College football top 25: Montana falls from top five, Mercer arrives in CBS Sports FCS Power Rankings

Jap Washington and Montana performed in a Week 5 epic that actually got here right down to the ultimate play of the sport. The Eagles knocked off the Grizzlies 34-28, scoring in bunches towards a protection that beforehand had not allowed greater than seven factors in a recreation. Quarterback Eric Barriere continues to make a robust case for the Walter Payton Award, the FCS equal to the Heisman Trophy. 

And whereas the loss knocks Montana from the unbeaten ranks, it would not fall that far in my newest Prime 25. That is nonetheless one of many groups to beat within the FCS. 

With a couple of groups falling out of the Prime 25 utterly, a handful of beforehand unranked groups have earned their debut look. Let’s discover out who these groups are as we check out my Prime 25 forward of Week 6 within the FCS. 

1. Sam Houston (4-0): QB Keegan Shoemaker must drive the bus as soon as once more because the Bearkats might be with out star signal-caller Eric Schmid.

2. South Dakota State (4-0): This is likely one of the most full groups I’ve seen in fairly a while from this program. The Jackrabbits are legitimately sturdy in all three phases of the sport.

3. James Madison (4-0): JMU has been camped out right here at No. 3 nearly all season, they usually might have the highest freshman within the nation in WR Antwane Wells Jr.

4. North Dakota State (4-0): The Bison gained a large rivalry recreation 16-10 over North Dakota final weekend, however questions nonetheless lurk about their passing recreation.

5. Montana State (4-1): The Bobcats have steamrolled opponents since their two-point loss to Wyoming within the opener. They appear to be one of the best staff within the Huge Sky Convention.

6. Jap Washington (5-0): We all know the Eagles can rating rapidly, however final week we noticed them get some stops defensively. If that development continues, look out.

7. UC Davis (5-0): With the best way the Aggies are taking part in, they may very well be 9-0 by the point they meet up with Jap Washington on Nov. 13.

8. Southern Illinois (4-1): The Salukis have a large recreation this week towards South Dakota State, a staff SIU break up outcomes with through the FCS Spring season.

9. Montana (3-1): You may make a respectable argument that the Grizzlies would have crushed Jap Washington if QB Cameron Humphrey hadn’t been knocked out of the sport on the ultimate drive. However make no mistake about it, that is nonetheless a really sturdy staff.

10. East Tennessee State (5-0): Head Coach Randy Sanders and his Bucs squad are undefeated and coming off of their first win over Wofford since 1998.

11. Missouri State (3-1): Missouri State has made a gentle climb up my rankings because the preseason, proving to be a respectable contender within the Missouri Valley Soccer Convention.

12. Villanova (3-1): The Wildcats have an enormous matchup this week towards JMU. The excellent news is that they’re coming off of a bye week, giving them additional time to arrange for the Dukes.

13. Northern Iowa (3-1): Gradual and regular wins the race. That mantra aptly describes the Northern Iowa Panthers, which simply maintain trucking alongside. A press release recreation is arising this week towards NDSU.

14. Southeastern Louisiana (3-1): SLU undoubtedly makes each recreation intriguing and entertaining. There might be no scarcity of each as they face in-state rival and Southland Convention foe Nicholls State. 

15. North Dakota (2-2): Regardless of a troublesome loss to NDSU final weekend, I really feel the Preventing Hawks are nonetheless one of many high 15 groups within the subdivision. Can they work themselves again into the Prime 10? We’ll see.

16. Rhode Island (4-0): Pay attention, the Rhode Island Rams can write a ebook referred to as “Discovering Methods to Win.” That is precisely what Head Coach Jim Fleming’s squad has performed all season lengthy.

17. UT-Martin (3-1): The Skyhawks have been blessed with a bye week after their upset over Jacksonville State two weeks in the past. That break ought to assist keep away from a possible entice recreation towards Murray State.

18. Incarnate Phrase (4-1): I will say it: QB Cameron Ward is one of the best QB within the FCS. This dude is a future NFL draft decide. He is been excellent for the Cardinals.

19. Kennesaw State (3-1): Kennesaw State did the honors of knocking Jacksonville State out of the Prime 25 with its spectacular and dominating 31-6 victory. That is the kind of staff you do not wish to face because the season rolls alongside.

20. Delaware (3-1): Sticking with QB Nolan Henderson for a very good stretch of the season will permit us to be taught so much about this Blue Hens staff from right here on out. 

21. Jackson State (3-1): Loads has modified because the Jackson State Tigers misplaced to Alabama A&M 52-43 again within the spring, primarily on the defensive facet of the ball. That Tigers protection, athletically talking, could also be probably the greatest within the FCS.

22. Princeton (3-0): After shutting out Lehigh and Stetson, the Tigers’ protection allowed seven factors towards Columbia. What a letdown. Cancel this system. All jokes apart, this staff is particular. 

23. Prairie View A&M (4-1): Keep in mind Jawon “Puma” Cross? The previous Louisville QB is now balling down at Prairie View A&M. The Panthers appear to be legit contenders within the SWAC.

24. Mercer (3-1): Mercer has knocked off each Furman and Samford, two long-time titans within the SoCon. The Bears seem like bonafide challengers to ETSU this season. Now, can they deal with success?

25. Duquesne (3-1): The Dukes get it performed with a robust run recreation and protection. Working again Garrett Owens, the previous Mercyhurst switch from the Division II ranks, has been very good.

Simply Missed the Minimize: Harvard, Dartmouth, William & Mary, Monmouth, Yale

The Czar’s Sport of the Week

Southern Illinois at South Dakota State: These two groups performed twice through the FCS spring season, with SDSU profitable each video games. However it was their latter matchup, wherein the rating was 31-26, that provides the Salukis confidence they will go toe-to-toe with the Jackrabbits. They will must make one or two extra performs as a way to get the win. 

South Dakota State made gentle work of Dixie State and left the sport with crucial components of the staff nonetheless intact. The actual focus was on this matchup. The offense is getting unexpectedly sturdy play from QB Chris Olodokun, and he has offered wonderful steadiness to the offense. 

South Dakota State’s protection is amongst one of the best within the FCS, they usually’ll do a terrific job of slowing down the Salukis sufficient on this matchup. Choose: South Dakota State 30, Southern Illinois 13.

The Czar’s Upset Choose of the Week

Southeastern Louisiana at Nicholls: These two groups are the soccer equal of Child Icarus. Each like to fly near the solar, so to talk, making each recreation both thrilling or nerve wracking, relying in your affiliation. Whereas Southeastern Louisiana has the reigning Walter Payton Award winner in QB Cole Kelley, Nicholls QB Lindsey Scott Jr. is one of the best and most fun participant on this recreation. He is a dual-threat catalyst, able to throwing for 400 yards and dashing for 100 extra in any recreation. Search for this rating to smash the 71.5 level whole. 

I am anticipating a severely high-scoring affair down in Thibodaux, Louisiana, with Nicholls making a case to look in my Week 7 Energy Ballot subsequent week. Choose: Nicholls 61, SLU 60

The Czar’s SportsLine Lock of the Week

Jap Washington at Northern Colorado: Driving the excessive of a win over a top-five opponent can set a staff up for a letdown the next week. Can Northern Colorado catch Jap Washington studying their very own press clippings? Check out my pick plus every Week 6 pick on SportsLine.