A lot of new teams appear in this week's FCS Power Poll thanks to three straight weeks of upsets and general chaos. One constant, though, has been Sam Houston. The Bearkats' last loss came back in 2019, and since then they have won 19-straight games, showing no ill effects from their 10-game spring season. There's something truly special going on in Huntsville, Texas.
But let's talk about one pressing issue that has driven a wedge through the FCS community: figuring out which teams are "worthy" of a playoff at-large bid.
It's both easy and lazy to say "Team A plays in Conference X, therefore it is automatically better than Team B in Conference Y." As top-25 voters, we're better than that. We should be able to watch teams play and clearly identify the collective talent, execution and consistency they possess, no matter the opponent or conference in which they reside.
Florida A&M is that team for me. The Rattlers lost by a single point to Jackson State in the Orange Blossom Classic in Week 1, which was played in a monsoon, and their only other loss came at the hands of South Florida of the FBS. SInce then, coach Willie Simmons' squad has ripped off an impressive-looking six straight wins. The offense has stabilized with quarterback Rasean McKay and an offensive line led by left tackle Jay Jackson-Williams, and the defense has has a legit NFL prospect in defensive back Markquese Bell. The Rattlers have excellent speed on the perimeter, proving to be a matchup problem for anyone they face.
If they are able to run the table the rest of the way, keeping them out of the FCS Playoffs would be as big of a crime as it was keeping a 9-2 Prairie View A&M team out of the playoffs back in 2015. That was a Prairie View A&M coached by ... Willie Simmons.
Here's how the FCS Power Poll looks heading into Week 11 ...
1. Sam Houston (8-0): The Bearkats are on a 19-game winning streak as they enter this week's matchup vs. Eastern Kentucky.
2. Montana State (8-0): I hate to be the one who said "I told you so" ... but ... I told you the Bobcats are a legit contender. They made Eastern Washington's offense look rather ordinary in a 23-20 victory.
3. James Madison (8-1): QB Cole Johnson has been on fire, tossing 25 touchdowns to only 2 INTs. That high-level efficiency in the passing game makes the Dukes a legit threat to go all the way.
4. UC Davis (8-1): I feel like no one is talking about the Aggies. They're the quietest 8-1 I've ever seen. Coach Dan Hawkins has been outstanding for this program.
5. South Dakota State (7-2): The Jackrabbits looked like the much better team in their Dakota Marker win over North Dakota State, and they've returned to their early-season form over the past couple of weeks.
6. Villanova (7-2): The Wildcats got back on the winning track by blanking Elon 35-0. Nova is trying to build some good momentum heading into the playoffs.
7. North Dakota State (8-1): It's only one loss, but it's hard to not feel like the Bison have been flirting with it for quite some time now. It's good that they got it out of the way now as opposed the playoffs.
8. UT-Martin (8-1): The Skyhawks made quick work of Tennessee State, all but ensuring they'll claim the Ohio Valley Conference title this season.
9. Eastern Washington (7-2): The Eagles have dropped back-to-back games, and because of how the Big Sky has taken shape, the Eagles can't afford any more slip ups.
10. East Tennessee State (8-1): Like UC-Davis, ETSU is one of the quietest 8-1 teams in the country. Running Backs Quay Holmes and Jacob Saylors have combined for more than 1,700 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns.
11. Jackson State (8-1): I wonder what the conversation would be like surrounding Jackson State if it would've knocked off UL-Monroe? If it wasn't for the Celebration Bowl obligation, this Tigers team would be built to win in the playoffs.
12. Sacramento State (7-2): The Hornets are undefeated in Big Sky play and avoid playing Montana State. However, they have two tough games left against a surging Portland State and UC Davis.
13. Montana (7-2): Grizzlies are still in good shape to control their own at-large bid destiny the rest of the way, as they get to take on Montana State at the end of the season. But they shouldn't overlook Northern Arizona this weekend.
14. Incarnate Word (7-2): Listen, QB Cameron Ward is going to be a future Sunday player. Last week he passed for 610 yards and 7 touchdowns against Southeastern Louisiana in a 55-52 victory. He's a phenomenal talent who may add a Walter Payton Award to his trophy case this January.
15. Southern Illinois (6-3): The Salukis have lost two straight games and put themselves in a tight situation for an at-large bid. What was once a sure thing isn't quite as clear cut now. Their schedule is favorable for the rest of the way, though.
16. Southeastern Louisiana (7-2): Last week's loss to UIW was just one of those games in which you tip your cap to the other side. QB Cole Kelley was tremendous even in the loss.
17. Kennesaw State (8-1): The Owls are 8-1 and still have a leg up on the Monmouth Hawks in the Big South Conference. Their matchup in two weeks could determine whether they get into the playoffs with an auto bid or at-large bid.
18. Missouri State (6-3): The Bears take on Northern Iowa this week in what could potentially be a playoff elimination game.
19. Chattanooga (6-3): It's time for the Mocs to get some respect. They have the Southern Conference tiebreaker over ETSU via a head-to-head win a couple of weeks ago. If they can win out, they will be your SoCon champs.
20. Dartmouth (7-1): What a dominating performance last weekend against Princeton. The Big Green won up front on both sides of the line of scrimmage and rendered a high-powered Tigers offense ineffective.
21. Prairie View A&M (7-1): We're starting to see the Panthers garner more respect nationally because of their play. Judging by how they've rebounded since their early-season loss to UIW, Prairie View A&M controls its destiny in the SWAC West Division.
22. Mercer (6-2): The Bears have two huge games left against Chattanooga and ETSU. They'll need one more win to make their playoff résumé stronger since one of their wins came against Point University, a non-FCS team. They have to get to seven wins.
23. Stephen F. Austin (6-3): The Lumberjacks upset Eastern Kentucky and have firmly put themselves in position to snatch a potential at-large bid if they win out. This weekend's game vs. Central Arkansas is a big one.
24. Holy Cross (7-2): The Crusaders have a strong résumé for an at-large bid. They'd like to get in with an auto bid, however, and they could lock that up on Saturday if they knock off the red-hot Fordham Rams.
25. Florida A&M (7-2): Winners of six straight games, the Rattlers have done everything you'd want them to do following their 1-2 start. If they win out, it'll be hard to keep a nine-win team with eight DI wins out of the playoffs.
Just Missed the Cut: South Dakota (6-3), Fordham (6-3), Monmouth (6-3), Eastern Kentucky (6-3), Davidson (7-1)
The Czar's Game of the Week
Holy Cross at Fordham: The de facto Patriot League Championship Game takes place in the Boogie Down Bronx this weekend. This will be a strength-vs.-strength game. The Crusaders defense is top-notch and the Rams are led by star QB Tim Demorat. The key for Fordham is up front along both sides of the lines of scrimmage. That's where Holy Cross tends to have its success. I tend to side with strong defenses, especially if they're as excellent as the Crusaders' group. Pick: Holy Cross 20, Fordham 17
The Czar's Upset Pick of the Week
Portland State at Sacramento State: First of all, there's a lot of green in this game. Secondly, this is the last game on the FCS schedule for Week 11, and it's a fitting one, too. Viking QB Davis Alexander is the FCS version of Matt Corral, meaning he's a splash play waiting to happen with every snap. What shouldn't be undersold are the Vikings' defensive efforts over the last couple of weeks. They've really started to tighten up on that side of the ball. Sacramento State has been the more consistent of the two teams, but with Portland State's defense catching up to what they're able to do offensively, things could get rather interesting. Pick: Portland State 24, Sacramento State 21
The Czar's SportsLine Lock of the Week
McNeese at Houston Baptist: Shout out to McNeese coach Frank Wilson for the job he's done considering the circumstances this past calendar year with the Cowboys. However, they've lost two heartbreakers in consecutive weeks. Could this be the perfect time for Houston Baptist to kick them while they're down? You can find my pick for that game, along with all my Week 11 picks, on Sportsline.
