Re: Hobo Day 2014
I'll note that injuries can and have been huge parts in turn-around seasons. Cases in point - UNI last year, ISU(B), last year. UNI was looking like the prime challenger to NDSU not just for the MVFC crown but for the FCS title. 4-0, wins over IA ST., McNeese (a play-off team?) pounded. 3 quarters of the NDSU game in Fargo. Then 2 or 3 key injuries. UNI goes 0-5 through the next 5 (includes close loss at NDSU). Miss the play-offs. ISU(B) has essentially the same team that was 1-10 last season, but the injured last season are back. They're 5-3, and looking to have either the 2nd or 3rd best MVFC play-off chances. The Sycs are the most likely of any 4-4 MVFC record team to make play-offs as they beat an FBS and Liberty (another in the bubble discussion). Those are both examples of injury impacts.
Unfortunately, SDSU is getting the injury bug to key players, and they are two losses away from NO CHANCE at play-offs. Prior to the start of the season, I had the YSU and IL St games as likely W's, and Mizzou, NDSU, UNI as likely losses. Jacks surprised in Cedar Falls. If a miracle occurs, and Jacks win in Fargo, then Jacks will be in play-offs, barring two losses in last three.
I'll note that injuries can and have been huge parts in turn-around seasons. Cases in point - UNI last year, ISU(B), last year. UNI was looking like the prime challenger to NDSU not just for the MVFC crown but for the FCS title. 4-0, wins over IA ST., McNeese (a play-off team?) pounded. 3 quarters of the NDSU game in Fargo. Then 2 or 3 key injuries. UNI goes 0-5 through the next 5 (includes close loss at NDSU). Miss the play-offs. ISU(B) has essentially the same team that was 1-10 last season, but the injured last season are back. They're 5-3, and looking to have either the 2nd or 3rd best MVFC play-off chances. The Sycs are the most likely of any 4-4 MVFC record team to make play-offs as they beat an FBS and Liberty (another in the bubble discussion). Those are both examples of injury impacts.
Unfortunately, SDSU is getting the injury bug to key players, and they are two losses away from NO CHANCE at play-offs. Prior to the start of the season, I had the YSU and IL St games as likely W's, and Mizzou, NDSU, UNI as likely losses. Jacks surprised in Cedar Falls. If a miracle occurs, and Jacks win in Fargo, then Jacks will be in play-offs, barring two losses in last three.
Comment