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 Poll1. Appalachian State2. Montana3. Massachusetts4. Northern Iowa5. North Dakota State6. Youngstown State7. Southern Illinois8. McNeese State9. James Madison10. Delaware11. Wofford12. New Hampshire13. Hampton14. Eastern Illinois15. Furman16. Sam Houston State17. Illinois State18. Nicholls State19. Pride20. Montana State21. Yale22. Western Illinois23. Towson24. Delaware State25. Lafayette
CCA and AFCA’s FCS Coaches Top-25 Poll1. Appalachian State2. Montana2. Massachusetts4. North Dakota State5. Northern Iowa6. Southern Illinois7. James Madison 7. Youngstown State9. McNeese State10. Wofford11. Delaware12. New Hampshire13. Hampton14. Sam Houston State15. Illinois State16. Furman17. Eastern Illinois18. Nicholls State19. Montana State20. Pride21. Cal Poly21. Western Illinois23. Yale24. Delaware State25. Alabama A&M