Game Of The Week.... Northern Colorado (4-5) at South Dakota State (5-5) Was that a real Big Ten officiating crew last week, or a bunch of trainees hoping to officiate in the Big Ten? Even though the Bison won big over SDSU, the officiating pretty much stunk. Not impressed, what-so-ever... Starting with the inability or lack of ability shown by the Field Judge to make a decent call. I can't remember his name... something like Swanson, Swenson, Swami, Samsonite... Doesn't really matter. I hope this guy watches the film of the so-called non-fumble by the Bunnies at the Bison 2 yard line. Last night I watched the GoBison.com All-access video in slow motion at least a half-dozen times and I still can't get close to seeing what this man saw... The whole video was a highlight of how NOT to officiate a football game. Missed holding calls, missed interference calls, missed illegal formations... It's almost as if the officiating crew didn't want to be in Fargo Saturday night, but was forced to be there. Being an official myself, I seriously try not to comment on other officials, but their performance this weekend was so bad. I'm just glad it didn't cost the Bison a victory...
The Bunnies/Bears game shouldn't be close... But again I thought Sam Houston State would easily defeat Northern Colorado last week. It's become clear that Nicholls State is the class of the Southland Conference. And also that the Southland Conference, as a whole, is down from previous years. So let's take a look at the 'Game of the Week' matchup... The Bunnies should hold an advantage on the offensive side of the ball, if, and only if RB Anthony Watson is back this week from injury. Even though SDSU has should a glimpse of a good defense previously this year, I'll call the defenses even based on watching both teams play the Bison. Special teams goes to the Bunnies, because SDSU always has a good kicking game. And of course, the home intangible goes to the Bunnies at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium. So which Northern Colorado team will show up? The one that played the Bison a couple of weeks ago or the one that defeated Sam Houston State last week. Which SDSU team will show up? The one that defeated UC Davis or the one that struggled against the Bison last week. Who knows? But I have to give the advantage to the Bunnies, but the game could hinge on the questionable return of SDSU RB Anthony Watson. If Watson plays, I can see the Bunnies winning big. If Watson doesn't play, I can see this game going right down to the wire... South Dakota State 28, Northern Colorado 21
The Truth Is.... North Dakota State (7-3) at Southern Illinois (7-3) This game is huge... Last weekend, the Salukis back-doored a share of the Gateway Conference title by losing to Northern Iowa. But even though Southern Illinois got a piece of the Gateway crown, the Panthers will receive the automatic invite to the DI-AA playoffs leaving Southern Illinois with a must win game against the Bison this Saturday. If the Bison knock off Southern Illinois, a Saluki playoff berth will be in serious jeopardy. Given that, let's take an inside look at the matchup... The Bison hold an advantage on defense, and while the Bison offense has been better the last couple weeks, the Salukis get gold star for their offense. Special teams are even and of course, the Salukis hardly ever lose at the 'Dog Pen'. Two factors give the Bison a chance in this game... First, anyone see the Illinois State-Southern Illinois game earlier this year? The Bison offense is very similar to the Illinois State offense and to others, which have given the Salukis defense fits this season. Second, don't discount a Saluki choke-factor... How will the Salukis handle a must-win game situation against a Bison team that has nothing to lose and a reputation to be gained from defeating Southern Illinois on their home field? I'm sure the Salukis are favored by at least a touchdown, but I can't get this feeling out of my gut... North Dakota State 28, Southern Illinois 26
My Other Winners....
Weber State 30, Southern Utah 27
#13 Cal Poly 35, Idaho State 24
#5 Texas State 30, Sam Houston State 21
Northwestern State 21, Stephen F. Austin 17
#10 Northern Iowa 34, Northern Arizona 18
#14 Eastern Washington 37, UC Davis 24
#16 South Carolina State 31, Morgan State 18
#1 New Hampshire 42, Maine 23
#3 Hampton 45, Savannah State 13
Nicholls State 27, McNeese State 24
#16 South Carolina State 32, North Carolina A&T 19
#6 Coastal Carolina 31, Charleston Southern 20
#4 Lehigh 27, Lafayette 23 Upset specials:
#15 Montana State 24, #2 Montana 23
Last Week 15-1 (2005 Record: 122-24 84%)....
North Dakota State 28, South Dakota State 17 - Win
#15 Cal Poly 34, Southern Utah 14 - Win
#9 Texas State 34, Stephen F. Austin 24 - Win
#10 Georgia Southern 45, Morehead State 19 - Win
#14 Appalachian State 30, Western Carolina 16 - Win
Portland State 35, Weber State 21 - Win
Nicholls State 31, SE Louisiana 21 - Win
#2 Montana 34, Sacramento State 20 - Win
#16 South Carolina State 31, Morgan State 18 - Win
#1 New Hampshire 37, Iona 14 - Win
#11 Furman 21, Wofford 17 - Win
#8 Coastal Carolina 42, Mansfield 23 - Win
Army 31, #7 Massachusetts 24 - Win
Sam Houston State 28, Northern Colorado 20 - Loss
#3 Hampton 26, Florida A&M 24 - Win Upset specials:
Youngstown State 30, #13 Western Kentucky 28 - Win
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