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

Small School Top 10 - Semifinal Week

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. James Madison 12-1 vs. Montana
In another tight game with Villanova, JMU showed they might be the best team in the FCS. With two wins over Villanova and a win over App State there is no reason to believe they aren’t.

2. Richmond 11-3 at Northern Iowa
After an upset over App State they now must travel to UNI. Despite their talent advantage, this could be the game that sees the Spiders' tank hit empty.

3. Montana 13-1 at James Madison
Montana has yet to be sent to the east coast in a long time and it should be interesting to see how they do away from home.

4. Northern Iowa 12-2 vs. Richmond
A close victory over UNH propels them to a surprising home game in the semis.

5. Appalachian State 11-3 SEASON FINISHED
When you saw the health of Armanti Edwards it is not surprising he threw so many picks. It has been said before--the way to beat App State is to force turnovers and with Richmond forcing seven, it sealed their fate. With 19 starters coming back it is hard to believe they won’t be the preseason #1 next year.

6. Villanova 10-3 SEASON FINISHED
Another heart-breaking loss to JMU sends Nova home despite a valiant effort.

7. New Hampshire 11-3 SEASON FINISHED
UNH has exceeded expectations with QB Ricky Santos gone and they have enough returning on offense to have another winning season next year.

8. Weber State 10-4 SEASON FINISHED
After dismantling Montana earlier in the year they came up short on the road in a heart-breaking loss to the Grizzlies. Expect Weber State to be back next year with plenty of talent returning.

9. Cal Poly 8-3 SEASON FINISHED
Losing QB Jonathan Dally and WR Ramses Barden will be tough to replace. Their preseason expectations will depend heavily on who they find to replace Dally.

10. Wofford 9-3 SEASON FINISHED
Losing so many seniors will be tough, but Mike Ayers always seems to exceed expectations.

Photo Credit: JMU Athletics

Small School Top 10 - Playoff Edition

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. James Madison 11-1 (1)
JMU wins a close one against Wofford and now will have to beat Villanova a second time.

2. Appalachian St. 11-2 (2)
The playoffs are about survive and advance – that is just what ASU did. They must improve in the turnover department to get past Richmond.

3. Villanova 10-2 (3)
They have been chomping at the bit for this rematch and now have it. ‘Nova is very underrated and could pull off the upset.

4. Montana 12-1 (4)
The Grizzlies did what was expected and now must host Weber State in another rematch from earlier in the year. It is very tough to beat a team twice and Montana is tough to beat at home.

5. Northern Iowa 11-2 (8)
People have been sleeping on this team most of the year and they looked good against Maine, picking the Black Bears off four times.

6. Weber St. 10-3 (NR)
Like ‘Nova they get the rematch they have been anticipating. Wide out Tim Toone keyed the first round upset and will be needed again to stretch the Montana secondary.

7. Richmond 10-3 (6)
The Spiders looked very sharp against EKU and could pull the upset in what should be a high scoring contest in Boone.

8. Wofford 10-2 (7)
They were very tough in a three-point loss at JMU – the best team to lose in the first round.

9. Cal-Poly 8-3 (5)
They put up a fight in a shootout loss to Weber State but turnovers cost them.

10. New Hampshire 11-2 (NR)
UNH surprised some in their upset at SIU. Now they face another MVC opponent in UNI that should be much tougher on the road.

Out: Southern Illinois (9), Central Arkansas (10)
Photo Credit: JMU Athletics

Small School Top 10 - Week Thirteen

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. James Madison 10-1 (1)
JMU got the No. 1 seed and will host Wofford in the first round in what is perhaps the biggest game on the docket.

2. Appalachian St. 10-2 (2)
The three-time defending champs got an ideal draw in SC State, a team who will travel well and should provide the boost in first round attendance that App State has lacked in the past.

3. Villanova 9-2 (4)
This is the sleeper team to make it to the semis. They have the talent on defense to hold anyone and could end up in the title game.

4. Montana 11-1 (5)
The Grizzlies got the No. 4 seed and host Texas State. Some question their talent level, but playing at home, Montana should be a force.

5. Cal-Poly 8-2 (6)
After almost upsetting Wisconsin, Cal Poly is the favorite to surprise and go to the title game. They will face a tough road starting with Weber State in what could be a shootout.

6. Richmond 9-3 (7)
Hosting EKU in the first round should be a good game. The Spiders are still somewhat young but have the ground game to pound out a victory.

7. Wofford 9-2 (8)
Wofford might feel snubbed having to go on the road to JMU, but this will truly test the talent of a Wofford team that some have questioned.

8. Northern Iowa 9-2 (9)
With the No. 3 seed they face perhaps the toughest road, with a likely trip to Boone (ASU).

9. Southern Illinois 9-2 (10)
Larry Warner rushed his way onto the Walter Payton Watch List and leads a tough Saluki team.

10. Central Arkansas 10-2 (NR)
Despite not making the playoffs due to the transition period they are still a solid team.

Out: Weber St. (3)

Photo Credit: Matt Brown Photography

Small School Players of the Week

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDERS

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

RB Tim Maypray, VMI
Maypray totaled 332 all-purpose yards and added a Big South Conference record four touchdowns in VMI’s win over Presbyterian. He rushed for a career-high 235 yards on 20 carries and averaged 11.8 per carry. He also caught three passes for 97 yards, including a 75-yard scoring reception. His scoring runs were from four, 34 and 60 yards out.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

LB Quinten Pierre, Southeastern Louisiana
Pierre collected a season-high 14 stops and recovered four fumbles in their victory over Nicholls State. He returned a fumble 65 yards that set up Southeastern Louisiana’s first score and added a 20-yard return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that cut the Colonel lead to 35-21. This was his first start at inside linebacker this season.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

S Brandon Gathoff, Eastern Kentucky
Gathof blocked a 45-yard field goal attempt by Tennessee-Martin's Tom Hansen with four seconds left to preserve a 33-31 victory and give Eastern Kentucky the OVC auto-bid. He leaped high in to the air to block a well-struck kick that appeared to have the distance and accuracy to give UTM the win and the championship. He also picked off two passes and returned one 80 yards for a score in the first half.

Photo Credit: Ohio Valley Conference

Small School Players of the Week - Week Twelve

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

RB Edwin Gowins, Stony Brook
Gowins churned out 250 yards and three scores on just 20 carries to lead Stony Brook over VMI in a 40-26 victory. This after Gowins put up a 278-yard and three score effort the week before. His 250 yards against VMI was the second best rushing day in Big South history. He averaged 12.5 yards per carry.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

S Ryan Barnes, Harvard
Barnes had a spectacular effort with three interceptions in the Crimson’s 24-21 win over Penn. This was his first game since suffering a shoulder stinger on Oct. 25th and it was the best of his career. He also had three pass breakups to finish with six passes defended and added five tackles, four of them solo stops. The first pick came in the end zone to kill an eight-minute drive by Penn and the second set up a 20-yard field goal in the third quarter.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

K Matt Partain, Holy Cross
Partain nailed field goals from 23 and 32 yards out in the second half to key a comeback win from 13 down. He hit the game winning PAT with six seconds left to give the Crusaders the 27-26 victory. Partain finished with nine points and hit all three of his extra points. He now leads the team in scoring with 75 points.

Photo Credit: Harvard Athletic Communications

Small School Top 10 - Week Twelve

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. James Madison 9-1 (2)
After another impressive week as the Dukes take over the top spot. They appear headed for the No. 1 seed after clinching the Colonial Athletic Association automatic bid.

2. Appalachian St. 9-2 (1)
Somewhat of a disappointing effort against Elon but they secured the Southern Conference automatic bid.

3. Weber State 9-2 (4)
The Big Sky champs and possessors of an automatic bid to the playoffs come off a BYE week with much needed rest to close out the regular season.

4. Villanova 8-2 (3)
Villanova won a close one against Towson but still appears headed for a top-four seed.

5. Montana 10-1 (5)
Hard to believe Montana is not the automatic bid this year for the Big Sky with just one loss.

6. Cal-Poly 8-1 (6)
Cal Poly faces Wisconsin in what could vault them to a top four seed.

7. Richmond 8-3 (7)
The Spiders face a possible playoff elimination game this weekend.

8. Wofford 8-2 (8)
Wofford has pretty much clinched an at-large berth in the playoffs but needs to finish strong.

9. Northern Iowa 9-2 (9)
UNI is rated much lower in the computer rankings than in the polls and after kicking two star players off the team last week it is hard to argue they should be much higher than this.

10. Southern Illinois 8-2 (NR)
The win over SDSU last week was a huge momentum builder.

Out: William & Mary (10)

Photo Credit: JMU Athletics

Buck Buchanan Battle

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

BUCHANAN TOP 5

Like Edwards, Eastern Washington DE Greg Peach put his stamp on a national award with two sacks this past weekend to likely seal up the Buck Buchanan Award. Maine has come on strong as of late with the play of Belcher among the reasons why, thus moving him to #2. App State S Mark LeGree has seven picks in the last five games and leads the FCS in interceptions to move into the top five and likely become a front runner along with Adrian Tracy and Larry Hart for next year.

1. DE GREG PEACH, EASTERN WASHINGTON, SR.
Stats- 67 TT, 22 TFL, 18 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 QBH in 10 games.

2. DE JOVAN BELCHER, MAINE, SR.
Stats- 84 TT, 13 TFL, 6.5 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF in 10 games.

3. LB JASON WILLIAMS, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 64 TT, 14.5 TFL, 4 SCK, 6 PBU, 4 QBH, 6 FF in 10 games.

4. LB NATHAN WILLIAMS, MURRAY STATE, SR.
Stats- 167 TT, 13 TFL, 8 SCK, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 2 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 11 games.

5. FS MARK LEGREE, APPALACHIAN STATE, SOPH.
Stats- 47 TT, 2 TFL, 1 SCK, 9 INT, 4 PBU, 1 FF in 10 games.

THE BEST OF THE REST

LB BOBBY ABARE, YALE, SR.
Stats- 68 TT, 10 TFL, 3.5 SCK, 4 INT/returned one for TD, 2 PBU, 1 FR for TD, 1 FF in 9 games.

DT JOHN FALETOESE, UC DAVIS, SR.
Stats- 29 TT, 6.5 TFL, 4.5 SCK, 3 PBU, 1 QBH, 4 BLK in 11 games.

CB K.J. GERARD, NORTHERN ARIZONA, SR.
Stats- 47 TT, 8 TFL, 3 SCK, 5 INT, 9 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF, 1 BLK in 11 games.

DE LARRY HART, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, JR.
Stats- 39 TT, 20.5 TFL, 14 SCK, 4 PBU, 1 FF, 1 BLK in 11 games.

S MARCUS HAYWOOD, JAMES MADISON, SR.
Stats- 74 TT, 3.5 TFL, 4 INT, 5 PBU, FF in 10 games.

DE TIM KNICKY, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN, JR.
Stats- 65 TT, 19 TFL, 13 SCK, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 4 FF in 11 games.

DE GREG MILLER, VILLANOVA, SR.
Stats- 41 TT, 13 TFL, 5.5 SCK, 3 PBU, 2 FF in 10 games.

LB ANDY ROMANS, LAFAYETTE, SR.
Stats- 87 TT, 5 TFL, 1.5 SCK, 3 PBU, 5 QBH, 2 FR, 1 BLK in 10 games.

LB ANDY SCHANTZ, PORTLAND STATE, SR.
Stats- 104 TT, 13 TFL, 1 INT, 8 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF in 10 games.

DE ADRIAN TRACY, WILLIAM & MARY, JR.
Stats- 62 TT, 14 TFL, 8.5 SCK, 1 PBU, 6 QBH, 1 BLK in 10 games.

S LARDARIUS WEBB, NICHOLLS STATE, SR.
Stats- 47 TT, 2 TFL, 2 SCK, 2 INT, 7 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR/one for TD, 1 FF, 9 PR, 152 yards, 16.9avg, 1 TD, 75 long, 16 KR, 472 yards, 29.5avg, 1 TD, 78 long in 8 games.

Photo Credit: Eastern Washington Sports Information

Small School Players of the Week - Week Eleven

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

QB Ryan Berry, South Dakota State
Berry set MVC and SDSU single-game records with seven touchdown passes in a 52-21 romp over Illinois State. Berry completed 17-of-29 passes for 237 yards. Berry set South Dakota State career records for completions and touchdown passes in this performance.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DE Dana Fletcher, Montana State
Fletcher came up big in their upset of No. 23 Northern Arizona before missing the fourth quarter with an injury. He finished with six stops, four tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and blocked two kicks in the victory. The first blocked kick was of an extra point in the first quarter and in the second quarter he blocked a punt that resulted in a safety. While trailing in the first quarter, Fletcher forced and recovered a fumble as well. Three plays later, the Bobcats scored to take a 7-6 lead.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

KR A.J. Kizekai, Bucknell
Kizekai finished with a school record 210 kickoff return yards in the Bison’s 38-21 loss to Lafayette. He returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and averaged 35 yards per return. Kizekai's 100-yard scoring return tied the game at seven in the first quarter and was the second touchdown return in his career. Kizekai also became Bucknell's career leader in kickoff return yardage.

Photo Credit: South Dakota State Communications

The Small School Top 10 - Week Eleven

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDERS

1. Appalachian St. 8-2 (1)
They did not play as well as they did against Wofford, but still managed to win by an impressive 42-point margin against Chattanooga.

2. James Madison 8-1 (2)
An off week provided some much needed rest before the showdown with William & Mary.

3. Villanova 7-2 (3)
The light part of their schedule comes up with Towson and Delaware on tap.

4. Weber State 9-2 (4)
The polls still underrate this team and it is puzzling. Weber State enters the bye week in time to heal up a little bit before taking on EWU.

5. Montana 9-1 (7)
They looked solid in a 29-12 win over Portland State and have pretty much wrapped up an at-large berth in the playoffs.

6. Cal-Poly 7-1 (8)
Still ranked slightly lower than the national polls because of the lack of a significant win, they close the season out with a chance to get that against UC Davis and Wisconsin.

7. Richmond 7-3 (5)
The Spiders are on the brink of playoff elimination and while they should defeat Delaware this week, they have a tough tilt with William & Mary in their season finale.

8. Wofford 7-2 (6)
After the blowout loss to App Stat, they barely squeak by a very average Citadel team.

9. Northern Iowa 8-2 (9)
The Panthers are coming off an impressive 42-0 drubbing of Missouri State and should win out.

10. William & Mary 8-2 (NR)
Their 21-point win over Northeastern was impressive. Adrian Tracy has been outstanding all year long and should find his way onto the Buck Buchanan list this week.

Out: Elon (10)

Photo Credit: JMU Athletics

FCS Players of the Week

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian St.: Edwards put together an impressive show Friday night, leading ASU to a 70-24 thrashing of Wofford. He completed 17-of 19-passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns while adding 73 yards on 14 carries for another score to give him six on the night. His final tally came from one-yard out, one minute into the fourth quarter and he was pulled after that, as the win was a certainty. With his 440 total yards, Edwards became the SoCon’s all-time leader in total offense. That single-game total was the fourth-best in ASU history and moved Edwards as the SoCon’s career leader in that category with 9,397. He has stretched his streak of consecutive passes without an interception to 140.

DEFENSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

FS Mark LeGree, Appalachian St.: For the first time this year one school has completed a sweep of the awards on both sides of the ball after LeGree finished the night with three interceptions in the Mountaineers' victory. He now leads the nation with seven picks and is just one shy of Larry Harbin’s school record of eight, set in 1963. LeGree also finished the game with eight tackles, including one for a loss, and a forced fumble.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

KR Dwight Fluker-Berry, Norfolk State: Fluker-Berry didn’t have many chances to return the football, but made the most of the two he had. His two returns for touchdowns were key to the Spartans' victory over Howard this past weekend. His 84-yard return for a score in the second quarter and 50-yard punt return in the third quarter were the sparks that Norfolk State needed to thwart a comeback by Howard. He finished the game with 134 return yards in just two attempts.

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)

FCS Top 25 - Week Ten

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. Appalachian State 7-2
2. James Madison 8-1
3. Villanova 6-2
4. Weber State 8-2
5. Richmond 6-3
6. Wofford 6-2
7. Montana 8-1
8. Cal Poly 6-1
9. Northern Iowa 7-2
10. Elon 7-2
11. William & Mary 6-2
12. UMASS 6-3
13. New Hampshire 7-1
14. Southern Illinois 6-2
15. Furman 7-3
16. Central Arkansas 7-2
17. McNeese State 5-3
18. Western Illinois 5-3
19. Northern Arizona 6-3
20. Harvard 6-1
21. South Carolina State 7-2
22. Tennessee State 7-2
23. Maine 6-3
24. South Dakota State 5-4
25. Tennessee Martin 7-2

BUCK BUCHANAN BATTLE

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

WEEKLY TOP 5

1. DE GREG PEACH, EASTERN WASHINGTON, SR.
Stats- 52 TT, 18 TFL, 14 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FF in 8 games.

2. LB JASON WILLIAMS, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 51 TT, 11.5 TFL, 4 SCK, 5 PBU, 4 QBH, 4 FF in 8 games.

3. DE GREG MILLER, VILLANOVA, SR.
Stats- 39 TT, 13 TFL, 5.5 SCK, 2 FF in 8 games.

4. DE LARRY HART, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, JR.
Stats- 33 TT, 18 TFL, 12 SCK, 2 PBU, 1 FF, 1 Blocked Kick in 9 games.

5. DE JOVAN BELCHER, MAINE, SR.
Stats- 76 TT, 10 TFL, 6 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF in 9 games.

THE BEST OF THE REST

LB BOBBY ABARE, YALE, SR.
Stats- 62 TT, 7.5 TFL, 3 SCK, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 1 PBU, 1 FR for TD in 7 games.

DT JOHN FALETOESE, UC DAVIS, SR.
Stats- 19 TT, 5.5 TFL, 4.5 SCK, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 4 BLK in 9 games.

CB K.J. GERARD, NORTHERN ARIZONA, SR.
Stats- 36 TT, 6 TFL, 2 SCK, 5 INT, 7 PBU, 1 FF, 1 blocked kick in 9 games.

S MARCUS HAYWOOD, JAMES MADISON, SR.
Stats- 70 TT, 3.5 TFL, 4 INT, 4 PBU, FF in 9 games.

DE TIM KNICKY, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN, JR.
Stats- 50 TT, 16.5 TFL, 10 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 4 FF in 9 games.

LB CYRUS MULITALO, SACRAMENTO STATE, SR.
Stats- 72 TT, 5.5 TFL, 1 SCK, 1 INT, 4 PBU in 9 games.

LB ANDY ROMANS, LAFAYETTE, SR.
Stats- 70 TT, 5 TFL, 1.5 SCK, 3 PBU, 4 QBH, 1 FR, 1 BLK in 8 games.

LB ANDY SCHANTZ, PORTLAND STATE, SR.
Stats- 81 TT, 10 TFL, 1 INT, 6 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.

DE ADRIAN TRACY, WILLIAM & MARY, JR.
Stats- 48 TT, 14 TFL, 8.5 SCK, 1 PBU, 6 QBH, 1 BLK in 8 games.

S LARDARIUS WEBB, NICHOLLS STATE, SR.
Stats- 31 TT, 1 TFL, 1 SCK, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR for TD, 1 FF, 9 PR, 152 yards, 16.9avg, 1 TD, 75 long, 13 KR, 432 yards, 33.2avg, 1 TD, 78 long in 6 games.

LB NATHAN WILLIAMS, MURRAY STATE, SR.
Stats- 141 TT, 11 TFL, 6.5 SCK, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 9 games.

Photo Credit: Larry Dean, Western Illinois University

WALTER PAYTON WATCH

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

WEEKLY TOP 5

1. QB ARMANTI EDWARDS, APPALACHIAN STATE, JR.
Stats- 120 comp, 193 att, 1823, 20 TDs, 2 INT, 62.2%, 173.64 pass eff., 202.6 yards per game, 145 carries, 634 yards, 4.4avg, 9 TDs in 9 games.


2. QB CAMERON HIGGINS, WEBER STATE, SOPH.
Stats- 223 comp, 328 att, 3127 yards, 30 TDs, 9 INT, 180.15 pass eff., 68.0%, 312.7 yards per game, 39 carries, -82 yards, -2.1avg, 1 TD in 10 games.

3. QB RODNEY LANDERS, JAMES MADISON, SR.
Stats- 66 comp, 107 att, 938 yards, 11 TDs, 3 INT, 163.64 pass eff., 61.7%, 104.2 yards per game, 169 carries, 1,115 yards, 10 TDs, 6.6avg in 9 games.

4. QB NATHAN BROWN, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, SR.
Stats- 185 comp, 271 att, 2270 yards, 23 TDs, 1 INT, 68.3%, 165.90 pass eff., 252.2 yards per game, 49 carries, 84 yards, 1.7avg in 9 games.

5. WR RAMSES BARDEN, CAL POLY, SR.
Stats- 46 catches, 960 yards, 11 TDs, 20.9avg, 137.1 yards per game in 7 games.

THE BEST OF THE REST

QB COLE BERGQUIST, MONTANA, SR.
Stats- 138 comp, 211 att, 2115 yards, 22 TDs, 4 INT, 65.4%, 180.22 pass eff., 235.0 yards per game, 89 carries, 95 yards, 1.1avg, 4 TDs in 9 games.

QB RHETT BOMAR, SAM HOUSTON STATE, SR.
Stats- 152 comp, 264 att, 2118 yards, 20 TDs, 7 INT, 57.6%, 144.66 pass eff., 302.6 yards per game, 51 carries, 116 yards, 2.3avg, 3 TDs in 7 games.

QB LIAM COEN, UMASS, SR.
Stats- 156 comp, 242 att, 2259 yards, 19 TDs, 6 INT, 163.82 pass eff., 64.5%, 251.0 yards per game, 24 carries, -7 yards, -0.3avg, 2 TDs in 9 games.

RB HERB DONALDSON, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 215 carries, 1207 yards, 5.6ypg, 16 TDs, 150.9 yards per game, 11 catches, 72 yards, 6.5avg, 1 TD in 8 games.

WR TERRELL HUDGINS, ELON, JR.
Stats- 69 catches, 923 yards, 8 TDs, 13.4avg, 102.6 yards per game in 9 games.

RB RASHAD JENNINGS, LIBERTY, SR.
Stats- 203 carries, 1188 yards, 5.9avg, 13 TDs, 148.5 yards per game, 21 catches, 124 yards, 5.9avg, 2 TDs, 1 TT in 8 games.

QB CHRIS PIZZOTTI, HARVARD, SR.
Stats- 140 comp, 224 att, 1849 yards, 11 TDs, 3 INT, 145.36 pass eff., 62.5%, 264.1 yards per game, 50 carries, 113 yards, 2.3ypg, 5 TDs in 7 games.

QB DOMINIC RANDOLPH, HOLY CROSS, SR.
Stats- 261 comp, 385 att, 2693 yards, 23 TDs, 11 INT, 140.55 pass eff., 67.8%, 50 carries, 73 yards, 1.5avg, 4 TDs in 8 games.

WR ANDRE ROBERTS, THE CITADEL, JR.
Stats- 67 catches, 962 yards, 14.4avg, 11 TDs, 106.9 yards per game, 9 carries, 25 yards, 2.8avg, 21 PR, 393 yards, 18.7avg, 2 TDs, 64 long, 2 TT in 9 games.

RB JORDAN SCOTT, COLGATE, SR.
Stats- 172 carries, 972 yards, 5.7avg, 11 TDs, 138.9 yards per game, 4 catches, 26 yards, 6.5ypg in 7 games.

RB DAVID SINISI, MONMOUTH, JR.
Stats- 234 carries, 1413 yards, 6.0avg, 17 TDs, 157.0 yards per game, 11 catches, 80 yards, 7.3avg in 9 games.

Photo Credit: ASU Sports Information/Keith Cline

Small School Players of the Week

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WR Ramses Barden, Cal Poly
Barden had a record-breaking weekend with 12 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns in Cal Poly’s win over Southern Utah. With that performance, he broke Darrell Jones’ school record for career catches with 181 and snapped Jerry Rice’s mark for touchdown receptions in consecutive games at 27.

DEFENSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

S Beau Hadley, Weber St.
Hadley recorded 11 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in the Wildcats’ 42-14 victory over Northern Arizona. Hadley’s game-changing plays occurred with NAU still in the game. His first forced fumble, which he recovered, led to a touchdown to give Weber St. a 14-0 first-quarter lead. His second forced fumble also led to a score and put the game out of reach (28-7) in the third quarter.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

K Patrick Bolen, Georgia Southern
Bolen’s numbers weren’t the most impressive but his kicks were a key to the Eagles’ comeback win over Western Carolina. He put three-of-five kickoffs through the end zone for touchbacks and executed the first onside kick of the season to aid Georgia Southern in their largest comeback win in school history.

Photo Credit: Great West Conference

WEEKLY WALTER PAYTON WATCH

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

THE TOP 5

1. QB CAMERON HIGGINS, WEBER STATE, SOPH.
Stats- 202 comp, 292 att, 2885 yards, 29 TDs, 7 INT, 180.15 pass eff., 69.2%, 320.6 yards per game, 34 carries, -78 yards, -2.3avg, 1 TD in 9 games.

2. QB ARMANTI EDWARDS, APPALACHIAN STATE, JR.
Stats- 103 comp, 174 att, 1456, 15 TDs, 2 INT, 59.2%, 155.6 pass eff., 182.0 yards per game, 131 carries, 561 yards, 4.3avg, 8 TDs in 8 games.

3. WR RAMSES BARDEN, CAL POLY, SR.
Stats- 42 catches, 883 yards, 10 TDs, 21.0avg, 147.2 yards per game in 6 games.

4. RB HERB DONALDSON, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 192 carries, 1091 yards, 5.7ypg, 16 TDs, 155.9 yards per game, 10 catches, 72 yards, 7.2avg, 1 TD in 7 games.

5. QB NATHAN BROWN, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, SR.
Stats- 162 comp, 229 att, 2046 yards, 21 TDs, 1 INT, 70.7%, 175.18 pass eff., 255.0 yards per game, 45 carries, 87 yards, 1.9avg in 8 games.

THE BEST OF THE REST

QB COLE BERGQUIST, MONTANA, SR.

Stats- 124 comp, 188 att, 1929 yards, 19 TDs, 4 INT, 66.0%, 181.24 pass eff., 241.1 yards per game, 81 carries, 113 yards, 1.4avg, 4 TDs in 8 games.

QB RHETT BOMAR, SAM HOUSTON STATE, SR.

Stats- 132 comp, 230 att, 1790 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INT, 57.4%, 141.94 pass eff., 298.3 yards per game, 44 carries, 122 yards, 2.8avg, 3 TDs in 6 games.

QB LIAM COEN, UMASS, SR.

Stats- 141 comp, 225 att, 2018 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INT, 156.14 pass eff., 62.7%, 252.2 yards per game, 24 carries, -7 yards, -0.3avg, 2 TDs in 8 games.

WR TERRELL HUDGINS, ELON, JR.

Stats- 69 catches, 923 yards, 8 TDs, 13.4avg, 102.6 yards per game in 9 games.

RB RASHAD JENNINGS, LIBERTY, SR.

Stats- 171 carries, 1000 yards, 5.8avg, 11 TDs, 142.9 yards per game, 18 catches, 109 yards, 6.1avg, 2 TDs in 7 games.

QB RODNEY LANDERS, JAMES MADISON, SR.

Stats- 60 comp, 95 att, 876 yards, 11 TDs, 3 INT, 172.51 pass eff., 63.2%, 109.5 yards per game, 146 carries, 930 yards, 8 TDs, 6.4avg in 8 games.

QB CHRIS PIZZOTTI, HARVARD, SR.

Stats- 128 comp, 206 att, 1751 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INT, 146.64 pass eff., 62.1%, 291.8 yards per game, 32 carries, 40 yards, 1.2ypg, 2 TDs in 5 games.

QB DOMINIC RANDOLPH, HOLY CROSS, SR.

Stats- 223 comp, 336 att, 2295 yards, 19 TDs, 10 INT, 136.45 pass eff., 66.4%, 44 carries, 57 yards, 1.3avg, 4 TDs in 7 games.

WR ANDRE ROBERTS, THE CITADEL, JR.

Stats- 58 catches, 797 yards, 13.7avg, 10 TDs, 99.6 yards per game, 4 carries, 19 yards, 4.8avg, 17 PR, 342 yards, 20.1avg, 2 TDs, 64 long, 2 TT in 8 games.

RB JORDAN SCOTT, COLGATE, SR.

Stats- 170 carries, 971 yards, 5.7avg, 11 TDs, 161.8 yards per game, 3 catches, 23 yards, 7.7ypg in 6 games.

RB DAVID SINISI, MONMOUTH, JR.

Stats- 207 carries, 1295 yards, 6.3avg, 17 TDs, 161.0 yards per game, 9 catches, 77 yards, 8.6avg in 8 games.

Photo Credit: Casey Fotografiks (Weber St.)

WEEKLY BUCK BUCHANAN BATTLE

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

THE TOP 5

1. DE GREG PEACH, EASTERN WASHINGTON, SR.
Stats- 43 TT, 16 TFL, 14 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 QBH in 7 games.

2. LB JASON WILLIAMS, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 45 TT, 10 TFL, 4 SCK, 4 PBU, 2 QBH, 3 FF in 7 games.

3. DE GREG MILLER, VILLANOVA, SR.
Stats- 36 TT, 12.5 TFL, 5.5 SCK, 2 FF in 7 games.

4. LB ANDY SCHANTZ, PORTLAND STATE, SR.
Stats- 66 TT, 9 TFL, 1 INT, 6 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF in 7 games.

5. DE JOVAN BELCHER, MAINE, SR.
Stats- 70 TT, 8 TFL, 4 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF in 8 games.

THE BEST OF THE REST

LB BOBBY ABARE, YALE, SR.

Stats- 56 TT, 5.5 TFL, 2 SCK, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 1 PBU, 1 FR for TD in 6 games.

DT JOHN FALETOESE, UC DAVIS, SR.

Stats- 19 TT, 5.5 TFL, 4.5 SCK, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 4 BLK in 9 games.

CB K.J. GERARD, NORTHERN ARIZONA, SR.

Stats- 30 TT, 4 TFL, 1 SCK, 5 INT, 7 PBU, 1 FF, 1 blocked kick in 8 games.

DE LARRY HART, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, JR.

Stats- 29 TT, 17 TFL, 12 SCK, 2 PBU, 1 FF in 8 games.

S MARCUS HAYWOOD, JAMES MADISON, SR.

Stats- 66 TT, 3.5 TFL, 4 INT, 4 PBU, FF in 8 games.

DE TIM KNICKY, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN, JR.

Stats- 47 TT, 15.5 TFL, 10 SCK, 1 PBU, 1FR, 4 FF in 8 games.

LB CYRUS MULITALO, SACRAMENTO STATE, SR.

Stats- 66 TT, 5 TFL, 1 SCK, 1 INT, 4 PBU in 8 games.

LB ANDY ROMANS, LAFAYETTE, SR.

Stats- 66 TT, 4 TFL, 1.5 SCK, 3 PBU, 4 QBH, 1 FR, 1 BLK in 7 games.

DE ADRIAN TRACY, WILLIAM & MARY, JR.

Stats- 43 TT, 12.5 TFL, 7 SCK, 1 PBU, 6 QBH, 1 BLK in 7 games.

S LARDARIUS WEBB, NICHOLLS STATE, SR.

Stats- 24 TT, 1 TFL, 1 SCK, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 FR for TD, 1 FF, 5 PR, 140 yards, 28.0avg, 1 TD, 75 long, 12 KR, 406 yards, 33.8avg, 1 TD, 78 long in 5 games.

LB NATHAN WILLIAMS, MURRAY STATE, SR.

Stats- 120 TT, 10 TFL, 5.5 SCK, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.

Photo Credit: Eastern Washington Sports Information

Small School Top 10 - Week Eight

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. James Madison Dukes 6-1 (1)
JMU squares off against ‘Nova with the winner labeled as a frontrunner for the national title.

2. Villanova Wildcats 5-1 (3)
The Rams have been dominant the entire year, except against WVU, and their 44-7 win Saturday was another impressive performance.

3. Appalachian St. Mountaineers 5-2 (2)
Armanti Edwards was spectacular in their thrilling win over Georgia Southern to set up a key match-up against Furman this weekend.

4. Wofford Terriers 5-1 (4)
With seven senior starters on both sides of the ball, Wofford has proven to be a sound team. Don’t count them out of the national title race.

5. Richmond Spiders 5-3 (9)
Richmond could be the best three-loss team in the nation with a victory over Elon and losses to Virginia, James Madison, and Villanova.

6. Elon Phoenix 7-1 (5)
The Phoenix face Wofford this weekend to possibly set up a SoCon title match with Appalachian State down the road.

7. Montana Grizzlies 6-1 (6)
Montana finally played a complete game, with a great performance on both sides of the ball and a stellar game by Marc Mariani on special teams.

8. Cal-Poly Mustangs 4-1 (7)
The Mustangs won despite All-American and East-West Shrine invite Ramses Barden being held to just two catches.

9. Northern Iowa 5-2 (8)
A very impressive win over South Dakota State last week showed why they are a top tier team. They face a struggling Youngstown State team this week in what should be an easy win.

10. Central Arkansas Bears 6-1 (NR)
Nathan Brown (18-1 ratio) has been phenomenal this year. UCA could be a national title sleeper.

Out: Massachusetts (10)

Photo Credit: JMU Athletics

Small School Players of the Week

By JOSH BUCHANAN

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

QB Bryant Lee, Southern
Lee earned SWAC and TSN Offensive Player of the Week honors with his 407 yards and three touchdowns on 25-of-42 passing, and 64 yards and three more scores on 16 carries. It’s hard to believe, but the Jags lost to Florida A&M despite Lee’s superlative efforts. It was his second straight game with at least five touchdowns.

DEFENSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

LB Alexander Henderson, Jacksonville St.
Henderson became just the second JSU player since their move to Division I to have over 20 tackles in a game, registering 21 in the victory over Murray State on Saturday. His total included 16 solos and two stops behind the line of scrimmage, and he threw in a forced fumble for good measure. The 21-tackle total was the most for a JSU player since 2000.


SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

RS Leroy Vann, Florida A & M
Vann’s game might not have been the most productive of all specialists this week, but he was the most clutch—his 66-yard punt return for a touchdown gave FAMU a 38-35 lead that they would not relinquish. It was his fourth kick return for a score this year, two on kickoffs and two on punt returns. He finished with two punt returns for 68 yards and six kickoff returns for 135 yards on the day.

Photo Credit: Steve Latham, Jacksonville State University