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The UMass website has a history of UMass' games with FBS/I-A opponents since the Minutemen resumed playing FBS teams twelve years ago. We never get to play the New Mexico states of the world as seven of the 11 have been ranked in the Top 20.
The UMass article does not mention it, but I'm pretty sure Marshall with future NFL QB Bryon Leftwich was a Top 20 team the year we played them.
Matty Vautour has an article about JMU's win over Virginia Tech and UMass' desire for an upset.
Minnesota's HC Tim Brewster is in the hot seat after losing to FCS South Dakota.
Th PilotOnline.com looks at JMU's win and the two wins the Big South scored over MAC teams.
Mickey Mathews went on to say (and why are we not surprised that Mickey was still talking) the top two or three CAA teams are bowl worthy.
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UMass is up to #16 in the latest Sports Network poll. UMass is #15 in the FCS Coaches Poll.
James Madison received some votes in the NCAA Top-25 poll. Michigan is ranked #20 and #22 in the AP and USA Today polls respectively.
The CAA has seven teams in FCS Top-25.
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Michigan's Denard Robinson has been the focus of a lot of ink since his play in the Wolverine's first two games.
USA Today says he's the most electrifying Heisman Hopeful.
Sports Illustrated says Robinson is the #1 candidate.
Michigan lost two linebackers against Notre Dame.
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From the MGoblog article on Michigan's HC Monday press meeting: "
"Two weeks ago, I'm not sure we'd have been favored" against UMass. Rankings didn't matter then, and don't matter now. Shouldn't bother with polls until October.
RR will bring up Virginia Tech losing to James Madison to remind the guys not to overlook anyone. "Thee's already been what 5? 5 or 6 this year?" FCS beating FBS. In FCS level, the good teams are really really good. If you play an average or below average FCS team, the D-1 teams aren't going to have a problem. "We're playing a good one. UMass is one of the good teams in 1-AA."
"You don't have to be listed as a recruiting service 5-star recruit to be a very good college player or even an NFL guy." Parity b/w 1-A and 1-AA - there are more kids that are getting known now. "All the upgraded facilities." Everyone has somthing to sell to recruits, and kids want to go somewhere they'll play. "We sell the biggest stage and greatest education."
"We'll do whatever we've gotta do to win the game." In the UMass game, they'll do what it takes to get the W, even if it means lots of Denard."
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