In the FCS Huddle: Week 10 Preview

By Sean Shapiro, FCS Assistant
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - In its first game of the season, Indiana State had a not-so-happy visit to Happy Valley and got dismantled, 41-7 by the Penn State Nittany Lions.
That was supposed to be the Sycamores' first and last brushup with a Big Ten school. However, this weekend coach Trent Miles is prepared for a school he believes can be just as dangerous as Penn State.
"It looks like we're looking at a Big Ten team," Miles said. "They're big, they're fast, they're strong, well coached and have a great scheme. They're an excellent football team and we'll have our work cut out for us."
Miles, of course, is talking about newly minted top-ranked team in the FCS, North Dakota State.
One of the two remaining unbeatens, the Bison (8-0) are coming off an emotional, 27-19 victory against then-No. 2 Northern Iowa
However, don't expect the Bison to get caught up in the emotions of a victory against the Panthers. Earlier this season, they defeated Minnesota, a Big Ten team, 27-10, and still came back the next week to defeat talented Illinois State.
"We always have a 24-hour rule," Bison coach Craig Bohl said. "You can't be dragging around because they lost or to elated because of a win. We came out on Monday with a can-do attitude and have been working hard in practice. Our guys set out this year to win the Missouri Valley Conference, and that's still the goal."
For Indiana State, the goal of winning the MVC is still a mathematical possibility, but highly unlikely. However, reaching the playoffs is within the realm of possibility for a program that had won only two of 62 games in a five-year span from 2005 to 2009.
But, that isn't changing the Sycamores' one-game-at-a-time approach.
"To us it's the biggest game of the week. Every game in the Missouri Valley is," Miles said. "If you've got to worry about extra incentives for any game, then you've got a problem."
If any team is to knock off the Bison before the playoffs, it would seem the intangibles are in favor of the Sycamores.
Coming off a bye week, the Sycamores should be a healthy unit, and one that has a chip on its shoulder after losing to Illinois State entering the bye week.
Of course, they also have a not-so-secret weapon in Shakir Bell.
While he may be a smaller player at 5-foot-8, 185 pounds, Bell's numbers have been giant this season. Ever since getting starters' carries in Week 3, the sophomore has run for at least 100 yards in each game and is averaging an incredible 8.3 yards per carry.
"He's very elusive, but the underlying thing that makes him such a talented player is that he's explosive," Bohl said. "Not only can he juke a guy, but I've seen him run guys over. It'll have to be a team effort to hold him at bay."
It wouldn't be the first time the Bison defense would have contained, or even completely stonewalled a fine opposing running back. One of the best in the country, the Bison have limited opponents to 100 ground yards a game, and only once has an individual crossed the century mark.
"He's going to face arguably the best defense in the nation," Miles said. "It's hard to find weaknesses in that defense."
The Sycamores will certainly look for those so-called weaknesses, but whether they can find and exploit them is another huge test that everyone else on the Bison's schedule has already failed.
The following is a game-by-game breakdown for The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 and other select games:
SATURDAY, NOV. 5
Brown Bears (6-1, 3-1 Ivy League) at Yale Bulldogs (4-3, 3-1), noon (YES)
Series record: Yale leads, 78-32-5
Last meeting: Yale 27, at Brown 24 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: Statistically the best unit in the Ivy League (14.6 ppg, 324 ypg), the Bears' defense has been the driving force behind an impressive start that includes a pair of shutouts.
However, Brown's best defensive performances have come at home, and the unit will face a Yale team that has scored at least 30 points in each home game - even if that last home game on came on Oct. 8.
Last weekend, Yale quarterback Patrick Witt was limited by a snowstorm and Mordecai Cargill ran the ball 42 times for 230 yards and two touchdowns. With sunny skies and no precipitation on the horizon in New Haven, Conn., expect the Bulldogs to use a much more balanced attack.
Prediction: Yale 21, Brown 14
No. 13 James Madison Dukes (5-3, 3-2 CAA) at No. 9 New Hampshire Wildcats (6-2, 4-1), noon
Series record: James Madison leads, 7-6
Last meeting: New Hampshire 28, at James Madison 14 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: James Madison lost three starting offensive linemen in a 23-20 loss to Old Dominion last week, and only managed 68 total yards in the second half. This week, none of the three is expected to start, terrible news for an offensive unit that has struggled to score all year.
If James Madison is to win this game, its defense will have to have one of its better performances of the season. Amongst the FCS leaders for total defense (308.8 ypg) and scoring (19.3 ppg), the Dukes will once again have to carry the offense in what they hope is a low-scoring affair.
New Hampshire quarterback Kevin Decker has been the CAA's best quarterback this season, consistently finding the end zone with 22 total touchdowns. With James Madison's impressive defense, Decker can make a statement about his candidacy for the Walter Payton Award (sponsored by Fathead.com).
Prediction: New Hampshire 24, James Madison 13
No. 23 Harvard Crimson (6-1, 4-0 Ivy League) at Columbia Lions (0-7, 0-4), 12:30 p.m.
Series record: Harvard leads, 54-14-1
Last meeting: at Harvard 23, Columbia 7 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: A Harvard victory would make coach Tim Murphy the all-time winningest coach in program history. In his 18th season leading the Crimson, Murphy has 117 victories.
Ever since a season-opening loss to Holy Cross, the Crimson have unleashed an explosive offense, gauging opponents for 432.6 yards and 36.7 points per game - all victories.
It's been quite the opposite for Columbia's offense. The Lions have struggled to move the ball all season (261.4 ypg) and have scored a combined 13 points the past two weeks.
Prediction: Harvard 38, Columbia 9
No. 14 Towson Tigers (6-2, 4-1 CAA) at No. 7 Maine Black Bears (7-1, 5-0), 12:30 p.m. (WABI)
Series record: Maine leads, 6-3
Last meeting: Maine 28, at Towson 18 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: Before the season started, Maine was tabbed to finish ninth and Towson was predicted to finish last in the 11-team CAA. Needless to say, no one expected this game to have title implications.
One of the biggest surprises for Towson, and all of the FCS, has been the play of freshman running back Terrence West (93.5 ypg), who not only leads all freshmen but all players with 18 rushing touchdowns.
In less-than-favorable winter conditions last week, Maine quarterback Warren Smith accounted for 325 total yards and three touchdowns against Villanova. The senior has 17 total touchdowns and just six turnovers.
Prediction: Maine 27, Towson 23
Holy Cross Crusaders (4-4, 2-1 Patriot League) at No. 8 Lehigh Mountain Hawks (7-1, 2-0), 12:30 p.m. (Service Electric Cable)
Series record: Lehigh leads, 13-12-1
Last meeting: Lehigh 34, at Holy Cross 17 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: Chris Lum's streak of 300-yard passing performances may be over after eight games, but the senior is still amongst the FCS' best quarterbacks. He ranks second in the FCS for passing yards (352 ppg) and first in touchdown passes with 30.
With Lum's superb numbers, it'll be a fun to match-up to watch with Holy Cross' secondary, which has helped limit opponents to just 165 yards per game. Chandler Fenner is the senior leader of the unit and leads the Crusaders with 11 pass breakups.
Even though they have the second-best offense in the Patriot League (404.7 ypg), the Crusaders have struggled to translate yards into points. Since three straight 30-plus point games early in the season, Holy Cross has just 60 points in the last four weeks (15 ppg).
Prediction: Lehigh 37, Holy Cross 24
Bryant Bulldogs (5-3, 3-2 NEC) at Albany Great Danes (6-2, 5-0), 1 p.m.
Series record: Tied, 1-1
Last meeting: at Bryant 24, Albany 7 (Oct. 30, 2010)
What to know: Two of the Northeast Conference's best tailbacks will be going at it in this game. Bryant's Jordan Brown, a recent addition to the Walter Payton Award Watch List, leads all FCS players in rushing yards (163.5 ypg), while Albany's Andrew Smith carried the ball often last week for 149 yards in a 24-0 win against Wagner.
Of course, the Great Danes don't plan on losing any NEC games, but if they were, this would be the easiest one to drop and not hurt their playoff hopes. Since Bryant is ineligible for the playoffs, Albany would still remain on top of the NEC standings.
The history between the two teams is a short one, but with Albany's success this season and Bryant's insertion as a full NEC member next season could turn this game into a budding rivalry.
Prediction: Albany 27, Bryant 24
No. 19 William & Mary Tribe (4-4, 2-3 CAA) at Rhode Island Rams (2-6, 1-4), 1 p.m.
Series record: William & Mary leads, 12-2
Last meeting: at William & Mary 26, Rhode Island 7 (Oct. 2010)
What to know: Traditionally, the Tribe have performed well after a bye week and own a 15-7 record since 1980. However, it probably wasn't a very pleasant week off for William & Mary after a loss to Towson on Oct. 22 likely eliminated a return to the playoffs.
Closing in on the end of his collegiate career, Tribe running back Jonathon Grimes has been a dynamic force the past two weeks, amassing more than 300 all-purpose yards each week.
While Rhode Island has struggled this season, the offensive line has paved the way for a decent rushing attack (177 ypg) and yielded the least amount of sacks of any team in the CAA.
Prediction: Rhode Island 34, William & Mary 31
No. 3 Appalachian State Mountaineers (6-2, 4-1 SoCon) at Furman Paladins (5-3, 4-2), 1:30 p.m.
Series record: Furman leads, 21-17-3
Last meeting: at Appalachian State 37, Furman 26 (Oct. 30, 2010)
What to know: The two hottest teams in the Southern Conference and longtime rivals square off; Appalachian State is coming off a 24-17 dethroning of former top-ranked Georgia Southern, while Furman has rebounded from back-to- back losses to beat then-No. 5 Wofford and Chattanooga.
Furman is the only SoCon team that Appalachian State doesn't have a winning record against, but the recent history has been dominated by the Mountaineers. Appalachian State has won six straight meetings, including a 52-7 rout the last time it visited Furman.
The star power is on the Mountaineers' roster, including receiver Brian Quick, who may be the best NFL-ready prospect. Already with 734 yards and eight touchdowns, Quick has been the go-to-guy in the passing game - which included a game-winning touchdown grab last week against Georgia Southern.
Prediction: Appalachian State 23, Furman 20
Western Illinois Leathernecks (2-6, 1-4 MVC) at No. 17 Illinois State Redbirds (6-3, 4-2), 2 p.m.
Series record: Western Illinois leads, 50-30-3
Last meeting: at Western Illinois 63, Illinois State 38 (Oct. 30, 2010)
What to know: Riding a four-game winning streak, Illinois State would become playoff eligible with a win this weekend. The Redbirds will likely stick with the run and hand off often to Ashton Leggett (101 ypg) against the Leathernecks' suspect rush defense (222.4 ypg).
In a 56-14 loss to Youngstown State, the Leathernecks' defense was burned often for big plays. The Penguins scored on their first play of the game and had six touchdown drives of four plays or less.
After suffering a broken hand against North Dakota State, Redbirds senior receiver Marvon Sanders returned last week and caught five passes for 85 yards. He should continue his recovery this week.
Prediction: Illinois State 54, Western Illinois 27
Jacksonville Dolphins (6-2, 5-0 Pioneer League) at Drake Bulldogs (7-2, 5-1), 2 p.m.
Series record: Drake leads, 8-2
Last meeting: at Jacksonville 39, Drake 34 (Oct. 9, 2010)
What to know: With a win, the Dolphins can start to put the finishing touches on a second consecutive Pioneer Football League title. However, Jacksonville has never won in Des Moines, Iowa, and is 4-6 all-time in Week 10 of the season.
Per usual, Jacksonville quarterback Josh McGregor has been the catalyst for the offense. Among the FCS active career leaders for completions, yards and touchdowns, the Dolphins' leader has passed for multiple touchdowns in all but two games this season.
For the Bulldogs, returning home after playing three of their last four games on the road will be a welcome change. Drake is 4-0 and has outscored its opponents 136-58 at home.
Prediction: Drake 31, Jacksonville 28 (OT)
The Citadel Bulldogs (4-4, 2-4 SoCon) at No. 5 Georgia Southern Eagles (7-1, 5-1), 2 p.m.
Series record: Georgia Southern leads, 16-4
Last meeting: Georgia Southern 20, at The Citadel 0 (Oct. 23, 2010)
What to know: The Eagles have one week to fix the mistakes from a loss to Appalachian State. The former top-ranked team, the Eagles have a more-than- manageable challenge, hosting the Bulldogs. They then travel to Wofford and Alabama in the last two weeks of the season.
It's option vs. option football as the Bulldogs' third-ranked rushing game (304.4 ypg) will try to outduel the Eagles' second-ranked attack (340.4 ypg). However, the Eagles can mix in a pass or two and catch teams off guard - something The Citadel has failed to do.
Last week, the Eagles turned the ball over and never got into rhythm in having to play from behind against Appalachian State. Against a team like The Citadel, which has a negative turnover margin, that shouldn't be an issue.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 41, The Citadel 24
Richmond Spiders (3-5, 0-5 CAA) at No. 12 Old Dominion Monarchs (7-2, 4-2), 2 p.m.
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Before the season started, very few people would have predicted Old Dominion would be the team on the verge of the playoffs in this contest and Richmond near the bottom of the CAA. But, that's how the year has been for the CAA, and a win by the Monarchs would strengthen their bid for a home playoff game.
Monarchs' freshman quarterback Taylor Heinicke (224.8 ypg) continued to grow last week in a 23-20 win against James Madison. Connecting on 68 percent of his passes and throwing just one interception, he may be the CAA's best quarterback for the next couple seasons.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen at Richmond. After a 3-0 start, the Spiders have yet to win a conference game. Making matters worse, the Spiders have been in games - losing by three points or less three times - but failed to make big plays when it counted.
Prediction: Old Dominion 24, Richmond 23
No. 1 North Dakota State Bison (8-0, 5-0 MVC) at No. 21 Indiana State Sycamores (5-3, 3-2 MVC), 2:05 p.m.
Series record: North Dakota State leads, 3-0
Last meeting: at North Dakota State 27, Indiana State 15 (Oct. 23, 2010)
What to know: The Bison are the new top-ranked team in the country after a big win against Northern Iowa last week. However, North Dakota State must avoid a letdown and a hungry Sycamore team coming off a bye, or its reign on top of the FCS will quickly come to an end.
Can Shakir Bell (156 ypg) continue his streak of 100-plus yard games against North Dakota State's tough run defense (100 ypg)? The sophomore has rushed for at least 123 yards in his last six games.
A well-rounded offensive attack, the Bison have a reliable quarterback in Brock Jensen, who completes 75.3 percent of his passes, and a pair of quick running backs in D.J. McNorton (68.1 ypg) and Sam Ojuri (61.2 ypg).
Prediction: North Dakota State 31, Indiana State 24
Murray State Racers (4-4, 2-3 OVC) at No. 20 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (5-2, 4-1), 2:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
Series record: Tennessee Tech leads, 41-34-1
Last meeting: at Murray State 44, Tennessee Tech 13 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: In a tribute to the teams that claimed four straight Ohio Valley Conference championships from 1985-61, Tennessee Tech will be wearing throwback uniforms, with the stripe from the top of the helmet removed and numbers on the sleeves.
Normally teams like to host a sure-win or easier opponent on homecoming and Tennessee Tech has thought that way about the Murray State often. Eleven times the Racers have been the Golden Eagles' homecoming opponent, and the hosts have a 7-4 record in such contests.
The Racers nearly completed a 14-point comeback against Eastern Kentucky last week, but fell 34-33 on a missed extra point. Even though they lost on the kicking miscue, the game should have put the Golden Eagles on alert that no lead is safe against the Racers.
Prediction: Tennessee Tech 35, Murray State 31
No. 11 Wofford Terriers (6-2, 4-1 SoCon) at Western Carolina Catamounts (1-7, 0-6), 3 p.m. (ESPN 3)
Series record: Wofford leads, 21-12
Last meeting: at Wofford 45, Western Carolina 14 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: Western Carolina fired its defensive coordinator earlier this week, but that likely won't help a unit that has been gashed for more rushing yards than any other team in the country (331.9 ypg). Amazingly, that number should go up, as Wofford's top-ranked rushing attack (358.5 ypg) will run all day on the Catamounts.
There also will be mismatches when Western Carolina's offense is on the field. The Catamounts may be averaging 22.9 points per game, but they have a combined 38 points the past three weeks. Wofford is ranked ninth in the FCS in total defense (294.5 ypg).
Other than a 62-yard performance against Clemson, Eric Breitenstein has been running down an opponent's throat all season. The fullback, who gets much of the carries out of the triple option, has rushed for 14 touchdowns, including eight in the past three weeks.
Prediction: Wofford 62, Western Carolina 13
Grambling State Tigers (4-4, 3-3 SWAC) at No. 15 Jackson State Tigers (7-1, 5-1), 3 p.m. (SWAC TV)
Series record: Grambling State leads, 40-20-1
Last meeting: at Grambling State 28, Jackson State 21 (Sept. 18, 2010)
What to know: Jackson State showed no hangover from its bye week, throttling Prairie View A&M, 44-14, behind a six-touchdown performance from quarterback Casey Therriault (303 ypg).
While Jackson State kept rolling after its bye week, Grambling State used its bye in Week 6 to regroup from a 1-4 start and have since won three straight to even out its record.
For Jackson State, the defense has been superb. Through eight games, the unit ranks in the FCS' top five for total defense (287.1 ypg) and scoring (16.1 ypg).
Prediction: Jackson State 41, Grambling State 17
Western Oregon Wolves (6-3) at No. 10 Montana Grizzlies (7-2), 3:05 p.m. (CW)
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Montana took to the air last week and flew past Weber State behind a six-touchdown performance from quarterback Jordan Johnson. Of Johnson's scoring strikes, a school-record four went to Jabin Sambrano.
The Johnson-Sambrano connection could have another big game against Western Oregon. The Division II team is yielding 269.6 yards per contest through the air.
While the pass defense is suspect, the Wolves' defensive line is the strength of the team. This season, Western Oregon has limited opponents to just 106.8 rushing yards per game and has bagged 31 sacks.
Prediction: Montana 55, Western Oregon 7
VMI Keydets (1-7, 1-2 Big South) at No. 22 Liberty Flames (6-3, 4-0), 3:30 p.m. (Flames Sports Network)
Series record: Liberty leads, 7-1
Last meeting: Liberty 41, at VMI 7 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: It has been a lopsided rivalry for the two Virginia-based programs as the Flames have won the past five meetings by a combined 244-113.
Flames quarterback Mike Brown tossed a pair of rare interceptions last week against Presbyterian. It was just Brown's second game with an interception since Week 4.
Scoring has been an issue for the Keydets this season, and if Liberty reaches 22 points this game might as well be over. Averaging just 14.9 points a game, VMI has yet to score more than 21 points in a game.
Prediction: Liberty 44, VMI 13
No. 2 Montana State Bobcats (8-1, 6-0 Big Sky) at Weber State Wildcats (3-5, 3-2), 3:35 p.m. (Altitude, Comcast Sports Northwest)
Series record: Montana State leads, 27-20-1
Last meeting: at Montana State 24, Weber State 10 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: The Bobcats' offense kept rolling last week in a 54-13 dismantling of Idaho State. The Big Sky leaders in total offense (458.4 ypg) and scoring (35.8 ypg), Montana State hasn't played a close game in three weeks.
Even though it lost its last two games to Southern Utah and Montana, Weber State's special teams have been impressive. After blocking one kick in the first six games of the season, the Wildcats have four blocks in the past two weeks.
Montana State sophomore running back Cody Kirk had a dominant game in the win against Idaho State, carrying the ball 24 times for 184 yards and four touchdowns. In his last three games, Kirk has rushed for 528 yards and six touchdowns.
Prediction: Montana State 38, Weber State 17
No. 25 Central Arkansas Bears (6-3, 5-1 Southland) at Northwestern State Demons (5-3, 3-1), 4 p.m. (Southland TV, ESPN3)
Series record: Tied, 2-2
Last meeting: Northwestern State 24, at Central Arkansas 19 (Oct. 9, 2010)
What to know: Ever since a rough stretch that included three straight losses against undefeated Sam Houston State and two FBS opponents, Central Arkansas has won five straight behind an explosive offense, which has averaged 37.8 points during the streak.
Holding the keys to the offense is quarterback Nathan Dick (252.1 ypg), who has an impressive 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Dick will likely put up big numbers again this weekend against the Demons' struggling secondary (259.6 ypg)
Where the Demons lack in the passing game, they make up for it by stuffing the run (121.6 ypg) and forcing turnovers, two facets of the game that have led Northwestern State to 5-1 record against FCS competition.
Prediction: Central Arkansas 34, Northwestern State 31
Eastern Kentucky Colonels (5-3, 4-1 OVC) at No. 18 Jacksonville State Gamecocks (5-3, 4-1), 4 p.m. (ESPN3)
Series record: Tied, 4-4
Last meeting: at Eastern Kentucky 49, Jacksonville State 37 (Nov. 6, 2010)
What to know: Led by running back Matt Denham (112.1 ypg) Eastern Kentucky leads the OVC and ranks 16th nationally with 206 rushing yards per game. However, recent history has been even more impressive for the Colonels. In the last four weeks, they've averaged 297.8 yards per game.
After looking like an offensive juggernaut and averaging 36.8 points from Sept. 17 to Oct. 15, the Gamecocks offense has come to a streaking halt, scoring a combined 28 points in back-to-back losses to Tennessee Tech and Kentucky.
With Jacksonville State's loss to Tennessee Tech last weekend, the OVC is now a wide-open race between those two teams and Eastern Kentucky.
Prediction: Eastern Kentucky 31, Jacksonville State 27
No. 4 Sam Houston State Bearkats (8-0, 5-0 Southland) at Southeastern Louisiana Lions (2-6, 0-4), 4:30 p.m.
Series record: Sam Houston State leads, 8-4
Last meeting: at Sam Houston State 57, Southeastern Louisiana 7 (Oct. 16, 2010)
What to know: How good have the Bearkats been this season? One of two undefeated teams in the FCS, Sam Houston State has yet to be challenged against an FCS team. Last week was the most recent whipping, a 66-0 demolition of Lamar.
That doesn't bode well for the Lions, one of the worst teams in the nation against the run (238 ypg). Expect Bearkats running back Tim Flanders (101.4 ypg) and Co. to have a big day carrying the ball.
If you can take any positives out of the Lions' first eight games, it's the passing attack. Ranked fifth in the nation, Southeastern Louisiana throws often (319.3 ypg) and scores often (31.4 ppg), but the defense gets scored on just as quickly.
Prediction: Sam Houston State 64, Southeastern Louisiana 17
Youngstown State Penguins (5-3, 3-2 MVC) at No. 6 Northern Iowa Panthers (6-2, 5-1), 5:05 p.m. (Panther Sports Television)
Series record: Northern Iowa leads, 19-6
Last meeting: Northern Iowa 34, at Youngstown State 30 (Oct. 30, 2010)
What to know: This could have been a trap game and Youngstown State could have caught Northern Iowa sleeping. However, after a loss to North Dakota State in the MVC Game of the Year, the Panthers will be looking to return home and send a message.
For Youngstown State, any upset hopes lie in the hands of its potent offense. Led by running back Jamaine Cook (130.6 ypg), the Penguins are second in the FCS in scoring (40 ppg) and total offense (482.1 ypg).
Against North Dakota State, the Panthers struggled with something they hadn't all year: turnovers. After tossing a pair of interceptions and losing a fumble in its first FCS loss of the season, expect ball control to be a point of emphasis for Northern Iowa.
Prediction: Northern Iowa 27, Youngstown State 25
Cal Poly Mustangs (5-3, 3-0 Great West) at UC Davis Aggies (2-6, 0-2), 5:05 p.m.
Series record: UC Davis leads, 18-16-2
Last meeting: UC Davis 22, at Cal Poly 21 (Nov. 13, 2010)
What to know: Cal Poly clinched a share of the final Great West title with a 27-24 win against South Dakota last week. This week, a victory would give the Mustangs full custody of the championship.
With the goal of winning a Great West championship nearly out of the way, the Mustangs will start a three-game playoff push. After heading to its California-based rival, Cal Poly will be looking for wins against Eastern Washington and at South Alabama to earn an at-large bid.
It's been quite a forgettable season for UC Davis, which is amongst the FCS' worst for total defense (421 ypg) and scoring offense (19.8 ppg). Last week against Southern Utah - a 34-3 loss - the Aggies were held to just nine first downs and 193 yards of total offense.
Prediction: Cal Poly 28, UC Davis 10
UT Martin Skyhawks (5-4) at Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-4), 7:30 p.m. (Comcast Sports Southeast)
Series record: First meeting
Last meeting: None
What to know: Like many FCS teams, the Skyhawks' history recent history against FBS schools hasn't been pretty. Going 0-5 in its last five trips to FBS stadiums, UT Martin has been outscored 211-37.
Even with its past history, this year's Skyhawks have a much more impressive offense than those teams that were doormats for FBS programs. Behind an impressive offensive line, which has allowed the least amount of sacks in the nation, UT Martin averages 440.9 yards and 39.8 points per game.
Of course, UT Martin has yet to play a SEC-caliber defense, and Mississippi State is only yielding 18.9 points and 336.3 yards a game in the FBS' toughest conference.
Prediction: Mississippi State 34, UT Martin 20
Last week: 10-5 (.666)
Overall: 164-57 (.742)