ursus arctos horribilis
November 12th, 2021, 03:42 PM
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 11 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 in the NFL – There were 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). Research compiled by Craig Haley (Stats Perform) has the current number at 126 on active rosters and 199 overall. Read more: https://bit.ly/3BUurhe
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.
UIW's Cameron Ward, Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Andre Fuller, Illinois State's JT Bohlken and Yale's David Pantelis were selected Monday as the Stats Perform FCS National Players of the Week for Week 10. In addition, UT Martin earned FCS National Team of the Week.
Twenty-two players highlight the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Jerry Rice Award, which is presented to the national freshman of the year in college football's Division I subdivision. MORE: https://bit.ly/2Zz80B7
Eleven players were added on Wednesday to the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually to the national defensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision. MORE: https://bit.ly/3c3SDTC
Eleven players were added on Wednesday to the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision. MORE: https://bit.ly/3c2X80P
All 25 ranked teams will play this weekend. Where to watch those key matchups (AFCA rankings denoted) are below. Four games on Saturday (Nov. 13) features two ranked teams playing one another.
No. 25 Eastern Kentucky at No. 1 Sam Houston, 12 pm CT (ESPN+)
No. 7 South Dakota State at No. 17 South Dakota, 1 pm CT (Midco Sports / ESPN+)
No. 24 UNI at No. 14 Missouri State, 2 pm CT (ESPN+)
No. 8 Eastern Washington at No. 4 UC Davis, 7 pm CT (ESPN+)
ASUN -- This weekend's ASUN Conference Football slate features No. 25 Eastern Kentucky in a road contest against No. 1 Sam Houston State. The Colonels are looking to gain ground in the AQ7 rankings with a victory against the Bearkats. Central Arkansas and Jacksonville State both are also in AQ7 action as they face Stephen F. Austin and Lamar, respectively.
Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State have a combined 8-5 record in AQ7 matchups this season with UCA and EKU having three wins apiece. Current and future ASUN Football programs have accumulated four wins against FCS Top-25 opponents this fall with wins by Austin Peay, EKU, JSU and Kennesaw State.
BIG SKY -- Top-10 foes Eastern Washington and UC Davis battle this Saturday, as the Eagles and Aggies highlight a critical week in Big Sky football that features conference title, FCS Playoff and even potential College GameDay implications.
With only two weeks remaining, both Sacramento State and Montana State remain undefeated in conference play. The Hornets host Portland State this weekend, while the Bobcats take on Idaho at home.
Buzz is growing for College GameDay to visit the Big Sky for the first time as the preview show is considering the 120th edition of the Brawl of the Wild between Montana and Montana State in Missoula on Nov. 20. If GameDay should select next week's showdown in Missoula, it will be the furthest west the show has gone for an FCS host.
Montana State's defense has put together an impressive streak, with the Bobcats holding their last 14 regular-season foes to 20 points or less. MSU has allowed the second-lowest point total in the FCS this season with 11.4 per game.
BIG SOUTH -- Preseason favorite Monmouth and preseason number two Kennesaw State are tied for first-place in the Big South standings at 5-0 -- just the second time in the league's 20-year history that two teams opened league play 5-0 in the same season. The first was 2011 (Liberty and Stony Brook). The Hawks are 5-0 for the second time overall and first since its 6-0 run to the Big South title in 2019. The Owls are 5-0 for the third time, as the first two were as back-to-back Big South champions in 2017 and 2018. One of the two squads could clinch at least a share of the Big South championship with a victory on Saturday, but ONLY if the other co-leader loses this weekend.
North Carolina A&T set a Big South single-game record with 11 quarterback sacks last week at Charleston Southern, breaking the old record of nine that was held by Presbyterian (2010 vs. Gardner-Webb) and CSU (2017 vs. Mississippi Valley State). The Aggies' 11 takedowns are tied for the third-most in a single game in Division I-FCS history.
Kennesaw State head coach Brian Bohannon is the second coach in Big South history with 60 career victories, and is three wins shy of tying Coastal Carolina's David Bennett's all-time league-record total of 63. In addition, Bohannon's 27 Big South wins are tied with Bennett for the most in the conference's 20-year history. Meanwhile, Monmouth head coach Kevin Callahan is fourth on the Big South's all-time coaching wins list with 52, and is two victories shy from moving into third-place. His 26 Big South wins are tied for second-most in league history.
CAA FOOTBALL -- There are five CAA contests as part of a seven-game schedule on Saturday. No. 2 James Madison visits No. 25 William & Mary in a battle at the top of the standings, while No. 8 Villanova hosts a Stony Brook team on a 3-game win streak. Delaware and Richmond both bring 2-game win streaks into their clash, Rhode Island entertains New Hampshire and Elon travels to Towson. In non-conference action, Maine meets FBS foe UMass and UAlbany is at home against Morgan State.
Towson will wear special military appreciation uniforms on Saturday to honor Wardell Turner, a former Tigers' football player who passed away from an IED attack in Afghanistan in 2014. The uniforms feature camouflage numbers on a gray jersey and there is a patch on the pants with the command sergeant major rank insignia, which was Turner's rank when he passed.
JMU's Ethan Ratke extended his FCS records for career points by a kicker (497) and career field goals (94) last week. He needs 3 FG's to pass Arizona State's Zane Gonzalez as the NCAA's career FG leader and 3 points to pass Oklahoma's Austin Seibert as the NCAA's points leader by a kicker. Ratke tied a CAA single-game mark with 5 field goals against Delaware on Oct. 23, set the CAA record for FG's in a season with 27 in 2019, and currently leads the nation with 22 FG's this season. Ratke has hit a field goal in 30 straight games.
IVY LEAGUE -- A battle between two of the three teams tied for first place in the Ivy League standings highlights Saturday's four-game slate, as No. 23 Princeton (7-1, 4-1 Ivy) plays host to Yale (5-3, 4-1 Ivy) at 1 p.m. All four Ivy contests will be broadcast on ESPN+.
With just two weeks remaining, the race for the league title is wide open. Dartmouth, Princeton and Yale enter the weekend tied for first place in the Ivy standings with records of 4-1. Harvard is currently a game behind with a 3-2 league mark.
Four Ivies either earned a ranking or received a vote in the FCS Coaches Poll this week. Princeton came in at the No. 22 spot in the nation and was followed by Dartmouth at No. 23. Both Harvard and Yale received votes in the poll.
The league wrapped up non-conference play with a collective record of 17-7. The league's non-conference success is not a new trend. Since 2010, Ivies have posted a mark of 158-106 (.598).
MEAC -- There are just two weeks remaining in the 2021 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) football season, and this Saturday's action will have four games on tap: two conference games and two non-conference tilts. The two games directly impacting the MEAC standings will both kick off at 1 p.m. on the MEAC Digital Network on ESPN+ -- Norfolk State will travel to Dover, Del. to take on Delaware State as both teams look to bounce back from losses suffered this past weekend, while North Carolina Central will be on the road to face Howard.
Morgan State, fresh off its first win of the season this past Thursday (Nov. 4), 20-14 over the Hornets, has completed the conference portion of its schedule and will hit the road this Saturday for a non-conference game against Albany. South Carolina State will play host to North Carolina A&T State in non-conference action; that game will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on the MEAC Digital Network on ESPN+.
This weekend's action will have an effect on the league race, which will culminate on Saturday, Nov. 20 and determine the MEAC's representative in the Cricket Celebration Bowl (Saturday, Dec. 18, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga., 12 p.m. on ABC).
MISSOURI VALLEY -- As many as six MVFC teams are mathematically alive to earn at least a share of the 2021 conference title. North Dakota State is the lone team that controls its own fate. The Bison can win the title outright and AQ with wins in its final two games. There are currently 256 different W-L combinations that could impact the standings/outcome.
Missouri State used a big second half to turn a 13-10 halftime deficit into a 38-28 win against Southern Illinois last week. The Bears have been a dominant second-half team this year, outscoring their opponents by 69 points in the third/fourth quarters. NDSU leads all MVFC teams at +111.
Six Missouri Valley Football Conference teams are ranked in the FCS Top 25 polls this week. Missouri State made the biggest jump of any team in the coaches poll, jumping six spots after its win at SIU. The MVFC has had a minimum of six ranked teams every week.
All 11 MVFC schools rank in the Top 22 of the Massey Index "Strength of Schedule." In fact, the league holds six of the top 8 positions, headed by Youngstown State (1) and Missouri State (2). Only nine FCS schools are ranked in the Top 30 of the Massey SOS rankings and are also ranked in the Top 25 polls (Stats Perform & AFCA coaches) -- the six ranked MVFC schools are joined by Big Sky schools Eastern Washington, Montana, and Sacramento State (none of those three teams have a SOS better than any of the MVFC's teams, however.)
NORTHEAST -- Sacred Heart squeaked out a win at Saint Francis and jumped into the driver's seat in the race for the NEC title. Central Connecticut kept its title chances alive by doubling up Bryant in the #NECFB Game of the Week on ESPN3.
SAINT FRANCIS, which averages a conference-best 5.7 yards per offensive snap, has not allowed more than 18 points in any of its last five games.
SACRED HEART, which has won four straight NEC games since dropping the opener at Bryant in September, has rushed for a league-high 1,781 yards in nine games and averages 4.4 yards per rush attempt.
OHIO VALLEY -- With two weeks remaining in the regular season, only two OVC teams control their own destiny in the standings. UT Martin (4-0) and Southeast Missouri (3-1) will play the final week of the regular season. If the teams end up tied (assuming a SEMO win in the final week) they would be co-champions but the Redhawks would get the automatic bid to the playoffs due to the head-to-head victory. If UTM wins this week and SEMO loses, the Skyhawks would clinch the OVC Championship and automatic bid to the playoffs.
Austin Peay had six interceptions (the second-most by a FCS team this season) in a victory over Eastern Illinois on Saturday. The Govs have gained an FCS-best 23 turnovers in nine games this season. Graduate student DB Johnathon Edwards had three picks in the win, and now leads the FCS in both interceptions (7) and turnovers gained (9).
Murray State defensive back Marcis Floyd had two interceptions, one for a 90-yard touchdown and another that went for 27 yards, in a win over Tennessee Tech. The 117 returns yards established a school record and were the second-most in OVC history (two off the record). For good measure, Floyd also picked off a two-point conversion attempt and returned it 99 yards for two points, while also adding seven tackles and a sack.
PATRIOT -- The week eleven schedule features three important League games and one non-League game on Saturday. The day kicks off at noon with Georgetown at Lehigh on ESPN+ and Fox Sports Radio Lehigh Valley 1320/1230 AM, while Bucknell travels to Army West Point on CBS Sports Network and WVLY 100.9 FM. Lafayette hosts Colgate with live coverage on ESPN+ at 12:30 p.m. in a critical League game at Fisher Stadium. Fordham hosts Holy Cross at 1 p.m. on ESPN+ and WFUVSports.org in a game that could decide the Patriot League Championship and the League's automatic bid to the NCAA DI FCS Playoffs. Home Patriot League games can be viewed internationally at https://patriotleague.org/watch.
Saturday's matchup between Holy Cross and Fordham, both undefeated in League play, will have significant Patriot League title implications. The Crusaders can clinch a share of their third-consecutive League crown and the League's automatic berth in the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs with a victory over the Rams. The Rams can clinch at least a share of the League title with a win over Holy Cross but cannot clinch the automatic bid to the playoffs unless Colgate (3-1) loses to Lafayette on Saturday. Wins by Fordham and Colgate will set up an opportunity for the Raiders to earn a share of the League title with a victory over the Rams in the regular-season finale on Nov. 20.
Holy Cross junior linebacker Jacob Dobbs was added to the Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award Watch List for the FCS Defensive Player of the Year when it was announced on Nov. 10. Dobbs is among the Patriot League and FCS leaders in tackles per game (10.8), tackles for loss per game (1.4) and sacks per game (0.89) while helping the Crusaders to an undefeated 4-0 record in League play entering this weekend. He joins Fordham senior linebacker Ryan Greenhagen and Lafayette senior defensive lineman Malik Hamm, who had been selected to the initial watch list prior to the season.
PFL -- Davidson is in control of its destiny, needing only a win in one of its last two games to clinch a share of the PFL regular-season title and with it the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship. San Diego remains alive to claim a share of what would be its PFL record-tying 12th regular-season title but needs to win its regular-season finale next week and a loss by Davidson in either of its two remaining games. San Diego's path to the PFL's automatic bid requires it to win next week and see Davidson lose both its remaining games as Davidson holds the head-to-head tiebreaker between the teams.
Presbyterian quarterback Ren Hefley and Morehead State defensive lineman Vaughn Taylor Jr. were named to the STATS Perform Watch Lists, Nov. 10. One of the nation's top passes (see below), Hefley is now one of 46 individuals on the Walter Payton Award Watch List for the FCS National Offensive Player of the Year. Taylor Jr. leads all FCS defenders with 2.2 tackles for loss per game and is 27th in sacks per game (0.78), and now is one of 46 players named on the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List for the FCS National Defensive Player of the Year.
Marist head coach Jim Parady became the fifth head coach to record 50 career PFL victories with the Red Foxes' Nov. 6 victory against Drake. He is the second PFL head coach to reach the milestone this season, joining San Diego's Dale Lindsey, who picked up win No. 50 with the Torero's win at Butler, Oct. 9. The duo joins Dayton's Rich Chamberlin (74), Dayton's Mike Kelley (55), and Jacksonville's Kerwin Bell (51) as coaches with 50-plus wins. That group still could grow this season with Butler's Jeff Voris (48) two wins away from joining the exclusive group.
SOUTHERN -- A pair of first-place teams square off in Southern Conference play Saturday, as No. 19/22 Chattanooga visits Mercer, with one guaranteed to move to 6-1 and retain at least a share of the top spot in the league standings and the other assured of falling a game back of first.
No. 12/11 ETSU, which also shares the top spot in the league standings, visits streaking Western Carolina, which has won three straight after opening 0-6. Elsewhere, Furman hosts No. 20/21 VMI, Wofford visits The Citadel and Samford steps out of conference to play at FBS Florida.
One week after returning to the AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25, Chattanooga re-entered the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 this week at No. 22. The Mocs, who have won four straight, jumped six spots to No. 19 in the AFCA poll this week.
Since a 37-34 overtime loss to VMI on Oct. 9, Chattanooga has allowed just 10.5 points per game in wins over then-No. 10 ETSU, Samford, Furman and Wofford. The Mocs rank 12th in the FCS in scoring defense (17.1), third in interceptions (14), 11th in passing yards allowed (170.4), 16th in rushing defense (105.7), ninth in total defense (276.1), 10th in tackles for loss (3.89) and second in turnover margin (1.11).
SOUTHLAND -- The showdown between UIW quarterback Cameron Ward and Southeastern signal-caller Cole Kelley did not disappoint with the two gun-slingers combining for an FCS record 1,257 passing yards in the 55-52 Cardinal upset. Kelley's 647 yards were the fourth-most in FCS history, and Ward's tally of 610 stands as the ninth-most. Kelley's 50 completions tied for third on the single-game completions list.
Southeastern and UIW could each claim at least a share of the regular-season title with a win and a loss by the other this weekend.
Kelley and Ward each rank among the top five FCS quarterbacks in completions per game, passing touchdowns, passing yards per game, points responsible for per game and total offense per game.
SWAC -- SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week Dee Anderson (AAMU) hauled in seven receptions for a career-high 122 yards and three touchdowns this past week. SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week Skyler Perry (UAPB) completed 11 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns and also contributed 146 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
SWAC Defensive Player of the Week Andre Fuller intercepted a pass at the Golden Lions' four-yard line and returned it 95 yards to the Grambling State one-yard line. He also contributed eight pass breakups along with five solo tackles, including a five-yard sack.
Jackson State enters Week Eleven with a #15 ranking in the AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25 Poll and a #18 ranking in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll. Prairie View A&M is currently ranked #24 in the Stats Perform FCS Poll marking the Panthers first appearance in the poll since 2010.
WAC -- Commissioner Jeff Hurd has announced a membership invitation issued by the conference's Board of Directors to University of the Incarnate Word has been accepted effective July 1, 2022. The Cardinals come to the WAC from the Southland Conference and will expand the conference to 14 members, including eight FCS members, for the 2022-23 academic year.
Two weeks are left with five games across the WAC this weekend. Top-ranked Sam Houston will look to clinch the AQ7 this week when they host Eastern Kentucky, beginning at noon CT. Tarleton and Abilene Christian renew their rivalry on Saturday afternoon with the Texans heading to Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium. In AQ7 action, Lamar will host Jacksonville State and Stephen F. Austin will travel to former conference foe Central Arkansas. The final game matches Dixie State hosting DII Fort Lewis, beginning at 7 p.m. MT. All games will be available on ESPN+.
With a win over Eastern Kentucky this week, Sam Houston can clinch the AQ7 spot in the FCS playoffs. While they already have a share of the WAC title, they will have to wait until next week's game at Abilene Christian to see if they can clinch it outright.
Mike Kern
Associate Commissioner
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 11 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 in the NFL – There were 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). Research compiled by Craig Haley (Stats Perform) has the current number at 126 on active rosters and 199 overall. Read more: https://bit.ly/3BUurhe
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.
UIW's Cameron Ward, Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Andre Fuller, Illinois State's JT Bohlken and Yale's David Pantelis were selected Monday as the Stats Perform FCS National Players of the Week for Week 10. In addition, UT Martin earned FCS National Team of the Week.
Twenty-two players highlight the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Jerry Rice Award, which is presented to the national freshman of the year in college football's Division I subdivision. MORE: https://bit.ly/2Zz80B7
Eleven players were added on Wednesday to the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually to the national defensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision. MORE: https://bit.ly/3c3SDTC
Eleven players were added on Wednesday to the watch list for the 2021 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in college football's Division I subdivision. MORE: https://bit.ly/3c2X80P
All 25 ranked teams will play this weekend. Where to watch those key matchups (AFCA rankings denoted) are below. Four games on Saturday (Nov. 13) features two ranked teams playing one another.
No. 25 Eastern Kentucky at No. 1 Sam Houston, 12 pm CT (ESPN+)
No. 7 South Dakota State at No. 17 South Dakota, 1 pm CT (Midco Sports / ESPN+)
No. 24 UNI at No. 14 Missouri State, 2 pm CT (ESPN+)
No. 8 Eastern Washington at No. 4 UC Davis, 7 pm CT (ESPN+)
ASUN -- This weekend's ASUN Conference Football slate features No. 25 Eastern Kentucky in a road contest against No. 1 Sam Houston State. The Colonels are looking to gain ground in the AQ7 rankings with a victory against the Bearkats. Central Arkansas and Jacksonville State both are also in AQ7 action as they face Stephen F. Austin and Lamar, respectively.
Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State have a combined 8-5 record in AQ7 matchups this season with UCA and EKU having three wins apiece. Current and future ASUN Football programs have accumulated four wins against FCS Top-25 opponents this fall with wins by Austin Peay, EKU, JSU and Kennesaw State.
BIG SKY -- Top-10 foes Eastern Washington and UC Davis battle this Saturday, as the Eagles and Aggies highlight a critical week in Big Sky football that features conference title, FCS Playoff and even potential College GameDay implications.
With only two weeks remaining, both Sacramento State and Montana State remain undefeated in conference play. The Hornets host Portland State this weekend, while the Bobcats take on Idaho at home.
Buzz is growing for College GameDay to visit the Big Sky for the first time as the preview show is considering the 120th edition of the Brawl of the Wild between Montana and Montana State in Missoula on Nov. 20. If GameDay should select next week's showdown in Missoula, it will be the furthest west the show has gone for an FCS host.
Montana State's defense has put together an impressive streak, with the Bobcats holding their last 14 regular-season foes to 20 points or less. MSU has allowed the second-lowest point total in the FCS this season with 11.4 per game.
BIG SOUTH -- Preseason favorite Monmouth and preseason number two Kennesaw State are tied for first-place in the Big South standings at 5-0 -- just the second time in the league's 20-year history that two teams opened league play 5-0 in the same season. The first was 2011 (Liberty and Stony Brook). The Hawks are 5-0 for the second time overall and first since its 6-0 run to the Big South title in 2019. The Owls are 5-0 for the third time, as the first two were as back-to-back Big South champions in 2017 and 2018. One of the two squads could clinch at least a share of the Big South championship with a victory on Saturday, but ONLY if the other co-leader loses this weekend.
North Carolina A&T set a Big South single-game record with 11 quarterback sacks last week at Charleston Southern, breaking the old record of nine that was held by Presbyterian (2010 vs. Gardner-Webb) and CSU (2017 vs. Mississippi Valley State). The Aggies' 11 takedowns are tied for the third-most in a single game in Division I-FCS history.
Kennesaw State head coach Brian Bohannon is the second coach in Big South history with 60 career victories, and is three wins shy of tying Coastal Carolina's David Bennett's all-time league-record total of 63. In addition, Bohannon's 27 Big South wins are tied with Bennett for the most in the conference's 20-year history. Meanwhile, Monmouth head coach Kevin Callahan is fourth on the Big South's all-time coaching wins list with 52, and is two victories shy from moving into third-place. His 26 Big South wins are tied for second-most in league history.
CAA FOOTBALL -- There are five CAA contests as part of a seven-game schedule on Saturday. No. 2 James Madison visits No. 25 William & Mary in a battle at the top of the standings, while No. 8 Villanova hosts a Stony Brook team on a 3-game win streak. Delaware and Richmond both bring 2-game win streaks into their clash, Rhode Island entertains New Hampshire and Elon travels to Towson. In non-conference action, Maine meets FBS foe UMass and UAlbany is at home against Morgan State.
Towson will wear special military appreciation uniforms on Saturday to honor Wardell Turner, a former Tigers' football player who passed away from an IED attack in Afghanistan in 2014. The uniforms feature camouflage numbers on a gray jersey and there is a patch on the pants with the command sergeant major rank insignia, which was Turner's rank when he passed.
JMU's Ethan Ratke extended his FCS records for career points by a kicker (497) and career field goals (94) last week. He needs 3 FG's to pass Arizona State's Zane Gonzalez as the NCAA's career FG leader and 3 points to pass Oklahoma's Austin Seibert as the NCAA's points leader by a kicker. Ratke tied a CAA single-game mark with 5 field goals against Delaware on Oct. 23, set the CAA record for FG's in a season with 27 in 2019, and currently leads the nation with 22 FG's this season. Ratke has hit a field goal in 30 straight games.
IVY LEAGUE -- A battle between two of the three teams tied for first place in the Ivy League standings highlights Saturday's four-game slate, as No. 23 Princeton (7-1, 4-1 Ivy) plays host to Yale (5-3, 4-1 Ivy) at 1 p.m. All four Ivy contests will be broadcast on ESPN+.
With just two weeks remaining, the race for the league title is wide open. Dartmouth, Princeton and Yale enter the weekend tied for first place in the Ivy standings with records of 4-1. Harvard is currently a game behind with a 3-2 league mark.
Four Ivies either earned a ranking or received a vote in the FCS Coaches Poll this week. Princeton came in at the No. 22 spot in the nation and was followed by Dartmouth at No. 23. Both Harvard and Yale received votes in the poll.
The league wrapped up non-conference play with a collective record of 17-7. The league's non-conference success is not a new trend. Since 2010, Ivies have posted a mark of 158-106 (.598).
MEAC -- There are just two weeks remaining in the 2021 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) football season, and this Saturday's action will have four games on tap: two conference games and two non-conference tilts. The two games directly impacting the MEAC standings will both kick off at 1 p.m. on the MEAC Digital Network on ESPN+ -- Norfolk State will travel to Dover, Del. to take on Delaware State as both teams look to bounce back from losses suffered this past weekend, while North Carolina Central will be on the road to face Howard.
Morgan State, fresh off its first win of the season this past Thursday (Nov. 4), 20-14 over the Hornets, has completed the conference portion of its schedule and will hit the road this Saturday for a non-conference game against Albany. South Carolina State will play host to North Carolina A&T State in non-conference action; that game will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on the MEAC Digital Network on ESPN+.
This weekend's action will have an effect on the league race, which will culminate on Saturday, Nov. 20 and determine the MEAC's representative in the Cricket Celebration Bowl (Saturday, Dec. 18, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga., 12 p.m. on ABC).
MISSOURI VALLEY -- As many as six MVFC teams are mathematically alive to earn at least a share of the 2021 conference title. North Dakota State is the lone team that controls its own fate. The Bison can win the title outright and AQ with wins in its final two games. There are currently 256 different W-L combinations that could impact the standings/outcome.
Missouri State used a big second half to turn a 13-10 halftime deficit into a 38-28 win against Southern Illinois last week. The Bears have been a dominant second-half team this year, outscoring their opponents by 69 points in the third/fourth quarters. NDSU leads all MVFC teams at +111.
Six Missouri Valley Football Conference teams are ranked in the FCS Top 25 polls this week. Missouri State made the biggest jump of any team in the coaches poll, jumping six spots after its win at SIU. The MVFC has had a minimum of six ranked teams every week.
All 11 MVFC schools rank in the Top 22 of the Massey Index "Strength of Schedule." In fact, the league holds six of the top 8 positions, headed by Youngstown State (1) and Missouri State (2). Only nine FCS schools are ranked in the Top 30 of the Massey SOS rankings and are also ranked in the Top 25 polls (Stats Perform & AFCA coaches) -- the six ranked MVFC schools are joined by Big Sky schools Eastern Washington, Montana, and Sacramento State (none of those three teams have a SOS better than any of the MVFC's teams, however.)
NORTHEAST -- Sacred Heart squeaked out a win at Saint Francis and jumped into the driver's seat in the race for the NEC title. Central Connecticut kept its title chances alive by doubling up Bryant in the #NECFB Game of the Week on ESPN3.
SAINT FRANCIS, which averages a conference-best 5.7 yards per offensive snap, has not allowed more than 18 points in any of its last five games.
SACRED HEART, which has won four straight NEC games since dropping the opener at Bryant in September, has rushed for a league-high 1,781 yards in nine games and averages 4.4 yards per rush attempt.
OHIO VALLEY -- With two weeks remaining in the regular season, only two OVC teams control their own destiny in the standings. UT Martin (4-0) and Southeast Missouri (3-1) will play the final week of the regular season. If the teams end up tied (assuming a SEMO win in the final week) they would be co-champions but the Redhawks would get the automatic bid to the playoffs due to the head-to-head victory. If UTM wins this week and SEMO loses, the Skyhawks would clinch the OVC Championship and automatic bid to the playoffs.
Austin Peay had six interceptions (the second-most by a FCS team this season) in a victory over Eastern Illinois on Saturday. The Govs have gained an FCS-best 23 turnovers in nine games this season. Graduate student DB Johnathon Edwards had three picks in the win, and now leads the FCS in both interceptions (7) and turnovers gained (9).
Murray State defensive back Marcis Floyd had two interceptions, one for a 90-yard touchdown and another that went for 27 yards, in a win over Tennessee Tech. The 117 returns yards established a school record and were the second-most in OVC history (two off the record). For good measure, Floyd also picked off a two-point conversion attempt and returned it 99 yards for two points, while also adding seven tackles and a sack.
PATRIOT -- The week eleven schedule features three important League games and one non-League game on Saturday. The day kicks off at noon with Georgetown at Lehigh on ESPN+ and Fox Sports Radio Lehigh Valley 1320/1230 AM, while Bucknell travels to Army West Point on CBS Sports Network and WVLY 100.9 FM. Lafayette hosts Colgate with live coverage on ESPN+ at 12:30 p.m. in a critical League game at Fisher Stadium. Fordham hosts Holy Cross at 1 p.m. on ESPN+ and WFUVSports.org in a game that could decide the Patriot League Championship and the League's automatic bid to the NCAA DI FCS Playoffs. Home Patriot League games can be viewed internationally at https://patriotleague.org/watch.
Saturday's matchup between Holy Cross and Fordham, both undefeated in League play, will have significant Patriot League title implications. The Crusaders can clinch a share of their third-consecutive League crown and the League's automatic berth in the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs with a victory over the Rams. The Rams can clinch at least a share of the League title with a win over Holy Cross but cannot clinch the automatic bid to the playoffs unless Colgate (3-1) loses to Lafayette on Saturday. Wins by Fordham and Colgate will set up an opportunity for the Raiders to earn a share of the League title with a victory over the Rams in the regular-season finale on Nov. 20.
Holy Cross junior linebacker Jacob Dobbs was added to the Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award Watch List for the FCS Defensive Player of the Year when it was announced on Nov. 10. Dobbs is among the Patriot League and FCS leaders in tackles per game (10.8), tackles for loss per game (1.4) and sacks per game (0.89) while helping the Crusaders to an undefeated 4-0 record in League play entering this weekend. He joins Fordham senior linebacker Ryan Greenhagen and Lafayette senior defensive lineman Malik Hamm, who had been selected to the initial watch list prior to the season.
PFL -- Davidson is in control of its destiny, needing only a win in one of its last two games to clinch a share of the PFL regular-season title and with it the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship. San Diego remains alive to claim a share of what would be its PFL record-tying 12th regular-season title but needs to win its regular-season finale next week and a loss by Davidson in either of its two remaining games. San Diego's path to the PFL's automatic bid requires it to win next week and see Davidson lose both its remaining games as Davidson holds the head-to-head tiebreaker between the teams.
Presbyterian quarterback Ren Hefley and Morehead State defensive lineman Vaughn Taylor Jr. were named to the STATS Perform Watch Lists, Nov. 10. One of the nation's top passes (see below), Hefley is now one of 46 individuals on the Walter Payton Award Watch List for the FCS National Offensive Player of the Year. Taylor Jr. leads all FCS defenders with 2.2 tackles for loss per game and is 27th in sacks per game (0.78), and now is one of 46 players named on the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List for the FCS National Defensive Player of the Year.
Marist head coach Jim Parady became the fifth head coach to record 50 career PFL victories with the Red Foxes' Nov. 6 victory against Drake. He is the second PFL head coach to reach the milestone this season, joining San Diego's Dale Lindsey, who picked up win No. 50 with the Torero's win at Butler, Oct. 9. The duo joins Dayton's Rich Chamberlin (74), Dayton's Mike Kelley (55), and Jacksonville's Kerwin Bell (51) as coaches with 50-plus wins. That group still could grow this season with Butler's Jeff Voris (48) two wins away from joining the exclusive group.
SOUTHERN -- A pair of first-place teams square off in Southern Conference play Saturday, as No. 19/22 Chattanooga visits Mercer, with one guaranteed to move to 6-1 and retain at least a share of the top spot in the league standings and the other assured of falling a game back of first.
No. 12/11 ETSU, which also shares the top spot in the league standings, visits streaking Western Carolina, which has won three straight after opening 0-6. Elsewhere, Furman hosts No. 20/21 VMI, Wofford visits The Citadel and Samford steps out of conference to play at FBS Florida.
One week after returning to the AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25, Chattanooga re-entered the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 this week at No. 22. The Mocs, who have won four straight, jumped six spots to No. 19 in the AFCA poll this week.
Since a 37-34 overtime loss to VMI on Oct. 9, Chattanooga has allowed just 10.5 points per game in wins over then-No. 10 ETSU, Samford, Furman and Wofford. The Mocs rank 12th in the FCS in scoring defense (17.1), third in interceptions (14), 11th in passing yards allowed (170.4), 16th in rushing defense (105.7), ninth in total defense (276.1), 10th in tackles for loss (3.89) and second in turnover margin (1.11).
SOUTHLAND -- The showdown between UIW quarterback Cameron Ward and Southeastern signal-caller Cole Kelley did not disappoint with the two gun-slingers combining for an FCS record 1,257 passing yards in the 55-52 Cardinal upset. Kelley's 647 yards were the fourth-most in FCS history, and Ward's tally of 610 stands as the ninth-most. Kelley's 50 completions tied for third on the single-game completions list.
Southeastern and UIW could each claim at least a share of the regular-season title with a win and a loss by the other this weekend.
Kelley and Ward each rank among the top five FCS quarterbacks in completions per game, passing touchdowns, passing yards per game, points responsible for per game and total offense per game.
SWAC -- SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week Dee Anderson (AAMU) hauled in seven receptions for a career-high 122 yards and three touchdowns this past week. SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week Skyler Perry (UAPB) completed 11 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns and also contributed 146 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
SWAC Defensive Player of the Week Andre Fuller intercepted a pass at the Golden Lions' four-yard line and returned it 95 yards to the Grambling State one-yard line. He also contributed eight pass breakups along with five solo tackles, including a five-yard sack.
Jackson State enters Week Eleven with a #15 ranking in the AFCA FCS Coaches' Top 25 Poll and a #18 ranking in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll. Prairie View A&M is currently ranked #24 in the Stats Perform FCS Poll marking the Panthers first appearance in the poll since 2010.
WAC -- Commissioner Jeff Hurd has announced a membership invitation issued by the conference's Board of Directors to University of the Incarnate Word has been accepted effective July 1, 2022. The Cardinals come to the WAC from the Southland Conference and will expand the conference to 14 members, including eight FCS members, for the 2022-23 academic year.
Two weeks are left with five games across the WAC this weekend. Top-ranked Sam Houston will look to clinch the AQ7 this week when they host Eastern Kentucky, beginning at noon CT. Tarleton and Abilene Christian renew their rivalry on Saturday afternoon with the Texans heading to Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium. In AQ7 action, Lamar will host Jacksonville State and Stephen F. Austin will travel to former conference foe Central Arkansas. The final game matches Dixie State hosting DII Fort Lewis, beginning at 7 p.m. MT. All games will be available on ESPN+.
With a win over Eastern Kentucky this week, Sam Houston can clinch the AQ7 spot in the FCS playoffs. While they already have a share of the WAC title, they will have to wait until next week's game at Abilene Christian to see if they can clinch it outright.
Mike Kern
Associate Commissioner