FCS is getting good now....on a side note, the first time since 1992 that a Montana team (either UM or MSU) has not participated in the post season. Bars in Missoula were passing the hat to buy out HC Stitt's contract (185,000$). This is the ultimate low for UM football...losing at home to Montana State and Northern Colorado back to back. Disgusting. Fire Stitt A.S.A.P.
On to the matchup, pick in bold:
Central Arkansas @ Eastern Washington (-10) -120
A few thoughts:
1) EWU has put together one of the more impressive seasons in recent memory. Quality wins over Washington State, UNI and an OT loss in Fargo to NDSU. Perfect conference mark with boatrace W's over UM by 19, playoff team Cal Poly by 21, and early season drubbing of a ranked NAU by 25.
2)EWU offense is ranked #2 in the country to SHSU. Soph QB Gubrud makes the whole thing go....44/11 ratio 4k passing and another 500ish on the ground. By the time he graduates (or leaves) EWU he will go down as one of the all timers.
3) EWU is all time 39-1 on the red turf in Cheney.
A few thoughts on Central Arkansas:
1) The stats are pretty good up and down....19th in total O, 14th in total D. BUT, CAU is ranked 95th in passing yards allowed.....defensive ppg ranking of 15th (20.9 ppg).
2) Overall 10-2 record. Quality wins over @Arkansas St and Illinois State last week. To their credit, CAU posted a 24 point 4th quarter comeback to win 31-24 at home for a playoff W.
3) Road loss @ SHSU on 11/19 is cause for concern....they faced the #1 statistical offense and gave up 59 points....500 yards total O, with 425 through the air...38-10 at the half.
Bottom line: EWU is going to throw, throw, and throw some more. All American WR Cooper Kupp is going to go for EWU after a shoulder sprain in the season finale...Central Ark has benefitted from playing in the brutal Southland this season and will be behind early to what may be the eventual challenger to NDSU.
Don't forget the weather.....39 degrees, wind, and probable rain...cool temps will be something new to CAU, and EWU will attack with the intermediate passing game/screen/draw game...they are among the best in the business in RAC.
Only having to cover 10 here is a bargain.....blowout potential. EWU by 28, 49-21.
GL with your picks.