2019 FCS PREVIEW

                                                                              

James Madison's Rashad Robinson (Northern Virginia Daily)

                                                                 

 The more things change, the more they stay the same.

 That’s never been more evident than in this year’s race for the FCS national title. Both of the leading contenders – defending champ North Dakota State and experience-laded James Madison – saw their head coaches move up to the FBS level, yet expectations have not wavered. That’s called building a culture, and each program has done that well enough that a new face in charge on the sideline will not alter the end result.

 Unlike recent previous seasons, the Bison do not come in as overwhelming favorites. In fact, the Dukes could be a bit better thanks to a dozen returning all-league picks and standout defensive back Rashad Robinson, who spent much of last season hobbled by injury. Not to worry, though. NDSU has a defensive standout of its own in LB Jabril Cox and has enough talent on hand to weather whatever experience losses it may have suffered.

 If either of the top two candidates stumble there are plenty of teams waiting in the wings.

 South Dakota State should have an explosive offense with returning 1,000-yard rusher Pierre Strong Jr and standout receiver Cade Johnson, though replacing quarterback Taryn Christion won’t be easy. Linebacker Christian Rozeboom leads what should be an ornery defense.

 UC Davis got on the map last season thanks to a high-powered offense led by returning All-America candidate Jake Maier at quarterback. Favorite target Keelan Doss is gone to the NFL, which may mean a little bit more of running back Ulonzo Gilliam, who nearly broke the 1,000-yard barrier as a freshman last season. You can be sure coach Dan Hawkins – yes, THAT Dan Hawkins – will find a way to make the offense lethal once again. If the defense can hold up the Aggies could advance beyond last year’s quarterfinal placing.

 Eastern Washington will have something to say about UC Davis’ supremacy in the Big Sky – as will No. 9 Weber State – even if it only returns nine starters from a year ago. But there are enough guys around who received playing time last year that it shouldn’t be a huge transition. Quarterback Eric Barriere was thrown into the fire after starter Gage Gubrud (who has since transferred to Washington State) went down with an injury, and he performed well, throwing for nearly 2,500 yards and 24 scores. The defense should be tough with five potential all-league candidates, highlighted by sophomore linebacker Mitchell Johnson, a freshman All-America a year ago.

 Jacksonville State should bring a potent offense to the table under the guidance of quarterback Zerrick Cooper and 14 other returning starters, including wideout Josh Pearson. Maine will once again look to a ferocious defense – one that forced 47 sacks in 2018 – to smother foes, and leading the way DL Kayon Whitaker and linebacker Deshawn Stevens, who combined for 18.5 of those sacks. Towson won just seven games a year ago but appears ready to take a leap, thanks to the arm of quarterback Tom Flacco (CAA Offense Player of the Year) and snarling linebacker Robert Heyward. Weber State has won the last two Big Sky titles and will certainly be in the running for a third, especially if DL stalwarts Jonah Williams and Adam Rodriguez play as expected. Running back Josh Davis was a revelation as a frosh, running for nearly 1,400 yards, and he will power a very good offense. Nine starters return for a Wofford team that averaged nearly 30 points per contest in 2018. The Terriers bludgeoned people with their ground attack but may look to throw a bit more this season. Getting nose tackle Mikel Horton back from injury should boost the defense.    

FCS PRESEASON TOP 25

     1  James Madison

     2  North Dakota State

     3  South Dakota State

     4  UC Davis

     5  Eastern Washington

     6  Jacksonville State

     7  Maine

     8  Towson

     9  Weber State

   10   Wofford

   11   Nicholls

   12   Montana State

   13   Illinois State

   14   Furman

   15   Colgate

   16   Kennesaw State

   17   Indiana State

   18   Northern Iowa

   19   Elon

   20   Delaware

   21   SE Missouri

   22   Sam Houston State

   23  North Carolina A&T

   24   Central Arkansas

   25   East Tennessee State

   JUST MISSED: Yale; Montana; Incarnate Word; Chattanooga; San Diego; Alcorn State; McNeese; 

   Eastern Kentucky; Princeton; Duquesne