ursus arctos horribilis
October 2nd, 2021, 02:28 PM
I did not get this up on Thursday like I should have but I did not want to discontinue for the week so late it is.
2021 FCS INSIDER -- KEY LINKS
NCAA Statistics – Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fstats.ncaa.org%2frankings%2fch ange_sport_year_div&c=E,1,mRjnMdfJ923UgEz_6F_K71TPIgaYLBK4h14t4LGm20rq WWtqfAZgQSQTq6pntUD0a2pxmiKT48pAb9pE53zsA3uTxDpujS 57ux2QBVpU&typo=1) | Top-25 Polls -- Click Here (https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/fcs/fcs-coaches-poll) | Scoreboard -- Click Here (https://www.ncaa.com/scoreboard/football/fcs)
FCS Insider -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2ffcsinsider.com%2f&c=E,1,3rB462R9KZ-aj2yNofuGFA9TqKQXYMRWX4Earw7riN3E_ztqOugup5gq2BwpL zt7KVV2pF5uyCpiAUfIkKrtUsBnLvSjTj6jHtoKYe9jgHKVuPp zXHxOEBrbksEt&typo=1) | Stats Perform -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fcs.football%2ffcsfront.asp&c=E,1,RNp9OmJwGyQPTgnEngU_v5QjJKoipACVxOqXwmSKZRyR PeqAHQOwZzl7U5GVxWDiwWUhGytnkLPvjVLVgWta1mTlttk6oK UmwhlQhdFYHjWZGXR8cFBDG7EaRw,,&typo=1) | HERO Sports -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fherosports.com%2fcategory%2fco llege-football%2ffcs%2f&c=E,1,RCc8_tC95gi2TageeGldFZx1_AffWt8LvdZDJ5-vLbx7CSpI2r98jPXJkxrGsIvPuPexsxfl3iB5CLLsEx5otyGav hh87fPePZRbmbyDGzYYTi8Cp2mfP5A,&typo=1)
FCS ALL IN -- "FCS ALL IN" is a weekly news program dedicated to promoting all FCS 15 conferences. Content will be provided by each participating conference, and the program will be distributed via a YouTube channel (//YouTube.com/c/FCSALLIN) and launched each Saturday at 10 a.m. ET. In addition to providing an overview of FCS games, each episode will include interviews with special guests and national media correspondents.
#FearTheFCS -- In Week 1, the Big Sky became first FCS conference to post three wins over FBS opponents in the same week since CAA Football in 2009. Montana knocked off No. 20 Washington, becoming just the sixth FCS school to post a win over a nationally ranked FBS foe. There have been 10 FCS wins over FBS programs this season, including four wins over teams from "Power 5" programs. In 2016, five FCS teams knocked off Power 5 teams (the last time as many as three-such wins have occurred in one season). The last time the FCS had more than 10 wins in one season against FBS schools was in 2013 (16 that year).
FCS Wins Vs. FBS (2021)
Eastern Washington 35, UNLV 33 (2OT)
UC Davis 19, Tulsa 17
South Dakota State 42, Colorado State 23
Montana 13, No. 20 Washington 7
Holy Cross 38, UConn 28
ETSU 23, Vanderbilt 3
Duquesne 28, Ohio 26
Jacksonville State 20, Florida State 17
UIW 42, Texas State 34
Northern Arizona 21, Arizona 19
FCS in the NFL – There are more than two full teams worth of FCS players on NFL opening-day rosters. Better than 130 former FCS players made teams' 53-man rosters. Despite low draft numbers this spring (6) and last (6 in 2019), the number of FCS players on NFL rosters has not altered much --- with more than 210 FCS players on NFL Opening Day rosters in each of the previous three seasons (that number includes 53-man rosters and practice squads).
The 2021 season marks the debut of two new FCS conferences. The ASUN has three members this season: Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, and Central Arkansas. The WAC has four post-season eligible teams in the fall: Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston, and SFA. The two leagues have agreed on a one-year scheduling alliance for this fall.
No. 20/20 Kennesaw State hosts No. 17/17 Jacksonville State on Saturday. The Big South is 16-21 all-time when a ranked member faces a nationally-ranked non-conference opponent -- including 7-6 in regular-season contests. Of those 21 defeats, 13 have been by a touchdown-or-less. Meanwhile, Kennesaw State is 9-6 all-time against fellow "State"-named schools -- including 2-0 against JSU. KSU's nine "State" wins have come against East Tennessee State (1), Alabama State (3), Montana State (1), Jacksonville State (2), Missouri State (1) and Dixie State (1). The Owls' six losses to the "State" schools have been by an average of 5.2 points.
Samford's Liam Welch, Western Illinois' Darius Joiner, Southeast Missouri's Kenny Doak and William & Mary's Darius Wilson were selected Monday as the Stats Perform FCS National Players of the Week for Week 4. In addition, Holy Cross earned FCS National Team of the Week.
There are three matchups this weekend in which two top-25 teams face one another. In addition to the Kennesaw State-Jacksonville State matchup mentioned above; Montana travels to Eastern Washington and North Dakota State travels to North Dakota. Both EWU and UND are protecting lengthy homefield win streaks
ASUN -- Week five of the 2021 season features two AQ7 matchups on the weekend slate. Central Arkansas takes to the road to face of against Abilene Christan in the first ASUN/WAC contest for both squads. The weekend's other game sees No. 1 Sam Houston travel to meet Stephen F. Austin in the Battle of the Piney Woods.
Jacksonville State defensive back Malik Feaster's 100-yard fumble return against North Alabama on Sept. 18 set a new record for the longest return in FCS history. It also set a new school-best, beating the previous 59-year old mark of 98 yards set by Eugene Grieg.
A pair of current and future ASUN Head Coach find themselves ranked in the Top-3 winningest active head coaches list with at least 50 career games coached. KSU's Brian Bohannon and JSU's John Grass rank second and third, respectively.
BIG SKY -- No. 4 Montana travels to No. 6 EWU, with the contest airing on ESPN2. The ranked showdown will be the first match-up ever with both schools ranking in the top nine nationally.
EWU will put its 18-game home winning streak on the line when Montana visits on Saturday. Since installing the red turf in 2010, EWU is 5-0 against Montana at "The Inferno"
Saturday's showdown between Montana and EWU will be nationally televised on ESPN2, which will mark the first-ever regular-season Big Sky game to air on ESPN2.
UC Davis remained undefeated this past weekend, as the Aggies won a 17-14 game at Weber State. The game marked the first conference-ranked matchup of the season for the Big Sky.
EWU's Eric Barriere passed for 518 yards and four TDs in the 50-21 win at Southern Utah last Saturday, becoming the first FCS QB to throw for 500 or more yards in back-to-back games since Cornell's Jeff Mathews did it in 2011.
BIG SOUTH -- The conference season begins in earnest this Saturday with three games on the schedule and the league openers for Campbell, Gardner-Webb, North Alabama, North Carolina A&T and Robert Morris. Hampton and Kennesaw State will open Big South play against each other next Saturday. Campbell is 1-1 all-time in Big South openers, while Gardner-Webb is 9-10 and Robert Morris at 0-1. North Alabama and North Carolina A&T are both playing their inaugural Big South league game on Saturday.
Charleston Southern QB Jack Chambers set a Big South single-game record with 83 offensive plays this past Saturday at East Carolina, and his 459 yards of total offense marked the third-most in a game in league history. He rushed 22 times for 54 yards, and attempted 61 passes -- another Big South single-game mark -- for 405 yards through the air, the ninth-highest single-game total in the Big South record book. His 38 pass completions are second-most in a contest.
Gardner-Webb used a 28-point third quarter to rally and defeat Western Carolina, 52-34, this past Saturday. It was the Runnin' Bulldogs' first 50-point game against a Division I opponent since scoring 51 against Charlotte in a loss on Oct. 5, 2013. After defeating Lincoln 56-0 in Week 3, Gardner-Webb has posted back-to-back 50-point efforts for the first time since that same 2013 season (55 vs. Point on Sept. 28; 51 vs. Charlotte on Oct. 5). Meanwhile, GWU scored at least 50 points in a Division I victory for the first time since a 66-0 shutout win over Savannah State on Nov. 3, 2007.
CAA FOOTBALL -- For the first time all season, conference games make up the entire Saturday schedule. The slate is highlighted by a Top 25 matchup as #3 James Madison visits #25 New Hampshire. Unbeaten Rhode Island hosts Stony Brook, UAlbany travels to Delaware and Richmond entertains Elon.
Road teams have a 4-3 record in CAA Football games played thus far. As expected, the contests have also been very competitive, with four of the seven games decided by seven points or less.
Five CAA teams - JMU, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Villanova and William & Mary - have recorded three wins in the first four weeks of the season. The five three-win teams are the most of any FCS conference.
Elon quarterback Davis Cheek, Towson offensive lineman Aaron Grzymkowski and William & Mary offensive lineman Ryan Ripley were named semifinalists for the William Campbell Trophy, which is presented to the top football scholar-athlete in the nation. They were three of just 36 FCS players honored as semifinalists.
IVY LEAGUE -- A pair of Ivy vs. Ivy contests highlights the Week 3 slate of Ivy League football. First on Friday, Oct. 1, Penn plays host to Dartmouth at 7 p.m. in a game that will be nationally televised on ESPNU. The other conference matchup is between Columbia and Princeton at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Ivies are collectively 8-4 thus far opposite non-conference opponents. The league's non-conference success is not a new trend. Dating back to the 2010 season, Ivy League schools are 149-103 against non-league opponents.
Three Ivy League players received national honorable mention from Stats Perform for their performances last week: Ben Mathiasmeier (Columbia), Rodney Thomas II (Yale) and Jamal Cooney (Dartmouth). Mathiasmeier picked off two passes and registered six tackles in Columbia's 35-24 win over Georgetown. Thomas also had a pair of interception in Yale's win over Cornell. Cooney averaged a staggering 42.7 yards per punt return with returns of 22, 64 and 42 yards.
Several Ivies rank atop national stats categories entering Week 3. Harvard's Aaron Shampklin leads the nation in both rushing yards per game (152.0) and yards per carry (11.26). Brown quarterback EJ Perry is first in completions per game (35.5), while Dartmouth's Derek Kyler is first in completion percentage (.781) and passing efficiency (204.0). Other national leaders include: Chris Smith, Harvard (1 forced fumble per game), Rodney Thomas II, Yale and Ben Mathiasmeier, Columbia (1 interception per game), Jason McCleod, Penn (2.5 passes defended per game), Jamal Cooney, Dartmouth (42.7 yards per punt return) and Andrei Iosivas, Princeton (31.6 yards per reception).
MEAC -- North Carolina Central wide receiver Ryan McDaniel was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference announced Monday. Howard defensive back Aaron Walker was named Defensive Player of the Week and Norfolk State running back J.J. Davis was named Rookie of the Week. Norfolk State's Justin Redd was named Offensive Lineman of the Week, and picking up Specialist of the Week honors was North Carolina Central's Adrian Olivo.
Morgan State senior defensive lineman Shimano Dendoe was announced on Wednesday as a semifinalist for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. Celebrating its 32nd year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
North Carolina Central senior defensive end Jessie Malit has been announced as a semifinalist for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. NCCU hits the road for the fourth time in five games. After busing 53.6 miles to Greensboro last week, the Eagles will fly more than 600 miles to play Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena, Mississippi. This will be the first gridiron meeting between the NCCU Eagles and MVSU Delta Devils.
MISSOURI VALLEY --This week is the 114th meeting between North Dakota State and North Dakota dating back to 1894. It is the 10th most played rivalry among current Football Championship Subdivision members. UND has a 62-48-3 lead in the all-time series, but NDSU has won all three meetings as Division I opponents in 2015, 2019 and 2021, all in Fargo. This is NDSU's first trip to Grand Forks since 2003, the last season of Division II football for the Bison.
Three league schools rank in the Top 6 nationally in Red Zone Defense. North Dakota State ranks second by allowing just one score on four opponent trips into its Red Zone. South Dakota State is fifth at 50 percent (3 TD, 1 FG on 8 trips), while UND is next allowing only five scores (3 TD, 2 FG) in nine opponent Red Zone opportunities.
Led by national leader North Dakota State, three MVFC schools rank in the Top 8 nationally in rushing yards per game. NDSU averages 348.3 yards per game on the ground, while Youngstown State (5th, 272.0) and South Dakota State (8th, 265.3) are also among the FCS best through Sept. 25.
NORTHEAST -- Three Northeast Conference teams take on MEAC members in Week 5. Saint Francis travels to Morgan State while Sacred Heart visits Howard. Wagner hosts Delaware State in a game available live (for free) at NECFrontRow.com.
Bryant, which boasts the back-to-back NEC DPOTW Ryan Saddler, hosts Ivy League member Brown after winning, 34-17, at PFL member Marist in Week 4.
Duquesne visits Merrimack in the lone NEC contest on the Week 5 slate (watch live via NEC Front Row). It'll be the NEC opener for both teams, who each captured signature non-conference victories last month. Duquesne won at Ohio, 28-26, for its first victory over a FBS school. On the same day, Merrimack posted a 35-21 win over reigning Patriot League champion Holy Cross.
Merrimack QB Westin Elliott owns the fourth-highest completion percentage (73.8) in FCS this season. The Louisiana Tech transfer has thrown 15 touchdowns passes in four weeks and poses a serious threat to the NEC single-season record (28).
Duquesne OT Jake Dixon was named a semifinalist for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy®. Having made 43 career appearances, Dixon transitioned from tight end to tackle this past spring and earned a spot on the AFCA All-America Second Team.
OHIO VALLEY -- UT Martin topped No. 9 Jacksonville State 34-31 on Saturday, marking the Skyhawks first win in Jacksonville since 1987. It was the first win for the Skyhawks over a Top 10 ranked team since topping No. 7 Central Arkansas in 2013.
With its win over JSU, UT Martin jumped into both of the Top 25 polls, the first time the team had been ranked since 2017. UTM is off to a 3-1 start this season, its best start since 2017.
Eastern Illinois snapped a six-game losing streak dating back to last season and won its first road game since November 2019 by topping Tennessee Tech 28-14 on Saturday. In the win Bryce Dewberry returned a fumble 90 yards for a touchdown; it marked the longest fumble return in school history.
Southeast Missouri kicker Kenny Doak was named National Specialist of the Week after scoring 17 points (4-of-4 FGs, 5-of-5 PATs) in the team's win over Tennessee State. The four made field goals is tied for the most by a FCS player this season. This calendar year (including the spring season), four different OVC kickers have been named National Specialist of the Week.
PATRIOT -- The week five schedule features a pair of League games with Georgetown hosting first-place Colgate at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Lafayette welcomes Fordham, as both teams kick off their League slates with a 3:30 p.m. game on ESPN+. Lehigh kicks off the day of action at home against Yale with live coverage on ESPN+ beginning at noon. Holy Cross looks to extend its win streak to three games when they host Harvard for a 1:30 p.m. game on ESPN+ and Spectrum News 1. Bucknell returns to action, hosting Cornell at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Home Patriot League games can be viewed internationally at https://patriotleague.org/watch.
Holy Cross was named the Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week after defeating No. 19/20 Monmouth, 45-15. The two-time defending Patriot League champions jumped out to a 28-0 lead by halftime and never looked back, becoming the first League team to defeat a ranked opponent since Colgate beat then-No. 6 James Madison in the second round of the 2018 FCS Playoffs. The Crusaders climbed to No. 24 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, marking the second time they have entered the polls this season. They were ranked No. 24 in the Stats Perform Top-25 Poll after their victory over UConn on Sept. 4.
Four Patriot League football student-athletes were named 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalists when it was announced by the NFF. Bucknell senior defensive lineman Grayson Cherubino, Georgetown graduate student defensive back Ahmad Wilson, Holy Cross senior running back Peter Oliver and Lehigh senior running back Rashawn Allen were among the 176 semifinalists for the prestigious honor. The Campbell Trophy will be awarded to the best football scholar-athlete in the nation for the 32nd year. Allen, Cherubino, Oliver and Wilson are among the 36 nominees from the FCS level.
PFL -- Trailing 9-7 at halftime, Davidson scored the second half's first 14 points to secure a 28-16 PFL-opening victory against San Diego… Dayton scored 28 points in both the second and third quarters to erase a 23-0 deficit and post a 63-43 PFL-opening victory against Presbyterian… Ben Nimz connected with Jordan Bingham for a 30-yard touchdown with 1:05 left and Austin Martins blocked a potential game-tying field goal, leading Valparaiso to a 24-21 PFL-opening victory at Drake… Princeton held Stetson to 199 offensive yards and scored at least 10 points in each quarter to post a 63-0 victory… St. Thomas made the most of its PFL debut, scoring a 36-0 victory against Butler… Bryant scored the game's first 17 points and then held on for a 34-17 victory against Marist.
Avery Samuels, a redshirt sophomore OL for Stetson, was one of three college football student-athletes named to the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Watch List, Sept. 28. Samuels sat out the 2020-21 season as seven members of his family perished from COVID-19. Following the death of his uncle last April and six other family members in the months that followed, he made the decision to opt-out of the season and spend the time with his family. Remarkably, despite the family tragedy, the psychology major returned to the Hatters this summer and has been working his way back onto the field.
With Dayton's 63-point performance in a league victory against Presbyterian, five of the FCS's 60-plus scoring performances have been put forth by PFL teams. Presbyterian holds down the No. 1 and No. 5 spots on the list with its 84 points against St. Andrews and 68 points against Fort Lauderdale. Butler sits at No. 2 with its 77-point outing against Taylor (Ind.). Dayton is now No. 9 while Morehead State's 62-point effort against Point (Ga.) is No. 13.
SOUTHERN -- Four Southern Conference games are on Saturday's schedule, with The Citadel hosting No. 22/18 VMI for the Military Classic of the South in the Ingles SoCon Game of the Week on select Nexstar affiliates.
ETSU looks to remain undefeated when it hosts Wofford, preseason SoCon favorite Chattanooga opens its league slate when it hosts Western Carolina, and Mercer welcomes Samford. Furman is idle.
VMI will try to claim the Silver Shako for the third straight season on Saturday. The Keydets snapped The Citadel's 12-game winning streak in the series in 2019 and are seeking their first three-game winning streak against the Bulldogs since taking seven straight from 1950-57. Last season's VMI win came in the final game of the regular season and clinched the Keydets' first SoCon title since 1977.
The Citadel has been idle since its 45-13 win over North Greenville on Sept. 18. The Bulldogs got touchdowns from four different players and their defense did not allow a TD on the day. The Citadel set the tone early, getting Jaylan Adams' 72-yard touchdown pass to Raleigh Webb on just the second play from scrimmage.
SOUTHLAND -- UIW recorded its first shutout of a Southland Conference opponent in program history and first shutout of any opponent since 2013 with a 31-0 win over McNeese.
Nicholls wide receiver Dai'Jean Dixon moved to fourth on the Southland career receiving yards leaderboard (3,193) and fifth on the league's all-time receiving touchdowns list (30). He is only the fourth receiver in conference history to amass 3,100 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Led by reigning Walter Payton Award winner Cole Kelley, the Southeastern offense has scored 40 or more points in seven straight games. In that span, he has completed 73 percent of his passes (224-for-307) for 2,763 yards, 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He has also rushed for 10 touchdowns. McNeese's Mason Pierce ranks eighth among FCS returners in kickoff return average (31.3) and has the most returns (9) of any player averaging at least 30 yards.
SWAC -- Two Southwestern Athletic Conference football student-athletes have been named semifinalists for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. The selections were Alabama State's Luke Barnes and Florida A&M's Chris Faddoul. The duo were among just 36 selections at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Overall there were 176 selections across all levels of college football.
The SWAC named Alcorn State's Felix Harper and Keyron Kinsler along with Texas Southern's Richard Garcia III and Andrew Body its SWAC Football Players of the Week for their outstanding performances during games played this past week of competition. Harper completed 16-of-32 pass attempts for 368 yards and three touchdowns this past week. His performance helped the Braves rally from a 19-point second half deficit to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff on the road by a score of 39-38. He also ran for an 11-yard touchdown capping off a seven play 94-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter.
WAC -- It's a big week around the WAC and not only because it's time for the Battle of the Piney Woods between top-ranked Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin at NRG Stadium in Houston. Dixie State returns after the bye week as they travel to South Dakota State, who is ranked second in the Stats Perform Top 25 and third in the AFCA Coaches' Top 25. Tarleton will head to Eastern Kentucky while Abilene Christian hosts Central Arkansas in AQ7 action. Both EKU and UCA are among those receiving votes in both the Stats Perform and AFCA polls.
Sam Houston leads the WAC in scoring offense (46.3), total offense (533.0), rushing offense (259.0), rushing defense (77.33), third down conversions (.500) and sacks against (3). Stephen F. Austin holds the top spot in total defense (266.5), scoring defense (16.0), defensive pass efficiency (86.2), passing offense (287.0), field goals made (9), net yards per punt (52.5), punt return average (22.1), punt return TDs (3), interceptions (8), turnover margin (+1.3), fourth-down conversions (.571), sacks by (14) and possession (31:42).
2021 FCS INSIDER -- KEY LINKS
NCAA Statistics – Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fstats.ncaa.org%2frankings%2fch ange_sport_year_div&c=E,1,mRjnMdfJ923UgEz_6F_K71TPIgaYLBK4h14t4LGm20rq WWtqfAZgQSQTq6pntUD0a2pxmiKT48pAb9pE53zsA3uTxDpujS 57ux2QBVpU&typo=1) | Top-25 Polls -- Click Here (https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/football/fcs/fcs-coaches-poll) | Scoreboard -- Click Here (https://www.ncaa.com/scoreboard/football/fcs)
FCS Insider -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2ffcsinsider.com%2f&c=E,1,3rB462R9KZ-aj2yNofuGFA9TqKQXYMRWX4Earw7riN3E_ztqOugup5gq2BwpL zt7KVV2pF5uyCpiAUfIkKrtUsBnLvSjTj6jHtoKYe9jgHKVuPp zXHxOEBrbksEt&typo=1) | Stats Perform -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwww.fcs.football%2ffcsfront.asp&c=E,1,RNp9OmJwGyQPTgnEngU_v5QjJKoipACVxOqXwmSKZRyR PeqAHQOwZzl7U5GVxWDiwWUhGytnkLPvjVLVgWta1mTlttk6oK UmwhlQhdFYHjWZGXR8cFBDG7EaRw,,&typo=1) | HERO Sports -- Click Here (https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fherosports.com%2fcategory%2fco llege-football%2ffcs%2f&c=E,1,RCc8_tC95gi2TageeGldFZx1_AffWt8LvdZDJ5-vLbx7CSpI2r98jPXJkxrGsIvPuPexsxfl3iB5CLLsEx5otyGav hh87fPePZRbmbyDGzYYTi8Cp2mfP5A,&typo=1)
FCS ALL IN -- "FCS ALL IN" is a weekly news program dedicated to promoting all FCS 15 conferences. Content will be provided by each participating conference, and the program will be distributed via a YouTube channel (//YouTube.com/c/FCSALLIN) and launched each Saturday at 10 a.m. ET. In addition to providing an overview of FCS games, each episode will include interviews with special guests and national media correspondents.
#FearTheFCS -- In Week 1, the Big Sky became first FCS conference to post three wins over FBS opponents in the same week since CAA Football in 2009. Montana knocked off No. 20 Washington, becoming just the sixth FCS school to post a win over a nationally ranked FBS foe. There have been 10 FCS wins over FBS programs this season, including four wins over teams from "Power 5" programs. In 2016, five FCS teams knocked off Power 5 teams (the last time as many as three-such wins have occurred in one season). The last time the FCS had more than 10 wins in one season against FBS schools was in 2013 (16 that year).
FCS Wins Vs. FBS (2021)
Eastern Washington 35, UNLV 33 (2OT)
UC Davis 19, Tulsa 17
South Dakota State 42, Colorado State 23
Montana 13, No. 20 Washington 7
Holy Cross 38, UConn 28
ETSU 23, Vanderbilt 3
Duquesne 28, Ohio 26
Jacksonville State 20, Florida State 17
UIW 42, Texas State 34
Northern Arizona 21, Arizona 19
FCS in the NFL – There are more than two full teams worth of FCS players on NFL opening-day rosters. Better than 130 former FCS players made teams' 53-man rosters. Despite low draft numbers this spring (6) and last (6 in 2019), the number of FCS players on NFL rosters has not altered much --- with more than 210 FCS players on NFL Opening Day rosters in each of the previous three seasons (that number includes 53-man rosters and practice squads).
The 2021 season marks the debut of two new FCS conferences. The ASUN has three members this season: Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, and Central Arkansas. The WAC has four post-season eligible teams in the fall: Abilene Christian, Lamar, Sam Houston, and SFA. The two leagues have agreed on a one-year scheduling alliance for this fall.
No. 20/20 Kennesaw State hosts No. 17/17 Jacksonville State on Saturday. The Big South is 16-21 all-time when a ranked member faces a nationally-ranked non-conference opponent -- including 7-6 in regular-season contests. Of those 21 defeats, 13 have been by a touchdown-or-less. Meanwhile, Kennesaw State is 9-6 all-time against fellow "State"-named schools -- including 2-0 against JSU. KSU's nine "State" wins have come against East Tennessee State (1), Alabama State (3), Montana State (1), Jacksonville State (2), Missouri State (1) and Dixie State (1). The Owls' six losses to the "State" schools have been by an average of 5.2 points.
Samford's Liam Welch, Western Illinois' Darius Joiner, Southeast Missouri's Kenny Doak and William & Mary's Darius Wilson were selected Monday as the Stats Perform FCS National Players of the Week for Week 4. In addition, Holy Cross earned FCS National Team of the Week.
There are three matchups this weekend in which two top-25 teams face one another. In addition to the Kennesaw State-Jacksonville State matchup mentioned above; Montana travels to Eastern Washington and North Dakota State travels to North Dakota. Both EWU and UND are protecting lengthy homefield win streaks
ASUN -- Week five of the 2021 season features two AQ7 matchups on the weekend slate. Central Arkansas takes to the road to face of against Abilene Christan in the first ASUN/WAC contest for both squads. The weekend's other game sees No. 1 Sam Houston travel to meet Stephen F. Austin in the Battle of the Piney Woods.
Jacksonville State defensive back Malik Feaster's 100-yard fumble return against North Alabama on Sept. 18 set a new record for the longest return in FCS history. It also set a new school-best, beating the previous 59-year old mark of 98 yards set by Eugene Grieg.
A pair of current and future ASUN Head Coach find themselves ranked in the Top-3 winningest active head coaches list with at least 50 career games coached. KSU's Brian Bohannon and JSU's John Grass rank second and third, respectively.
BIG SKY -- No. 4 Montana travels to No. 6 EWU, with the contest airing on ESPN2. The ranked showdown will be the first match-up ever with both schools ranking in the top nine nationally.
EWU will put its 18-game home winning streak on the line when Montana visits on Saturday. Since installing the red turf in 2010, EWU is 5-0 against Montana at "The Inferno"
Saturday's showdown between Montana and EWU will be nationally televised on ESPN2, which will mark the first-ever regular-season Big Sky game to air on ESPN2.
UC Davis remained undefeated this past weekend, as the Aggies won a 17-14 game at Weber State. The game marked the first conference-ranked matchup of the season for the Big Sky.
EWU's Eric Barriere passed for 518 yards and four TDs in the 50-21 win at Southern Utah last Saturday, becoming the first FCS QB to throw for 500 or more yards in back-to-back games since Cornell's Jeff Mathews did it in 2011.
BIG SOUTH -- The conference season begins in earnest this Saturday with three games on the schedule and the league openers for Campbell, Gardner-Webb, North Alabama, North Carolina A&T and Robert Morris. Hampton and Kennesaw State will open Big South play against each other next Saturday. Campbell is 1-1 all-time in Big South openers, while Gardner-Webb is 9-10 and Robert Morris at 0-1. North Alabama and North Carolina A&T are both playing their inaugural Big South league game on Saturday.
Charleston Southern QB Jack Chambers set a Big South single-game record with 83 offensive plays this past Saturday at East Carolina, and his 459 yards of total offense marked the third-most in a game in league history. He rushed 22 times for 54 yards, and attempted 61 passes -- another Big South single-game mark -- for 405 yards through the air, the ninth-highest single-game total in the Big South record book. His 38 pass completions are second-most in a contest.
Gardner-Webb used a 28-point third quarter to rally and defeat Western Carolina, 52-34, this past Saturday. It was the Runnin' Bulldogs' first 50-point game against a Division I opponent since scoring 51 against Charlotte in a loss on Oct. 5, 2013. After defeating Lincoln 56-0 in Week 3, Gardner-Webb has posted back-to-back 50-point efforts for the first time since that same 2013 season (55 vs. Point on Sept. 28; 51 vs. Charlotte on Oct. 5). Meanwhile, GWU scored at least 50 points in a Division I victory for the first time since a 66-0 shutout win over Savannah State on Nov. 3, 2007.
CAA FOOTBALL -- For the first time all season, conference games make up the entire Saturday schedule. The slate is highlighted by a Top 25 matchup as #3 James Madison visits #25 New Hampshire. Unbeaten Rhode Island hosts Stony Brook, UAlbany travels to Delaware and Richmond entertains Elon.
Road teams have a 4-3 record in CAA Football games played thus far. As expected, the contests have also been very competitive, with four of the seven games decided by seven points or less.
Five CAA teams - JMU, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Villanova and William & Mary - have recorded three wins in the first four weeks of the season. The five three-win teams are the most of any FCS conference.
Elon quarterback Davis Cheek, Towson offensive lineman Aaron Grzymkowski and William & Mary offensive lineman Ryan Ripley were named semifinalists for the William Campbell Trophy, which is presented to the top football scholar-athlete in the nation. They were three of just 36 FCS players honored as semifinalists.
IVY LEAGUE -- A pair of Ivy vs. Ivy contests highlights the Week 3 slate of Ivy League football. First on Friday, Oct. 1, Penn plays host to Dartmouth at 7 p.m. in a game that will be nationally televised on ESPNU. The other conference matchup is between Columbia and Princeton at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Ivies are collectively 8-4 thus far opposite non-conference opponents. The league's non-conference success is not a new trend. Dating back to the 2010 season, Ivy League schools are 149-103 against non-league opponents.
Three Ivy League players received national honorable mention from Stats Perform for their performances last week: Ben Mathiasmeier (Columbia), Rodney Thomas II (Yale) and Jamal Cooney (Dartmouth). Mathiasmeier picked off two passes and registered six tackles in Columbia's 35-24 win over Georgetown. Thomas also had a pair of interception in Yale's win over Cornell. Cooney averaged a staggering 42.7 yards per punt return with returns of 22, 64 and 42 yards.
Several Ivies rank atop national stats categories entering Week 3. Harvard's Aaron Shampklin leads the nation in both rushing yards per game (152.0) and yards per carry (11.26). Brown quarterback EJ Perry is first in completions per game (35.5), while Dartmouth's Derek Kyler is first in completion percentage (.781) and passing efficiency (204.0). Other national leaders include: Chris Smith, Harvard (1 forced fumble per game), Rodney Thomas II, Yale and Ben Mathiasmeier, Columbia (1 interception per game), Jason McCleod, Penn (2.5 passes defended per game), Jamal Cooney, Dartmouth (42.7 yards per punt return) and Andrei Iosivas, Princeton (31.6 yards per reception).
MEAC -- North Carolina Central wide receiver Ryan McDaniel was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola, the conference announced Monday. Howard defensive back Aaron Walker was named Defensive Player of the Week and Norfolk State running back J.J. Davis was named Rookie of the Week. Norfolk State's Justin Redd was named Offensive Lineman of the Week, and picking up Specialist of the Week honors was North Carolina Central's Adrian Olivo.
Morgan State senior defensive lineman Shimano Dendoe was announced on Wednesday as a semifinalist for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. Celebrating its 32nd year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
North Carolina Central senior defensive end Jessie Malit has been announced as a semifinalist for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. NCCU hits the road for the fourth time in five games. After busing 53.6 miles to Greensboro last week, the Eagles will fly more than 600 miles to play Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena, Mississippi. This will be the first gridiron meeting between the NCCU Eagles and MVSU Delta Devils.
MISSOURI VALLEY --This week is the 114th meeting between North Dakota State and North Dakota dating back to 1894. It is the 10th most played rivalry among current Football Championship Subdivision members. UND has a 62-48-3 lead in the all-time series, but NDSU has won all three meetings as Division I opponents in 2015, 2019 and 2021, all in Fargo. This is NDSU's first trip to Grand Forks since 2003, the last season of Division II football for the Bison.
Three league schools rank in the Top 6 nationally in Red Zone Defense. North Dakota State ranks second by allowing just one score on four opponent trips into its Red Zone. South Dakota State is fifth at 50 percent (3 TD, 1 FG on 8 trips), while UND is next allowing only five scores (3 TD, 2 FG) in nine opponent Red Zone opportunities.
Led by national leader North Dakota State, three MVFC schools rank in the Top 8 nationally in rushing yards per game. NDSU averages 348.3 yards per game on the ground, while Youngstown State (5th, 272.0) and South Dakota State (8th, 265.3) are also among the FCS best through Sept. 25.
NORTHEAST -- Three Northeast Conference teams take on MEAC members in Week 5. Saint Francis travels to Morgan State while Sacred Heart visits Howard. Wagner hosts Delaware State in a game available live (for free) at NECFrontRow.com.
Bryant, which boasts the back-to-back NEC DPOTW Ryan Saddler, hosts Ivy League member Brown after winning, 34-17, at PFL member Marist in Week 4.
Duquesne visits Merrimack in the lone NEC contest on the Week 5 slate (watch live via NEC Front Row). It'll be the NEC opener for both teams, who each captured signature non-conference victories last month. Duquesne won at Ohio, 28-26, for its first victory over a FBS school. On the same day, Merrimack posted a 35-21 win over reigning Patriot League champion Holy Cross.
Merrimack QB Westin Elliott owns the fourth-highest completion percentage (73.8) in FCS this season. The Louisiana Tech transfer has thrown 15 touchdowns passes in four weeks and poses a serious threat to the NEC single-season record (28).
Duquesne OT Jake Dixon was named a semifinalist for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy®. Having made 43 career appearances, Dixon transitioned from tight end to tackle this past spring and earned a spot on the AFCA All-America Second Team.
OHIO VALLEY -- UT Martin topped No. 9 Jacksonville State 34-31 on Saturday, marking the Skyhawks first win in Jacksonville since 1987. It was the first win for the Skyhawks over a Top 10 ranked team since topping No. 7 Central Arkansas in 2013.
With its win over JSU, UT Martin jumped into both of the Top 25 polls, the first time the team had been ranked since 2017. UTM is off to a 3-1 start this season, its best start since 2017.
Eastern Illinois snapped a six-game losing streak dating back to last season and won its first road game since November 2019 by topping Tennessee Tech 28-14 on Saturday. In the win Bryce Dewberry returned a fumble 90 yards for a touchdown; it marked the longest fumble return in school history.
Southeast Missouri kicker Kenny Doak was named National Specialist of the Week after scoring 17 points (4-of-4 FGs, 5-of-5 PATs) in the team's win over Tennessee State. The four made field goals is tied for the most by a FCS player this season. This calendar year (including the spring season), four different OVC kickers have been named National Specialist of the Week.
PATRIOT -- The week five schedule features a pair of League games with Georgetown hosting first-place Colgate at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Lafayette welcomes Fordham, as both teams kick off their League slates with a 3:30 p.m. game on ESPN+. Lehigh kicks off the day of action at home against Yale with live coverage on ESPN+ beginning at noon. Holy Cross looks to extend its win streak to three games when they host Harvard for a 1:30 p.m. game on ESPN+ and Spectrum News 1. Bucknell returns to action, hosting Cornell at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Home Patriot League games can be viewed internationally at https://patriotleague.org/watch.
Holy Cross was named the Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week after defeating No. 19/20 Monmouth, 45-15. The two-time defending Patriot League champions jumped out to a 28-0 lead by halftime and never looked back, becoming the first League team to defeat a ranked opponent since Colgate beat then-No. 6 James Madison in the second round of the 2018 FCS Playoffs. The Crusaders climbed to No. 24 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, marking the second time they have entered the polls this season. They were ranked No. 24 in the Stats Perform Top-25 Poll after their victory over UConn on Sept. 4.
Four Patriot League football student-athletes were named 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalists when it was announced by the NFF. Bucknell senior defensive lineman Grayson Cherubino, Georgetown graduate student defensive back Ahmad Wilson, Holy Cross senior running back Peter Oliver and Lehigh senior running back Rashawn Allen were among the 176 semifinalists for the prestigious honor. The Campbell Trophy will be awarded to the best football scholar-athlete in the nation for the 32nd year. Allen, Cherubino, Oliver and Wilson are among the 36 nominees from the FCS level.
PFL -- Trailing 9-7 at halftime, Davidson scored the second half's first 14 points to secure a 28-16 PFL-opening victory against San Diego… Dayton scored 28 points in both the second and third quarters to erase a 23-0 deficit and post a 63-43 PFL-opening victory against Presbyterian… Ben Nimz connected with Jordan Bingham for a 30-yard touchdown with 1:05 left and Austin Martins blocked a potential game-tying field goal, leading Valparaiso to a 24-21 PFL-opening victory at Drake… Princeton held Stetson to 199 offensive yards and scored at least 10 points in each quarter to post a 63-0 victory… St. Thomas made the most of its PFL debut, scoring a 36-0 victory against Butler… Bryant scored the game's first 17 points and then held on for a 34-17 victory against Marist.
Avery Samuels, a redshirt sophomore OL for Stetson, was one of three college football student-athletes named to the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Watch List, Sept. 28. Samuels sat out the 2020-21 season as seven members of his family perished from COVID-19. Following the death of his uncle last April and six other family members in the months that followed, he made the decision to opt-out of the season and spend the time with his family. Remarkably, despite the family tragedy, the psychology major returned to the Hatters this summer and has been working his way back onto the field.
With Dayton's 63-point performance in a league victory against Presbyterian, five of the FCS's 60-plus scoring performances have been put forth by PFL teams. Presbyterian holds down the No. 1 and No. 5 spots on the list with its 84 points against St. Andrews and 68 points against Fort Lauderdale. Butler sits at No. 2 with its 77-point outing against Taylor (Ind.). Dayton is now No. 9 while Morehead State's 62-point effort against Point (Ga.) is No. 13.
SOUTHERN -- Four Southern Conference games are on Saturday's schedule, with The Citadel hosting No. 22/18 VMI for the Military Classic of the South in the Ingles SoCon Game of the Week on select Nexstar affiliates.
ETSU looks to remain undefeated when it hosts Wofford, preseason SoCon favorite Chattanooga opens its league slate when it hosts Western Carolina, and Mercer welcomes Samford. Furman is idle.
VMI will try to claim the Silver Shako for the third straight season on Saturday. The Keydets snapped The Citadel's 12-game winning streak in the series in 2019 and are seeking their first three-game winning streak against the Bulldogs since taking seven straight from 1950-57. Last season's VMI win came in the final game of the regular season and clinched the Keydets' first SoCon title since 1977.
The Citadel has been idle since its 45-13 win over North Greenville on Sept. 18. The Bulldogs got touchdowns from four different players and their defense did not allow a TD on the day. The Citadel set the tone early, getting Jaylan Adams' 72-yard touchdown pass to Raleigh Webb on just the second play from scrimmage.
SOUTHLAND -- UIW recorded its first shutout of a Southland Conference opponent in program history and first shutout of any opponent since 2013 with a 31-0 win over McNeese.
Nicholls wide receiver Dai'Jean Dixon moved to fourth on the Southland career receiving yards leaderboard (3,193) and fifth on the league's all-time receiving touchdowns list (30). He is only the fourth receiver in conference history to amass 3,100 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Led by reigning Walter Payton Award winner Cole Kelley, the Southeastern offense has scored 40 or more points in seven straight games. In that span, he has completed 73 percent of his passes (224-for-307) for 2,763 yards, 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He has also rushed for 10 touchdowns. McNeese's Mason Pierce ranks eighth among FCS returners in kickoff return average (31.3) and has the most returns (9) of any player averaging at least 30 yards.
SWAC -- Two Southwestern Athletic Conference football student-athletes have been named semifinalists for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. The selections were Alabama State's Luke Barnes and Florida A&M's Chris Faddoul. The duo were among just 36 selections at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Overall there were 176 selections across all levels of college football.
The SWAC named Alcorn State's Felix Harper and Keyron Kinsler along with Texas Southern's Richard Garcia III and Andrew Body its SWAC Football Players of the Week for their outstanding performances during games played this past week of competition. Harper completed 16-of-32 pass attempts for 368 yards and three touchdowns this past week. His performance helped the Braves rally from a 19-point second half deficit to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff on the road by a score of 39-38. He also ran for an 11-yard touchdown capping off a seven play 94-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter.
WAC -- It's a big week around the WAC and not only because it's time for the Battle of the Piney Woods between top-ranked Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin at NRG Stadium in Houston. Dixie State returns after the bye week as they travel to South Dakota State, who is ranked second in the Stats Perform Top 25 and third in the AFCA Coaches' Top 25. Tarleton will head to Eastern Kentucky while Abilene Christian hosts Central Arkansas in AQ7 action. Both EKU and UCA are among those receiving votes in both the Stats Perform and AFCA polls.
Sam Houston leads the WAC in scoring offense (46.3), total offense (533.0), rushing offense (259.0), rushing defense (77.33), third down conversions (.500) and sacks against (3). Stephen F. Austin holds the top spot in total defense (266.5), scoring defense (16.0), defensive pass efficiency (86.2), passing offense (287.0), field goals made (9), net yards per punt (52.5), punt return average (22.1), punt return TDs (3), interceptions (8), turnover margin (+1.3), fourth-down conversions (.571), sacks by (14) and possession (31:42).