By Tim Baysinger
Following the Pride’s 32-17 upset win over Furman on Saturday, the Pride entered both the Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Media Poll and the FCS Coaches Poll.
The Pride was ranked No. 19 in the Sports Network FCS Media Poll, which was released Monday night. This is the first time Hofstra has been ranked in the Media Poll since October of 2005 when that team ranked as No. 23. This is highest ranking since September of 2005.
The Pride was ranked No. 20 in the FCS Coaches Poll, which was also released on Monday night. This also marks the first time the Pride has returned to the coaches poll since October of 2005.
To go along with the national recognition the team received for its 32-17 victory over Furman, two players were given awards.
Senior linebacker Gian Villante was named CAA defensive player of the week. Villante had 12 total stops including four solo tackles. Villante also broke up two passes and forced and recovered a fumble. Villante led the defense that shut out the Paladins in the second half and held them to only 85 yards on the ground.
Senior kicker Rob Zarilli was named CAA special teams player of the week for his four field goal performance in the 32-17 win. Zarilli tied one school record and tied his career long with a 52-yard field goal. The long score was the 10th longest in school history. With the four field goals and two extra points, Zarilli totaled 14 points in the win.
Sports Network’s FCS College Football Poll
1. Appalachian State
2. Montana
3. Massachusetts
4. Northern Iowa
5. North Dakota State
6. Youngstown State
7. Southern Illinois
8. McNeese State
9. James Madison
10. Delaware
11. Wofford
12. New Hampshire
13. Hampton
14. Eastern Illinois
15. Furman
16. Sam Houston State
17. Illinois State
18. Nicholls State
19. Pride
20. Montana State
21. Yale
22. Western Illinois
23. Towson
24. Delaware State
25. Lafayette
CCA and AFCA’s FCS Coaches Top-25 Poll
1. Appalachian State
2. Montana
2. Massachusetts
4. North Dakota State
5. Northern Iowa
6. Southern Illinois
7. James Madison
7. Youngstown State
9. McNeese State
10. Wofford
11. Delaware
12. New Hampshire
13. Hampton
14. Sam Houston State
15. Illinois State
16. Furman
17. Eastern Illinois
18. Nicholls State
19. Montana State
20. Pride
21. Cal Poly
21. Western Illinois
23. Yale
24. Delaware State
25. Alabama A&M