Athlon Sports' Preseason Top 25

[coachouert]

https://athlonsports.com/college-footba ... op-25-2019

4 Big Sky teams in the top 10. Obviously it's early, but gives people something to talk about.

[Rich K]

I love how they frame the Bobcat quarterback situation:

There’s such depth at quarterback that Troy Andersen, a co-selection on the 2018 All-Big Sky first team, is moving back to linebacker as a junior.

[91catAlum]

MSU has enough talent across the roster that they deserve to be ranked in preseason polls... But 8 feels a little high for a team that doesn't have its QB figured out yet.

[catatac]

Wow. That's a lot of respect for MSU, I do think we'll be right there and will end in the top ten but there is a lot to prove on the field. I would have put MSU a notch below Weber.

[Cledus]

I love how they frame the Bobcat quarterback situation:

There’s such depth at quarterback that Troy Andersen, a co-selection on the 2018 All-Big Sky first team, is moving back to linebacker as a junior.

I like the respect they're showing us but their analysis made me cringe a bit, like when I hear someone say "adulting" or "I can't even."

[Team10]

I think this is wishful thinking even for us as fans, for the Cats to finish in the top 8. "Such depth at quarterback" is a bit misleading for others reading. I myself would be fine with a top 20 ranking to start the season, but certainly not top 10. I guess you have to take it for what it is, a preseason poll.

8. Montana State
(8–5, 5–3 Big Sky)

There’s such depth at quarterback that Troy Andersen, a co-selection on the 2018 All-Big Sky first team, is moving back to linebacker as a junior. Run-first signal caller Chris Murray could take over again after sitting out last year’s playoff season due to academics. Freshman running back Isaiah Ifanse stepped in to post a 1,000-yard campaign.

[Rich K]

I also don't remember (off the top of my head) a recent NDSU team that is taking quite as big a hit as this year's team. I agree they are top dog until they get challenged, but this might be the best opportunity in quite a while for another team to step up.

[VimSince03]

I also don't remember (off the top of my head) a recent NDSU team that is taking quite as big a hit as this year's team. I agree they are top dog until they get challenged, but this might be the best opportunity in quite a while for another team to step up.

However, their recruiting has been the primary reason they've dominated the FCS for the past 10 years. They reload every year. I don't see that changing any time soon.

[iaafan]

I can understand the statement about MSU having good depth at QB based on what the author knows. It’s pretty obvious that Murray isn’t returning, so depth isn’t so good now.

#8? If I was more confident about QB and the defense, I’d agree wholeheartedly. The defense could be very good, but I’m not buying until preseason practice is at least half over. I don’t think the QB ceiling is as high, but it doesn’t need to be. He just needs to be serviceable. 12-20, 0-1 INTs, 150 yards, 1-2 tds per game.

[Catsrgrood]

I like the respect, but I agree, 8 is a bit high right now. I think Hero’s is a bit more realistic at #14.

With the right breaks and good QB play I could absolutely see the Cats ending the season in the top 10, but there is a lot to prove between now and then.

[catsrback76]

Someone might be reading Choate on his expectations for the program more than the facts on the ground. That said, we should be too 25 so very little sweat on an 8 call as it is only a guess at that!

[Grizaddict]

I also don't remember (off the top of my head) a recent NDSU team that is taking quite as big a hit as this year's team. I agree they are top dog until they get challenged, but this might be the best opportunity in quite a while for another team to step up.

The first year Klieman came in, 2014. They had just gone undefeated at 15-0 and won the natty. They had lost 23 seniors, their QB, and a crap ton of starters and bright in a new coach. All they did was lose 1 game and win it all. Rinse, lather, repeat.

[mslacatfan]

wow. top 10.... Considering that we have no clue who the QB will be, that says a lot about how people are viewing the rest of the team. No question that our run game and defense will both be some of the best in the country.... Plus we have Troy Andersen, so that alone is worth a top 10 ranking.

[Anacomando]

MSU is not a Top 10 team unless they get to the QF in the playoffs or compete for the Big Sky. Street and Smith have the Cats at #16 and that ranking seems fair. I like that it gives us something to discuss as well. Most posts on here are realistic here as well. Should be a good year and I can't wait until August! Go Cats!

[Hawks86]

Probably a little high, but it's a positive talking point for recruiting this summer.

[RobertoGato]

It's an optimistic ranking based on how many starters MSU returns. Some teams that were clearly a cut above last year, e.g. Kennesaw, aren't bringing back nearly as many guys. But I do think a program like Weber deserves to be ahead of us at this point.

[Rich K]

Here's Athlon's projection for teams to make the tournament field in 2019. EWU, Davis, Bobcats, and Weber are the Big Sky teams projected.

https://athlonsports.com/college-footba ... fiers-2019

[Colter_Nuanez]

[catsrback76]

Yes, I think we are all probably right where you guys are on the team. I have no fear of the QB situation, but until we get 3 games in to knock off the rust and see where we are, our defense will keep us in the games and our offense will begin to dial in. The Cats are going to surprise a lot of people this year. Our O Line will dominate, our D will be salty and I think better than last year. Go Bobcats!