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Time sure does fly, doesn't it? A mere two
months ago the nation was abuzz with the promise of another
college
football
season, Villanova stood firmly upon the summit of the FCS
mountain, and
Appalachian State mourned the departure of Armanti
Edwards.
All was right with the world.
Man, what a few weeks will do to disrupt the order of things.
Villanova has
slipped to No. 6 in The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top
25, while life has
gone on swimmingly in Appalachia, and Bethune-Cookman, yes,
Bethune-Cookman is
undefeated.
Individually, perhaps the biggest surprise at the halfway point
is the play of
DeAndre Presley. People expected Presley to be good,
eventually, but the kid
has stepped in and played brilliantly. Remember, when camp
opened it was
unclear whether Presley would even be the opening day starter
and now he is
making the loss of Edwards oh so bearable for the Mountaineer
faithful.
Collectively, Bethune-Cookman has been a revelation. The team,
which sat at 1-4
at this point last year, is 5-0 under first year coach Brian
Jenkins. Granted,
the opening schedule has been a touch soft. Are the Wildcats
for real, or are
they merely a first-half fluke? Speculation aside, their
matchup against
perennial MEAC power South Carolina State this Saturday
should decide the
matter.
Luckily for us, there is still plenty of
football to be played, and plenty of
surprises to come.
Following are games involving teams in The Sports
Network/Fathead.com FCS Top
25 plus other selected matchups for Week 7 (all times are
EST):
NO. 6 VILLANOVA (3-2, 1-1 CAA) AT MAINE (2-4, 1-2)
Kickoff: noon
Series record: Maine leads, 7-6
What to know: Injuries have slowed the defending FCS champions
this season.
The Wildcats bye last week couldn't have come at a better
time. If the team
had been pressed into service it would have been without
seven starters.
No starter is more vital to the Wildcats success than Matt
Szczur. At this
moment it appears Szczur will not play. Last week, the
Wildcats' running game
struggled in Szczur's absence, which led to several third and
long situations.
This pattern is disastrous for any quarterback, even one as
solid as Chris
Whitney.
The injuries have also hurt Nova on special teams. Typically,
the Wildcats use
front-line starters on specials, but lately they have been
forced to dig
deeper into their reserve rotation.
Maine has already proven itself capable of beating any team in
the league, as
it defeated New Hampshire and nearly pulled one out against
William & Mary,
losing on a last minute drive.
Maine hasn't done a great job defending the pass, but middle
linebacker Donte
Dennis and his cohorts should be able to contain a
Szczur-less rushing attack.
Look for Whitney and a staunch Nova defense to pick up the slack
and lead the
Wildcats to victory at Maine's Homecoming.
Prediction: Villanova, 21-13
COLUMBIA (3-1, 1-0 IVY LEAGUE) AT NO. 25 PENN (3-1, 1-0)
Kickoff: noon
Series record: Penn leads, 67-21-1
What to know: This game pits the Ivy League's best offense
(Columbia) against
its best defense (Penn).
This is probably the best team Columbia has fielded in the last
five or six
years. The offense, which is the most potent in the Ivies,
relies on a
strong, versatile running game, spurred forward by dynamic
quarterback Sean
Brackett.
Penn's quarterback situation has been anything but stable. Last
week, freshman
Ryan Becker filled in for a suspended Billy Ragone and led
the team to a
victory over Bucknell. Ragone, who also came off the bench
early in the
season, will be reinstated as the starter this week.
Columbia's offense has played consistent, mistake-free
football this year, but
in order to score on Penn, the Lions will be forced to take
some chances.
Look for Penn's defense to force Columbia into
uncharacteristically sloppy
play.
Prediction: Penn, 17-13
DAYTON (5-1, 3-0 PFL) AT BUTLER (3-3, 1-2)
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Series record: Dayton leads, 25-9-1
What to know: This one is a matchup of 2009 co-Pioneer
Football League
champions. Both teams
finished with 7-1 league records last season, with Butler
winning the head-to
head matchup, 31-28. It was just the second victory for the
Bulldogs over the
Flyers since 1995.
Dayton again finds itself at the top of the PFL standings, while
Butler has
struggled, posting just a 1-2 record in league play.
Still, a bright spot for Butter has been the defense, which is
No. 1 in the
PFL in pass defense (133 ypg), scoring (20.5 ppg) and total
defense (298.5
ypg).
The Dayton offense, led by quarterback Steve Valentino, is
balanced, averaging
199 passing yards and 181.3 rushing yards per game.
Dayton's defense ranks No. 2 in the PFL in scoring, allowing
only 20.6 points
per game and should be able to keep the Bulldogs offense,
which has struggled
to score points (16.3 ppg), in check.
Dayton is a well-rounded
football team and frankly, can find
too many ways to
beat this Butler squad.
Prediction: Dayton, 28-17
NORFOLK STATE (2-3, 1-2 MEAC) AT HAMPTON (4-1, 3-0)
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Series record: Norfolk State leads, 24-22-1
What to know: Hampton has ridden a strong defensive effort to
the top of the
MEAC
standings. Last week, the Pirates defense bailed out a
struggling offense and
single-handedly delivered a victory over North Carolina
Central. On the year,
the Pirates are surrendering just 20.4 points per game.
Norfolk State has lost two straight and the offense has
struggled, scoring just
18.8 points per game this season.
Look for the Pirates defense to lead the team to its fifth consecutive victory.
Prediction: Hampton, 21-17
NO. 19 LIBERTY (4-2, 1-0 BIG SOUTH) AT VMI (2-3, 1-1)
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.
Series record: Liberty leads, 6-3
What to know: Liberty quarterback Mike Brown sure is adapting to
the full-time
quarterback position. He went off last week, gaining 403
total yards, although
admittedly, against a porous Charleston Southern defense.
The test will be tougher this week, as VMI fields a stingier
defense, led by
end Damiso Alexander.
Still, this in not a defense of the caliber of James Madison,
which gave Brown
and the Liberty offense trouble earlier in the season.
The combination of Brown to wide receiver Chris Summers is one
of the more
potent ones in the FCS and Liberty will put points on the
scoreboard.
VMI, on the other hand, fields a below-average offense, and will
struggle
against a strong Liberty defense.
Prediction: Liberty, 31-10
NO. 23 BETHUNE-COOKMAN (5-0, 3-0 MEAC) AT NO. 10 SOUTH CAROLINA
STATE (4-1,
2-0)
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.
Series record: South Carolina State leads, 29-18-1
What to know: Bethune-Cookman joins No. 1 Appalachian State, No.
2 Delaware,
and No. 3 Jacksonville State as the only remaining unbeaten
teams in the FCS.
Which one of these teams doesn't belong?
The answer is Bethune-Cookman, largely because the team is
unproven. It is
arguable that any Top 50 FCS team also would be 5-0 if it
played the Wildcats'
soft early schedule. Saturday's matchup against South
Carolina State will mark
the first true test for Bethune-Cookman.
Under new head coach Brian Jenkins, the Wildcats offense has
flourished,
ringing up a FCS-leading 49.8 points per game. But South
Carolina State sports
the top total defense (156.2 ypg) in the FCS and arguably the
nation's best
linebacking corps as well.
Something has to give.
The odds favor South Carolina State, its MEAC pedigree, and its
21 straight
conference wins.
Prediction: South Carolina State, 32-30
WESTERN CAROLINA (2-4, 1-2 SOCON) AT NO. 14 WOFFORD (4-1, 2-0)
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m.
Series record: Wofford leads, 20-12
What to know: Wofford has already exceeded its 2009 win total
this season.
Last year, the Terriers were hit by the injury bug, but this
year they are
healthy
and excelling.
The formula for success is time tested and effective. Run the
ball well,
specifically out of the triple option, and play strong
defense - the No. 1
total
defense in the SoCon (308.2 ypg).
Western Carolina possesses some big, physical athletes, but the
team lacks
identity and has been inconsistent all year. The defense will
focus on being
gap secure and clogging up the Terriers' running lanes, but
expect Wofford to
find enough running room to grind out the win.
Prediction: Wofford, 25-13
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (1-4, 1-2 MVFC) AT NO. 17 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (3-3, 2-1)
Kickoff: 3 p.m.
Series record: South Dakota State leads, 2-0
What to know: South Dakota State finally broke into the win
column with a
33-29 victory over then-No. 20 Western Illinois last
Saturday.
Numbers have been down across the board for the Jackrabbits, but
that is
partly due to their incredibly difficult opening
schedule.
It is interesting to note that the Jackrabbits started 0-3 in
both 2006 and
2007, but still managed to challenge for the MVFC crown. In
2006, the team
ripped off seven straight wins following its 0-3 start.
If the Jackrabbits hope to repeat history, they must build on
last week's
success and win on Saturday.
However, winning at Southern Illinois is a difficult charge. The
Salukis lack
the explosive playmakers they had in years past, but a more
balanced offensive
attack still has produced wins.
South Dakota State will primarily be concerned with stopping
Chris Dieker. The
senior signal-caller is a pocket passer, but Southern
Illinois also will run
schemes to utilize his legs.
South Dakota State has been outscored 65-7 in the first half
this year, but
last week's win instilled the team with confidence and the
Jackrabbits should
come out revitalized.
Prediction: South Dakota State, 24-17
NO. 15 NORTH DAKOTA STATE (4-2, 1-2 MVFC) AT ILLINOIS STATE (3-3, 2-2)
Kickoff: 3 p.m.
Series record: North Dakota State leads, 2-1
What to know: Illinois State's defense has struggled at times
this year. The
unit has talent, but it is largely young and
inexperienced.
North Dakota State's power running game and excellent play
action schemes
should be able to exploit the youth of Illinois State.
Illinois State has a dynamic quarterback in Matt Brown, but the
unit lacks
balance.
North Dakota State epitomizes balance. Give it the edge.
Prediction: North Dakota State, 35-21
CENTRAL ARKANSAS (3-2, 0-1 SOUTHLAND) AT NO. 5 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN (4-1, 1-0)
Kickoff: 3 p.m.
Series record: Central Arkansas leads, 3-1
What to know: Stephen F. Austin scored with 55 seconds remaining
last Saturday
to defeat McNeese State, 32-27, in a matchup of last year's
co-Southland
Conference champs.
Jeremy Moses threw four touchdowns in the win, and he is now
tied, ironically,
with former Central Arkansas standout Nathan Brown, for most
touchdown passes
in Southland history (100).
Moses should break the record against Central Arkansas, as
Stephen F. Austin
ranks No. 3 in the FCS in passing yards (342 ypg) and No. 5
in scoring (38.2
ppg), but it won't come easy. Central Arkansas has the best
pass defense in
the Southland, allowing just 185.2 passing yards per
game.
In order for the Bears to have a shot, they must control the
clock. This seems
plausible, as they have a definitive advantage over the
Lumberjacks in the run
game.
Using a versatile ground attack, the Bears average 142.4 rushing
yards per
game compared to just 73.6 for Stephen F. Austin.
While this matchup seems favorable for an Central Arkansas
upset, the high-
octane
Stephen F. Austin offense should trump any of these
statistical musings.
Prediction: Stephen F. Austin, 38-20
NO. 16 NEW HAMPSHIRE (3-3, 1-2 CAA) AT NO. 7 JAMES MADISON (4-1, 1-1)
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.
Series record: James Madison leads, 7-5
What to know: Last week, James Madison encountered Towson's
defense, one of the
worst in the FCS. In the 17-13 victory, the much maligned
Dukes offense showed
signs of life, but proved it still has a long way to go.
New Hampshire's defenders will make Towson's defenders look like
turnstiles.
Last week, against a depleted Richmond squad, the defense
pitched a shutout
and recorded six interceptions. The Wildcats rank No. 6 in
the FCS in scoring
defense, allowing just 15.8 points per game.
No one is questioning the James Madison defense, which by all
accounts is even
better than New Hampshire's. It is the offense that instills
doubt. Against a
team like Towson, the offense was only serviceable. Against a
team like New
Hampshire, it may be incapable of even getting started.
Prediction: New Hampshire, 13-10
RHODE ISLAND (2-3, 1-1 CAA) AT NO. 2 DELAWARE (6-0, 3-0)
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.
Series record: Delaware leads, 18-7
What to know: Delaware, the No. 2 team in the FCS, is playing
like a No. 1.
The defense, special teams and offense are all competing at
exceptionally high
levels.
The Blue Hens have the look of not just an CAA
championship-caliber team, but a
FCS-championship caliber team as well.
Rhode Island had a quality win over then-No. 8 New Hampshire
earlier in the
year, but it was the result of a late UNH turnover. It will
take more than that
to knock off the current class of the CAA.
Prediction: Delaware, 28-9
NO. 20 RICHMOND (2-3, 0-2 CAA) AT NO. 8 MASSACHUSETTS (4-1, 2-0)
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m.
Series record: Massachusetts leads, 13-11
What to know: The most significant name on the lengthy Richmond
injury report
is quarterback Aaron Corp, who was lost for the season due to
a knee injury
suffered in last week's loss to New Hampshire.
The system shouldn't change much in Corp's absence, but the
quality of play
will. With backup quarterback John Laub still suffering from
a wrist injury,
third-stringer Nick Hicks will get the start against
Massachusetts. Hicks
struggled in relief of Corp last week.
Massachusetts enters its Homecoming off a bye, and plays a
physical brand of
football
behind a strong offensive line and a pair of talented
tailbacks, John Griffin
and Jonathan Hernandez.
The defense, led by Tyler Holmes, is tenacious in its own right.
It should be a long day for banged-up Richmond.
Prediction: Massachusetts, 17-10
NO. 12 EASTERN WASHINGTON (4-2, 3-1 BIG SKY) AT NORTHERN COLORADO (2-4, 1-3)
Kickoff: 3:35 p.m.
Series record: Eastern Washington leads, 6-1
What to know: Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones, one
of the most
explosive weapons in the FCS, is still hampered by an ailing
back and hip.
Fortunately for the Eagles, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has
played well in
recent games.
Surprisingly, the 4-2 Eagles have been outworked in several
pertinent
statistical categories this year, including total offense
(419.2 ypg to 407.8)
and scoring (29.3 ppg to 26.3).
Northern Colorado has an even more troubling statistical
concern, as it has
been outscored 117-21 in its last three outings.
Even without a healthy Jones, Eastern Washington should be too
much for
Northern Colorado.
Prediction: Eastern Washington, 32-21
TENNESSEE STATE (3-3, 0-2 OVC) AT NO. 3 JACKSONVILLE STATE (6-0, 3-0)
Kickoff: 4 p.m.
Series record: Jacksonville State leads, 4-1
What to know: Jacksonville State tallied its largest margin of
victory in a
30-20 win over UT Martin last Saturday.
It has been a wild ride for the Gamecocks, who have relied
mainly on
a strong rushing attack and play action game executed with
precision by
quarterbacks Marques Ivory and Coty Blanchard.
Tennessee State was dealt a tremendous blow when it lost Preston
Brown for the
season, but backup running back Dante' Thomas played well
last week, gaining
118 rushing yards in a close loss to Southeast Missouri
State.
Jacksonville State is undefeated, but has played some
excruciatingly close
games. Tennessee State also has played a number of close
games, but has come
out on the losing end.
Maybe it is time for the trends to reverse.
Prediction: Tennessee State, 35-30
NO. 13 CAL POLY (4-2, 0-0 GREAT WEST) AT SOUTHERN UTAH (2-4, 1-0)
Kickoff: 5 p.m.
Series record: Cal Poly leads, 17-6
What to know: Southern Utah is 1-0 in league play and could very
easily have a
winning record given a few breaks here or there.
Last year, Cal Poly survived Southern Utah, 24-23, when a
Thunderbirds
potential
game-tying extra point sailed wide left with just seconds to
go.
In the teams' meeting two years ago, Southern Utah's Tysson
Poots established
career highs with 16 receptions for 246 yards (while adding a
touchdown). Poots
is equally as
dangerous this season, averaging 105.6 receiving yards per
game, good for
No. 7 in the FCS.
Southern Utah must be concerned with stopping the option, which
Cal Poly has
run effectively behind quarterback Andre Broadous. The option
has produced
260.1 rushing yards per game, which is seventh-best in the
FCS.
Southern Utah is actually very adept at stopping the run and
should be able to
hold the Cal Poly attack in check.
Cal Poly holds a significant series edge, but is just 5-5 when
facing
Southern Utah on the road.
Prediction: Southern Utah, 23-22
NO. 9 MONTANA STATE (5-1, 3-0 BIG SKY) AT NORTHERN ARIZONA (3-2, 1-1 BIG SKY)
Kickoff: 5:05 p.m.
Series record: Northern Arizona leads, 23-21
What to know: This game features a pair of injured starting quarterbacks.
Behind freshman Denarius McGhee, it appears that Montana State'
offense has
finally caught up to its vaunted defense. But McGee is listed
as day-to-day
after suffering a foot sprain last week.
Northern Arizona's Michael Herrick, another brilliant signal
caller, also went
down last week with a left elbow (non-throwing) injury.
Herrick is expected to
play.
If McGhee plays, the edge should go to Montana State. Northern
Arizona will
dial up the pressure regardless of who lines up behind center
for the Bobcats,
but McGhee possesses the athleticism to avoid the rush and
make the play
downfield.
Prediction: Montana State, 23-17
NO. 22 NORTHERN IOWA (2-3) AT SOUTH DAKOTA (3-3)
Kickoff: 5:05 p.m.
Series record: Northern Iowa leads, 23-17-1
What to know: The Northern Iowa offense can beat an opponent in
a variety of
ways.
Quarterback Tirrell Rennie and running back Carlos Anderson
are both
legitimate threats on the ground. Rennie also is dangerous
through the air,
where he has solid targets in Jarred Herring and tight end
Schuylar Oordt.
The Northern Iowa defense, which is good against the run, is
susceptible
against the pass. South Dakota, meanwhile, features a
balanced offensive
attack.
These are two well-rounded teams, but Northern Iowa just does it
better, and
should come away with the win.
Prediction: Northern Iowa, 28-21
NO. 21 GEORGIA SOUTHERN (3-2, 1-1 SOCON) AT CHATTANOOGA (3-2, 2-1)
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
Series record: Georgia Southern leads, 20-3
What to know: Georgia Southern looks to rebound following a
tough 33-31
conference loss at Wofford last week.
Georgia Southern uses the triple option on offense, and
Chattanooga showed
success against the system in a win over The Citadel last
week. In fact,
Chattanooga leads the SoCon in rushing defense, allowing just
118.8 yards per
game.
Georgia Southern, however, is a more productive triple option
team than The
Citadel. The Eagles are No. 5 in the FCS in rushing offense,
averaging 267
yards per game.
Chattanooga's offense is firing on all cylinders behind the play
of
quarterback B.J. Coleman. He is currently No. 6 in the nation
with a 157.9
passer rating.
The Mocs have won three in a row, are revitalized behind Coleman
and return
home for the first time in nearly a month. Theses intangibles
should propel
them to victory over a challenging SoCon opponent.
Prediction: Chattanooga, 27-26
THE CITADEL (2-4, 0-3 SOCON) AT NO. 1 APPALACHIAN STATE (5-0, 3-0)
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
Series record: Appalachian State leads, 27-11
What to know: What to say in this one? The Mountaineers are the superior team.
The Citadel does one thing well: running the ball out of the
triple option. But
Appalachian State is adept at stopping the run, ranking No. 2
in the SoCon in
rushing defense (127 ypg).
The Citadel does not throw the ball well by any measure, ranking
No. 117 in
the FCS with 59.2 passing yards per game.
Behind DeAndre Presley, the Mountaineers run well and also pass well.
The Mountaineers will move to 6-0 for the first time in 15 years.
Prediction: Appalachian State, 25-10
NO. 18 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE (5-1, 4-0 OVC) AT AUSTIN PEAY (2-3, 1-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Series record: Southeast Missouri State leads, 8-6
What to know: The Southeast Missouri State offense is No. 1 in
the OVC behind
running back Henry Harris, who has run for at least 100 yards
in five
consecutive games. Harris
ranks No. 1 in the FCS in all-purpose yards (227 ypg).
Head coach Tony Samuel has done a respectable job of not only
getting Harris
the ball between the tackles, but also spreading him out and
letting him create
in space.
Austin Peay relies heavily on the run. When the Governors are
moving downhill,
they are difficult to stop. But this year they have not found
their
stride, and Southeast Missouri State should take
advantage,
Prediction: Southeast Missouri State, 21-17
YOUNGSTOWN STATE (3-3, 1-2 MVFC) AT WESTERN ILLINOIS (4-2, 2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Series record: Youngstown State leads, 15-10
What to know: Youngstown State has won six straight against
Western Illinois,
but the Penguins enter Saturday's game having lost their last
two contests.
They have struggled to finish games despite building early
leads.
In fact, both teams relinquished late-game leads last week in
Missouri Valley
Football Conference losses.
Western Illinois enters the game leading the MVFC in both total
offense (476.6
ypg) and total defense (308.3 ypg).
The Leathernecks run a no-huddle offense and quarterback Brock
Jensen has
flourished in
the new system behind an athletic offensive line.
Out of the no-huddle, the Leathernecks should be able to keep
the Youngstown
State defense on its toes.
No team has established itself in the MVFC yet. One established
fact is that
offense is up, as Western Illinois will prove Saturday.
Prediction: Western Illinois, 32-23
NO. 11 MONTANA (4-2, 2-1 BIG SKY) AT PORTLAND STATE (2-3, 1-1)
Kickoff: 8:05 p.m.
Series record: Montana leads, 35-14
What to know: After a rocky start to the season, perennial power
Montana
appears to be finding its footing.
Justin Roper has proven himself a sufficient replacement for
Andrew Selle.
Roper set career marks in passing yards (319) and rushing
yards (61), and also
caught a touchdown pass, in last week's dominating win over
Idaho State.
Portland State is improved under first-year head coach Nigel
Burton, but still
isn't ready to compete with the Griz.
Look for Roper and Reynolds to have big days and the defense to
hurry
quarterback Connor Kavanaugh from the opening whistle.
Prediction: Montana, 35-21
LAST WEEK'S RECORD: 13-8 (.619)
OVERALL RECORD: 104-37 (.737)
