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http://www.nscaa.com/web/Rankings/web/rankings/2016/Preseason/NCAA_DI_MEN.aspx

Let's not get carried away with calling American and Georgia Southern "excellent" mid-majors. American was 12-19 last year and ranked No. 302 in the KenPom rankings (below Bethune-Cookman). Georgia Southern (14-17) was a little better at 199, and at least it's a Sun Belt school. Hopefully, both will be improved this year.

Nice...what is the capacity currently? I have to say your stadium is looking a lot better than ours...just be careful where you step if you come to the game at our place. And wear a hard hat if you venture under the stands. Photo credit: ABJ Photo credit: www.dailymail.co.uk

Just wanted to stop by and get some conversation started about our upcoming September game with Akron. Looked at your season record prediction thread and noticed that there is not much respect for App in there..... Just remember, we might be in the SunBelt but we are just now getting up to 85 scholarship level as of this coming season and won 11 games last season including a win over Ohio. App has a tough start to our schedule with games at Tennessee and a home tilt with Miami (not the Ohio variety) but many of our fans are looking to see how we stack up against a tough non conference foe like Akron. Looking forward to the game and I might make it to this one as I have relatives in Minerva that I need to see anyway. I see this as a really good FBS G5 matchup. We have a spread option attack on offense with a talented qb in Taylor Lamb who set our all time record for td passes last season as a soph. We also have a stable of about 4 running backs that can all tote the rock including Marcus Cox who has gone over 1000 yards each of his first 3 seasons. With that said , it is our Defense that really dictates how we play. Very physical linebackers and 9 returning starters from last season. Give me some info on Akron and your thoughts on this matchup.

The 2016-17 schedule due out soon. Word is that is it is complete and ready for publication. Only one MEAC/SWAC team on Akron's home schedule. Coppin State comes to the JAR. Two excellent mid-majors are new to the home schedule; American University and Georgia Southern. . Purportedly two mid-majors come as part of the Savanna Tournament. However, I did read that Georgia Southern is one of those two schools. The team is in its ten practice schedule for the Bahamas trip. A lot of playing time will go to the red shirt Freshmen and the two Freshmen newbies. I believe that you are going to love "Big Mike" Hughes. At six-nine and ample girth he tends to dominate the low post. Big Mike is a player. Just one player, Aaron Jackson, is still recovering from off season surgery. Aaron is nearly finished with his rehab. Just as George gushed over Josh Williams growth spurt up to a solid six-two so too did Danny Utomi add at least two inches as Danny is now slightly taller and bulkier than Aaron Jackson. Josh and Danny are expected to provide the fire power to replace Reggie and Jake. Most of the players are spending extra time in the gym and the weight room. They look good. <Insert disclaimer here> and, Go Zips

Meet Jatavis Brown

I am so excited for the season. I was watching YouTube videos of Ohio's Pride at lunch today and took inventory of my stout stash I have been stockpiling for tailgating when I got home. Countdown to party time. Can't wait to see to see youse guys.

Yes, it is a bit of a struggle getting to 85 schollies. This will be our first year at the full number but you have to understand that we only have two FBS recruiting classes in getting to that number. Coach Satterfield has done a great job with what he has to work with and App Nation is looking forward to seeing how high our ceiling can be. Now, in reference to the "bad conference" comment, I will look at it this way. App beat Ohio , who I totally understand is no juggernaut, but it was our first bowl game. Additionally, a brother to the south who moved up with us (Georgia Southern) took Bowling Green to the woodshed in last seasons bowl game. That is the only time you will ever hear me taking up for GS but had to make a point. Now, App State does recognize the importance of this matchup and like I said in my very first post, wants to see how we match up against a good G5 program like Akron. Best of luck in your coming season and come on over to http://www.yosefscabin.com/ (Mountaineer Message Board) as the game gets closer .

Nice article on March