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Looking at Each Remaining Unbeaten FCS Team
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- Looking at Each Remaining Unbeaten FCS Team
There are only three FCS teams left with a zero in the loss column and they probably aren't who most expected back when the season first kicked off in August. Surprisingly enough, neither the Big Sky nor Missouri Valley conference is represented among this trio of undefeated. Tarleton State, Stephen F. Austin and Harvard stand alone after eight weeks of action. Here's a closer look at each one:
Tarleton State Texans (8-0)
Biggest Win So Far:40-32 at Austin Peay (October 10)
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Toughest Game Remaining:at North Alabama (November 21)
Statistic to Know:Tarleton State's offense is really, really good. In fact it may be the best in the country when its firing on all cylinders. TSU has dropped at least 40 points in six of its eight contests so far this season including 49 in each of the last two weeks. The Texans are putting up an average of 41.9 points per contest, better than several other powers across the FCS like Stephen F. Austin (41.3), Montana State (39.5), Youngstown State (39.1) and South Dakota State (37.1).
An Argument For:The Texans have legitimate all-conference caliber talent at each of the three key offensive positions. Quarterback Kaden Anderson came in from Wyoming over the offseason and has done nothing but tear it up with 2,286 passing yards (fifth in FCS), 24 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Receiver Marquis Willis is his top target with an average of 16.4 yards per reception on 40 catches. Running back Tylan Hines is a bulldozer and even though he's slowed down in recent weeks, he has three 100-yard games under his belt this year (one of which he went for a staggering 250 against FBS Bowling Green). If that trio is going full boar along with all the other complimentary weapons they have, there is not a defense in the country that won't have trouble with them.
An Argument Against:As good as Tarleton State has been this year, they are still very much in "prove it" mode when it comes to the crunch time moments in their season. Last year the Texans were every bit as talented as this year's bunch and had a golden opportunity to make a run to Nashville when North Dakota State got bumped from their side of the bracket. Even with homefield advantage, however, TSU fell short to 12-seeded Villanova in the quarterfinals. With a pretty favorable schedule remaining, there is a good chance that they run the table and get a top two seed. Once that happens, though, they have to prove that they are deserving. Getting there is one thing, handling the pressure of the playoffs is another and they simply haven't proven they're able to rise to the occasion in the do-or-die moments yet.
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Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (8-0)
Biggest Win So Far:45-24 vs. Southeastern Louisiana (October 24)
Toughest Game Remaining:at Lamar (November 7)
Statistic to Know:Much has been made, and rightfully so, about the prominence of Stephen F. Austin's offense. But the real star of the show so far this season has been the dominance of their defense and, more specifically, their third down defense. SFA ranks seventh in the country right now for opponent third down success rate. Opposing offenses are converting just 28.4% of the time (33-of-116). Getting off the field has been a huge boost and guys like Malachi Williams and Lowote Jurkin are at the center of it. Whether its stuffing the run, getting to the quarterback or locking down receivers, the Lumberjacks defense can and does do it all at a high level.
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An Argument For:It may sound like a cliche but special teams is an X factor, especially as the season wears on and the Lumberjacks have one of the most dangerous return units in the nation. Whether its redshirt senior Bugs Mortimer or the aptly-named sophomore Speedy Jones, SFA has some field-flipping guys that can turn a game on its head in a blink. Jones is averaging 34 yards per kickoff return and Mortimer is a dynamo on punt runbacks. When you force opponents to boot it away as much as this group does, sooner or later they're going to house one. Down the stretch when the games get bigger, a play like that might be the thing that vaults SFA ahead when it matters most.
An Argument Against:The main thing holding Stephen F. Austin's resume back right now is the overall lack of strength in its schedule. The Lumberjacks did not have an FBS game this year and instead played a non-DI game against Northeastern State back in September. Their out-of-conference slate was weak perhaps save for their game against Abilene Christian who was winless at the time. They, of course, cannot help that the Southland does not have that many prominent teams though. As is always the case when the strength of schedule is not the best, SFA will likely have to continue to blow out its opponents in the hopes of swaying the committee that way. They made it clear a few weeks ago with the release of the initial Top 10 that they do not see this bunch as a top two seed as it stands right now. It will be tough for the Lumberjacks to change that opinion even if they do indeed win out.
Harvard Crimson (6-0)
Biggest Win So Far:20-17 vs. Colgate (October 3)
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Toughest Game Remaining:vs. Yale (November 21)
Statistic to Know:Harvard's pass defense has been terrific this season. The Crimson lead the Ivy League in team interceptions (11), average allowed per pass attempt (5.1 yards) and passing touchdowns allowed (5). Junior defensive back Xaden Benson has been the shiniest of stars in that department. Benson is responsible for six picks (three of which came in a single game against Brown) and four pass deflections. Damien Henderson is right there beside him with six PBUs and an interception as well. No opposing quarterback has thrown for over 200 yards against Harvard yet.
An Argument For:Charlie Smith has come into his own as Harvard's starting quarterback. There was a lot of uncertainty after Jaden Craig left but Smith has taken over nicely. The sophomore's confidence is growing with each passing week and he's playing his best ball at the right time. In last Saturday's win against Princeton, Smith completed 22 of his 28 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns along with no interceptions. That was the second straight game he didn't turn the ball over and the fourth in the last five in which he had multiple scoring throws. If Smith keeps on taking care of the ball and elevating his play as the final month goes on, Harvard's chances of winning the conference and returning to the playoffs is better than anyone's.
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An Argument Against:Harvard has gotten away with a troubling trend for a lot of this season up to now and one that likely won't serve them well later on if it continues. They've had to settle for field goals (or nothing at all) quite often when touchdowns were right there for the taking. Of their 25 red zone trips this year, they've failed to find the end zone 11 times. It's resulted in some wins that have been too close for comfort. It took a miraculous Hail Mary to take down a then-#22 Colgate squad in a game that the Crimson had two drives that got inside the 5-yard line that came away empty. In their 14-10 win over Brown, they lost a fumble in the red zone as well. So far it hasn't bitten them but it very likely will at some point if it doesn't get figured out.
