Podcasts about Southland Conference

On this episode of The Bluebloods, Zach McKinnell and Timothy Rosario of FCS Football Central on SI preview the Southland Conference entering the 2026 college football season. The two discuss the biggest storylines and dark horse teams in the conference, while also projecting over/under win totals for every team in the Southland ahead of the 2026 FCS football season. All this & more right here on The Bluebloods! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One week ago, the state of Louisiana’s Legislative Auditor’s office released its annual fiscal review of Grambling State University’s athletics program for the year ending June 30, 2025. The school was cited for a few audit irregularities and quickly announced that changes were being made.  That wasn’t the biggest news, though. Grambling’s athletics department lost $5.1 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.  Revenues were reported at $9.2 million versus annual expenses of $14.3 million. In percentage terms, Grambling’s revenue was only 64% of the amount needed to sustain the athletics programs at the current level. Grambling wasn’t the only north Louisiana public university whose athletics spending exceeded revenue last year The same Louisiana Legislative Auditor also filed reports earlier in 2026 for Louisiana Tech University, Northwestern State University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Each of these four football-playing state universities located north of Alexandria reported losses in their athletics programs for the year ending June 30, 2025.  Grambling’s massive deficit grabbed the recent news headlines, but there is a troubling commonality among Louisiana public schools not named LSU. Louisiana Tech recently cut an expensive deal (rumored to be in the vicinity of $8 million) in order to exit Conference USA and join the more geographically-suitable Sun Belt Conference. That move may turn out to be prudent for the Bulldogs over the long-term.  Louisiana Tech’s annual travel expenses as part of Conference USA totaled nearly $3.5 million.  Nearby Sun Belt rival UL-Monroe’s travel costs for the same year were $2.3 million.  Louisiana Tech is expected save $1 million or more annually on its travel expenses beginning this fall by moving to the Sun Belt Conference. Let’s look under the hood at each of these four universities’ athletics spending.  We’ll finish with a few common sense (cheap) ideas on how to achieve break-even in the future. Grambling State University – 5,200 students (2024/2025 school year) Grambling is nationally known for its athletics and its exceptional marching band.  It was bit surprising to learn that Grambling’s football program had lost $2.5 million in the most recent year.  That amounted to about 50% of the athletic department’s annual deficit of $5.1 million. The football team’s travel costs of $1.1 million last fall were higher than all three of the other north Louisiana pubic schools. The expense summary also showed nearly $160,000 was spent to cover the costs of the school’s spirit groups (for one or more road trip performances). Grambling’s men’s and women’s basketball teams each posted losses in excess of $900,000 for the most recent year. Grambling (like Northwestern State) participates NCAA’s FCS small college football division.  The G-men play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Louisiana Tech University – 12,145 students (Fall, 2025) The Bulldogs are based in Ruston.  Louisiana Tech’s campus is less than six miles east of Grambling via Interstate 20.  The Bulldogs have been competing in Conference USA and a part of the NCAA FBS major college football division.  As mentioned earlier, Louisiana Tech moves into the Sun Belt Conference this fall. Audit results for Louisiana Tech’s athletics department last year showed a loss of $11.875 million. Football lost “only” about $1.6 million for the year.  Louisiana Tech’s men’s and women’s basketball teams each ran a deficit of about $700,000 apiece.  Other competitive sports at Louisiana Tech lost another $2.6 million.  The school’s income statement showed “non-program specific” athletic costs with a $6 million shortfall. As noted earlier in this report, Louisiana Tech’s overall travel costs playing in far-flung Conference USA were easily the highest in the group.  The Dogs’ annual total of $3.5 million for travel exceeded Grambling ($2.6 mm), UL-Monroe ($2.3 mm) and Northwestern State (less than $1 million). Northwestern State University – 8,402 students (Fall, 2025) The Demons from Natchitoches, Louisiana came the closest to break-even within its athletics programs among these four state schools.  Northwestern State participates in the NCAA’s FCS small college football division in the regionally-aligned Southland Conference. Northwestern State posted a relatively benign loss of $167,245 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.  The Demons’ men’s basketball program ran the largest deficit at more than $300,000.  The football team came up short by $280,000. Noteworthy, Northwestern State collected nearly $1.5 million in annual student fees to help support athletics.  That was about 10% of the school’s athletics spending.  It was the highest total among these four north Louisiana state schools. University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) – 8,678 students (Fall, 2025) Sun Belt Conference member ULM (like Louisiana Tech) competes in the NCAA’s FBS major college football division.  ULM is expecting to benefit from Louisiana Tech’s arrival in the Sun Belt Conference this fall with increased attendance and revenues expected at home games in all major sports. The Warhawks’ athletics budget is the smallest among the NCAA’s 136 FBS major colleges.  ULM’s overall school budget has been prone to massive shortfalls in recent years, too.  That means that ULM’s $1.5 million athletics department loss in fiscal year 2025 is much harder to cover. Audit results showed the UL-Monroe football program lost a whopping $3.8 million in the most recent report.  The Warhawks’ men’s and women’s basketball teams lost a combined $2.5 million.  Ouch! The school’s institutional support has kept the ULM athletics department afloat for years.  Significantly higher fan support for the Warhawks football and basketball programs is needed immediately.  Otherwise, the school may have no other choice but to consider returning to the NCAA FCS small college athletics division. A few suggestions from SwampSwami to achieve fiscal break-even These four north Louisiana state universities are located within 100 miles of each other.  Each school is a very large and important employer in its home city. These state schools must immediately address their athletics spending and move quickly toward achieving fiscal balance.  At the same time, they must also work harder and more creatively to raise sports revenues over the long-term to grow the athletics programs. First things first – Take immediate cost cutting measures – The simplest and fairest way is to voluntarily reduce athletics spending by cutting a certain percentage across the board.  That could come in the form of job reductions or, perhaps, an across-the-board pay cut for staff making more than $30,000 per year.  For example, a 5% mandatory spending reduction in Year 1 may spur some voluntary budget trimming beyond that level.  Yes, this likely means one less assistant coach, one fewer support staffer, one less charter flight, etc.  The athletics departments must take a hard look at streamlining operations.  Learn to do more with less. Refuse to play long-distance road games unless the school earns a significant profit by participating – UL-Monroe’s football team hits the road for at least two “Clobbering Time” payday games every season. They are often paid more than $1 million to play at large universities such as LSU, Texas A&M, and Alabama with huge stadiums.  ULM receives more money from some of these massive “visitor” paychecks than playing a home game in front of a sold-out stadium.  There are also downsides from being on the receiving end of a couple of massive road losses every season, too.  The football team and local fans can become a bit demoralized about the team’s chances for the remainder of the season. Now, let’s try to grow the revenue side with a few cheap ideas Stimulate increased student, alumni, and hometown support – Student and local support for the athletics programs within each of these four communities (Grambling, Ruston, Natchitoches, and Monroe) must improve.  Local fans want to see their sports teams having a chance to win more than they lose.  Identify sports which are cost-effective and give the school the best chance to hang a new (and long overdue) championship banner. Success in any of the major sports at these four schools can go a long way in rejuvenating and expanding the school’s athletic support base. Improve local marketing and promotion – It may sound corny but handing out free tickets to youth at local elementary, junior high school and high schools gets parents and guardians to purchase tickets, too.  A positive game day experience for that youth can plant a valuable seed about attending that college some day.  Each of these four north Louisiana public universities have thousands of empty seats available at football and basketball games.  A purposeful campaign to encourage and engage more youth at nearby college sporting events will pay future dividends. Inject more game day excitement – Utilize the pregame, quarter breaks, halftime, and post-game times to get fans more engaged.  Experiment with creative new (and inexpensive) ideas to keep the game experience fresh for all ages of fans. They will be more likely to return if they are having more fun at the games. Relentlessly promote ahead – There are only a few home football games played each fall.  Make each game special with its own promotion.  There are, perhaps, twenty home basketball, baseball or softball home games, too.  Give thought as to how to make each home game unique for fans. Target every recent (last few years) ticket purchaser by sending a weekly email.  Remind them of the school’s upcoming weekly sports schedule, special promotions, and discounts.  Utilize all types of social media to reach a wider audience to spread the word about upcoming college athletic events and team opponents. Depend on your own athletics staff to get the word out – Sadly, we live in a world with fewer and fewer exceptional local newspapers.  It is incumbent on each school’s athletics department to take an aggressive role in publicizing and promoting all ticket-based sporting events.  Fans want to know about the school’s upcoming games and events, so take the initiative! The post North Louisiana’s College Sports Programs are Underwater appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Get to know new Weber State men's basketball head coach Kaleb Canales in this latest Wildcat All In interview. with Paul Grua. Hear from coach Canales on why he came to Weber State, how he got into coaching, his 18-year NBA coaching career, and his vision and goals for the Wildcats. Coach Canales also talks about building the Wildcat roster for next season, scheduling, style of play, competition, relationship with Damian Lillard, giving back, family, and much more. Canales was hired as the 11th head coach in Weber State's Division I history in April and brings nearly two decades of coaching experience. He also spent last season as the associate head coach at Troy, where he helped lead the team to the NCAA Tournament. Canales came from Troy University last season, where he helped guide the Trojans to a 22–12 record and won the Sun Belt regular-season and tournament championships, to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A native of Laredo, Texas, Canales began his coaching career in 2001 as a high school assistant coach before moving to the collegiate ranks at UT Arlington for the 2003-04 season, where he helped lead the Mavericks to a Southland Conference title. He then embarked on an 18-year career in the NBA, beginning with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2005 as a video intern. He was promoted to video coordinator, then to assistant coach in 2009. In 2012, he served as the Trail Blazers' interim head coach for 23 games and became the first Hispanic head coach in NBA history. He also served as Portland's head coach in the NBA Summer League. Canales then spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks (2013–18), followed by two years with the New York Knicks and one season with the Indiana Pacers. In 2023, he was named associate head coach of the Texas Legends in the NBA G League. He also served as head coach of the Calgary Surge in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. He and his wife Cristi, have a son, Bauer, and a daughter, Sloane.

On this episode of The Bluebloods, Zach McKinnell is joined by Timothy Rosario of FCS Football Central to discuss which conferences rank as the best in FCS football entering the 2026 college football season. What really separates the MVFC from other FCS conferences? Is there a real debate between the Big Sky and UAC for the No. 2 spot in the rankings? What does the Ivy League and SoCon need to do to move up in the rankings? Can the Patriot League continue to rise in the rankings after adding Villanova and William & Mary? Is last year's success in the Southland Conference sustainable or just a one-year wonder? How much have the recent losses impacted the CAA's perception in the FCS landscape? All this & more right here on The Bluebloods! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, Sam is joined by Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant. They discuss:-Multiple Southland players as 2026 NFL Draft prospects-Player retention and the transfer portal-FCS playoff committee emphasizing D1 opponents-FCS Kickoff status -Autonomy subdivision discussions -Update on private equity and the FCS playoffs -Update on FCS championship game bid process-And more

Kaleb Canales was named the new head coach for the Weber State men's basketball program on April 3, 2026. Canales comes to Weber State with more than 25 years of coaching experience, including 18 seasons in the NBA. Canales is the 11th head coach in the program's Division I history and arrives in Ogden with nearly two decades of NBA coaching experience. He also spent last season as the associate head coach at Troy, where he helped lead the team to the NCAA Tournament. In his lone season at Troy, Canales helped guide the Trojans to a 22–12 record, capturing both the Sun Belt regular-season and tournament championships, and earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament. A native of Laredo, Texas, Canales began his coaching career in 2001 as a high school assistant coach before moving to the collegiate ranks at UT Arlington for the 2003-04 season, where he helped lead the Mavericks to a Southland Conference title. He then embarked on an 18-year career in the NBA, beginning with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2005 as a video intern. He was promoted to video coordinator, then to assistant coach in 2009. In 2012, he served as the Trail Blazers' interim head coach for 23 games and became the first Hispanic head coach in NBA history. He also served as Portland's head coach in the NBA Summer League. Canales then spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks (2013–18), followed by two years with the New York Knicks and one season with the Indiana Pacers. In 2023, he was named associate head coach of the Texas Legends in the NBA G League. He also served as head coach of the Calgary Surge in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Canales, 47, has also been an active participant in the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program and has served as associate head coach of the Mexico Men's National Team since 2021. He earned his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from UT Arlington in 2001 and a master's degree in Sports Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth in 2005. He and his wife Cristi, have a son, Bauer, and a daughter, Sloane.

It’s official!  Former LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade is returning to Baton Rouge to coach the Tigers again next season.  The 43-year old Wade coached the LSU basketball team from 2017-2022 until he was fired following an NCAA probe into improper payments being offered to certain LSU basketball recruits. Back then, the NCAA did not allow schools to pay their players.  Yet. Ironically, Will Wade’s dismissal by LSU in 2022 happened right as the NCAA’s new rules (such as they are) were being implemented to allow college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL).   Wade was simply ahead of his time.  LSU was slapped with five NCAA sanctions and sent the basketball coach to the unemployment line. Will Wade re-emerged at McNeese State University in Lake Charles a year later in 2023.  He led the Cowboys into their first-ever NCAA March Madness tournament in 2024 and, again, in 2025. Wade was then hired to become the head coach at North Carolina State this past season.  His NC State Wolfpack team was selected to participate in the NCAA “First Four” round. They lost to Texas in that game to finish the year at 20-14. While that was happening in the life of Will Wade, LSU’s then-Athletics Director Scott Woodward hired former Murray State basketball coach Matt McMahon to run the men’s program in the spring of 2022.  The Murray State Racers qualified for the NCAA March Madness tournament three times in five seasons under Coach McMahon before he left for LSU. Four years later, coach Matt McMahon’s LSU teams had won only 17 SEC games against 55 conference losses (23.6%).  This season’s Tigers finished dead last in the league with a woeful 3-15 record. Matt McMahon was dismissed this week, but he won’t go away empty handed The ex-LSU basketball coach will receive nearly $8 million as part of his contract buyout provisions.  He joined a growing number of former LSU sports leaders who were fired in recent years but received lucrative going-away presents upon their exit. Former LSU head football coaches Brian Kelly ($54 million – 2025) and Ed Orgeron ($17 million – 2021) along with former AD Scott Woodward ($6 million – 2025) have been paid handsomely to hit the road. When added to Matt McMahon’s $8 million buyout, that is $85 million which LSU’s wealthiest athletics backers have been asked to cover. In exchange, the school’s financial backers demand winners (sooner than later) in return for being asked to pay for so many expensive changes in Baton Rouge. Speaking of money, basketball coach Will Wade’s former school at North Carolina State will receive $4 million as compensation after his abrupt exit following season #1 in Raleigh. NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan was understandably miffed at coach Will Wade’s decision to leave his program after just one year. “As far as the resignation letter, it was an email that we received from his agent,” said Corrigan.  “I’m disappointed at how it went down.” Is the LSU basketball job actually better than North Carolina State? LSU has zero NCAA men’s basketball tournament titles.  Long-time coach and fan favorite Dale Brown’s Tigers played in two Final Four appearances (1981 and 1986), but his teams lost in the national semifinals both years. Brown’s successor, John Brady, led LSU to another Final Four appearance in 2006. Same result. Over the past twenty years, LSU was selected for the NCAA post-season tournament just five times.  Three of those occurred during coach Will Wade’s five seasons with the Tigers (2019, 2021, and 2022). After being fired by LSU, Will Wade rebuilt his credibility by turning the McNeese State Cowboys of the Southland Conference into a basketball powerhouse during his two years in Lake Charles.  The Pokes went 30-4 and 28-7, won the Southland Conference title both years, and made two consecutive March Madness post-season appearances. Wade left after two seasons to take the job at North Carolina State of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Wolfpack already had two national championship trophies in Raleigh. Coach Norm Sloan’s 1973-74 team featured dynamic high-flying forward David Thompson, 7’4” center Tom Burleson and diminutive 5’7” point guard Monty Towe.  NC State defeated legendary coach John Wooden’s mighty UCLA Bruins in overtime in the semifinals and then polished-off Marquette to win the school’s first basketball title. Coach Jim Valvano’s 1983 North Carolina State team won the ACC Tournament and barely qualified for the NCAA March Madness field as a lowly #6 regional seed.  His “Cardiac Pack” thrilled the nation by defeating a series of top teams on their way to the title game against heavily favored Houston.  Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler and Houston’s Phi Slamma Jamma team lost to NC State on a stunning last second put-back for the Wolfpack’s second national championship. Given North Carolina State’s national stature in basketball, the job in Raleigh seems to be slightly higher in prestige than the men’s head coaching job at LSU.  Since the turn of the century, the ACC was won ten national titles versus four by the SEC. Coach Will Wade’s first year at North Carolina State improved the Wolfpack from 12-19 last year to 20-14 in 2026. However… North Carolina State recently announced that it is having athletic budget issues A February report indicated that North Carolina State’s athletics department ran a $18.5 deficit over the past 12 months.  The school’s athletic revenues of $126 million did not cover the expenses of $144 million. The report cited increased costs due to revenue sharing with the athletes.  In fact, $18 million was shared by NC State’s athletes over in the past year. The school (like so many others) is now looking at raising ticket prices, holding large concerts on-campus, and other measures aimed to increase revenues without trimming athletic costs. Perhaps Will Wade saw the handwriting on the wall at NC State.  He has moved to a school which has been spending money on athletics like the proverbial drunken sailor. Is LSU becoming McNeese State University – East campus? In the past six months, LSU has looked 130 miles to the west to hire two of its key leaders from McNeese State University in Lake Charles. McNeese President Wade Rousse accepted the vacant top position at LSU in November, 2025.  The new LSU President was rumored to be the top choice of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Yesterday (Thursday), McNeese State University Athletics Director Heath Schroyer announced his departure for LSU as well.  He was named “Senior Deputy AD/Executive Director of External Relations” for the LSU system. Translation – Heath Schroyer will be tasked with raising more money for sports (particularly men’s basketball) while hovering over the shoulders of current LSU Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry. Schroyer had been a long-time college basketball coach.  After becoming the McNeese State University Athletics Director, he brought Will Wade to coach the men’s basketball team in 2023.  The program quickly blossomed into a Southland Conference dynamo. As the week draws to a close, the 2023-2025 era McNeese State University posse of President Wade Rousse, AD Heath Schroyer, and men’s basketball coach Will Wade has been reunited again in Baton Rouge. LSU’s athletics budget was already huge.  What’s a few more million dollars to bring in a new men’s basketball coach and his good buddy, right? Men’s basketball at LSU has been in significant decline in recent years.  However, the men’s basketball team financial income statement is, somehow, still profitable. LSU’s 2025 annual report to the NCAA showed that men’s basketball turned a profit of around $2.5 million despite declining home game attendance. Meanwhile, Coach Kim Mulkey’s very popular women’s basketball team at LSU averaged 10,707 fans per game vs. 7,147 for the men. The LSU women won the 2023 national championship and earned a #2 regional seed in the Women’s March Madness tournament this year.  LSU fans are very proud of Kim Mulkey and the school’s women’s basketball program. Would you believe that the LSU women’s program posted an $8 million loss in 2025? How is that even possible? The compensation (salary, bonus, and benefits) for the LSU men’s and women’s basketball coaches and staff are fairly equal. In case you were wondering, Kim Mulkey earned $500,000 more than men’s coach Matt McMahon’s $3 million last year. Total expenses for the men’s team last year were $11.1 million. The LSU women’s basketball team spent $12.1 million in 2025. However, the LSU women’s basketball program produced total revenues of just $4.137 million (tickets, program donations, and about $500,000 from NCAA post-season tournament revenues).  The women’s team had zero media income from the SEC and other media sources, though.   The LSU’s men’s basketball team posted revenues of $13.625 million!  The Tigers benefited from a $2 million check from the massive NCAA’s men’s March Madness TV contract plus another $7 million received from the SEC and others for media rights. That incremental $9 million for LSU men’s basketball from SEC media sources and NCAA tournament revenues makes a world of difference! From LSU’s perspective, there is still upside potential to increase men’s basketball ticket sales, merchandising, and, of course, NIL fundraising as coach Will Wade returns to the school next year. Ride ’em, ex-Cowboys! Expect the former McNeese State Cowboys’ dynamic duo of Will Wade and cohort Heath Schroyer to join forces to shake every possible money tree in Louisiana on behalf of the LSU men’s basketball program.  Will Wade wants more money to buy better basketball players. LSU’s athletics budget of more than $200 million annually dwarfs the $146 million (and its $18 million annual loss) at North Carolina State.  Coach Wade envisions LSU’s bigger pie and more to share with his players. The increased interest in men’s basketball around Baton Rouge resulting from Will Wade’s return should provide a reasonable boost to season ticket sales revenue.  If Coach Wade is able to transform LSU’s men’s basketball team into an March Madness contender soon, the funding from basketball donors will grow as well. Time to giddy-up and Geaux Tigers! The post Will Wade and the McNeese State Posse Rides into Baton Rouge appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Yes, I’m old enough to remember when the term “spring break” was primarily for college students. Apparently, spring break now extends to giving the entire week off to high school, middle school and even the elementary school kids, too. My long-suffering sports wife works a schedule based on our local school calendar.  Last week, we visited one of our sons (and two of our grandsons) prior to heading to Gulf Shores, Alabama for a few more days of vacationing. We had loads of fun but not enough time to keep up with sports. Never fear!  We will catch-up right now. March Madness – Men The University of Miami (Ohio) Redhawks were the lone unbeaten men’s team in the nation coming into last week’s Mid-American Conference tournament.  The 20th ranked Redhawks took their perfect 31-0 record into last week’s opening round game against the University of Massachusetts (17-16).  Miami was only the fifth men’s college hoops team in the past 25 years to post a perfect regular season record. Until Thursday. U Mass took the lead with 30 seconds left to hand the Redhawks an 87-83 loss. Would you believe that some of TV’s talking heads actually felt that 31-1 Miami should be left out of the 68-team NCAA Men’s tournament field? Some of those same people suggested that a 17-16 Auburn Tigers team (just 7-11 in SEC play) should have received Miami’s spot in the tournament field. Perhaps this is why we call it madness For those who favor March Madness invitations going to sub-500 big conference schools like Auburn, please name the last time any team with less than 20 regular season wins made it into the Final Four.  I’ll wait while you ask your favorite search engine. Answer:  Zero. I understand that Auburn played a really tough slate of non-conference games.  The Tigers lost to top-ten teams such as Houston, Michigan, and Purdue in the opening months.  However, Auburn also lost eight of ten SEC games played during the final weeks of the regular season. If Auburn cannot beat teams in the SEC, why should they deserve to play for the national championship? However, what have the Miami Redhawks done to deserve a bid? Good question!  Miami (Ohio) plays in the Mid-American Conference.  That conference has never produced a men’s basketball team which has reached the Final Four. Miami posted a solid 25-9 record last year.  Prior to 2025, the Redhawks had not won 20 games in a season since March, 1999.  The school is not (yet) a basketball juggernaut. This year’s team raced to a 31-0 start featuring six games which Miami won by three points or less.  Yes, they have been lucky at times, but they were also very good. The Runnin’ Redhawks have scored 100 or more points in eight games this season. The NCAA “rewarded” 31-1 Miami of Ohio with a play-in game on Wednesday night against 20-13 SMU.  Tipoff will be at 8:15 PM CDT on TruTV.  The winner advances to play #6 seed Tennessee (22-11) on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Auburn is playing in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) beginning tonight at 9PM CDT vs. South Alabama (20-11). McNeese State’s home court advantage led to a rout over #1 seed SFA Four years ago, the city of Lake Charles became the home city for the Southland Conference men’s basketball tournament.  The games are played on the campus of McNeese State University. The host city’s Cowboys were already coming off back-to-back NCAA March Madness seasons. Unlike previous years, though, the 2026 top seed in the Southland Conference tournament was Stephen F. Austin.  The Lumberjacks posted a nifty 20-2 conference record to edge McNeese by one game for the men’s #1 seed in the tournament. These two teams (both 28-5 for the season) met in last week’s conference finale.  The hometown McNeese fans packed the gymnasium to standing-room only capacity and cheered their team to a resounding 76-59 win over #1 seed SFA.  The Lumberjacks fell behind by 20 points early in the second half and never recovered. McNeese will enter its third straight NCAA men’s March Madness tournament as a #12 seed against #5 Vanderbilt of the SEC.  That game will tip-off Thursday at 2:15 PM on TruTV. Stephen F. Austin accepted a bid into the NIT tournament and travels to face Tulsa in the opening round tonight (Tuesday) at 8 PM. March Madness – Women Historically, there has been a wide gap in women’s college basketball between the “haves” and the “not yet’s”. This year has been no different. The #1 overall seed U-Conn Huskies are the only remaining unbeaten women’s team entering this year’s March Madness women’s tourney. Connecticut (now 34-0) is a whopping 54-point favorite over #16 regional seed UT-San Antonio (18-15) in Round 1. Out west, #2 overall seed UCLA (31-1) is a 52-point favorite in their opening round game against #16 seed California Baptist (23-10). The other two top seeded women’s teams are a pair of 31-3 SEC teams – South Carolina and Texas.  Both will be prohibitive favorites in their first round games, too. This wide gap between the top 16 teams and the rest of the women’s field is why the NCAA has continued to play the opening two rounds of their tournament in the home market of the top 16 teams. What just happened to Louisiana Tech’s Lady Techsters? Louisiana Tech’s women’s basketball program was one of the early giants of the sport.  They won national titles in 1981, 1982, and 1988.  The Lady Techsters remained a regular NCAA March Madness participant through the year 2006. Since then, Louisiana Tech’s women’s team has been in decline.  The team had not made the NCAA tournament field in 20 years. This season’s Louisiana Tech women’s team was steamrolling opponents during their 19-game winning streak.  The team was 26-5 and #1 seed in Conference USA entering Saturday afternoon’s title game in Huntsville, Alabama. Their opponent (21-12 and #6 seed Missouri State) has been playing in its very first Conference USA season. The winner would receive an automatic bid into the NCAA March Madness women’s field. The tournament finale was unable to produce one player on either team who shot better than 50% from the field.  Tech clanked 15 of 66 shots into the basket (23%).  Missouri State wasn’t much better with 17-52 from the field (33%). Final score – Missouri State 43, Louisiana Tech 38 This game stunk for the entire 40 minutes.  (I know, because I watched all of it!) The Lady Bears of Missouri State (a deserving winner of this game) advanced into this week’s NCAA tournament as a #16 seed.  Louisiana Tech accepted a bid into the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT).  They will travel to Houston and play 28-5 Rice on Thursday. LSU women’s Coach Kim Mulkey told her assistant coach to hit the road Last week, LSU women’s assistant basketball coach Gary Redus was hired by Rutgers University of the Big Ten Conference. He offered to stick around Baton Rouge to help his boss, Kim Mulkey, prepare the #2 seed LSU Tigers in this week’s NCAA March Madness opening game(s) in Louisiana’s capitol city. Instead, Mulkey told him, “Get out of here!” Politely, that is.  She added, “You can’t be married to two wives!” The LSU women’s coach advised her ex-assistant coach that Redus needed to spend the next few weeks getting to know his players at Rutgers in New Jersey. There is a good chance that another LSU basketball assistant (Daphne Mitchell) may also be joining Gary Redus’ new staff at Rutgers. What is happening to the defending champion LSU baseball team? LSU’s defending national college baseball champions have been playing like a group of neighborhood kids in a pick-up game at times.  The team is struggling to find an identity. LSU lost two of three SEC games to Vanderbilt over the weekend in Nashville to drop to 14-7 on the season.  That’s nearly half of the number of losses which LSU’s 2025 championship team posted in a 56-15 season. The pitching for this 2026 Tigers team ranks as worst in the 16-team SEC.  They allow 5.24 earned runs per game.  LSU pitchers have served-up a league-high 18 home runs through 21 games. The Bayou Bengals are dead last in the SEC in fielding, too.  LSU has committed 25 errors in 21 games and have turned a league-low of five double plays. Yikes! Coach Jay Johnson is trying to remain positive and patient as his team contains a number of transfer players. LSU needs to complete its 2026 baseball chemistry experiments quickly.  The Tigers play intrastate rival Grambling State University on Tuesday night in Baton Rouge prior to hosting an important SEC weekend series against #7 University of Oklahoma. LSU’s baseball season will only get tougher after tonight’s game with the G-Men. *Come back tomorrow, and I’ll pick the Men’s and Women’s March Madness winners! The post SwampSwami Returns from Spring Break appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Mike and Charlie previewed LSU baseball's upcoming 2026 campaign, highlighting the team's strength both on the mound and in the outfield. The guys interviewed former LSU infielder Todd Walker, a college baseball analyst for the SEC Network, and Nicholls State head baseball coach Brent Haring. Walker shared his thoughts on LSU's loaded pitching staff, Steven Milam, Derek Curiel, and the SEC's top teams. Haring discussed the strength of the Colonels' 2026 roster and the depth of the Southland Conference.

Nicholls State head baseball coach Brent Haring joined Sports Talk. Haring discussed the strength of the Colonels' 2026 roster and the depth of the Southland Conference.

Send a textLT goes one-on-one with one of the hottest and up and coming Head Coaches as Matt Braeuer joins us on the latest Full Court Press : A College Basketball Coaches Show. If you do not know about the Lumberjacks of Stephen F Austin you need to as they are rolling in the improved and competitive Southland Conference. We talk first year goals, playing at Wichita State, how good the Southland is and which one of his mentors is the most competitive on this fun and lively episode. Keep your eye on Coach Braeuer. The Full Court Press : A College Basketball Coaches Show is powered by the Full Court Network.SUBSCRIBE to the Full Court Press YOU TUBE channel:https://www.youtube.com/@FullCourtNetworkJOIN AND SUBSCRIBE THE FULL COURT NETWORK SUBSTACK PAGE:https://fullcourtnetwork.substack.com/

Most college football observers did a double-take when reading last Saturday’s FCS small college playoff scores. The undefeated defending FCS champion North Dakota State Bison lost – at home!  They were eliminated from the playoffs by Illinois State 29-28. NDSU’s loss has opened the door for a new national champion to be crowned in less than one month.  Villanova’s 2008 national championship was the most recent title won by a member of this year’s remaining eight quarterfinalist teams. What happened to North Dakota State last weekend? North Dakota State came into last Saturday’s home playoff game with Illinois State with a perfect 12-0 record in 2025.  The Bison had already defeated the Redbirds 33-16 at Illinois State a couple of months ago. However, my weekly FCS report last week noted, “That game saw the Bison leading by only two points (18-16) after three quarters before NDSU tacked-on two late scores for the final margin of victory”. Illinois State came into Fargo, North Dakota last Saturday with the knowledge that they had come really close to taking down the Bison in that previous meeting. By contrast, North Dakota State confidently entered last week’s game knowing they had won 14 straight games against their Missouri Valley Football Conference rivals. The Bison wasted no time in taking a 14-0 first quarter lead in NDSU’s always-noisy FargoDome stadium last Saturday. The first offensive play from scrimmage produced a 79-yard touchdown pass completion to Bryce Lance (yes, he is the younger brother of former Bison and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance).  North Dakota State tacked-on a 52-yard punt return for a touchdown to take a 14-point lead in the opening quarter. North Dakota State’s usually punishing offense was throttled all day. Illinois State held the Bison to just six first downs – for the entire game!  NDSU still led 28-14 early in the fourth quarter as Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse tossed five interceptions which allowed the Bison to maintain the lead. However, the Redbirds’ quarterback saved his best for last. Rittenhouse tossed two touchdowns in the game’s final three minutes plus a two-point conversion to give Illinois State a thrilling 29-28 win. Illinois State controlled the ball – well, when they weren’t throwing one of those five interceptions to North Dakota State. The Redbirds kept possession of the football for 42 minutes compared to just 18 for the Bison. NDSU finished its season at 12-1. Illinois State improved to 10-4 and now travels west this week to play UC-Davis on Saturday afternoon. Let’s preview this week’s four FCS quarterfinal playoff games! #7 seed Stephen F. Austin (11-2) at #2 seed Montana State (11-2) – FRIDAY – 8PM CST on ESPN Two mirror image teams will meet on Friday night in Bozeman, Montana. The SFA Lumberjacks opened the season with two straight losses and have reeled-off a school-record 11 straight victories to reach Friday’s FCS quarterfinal game. The Southland Conference champions defeated the United Athletic Conference winner Abilene Christian 41-34 at home Saturday in Nacogdoches, Texas to advance to this weekend’s game. Ditto for Montana State! The Bobcats dropped a road “money game” at Oregon and were surprised in their home opener by South Dakota State. After an 0-2 start, Montana State’s defense has only allowed one team (Montana) to score more than 17 points in their current 11-game winning streak.  The Big Sky Champion Bobcats edged Ivy League winner Yale 21-13 last Saturday in Bozeman to advance into the quarterfinals at home on Friday night. Stephen F. Austin’s defense is doing its part this season, too.  The Jacks have allowed just 16 points per game over their current 11-game winning streak. Offensively speaking, Montana State ranks #9 nationally in scoring 36.8 points per game. Stephen F. Austin is #14 in the FBS in scoring by producing 36 points per game. The explosive Lumberjacks’ offense has produced 57 plays of more than 20 yards this season. Montana State expects nearly 20,000 fans for Friday night’s game.  The weather will be chilly with gametime temperatures around 40 degrees and brisk winds of 15-20 mph during this game. 11-2 Villanova at #4 seed Tarleton State (12-1) – Saturday at 11AM on ESPN The Wildcats come into Saturday’s quarterfinal game in north Texas on a 10-game winning streak. Villanova went on the road last Saturday to end the season for previously undefeated Lehigh 14-7 in a game played in Bethlehem, PA.  The Wildcats from the Coastal Athletic Conference took advantage of two Lehigh turnovers to secure a win in this tightly-contested game. Villanova’s fans must travel nearly 1,600 miles southwest to Stephenville, Texas (near Fort Worth) to attend this Saturday’s quarterfinal game. The Tarleton State Texans prevailed 31-13 over the University of North Dakota last week to advance into Saturday’s quarterfinals. The 12-1 Texans’ only blemish on its record came after a last minute field goal gave eventual United Athletic Conference champion Abilene Christian a 31-28 win on November 1. Tarleton State’s defense is ranked #10 nationally and allows just 18 points per game. The weather in north central Texas should be terrific on Saturday.  Sunny skies with gametime temperatures in the mid-60’s and light winds will make for perfect football weather conditions. Univ. of South Dakota (10-4) at #3 seed Montana (12-1) – Saturday 2:30PM on ABC The Coyotes of South Dakota and the Grizzlies of Montana will meet on Saturday afternoon for the first time in a playoff setting. These two FBS schools are spaciously separated by nearly 1,100 miles.  The University of Montana football team has never lost to USD (5-0) since the Coyotes moved up into the FCS football group in 2008. South Dakota wants to change that on Saturday. The Coyotes’ 10-4 record is deceiving.  Their losses came at FBS member Iowa State and against three other FCS playoff qualifiers (Lamar University, Illinois State, and North Dakota State). USD from the Missouri Valley Football Conference has blasted two consecutive playoff opponents. Last week’s 47-0 ambush at #6 seed Mercer raised a lot of eyebrows.  The Coyotes’ offense ran for 309 yards and passed for another 241 on Saturday in Macon, Georgia.  South Dakota’s defense stifled Mercer’s vaunted passing attack as it produced four interceptions. The Montana Grizzlies of the Big Sky Conference will have the home field advantage on Saturday.  This will mark the first-ever football game to be televised by ABC at picturesque Washington/Grizzly stadium in Missoula.  Montana is the FCS’ all-time leader in post-season appearances (29) with national championships won in 1995 and 2001. The Griz is #3 nationally in scoring (41.5 points per game). Their prolific passing attack produces almost 300 yards per game with an efficient 70% completion percentage. The weather forecast for Saturday’s game calls for afternoon sunshine and a balmy (by Montana standards) high temperature of 52 degrees. Illinois State (10-4) at #8 seed UC-Davis (9-3) – Saturday at 4PM on ESPN+ The final FCS quarterfinal game of this weekend will be played just west of Sacramento on the campus of UC-Davis.  UC-Davis and Illinois State are both seeking their schools’ first FCS national football championship. These two teams played each other in the second round of last year’s FCS playoffs.  The Aggies of UC-Davis cruised in a 42-10 home field decision over the Redbirds from Normal, Illinois. As we covered earlier, Illinois State (which finished in 3rd place in the Missouri Valley Football Conference regular season) will not be intimidated after traveling to #1 seed North Dakota State last weekend and taking a 29-28 victory over the defending champs. The “Road-birds” are now 13-1 over the past two seasons as a visiting team against FCS opponents.   Senior wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz added three touchdowns against North Dakota State last week. He now owns the Illinois State school record with 36 TD catches in his career. Meanwhile, the UC-Davis Aggies of the Big Sky Conference feature one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the entire FCS.  Last week’s home playoff win over Rhode Island saw the Aggies pass for 277 yards and rush for 276 more as they pulled away in the second half in a 47-26 victory over the Rams. UC-Davis is hosting a quarterfinal game at home for the first time since 2001. Saturday’s weather in northern California will feature plenty of sunshine and a kick-off temperatures at a cool 47 degrees.  Enjoy this weekend’s FCS quarterfinal games! The post FCS Quarterfinals – No Mo’ Bison to worry about! appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

This week, the so-called “big names” of college football are still waiting and arguing about which teams should be selected for their upcoming 12-team College Football Playoffs. The television networks will feature a limited slate of major conference championship games this weekend.  Most of this weekend’s FBS teams (win or lose) will probably make the 12-team playoff field. Yawn! By contrast, the FCS small college playoffs are now entering week #2 of their 24-team competition.  Yes, that is double the number of playoff teams compared to the major college football teams! Here’s how the FCS Playoffs work The 11 FCS playoff conferences do not play championship games. In the event of a tie for first place, each conference utilizes a set of tiebreaker rules to determine the league’s top team. Each of the 11 conference winners received an “automatic bid” into the 24-team FCS playoff field.  The other 13 teams were selected by the FCS Playoff Committee (comprised of one Athletic Director from each of the 11 participating conferences). The 11 conference winners are not guaranteed to host a home playoff game.  In fact, the winners of the Ivy League (Yale), Northeast Conference (Central Connecticut State), and Pioneer Football League (Drake) played on the road in Week #1. Last weekend’s first round had the top eight FCS seeds with a bye.  The remaining 16 teams were in action, though.  The next eight highest seeded teams (Seeds #9-16) hosted first round games last Saturday.  Their opponents were selected by the playoff committee with geographic considerations to minimize team travel costs (a very smart idea). Three road teams pulled Week #1 upsets last weekend. Surprising North Dakota clobbered #13 seed Tennessee Tech 31-6 in Cookeville.  Yale scored the final 29 points of the game in the second half to surprise #15 seed Youngstown State 43-42.  Illinois State prevailed over #16 Southeastern Louisiana 21-3 in Hammond. The other five teams eliminated last weekend were Central Connecticut State, Harvard, New Hampshire, Drake, and Lamar. The FCS is now down to its “Sweet 16” round on Saturday.   Let’s review each of the match-ups!  (All kickoffs shown are CST) #12 Villanova (10-2) at #5 Lehigh (12-0) – 11AM on ESPN+ When you’re hot, you’re hot!  The Villanova Wildcats lost two of their first three games of the season (to FBS Penn State and 9-3 FCS member Monmouth).  Since then, Villanova has won nine straight games.  That includes last Saturday’s 52-7 opening round shellacking of formerly 9-1 Harvard.  The Coastal Athletic Association runner-up Wildcats ran for 319 yards as part of a 519-yard offensive output in their home rout over Harvard. The Lehigh Mountain Hawks of the Patriot League enjoyed a first round bye.  Lehigh features the fourth best rushing offense in the FCS with more than 235 yards per game on the ground.  Lehigh (which was the SwampSwamiSports.com #1 regular season team) has limited eight of its 12 opponents to 14 points or less during the season.  Tickets for the first Lehigh home playoff game in Bethlehem, PA since 2004 are scarce.  Saturday’s game will be played in dry but chilly (upper 30’s) weather conditions. #11 South Dakota (9-4) @ #6 Mercer (9-2) – 11AM on ESPN+ South Dakota’s Coyotes from the Missouri Valley Conference eliminated Pioneer Football League champion Drake 38-17 last week in Round 1.  USD has won seven of their last eight games.  This week’s game is the first-ever football match-up of South Dakota and Mercer.  The Coyotes have advanced into the second round of the FCS playoffs for three consecutive seasons. The pass-happy Mercer Bears had a first round bye.  Mercer is second in the FCS with nearly 334 passing yards per game.  Alas, the forecast for Macon, Georgia features a 60% chance of rain with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees.  The weather conditions may dampen the effectiveness of the So-Con champion Bears’ dangerous passing attack. Illinois State (9-4) @ #1 North Dakota State (12-0) – 12 Noon on ESPN+ This is a Missouri Valley Football Conference rematch of North Dakota State’s 33-16 win over the Redbirds on October 4th in Normal, Illinois.  That game saw the Bison leading by only two points (18-16) after three quarters before NDSU tacked-on two late scores for the final margin of victory. Indiana State’s Redbirds are led by quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse.  He passed for 28 touchdowns and ran for seven more scores this season. North Dakota State is the defending FCS champion and is participating in the playoffs for the 16th consecutive season.  The Bison score 42 points per game (#3 nationally) and are #1 in defense by allowing less than 12 points per outing.  Expect another sell-out crowd in the noisy 18,700 seat FargoDome to cheer-on the unbeaten Bison this Saturday afternoon. North Dakota (8-5) @ #4 Tarleton State (11-1) – 12 Noon on ESPN+ I admit it.  It was quite surprising to learn that the 7-5 North Dakota Fighting Hawks were being selected to participate in the FCS playoffs over several other teams with much better season records.  UND finished in a three-way tie for third place in the Missouri Valley Conference.  They were dispatched 1,200 miles to the south to play a first round road game at 11-1 Ohio Valley/Big South champion Tennessee Tech.  The Fighting Hawks soared in the final quarter as North Dakota scored 21 points to secure a 31-6 win and advance into the second round. This week’s “reward” is a nearly 1,300 mile road trip to #4 seed Tarleton State of Stephenville, Texas (runner-up in the United Athletic Conference).  The North Dakota defense forced six turnovers last week in its win over Tennessee Tech. Tarleton State is no slouch on defense, either.  The Texans lead the FCS in turnover margin with a 2.42 “plus” turnover ratio.  Quarterback Victor Gabalis passed for 25 touchdowns and only four interceptions this year to lead Tarleton State’s offense.  Sunny weather and temperatures in the mid-60’s should make for a perfect day for playoff football in north Texas. Yale (9-2) @ #2 Montana State (10-2) – 1PM on ESPN+ Yale may be destiny’s darling in this year’s FCS playoffs.  After handing unbeaten Harvard its first loss and winning the Ivy League, the Bulldogs found themselves down 35-7 at the half at Youngstown State in last Saturday’s first round playoff game.  A furious second half rally saw Yale escape with an improbable 43-42 win to advance into Round 2. This week’s opponent is also on a roll.  Montana State defeated previously unbeaten Montana two weeks ago to win the Big Sky Conference title.  After a first round bye, the Bobcats can’t wait to play Yale this Saturday in Bozeman, Montana as snow and 38 degrees await the visitors from Connecticut.  Montana State rushes for more than 230 yards per game, so expect a ball-control offensive effort from the Bobcats on Saturday. #14 South Dakota State (9-4) @ #3 Montana (11-1) – 1PM on ESPN+ It took an overtime win in the regular season finale at North Dakota for the Jackrabbits to end their shocking four-game losing streak.  South Dakota State was rewarded by the FCS Playoff committee with a playoff spot.  The Jackrabbits (which finished 4-4 in the Missouri Valley this year) quickly dispatched New Hampshire 41-3 to advance to Round 2 and earn a visit to Missoula to play the University of Montana this Saturday. The hungry Montana Grizzlies are still seething from a season-ending 31-28 loss to rival Montana State.  Even with the loss, the Big Sky runner-up received a first round bye based on their sterling 11-1 regular season record.  The Griz want to avenge last season’s 35-18 playoff loss to South Dakota State in a game played in Brookings, SD.  Running back Eli Gillman (the Big Sky offensive player-of-the-year) leads the team with 105 yards per game and a team-high 17 touchdowns.  Light freezing rain and snow showers are expected during Saturday’s game with temperatures in the upper 30’s. #10 Abilene Christian (9-4) @ #7 Stephen F. Austin (10-2) – 1PM on ESPN+ These two Texas-based conference champions will tee-it up for a second time this season.  This time, the game will be played in Nacogdoches on Saturday.  The Wildcats beat Stephen F. Austin 28-20 in Abilene in early September.  United Athletic League champion Abilene Christian has won seven of its last eight games.  ACU dispatched third-place Southland Conference finisher Lamar 38-20 last weekend in Abilene during Round #1 of the FCS playoffs. The SFA Lumberjacks went 8-0 in the Southland Conference this year to take the league title for the first time since 2010.  Stephen F. Austin has won its last ten games and is allowing only 15 points per game on defense.  SFA was awarded a first round bye, and the school is “jacked” about hosting a home playoff game against the team which beat them in Week #2. #9 Rhode Island (11-2) @ #8 UC-Davis (8-3) – 9PM on ESPN2 “Road” Island is making a 3,000 mile cross-country trip to play this game on Saturday night in northern California.  The CAA regular season champion Rams earned the trip west by winning an opening round playoff game 27-19 at home last weekend over the stubborn Central Connecticut State Blue Devils.  Rhode Island quarterback Devin Ferrell leads the Rams’ offense with nearly 3,500 yards via the air and 22 touchdowns passes. UC-Davis finished third in the Big Sky Conference behind Montana State and the University of Montana.  The Aggies’ explosive offense passes for 258 yards per game and rushes for another 180.  Saturday’s match-up against Rhode Island will be the first-ever for these two teams.  This game will kick-off under clear skies with temperatures falling into the upper 40’s. Enjoy the second round of the FCS Playoffs this Saturday! The post FCS – Previewing the “Sweet 16” Playoff games appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Nicholls State head football coach Tommy Rybacki joined Second Guess to share his biggest takeaways from the Colonels' 2025 season. Coach Rybacki praised the Southland Conference for landing three teams in the FCS Playoffs. Rybacki also previewed what's next on his schedule after the Colonels' season ended.

I have been providing a weekly ranking of my Top 25 NCAA Division I FCS small college football teams every week since early October.  Below are the SwampSwamiSports.com rankings (expanded to show some additional teams this week) through the week ending November 15, 2025: This is my first season covering the FCS group.  I am using the same guidelines which have served me well in determining a weekly Top 25 ranking list for the major college FBS football teams over the past seven years. There are only a few major media services which provide significant weekly coverage of the FCS smaller college football teams.  My weekly rankings (click here for my FCS methodology) give you the chance to compare my top teams  vs. the long-time American Football Coaches Association FCS Poll.   The website for the Coaches Poll indicated that 26 FCS Board of Coaches determine their weekly Top 25 rankings for the smaller division teams. This week, we agree on 17 teams in our Top 25 rankings Below are the eight teams in my latest poll which were left out of the Coaches’ Top 25: #8 – 9-2 Presbyterian College (Pioneer Football League) #14 – 8-2 Alabama State (SWAC)* #16 – 7-2 Dartmouth (Ivy League) #18 – 8-3 Sacred Heart (Independent) #21 – 8-3 UT-Rio Grande Valley (Southland) #23 – 8-3 Delaware State (MEAC)* #24 – 8-3 South Carolina State (MEAC)* #25 – 8-3 Prairie View A&M (SWAC)* Here are the eight teams in the Coaches’ Top 25 which differ from my rankings: #14 – 7-4 UC-Davis (Big Sky) #16 – 7-4 North Dakota (Missouri Valley) #17 – 7-4 Youngstown State (Missouri Valley) #18 – 7-4 Abilene Christian (United Athletic Conference) #21 – 8-4 South Dakota Coyotes (Missouri Valley) #23 – 8-3 West Georgia Wolves (United Athletic Conference) #24 – 8-3 Lafayette Leopards (Coastal Athletics Association) *Denotes teams/conferences which will not compete in the FCS playoffs.  Instead, the MEAC and SWAC winners will play each other in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. Who should be included in the 24-team FCS Playoff field? There is (of course) a national committee which will determine the 24 teams to be included in this year’s FCS playoffs.  The 2025 FCS Playoff Committee is comprised of one athletic director from each of the 11 FCS conferences which are participating in the playoff field.  This will be the first year for the Ivy League to send one or more representatives into the field. As previously noted, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) send their conference champions to compete in the Celebration Bowl for the HBCU title on December 13.  The MEAC and SWAC do not have a voting representative determining the 24 teams heading into the FCS playoffs beginning on November 29.    Each of this year’s 11 participating conferences will send their league champion team to the FCS playoffs.  The other 13 teams are considered “At-large” and will be determined by the selection committee on Sunday, November 23. First, let’s predict the 11 Conference Champions.  “Come on down!” All rankings shown are from the SwampSwamiSports.com FCS Top 25 published on Monday, November 17, 2025: Missouri Valley – #2 North Dakota State Bison (11-0) – clinched last week Southern (So-Con) – #7 Mercer Bears (10-1) – clinched last week Southland – #11 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (9-2) – clinched last week Here are my predictions for the other eight conference champions receiving automatic bids: Big Sky Conference – #3 Montana Grizzlies (11-0) Coastal Athletic Association – #10 Rhode Island Rams (9-2) Ivy League – #4 Harvard (9-0) Northeast Conference– #36 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (7-4) Ohio Valley/Big South Alliance – #6 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (10-1) Patriot League – #1 Lehigh Mountain Hawks (11-0) Pioneer Football League – #28 Drake Bulldogs (7-3) United Athletic Conference – #31 Abilene Christian (7-4) Who should receive the other 13 “at-large” bids?  My personal belief is that the remaining 13 teams should be determined based on their performance on the field this season.  Wins and losses matter.  For example, a 9-2 team from Conference A has clearly sustained more on-field success than a 7-4 squad from Conference B. Determining the relative strength of schedule between teams at this level is even harder than evaluating the major college FBS teams.  Most fans are able to see the top major college teams on television several times during the football season. Let’s stick with my ranking system to select the following 13 teams to receive an At-Large invitation into Sunday’s FCS selection show (11AM CST on ESPNU): Tarleton State Texans (UAC – #5 ranking) – The 10-1 Texans won their first nine games of the year before losing 27-24 at Abilene Christian.  The Texans opened the season with an impressive 30-27 road win against 5-4 FBS member Army. Presbyterian Blue Hose (Pioneer and #8 ranking) – Presbyterian (9-2) plays in what is considered to be a relatively weak football conference.  However, the Blue Hose went to Macon, Georgia and gave the 10-1 Mercer Bears (champions of the So-Con) their only loss in 2025.  That’s good enough to justify a spot in my playoff field! Monmouth Hawks (CAA and #9 ranking) – The 9-2 Hawks lost one of their two games on the road at FBS member UNC-Charlotte 26-20.  When compared against fellow CAA member 8-2 Villanova, Monmouth wins my tiebreaker by virtue of their 51-33 drubbing of Villanova on September 20. Montana State Bobcats (Big Sky and #12 ranking) – Montana State is 9-2 heading into this weekend’s game with unbeaten Montana (11-0).  The Bobcats blew-out 7-3 UC-Davis 38-17 two weeks ago and receive my vote. Villanova Wildcats (CAA and #15 ranking) – Villanova (8-2) is red hot right now.  The Wildcats have won seven straight games heading into this weekend’s season finale against a very tough 8-3 Sacred Heart team.  Villanova’s only losses are to FBS member Penn State and at 9-2 Monmouth earlier this season. Dartmouth Big Green (Ivy League and #16 ranking) – Dartmouth is 7-2 with its only losses coming at 9-0 Harvard and 5-4 Penn.  If the FCS committee needs to be reminded, Dartmouth beat 7-2 Yale 17-16 earlier this season.  I expect Yale to lose at Harvard on Saturday.  If I’m wrong (it happens), then Yale should make the field, too. Sacred Heart Pioneers (Independent and #18 ranking) – The 8-3 Pioneers have played a fairly tough schedule.  Their three losses have come at 11-0 Lehigh (28-10), at 7-4 Central Connecticut State (42-35) and at 11-0 Montana (43-21).  Saturday’s season finale is at 8-2 Villanova. Another loss could knock Sacred Heart out of the playoffs, but their losses have come against likely FCS Playoff teams. Lamar Cardinals (Southland and #19 ranking) – Lamar (8-3) ran off seven straight wins earlier this season.  The Cardinals from Beaumont lost on Saturday at Southland Conference champion Stephen F. Austin 26-15 but hold my tiebreaker with wins over 8-3 Southeastern Louisiana and 8-3 UT- Rio Grande Valley. Southeastern Louisiana Lions (Southland and #20 ranking) – The 8-3 Lions lost two of their games on the road at FBS members Louisiana Tech and LSU.  The other loss came in a 14-12 thriller at 8-3 Lamar.  Southeastern has one of the top defenses in the FCS this year and has allowed less than 12 points per game to non-FBS opponents.  They are definitely in my 2025 playoff field! UT – Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (Southland and #21 ranking) – In case you are counting, this would be the fourth Southland Conference team in the FCS playoffs.  This is UTRGV’s first full season in the FCS, so I fully expect the playoff committee to shun them.  Not me.  The Vaqueros’ only three losses came on the road against playoff-bound Stephen F. Austin, Lamar, and Southeastern Louisiana. Illinois State Redbirds (Missouri Valley and #22 ranking) – Illinois State (8-3) lost its opener at FBS #8 ranked Oklahoma.  The Redbirds’ other two losses came – at home – to 11-0 North Dakota State (33-16) and 7-4 Youngstown State (40-35).  Illinois State is on a four game winning streak heading into Saturday’s home finale against 6-5 rival Southern Illinois.  They must beat the Salukis to get into the playoffs. Lafayette Leopards (Patriot and #26 ranking) – The 8-3 Leopards are playing at home Saturday in “The Rivalry” game against the 11-0 Lehigh Mountain Hawks.  If Lafayette wins, they’re in the playoffs as Patriot League champs and Lehigh will still receive an at-large bid. Should Lafayette lose on Saturday, they are at risk of being left out of the playoff field.  The Leopards’ “best win” came over 6-5 Richmond 35-28.  Another four-loss team with a better resume is likely receive this spot. West Georgia Wolves (UAC and #27 ranking) – West Georgia (8-3) has been omitted from my FCS Top 25 most of this season for good reason. The Wolves have swept teams with lousy records but lost all three games to tougher competition.  West Georgia (located in Carrollton or about 45 miles west of Atlanta) lost games at 7-4 Austin Peay, at home to 7-4 Abilene Christian, and at 10-1 Tarleton State. The Wolves’ weak non-conference schedule may be a hard sell to the FCS playoff committee. Let’s include two “stand-by” teams with the best chance to shout “Pick me!” to the FCS playoff committee: UC Davis Aggies (Big Sky and #29 ranking) – UC-Davis (7-3) had its season opener at So-Con champion Mercer canceled due to possible tropical storm conditions in Georgia.  The Aggies have one less victory than other competitors affected my rankings (eight wins beats seven in the SwampSwamiSports.com rankings).  Having only three losses, though, helped to elevate UC-Davis over the 18 FCS teams which have four defeats through last weekend’s games.  The UC Davis Aggies must beat conference rival Sacramento State (7-4) on Saturday to have a chance at securing a playoff spot. South Dakota Coyotes (Missouri Valley and #30 ranking) – The 8-4 Coyotes concluded their season last week on November 15.  South Dakota lost a “money game” at FBS opponent Iowa State to start the season.  They dropped to 0-2 after losing another road game at 8-3 Lamar (20-13).  The Coyotes can point to a win over likely Pioneer Conference champ 7-3 Drake (42-21) and a pair of 7-4 MVC foes in South Dakota State and North Dakota. Best of luck to all of the FCS teams this weekend!  Happy Thanksgiving!  The post Predicting all 24 FCS Playoff Teams! appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

The NCAA Division I FCS (smaller college) football teams have just one week remaining in the regular season. This Sunday at 11AM CST, the FCS Playoff Committee will announce the 24 teams which will participate in this year’s playoffs beginning on Friday, November 28. There are three FCS teams which have already locked-up a place in the playoff field by virtue of clinching their conference races last weekend.  The remaining 21 places in the field will be determined after this Saturday’s games conclude. Three down and 21 more to go! Congratulations to North Dakota State, Mercer, and Stephen F. Austin for securing the first three invitations to late November’s FCS playoffs. Defending FCS champion North Dakota State is now 11-0 and has a two-game lead in the Big Sky Conference with only one game remaining.  Bison head coach Tim Polasek is likely hearing overtures from some of the 11 major colleges seeking a new football coach.  Can Coach Polasek and his very talented herd of Bison remain focused, run the table, and close out a perfect season with yet another FCS title? The red-hot 9-1 Mercer Bears of the Southern Conference own a two-game lead over their closest competitor, Western Carolina.  Mercer clobbered UT-Chattanooga 63-17 Saturday to wrap-up a spot in the FCS playoffs for the third straight season.  The Mercer Bears from Macon, Georgia have won nine games in a row and have tallied 38 or more points in their last eight contests.  The coachless Auburn Tigers of the SEC will try to end the Bears’ winning streak this Saturday (1PM on the SEC+ Network) at Jordan-Hare Stadium in eastern Alabama. Surprising Stephen F. Austin disposed of Texas rival Lamar University 26-15 Saturday night to claim its first Southland Conference football title since 2010.  The Lumberjacks have sawed through nine straight opponents to move to 9-2 and grab their spot in the upcoming FCS playoffs.  SFA finishes on the road Thursday night (6:30PM on ESPN+) to play the struggling 1-10 Northwestern State Demons with the rivalry’s 7-foot wooden trophy called “The Chief” going home with the victor. Let’s review some of the “Win and you’re in” games coming on Saturday Coastal Athletic Association – The 9-2 Rhode Island Rams have never won the regular season title in the CAA. They have a chance to finish with a perfect 8-0 conference record at home this Saturday (11AM CST on ESPN+) with a victory over the struggling 2-9 Hampton Pirates.  A win gives the Rams a ticket into the FCS playoffs.  An upset loss by Rhode Island would open the door for 9-2 Monmouth and/or 8-2 Villanova to become involved in a complicated tiebreaker to determine the CAA champion. Ivy League – It’s hard to believe, but this is the first season in which the Ivy League champion will be participating in the FCS playoffs.  Historically, the Ivy League wanted its student/athletes to concentrate on academics (gasp!) as final exams occur during the FCS playoff season. Boston’s famed Fenway Park baseball stadium will host “The Game” this Saturday (11AM CST on ESPNU) between 9-0 Harvard and 7-2 Yale.  This annual football contest was first played in 1875. Saturday’s winner also claims the Ivy League’s first guaranteed spot in the FCS playoffs.  Pressure, anyone? Northeast Conference – The Central Connecticut State Blue Devils are 7-4 coming off Saturday’s 38-33 loss to Duquesne in Pittsburgh. The Blue Devils are 5-1 in conference action and control their chances to reach the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2019.  A home win on Saturday (11AM CST on ESPN+) against the 5-6 Mercyhurst Lakers will give the NEC title to Central Connecticut.  If the Blue Devils lose, a tiebreaker may be needed with Duquesne. Ohio Valley/Big South Alliance – Tennessee Tech’s perfect 10-0 start ended last Saturday after the fast-improving SEC Kentucky Wildcats prevailed 42-10 in Lexington. The Golden Eagles return home to Cookeville on Saturday to face rival UT-Martin (6-5 overall but 6-1 in conference). Saturday’s winner receives an automatic bid into the FCS playoffs.  The game also marks Tennessee Tech’s final Ohio Valley Conference football game as the Golden Eagles fly into the Southern Conference next season in 2026. Patriot League – This weekend of big games wouldn’t be complete without the annual game pitting Lehigh (11-0) against Lafayette (8-3).  The game called “the Rivalry” has been played since 1884.  This year’s “Rivalry #161” takes place on Saturday at 11:30 AM CST (on ESPN+) in Easton, Pennsylvania. Lafayette’s Leopards are at home and will try to ruin the season for the unbeaten Mountain Hawks from nearby Bethlehem.  The winner takes home the Patriot League title and its automatic bid into the FCS playoffs. Pioneer Football League – The 7-3 Drake Bulldogs have surrendered only 10 points per game over its last seven games.  They are playing exceptional defense!   Drake controls its own fate to receive an automatic FCS playoff bid if the Bulldogs are able to take down Morehead State (6-5 overall and 4-3 in conference) on Saturday at 12Noon CST (ESPN+). Presbyterian College is 9-2 and still has a chance to take the top spot if (a) Drake loses and (b) the Blue Hose de-“feet” (ha ha!) Marist (5-6) on Saturday. United Athletic Conference – Abilene Christian’s upset of formerly unbeaten Tarleton State a few weeks ago has provided the Wildcats a one-game lead in the UAC. A win this Saturday by Abilene Christian (now 7-4) at Central Arkansas (3-8) would give ACU the UAC automatic playoff bid.  If da’ Bears are able to spring an upset in Conway, Arkansas, Tarleton State (currently 10-1) would win the league title with a home victory over 7-4 Austin Peay. The MEAC and SWAC have their own title on the line in December Winners of two FCS conferences featuring historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) will face-off in Atlanta on December 13 for the annual Celebration Bowl. The victor in this Saturday’s MEAC final regular season game between 8-3 South Carolina State at 8-3 Delaware State will receive an invitation to Atlanta to play in the Celebration Bowl. The SWAC holds its title game between the East Division winner vs. Prairie View A&M (the newly-crowned West Division champ) on Saturday, December 6.  That winner receives the other invitation to play in December’s Celebration Bowl. Alabama State’s Hornets (Montgomery, AL) and Jackson State’s Tigers share the SWAC’s East Division lead.  Both teams have identical 8-2 overall and 6-1 conference records.  Jackson State defeated Alabama State 38-34 earlier this season and may prevail in a tiebreaker.   Let’s reveal the latest SwampSwamiSports.com FCS Top 25 rankings for the week ending Saturday, November 15, 2025: The post Drama Galore as FCS Regular Season ends Saturday appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Former Baylor Defensive Coordinator and longtime college football coach Phil Bennett joins the show to break down a wild weekend across the sport, including Texas A&M's dramatic comeback, Oklahoma's defensive resurgence under Brent Venables, and the pressure building on programs throughout the SEC and Big 12. Bennett offers candid insight into tricky play-calling moments, Alabama's struggles against OU's pressure packages, and why Georgia's aggressive mindset under Kirby Smart is so effective. He also delivers an unfiltered, deeply informed look at Baylor's collapse against Utah — discussing schematic issues, defensive fits, leadership uncertainty and the broader implications for Dave Aranda's future. Bennett closes by evaluating James Franklin's hire at Virginia Tech and sharing reflections on incarnate Word, Stephen F. Austin, and development across the Southland Conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special episode of the Bayou City Soccer Podcast! The Houston Christian Huskies made history in Beaumont, capturing the Southland Conference title and earning their spot in the NCAA Tournament under head coach Nick Whiting. After a season of perseverance and growth, HCU surged through the conference tournament, taking down top seeds and setting a school record for wins. Now, they head to Baton Rouge to face LSU — ready to compete, represent Houston, and chase another milestone for the program.-We invite you to follow us at Bayou City Soccer!-BayouCitySoccer.net-@BayouCitySoccer on Facebook, IG, and Twitter-Hit us up using our hashtag #AskBCS-Hosts: Dustyn Richardson-Again, BayouCitySoccer.net for everything.

Tommy Rybacki, the head football coach of the Nicholls State Colonels, joined Second Guess. Coach Rybacki recapped the Colonels' 31-7 victory over McNeese State, highlighting quarterback Ean Rodrigue, running back Miequle Brock, and cornerback Ty Marsh. Coach Rybacki also broke down the Southland Conference and the rest of the Colonels' schedule.

Nicholls State head football coach Tommy Rybacki joined Second Guess. Coach Rybacki recapped the Colonels' 34-7 loss to Stephen F. Austin. He evaluated the rest of the "highly competitive" Southland Conference. Coach Rybacki also shared his thoughts on the Colonels' young pieces, surprise players, and their upcoming matchup against McNeese.

Nicholls State head football coach Tommy Rybacki joined Second Guess. Coach Rybacki recapped the Colonels' bye week, discussing his team's recovery, scouting, and recruiting. He evaluated the top of the Southland Conference.

Bobby and Mike interviewed Nicholls State head football coach Tommy Rybacki. Coach Rybacki recapped the Colonels' 24-17 loss to Lamar, calling the Cardinals' game-winning punt return "deflating." He discussed the Colonels' improved rushing attack, the top Southland Conference teams, and the team's young contributors.

Send us a textWe journey down to San Antonio to talk UIW Cardinals Hoops with Coach Shane Heirman on the latest Full Court Press : A College Basketball Coaches Show as we dish on the uber competitive Southland Conference and how good year 3 can be on the hardwoods at UIW. Really great time with this Coach who you need to keep on your radar plus you need to follow Southland Hoops.SUBSCRIBE to the Full Court Press YOU TUBE channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnRJ-uzdL_stNYab7RuA_xgJOIN AND SUBSCRIBE THE FULL COURT NETWORK SUBSTACK PAGE:https://fullcourtnetwork.substack.com/

Nicholls State head football coach Tommy Rybacki joined Sports Talk. Coach Rybacki discussed the Colonels' focus as they try to "right the ship" during their current losing streak. He evaluated the "surprise" team in the Southland Conference. Coach Rybacki also previewed the Colonels' challenge against Eastern Kentucky.

Tommy Rybacki, the head football coach of the Nicholls State Colonels, joined Sports Talk. Rybacki said the Colonels spent the bye week "self-scouting." He previewed the Colonels' upcoming matchup against Texas State. Rybacki also evaluated the Southland Conference in 2025.

Greg previews the Southland Conference for the upcoming 2025-26 season by looking at the conference from a stylistic and betting standpoint, evaluate every team's roster & coaching changes with Rob Donaldson of the Rob's Best Bets Show, & Greg gives his projected order of finish for each team in the conference.Podcast Highlights2:50-Styles & Betting Trends of the Southland15:40-Deep dive on every Southland roster with Rob Donaldson41:05-Greg's Projected order of conference finish in the Southland

On this episode, Sam is joined by Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant. The two discuss:-Nicholls' upset over No. 5 UIW on ESPN2-Southland's rise-UTRGV's potential-New media deal-Moving to a 9-game conference schedule-FCS championship moving to Nashville-Conference realignment-New D1 governance-And more

On this episode of The Bluebloods, Zach McKinnell and Timothy Rosario from FCS Football Central preview all the FCS football action on the Week 0 slate. The duo discusses the massive Top 15 matchup between No. 8 UC Davis and No. 11 Mercer, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta, the major Southland Conference battle between Nicholls and No. 5 Incarnate Word, and whether Tarleton State can meet the lofty preseason expectations against Portland State. All this & more right here on The Bluebloods!

On this episode of The Bluebloods, Zach McKinnell is joined by Timothy Rosario from FCS Football Central on SI to preview the Southland Conference entering the 2025 college football season. The two discuss the biggest storylines and dark horse teams in the conference, while also projecting over/under win totals for every team in the Southland ahead of the 2025 college football season. All this & more right here on The Bluebloods!

Join Jordan, Commish, Pitt Girl, Lord of the Spreadsheets Kevin, Big Sky Brigit and eventually Beth, along with our VP of Podcast Production Arthur. IT'S OUR 300TH EPISODE (we think) We discuss Commish's Southland Media Days Trip, Big Sky Brigit's Big Sky Media Days trip, some Anthropologie tailgate wear that'll likely break your budget, MC Harbaughs, the CAA adds Sacred Heart, Jimbo Fisher to the ACC, Memphis' flirtation with the Big XII and then pretending like nothing happened, Soar the American Conference mascot, UFL Breaking News, Skip Holtz unable to save Birmingham, Cookie Monster at the Brickyard 400, then SUPER SICKO SPINNING SELECTION SEASON PREVIEW FORECAST: SSSSSPF aka the 5SPF for the the Southland Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference preview and much, much more!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex Luna is the assistant coach for Boise State's beach volleyball team. He joined the program in 2024 and helped lead the Broncos to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and Southland Conference title. Before Boise State, Luna founded and coached the beach program at Stephen F. Austin, earned two AVCA 30 Under 30 honors, and spent a season at South Carolina, helping the Gamecocks reach new milestones.He also works with the USA Beach National Team Development Program and has professional experience in the AVP and Volleyball League of America. Luna holds degrees in Psychology and Marketing from UT Dallas, where he played indoor volleyball and baseball.

Frank Scelfo, the head coach of Southeastern football, joined Sports Talk. Scelfo discussed the Lions' quarterbacks, Southeastern's 16 returning players from last year's roster, and their big-time defensive talent. Scelfo also promoted the strength of the Southland Conference.

Hawaii AD update, Southland Conference leaders on a nine-game FB slate, Department of Justice's interest in Zeigler's eligibility lawsuit and more.We would love to know what you think of the show and you can let us know on social media @D1ticker.If you are not subscribed to D1.ticker, you can and should subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.d1ticker.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The regular season has come and gone, and it's time for conference tournament week! Before they hit the road for Hoover, Kyle Schassburger and David Kahn got together for a late-night Dugouts, Dumbbells & Dingers, breaking down all the results from the final regular season weekend. Who won the Power 4 conferences? What mid-majors are making noise as the regular season concludes? How is there carnage in the Southland Conference? Why are we still doing double-elimination and pool play brackets? And how on earth does SHARING a regular season title make sense? The boys ponder all of these questions and more before packing their bags and embarking on another trip to the SEC Baseball Tournament (it's a Tournament, not a Championship, folks!). Join us for the NCAA Baseball Regional Rundown from May 30th to June 2nd exclusively on the Varsity Network app! It's a college baseball redzone-style whiparound show with coverage from all 16 regional sites, including the live PxP hometown radio calls, highlights, reactions and more, plus Westwood One's coverage of the Women's College World Series.Go to backyardbaseballbros.com and buy a 4-pack of Borgoballs (the limited edition Ocean Storm Ball is SOLD OUT), and go to BaseballBBQ.com, use the code "3D-20" to get 20% your order of custom-made, college-branded grilling tools. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WE'RE ON HYPER SPEED BABY!The final weekend of the regular season has ARRIVED, and Kyle Schassburger and David Kahn have all the drama that is about to unfold in college baseball! But, the postseason is also beginning in earnest, and we need to talk about the Southland Conference and Patriot League Tournaments. The guys have analysis, picks and reactions to those two events, plus a look at the latest Field of 64 projections, an update on Hot Carl's trip and job prospects, and more!Join the boys for the NCAA Baseball Regional Rundown from May 30th to June 2nd exclusively on the Varsity Network app! It's a college baseball redzone-style whiparound show with coverage from all 16 regional sites, including the live PxP hometown radio calls, highlights, reactions and more, plus Westwood One's coverage of the Women's College World Series.Go to backyardbaseballbros.com and buy a 4-pack of Borgoballs (the limited edition Ocean Storm Ball is SOLD OUT), and go to BaseballBBQ.com, use the code "3D-20" to get 20% your order of custom-made, college-branded grilling tools.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baseball America College Writers Jacob Rudner and Peter Flaherty preview the marquee matchup between No. 1 Texas and Texas A&M, which will pit Longhorns head coach Jim Schlossnagle against his former squad. Rudner and Flaherty also do a deep dive on teams with rising or falling postseason stock and take a closer look at conferences positioning themselves to steal at-large bids.(1:30) Previewing No. 1 Texas vs. Texas A&M(12:24) Vanderbilt's meteoric pace(14:00) Can Clemson be a No. 1 national seed(16:21) Will Coastal Carolina host(20:20) West Virginia's map to a top-16 national seed(23:20) Ole Miss falling out of host position(27:26) Is it time to worry about Georgia Tech(30:04) Where Wake Forest stands(37:20) The Southland Conference's historic battle(41:17) Is there a path to a three-bid Big West(46:58) If not UTSA, then who from the AAC(49:45) Northeastern running the CAA(52:51) How many bids will the Big Ten occupy(55:22) Picks to Click(59:45) Final thoughtsOur Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/BASEBALLAMERICASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/baseball-america/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Four suspended men's college basketball players in the Southland Conference are the target of a sports betting investigation. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh reports.

Coach Bobby Marlin shares his journey from growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi to winning 600+ games as a college basketball coach. After serving as a GA and an Assistant Coach earlier in his career, Coach Marlin was hired at Pensacola Junior College and won 123 games in his five seasons at the helm - including the 1993 NJCAA National Championship. He served as an Assistant Coach at Alabama from 1995-1998 before being named the Head Coach at Sam Houston State. The Bearkats had great success during his time in Huntsville including three Southland Conference Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances, he was named Coach of the Year three times - as well as being named Coach of the Decade for the Southland Conference. Coach Marlin moved onto the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He led the Ragin' Cajuns to six postseason tournament appearances including two NCAA Tournaments. The Ragin' Cajuns had great success under Coach Marlin, he was unexpectedly let go by their Athletic Director prior to the start of Sun Belt competition during the 2024-25 season despite leading the program to the NCAA Tournament in 2023. **Sponsored by FastModel* * Be sure to check out FastModelSports.com and use the promo code "BOXSCORE" for 15% off your purchase.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/365 and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicholls State head football coach Tim Rebowe recapped the Colonels' heartbreaking 19-16 loss to the Southeastern Lions in their season finale. Rebowe discussed the Southland Conference's strength at the season's conclusion. He also previewed the Colonels' off-season recruiting process.

Bobby and Mike interviewed Nicholls State head football coach Tim Rebowe after the Colonels' 24-7 loss to the Lamar Cardinals. Coach Rebowe evaluated Nicholls' issues on special teams and inconsistencies on offense. He previewed their upcoming rivalry matchup against the Southeastern Lions. Coach Rebowe also praised the strength of the Southland Conference.

Send us a textThe next College Basketball Conference Preview Show is happening now as we talk Southland Hoops with McNeese State Head Coach Will Wade who comes back for his second time on the Full Court Press to talk Southland and McNeese Basketball. Another great episode filled with in-depth analysis and funny barbs as we discuss the improved Southland Conference. A great episode and watch out for them Cowboys!Please Subscribe, Rate⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  and Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Nicholls State head football coach Tim Rebowe recapped the Colonels' 20-0 shutout victory over Northwestern State with Bobby and Mike. Coach Rebowe reviewed the action from the Southland Conference and the top programs in the FCS. He also previewed their upcoming rivalry matchup against McNeese State.

Nicholls State head football coach Tim Rebowe joined Bobby and Mike to recap the Colonels' 55-10 loss to Incarnate Word. Rebowe broke down what went wrong in the game and previewed what's next for Nicholls in the Southland Conference.

This hour, Mike recaps the Saints injury report which is stacked so be prepared, who might come back in time on Sunday to help Rattler come out with a Saints W against an equally injured Bucs team, before having host of BetMGM Tonight and Audacy Sports BetQL Insider, Brad Evans, to discuss how the odds are for the Saints with newly named QB Spencer Rattler, the betting favorites heading into a big time CFB weekend with LSU/Ole Miss duking it out in the SEC, Ohio St./Oregon, and Texas/Oklahoma, and finally, head coach of the Nicholls State Colonels, Tim Rebowe, drops by to preview Nicholls taking on Incarnate Word as they open Southland Conference play?

The College Basketball Experience (@TCEonSGPN) of the Sports Gambling Podcast Network releases their Southland Conference College Basketball Preview for the 2024-25 season.. On the show Ryan McIntyre (@Moneyline_Mac) and Noah Bieniek (@NoahB77_) break down every single Southland basketball team and key in on how they think the conference race will shake out. Last year McNeese State swept the Southland Conference titles. The Cowboys lose their best player from that team, Shahada Wells, and got even better. The question is not will the Pokes win the league as much as it is 'how many losses will they have?' McNeese's best threat is Stephen F. Austin the - somewhat - newcomer to the Southland. The Lumberjacks carry a lot of program pedigree and have a roster poised to be a serious player in the league. Texas A&M Corpus Christi has established itself very well in the Southland Basketball conference over the last handful of years. How easy to trust are the Islanders this season? Happy Birthday to Southeast Louisiana's David Kiefer! Can Kiefer lead the Lions to a top 5 conference finish once again? Mac and Bieniek finish the Southland Conference College Basketball Preview with some takes. What are their projected standings at the end of the year? The guys also provide their Southland Basketball sleepers and bust predictions. JOIN the SGPN community #DegensOnlyExclusive Merch, Contests and Bonus Episodes ONLY on Patreon - https://sg.pn/patreonDiscuss with fellow degens on Discord - https://sg.pn/discordDownload The Free SGPN App - https://sgpn.appCheck out the Sports Gambling Podcast on YouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTubeCheck out our website - http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com SUPPORT us by supporting our partnersNFL Freeroll Football Contest - $3500 up for grabs http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com/freerollPromo code FOOTBALL - 10% off everything http://sg.pn/storeUnderdog Fantasy code SGPN - Up to $1000 in BONUS CASH - https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-sgpnRithmm - Player Props and Picks - Free 7 day trial! http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com/rithmmADVERTISE with SGPNInterested in advertising? Contact sales@sgpn.io ================================================================ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA)21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800 BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI) ================================================================ WATCH The College Experience YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheCollegeExperienceFOLLOW The College Experience On Social Media Twitter - tceonsgpn Instagram - tceonsgpn TikTok - tceonsgpn Follow The Hosts On Social MediaNoah Bieniek - noahb77_Colby Dant - thecolbydRyan McIntyre - moneyline_macNC Nick - nc__nickPatty C - pattyc831

The College Basketball Experience (@TCEonSGPN) on the Sports Gambling Podcast Network talks about the McNeese State Basketball schedule taking over the internet. Ryan McIntyre (@Moneyline_Mac) and Noah Bieniek (@NoahB77_) give their thoughts and provide a McNeese State team preview. It is Sicko Season for College Basketball. Mac and Bieniek are diving head first into covering CBB's biggest preseason headlines daily this year. TCE Trims will be short form 10-30 minute news content where we provide our analysis and takes on today's biggest buzz. Last year McNeese State swept the Southland Conference titles. The Cowboys lose their best player from that team, Shahada Wells, and got even better. The question is not will the Pokes win the league as much as it is 'how many losses will they have?' First, Mac and Bieniek analyze the entire roster looking at the Cowboys' returnees and transfer portal moves. Then they discussed the McNeese State non-conference schedule. The guys went a little in depth on the Paradise Jam MTE that McNeese State will compete in as well. Next the duo picked out the area on the calendar that the Pokes may stumble. Lastly, they predict whether or not Will Wade and co. can pull off another Southland Sweep. Want to hear us talk about a specific college basketball news headline or topic on TCE Trims? Leave a comment or review on the podcast platform or YouTube. Another option, tweet at or DM us on Twitter/X @Moneyline_Mac and @NoahB77_. Beginning this week Mac and Bieniek will begin conference previews on The College Basketball Experience podcast. Stick with us throughout the offseason for other College Basketball News and takes! JOIN the SGPN community #DegensOnlyExclusive Merch, Contests and Bonus Episodes ONLY on Patreon - https://sg.pn/patreonDiscuss with fellow degens on Discord - https://sg.pn/discordDownload The Free SGPN App - https://sgpn.appCheck out the Sports Gambling Podcast on YouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTubeCheck out our website - http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com SUPPORT us by supporting our partnersNFL Freeroll Football Contest - $3500 up for grabs http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com/freerollPromo code FOOTBALL - 10% off everything http://sg.pn/storeUnderdog Fantasy code SGPN - Up to $1000 in BONUS CASH - https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-sgpnRithmm - Player Props and Picks - Free 7 day trial! http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com/rithmmADVERTISE with SGPNInterested in advertising? Contact sales@sgpn.io ================================================================ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA)21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800 BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI) ================================================================ WATCH The College Experience YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheCollegeExperienceFOLLOW The College Experience On Social Media Twitter - tceonsgpn Instagram - tceonsgpn TikTok - tceonsgpn Follow The Hosts On Social MediaNoah Bieniek - noahb77_Colby Dant - thecolbydRyan McIntyre - moneyline_macNC Nick - nc__nickPatty C - pattyc831

It's the third and final hour of TexAgs LIVE! Jordan Pugh joins the show to talk about the loss against Notre Dame and what it might mean for Connor Weigman. Then, commisioner Chris Grant calls in to talk about his experience in the Southland Conference!

The guys (@GamblingPodcast) are talking college basketball picks 3/9/24 edition on their latest college basketball predictions podcast. We're joined by Colby Dant (@TheColbyD) from The College Basketball Experience. They recap some of the latest college basketball action and share some early thoughts on March Madness. In this College Basketball Picks episode, Sean, Ryan, and Colby give out their best college basketball bets for Saturday 3/9/24. If you're looking for college basketball predictions or March Madness Previews this is your show!They recap some of the latest college basketball action and share some early thoughts on March Madness. We continue our March Madness previews with the American East, Big Sky & Southland Conference Tournaments.In addition to our college basketball betting picks, we built an Underdog Fantasy Pick'Em lineup live on the show. We close out the show with our Locks, Dogs & Bonus Locks as well as final thoughts for the college basketball games on 3/9/24.Go here for the daily best bets.Podcast Timecodes0:00 Intro2:30 Colby Dant Joins the Show10:37 Oklahoma vs Texas Betting Preview14:20 Creighton vs Villanova Betting Preview17:22 Kansas vs Houston Betting Preview21:21 Kentucky vs Tennessee Betting Preview26:27 Baylor vs Texas Tech Betting Preview29:15 North Carolina vs Duke Betting Preview33:06 UConn vs Providence Betting Preview38:28 UNLV vs Nevada Betting Preview45:35 American East Conference Tournament Betting Preview50:45 Maine (6) vs Bryant (3) Betting Preview52:45 Albany (8) vs Vermont (1) Betting Preview54:43 UMBC (7) vs UMass Lowell (2) Betting Preview58:21 Binghamton (5) vs New Hampshire (4) Betting Preview1:01:15 Big Sky Tournament Betting Preview1:08:45 Sacramento State (10) vs Idaho (9) Betting Preview1:11:38 Idaho State (8) vs Northern Arizona (7) Betting Preview1:15:17 Southland Conference Betting Preview1:24:40 New Orleans (8) vs Southeastern (5) Betting Preview1:25:57 Texas A&M Commerce (7) vs Northwestern State (6) Betting Preview1:27:31 Best BetsJOIN the SGPN community #DegensOnlyExclusive Merch, Contests and Bonus Episodes ONLY on Patreon - https://sg.pn/patreonDiscuss with fellow degens on Discord - https://sg.pn/discordSGPN Merch Store - https://sg.pn/storeDownload The Free SGPN App - https://sgpn.appCheck out the Sports Gambling Podcast on YouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTubeCheck out our website - http://sportsgamblingpodcast.comSUPPORT us by supporting our partnersUnderdog Fantasy code SGPN - 100% Deposit Match up to $100 - https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-sgpnChamps - Host your bracket and get two free shots at winning $100 - https://champssportspools.com/sgpn/Gametime code SGPN - Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code SGPN for $20 off your first purchase - https://gametime.co/KUTT code SGPN - Head over to Kutt.com to get a 10% deposit bonus on the Hall Of Fame Bets code SGPN - 50% off your first month today - https://hof-bets.app.link/sgpnWATCH the Sports Gambling PodcastYouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTubeTwitch - https://sg.pn/TwitchFOLLOW The Sports Gambling Podcast On Social MediaTwitter - http://www.twitter.com/gamblingpodcastInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/sportsgamblingpodcastTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gamblingpodcastFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/sportsgamblingpodcastFOLLOW The Hosts On Social MediaSean Green - http://www.twitter.com/seantgreenRyan Kramer - http://www.twitter.com/kramercentricADVERTISE with SGPNInterested in advertising? Contact sales@sgpn.ioGambling problem? Call CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call (MA)21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guys (@GamblingPodcast) are talking college basketball picks 3/9/24 edition on their latest college basketball predictions podcast. We're joined by Colby Dant (@TheColbyD) from The College Basketball Experience. They recap some of the latest college basketball action and share some early thoughts on March Madness. In this College Basketball Picks episode, Sean, Ryan, and Colby give out their best college basketball bets for Saturday 3/9/24. If you're looking for college basketball predictions or March Madness Previews this is your show! They recap some of the latest college basketball action and share some early thoughts on March Madness. We continue our March Madness previews with the American East, Big Sky & Southland Conference Tournaments. In addition to our college basketball betting picks, we built an Underdog Fantasy Pick'Em lineup live on the show. We close out the show with our Locks, Dogs & Bonus Locks as well as final thoughts for the college basketball games on 3/9/24. Go here for the daily best bets. Podcast Timecodes 0:00 Intro 2:30 Colby Dant Joins the Show 10:37 Oklahoma vs Texas Betting Preview 14:20 Creighton vs Villanova Betting Preview 17:22 Kansas vs Houston Betting Preview 21:21 Kentucky vs Tennessee Betting Preview 26:27 Baylor vs Texas Tech Betting Preview 29:15 North Carolina vs Duke Betting Preview 33:06 UConn vs Providence Betting Preview 38:28 UNLV vs Nevada Betting Preview 45:35 American East Conference Tournament Betting Preview 50:45 Maine (6) vs Bryant (3) Betting Preview 52:45 Albany (8) vs Vermont (1) Betting Preview 54:43 UMBC (7) vs UMass Lowell (2) Betting Preview 58:21 Binghamton (5) vs New Hampshire (4) Betting Preview 1:01:15 Big Sky Tournament Betting Preview 1:08:45 Sacramento State (10) vs Idaho (9) Betting Preview 1:11:38 Idaho State (8) vs Northern Arizona (7) Betting Preview 1:15:17 Southland Conference Betting Preview 1:24:40 New Orleans (8) vs Southeastern (5) Betting Preview 1:25:57 Texas A&M Commerce (7) vs Northwestern State (6) Betting Preview 1:27:31 Best Bets JOIN the SGPN community #DegensOnly Exclusive Merch, Contests and Bonus Episodes ONLY on Patreon - https://sg.pn/patreon Discuss with fellow degens on Discord - https://sg.pn/discord SGPN Merch Store - https://sg.pn/store Download The Free SGPN App - https://sgpn.app Check out the Sports Gambling Podcast on YouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTube Check out our website - http://sportsgamblingpodcast.com SUPPORT us by supporting our partners Underdog Fantasy code SGPN - 100% Deposit Match up to $100 - https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-sgpn Gametime code SGPN - Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code SGPN for $20 off your first purchase - https://gametime.co/ KUTT code SGPN - Head over to Kutt.com to get a 10% deposit bonus on the  Hall Of Fame Bets code SGPN - 50% off your first month today - https://hof-bets.app.link/sgpn WATCH the Sports Gambling Podcast YouTube - https://sg.pn/YouTube Twitch - https://sg.pn/Twitch FOLLOW The Sports Gambling Podcast On Social Media Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/gamblingpodcast Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/sportsgamblingpodcast TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gamblingpodcast Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/sportsgamblingpodcast FOLLOW The Hosts On Social Media Sean Green - http://www.twitter.com/seantgreen Ryan Kramer - http://www.twitter.com/kramercentric ADVERTISE with SGPN Interested in advertising? Contact sales@sgpn.io Gambling problem? Call CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call (MA) 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices