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 - 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 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

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

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

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