Thursday, September 29, 2005

A look at the A10


Well, the 2005 A10 season is about 1/3 over. If we look at the current standings, can we glean any insights? The main goal of conference play is to make the playoffs. After All I-AA likes to be known as the "Championship" Division rather than the "Bowl" Division of I-A.

Once a team is selected one of the sixteen playoff teams, any thing can happen. Remember 1998!

The full A10 results are here (click on the "standings" button).

Note that the A10 is the largest I-AA league and is split into two divisions "North" and "South". This is somewhat artificial as there is only one league champion with an auto bid to the playoffs. A team could win its division and still not be selected for the playoffs.

After four games, things look like this:

Going Great So Far

  • UMass (2-0) is 3-1 overall and the only league member with two A10 wins.
  • UNH (1-0) Powerful New Hampshire is 3-0 overall and ranked #1 in the Nation
Not a good start
  • Northeastern (1-1) is 1-3 overall and has a bye week on 10/01/05.
  • Rhode Island (1-1) is 3-1 overall. They do not play Delaware or JMU. Could be in the hunt for an at large bid
  • Richmond (1-1) is 1-3 overall. Unless they have a great run in the tough A10, the playoffs are unlikely
A poor start
  • Maine (0-1) is 1-2 overall. They should improve to 2-2 against Albany this week.
  • William & Mary (0-1) and 2-2 overall.
On the edge Already
  • Townson (0-2) Can't afford any more A10 losses. They are undefeated OOC.
Still on the Sidelines

  • Hofstra (0-0) The Pride is 2-1) overall and meets JMU this weekend
  • JMU (0-0) Last year's National Champion plays at Hofstra
  • Delaware (0-0) is 3-0 OOC and ranked in the top five nationally. Should go to 4-0 and 1-0 in the A10 against Townson this week.