TSN picks Illinois State

[App74]

From Sports Network:

No teams have more to prove in the playoffs than Appalachian State and Montana State, who both host second-round games next Saturday.

Of course, it would seem hard to criticize the two perennial powers. App State has won at least a share of seven of the last eight Southern Conference championships and Montana State has captured a piece of the last three Big Sky titles.

But both programs underachieved in the playoffs in 2010 and last season.

App State has as much talent as any team in the FCS, but the pieces don't always fit together in the big games, especially on defense. After an easy win over Western Illinois in the 2010 playoffs, the Mountaineers have been blown out at home in their last two playoff games, first by 18 points to Villanova in 2010 and then by 22 to Maine last year.

Coach Jerry Moore is 73 and the second-oldest coach in the FCS to Albany's Bob Ford. He may have lost a step as he works his way toward retirement.

Montana State's most recent losses in the playoffs are worse than App State's. The Bobcats lost at home by 25 points to North Dakota State two years ago and then edged New Hampshire by one point in last year's second round before being mauled by 36 points at Sam Houston State in the quarterfinals.

With a third-year starting quarterback in DeNarius McGhee, a bruising running game and a stout defense, it's time for Montana State to make a bold statement in the playoffs.

App State, too.

X-Illinois State (8-3) at Appalachian State (8-3), 2 p.m. In a terrific matchup, Illinois State has the better defense.

[87ASUgrad]

Well TSN can kiss my fat rebel butt then can't they!!

If Apps get healthy and do not spot the red birds a lot of early points they can win this playoff game and more IMO

[sixtoes9134]

I wish that was not an accurate assessment

[WVAPPeer]

From Sports Network:

No teams have more to prove in the playoffs than Appalachian State and Montana State, who both host second-round games next Saturday.

Of course, it would seem hard to criticize the two perennial powers. App State has won at least a share of seven of the last eight Southern Conference championships and Montana State has captured a piece of the last three Big Sky titles.

But both programs underachieved in the playoffs in 2010 and last season.

App State has as much talent as any team in the FCS, but the pieces don't always fit together in the big games, especially on defense. After an easy win over Western Illinois in the 2010 playoffs, the Mountaineers have been blown out at home in their last two playoff games, first by 18 points to Villanova in 2010 and then by 22 to Maine last year.

Coach Jerry Moore is 73 and the second-oldest coach in the FCS to Albany's Bob Ford. He may have lost a step as he works his way toward retirement.

Montana State's most recent losses in the playoffs are worse than App State's. The Bobcats lost at home by 25 points to North Dakota State two years ago and then edged New Hampshire by one point in last year's second round before being mauled by 36 points at Sam Houston State in the quarterfinals.

With a third-year starting quarterback in DeNarius McGhee, a bruising running game and a stout defense, it's time for Montana State to make a bold statement in the playoffs.

App State, too.

X-Illinois State (8-3) at Appalachian State (8-3), 2 p.m. In a terrific matchup, Illinois State has the better defense.

Let's just keep flying under the radar and keep winning ---

[WataugaMan]

"But both programs underachieved in the playoffs in 2010 and last season."

Hopefully not again this year, without the committee on the sideline I believe we have a chance to pull one out this time.

[Kgfish]

"App State has as much talent as any team in the FCS"

This guy obviously knows very little about ASU and would do just as well predicting the game by flipping a coin. The collective talent at WR, LB and offensive backfield is not enough to overcome the deficiencies of the offensive line, interior defensive line and one glaring hole in the secondary.

[ASUMountaineer]

I wish that was not an accurate assessment

The fact that ASU has something to prove in the playoffs could be accurate, and his statement about ISUr's D could be accurate. But, I don't think using 2010 as measuring stick is necessarily accurate. With the turnover in coaches from last year, I'm not even sure 2011 gives an accurate comparison for this team. He may get his pick right, but it's much more likely to be because of ISUr's play vs. ASU's playoff performances since 2010.

[Longrifle28]

I think it is a fair opinion.

According to both Sagarin and Massey, we will be the underdog in this game by between 1.35 points and 4 points.

Maybe the comment about Coach Moore losing a step, will give him some additional motivation.

[bcoach]

Hey redbirds you really need to be working on your third round game and not worry about us. We have an old coach and our OL isn't any good, secondary is no good, QB is over rated, our attendance will be down. We just are no challenge at all. So use your heads and just think past us. You are just so good we have no chance. In fact your defense is so good I would leave the first string at home so they can rest up for the next game.

[Rekdiver]

I would probably concur that their defense is better. ISU is a tough team. We will see if the speed makes a difference. The issue about Jerry's age is moot now. We don't have the same staff or mechanics of play calling that cost us last year.

[App90]

Im trying to figure out how the speed of ISU defense is faster than ASU skills pplayers. I dont see it, ISU is a very good football team, and very well might win, but ASU's team speed on the offense is going to create mis-matches all over the field. And keep in mind SS on the offensive side is attacking the whole field not just one side like last year. If and only if ASU's Offensive lines hold up for a few seconds, ASU takes this one. This will be an interesting game to watch.

[ebapps1]

As long as we don't try to run up the middle every 1st down and wind up in 2nd and 10+ every series, we have a good shot. Also if we keep the tempo up and keep moving the ball I think that will be a major advantage.

[moehler]

This is a good team, but, becouse of the conference they play in, which is defensive oriented, and lacks any teams with a great offense, I wonder if their defensive numbers are truly a reflection of how good or bad they are. I'll say this with certainly, we are easily the best offensive team they will play all year, I think it will be an eye opener for them, once they see for themselves the speed we bring to the table.

[Deano]

Looking at ISU on film they look like a mixture between Furman and Elon. They like to pass it more than Furman but also run it more than Elon. Their QB is impressive but not flashy or fast, he is just very efficient. The only thing that really worries me about ISU is going to be their ability to get to JJ. Who wins will be decided on whether or not we can protect JJ with creative playcalling in order to keep their defense off balance. I really hope our guys come out with a chip on their shoulders giving this game all they've got!

[AppAlum1]

Anybody else notice that TSN-guy was comparing ASU to Montana State?

To sum up his article, "Jerry Moore is old, therefore they gonna lose." Shee-it. TSN-guy don't know squat about App football. We're gonna kick some redbird tail. Next.

[appst890]

Where in that posted article is Illinois State predicted to win?

[ASUMountaineer]

Where in that posted article is Illinois State predicted to win?

X-Illinois State (8-3) at Appalachian State (8-3), 2 p.m. In a terrific matchup, Illinois State has the better defense.

The "X" indicates his pick.

[asumike83]

Where in that posted article is Illinois State predicted to win?

The 'X' by Illinois State is the indicator that they are his pick, I believe. I haven't read the full article on TSN but I think that is how they do it.

I like seeing this team as the underdog, I think the players read more of this stuff than we think. We've fallen flat the past couple of years and people are taking notice. We need to right the ship and start winning playoff games again, hopefully that time is now.

[appst890]

Where in that posted article is Illinois State predicted to win?

The 'X' by Illinois State is the indicator that they are his pick, I believe. I haven't read the full article on TSN but I think that is how they do it.

I like seeing this team as the underdog, I think the players read more of this stuff than we think. We've fallen flat the past couple of years and people are taking notice. We need to right the ship and start winning playoff games again, hopefully that time is now.

Thanks for clarifying.

[moehler]

a big difference this year,is we have a coaching staff that knows what the hell they are doing. I'm confident that SS and the staff will come up with a good gameplan. Does anyone have any infomation on JJ's knee? You cant get any information from the school, we have no idea if he is completely healthy, 80%, or he is seriously hurt.