In the FCS Huddle: Week 4 Preview
By Sean Shapiro, FCS Assistant
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Last season, six teams posted 4-4 records in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Whether you want to say those four teams tied for third - behind Northern Iowa and Western Illinois - or tied for eighth in the nine-team conference, you couldn't argue that Youngstown State was at the bottom of the pile.
Despite a promising 3-1 start last season, including a conference win against Southern Illinois, the Penguins lost their final seven games to finish dead last in coach Eric Wolford's first season.
With that past history, you couldn't blame Wolford for being weary about his team's 2-1 start going into the Penguins' Week 4 game at Indiana State on Saturday.
But, even with similar circumstances, Wolford isn't afraid of another monumental collapse.
"Every year the team is different and this team is night and day from last season," Wolford said. "You don't have to tell them to take their hat off when they walk in the building, to pull their earrings out or pull their pants up. It's always, 'Yes, sir' or 'Yes, ma'am.' This team is not at all the same from last year."
The new attitude at Youngstown State has led to an impressive first three weeks. Not only have the Penguins hung with Michigan State, cruised by Valparaiso and held off Illinois State, but they've committed just 10 penalties and one turnover - both signs of a winning team.
It's a sign pointing in the right direction, especially for a program that has a history of winning national championships.
"Our standard here is championships," Wolford said. "It's a standard coach (Jim) Tressell established and that's what we expect to do."
While the Penguins have four FCS (Division I-AA) championship trophies in their past, Indiana State coach Trent Miles is turning around a program that had lost 60 of their prior 62 games heading into last season.
Last weekend, the excitement surrounding football in Terra Haute, Ind., was ratcheted up a notch as the Sycamores beat - more like demolished - FBS opponent Western Kentucky, 44-16.
"Every game means a lot," Miles said. "We're done talking about the past ... we don't dwell on what happened here a few years, we're just worried about what's next. But, obviously to beat an FBS team, it means a lot."
The test now for the Sycamores is not to get caught up in the victory against Western Kentucky (see Sacramento State, following a win over Oregon State) and try to defeat Youngstown State at home - something Indiana State has never done before.
"Two wins in 20 against them, they've dominated the series," Miles said. "We want to defend our home turf, it's a big thing. Any team that wants to contend for championships has to do well at home."
Whether the Sycamores can defend the turf at Memorial Stadium remains to be seen, but either way it's a good sign for the conference that this game could mean so much in the MVC title chase.
The following is a game-by-game breakdown for The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 and other select games:
THURSDAY, SEPT. 22
No. 24 Murray State Racers (2-1, 1-0 OVC) at Tennesee-Martin Skyhawks (1-1, 0-1 OVC), 7 p.m.
Series record: Murray State leads, 32-14-1
Last meeting: at Murray State 52, UT Martin 16 (Sept. 25, 2010)
What to know: When the Racers and Skyhawks met last season, Casey Brockman was a backup quarterback who came in and completed all eight passes for 64 yards. This year, don't expect Brockman to attempt just eight passes, as the reigning Sports Network/Fathead.com Offensive Player of the Week passed for 600 yards and seven touchdowns last week.
While Murray State set multiple records last week, UT Martin is also an explosive offense, averaging 43 points and 522.5 yards per game. This game has all the makings of an offensive showcase.
The Skyhawks have yet to play on Saturday this season and have the advantage of getting a full week to prepare for this game, while Murray State only had five days to prepare for the contest.
Prediction: Murray State 76, UT Martin 49
Hampton Pirates (2-1, 1-0 MEAC) at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (1-1, 0-1 MEAC), 7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Series record: Hampton leads, 9-7
Last meeting: Bethune-Cookman 23, at Hampton 18 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: After losing to South Carolina State two weeks ago, Bethune- Cookman is entering a vital game in the MEAC title race, as a loss to Hampton would likely eliminate the Wildcats from winning the conference championship.
Bethune-Cookman will be playing its third game on national television, as the MEAC-ESPNU agreement has featured the Wildcats every week. The Wildcats also will play on national television against Norfolk State (Oct. 10) and Florida A&M (Nov. 19).
Turnovers are likely to determine this battle because MEAC teams have struggled to protect the ball this season. Bethune-Cookman is the poster child of the turnover-plagued conference, as the Wildcats committed five turnovers against South Carolina State, but are still third in the FCS in turnover margin (plus-6).
Prediction: Bethune-Cookman 42, Hampton 35
FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
Brown Bears (1-0, 0-0 Ivy League) at Harvard Crimson (0-1, 0-0 Ivy League), 7 p.m.
Series record: Harvard leads, 78-30-2
Last meeting: at Brown 29, Harvard 14 (Sept. 25, 2010)
What to know: Brown quarterback Kyle Newhall-Caballero returned to the Bears' lineup last weekend after missing the last seven games of the 2010 season. A 2009 All-Ivy quarterback, Newhall-Caballero was named the league co-offensive player of the week after completing 22-of-37 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns.
While it's a small sample size - one game - the Brown defense has played well under pressure and has often left the field after third-down situations, stopping opponents 66 percent of the time.
Harvard rallied last week against Holy Cross, but still fell short due to a pair of untimely interceptions - one which was returned for a touchdown - and need to protect the ball better this week.
Prediction: Brown 27, Harvard 21
SATURDAY, SEPT. 24
Old Dominion Monarchs (3-0, 0-0 CAA) at Delaware Blue Hens (2-1, 0-0 CAA), noon (CSN-PHI, CSN-NE)
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: This is the first-ever conference game for the Monarchs and they get a tough test in one of the CAA's traditional powers, Delaware. While they've yet to play a CAA game, the Monarchs have done well since starting a football program, going 20-5 and currently riding the FCS' longest winning streak (eight games).
Old Dominion has excelled at blocking kicks. The Monarchs have already blocked three kicks this season - all punts - to reach a total of 15 for the three- year history of Old Dominion football.
Delaware running back Andrew Pierce has impressed this season, rushing for 348 yards and six touchdowns. The sophomore is the focal point of the Blue Hens' offense and averages 116 yards per game.
Prediction: Delaware 24, Old Dominion 14
Liberty Flames (1-2) at No. 15 Lehigh Mountain Hawks (2-1), 12:30 p.m.
Series record: Lehigh leads, 1-0
Last meeting: Lehigh 34, at Liberty 16 (Sept. 18, 2004)
What to know: Come January, we could be looking back at this game as the time two Walter Payton Award (sponsored by Fathead.com) finalists went head-to- head, as Lehigh quarterback Chris Lum and his Liberty counterpart Mike Brown are likely to keep the scoreboard operator busy. Both rank in the top 10 nationally in total offense (Lum second, Brown seventh).
On defense, Liberty gets back 2010 starter and potential All-America selection Asa Chapman, who had was reinstated this week after being suspended for violating university policies. Jackson had 41 tackles at nose guard last season.
Both teams have experience in close games this season - both losses against CAA teams - as the Mountain Hawks fell in overtime to New Hampshire in Week 2 and Liberty lost on a field goal as time expired against James Madison last weekend.
Prediction: Lehigh 48, Liberty 45 (OT)
No. 17 Massachusetts Minutemen (2-0) at Boston College Eagles (0-3), 1 p.m. (ESPN3)
Series record: Boston College leads, 18-5
Last meeting: at Boston College 24, Massachusetts 14 (Sept. 29, 2007)
What to know: Unlike last week, when the Minutemen were favored against Rhode Island, Massachusetts should be the underdog this week when they visit Boston College - an interesting test before the Minutemen join the FBS' Mid-American Conference next season.
Boston College has struggled this season, getting outscored 74-39 in its first three games, including a loss to Duke - a team that lost to the CAA's Richmond.
Kellen Pagel has emerged as a reliable quarterback for the Minutemen, completing 31-of-48 attempts for 363 yards and three touchdowns after winning the starting job.
Prediction: Boston College 21, Massachusetts 17
The Citadel Bulldogs (1-1, 0-1 SoCon) at Elon Phoenix (2-1, 0-0 SoCon), 1:30 p.m.
Series record: The Citadel leads, 6-4
Last meeting: Elon 27, at The Citadel 16 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: Elon quarterback Thomas Wilson has done everything in his power to make fans forget about Scott Riddle - the all-time leading passer in Southern Conference history - passing for 850 yards and seven touchdowns. Aaron Mellette has been on the receiving end of three of those scores and leads the nation with 36 receptions, which have gone for 494 yards.
On defense, the Phoenix have been able to get to opposing quarterbacks for seven sacks in three games, an impressive showing after only bagging 13 sacks last season.
However, don't overlook the Bulldogs' defense as this is a battle of two top-10 defensive units. The Citadel ranks fifth in total defense, while Elon is 10th.
Prediction: Elon 24, The Citadel 17
Delaware State Hornets (2-1, 0-0 MEAC) at No. 25 South Carolina State Bulldogs (1-2, 1-0 MEAC), 2 p.m.
Series record: South Carolina State leads, 25-15
Last meeting: South Carolina State 38, at Delaware State 21 (Oct. 30, 2010)
What to know: With a 1-2 record, South Carolina State might not look like a Top 25 team, but with a losses to a pair of FBS schools and a dominant defense, the Bulldogs are early favorites to win the MEAC (they have already notched the big win against Bethune-Cookman in Week 2).
The Hornets actually have a better record than the Bulldogs, but have yet to prove much this season, especially after a 45-0 trouncing at the hands of in- state rival Delaware in Week 3.
Turnovers are the name of the game for the Bulldogs, as South Carolina State forces and capitalizes on opponent mistakes often. If Delaware State can't control the ball, it will be a long game for the Hornets.
Prediction: South Carolina State 17, Delaware State 10
Youngstown State Penguins (2-1, 0-0 MVC) at Indiana State Sycamores (2-1, 0-0 MVC), 2:05 p.m.
Series record: Youngstown State leads, 18-2
Last meeting: Indiana State 30, at Youngstown State 24 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: The Sycamores impressed last week in destroying FBS opponent Western Kentucky, 44-16, and will look to ride that momentum into their MVC opener.
Youngstown State already has a jump in the MVC race after beating Illinois State in Week 3, and are looking to return to the level the program reached when it last won a FCS (then Division I-AA) title in 1997.
Sycamores running back Shakir Bell ran for 221 yards and two touchdowns against Western Kentucky and will be the focal point of the offense. Shakir also could be the reason Indiana State defeats the Penguins for the first time ever at home.
Prediction: Youngstown State 27, Indiana State 23
No. 13 Chattanooga Mocs (2-1, 0-0 SoCon) at No. 3 Appalachian State Mountaineers (2-1, 0-0 SoCon), 3:30 p.m.
Series record: Appalachian State leads, 24-10
Last meeting: Appalachian State 42, at Chattanooga 41 (Sept. 4, 2010)
What to know: Chattanooga has been impressive this season, but this weekend will answer a lot of questions about both programs, as the Mocs are looking to prove they belong in the SoCon title race and the Mountaineers have yet to play a ranked FCS opponent.
This contest is loaded with star power on both sidelines, as Appalachian State has DeAndre Presley running the offense and punter/kicker Sam Martin may have the strongest leg in the nation. For Chattanooga, receiver Joel Bradford is small, but dangerous and has incredible chemistry with quarterback B.J. Coleman - a former high school teammate.
Kidd Brewer Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Mocs, as they haven't won at "The Rock" in 28 years - a 30-9 win on Oct. 8, 1983.
Prediction: Appalachian State 31, Chattanooga 28
Southern Jaguars (1-2) vs. Florida A&M Rattlers (1-2), 3:30 p.m. (Versus) Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic
Series record: Florida A&M leads, 34-25-1
Last meeting: Florida A&M 52, at Southern 49 (Oct. 18, 2008)
What to know: The Rattlers' offense likes to throw the ball around as Austin Trainor has passed for 643 yards and four touchdowns this season. Not only has Trainor produced yards, but he's also spread the ball around, finding nine different receivers multiple times this season.
Southern has struggled at times this season on both offense and defense, turning the ball over six times on offense and yielding more than 400 yards a game on defense.
It's the first meeting since 2008 for these programs, a historical rivalry that has been played 60 times.
Prediction: Florida A&M 41, Southern 35
No. 11 New Hampshire Wildcats (1-1, 0-0 CAA) at No. 5 Richmond Spiders (3-0, 0-0 CAA), 3:30 p.m.
Series record: Richmond leads, 10-9
Last meeting: at New Hampshire 17, Richmond 0 (Oct. 9, 2010)
What to know: Richmond has been the most successful team in the FCS this season, as the Spiders are the only 3-0 team with a win against an FBS team.
This game features two defenses going in opposite directions. The Spiders' defensive unit has allowed only 45 points in three games while New Hampshire has yielded 99 points in just two games.
Both teams have leaders at quarterback, as Aaron Corp has helped guide a balanced Spiders attack and Wildcats quarterback Kevin Decker has a CAA-best 246 yards per game through the air.
Prediction: Richmond 24, New Hampshire 17
No. 18 South Dakota Coyotes (2-1) at Wisconsin Badgers (3-0), 3:30 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
Series record: Wisconsin leads, 1-0
Last meeting: at Wisconsin 48, South Dakota 7 (Sept. 20, 1975)
What to know: After finishing 4-7 last season, expectations weren't high for South Dakota. However, the Coyotes' 30-17 upset of then-No. 1 Eastern Washington put them on the FCS map.
Other than the win against Eastern Washington, the Coyotes have yet to play an FCS team this season - a loss to Air Force and a win against Division II Northwest Oklahoma State - and won't play another until Oct. 8 against Southern Utah.
Last season, South Dakota upset Minnesota. However, don't expect a similar result against Wisconsin. The Badgers are ranked in the Top 10 for the FBS and have outscored their opponents, 135-24, through three games.
Prediction: Wisconsin 56, South Dakota 10
Alabama State Hornets (2-1, 2-0 SWAC) at Jackson State Tigers (3-0, 1-0 SWAC), 5 p.m.
Series record: Jackson State leads, 29-9-1
Last meeting: at Alabama State 32, Jackson State 30 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: Jackson State senior Casey Therriault has been as advertised this season, throwing for 799 yards and six touchdowns. More importantly, he has led the Tigers to at 3-0 start, as the quest for perfection is even more important with Jackson State ineligible for the SWAC title (APR penalties).
In a normal season, this game would have been a determining factor in the SWAC East race. But with the Tigers' sanctions, Alabama State can likely lose this showdown and still make the championship game.
Alabama State has impressed this season and perhaps been overlooked by national pollsters. In addition to impressive wins against Mississippi Valley State and Grambling State, the Hornets hung tough with FBS opponent Eastern Michigan.
Prediction: Alabama State 31, Jackson State 30
Western Illinois Leathernecks (1-2, 0-0 MVC) at No. 2 Northern Iowa Panthers (1-1, 0-0 MVC), 5 p.m.
Series record: Northern Iowa leads, 26-13
Last meeting: at Western Illinois 30, Northern Iowa 14 (Nov. 20, 2010)
What to know: Turnover margin is often the mark of a good team, and for the No. 2-ranked Panthers it's a mantra to live by, as Garrett Scott leads a defense that has picked off six passes, and the offense, led by Tirrell Rennie, has yet to turn the ball over.
Redshirt freshman running back David Johnson is tied for fourth in the nation in scoring per game (12.0). He has scored four touchdowns this season to lead the Panthers through two games.
The Leathernecks are looking to rebound after a difficult 69-0 loss to Missouri last weekend. While the Panthers may not possess the offensive firepower that Western Illinois faced last week, they still could turn this into a laugher of a game.
Prediction: Northern Iowa 51, Western Illinois 17
Western Carolina Catamounts (1-1, 0-0 SoCon) at No. 1 Georgia Southern Eagles (2-0, 1-0 SoCon), 6 p.m.
Series record: Georgia Southern leads, 19-2
Last meeting: Georgia Southern 28, at Western Carolina 6 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: The top-ranked Eagles run the triple option to near perfection, averaging more than 300 yards a game while scoring 10 touchdowns on the ground. That doesn't bode well for the Catamounts as their defense has yielded 298.5 yards a game on the ground.
All that practice against the Eagles' offense has helped the defense, as Georgia Southern leads the nation in rush defense, only allowing 39.5 yards per game. Leading the way for the Eagles' defense is Derek Hayden, Deion Stanley and Darius Eubanks, who are tied for the team lead with 15 tackles each, as well as All-America nose tackle Brent Russell.
While Georgia Southern is strong against the run, its pass defense is suspect at times, so expect Western Carolina to try to exploit the advantage. Quarterback Brandon Pechloff has completed 37-of-62 passes for 502 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 38, Western Carolina 24
No. 20 Sam Houston State Bearkats (2-0) at New Mexico Lobos (0-3), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Against Central Arkansas, the Bearkats had a two-headed monster at running back in Tim Flanders and Richard Sincere, who each rushed for move than 100 yards, and combined for three touchdowns last week.
History might be on Sam Houston State's side, as New Mexico has struggled against teams from Texas, losing 12 straight to schools from the Lone Star State.
The Lobos have some interesting history against FCS teams. They had the first female to score a point in college football history when Katie Hnida kicked a pair of extra points in a 2003 win against Texas State.
Prediction: Sam Houston State 21, New Mexico 17
Eastern Illinois Panthers (1-2, 0-1 OVC) at No. 16 Jacksonville State Gamecocks (2-1, 1-0 OVC), 7 p.m. (ESPN3)
Series record: Tied, 4-4
Last meeting: Jacksonville State 28, at Eastern Illinois 23 (Sept. 25, 2010)
What to know: After losing starting quarterback Marques Ivory to an injury, the Gamecocks have been rescued by sophomore Coty Blanchard, who has helped lead Jacksonville State to 2-1 record while throwing for 452 yards and rushing for 102 more.
Eastern Illinois struggled to find anything in the terms of balance against Tennessee Tech, as the offense struggled to a negative-six yard performance on the ground.
Expect some points in this one as the Panthers and Gamecocks both have impressive streaks on not getting shut out. Jacksonville State hasn't been shut out in 114 games and Eastern Illinois' streak is 92.
Prediction: Jacksonville State 27, Eastern Illinois 24
No. 8 North Dakota State Bison (2-0) at Minnesota Gophers (1-2), 7 p.m. (Big Ten Network)
Series record: Minnesota leads, 8-1
Last meeting: North Dakota State 27, Minnesota 21 (Oct. 20, 2007)
What to know: Talk about a jump in competition for the Bison. After beating Lafayette and Saint Francis (Pa.) by a combined 98-9, North Dakota State heads to Minnesota, where they'll meet a Gophers team that gave Southern California a scare in Week 1.
North Dakota State is one of the more successful FCS programs when it comes to match-ups with FBS teams. It has a 4-3 record since 2006, posting wins against Minnesota, Ball State, Central Michigan and Kansas.
The Bison have considerable depth at running back, as D.J. McNorton is the starter and has rushed for three touchdowns already while Sam Ojuri has provided some pop off the bench, rushing for 240 yards and a touchdown.
Prediction: Minnesota 21, North Dakota State 20
Missouri State Bears (0-3, 0-1 MVC) at No. 14 Southern Illinois Salukis (1-1, 0-0 MVC), 7 p.m.
Series record: Missouri State leads, 17-16
Last meeting: at Missouri State 51, Southern Illinois 41 (Oct. 30, 2010)
What to know: This will be the first meeting in Carbondale since the Salukis played their final regular-season game in McAndrew Stadium, a 44-24 victory by Southern Illinois. Saturday's game will be played at Salukis Stadium, which opened last season.
Last week, the Bears witnessed how misleading of a stat time of possession can be, as Missouri State held the ball for 39:30 against Oregon, but still lost, 56-7.
The Salukis' offense is a balanced unit, as running back Steve Strother averages 98.5 yards a game on the ground and quarterback Paul McIntosh contributes an average of 294 yards of total offense. However, Strother and McIntosh won't get much help from the Bears' defense, as the unit has yet to commit a penalty this season.
Prediction: Southern Illinois 38, Missouri State 21
Texas State Bobcats (1-2) at No. 22 Stephen F Austin Lumberjacks (1-2), 7 p.m.
Series record: Texas State leads, 55-29-1
Last meeting: at Texas State 27, Stephen F Austin 24 (Oct. 30, 2010)
What to know: Ever since 1987, the Bobcats and Lumberjacks have met with important conference standings on the line. However, this season that isn't the case as Texas State will move to the WAC next season and is now a temporary FCS independent program. Texas State making the jump to the WAC, along with the loss to the Bobcats last season could be some added motivation for the Lumberjacks to send a message to their former Southland Conference rival.
It's the first game against an FCS team this season for Texas State, which has lost a pair of games to FBS opponents Wyoming and Texas Tech, in addition to gaining a win against Division II Tarleton State.
Stephen F. Austin has done a superb job of keeping quarterback Brady Attaway upright, as the sophomore signal-caller has only been sacked twice this season.
Prediction: Stephen F Austin 31, Texas State 27
Colgate Raiders (1-2) at Towson Tigers (2-0), 7 p.m.
Series record: Colgate leads, 9-0
Last meeting: at Colgate 27, Towson 17 (Oct. 20, 2007)
What to know: Colgate will be without All-America running back Nate Eachus for the second week. Eachus missed last week with an undisclosed injury, even though he dressed and went out for the coin toss. Danny Epstein will likely start in Eachus' place after rushing for 46 yards against Dartmouth.
Towson has looked impressive this season. Both the offense and defense have been superb for the Tigers, as they've outscored opponents on average by 30 points this season.
On defense, Towson is well rounded unit, with five different players who have recorded at least 11 tackles. Those players (Chris Patterson, Jordan Dangerfield, Romale Tucker, Franke Beltre and Alexander DiSanzo) also have forced turnovers, combining to recover four fumbles and one interception.
Prediction: Towson 38, Colgate 24
No. 12 James Madison Dukes (2-1, 0-0 CAA) at No. 6 William & Mary Tribe (2-1, 0-0 CAA), 7 p.m. (CSN-NE, CSN-MA)
Series record: James Madison leads, 18-15
Last meeting: at James Madison 30, William & Mary 24 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: The Tribe's offense has struggled to find the end zone this season, only scoring 13.3 points a game while having serious questions at quarterback. Michael Paulus has only completed 37.5 percent of his passes and could be in danger of losing his spot to Michael Graham (9 of 16, 174 yards).
With the questions on offense, William & Mary's defense will need another strong performance. It's good news for the Tribe that James Madison also has struggled on offense, averaging 17 points a game. All signs point to a low- scoring game.
In a close game - which is already sold out - it could come down to ball control and field position, a battle which could be won by William & Mary running back Jonathon Grimes, who is a dangerous runner and kick returner.
Prediction: James Madison 17, William & Mary 14
Samford Bulldogs (1-1, 0-1 SoCon) at No. 9 Wofford Terriers (1-1, 0-0 SoCon), 7 p.m.
Series record: Samford leads, 5-3
Last meeting: Wofford 10, at Samford 3 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: The top rushing attack from 2010, Wofford has picked up where it left off, rushing for an average of 312 yards a game behind a wingbone attack that often features a carry by seven different players. Eric Breitenstein is the leading rusher, having carried 41 times for 169 yards and two touchdowns.
While Wofford will run the ball often, Samford quarterback Dustin Taliaferro likes to spread the ball around, having connected with nine different receivers in each of the Bulldogs' first two games.
The Terriers' defense has forced six fumbles this season, but hasn't been able to capitalize on the loose balls, only recovering one.
Prediction: Wofford 27, Samford 13
No. 4 Montana State Bobcats (2-1, 0-0 Big Sky) at No. 21 Eastern Washington Eagles (0-3, 0-0 Big Sky), 7:05 p.m. (Max Media)
Series record: Eastern Washington leads, 25-9
Last meeting: at Montana State 30, Eastern Washington 7 (Sept. 25, 2010)
What to know: The Eagles return to the red turf at Roos Field desperate for a win, as an 0-4 start would put them in the difficult position to win seven straight to even make the playoffs. Luckily for Eastern Washington, "The Inferno" has produced victories - the Eagles went 8-0 on the new turf last season.
Eastern Washington quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has attempted more passes than any other player in the FCS, completing 103 of 178 for 1,079 yards and six touchdowns. However, Mitchell has thrown six interceptions, a number that isn't conducive to completing comebacks like Eastern Washington did so often last season.
Montana State has passed each test its faced this season, blowing out UC Davis and Minot State after losing to FBS opponent Utah in Week 1. If Eastern Washington's winning streak at home is to come to an end, it will probably be this weekend.
Prediction: Montana State 27, Eastern Washington 21
Southeastern Louisiana Lions (1-2, 0-0 Southland) at No. 19 McNeese State Cowboys (1-1,0-0 Southland), 8 p.m.
Series record: McNeese State leads, 21-15
Last meeting: McNeese State 13, at Southeastern Louisiana 10 (Oct. 23, 2010)
What to know: In last season's meeting, Cowboys kicker Josh Lewis converted on a 52-yard field goal as time expired to give McNeese State a close victory. In 2009, it also was a close contest, as the Cowboys pulled out a 36-35 victory. This season, the game could once again come down to a field goal.
It's not fare to judge the Lions' season yet, as they've lost a pair of games to FBS schools (Southern Mississippi and Tulane) and demolished Savannah State, 63-6. How that translates into a conference game remains to be seen.
McNeese is also a difficult team to judge, as Southeastern Louisiana will be the first FCS game on the schedule.
Prediction: Mcneese State 27, Southeastern Louisiana 24
No. 23 Southern Utah Thunderbirds (2-1) at UNLV Rebels (1-2), 9 p.m. (The Mountain)
Series record: UNLV leads, 3-0
Last meeting: at UNLV 28, Southern Utah 6 (Sept. 19, 1970)
What to know: UNLV coach Bobby Hauck if familiar with the FCS level, having coached at Montana for seven seasons, reaching three national championship games for the Grizzlies. Hauck has a 2-0 career mark against Southern Utah.
After more than 10 years, the Thunderbirds are back in The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 after opening the season with a close loss to South Dakota State and a pair of impressive wins against Sacramento State and UTSA. Southern Utah was last ranked (24th) on Sept. 14, 1998.
Southern Utah quarterback Brad Sorenson has impressed the past two weeks, but much of that credit belongs to his offensive line that allowed four sacks in Week 1 and only one since.
Prediction: UNLV 31, Southern Utah 24
No. 10 Montana Grizzlies (2-1, 1-0 Big Sky) at Sacramento State Hornets (1-2, 0-1 Big Sky), 9:05 p.m. (KPAX)
Series record: Montana leads, 16-0
Last meeting: at Montana 28, Sacramento State 25 (Sept. 25, 2010)
What to know: Sacramento State has been a difficult team to understand this season, particularly on the offensive side on the ball. In the season-opening upset of Oregon State ,the Hornets passed for 296 yards and rushed for 71. In Week 2, it was reversed, with 71 passing yards and 208 rushing yards. In Week 3, it appeared Sacramento State had found balance (230 passing yards, 208 rushing), but failed to defeat Weber State.
Montana sophomore quarterback Jordan Johnson has been impressive in his first season as a starter, passing for 500 yards and, more importantly, only throwing two interceptions - a skill many young quarterbacks struggle with.
Caleb McSurdy has been, well, absurd on the defensive side of the ball, leading the Grizzlies with 42 tackles, 20 more than the next leading tackler.
Prediction: Montana 24, Sacramento State 14
Last week: 19-5 (.791)
Overall: 63-15 (.807)
09/22 04:48:51 ET
