Around the FCS: Who's Next?

By Most of us are still dealing with the information hangover in the wake of Appalachian State's 34-32 victory over Michigan. But as we head into the second full week of the season Sep 7, 2007, 14:50 GMT

Philadelphia, PA - So what do we do for encore?

Most of us are still dealing with the information hangover in the wake of Appalachian State's 34-32 victory over Michigan. But as we head into the second full week of the season, the question is who's next?

As big as ASU's win was and as much attention as it received, why not expect someone else to step up and make some more upset noise this weekend?

It isn't out of the question to think Eastern Illinois could beat Purdue, or Northern Iowa could stomp Iowa State. It's not too much to expect victories by Maine over Connecticut, Western Illinois against Illinois, or Northern Arizona at Arizona. How about Grambling making a statement at Pittsburgh, Cal Poly smashing Idaho or Southern Illinois getting the best of Northern Illinois?

I'll go out on a limb and say that one or two of these FCS teams WILL win on Saturday. Such a victory might not get the national attention that Appalachian State's performance at the Big House did last Saturday and there might not be any cover pictures on Sports Illustrated, but it still will show what a competitive brand of football is played at the FCS level.

Speaking of SI covers, Appalachian State wide receiver Dexter Jackson became the first FCS player to appear on an SI cover since Alcorn State quarterback Steve McNair was featured during his fantastic run in 1994. McNair seemed to have avoided the dreaded SI curse, so maybe Jackson will as well.

Maybe the curse only applies to FBS players and teams. Michigan's Mike Hart was on one of SI's regional covers for its football preview in August. Hart gained 188 yards and scored three touchdowns, but he missed part of the game with a bruised thigh and had to watch in horror when the Mountaineers pulled out their dramatic win.

Dramatics were a theme last week, as Nicholls State and Drake also scored major victories. In most weeks, Nicholls' 16-14 win over FBS school Rice and Drake's 27-24 stunner against then-seventh-ranked Illinois State would have been fighting for story of the week honors.

In one game alone, you had Delaware running back Omar Cuff score an FCS- record-tying seven touchdowns, while William & Mary quarterback Jake Phillips was establishing a new school passing record.

If you were an FCS fan last weekend, you couldn't have asked for a better start to the season. And now it's time for another weekend of excitement.

KICKING THINGS OFF

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alcorn State

The SWAC didn't waste any time getting the conference season going last weekend. Mississippi Valley State outlasted Arkansas-Pine Bluff 16-9, Grambling throttled Alcorn State 31-10 and Prairie View toppled Texas Southern 34-14.

Alcorn State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff will get a second chance at a league win and a chance to get their offenses untracked when they meet on Thursday night in a nationally televised game.

Alcorn State was scorched by the passing game of Grambling, giving up 303 yards and four touchdown passes. The Braves trailed 24-0 in third quarter before finally scoring, but they managed just 100 yards rushing and 255 yards of total offense.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff settled down after Mississippi Valley State raced to a 16-3 halftime lead, but the Golden Lions didn't generate enough consistent offense to win. Kenneth Esaw's three-yard scoring run with 9:35 left in the fourth quarter made it a one-touchdown game, but APBU couldn't get any closer.

With both teams having already lost once in league play, this one is crucial to both squads. Look for APBU quarterback Chris Wallace (14-of-27 for 154 yards) to have a big game as the Golden Lions win.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff 28, Alcorn State 14

Missouri State at No. 20 Tennessee-Martin

Missouri State is in the second year of a rebuilding program under coach Terry Allen, one of the most successful coaches in FCS during his days at Northern Iowa. The Bears feature one of the least experienced teams in FCS, but managed a 62-17 victory over Missouri-Rolla last week.

The Bears piled up 690 yards of offense as Jonathan Davis ran for 113 yards, Gerald Davis rushed for 110 yards and four TDs. Matt Krapfl was 8-of-12 for 200 yards and a touchdown, while Tamark McElvane grabbed four of those passes for 139 yards, including a 55-yard scoring strike from Krapl.

But Missouri State has to be concerned with allowing 17 points to Missouri- Rolla, including one touchdown on a 94-yard kickoff return.

The Bears may have limited Missouri-Rolla to 102 yards rushing, but it might not be so easy to keep Tennessee-Martin's Donald Chapman down. Chapman, a Payton Award candidate, has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons and will be itching to break loose after Southern Mississippi held him to 20 yards on 12 carries.

The Skyhawks only had 72 yards rushing in their 35-13 loss and 31 of those came on one play - a 31-yard reverse by Jesse Burton.

Despite their troubles on the ground, the Skyhawks led 6-0 early in the second quarter and trailed just 14-6 at halftime. But Southern Mississippi took charge in the second half and ran away with a 35-13 victory.

This Ohio Valley Conference-Gateway Conference matchup is interesting on several fronts. It is a chance for Missouri State to show it is making strides, while it is an opportunity for UTM to show its run to a share of the OVC title and the playoffs last season was no fluke. Considering how much that OVC teams have struggled against Gateway opponents in recent years, it is also a prestige thing for the Skyhawks.

Look for Tennessee-Martin to get Chapman going on the way to a victory.

Tennessee-Martin 31, Missouri State 14

SATURDAY'S BEST FCS VS. FBS MATCHUPS

No. 8 Northern Iowa at Iowa State

Northern Iowa has been looking forward to this game ever since last season's heartbreaking 28-27 to the Cyclones. The Panthers led almost the entire game before a late ISU comeback, and then just missed a last-second field goal that would have won the game.

Iowa State won't overlook the Panthers this time around, but Northern Iowa has the talent to challenge the Cyclones again. Northern Iowa opened with a solid 41-14 victory over Minnesota State, piling up 503 yards of total offense, including 295 from senior quarterback Eric Sanders.

The Panthers are balanced on offense with Sanders throwing and the tandem of Corey Lewis and Darian Williams running the ball. And UNI plays good enough defense to keep things close as well.

Northern Iowa 31, Iowa State 21

No. 11 Southern Illinois at Northern Illinois

The Salukis have been a thorn in the flesh for FBS teams in the past, beating Indiana 35-28 last season.

Northern Illinois remembers SIU very well. The Salukis had a receiver fall and drop an open two-point conversion pass two years ago against NIU in the final seconds of a 23-22 game.

Southern Illinois rolled over Quincy 59-14 last Thursday to get off to a fine start. But this is a less experienced Saluki team than in recent years and that will likely prove crucial against NIU, which won't overlook SIU this time.

Northern Illinois 27, Southern Illinois 14

No. 12 Eastern Illinois at Purdue

Eastern Illinois got its season off to a great start with a 45-24 victory over Tennessee Tech in an OVC game. Cole Stinson was 19-of-26 for 308 yards, and Micah Rucker caught nine of them for 169 yards for the Panthers. Stinson and Rucker hooked up on two TD passes of 31 and 18 yards.

The biggest concern against Purdue's spread attack, however, will be pass defense. Tennessee Tech sophomore quarterback Lee Sweeney was 28-of-41 for 302 yards and two TDs, though he was intercepted twice.

EIU should be able to throw on the Boilermakers and Rucker might get free for a couple of scoring plays, but the Panthers will probably struggle to run the ball and will likely have trouble defending Purdue.

Purdue 42, Eastern Illinois 17

No. 22 Cal Poly at Idaho

After a tough trip to Texas State, Cal Poly now faces an FBS school. But the Mustangs might have a better chance in this game than they did last week.

Still, Idaho had a few good moments in a loss to USC and the Vandals must be encouraged going up against a team that was flogged for over 500 yards of total offense in the 38-35 loss to Texas State.

Cal Poly needs to get running backs James Noble and Ryan Mole going, but already has receiver Ramses Barden in top form. The Mustangs will score points, but need to find defensive answers.

Idaho 45, Cal Poly 31

No. 24 Western Illinois at Illinois

Western Illinois needed four overtimes to win a memorable game at home against future Gateway member South Dakota State last Thursday. After blowing a lead in the final 38 seconds, the Leathernecks finally outlasted the Jackrabbits, 29-26.

Quarterback Matt Barr rushed for 114 yards and one TD and was 18-of-24 passing for 128 yards and another score. Payton Award candidate Herb Donaldson rushed 28 times for 103 yards and kicker Taylor Rowan converted three field goals in overtime after kicking two in the fourth quarter.

But WIU may have expended too much energy in that win to have enough left for Illinois. The talent gap might not be that great in this game, but Illinois should have enough for a much-needed win.

Illinois 30, Western Illinois 17

Maine at Connecticut

Turn back the clock and you immediately think about this one being a nice Yankee Conference game. But times have changed and UConn now competes in the Big East, while the Yankee has evolved into the Atlantic 10 and the A-10 has given football to the Colonial Athletic Association.

UConn has probably done better than many of us expected as an FBS competitor, but this should be a competitive game. Maine's defense has the capacity to keep the Black Bears in every contest, and the Black Bears have done well in the past in matchups with those 85-scholarship schools.

You think Mississippi State remembers Maine after the Black Bears shut them down a few years ago?

Maine struggled at times offensively with rookie quarterback Michael Brusko in a 21-14 victory over a good Monmouth team last week. Brusko was 11-of-19 for just 64 yards, but Jhamal Fluellen and Brusko combined for 234 yards rushing from the spread offense.

UConn will likely wear Maine down in this one, but watch out if the Black Bear defense gets rolling.

Connecticut 24, Maine 14

Northern Arizona at Arizona

Another team that has a reputation for making things tough on FBS teams is Northern Arizona. The Lumberjacks nearly beat Arizona four years ago and outplayed Arizona State for three quarters last season before finally losing.

Northern Arizona got a chance to break in new quarterback Lance Kriesien (16- of-26, 188 yards and two TDs) in a 47-0 victory over Western New Mexico, but the Lumberjacks now embark on a tough scheduling stretch that includes road games at Arizona and Appalachian State in back-to-back weeks.

The Lumberjacks have the talent to challenge Arizona and make this an interesting game, with the likes of wide receiver Alex Watson (eight catches, 133 yards and two TDs) and running back Alex Henderson (15 carries, 98 yards).

This could be the year for NAU to finally win one of these games, just as Appalachian State finally broke through at Michigan.

Northern Arizona 21, Arizona 17

Grambling at Pittsburgh

Grambling has challenged itself often through the years with FBS games, But in recent seasons, the Tigers haven't been very competitive against 85- scholarship teams.

The Tigers looked like a typical Grambling team in Rod Broadway's first game as coach last Saturday, beating Alcorn State 31-10 behind a big passing game. Brandon Landers was 19-of-36 for 303 yards and four TDs and receiver Reginald Jackson hauled in six of those tosses for 198 yards and touchdowns of 44 and 69 yards.

Grambling also got a boost from Frank Warren, who balanced the attack with 143 yards on 30 carries.

Pittsburgh's defense will probably slow down the Tiger passing attack, and Warren won't likely have a 100-yard game in this one. Grambling will also find that Pittsburgh's offense will not be as anemic as Alcorn State's was in week one.

This will likely be another tough game for Grambling.

Pittsburgh 49, Grambling 24

Top-25 Games

Lenior-Rhyne at No. 1 Appalachian State

ASU will take on an old rival when Division II Lenoir-Rhyne travels an hour up the mountain and witnesses the first advance sellout in Kidd Brewer Stadium history.

But don't expect any letdowns by the Mountaineers after last week's earth- shaking win at Michigan, as the reserves get lots of playing time in this one.

Appalachian State 63, Lenoir-Rhyne 0

No. 2 Massachusetts at Colgate

The Minutemen got control of things early against a good Holy Cross squad last week, but then had to hold on for a 40-30 win. Colgate, meanwhile, struggled to knock off Albany 13-11.

Quarterback Liam Coen should be able to take advantage of matchup problems for the Colgate defense, and that should prove to be the difference for UMass.

Whatever happens, fans can watch some of the best individual talent in FCS as Coen, linebacker Jason Hatchell and tackle Matt Austin line up for UMass and linebacker Mike Gallihugh and Jordan Scott show up for Colgate.

Massachusetts 28, Colgate 17

Fort Lewis at No. 3 Montana

This is a game that generated much derision from fans and critics of Montana football alike. But the Grizzlies will have another packed house at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Montana was pleased with the performance of Lex Hilliard in his first game back after missing the 2006 season with Achilles tendon surgery. Hilliard rushed for 108 yards on 22 carries and quarterback Cole Bergquist went 15- of-22 for 150 yards and two scores.

But the Grizzlies struggled to put Southern Utah away. It was 14-9 in the third quarter before Montana scored 20 points in the fourth to finish off the Thunderbirds.

Montana gave up 218 passing yards to SUU quarterback Wes Marshall, but did intercept three passes and recover a fumble.

The Grizzlies won't be challenged in the least by Fort Lewis, but will hope to see more consistency.

Montana 66, Fort Lewis 10

Stephen F. Austin at No. 4 North Dakota State

Expectations are high after last year's 10-1 season at North Dakota State, even though the Bison lost a bunch of talent, including running back Kyle Steffes and safety Craig Dahl. But the Bison should have little trouble in this season opener.

SFA was embarrassed 27-24 by Division II Tarleton State last week and won't find things any easier against one of the top teams in FCS.

North Dakota State 28, Stephen F. Austin 14

South Dakota State at No. 6 Youngstown State

South Dakota State found out how tough the Gateway will be next season in its four-overtime loss to Youngstown State. It will be out of the frying pan and into the fire for the Jackrabbits this Saturday.

Playing in one of the toughest road venues in FCS and meeting a Youngstown State team coming off a tough loss at Ohio State, the timing probably couldn't have been worse.

Ryan Berry must cut down on interceptions to give the Jackrabbits any chance in this game. He threw three against Western Illinois, including one that ended the game in the fourth overtime.

If the game is tight, however, kicker Parker Douglass is a huge weapon. He hit all four field goal attempts and two extra points last week.

Tom Zetts gives YSU a consistent, proven leader and that may be the edge for the Penguins in this solid pre-conference matchup.

Youngstown State 24, South Dakota State 17

No. 9 Furman at Hofstra

Furman and Hofstra turned in one of the most entertaining games of the 2005 season when the host Paladins outlasted the Pride in overtime. But much has changed for Hofstra since that game.

Joe Gardi retired as coach after the 2005 campaign and Hofstra stumbled to a 5-6 record last season under new coach Dave Cohen. Furman, meanwhile, is the same powerhouse it has been in recent years.

The Paladins rolled to a 40-16 victory over Presbyterian in their opener last week, while Hofstra had an off week. The Pride should be better defensively, but this is a tough way to start the season.

Furman 21, Hofstra 10

West Chester at No. 13 Delaware

After watching Delaware dismantle William & Mary's defense, with Cuff scoring seven TDs, you have to wonder what chance West Chester has? This one could get real ugly real fast and might remain ugly throughout.

It might give the Blue Hens' suspect defense an opportunity to gain some confidence, too.

Delaware 72, West Chester 14

Charleston Southern at No. 14 Wofford

Wofford had its ups and downs in a win over Georgetown, Ky., while Charleston Southern played with a lot of heart with four defensive starters out with injuries against The Citadel.

Wofford should be able to keep the ball away from CSU's attack and give its defense plenty of rest. Charleston Southern needs a quick start and an early lead to force the Terriers out of their run-oriented game.

Wofford 21, Charleston Southern 10

No. 15 Hampton at Howard

Hampton and Howard both open the season on Saturday in this MEAC showdown. Hampton may have lost a ton of talent, including linebacker Justin Durant and running back Alonzo Coleman, but there is still plenty of talent left to give the Pirates hopes for another fine season.

Defensive end Kendall Langford is one of the best pass rushers in FCS and will lead what should be another strong defense. Kevin Beverly has had his moments as a running back in the past and should key the offense.

Howard is rebuilding under new coach Craig Bailey and the challenges will be big for the Bison this season. Hampton is probably the last team in the MEAC that Howard would desire to play in the opener.

Hampton 42, Howard 14

Arkansas-Monticello at No. 16 Sam Houston State

Sam Houston State was less than impressive in a 17-13 win against Angelo State, though the Bearkats did seem to find a replacement for D.D. Terry with Chris Poullard rushing for 131 yards. SHSU also brushed a little rust off quarterback Rhett Bomar, who returned to play for the first time since transferring from Oklahoma and was 16-of-24 for 204 yards with one TD and one interception.

The Bearkats have an easier time this weekend, but real tests loom in the future.

Sam Houston State 49, Arkansas-Monticello 7

Murray State at No. 17 Illinois State

It was a disastrous opener for Illinois State, which lost to non-scholarship Drake 27-24 on a late touchdown pass and fell 10 spots in the Top-25. Quarterback Luke Drone had a shaky opener and was again plagued with the interception problems that hurt him down the stretch in 2006.

Murray State is rebuilding its program under Matt Griffin, who was 1-10 in his first year. It is hard to know how improved the Racers are after last week's 73-10 loss to Louisville.

It probably isn't the most opportune time for Murray State to be playing this game against an angry Redbird squad.

Illinois State 35, Murray State 17

UC Davis at No. 18 Portland State

Two struggling teams meet in a key early season game for both programs. Portland State figures to have a large crowd on hand for Jerry Glanville's home coaching debut and the Vikings need a strong performance to keep their support in place.

Portland State struggled offensively in a season-opening 35-12 loss to tough McNeese State, but then a lot of teams have trouble offensively in Lake Charles, La.

The run and shoot takes some time to develop and the Vikings should be a little better in game two, but Portland State took a huge hit when fullback Bobby McClintock was lost for the season with torn knee ligaments.

UC Davis christened a new stadium last Saturday at home and then went out and lost to Division II Western Washington, 28-21. After giving up 361 yards of passing to Western Washington, the Aggies might struggle against PSU's attack.

Portland State 35, UC Davis 20

Abilene Christian at No. 19 Texas State

Texas State probably earned an easy game after a strong 38-35 win over Cal Poly last Saturday. The Bobcats got a spark from running back Stan Zwinggi, who rushed for 159 yards, including a 92-yard TD scamper.

Overall, TSU piled up 510 yards against what is normally one of the FCS's best defenses. Karrington Bush also was effective on the ground with 136 yards.

Against a weak Abilene Christian squad, the Bobcats should get a good look at a lot of youngsters.

Texas State 56, Abilene Christian 7

Southern Arkansas at No. 25 Nicholls State

Riding high after beating Rice, the Colonels can work on the intricacies of the spread triple option in this one. This isn't likely to be much more than a glorified scrimmage.

Nicholls State 55, Southern Arkansas 0

Game of the Week

No. 5 New Hampshire at No. 10 James Madison

This is a matchup full of intrigue as two CAA powerhouses square off in a game worthy of a playoff encounter.

New Hampshire has a tough contest to open its season with, but the Wildcats have quarterback Ricky Santos, running back Chad Kackert and a host of other offensive talent to attack what is normally one of the CAA's best defenses.

JMU went into last week's game with North Carolina brimming with confidence, but stumbled to a 37-14 loss. Rookie quarterback Rodney Landers was 14-of-22 for 100 yards and one TD and rushed 14 times for 71 yards and another score, but he was intercepted twice. Eugene Holloman added 82 yards rushing on 23 carries.

But the Dukes had trouble with the North Carolina passing attack, something that doesn't bode well when facing Santos.

New Hampshire 38, James Madison 28

Quick Hits

Northeastern 17, Richmond 14 Lehigh 21, Villanova 20 William & Mary 35, VMI 14 Army 35, Rhode Island 21 Monmouth 21, Robert Morris 14 Lafayette 28, Georgetown 10 Sacred Heart 34, La Salle 7 Wagner 21, Iona 17 Morehead State 28, St. Francis 17 Jacksonville State 28, Chattanooga 21 Towson 48, Morgan State 7 South Carolina State 21, Bethune-Cookman 16 Southern 28, Mississippi Valley State 17 North Carolina A&T 21, Prairie View 14 Bucknell 31, Stony Brook 20 Eastern Kentucky 24, Western Carolina 14 Delaware State 28, Florida A&M 21 Albany 17, Fordham 14 Indiana State 27, Austin Peay 7 Gardner-Webb 38, Jacksonville 21 Kansas 49, Southeastern Louisiana 10 Coastal Carolina 31, Winston-Salem State 14 Tennessee State 31, Jackson State 14 Northwestern State 28, Central Arkansas 16 Alabama State 28, Texas Southern 24 San Diego 42, Marist 16

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