. Their only loss was by 3! This team is getting it done on both sides of the ball. The defense looks to be very stingy and SO RB Jacob Mitchell has nearly 1000 rushing yards. He is averaging a very impressive 5.8 yards per carry and has tacked on 5 touchdowns.

William & Mary - CJ had this team ranked really high and their roster is stacked. However, a team who has only made the second round in playoffs looks like they could very well get over that hump this season. They have played 5 human games and the halftime adjustments by this team are second to none right now. JR QB Howard Moore has thrown for the most passing yards in the nation with just over 2400 yards and 17 touchdowns to 0 interceptions.

Disappointment Teams:

Howard - This team has played a straight up gauntlet this season as they boast the #4 SOS. However, it’s how the losses are happening that has to be a bit concerning. Howard is 1-4 with this win being over a very good coach but their closest loss was by 10. There is still plenty of football left and with no human games left in conference, Howard should be sitting pretty but the close win today over Duquesne could spell trouble for the Bison against other recently coached MEAC teams.

Marist - A team highly ranked by CJ and they are no slouches by any means. This team has endured the #2 SOS this season but sits at 2-3. They are currently 1-3 against human opponents and their losses weren’t exactly pretty. It might be another season before the great coach in orangepace has this team rocking and rolling. This team is in a close one to start conference play and a first loss in conference would be a rough start in the gauntlet that is the OVC. We all know OP can coach though so look out for this frustrated team come playoffs!