Fan's Weekend Guide - Week 15

College Football Insiders previews the Week 15.

Division I-FCS Semifinal: William & Mary (11-2) @ Villanova (12-1)
December 11 * ESPN2 * 8:00 PM

It’s a rematch of the October 3rd battle in which Villanova came out on top 28-17 despite William & Mary out-gaining them 472-283 in terms of yards. The Indians have arrived at this point led by their defense. They rank fifth in the country in sacks and first against the run. The game features two veteran pass rushers on both sides. For the Indians it’s senior Adrian Tracy (pictured) who has 23 career sacks and 17-tackles for a loss. Coming off of a two-sack performance is Tim Kukucka who now has racked up a total of eight on the season.

Division II Championship: Grand Valley State (12-1) vs. Northwest Missouri State (13-0)
December 12 * ESPN2 * 1:00 PM

The Bearcats look to cap off an undefeated season and be crowned Division II champs when they face the one-loss Lakers. Quarterback Blake Bolles has 41 touchdowns on the year and 26 of them have gone to receiver Jake Soy. Going up against a solid Laker defense that has 20 interceptions on the season, the duo will need to continue their connection if the Bearcats are to be successful offensively. The Lakers, for their part, must get production out of their two-headed backfield monster, James Berezik and P.T. Gates. They’ll also need quarterback Brad Iciek, who has 33 touchdowns and two interceptions on the year, to perform at that mistake-free level for his team to hoist the trophy.

SWAC Championship: Alabama A&M (7-4, 4-3) vs. Prairie View A&M (8-1, 7-0)
December 12 * ESPN Classic* 2:00 PM

The Panthers come into the SWAC Championship game having won their last seven games, one of which was against the Bulldogs. Panther running back Donald Babers will have to run effectively and quarterback K.J. Black needs to make smart decisions as he has all season (19 TDs, three INTs.) to give his team an opportunity to win. The Bulldogs won the much weaker Eastern division in the SWAC by ending the season as its only team with a winning conference record. They will need 1,000-yard rusher Ulysses Banks and receiver Thomas Harris to make some big plays to have a chance at the upset.

Army (5-6) vs. Navy (8-4))
December 12 * CBS* 2:30 PM

One of college football’s oldest rivalries will be renewed when Army (5-6) and Navy (8-4) meet Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia. In a departure from the past, the annual Army/Navy game was rescheduled this season to the week following “Championship Week” in an effort to gain exposure for the contest. This game is going to be won on the ground. Both teams have highly productive running attacks—Navy is ranked third in the nation in rushing yards per game (279.7) while Army is 14th (212.1). Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs is the offensive key for the Midshipmen. Dobbs is second in the nation in scoring with 12.6 points per game. Army’s ability to slow down Dobbs and the Navy rushing attack will be a key factor in determining whether the Black Knights can knock off the Midshipmen. Army has not beaten Navy since 2001. The Black Knights will need a great performance from leading tackler, junior linebacker Stephen Anderson, to end the losing streak. This game has bowl implications as well. Navy is slated to face Missouri on December 31 in the Texas Bowl. However, Army needs a win in order to qualify for the EagleBank Bowl on December 29, otherwise the Bruins of UCLA will take the last available bowl slot.

Division 1-FCS Semifinal: Appalachian State (11-2) @ Montana (13-0)
December 12 * ESPN * 4:00 PM

This isn’t the first time to the show for quarterback Armanti Edwards (pictured). He’s already led Appalachian State to two NCAA Division I-FCS Championships and has improved his playoff record to 11-1 by advancing this far. With a combined 30 touchdowns passing and rushing on the season, he has once again delivered as one of the more exciting players in all of the college football. However, he is not the only player to watch in this contest. Montana’s Chase Reynolds and Appalachian State’s Devon Moore are both in the top five in rushing touchdowns and have combined for 2,535 yards on the year.

John Garrett, Christopher Mogollon & Mark Zavodnyik contributed to this column.

Photos Courtesy of ASU Sports Information/Keith Cline, Jim Agnew

FCS Top 25 - Final

1. Richmond 13-3
2. Montana 14-2
3. James Madison 12-2
4. Northern Iowa 12-3
5. Appalachian State 11-3
6. Villanova 10-3
7. New Hampshire 11-3
8. Weber State 10-4
9. Cal Poly 8-3
10. Wofford 9-3
11. Central Arkansas 10-2
12. South Carolina State 10-3
13. Southern Illinois 9-3
14. Liberty 10-2
15. William & Mary 8-4
16. Harvard 9-1
17. McNeese State 7-4
18. Elon 8-4
19. Maine 8-5
20. Eastern Kentucky 8-4
21. Texas State 8-5
22. Colgate 9-3
23. Jacksonville State 8-3
24. Grambling State 10-2
25. Prairie View A&M 9-1

FCS Top 25 - Championship Week

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. Montana 14-1 Next vs. Richmond
2. Richmond 12-3 Next at Montana
3. James Madison 12-2 SEASON FINISHED
4. Northern Iowa 12-3 SEASON FINISHED
5. Appalachian State 11-3 SEASON FINISHED
6. Villanova 10-3 SEASON FINISHED
7. New Hampshire 11-3 SEASON FINISHED
8. Weber State 10-4 SEASON FINISHED
9. Cal Poly 8-3 SEASON FINISHED
10. Wofford 9-3 SEASON FINISHED
11. Central Arkansas 10-2 SEASON FINISHED
12. South Carolina State 10-3 SEASON FINISHED
13. Southern Illinois 9-3 SEASON FINISHED
14. Liberty 10-2 SEASON FINISHED
15. William & Mary 8-4 SEASON FINISHED
16. Harvard 9-1 SEASON FINISHED
17. McNeese State 7-4 SEASON FINISHED
18. Elon 8-4 SEASON FINISHED
19. Maine 8-5 SEASON FINISHED
20. Eastern Kentucky 8-4 SEASON FINISHED
21. Texas State 8-5 SEASON FINISHED
22. Colgate 9-3 SEASON FINISHED
23. Jacksonville State 8-3 SEASON FINISHED
24. Grambling State 10-2 SEASON FINISHED
25. Prairie View A&M 9-1 SEASON FINISHED

Small School Top 10

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. Appalachian St. 7-2 (2)
Despite losing to JMU earlier in the year, App State leapfrogs the Dukes this week after showing that they are no longer the same team that lost to JMU. They played well on special teams and were dominant on both sides of the ball in their 70-24 romping of Wofford on Friday night.

2. James Madison 8-1 (1)
JMU could easily move back into the No. 1 spot if ASU doesn’t continue to roll. The Dukes are still No. 1 in the major polls after their 41-7 thrashing of Delaware. James Madison looks to be the top seed in the playoffs if they win out. Recent injuries have also contributed to JMU's fall from the number one spot and those injuries could hamper their chances at a national title.

3. Villanova 6-2 (4)
The major polls still have Villanova too low—they almost beat No. 2 JMU before a last second Hail Mary lost the game for them. They could be a surprise national title contender and are being slept on by most. Their win over Northeastern was very solid and was a relief after some considered this a trap game.

4. Weber State 8-2 (6)
Based on rankings, Weber State would not be seeded in the playoffs and are barely a top-10 team. However, if you watch the Wildcats you will see they are underrated. Their wins over Montana and Northern Arizona have proven that they belong among the nation’s elite.

5. Richmond 6-3 (5)
While Richmond has three losses, you have to remember those losses are to the No. 2 and No. 3 teams, and the third was to Virginia of the ACC. The Spiders have plenty of young talent that is just starting to blossom and they should be even more dangerous next year. They come off a bye week last weekend and will still need to win out despite showing that they are a top five to eight type team.

6. Wofford 6-2 (3)
The lopsided loss to App State might look bad, but you can bet that Wofford is still a top 10 team, who can’t be overlooked in the playoffs. While they lack the speed to make it to Chattanooga, they do have the talent to win one or two games. Expect a much-improved Wofford team over the last few weeks of the season.

7. Montana 8-1 (7)
Their only loss, to No. 4 Weber State, has become a game they will seek to avenge in the playoffs if given a rematch. While Montana has the prestige and makes money for the NCAA, they are unlikely to receive a top four seed unless they win out and Weber State loses a game. Their 35-point win over Northern Arizona last week was very impressive and appears to be a sign that this team is much improved.

8. Cal-Poly 6-1 (8)
The Mustangs are rated higher in the national polls, but only because they lack a signature win to put them in the top five. Winning out, including an upset over Wisconsin, would likely vault them into the top five and cement them as a national title contender.

9. Northern Iowa 7-2 (NR)
UNI is coming off an impressive win over Western Illinois last week and while they are rated lower here compared to the national polls, they still lack a marquee win over a top team to prove they belong in the top five. Don’t be shocked if they win out and grab a top four seed. They are definitely a national title contender and a team that commands attention.

10. Elon 7-2 (9)
At this point, Elon is the best team that is not considered a true national title contender. They lack a big win but could pick that up in the coming weeks over Appalachian State. Like Richmond, they are coming off a bye week and need to finish the regular season strong.

Out: Central Arkansas (10)

Small School Top 10

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. James Madison Dukes 7-1 (1)
Another thrilling victory, this one over a solid Villanova squad, shows why the Dukes are the #1 team in the country.

2. Appalachian St. Mountaineers 6-2 (3)
They can thank turnovers from Furman for their win. They must tighten their run defense before Wofford comes into Boone on Friday (ESPN2).

3. Wofford Terriers 6-1 (4)
Wofford could easily be #2 in the country after a convincing win over Elon.

4. Villanova Wildcats 5-2 (2)
A close loss to JMU proves that Villanova is for real and belongs in the top 10. Don’t be surprised if they run the table.

5. Richmond Spiders 6-3 (5)
A shutout win over Georgetown was impressive but now they face the reality that they must win out in a tough CAA to have a shot at the playoffs

6. Weber State 7-2 (NR)
Weber is perhaps the most underrated team in the nation, according to the polls. They drilled NAU this past weekend.

7. Montana Grizzlies 7-1 (7)
The Grizzlies routed Northern Colorado last weekend. They will face NAU in a key Big Sky tilt this Saturday.

8. Cal-Poly Mustangs 5-1 (8)
Ramses Barden was…well…Ramses Barden last weekend. The quarterback play has stepped up and now gives the ‘Stangs a stellar passing attack.

9. Elon Phoenix 7-2 (6)
Despite being throttled by Wofford, they have a passing attack that can’t be overlooked.

10. Central Arkansas Bears 7-1 (10)
Quarterback Nathan Brown (21-1 ratio) and defensive end Larry Hart (17 TFL, 12 sacks) have been key all year long and were instrumental in a close win over SE Louisiana last weekend.

Photo Credit: ASU Sports Information/Keith Cline