In the FCS Huddle: Week 7 Preview

By Sean Shapiro, FCS Assistant
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Ten years ago it would have involved a VCR and a blank tape. Today you could probably hit the record button on your DVR or computer.
Either way, Southwestern Athletic Conference fans might want to find a way to get a copy of Saturday's Prairie View A&M at Alabama State game, because it's likely the preview for the SWAC Championship on Dec. 10.
At 5-0 in the SWAC East Division, Alabama State already has a two-game lead in the race to avenge its championship game loss last season. Prairie View A&M (4-1) has jumped out to a lead in the West.
And while neither coach would call it a precursor to the championship, both realize the tough task that lies ahead.
"Prairie View is a good team, that is well coached," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "Coach (Heishma) Northern has done a good job of preparing them; they play hard."
"We don't get a ring for last Saturday (win against Southern)," Northern said. "We have to get ready to play the top team in black college football and the top team in the East. We're excited for that long bus trip and the chance to compete."
Awaiting the Panthers at the end of the 12-hour bus trip is a Hornets team that prides itself on creating and capitalizing on turnovers.
Extending their streak of forcing a turnover to 25 games in a lopsided, 43-29 win against Texas Southern, the Hornets have put the rest of the SWAC on notice that ball protection may be the more important aspect to winning the conference.
"You have to protect the ball," Northern said. "Especially with them, they've got some ball hawks on defense and they'll just pounce on it."
Saeed Lee is the current leader of the Hornets' top-ranked turnover-generating machine (FCS-leading 25 takeaways this season), grabbing four interceptions in the past three games, all wins for Alabama State.
"Our coaches do a good job of putting them in a position to make plays," Barlow said. "But they also have to make the play, knock the ball out, make the interception. Part of that is they watch film and do a good job of knowing where and when to be."
Having watched film, the Hornets' defense is probably excited to host the Panthers, who have turned the ball over 17 times this season (11 fumbles, 6 interceptions).
However, even with the turnovers, Prairie View A&M has been able to come out ahead in close games this season, winning a pair of games on late field goals that Northern said, "Helped keep the blood pressure medicine companies in business."
And with two of the SWAC's best locking horns, the Panthers could once again find themselves in a close, one-score game.
Whoever loses will have revenge on their mind. Something they should get a shot at on Dec. 10 in the SWAC Championship.
The following is a game-by-game breakdown for The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 and other select games:
SATURDAY, OCT. 15
No. 6 New Hampshire Wildcats (4-1, 2-0 CAA) at No. 16 William & Mary Tribe (3-3, 1-2 CAA), noon (COX 11)
Series record: William & Mary leads, 12-2
Last meeting: William & Mary 13, at New Hampshire 3 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: The Wildcats' Kevin Decker has been the CAA's best quarterback, leading the FCS in points responsible for (24 ppg) and CAA Football in total offense (336.2 ypg), passing yards (295.6 ypg) and completions (22.4 cpg).
New Hampshire freshman wide receiver R.J. Harris has developed into one of the best pass catchers in the FCS, ranked fourth in the nation in yards (115.8 ypg). The freshman is a member of the inaugural Jerry Rice Award (sponsored by Fathead.com) Watch List.
This is a must-win game for the Tribe if they wish to make the FCS playoffs. With a tough five-game stretch to end the season and a win against Division II New Haven, it appears difficult for William & Mary to reach seven Division I wins and earn a bid.
Prediction: New Hampshire 31, William & Mary 21
No. 8 Lehigh Mountain Hawks (5-1) at Fordham Rams (1-4), 1 p.m.
Series record: Lehigh leads, 21-2
Last meeting: at Lehigh 21, Fordham 17 (Oct. 9, 2010)
What to know: When you talk about Lehigh, the conversation starts with quarterback Chris Lum. Leading the nation in passing yards (2,177) and touchdowns (23), Lum had been one of the most dominant quarterbacks in the FCS.
A beneficiary of his quarterback's stellar season, wide receiver Ryan Spadola has been targeted often, hauling in 48 passes for 882 yards (147 ypg) and an FCS-leading nine touchdown receptions.
Fordham is in its second season of awarding scholarships and is ineligible for the Patriot League title. This game will not count in the standings.
Prediction: Lehigh 31, Fordham 17
Rhode Island Rams (1-4, 0-2 CAA) at No. 12 Maine Black Bears (4-1, 2-0), 1 p.m.
Series record: Maine leads, 52-34-3
Last meeting: Maine 28, at Rhode Island 23 (Oct. 23, 2010)
What to know: One of the three teams picked at the bottom of the CAA to start the season, Maine is the most likely of the three (Old Dominion, Towson) to actually win the conference this season. Already with upsets against Delaware and James Madison, the Black Bears are favored for the first time in conference play this season.
Black Bears running back Pushaun Brown has pieced together a fantastic year for a ball-control, grind-it-out offense. Rushing for six touchdowns and 536 yards (107.2 ypg), Brown provides a nice insurance policy for quarterback Warren Smith (246 ypg).
While Maine has charged its way up the CAA standings, Rhode Island has taken a more pedestrian role, and frankly the 1-4 start isn't that surprising for a team leaving for the Northeast Conference in 2013.
Prediction: Maine 31, Rhode Island 13
Robert Morris Colonials (2-3, 2-0 NEC) at Albany Great Danes (3-2, 2-0), 1 p.m.
Series record: Tied, 6-6
Last meeting: at Robert Morris 38, Albany 0 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: A win against Robert Morris would give Albany an early lead in the NEC and install the Great Danes as the favorites to make the FCS playoffs. With a win, Albany would hold tiebreakers against Robert Morris and Duquesne, and the Great Danes could then afford to lose one NEC game during the course of the season.
When thinking about both programs, their legendary coaches immediately come to mind. Bob Ford, who won his 250th career game last week against Duquesne, is the only coach in Albany history, while Joe Walton has been at the helm for all 18 years of Robert Morris' history.
It seems a bye week in Week 4 was all Robert Morris needed to get back on track. Prior to their bye, the Colonials had lost five straight games (dating back to last season). Since then, Robert Morris has won back-to-back NEC contests.
Prediction: Albany 31, Robert Morris 24
Bucknell Bison (4-2) at Harvard Crimson (3-1), 1 p.m.
Series record: Harvard leads, 4-3-1
Last meeting: Bucknell 24, at Harvard 20 (Oct. 4, 1997)
What to know: Two of the best rush defenses in the FCS will go head-to-head in what could be a low-scoring, punt-filled contest. Harvard (70.5 ypg) is ranked fourth in the FCS in rush defense, while Bucknell is slightly better at second (62.3 ypg).
Against Lehigh, Bucknell's Josh Eden blocked his eighth career extra point, a new FCS record. Eden has 10 total blocked kicks in his career, which is seven short of the FCS record.
With Bucknell's rush defense, expect Harvard quarterback Colton Chapple to throw the ball often. The Crimson's signal-caller passed for 414 yards and four touchdowns against Cornell last weekend.
Prediction: Bucknell 23, Harvard 21
Virginia-Wise Cavaliers (4-2) at No. 5 Wofford Terriers (4-1), 1:30 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: This game has blowout written all over it, as the Terriers' dangerous triple-option (359.60 ypg) hosts a NAIA school that has struggled to stop the run this season (197 ypg).
In addition to the offense's impending point production, the Terriers' defense (22.8 ppg, 313.40 ypg) is also likely to have a big game as the Cavaliers struggle to score (23.8 ppg), only mustering a pair of touchdowns the past two weeks.
If Wofford has struggled in any area this season, it's penalties. The Terriers have averaged 6.80 flags per game (up 4.46 from last year).
Prediction: Wofford 62, Virginia-Wise 10
No. 7 Appalachian State Mountaineers (3-2, 1-1 SoCon) at The Citadel Bulldogs (2-3, 1-3), 2 p.m.
Series record: Appalachian State leads, 28-11
Last meeting: at Appalachian State 39, The Citadel 10 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: Appalachian State starting quarterback DeAndre Presley is questionable after bruising his right (throwing) shoulder against Wofford. If Presley can't go, sophomore Jamal Jackson (five total TDs) will get the start.
In addition to giving Presley the extra time for healing, the bye week may have given Appalachian State a chance to fix its option defense (which The Citadel runs). Against Wofford, the Mountaineers' defense allowed 388 yards on 71 carries.
No matter which quarterback runs the offense, the Mountaineers will need to turn around a unit that has just two offensive touchdowns since Sept. 24.
Prediction: Appalachian State 24, The Citadel 14
Prairie View A&M Panthers (4-2, 4-1 SWAC West) at No. 24 Alabama State Hornets (5-1, 5-0 SWAC East), 2 p.m.
Series record: Alabama State leads, 21-4-1
Last meeting: Alabama State 18, at Prairie View A&M 16 (Sept. 18, 2010)
What to know: Alabama State cornerback Saeed Lee has been a dominant defensive force the past three weeks, picking off four passes and returning one for a touchdown against Jackson State.
With the hardest part of the schedule out of the way, the Hornets will play five of their final six games in the state of Alabama - good news for a team that will likely reach the SWAC Championship game.
Prairie View A&M is the team most likely to meet the Hornets in that championship game, giving SWAC fans an early look into the future of the conference.
Prediction: Alabama State 26, Prairie View A&M 19
Nicholls State Colonels (1-5, 0-3 Southland) at No. 10 Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-0, 2-0), 3 p.m.
Series record: Sam Houston State leads, 14-11-1
Last meeting: Sam Houston State 26, at Nicholls State 7 (Oct. 9, 2010)
What to know: One of the three remaining undefeated teams in the FCS, Sam Houston's defense has been superb against the run, leading the nation in yards per game (46) and per carry (2.17). The Bearkats also rank third nationally in scoring defense, yielding just 15.6 ppg.
With nine touchdowns and 546 yards (109.2 ypg), Tim Flanders may not be on the Walter Payton Award (sponsored by Fathead.com) Watch List, but his school sure thinks he should, having launched a "Tim Flanders for Walter Payton Award" page on Facebook.
Poor second and third quarters have doomed the Colonels this season. Getting outscored 108-52 in the middle frames hasn't helped Nicholls State's 1-5 start.
Prediction: Sam Houston State 41, Nicholls State 17
Furman Paladins (3-2, 2-1 SoCon) at No. 1 Georgia Southern Eagles (5-0, 4-0), 3 p.m. (ESPN 3)
Series record: Georgia Southern leads, 14-8
Last meeting: Georgia Southern 32, at Furman 28 (Nov. 20, 2010)
What to know: These two programs met for the first time in the 1985 FCS (then I-AA) Championship, a game which was won by the Eagles. Ever since, Furman and Georgia Southern have met with national implications on the line. Last season, the Eagles needed a fourth-quarter rally to defeat Furman and secure an FCS playoff berth, which eventually led to an appearance in the national semifinals.
Furman quarterback Chris Forcier has been one of the FCS' most efficient passers, completing 70.4 percent of his passes for 1,027 yards. Even more impressive is Forcier's 5-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and the fact nearly 20 percent (19.7) of his completions have resulted in touchdowns.
Not only is Georgia Southern ranked on top of The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25, but the Eagles are ranked in the Top 20 for nine different team categories, including rushing offense (374.8 ypg) and defense (93.20 ypg).
Prediction: Georgia Southern 38, Furman 27
Northern Arizona LumberJacks (2-3, 1-2 Big Sky) at No. 3 Montana State Bobcats (5-1, 3-0), 3:05 p.m (Max Media)
Series record: Northern Arizona leads, 24-21
Last meeting: at Northern Arizona 34, Montana State 7 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: At first glance, it would appear this game would be loaded with offense, especially considering Northern Arizona's Big Sky-leading attack (449.8 ypg) and Montana State is explosive at home (37.3 ppg, 489.1 ypg). However, Montana State has the best defense in the conference (300.2 ypg) and could limit the Lumberjacks.
While Montana State is a highly ranked title contender, Northern Arizona has been the better team in the head-to-head match-up with the Bobcats. In defeating Montana State, 34-7, last season and winning the last two games in Bozeman, it would appear Northern Arizona has the Bobcats' number.
Montana State quarterback DeNarius McGhee has thrown for a touchdown in 18 consecutive games, including a four-touchdown performance against Portland State last weekend.
Prediction: Montana State 38, Northern Arizona 27
Portland State Vikings (3-2, 2-1 Big Sky) at No. 14 Montana Grizzlies (4-2, 3-1), 3:05 p.m. (KPAX)
Series record: Montana leads, 27-11
Last meeting: Montana 23, at Portland State 21 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: Facing a pair of pass-oriented offenses the past two weeks (Idaho State and Northern Colorado), the Grizzlies defense will have to adjust for the Vikings' run-heavy attack (292.8 ypg). Last week, Idaho State rushed for negative-26 yards, but that only included two designed running back carries. Expect the Vikings' Cory McCaffrey (125.6 ypg) and Connor Kavanaugh (103.8 ypg) to have a big game.
The Vikings may have a chip on their shoulder after getting stopped on a potential game-tying two-point conversion in a 38-36 loss to Montana State. Portland State also can draw motivation from the last-second, 23-21 loss to Montana last season.
Brody McKnight, who kicked the game-winning field goal against Portland State last season, has a strong leg (4-for-4 on field goals last week) and could once again be the difference-maker in a close contest.
Prediction: Portland State 27, Montana 25
Western Illinois Leathernecks (2-3, 1-1 MVC) at No. 21 Indiana State Sycamores (4-2, 2-1), 3:05 p.m.
Series record: Western Illinois leads, 21-13
Last meeting: at Western Illinois 40, Indiana State (Sept. 25, 2010)
What to know: It took two weeks for Shakir Bell to get consistent touches for Indiana State and ever since the sophomore has rushed for 221, 256, 199 and 145 yards. He left last week's loss to Northern Iowa with a concussion in the second quarter, but practiced on Monday. With a healthy Bell, the Sycamores will be tough to stop.
With losses at Missouri, Sam Houston State and Northern Iowa, the Leathernecks are likely better than their 2-3 record. But with the 112th-ranked rushing defense (227.2 ypg) in the nation, it'll be tough to beat the Sycamore.
Western Illinois' receiver Terrium Crump (113 ypg) will likely draw the attention of the Sycamores' secondary. This season, the senior has averaged an impressive 21.7 yards per reception.
Prediction: Indiana State 27, Western Illinois 17
No. 17 Towson Tigers (4-1, 2-0 CAA) at No. 18 Old Dominion Monarchs (5-1, 2-1), 3:30 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Before the season started, Old Dominion and Towson were tabbed to finish at the bottom of the CAA standings. But after the teams have combined for a 9-1 start, it's conceivable one of these teams could make its first-ever FCS playoff appearance.
While Towson and Old Dominion are meeting for the first time, it's not the first time the Tigers have played at Foreman Field. Towson defeated Norfolk State at Foreman Field, which was used a neutral site, in a 1984 NCAA Division II quarterfinal game.
Whether it's coincidence or correlation to their 4-1 start, the Tigers have yet to lose a coin toss this season. Each time Towson has deferred to the second half.
Prediction: Old Dominion 27, Towson 23
Massachusetts Minutemen (3-2, 1-1 CAA) at No. 9 Delaware Blue Hens (4-2, 2-1), 3:30 p.m. (CSN-PHI, CSN-NE)
Series record: Delaware leads, 25-6
Last meeting: Delaware 45, at Massachusetts 27 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: The Blue Hens defense came up big last weekend, shutting out William & Mary, 21-0. It has limited opponents to less than 20 points a game (17.5 ppg).
Two great running backs will go head-to-head in this one, as Delaware's Andrew Pierce (105.3 ypg, eight TDs) and Massachusetts' Jonathon Hernandez (118.8 ypg, six TDs) are amongst the CAA's leaders for rushing yards.
This could be the last meeting between these programs, as the Minutemen will join the Mid-American Conference of the FBS next season.
Prediction: Delaware 31, Massachusetts 17
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (4-1, 1-0 Big South) at Liberty Flames (3-3, 1-0), 3:30 p.m.
Series record: Tied, 4-4
Last meeting: Liberty 45, at Coastal Carolina 31 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: Last season, Coastal Carolina, Liberty and Stony Brook shared the Big South championship. However, the Chanticleers earned the FCS playoff bid on a tiebreaker.
Considering past history, this game could be a big factor on which team makes the playoffs.
Red zone efficiency, both on offense and defense, has been a key to Coastal Carolina's 4-1 start. The Chants have scored on 88.2 percent (15 of 17) of their offensive possessions and stopping opponents 66.7 percent (12 of 18) of the time.
Both offenses will be well balanced, as Liberty's Mike Brown and Coastal Carolina's Aramis Hillary are both fleet-footed passers who can move the ball through the ground or the air.
Prediction: Coastal Carolina 41, Liberty 35
No. 22 McNeese State Cowboys (3-2, 2-1 Southland) at Central Arkansas Bears (3-3, 2-1), 4 p.m. (Southland TV)
Series record: McNeese State leads, 3-2
Last meeting: Central Arkansas 28, McNeese State 24 (Nov. 20, 2010)
What to know: The purple and gray turf at Estes Stadium will make its television debut on Southland TV (www.Southland.org/television for list of affiliates) and McNeese would love to spoil the debut, especially after a Bears victory kept the Cowboys from winning a Southland Conference championship last season.
With a well-rounded offense, McNeese State relies on a variety of players rather than a single star. In a given game, it's likely that anywhere from five to seven players will get key touches in the running or passing game.
For Central Arkansas, quarterback Nathan Dick has responded well from two concussions that kept him out two weeks. He has thrown for 543 yards and five touchdowns in back-to-back wins.
Prediction: Central Arkansas 31, McNeese State 27
No. 15 South Dakota Coyotes (4-2) at Illinois State Redbirds (3-3), 4 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: In the midst of a transition from Division II, South Dakota will get a look at its new conference on Saturday. Currently a member of the Great West, the Coyotes will join the Missouri Valley Football Conference next season.
With South Dakota relying on a run-heavy offense (191.66 ypg) and Illinois State boasting the FCS' third-ranked rush defense (68.5 ypg), this game will likely be won or lost by whichever unit can win the push at the line.
South Dakota has won both of its FCS games this season, defeating then top- ranked Eastern Washington and then-No. 22 Southern Utah.
Prediction: Illinois State 24, South Dakota 17
Hampton Pirates (3-2, 1-1 MEAC) at Norfolk State Spartans (5-1, 3-0), 4 p.m.
Series record: Norfolk State leads, 24-23-1
Last meeting: at Hampton 7, Norfolk State 6 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: A win would match Norfolk State's best start as a Division I program. In 2007, the Spartans started 6-1 before finishing 8-3 and just missing out on the FCS playoffs. The Spartans have one playoff appearance in their history, in 1984 as a Division II team.
Spartans kicker Ryan Estep is a perfect 13-for-13 on field goals this season, but has yet to try any kicks longer than 40 yards. That duty belongs to Evan Goldberg, who has converted on 3-of-5 kicks from 40-plus, including a 50- and 51-yarder. It'll be interesting to see how Estep performs against Hampton, a team Norfolk State lost to last year when he missed an extra point wide right.
No other starter at the FCS has completed a higher percentage of his throws than Norfolk State's Chris Walley. Completing 74.7 percent of his passes, Walley has only thrown 43 incompletions, an average of just seven per game.
Prediction: Norfolk State 23, Hampton 17
Drake Bulldogs (5-1, 3-0 Pioneer) at San Diego Toreros (5-1, 3-0), 4 p.m.
Series record: Drake leads, 10-8
Last meeting: at Drake 38, San Diego 17 (Oct. 30, 2010)
What to know: While Jacksonville is still the favorite in the Pioneer Football League, the winner of this one will control its own destiny to dethrone the Dolphins as the league champions.
Drake quarterback Mike Piatkowski held the FCS singe-game completion record (30 of 33) for just one week, but still has been an explosive force this season. Having passed for 300 yards three times, Piatkowski has made it a habit of finding the end zone (12 touchdowns).
Fans of high-scoring, offensive shootouts are in luck. San Diego is averaging 48.3 ppg in Pioneer League play, while Drake has put up 71 points in its last two contests.
Prediction: San Diego 45, Drake 41
No. 11 Jacksonville State Gamecocks (4-1, 3-0 OVC) at Austin Peay Governors (2-3, 2-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: Jacksonville State leads, 12-6-3
Last meeting: at Jacksonville State 56, Austin Peay 3 (Oct. 23, 2010)
What to know: While the point totals may not reflect it, the total yardage could reach near-record levels. Jacksonville State's offense (365.2 ypg) faces a struggling Austin Peay defense (481.4 ypg) and the Gamecocks defense (412.2 ypg) is also suspect against a Governors offense that averages 345.4 ypg.
Despite allowing so many yards, the Gamecocks' defense tends to limit the opponent from scoring often (26.6 ppg), by forcing turnovers (plus-6) and allowing red zone field goals rather than touchdowns.
When these teams met last season, it was quite a forgettable day for the Governors - a 56-3 loss. Despite scoring on the opening drive, Austin Peay allowed 56 unanswered points and 539 yards of total offense.
Prediction: Jacksonville State 31, Austin Peay 10
No. 2 Northern Iowa Panthers (4-1, 3-0 MVC) at South Dakota State Jackrabbits (2-4, 1-2), 7 p.m.
Series record: Northern Iowa leads, 26-17-2
Last meeting: Northern Iowa 19, at South Dakota State 14 (Oct. 2, 2010)
What to know: Northern Iowa's second-ranked defense (13.8 ppg) has improved since MVC play began, holding three straight conference opponents - Western Illinois, Missouri State and Indiana State - to 10 points or less.
The Panthers are one of the four FCS teams that haven't thrown an interception this season (Georgia Southern, Cal Poly and Weber State); Northern Iowa's turnover ratio (plus-11) is second-best in the nation.
The magic number for Northern Iowa is 30. When the Panthers have reached 30 points under coach Mark Farley, they're 63-3.
Prediction: Northern Iowa 38, South Dakota State 9
Missouri State Bears (0-6, 0-3 MVC) at No. 4 North Dakota State Bison (5-0, 2-0), 7:05 p.m.
Series record: Missouri State leads, 2-1
Last meeting: at Missouri State 3, North Dakota State 0 (Nov. 20, 2010)
What to know: The Bears defense spends a lot of time on the field. In last week's 38-3 loss to Illinois State, the unit was forced to make 105 total tackles as the Redbirds ran 72 offensive plays.
North Dakota State's offense has regressed point-wise over the past couple weeks of the season (32.8 ppg), but the defense has been the best in the FCS this season. The Bison lead the nation in scoring defense (9.2 ppg) and are in the top 20 for rushing (106.8 ypg), passing (164.6 ypg) and total defense (273.2 ypg).
At 5-0 for the first time since 2007 (when NDSU won its first 10 games), the Bison have trailed only once in an FCS game this season. That lone FCS deficit - trailing 3-0 to Southern Illinois last week - was erased in a 9-3 victory.
Prediction: North Dakota State 24, Missouri State 3
Tennessee State Tigers (2-4, 1-2 OVC) at No. 19 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (4-1, 3-0), 8 p.m.
Series record: Tennessee State leads, 14-10
Last meeting: Tennessee Tech 21, at Tennessee State 10 (Oct. 23, 2010)
What to know: After winning just five games in 2010, the Golden Eagles can match that total with a win against the Tigers. However, there is more on the line than just a winning streak: a victory would improve Tennessee Tech to a 2-0 in the race for the Sgt. York Trophy and set up a likely battle of OVC unbeatens in Week 9 at Jacksonville State.
This is a unique week for Tennessee Tech. The Golden Eagles had a bye last week and have another one next week, a move that could kill any momentum gained in the month of October. The Golden Eagles are just one of two non-Ivy League teams to play less than 11 games this season (Alcorn State).
Tim Benford is the top target in Tennessee Tech's faster-than-last-sesaon- paced offense. The senior has caught a team-high 32 passes for 492 yards (98.4 ypg) and four touchdowns.
Prediction: Tennessee Tech 23, Tennessee State 7
Southern Utah Thunderbirds (3-3, 0-2 Great West) at Cal Poly Mustangs (2-3, 0-0), 9:05 p.m.
Series record: Cal Poly leads, 17-7
Last meeting: at Southern Utah 20, Cal Poly 7 (Oct. 6, 2010)
What to know: In the final Great West meeting between the schools, Southern Utah, the preseason conference favorite, is already all but eliminated from winning the final conference championship. It has suffered back-to-back losses to North Dakota and South Dakota.
While Cal Poly, which is opening its Great West schedule, has a better chance of winning the conference, the Mustangs have only defeated one FCS team this season (South Dakota State) and their offense has been hit-or-miss, scoring 46 ppg in wins and just 24.7 ppg in losses.
Cal Poly might want keep the ball away from Southern Utah's Austin Minefee, the kick returner who ranks fourth in the nation (31.27 ypr) in return average.
Prediction: Southern Utah 21, Cal Poly 17
Last week: 19-7 (.760)
Overall: 120-36 (.769)