BY RALPH VENTRE
The top-six spots remained unchanged in the Week 1 aftermath.
Meanwhile, Colonial Athletic Association members Delaware and William & Mary are big risers following victories over NCAA FBS programs.
After doubling up Navy, 14-7, Delaware leapt from No. 11 to No. 8 on Talking Pigskin’s FCS Top 25 ballot. Meanwhile, William & Mary, which was not listed on the Talking Pigskin preseason rankings submission, defeated Charlotte, 41-24, to break into the Top 25 at No. 19 on the TP ballot.
CAA member Rhode Island earned a vote after a convincing 35-14 win over Stony Brook. Meanwhile, fellow Ocean State inhabitant Bryant slid up one spot to No. 24 after a strong showing at FBS member Florida International. The Big South Conference’s newest member took a 37-30 lead over FIU in overtime, but the host Panthers responded with a touchdown and subsequent game-winning two-point conversion.
Although moral victories don’t count toward a team’s win-loss record, an impressive effort against a FBS foe should carry weight during the ranking process. Despite a 7-3 loss, South Dakota State made for an admirable showing at Big Ten member Iowa. The Jackrabbits held the Hawkeyes out of the end zone for 60 minutes.
Talking Pigskin FCS Top 25 Ballot
(Ralph Ventre – Week 1)
25. Rhode Island
24. Bryant
23. Stephen F. Austin
22. Southern Illinois
21. Eastern Kentucky
20. Holy Cross
19. William & Mary
18. Southeastern Louisiana
17. Samford
16. Northern Iowa
15. Richmond
14. Incarnate Word
13. Chattanooga
12. UT Martin
11. Eastern Washington
10. East Tennessee State
9. Jackson State
8. Delaware
7. Sacramento State
6. Missouri State
5. Villanova
4. Montana State
3. Montana
2. North Dakota State
1. South Dakota State
TALKING PIGSKIN 
Leave a comment