By Sean Shapiro, FCS Assistant
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - On Sunday, South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough was adamantly tuned into ESPN for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge between Bethune-Cookman and Prairie View A&M.
"It was pretty good for about a half. From that point, it was pretty much over," Pough said.
Bethune-Cookman won, 63-14.
On Saturday, Pough is hoping Bethune-Cookman's game will be far from over at halftime, as his Bulldogs will try to defeat the team that put up 63 points on national television.
And while No. 25 Bethune-Cookman may have grabbed some national attention, and its national ranking, with its outstanding performance, South Carolina State is no slouch.
Both teams finished in a three-way tie with Florida A&M for the MEAC title last season. The winner of Saturday's Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State match-up (4 p.m., ESPNU) will have an early leg up in what figures to be a very tight MEAC title chase.
"It's going to be another heavyweight fight, just like Frazier and Ali," Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins said. "It's two prideful programs that try and do things the right way."
Getting his first chance to do things the right way, Maryland transfer Jamarr Robinson impressed by throwing for 251 yards and a touchdown and added a pair rushing scores - all in the first half.
Leading 42-0 at halftime, Bethune-Cookman cruised to the victory, while Pough sat at home already game-planning to bounce back from a loss (21-6 at Central Michigan) and start the MEAC schedule off the right way.
While the Wildcats' offense is the headliner entering this weekend, South Carolina State might be more concerned about the defense, as the Bulldogs were shut out at home by Bethune-Cookman last season -- the first time in more than three decades they failed to score at home.
"I think it's one of the neat things about college football," Pough said. "You come up with a different group each year. The rest of us have pretty much moved on (from last year), and I don't think this game will have that much of a bearing on last year."
While Bethune-Cookman seemed to put everything it had on display in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, South Carolina State is a program loaded with potential after a disappointing performance against Central Michigan.
For South Carolina State, the numbers from last week against an FBS team are being thrown out, as a younger, but still dangerous Bulldogs team is ready for the challenge of attacking the MEAC and Bethune-Cookman.
"This game means a good bit," Pough said. "With how close the MEAC is, we could be done here week two of the season."
The following is a game-by-game breakdown for The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 and other select games:
THURSDAY, SEPT. 8
Florida A&M Rattlers (1-0, 0-0 MEAC) at Hampton Pirates (1-0, 0-0 MEAC), 7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Series record: Florida A&M leads, 12-7
Last meeting: at Florida A&M 17, Hampton 12 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: This is one of two games this week with MEAC title implications, as the loser has a difficult path to navigate to reach the FCS playoffs.
Hampton, which won in come-from-behind fashion against Alabama A&M, will run the ball often behind running back Antwon Chisholm (141 yards in Week 1) and quarterback David Legree (104 yards).
Florida A&M will be looking to bounce back from a near loss to Division II opponent Fort Valley State. The Rattlers scored the game-winning touchdown on a tipped pass with 39 seconds remaining.
Prediction: Hampton 17, Florida A&M 10
SATURDAY, SEPT. 10
Old Dominion Monarchs (1-0) at Georgia State Panthers (1-0), noon
Series record: Old Dominion leads, 1-0
Last meeting: at Old Dominion 34, Georgia State 20 (Oct. 23, 2010)
What to know: This game is the future of the Colonial Athletic Association, as Old Dominion is in its first full year as a member of the FCS' toughest conference. Georgia State, in its second year as a program, will be a member of the CAA next season.
Bo Schlecter, GSU's starting punter last season, impressed in his first start at quarterback, completing 13-of-18 attempts for 196 yards and three touchdowns. He'll get a real test against an Old Dominion defense that bagged five sacks last weekend in a win against Campbell.
Old Dominion also will test the Panthers defense, as the Monarchs posted 506 yards of total offense and put up 41 points before the end of the third quarter.
Prediction: Old Dominion 27, Georgia State 21
No. 13 New Hampshire Wildcats (0-1) at No. 14 Lehigh Mountain Hawks (1-0), 12:30 p.m.
Series record: New Hampshire leads, 10-2
Last meeting: at New Hampshire 31, Lehigh 10 (Sept. 25, 2010)
What to know: This is one of the marquee match-ups of the weekend, as the preseason favorite in Patriot League, Lehigh, hosts a tough CAA opponent in the Wildcats. It also features two teams that were on the opposite ends of blowouts in Week 1.
Lehigh quarterback Chris Lum was recognized as The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS National Co-Offensive Player of the Week after he threw for 346 yards and four touchdowns in a 49-24 win against Monmouth.
New Hampshire was handed a 58-22 loss by FBS opponent Toledo and the Wildcats defense looked awful, allowing 582 yards of total offense. Toledo converted on an amazing 13 of 19 third-down conversions.
Prediction: Lehigh 24, New Hampshire 21
No. 5 William & Mary Tribe (0-1) at VMI Keydets (0-1), 1:30 p.m.
Series record: William & Mary leads, 52-33-2
Last meeting: at William & Mary 45, VMI 0 (Sept. 11, 2010)
What to know: Jonathan Grimes is always a threat on offense and in the return game, but perhaps the running back is even more dangerous against the Keydets. In his two career games against VMI, Grimes has five touchdowns and is averaging 8.4 yards per carry.
Falling 40-3 against Virginia last week probably isn't a fair analysis of the Tribe's defense, as the Cavaliers took advantage of great field position and four their eight scoring drives were 40 yards or less.
The two schools didn't meet in 2009, the first time they didn't in a season since 1943. However, last year's blowout was still indicative of recent history as the Tribe have won 24 straight in the series.
Prediction: William & Mary 41, VMI 3
Jacksonville Dolphins (0-1) at Western Illinois Leathernecks (0-1), 2 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: This is pretty much a must-win for both teams, as another loss essentially dooms Jacksonville from making the FCS playoffs as an FCS at-large team, and an 0-2 start doesn't bode well for Western Illinois, which has to go to Missouri and Northern Iowa in following weeks.
Jacksonville had a 9-0 lead early against The Citadel, thanks to a turnover, but other than one early touchdown, the Dolphins had only 186 yards of total offense, including an FCS-worst negative-22 yards rushing.
On the flip side, the Dolphins also allowed the most rushing yards in the first week of the season - 439 yards - and for the Leathernecks it would probably be wise to run it more than the 24 designed runs against Sam Houston State.
Prediction: Western Illinois 30, Jacksonville 24
Cal Poly Mustangs (0-1) at No. 15 Montana Grizzlies (0-1), 3:05 p.m. (KSBY)
Series record: Montana leads, 13-2
Last meeting: at Cal Poly 35, Montana 33 (Sept. 11, 2011)
What to know: Last season, the Mustangs upset the then-top-ranked Grizzlies, the first chink in the armor that eventually led to Montana missing the playoffs for the first time after 17 straight appearances.
Montana sophomore quarterback Jordan Johnson impressed last week in a 42-16 loss to Tennessee, as he connected on 19 of his 36 attempts for 226 yards and a touchdown - which went 80 yards to Jabin Sambrano.
The Cal Poly-Montana rivalry could start to rev up, as the Mustangs are a younger team that is looking to prove it belongs in the more competitive Big Sky next season. How they fare against the Grizzlies could be a good litmus test for the future.
Prediction: Montana 35, Cal Poly 28
UC Davis Aggies (0-1) at No. 6 Montana State Bobcats (0-1), 3:05 p.m. (Max Media)
Series record: UC Davis leads 1-0
Last meeting: UC Davis 45, at Montana State 0 (Sept. 16, 2006)
What to know: If the second half is any indication, Montana State's performance at Utah last weekend affirmed the Bobcats are deserving of their No. 6 national ranking. Down 24-7 at halftime, the Bobcats outgained Utah, 139 yards to 119 in the second half, and held the newly minted Pac 12 team to a field goal.
UC Davis struggled against Arizona State, entering the third quarter down 41-0 before Josh Reese (1 yard) and Nick Aprile (48 yards) found the end zone on the ground in too-little-too-late fashion.
If the game comes down to field position, both teams are in capable hands - or rather feet - as the Aggies' Colton Schmidt (45.67 avg.) and the Bobcats' Rory Perez (44.83 avg.) are both in the top-15 for punt average after one week.
Prediction: Montana State 27, UC Davis 24
No. 12 Sacramento State Hornets (1-0) at Southern Utah Thunderbirds (0-1), 3:05 p.m. (KMYU)
Series record: Sacramento State leads, 6-5
Last meeting: at Sacramento State 23, Southern Utah 17 (Sept. 18, 2004)
What to know: Last week, Sacramento State had the best performance of any team at the FCS level, upsetting Oregon State, 29-28, in overtime as Jeff Fleming made a statement in completing 22-of-35 attempts for 257 yards, three touchdowns and, most importantly, a game-winning two-point conversion.
While Fleming had a great first week, his Southern Utah counterpart, Brad Sorenson, is just as dangerous. Sorenson had 340 yards and three touchdowns through the air, but couldn't connect on a potential game-winning two-point conversion in a loss to South Dakota State.
With two impressive quarterbacks, this game has the makings of an old fashion gunslingers' duel and both teams already have experience playing close contests.
Prediction: Sacramento State 29, Southern Utah 28
North Carolina A&T Aggies (1-0) at No. 3 Appalachian State (0-1), 3:30 p.m.
Series record: Appalachian State leads, 4-1
Last meeting: Appalachian State 38, at North Carolina A&T 31 (Sept. 16, 1995)
What to know: How bad was Appalachian State's performance against Virginia Tech last week? Considering the 66-13 loss was the fifth-worst loss in program history and only the second time the Mountaineers conceded at least 60 points, it was historically bad.
However, the Mountaineers have a chance to bounce back in impressive fashion when they play the Aggies, who had a cakewalk of a game against Lynchburg, holding the lower level opponent to 80 yards of total offense.
Aggies quarterback Lewis Kindle threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns last week, but was also sacked four times.
Prediction: Appalachian State 41, North Carolina A&T 17
No. 7 Wofford Terriers (1-0) at Clemson Tigers (1-0), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
Series record: Clemson leads, 10-3
Last meeting: at Clemson 38, Wofford 14 (Sept. 8, 2001)
What to know: Clemson has never lost to an FCS team (since the division was created in 1978) in 24 attempts and the closest any team from the division has come to beating the Tigers is 11 points.
It took a last-minute touchdown for Wofford to defeat Presbyterian last week, and the 26-yard strike from Jeff Ashley to Mitch Allen saved the Terriers from an embarrassing result.
While the passing game provided most of the scoring, the Terriers are still a run-first team and lived up to their reputation, carrying 56 times for 380 yards against the Blue Hose. Clemson has yet to be tested by the run, as Troy attempted 42 passes last weekend.
Prediction: Clemson 38, Wofford 17
South Carolina State Bulldogs (0-1, 0-0 MEAC) at No. 25 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (1-0, 0-0 MEAC), 4 p.m.
Series record: South Carolina State leads, 28-8
Last meeting: Bethune-Cookman 14, at South Carolina State 0 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: The winner of this game will be the favorite to win the MEAC title this season.
South Carolina State must control the clock after struggling to move the ball against Central Michigan in Week 1.
Jamar Robinson ended any speculation about the quarterback situation at Bethune-Cookman as he guided an offense that put up a school-record 318 yards in the first half.
This is the first of four Bethune-Cookman games in the state of Florida that will be played against the MEAC's preseason top four, a huge advantage if the Wildcats were to lose the contest.
Prediction: Bethune-Cookman 31, South Carolina State 24
No. 1 Eastern Washington Eagles (0-1) at South Dakota Coyotes (0-1), 5:05 p.m. (Midco Sports)
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Eastern Washington came within one play of stunning Washington and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell picked off where he left off in the FCS Championship Game, throwing for 473 yards, the second-most in school history.
While Mitchell impressed in the season debut, the Eagles need to improve upon the turnover margin they had against Washington. Their 4-0 turnover differential negated a 504-250 Eastern Washington advantage in total offense.
South Dakota benefits from getting the defending national champs at home, as the Eagles have posted a perfect 8-0 record on their red turf, which has become affectionately known as the "Inferno."
Prediction: Eastern Washington 41, South Dakota 17
No. 17 Southern Illinois Salukis (1-0) at Ole Miss Rebels (0-1), 6 p.m. (Pay-per-view)
Series record: Ole Miss leads, 1-0
Last meeting: at Ole Miss 59, Southern Illinois 3 (Sept. 10, 1994)
What to know: Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt has never lost to the Salukis, posting a pair of wins when he coached Murray State to victories against Southern Illinois in 1995 and '96.
In Southern Illinois' season opener against South Eastern Missouri, the offense showed diversity, scoring on two long scoring drives - 14 and 11 plays - and displaying a quick strike approach in scoring on five plays or less four times.
Luckily for Southern Illinois, its defense won't have to worry about containing All-SEC running back Brandon Bolden, who injured his ankle and will miss at least this week's game.
Prediction: Ole Miss 35, Southern Illinois 24
Tusculum Pioneers (1-0) at No. 2 Georgia Southern Eagles (1-0), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Georgia Southern held serve in the first week of the season with a 31-17 win against Samford and the task gets easier when Division II Tusculum comes to visit. However, Pioneers' head coach Frankie DeBusk has a 9-4 record against FCS teams.
Not only will it be a clash of divisions, but also a clash of offensive styles as Georgia Southern runs the triple option and Tusculum will operate out of the spread.
One area concern for the Eagles is in the turnover department, as Georgia Southern committed four fumbles last week against Samford.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 48, Tusculum 14
No. 10 Jacksonville State Gamecocks (1-0) at No. 23 Chattanooga Mocs (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: Chattanooga leads, 25-10
Last meeting: at Jacksonville State 21, Chattanooga 21 (Sept. 11, 2010)
What to know: Chattanooga has been working on turning around its program the past couple seasons and Jacksonville State has been one of the teams derailing the Mocs' hopes, winning four straight and five of the last six in the series.
The Mocs struggled against Nebraska last week, but the performance isn't likely to be a sign of things to come as the duo of B.J. Coleman and Joel Bradford will likely find it much easier to pass against the Gamecocks than the Cornhuskers.
Jacksonville State, whose offense was expected to be explosive this season, will be without Marques Ivory (broken fibula against UT Martin) and sophomore quarterback Coty Blanchard will be tested in a Top 25 match-up.
Prediction: Chattanooga 24, Jacksonville State 14
Wagner Seahawks (1-0) at No. 9 Richmond Spiders (1-0), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: The reigning Sports Network/Fathead.com co-offensive and defensive players of the week clash, as Wagner's Dominique Williams (180 rushing yards against St. Francis, Pa.) and Richmond's Cooper Taylor (14 tackles against Duke) provide an intriguing match-up.
This will mark the first time the Spiders will play under the lights at E. Claiborne Stadium, which opened last season. They went 5-1 in their new home last season.
While Wagner did defeat St. Francis last week, they allowed 474 yards of total offense, something that is a positive sign for Richmond quarterback Aaron Corp.
Prediction: Richmond 31, Wagner 14
West Chester Golden Rams (0-1) at No. 8 Delaware Blue Hens (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: Delaware leads, 44-6-1
Last meeting: at Delaware 31, West Chester 0 (Sept. 2, 2010)
What to know: After losing to Navy in Week 1, Delaware coach K.C. Keeler was adamant about how the 40-17 loss is not an accurate reflection of what type of team the Blue Hens will be this season, especially after starting quarterback Trevor Sasek left the game with an injury and the defense never got into its base set against the triple option.
Wide receiver Rob Jones looked impressive against Navy, hauling in five passes for 73 yards and bailed out his quarterback a couple times with some great catches on third down.
When the Golden Rams and Blue Hens met last year, Andrew Pierce made his collegiate debut and rushed for 119 yards. He should top that number this season with a larger load on his shoulders.
Prediction: Delaware 28, West Chester 0
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (1-0) at No. 19 James Madison Dukes (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: James Madison will look to improve from its tough loss at North Carolina last weekend and play in front of the largest crowd ever in the newly renovated Bridgeforth Stadium, which expanded its capacity during the offseason.
With trips to Liberty and William & Mary on the on the schedule later, this is close to a must-win game for the Dukes as they are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season.
For Central Connecticut State, this game is a test of how well the Blue Devils will respond to missing the playoffs last season. An upset could steer them in the direction of a Northeast Conference championship.
Prediction: James Madison 27, Central Connecticut State 24
Robert Morris Colonials (0-1) at No. 24 Liberty Flames (0-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: Robert Morris leads, 1-0
Last meeting: at Robert Morris 30, Liberty 23 (Sept. 18, 2010)
What to know: Liberty played a solid, but not complete, game against North Carolina State, outgaining its opponent, 406-318, but the Flames never reached the red zone and committed seven turnovers.
Robert Morris lost its opener to Dayton, 19-13 - a game in which quarterback Jeff Sinclair struggled, going 12-for-28 and throwing an interception. He'll need to bounce back this week, but Liberty is a talented defense that recorded four sacks against N.C. State.
The Flames tend to spread the wealth in the passing game, as Pat Kelly, B.J. Hayes, Chris Summers, Evin Garner and Allen Aldreakis all had at least three receptions against N.C. State.
Prediction: Liberty 31, Robert Morris 7
No. 18 Central Arkansas Bears (1-0) at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (0-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: Louisiana Tech leads, 2-0
Last meeting: at Louisiana Tech 28, Central Arkansas 7 (Sept. 1, 2007)
What to know: The Bears' level of competition takes a step up this week as Louisiana Tech provides a much stiffer test than Division II Henderson State, which played the role of sacrificial lamb on Central Arkansas' new purple and gray field.
Louisiana Tech is coming off a tough loss to Southern Miss, as a 49-yard field goal with 2:32 remaining derailed the Bulldogs' comeback effort.
Both kickoff coverage teams should be weary, as Central Arkansas' Isiah Jackson is the all-time leader in kick return yards and Louisiana Tech's Lyle Fitte returned a kick 86 yards for a score.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 31, Central Arkansas 17
No. 4 Northern Iowa Panthers (0-1) at No. 16 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-0), 7 p.m.
Series record: Northern Iowa leads, 5-3
Last meeting: Stephen F. Austin 22, at Northern Iowa 20 (Sept. 18, 2010)
What to know: Last week, Stephen F. Austin smashed Division II opponent McMurry State, 82-6, as its defense only allowed 128 yards of total offense and the offense passed for 507 yards, a number that Jeremy Moses never reached during his 2010 Walter Payton Award (sponsored by Fathead.com) season.
However, the Lumberjacks' numbers from last week are likely to have little bearing on the match-up with Northern Iowa. The Panthers are a talented team that nearly upset Big 12 opponent Iowa State last weekend.
While Stephen F. Austin will rely heavily on a more traditional drop-back passing approach, Panthers quarterback Tirrell Rennie directs a run-first, pass-second attack that averaged 4.9 yards per carry in the loss to Iowa State.
Prediction: Northern Iowa 31, Stephen F. Austin 27
No. 20 Villanova Wildcats (0-1, 0-0 CAA) at Towson Tigers (1-0, 0-0 CAA), 7 p.m.
Series record: Villanova leads, 5-2
Last meeting: at Villanova 43, Towson 7 (Sept. 18, 2010)
What to know: Villanova struggled mightily against Temple, as its young team was exposed and failed to get much done against the Owls in a 42-7 loss.
With the Wildcats struggling, it might be the best chance Towson has had to defeat Villanova in a while ('Nova has won four straight) and the Tigers looked impressive in a 42-3 dismantling of Morgan State.
Grant Enders looked great in Tigers' victory, completing 15-of-19 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns, a stark contrast to Villanova's Dustin Thomas, who only completed 11 of 25 attempts and turned the ball over four times against Temple.
Prediction: Towson 24, Villanova 21
St. Francis (Pa.) Red Flash (0-1) at No. 11 North Dakota State Bison (1-0), 7 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: North Dakota State's offense looked impressive and balanced against Lafayette last week, as they passed for 236 yards and rushed for another 180.
Both teams had more than 400 yards of offense in the first week of the season and both defenses will be tested in what could be a high-scoring contest.
This is the 21st annual Trees Bowl, sponsored by the North Dakota Forest Service, and the Bison are 17-3 in the annual contest.
Prediction: North Dakota State 45, St. Francis 31
Weber State Wildcats (0-1) at Utah State Aggies (0-1), 8 p.m. (ESPN3)
Series record: Utah State leads, 11-1
Last meeting: at Utah State 56, Weber State 43 (Nov. 17, 2001)
What to know: Call it the match-up of the heartbreak kids, as both teams had major upsets slip right through their fingers in week one. Utah State lost 42-38 to defending BCS Champion Auburn, but led 38-28 with 3:38 to play. The Aggies fell to Wyoming, 35-32, victims of a last-minute game-winning touchdown.
The Weber State offense surprised in the first week of the season, compiling 541 yards. Quarterback Mike Hoke impressed in his first start, throwing for 314 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Xavian Johnson established himself as an early front-runner for the inaugural Jerry Rice Award (sponsored by Fathead.com), given to the national freshman of the year, hauling in seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Prediction: Utah State 45, Weber State 41
Last week: 24-6 (.800)
Overall: 24-6 (.800)
09/08 09:17:55 ET
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - On Sunday, South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough was adamantly tuned into ESPN for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge between Bethune-Cookman and Prairie View A&M.
"It was pretty good for about a half. From that point, it was pretty much over," Pough said.
Bethune-Cookman won, 63-14.
On Saturday, Pough is hoping Bethune-Cookman's game will be far from over at halftime, as his Bulldogs will try to defeat the team that put up 63 points on national television.
And while No. 25 Bethune-Cookman may have grabbed some national attention, and its national ranking, with its outstanding performance, South Carolina State is no slouch.
Both teams finished in a three-way tie with Florida A&M for the MEAC title last season. The winner of Saturday's Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State match-up (4 p.m., ESPNU) will have an early leg up in what figures to be a very tight MEAC title chase.
"It's going to be another heavyweight fight, just like Frazier and Ali," Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins said. "It's two prideful programs that try and do things the right way."
Getting his first chance to do things the right way, Maryland transfer Jamarr Robinson impressed by throwing for 251 yards and a touchdown and added a pair rushing scores - all in the first half.
Leading 42-0 at halftime, Bethune-Cookman cruised to the victory, while Pough sat at home already game-planning to bounce back from a loss (21-6 at Central Michigan) and start the MEAC schedule off the right way.
While the Wildcats' offense is the headliner entering this weekend, South Carolina State might be more concerned about the defense, as the Bulldogs were shut out at home by Bethune-Cookman last season -- the first time in more than three decades they failed to score at home.
"I think it's one of the neat things about college football," Pough said. "You come up with a different group each year. The rest of us have pretty much moved on (from last year), and I don't think this game will have that much of a bearing on last year."
While Bethune-Cookman seemed to put everything it had on display in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, South Carolina State is a program loaded with potential after a disappointing performance against Central Michigan.
For South Carolina State, the numbers from last week against an FBS team are being thrown out, as a younger, but still dangerous Bulldogs team is ready for the challenge of attacking the MEAC and Bethune-Cookman.
"This game means a good bit," Pough said. "With how close the MEAC is, we could be done here week two of the season."
The following is a game-by-game breakdown for The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 and other select games:
THURSDAY, SEPT. 8
Florida A&M Rattlers (1-0, 0-0 MEAC) at Hampton Pirates (1-0, 0-0 MEAC), 7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
Series record: Florida A&M leads, 12-7
Last meeting: at Florida A&M 17, Hampton 12 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: This is one of two games this week with MEAC title implications, as the loser has a difficult path to navigate to reach the FCS playoffs.
Hampton, which won in come-from-behind fashion against Alabama A&M, will run the ball often behind running back Antwon Chisholm (141 yards in Week 1) and quarterback David Legree (104 yards).
Florida A&M will be looking to bounce back from a near loss to Division II opponent Fort Valley State. The Rattlers scored the game-winning touchdown on a tipped pass with 39 seconds remaining.
Prediction: Hampton 17, Florida A&M 10
SATURDAY, SEPT. 10
Old Dominion Monarchs (1-0) at Georgia State Panthers (1-0), noon
Series record: Old Dominion leads, 1-0
Last meeting: at Old Dominion 34, Georgia State 20 (Oct. 23, 2010)
What to know: This game is the future of the Colonial Athletic Association, as Old Dominion is in its first full year as a member of the FCS' toughest conference. Georgia State, in its second year as a program, will be a member of the CAA next season.
Bo Schlecter, GSU's starting punter last season, impressed in his first start at quarterback, completing 13-of-18 attempts for 196 yards and three touchdowns. He'll get a real test against an Old Dominion defense that bagged five sacks last weekend in a win against Campbell.
Old Dominion also will test the Panthers defense, as the Monarchs posted 506 yards of total offense and put up 41 points before the end of the third quarter.
Prediction: Old Dominion 27, Georgia State 21
No. 13 New Hampshire Wildcats (0-1) at No. 14 Lehigh Mountain Hawks (1-0), 12:30 p.m.
Series record: New Hampshire leads, 10-2
Last meeting: at New Hampshire 31, Lehigh 10 (Sept. 25, 2010)
What to know: This is one of the marquee match-ups of the weekend, as the preseason favorite in Patriot League, Lehigh, hosts a tough CAA opponent in the Wildcats. It also features two teams that were on the opposite ends of blowouts in Week 1.
Lehigh quarterback Chris Lum was recognized as The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS National Co-Offensive Player of the Week after he threw for 346 yards and four touchdowns in a 49-24 win against Monmouth.
New Hampshire was handed a 58-22 loss by FBS opponent Toledo and the Wildcats defense looked awful, allowing 582 yards of total offense. Toledo converted on an amazing 13 of 19 third-down conversions.
Prediction: Lehigh 24, New Hampshire 21
No. 5 William & Mary Tribe (0-1) at VMI Keydets (0-1), 1:30 p.m.
Series record: William & Mary leads, 52-33-2
Last meeting: at William & Mary 45, VMI 0 (Sept. 11, 2010)
What to know: Jonathan Grimes is always a threat on offense and in the return game, but perhaps the running back is even more dangerous against the Keydets. In his two career games against VMI, Grimes has five touchdowns and is averaging 8.4 yards per carry.
Falling 40-3 against Virginia last week probably isn't a fair analysis of the Tribe's defense, as the Cavaliers took advantage of great field position and four their eight scoring drives were 40 yards or less.
The two schools didn't meet in 2009, the first time they didn't in a season since 1943. However, last year's blowout was still indicative of recent history as the Tribe have won 24 straight in the series.
Prediction: William & Mary 41, VMI 3
Jacksonville Dolphins (0-1) at Western Illinois Leathernecks (0-1), 2 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: This is pretty much a must-win for both teams, as another loss essentially dooms Jacksonville from making the FCS playoffs as an FCS at-large team, and an 0-2 start doesn't bode well for Western Illinois, which has to go to Missouri and Northern Iowa in following weeks.
Jacksonville had a 9-0 lead early against The Citadel, thanks to a turnover, but other than one early touchdown, the Dolphins had only 186 yards of total offense, including an FCS-worst negative-22 yards rushing.
On the flip side, the Dolphins also allowed the most rushing yards in the first week of the season - 439 yards - and for the Leathernecks it would probably be wise to run it more than the 24 designed runs against Sam Houston State.
Prediction: Western Illinois 30, Jacksonville 24
Cal Poly Mustangs (0-1) at No. 15 Montana Grizzlies (0-1), 3:05 p.m. (KSBY)
Series record: Montana leads, 13-2
Last meeting: at Cal Poly 35, Montana 33 (Sept. 11, 2011)
What to know: Last season, the Mustangs upset the then-top-ranked Grizzlies, the first chink in the armor that eventually led to Montana missing the playoffs for the first time after 17 straight appearances.
Montana sophomore quarterback Jordan Johnson impressed last week in a 42-16 loss to Tennessee, as he connected on 19 of his 36 attempts for 226 yards and a touchdown - which went 80 yards to Jabin Sambrano.
The Cal Poly-Montana rivalry could start to rev up, as the Mustangs are a younger team that is looking to prove it belongs in the more competitive Big Sky next season. How they fare against the Grizzlies could be a good litmus test for the future.
Prediction: Montana 35, Cal Poly 28
UC Davis Aggies (0-1) at No. 6 Montana State Bobcats (0-1), 3:05 p.m. (Max Media)
Series record: UC Davis leads 1-0
Last meeting: UC Davis 45, at Montana State 0 (Sept. 16, 2006)
What to know: If the second half is any indication, Montana State's performance at Utah last weekend affirmed the Bobcats are deserving of their No. 6 national ranking. Down 24-7 at halftime, the Bobcats outgained Utah, 139 yards to 119 in the second half, and held the newly minted Pac 12 team to a field goal.
UC Davis struggled against Arizona State, entering the third quarter down 41-0 before Josh Reese (1 yard) and Nick Aprile (48 yards) found the end zone on the ground in too-little-too-late fashion.
If the game comes down to field position, both teams are in capable hands - or rather feet - as the Aggies' Colton Schmidt (45.67 avg.) and the Bobcats' Rory Perez (44.83 avg.) are both in the top-15 for punt average after one week.
Prediction: Montana State 27, UC Davis 24
No. 12 Sacramento State Hornets (1-0) at Southern Utah Thunderbirds (0-1), 3:05 p.m. (KMYU)
Series record: Sacramento State leads, 6-5
Last meeting: at Sacramento State 23, Southern Utah 17 (Sept. 18, 2004)
What to know: Last week, Sacramento State had the best performance of any team at the FCS level, upsetting Oregon State, 29-28, in overtime as Jeff Fleming made a statement in completing 22-of-35 attempts for 257 yards, three touchdowns and, most importantly, a game-winning two-point conversion.
While Fleming had a great first week, his Southern Utah counterpart, Brad Sorenson, is just as dangerous. Sorenson had 340 yards and three touchdowns through the air, but couldn't connect on a potential game-winning two-point conversion in a loss to South Dakota State.
With two impressive quarterbacks, this game has the makings of an old fashion gunslingers' duel and both teams already have experience playing close contests.
Prediction: Sacramento State 29, Southern Utah 28
North Carolina A&T Aggies (1-0) at No. 3 Appalachian State (0-1), 3:30 p.m.
Series record: Appalachian State leads, 4-1
Last meeting: Appalachian State 38, at North Carolina A&T 31 (Sept. 16, 1995)
What to know: How bad was Appalachian State's performance against Virginia Tech last week? Considering the 66-13 loss was the fifth-worst loss in program history and only the second time the Mountaineers conceded at least 60 points, it was historically bad.
However, the Mountaineers have a chance to bounce back in impressive fashion when they play the Aggies, who had a cakewalk of a game against Lynchburg, holding the lower level opponent to 80 yards of total offense.
Aggies quarterback Lewis Kindle threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns last week, but was also sacked four times.
Prediction: Appalachian State 41, North Carolina A&T 17
No. 7 Wofford Terriers (1-0) at Clemson Tigers (1-0), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
Series record: Clemson leads, 10-3
Last meeting: at Clemson 38, Wofford 14 (Sept. 8, 2001)
What to know: Clemson has never lost to an FCS team (since the division was created in 1978) in 24 attempts and the closest any team from the division has come to beating the Tigers is 11 points.
It took a last-minute touchdown for Wofford to defeat Presbyterian last week, and the 26-yard strike from Jeff Ashley to Mitch Allen saved the Terriers from an embarrassing result.
While the passing game provided most of the scoring, the Terriers are still a run-first team and lived up to their reputation, carrying 56 times for 380 yards against the Blue Hose. Clemson has yet to be tested by the run, as Troy attempted 42 passes last weekend.
Prediction: Clemson 38, Wofford 17
South Carolina State Bulldogs (0-1, 0-0 MEAC) at No. 25 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (1-0, 0-0 MEAC), 4 p.m.
Series record: South Carolina State leads, 28-8
Last meeting: Bethune-Cookman 14, at South Carolina State 0 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: The winner of this game will be the favorite to win the MEAC title this season.
South Carolina State must control the clock after struggling to move the ball against Central Michigan in Week 1.
Jamar Robinson ended any speculation about the quarterback situation at Bethune-Cookman as he guided an offense that put up a school-record 318 yards in the first half.
This is the first of four Bethune-Cookman games in the state of Florida that will be played against the MEAC's preseason top four, a huge advantage if the Wildcats were to lose the contest.
Prediction: Bethune-Cookman 31, South Carolina State 24
No. 1 Eastern Washington Eagles (0-1) at South Dakota Coyotes (0-1), 5:05 p.m. (Midco Sports)
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Eastern Washington came within one play of stunning Washington and quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell picked off where he left off in the FCS Championship Game, throwing for 473 yards, the second-most in school history.
While Mitchell impressed in the season debut, the Eagles need to improve upon the turnover margin they had against Washington. Their 4-0 turnover differential negated a 504-250 Eastern Washington advantage in total offense.
South Dakota benefits from getting the defending national champs at home, as the Eagles have posted a perfect 8-0 record on their red turf, which has become affectionately known as the "Inferno."
Prediction: Eastern Washington 41, South Dakota 17
No. 17 Southern Illinois Salukis (1-0) at Ole Miss Rebels (0-1), 6 p.m. (Pay-per-view)
Series record: Ole Miss leads, 1-0
Last meeting: at Ole Miss 59, Southern Illinois 3 (Sept. 10, 1994)
What to know: Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt has never lost to the Salukis, posting a pair of wins when he coached Murray State to victories against Southern Illinois in 1995 and '96.
In Southern Illinois' season opener against South Eastern Missouri, the offense showed diversity, scoring on two long scoring drives - 14 and 11 plays - and displaying a quick strike approach in scoring on five plays or less four times.
Luckily for Southern Illinois, its defense won't have to worry about containing All-SEC running back Brandon Bolden, who injured his ankle and will miss at least this week's game.
Prediction: Ole Miss 35, Southern Illinois 24
Tusculum Pioneers (1-0) at No. 2 Georgia Southern Eagles (1-0), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Georgia Southern held serve in the first week of the season with a 31-17 win against Samford and the task gets easier when Division II Tusculum comes to visit. However, Pioneers' head coach Frankie DeBusk has a 9-4 record against FCS teams.
Not only will it be a clash of divisions, but also a clash of offensive styles as Georgia Southern runs the triple option and Tusculum will operate out of the spread.
One area concern for the Eagles is in the turnover department, as Georgia Southern committed four fumbles last week against Samford.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 48, Tusculum 14
No. 10 Jacksonville State Gamecocks (1-0) at No. 23 Chattanooga Mocs (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: Chattanooga leads, 25-10
Last meeting: at Jacksonville State 21, Chattanooga 21 (Sept. 11, 2010)
What to know: Chattanooga has been working on turning around its program the past couple seasons and Jacksonville State has been one of the teams derailing the Mocs' hopes, winning four straight and five of the last six in the series.
The Mocs struggled against Nebraska last week, but the performance isn't likely to be a sign of things to come as the duo of B.J. Coleman and Joel Bradford will likely find it much easier to pass against the Gamecocks than the Cornhuskers.
Jacksonville State, whose offense was expected to be explosive this season, will be without Marques Ivory (broken fibula against UT Martin) and sophomore quarterback Coty Blanchard will be tested in a Top 25 match-up.
Prediction: Chattanooga 24, Jacksonville State 14
Wagner Seahawks (1-0) at No. 9 Richmond Spiders (1-0), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: The reigning Sports Network/Fathead.com co-offensive and defensive players of the week clash, as Wagner's Dominique Williams (180 rushing yards against St. Francis, Pa.) and Richmond's Cooper Taylor (14 tackles against Duke) provide an intriguing match-up.
This will mark the first time the Spiders will play under the lights at E. Claiborne Stadium, which opened last season. They went 5-1 in their new home last season.
While Wagner did defeat St. Francis last week, they allowed 474 yards of total offense, something that is a positive sign for Richmond quarterback Aaron Corp.
Prediction: Richmond 31, Wagner 14
West Chester Golden Rams (0-1) at No. 8 Delaware Blue Hens (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: Delaware leads, 44-6-1
Last meeting: at Delaware 31, West Chester 0 (Sept. 2, 2010)
What to know: After losing to Navy in Week 1, Delaware coach K.C. Keeler was adamant about how the 40-17 loss is not an accurate reflection of what type of team the Blue Hens will be this season, especially after starting quarterback Trevor Sasek left the game with an injury and the defense never got into its base set against the triple option.
Wide receiver Rob Jones looked impressive against Navy, hauling in five passes for 73 yards and bailed out his quarterback a couple times with some great catches on third down.
When the Golden Rams and Blue Hens met last year, Andrew Pierce made his collegiate debut and rushed for 119 yards. He should top that number this season with a larger load on his shoulders.
Prediction: Delaware 28, West Chester 0
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (1-0) at No. 19 James Madison Dukes (0-1), 6 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: James Madison will look to improve from its tough loss at North Carolina last weekend and play in front of the largest crowd ever in the newly renovated Bridgeforth Stadium, which expanded its capacity during the offseason.
With trips to Liberty and William & Mary on the on the schedule later, this is close to a must-win game for the Dukes as they are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season.
For Central Connecticut State, this game is a test of how well the Blue Devils will respond to missing the playoffs last season. An upset could steer them in the direction of a Northeast Conference championship.
Prediction: James Madison 27, Central Connecticut State 24
Robert Morris Colonials (0-1) at No. 24 Liberty Flames (0-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: Robert Morris leads, 1-0
Last meeting: at Robert Morris 30, Liberty 23 (Sept. 18, 2010)
What to know: Liberty played a solid, but not complete, game against North Carolina State, outgaining its opponent, 406-318, but the Flames never reached the red zone and committed seven turnovers.
Robert Morris lost its opener to Dayton, 19-13 - a game in which quarterback Jeff Sinclair struggled, going 12-for-28 and throwing an interception. He'll need to bounce back this week, but Liberty is a talented defense that recorded four sacks against N.C. State.
The Flames tend to spread the wealth in the passing game, as Pat Kelly, B.J. Hayes, Chris Summers, Evin Garner and Allen Aldreakis all had at least three receptions against N.C. State.
Prediction: Liberty 31, Robert Morris 7
No. 18 Central Arkansas Bears (1-0) at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (0-1), 7 p.m.
Series record: Louisiana Tech leads, 2-0
Last meeting: at Louisiana Tech 28, Central Arkansas 7 (Sept. 1, 2007)
What to know: The Bears' level of competition takes a step up this week as Louisiana Tech provides a much stiffer test than Division II Henderson State, which played the role of sacrificial lamb on Central Arkansas' new purple and gray field.
Louisiana Tech is coming off a tough loss to Southern Miss, as a 49-yard field goal with 2:32 remaining derailed the Bulldogs' comeback effort.
Both kickoff coverage teams should be weary, as Central Arkansas' Isiah Jackson is the all-time leader in kick return yards and Louisiana Tech's Lyle Fitte returned a kick 86 yards for a score.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 31, Central Arkansas 17
No. 4 Northern Iowa Panthers (0-1) at No. 16 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-0), 7 p.m.
Series record: Northern Iowa leads, 5-3
Last meeting: Stephen F. Austin 22, at Northern Iowa 20 (Sept. 18, 2010)
What to know: Last week, Stephen F. Austin smashed Division II opponent McMurry State, 82-6, as its defense only allowed 128 yards of total offense and the offense passed for 507 yards, a number that Jeremy Moses never reached during his 2010 Walter Payton Award (sponsored by Fathead.com) season.
However, the Lumberjacks' numbers from last week are likely to have little bearing on the match-up with Northern Iowa. The Panthers are a talented team that nearly upset Big 12 opponent Iowa State last weekend.
While Stephen F. Austin will rely heavily on a more traditional drop-back passing approach, Panthers quarterback Tirrell Rennie directs a run-first, pass-second attack that averaged 4.9 yards per carry in the loss to Iowa State.
Prediction: Northern Iowa 31, Stephen F. Austin 27
No. 20 Villanova Wildcats (0-1, 0-0 CAA) at Towson Tigers (1-0, 0-0 CAA), 7 p.m.
Series record: Villanova leads, 5-2
Last meeting: at Villanova 43, Towson 7 (Sept. 18, 2010)
What to know: Villanova struggled mightily against Temple, as its young team was exposed and failed to get much done against the Owls in a 42-7 loss.
With the Wildcats struggling, it might be the best chance Towson has had to defeat Villanova in a while ('Nova has won four straight) and the Tigers looked impressive in a 42-3 dismantling of Morgan State.
Grant Enders looked great in Tigers' victory, completing 15-of-19 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns, a stark contrast to Villanova's Dustin Thomas, who only completed 11 of 25 attempts and turned the ball over four times against Temple.
Prediction: Towson 24, Villanova 21
St. Francis (Pa.) Red Flash (0-1) at No. 11 North Dakota State Bison (1-0), 7 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: North Dakota State's offense looked impressive and balanced against Lafayette last week, as they passed for 236 yards and rushed for another 180.
Both teams had more than 400 yards of offense in the first week of the season and both defenses will be tested in what could be a high-scoring contest.
This is the 21st annual Trees Bowl, sponsored by the North Dakota Forest Service, and the Bison are 17-3 in the annual contest.
Prediction: North Dakota State 45, St. Francis 31
Weber State Wildcats (0-1) at Utah State Aggies (0-1), 8 p.m. (ESPN3)
Series record: Utah State leads, 11-1
Last meeting: at Utah State 56, Weber State 43 (Nov. 17, 2001)
What to know: Call it the match-up of the heartbreak kids, as both teams had major upsets slip right through their fingers in week one. Utah State lost 42-38 to defending BCS Champion Auburn, but led 38-28 with 3:38 to play. The Aggies fell to Wyoming, 35-32, victims of a last-minute game-winning touchdown.
The Weber State offense surprised in the first week of the season, compiling 541 yards. Quarterback Mike Hoke impressed in his first start, throwing for 314 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Xavian Johnson established himself as an early front-runner for the inaugural Jerry Rice Award (sponsored by Fathead.com), given to the national freshman of the year, hauling in seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Prediction: Utah State 45, Weber State 41
Last week: 24-6 (.800)
Overall: 24-6 (.800)
09/08 09:17:55 ET
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