Week 2 “Other” Conferences Game Breakdowns
In this section each week we’ll look at key games across the FCS landscape between teams from the conferences besides the Big Sky, CAA, MVFC, and Southern. Last week saw the FCS make headlines when eight teams upset FBS schools. This week features a few of those kinds of matchups that have the potential to have the same results, and also looks at a few all-FCS games. Week one’s predictions went 3-2. Here’s a look at six quality week two games.
Tennessee-Martin (1-0) at Boise State (0-1), Saturday, 3:00 ET
The Skyhawks looked strong a week ago battling a good Chattanooga team out of the SoCon. UTM doesn’t have the fire power that they had last year with Carr and Sims among others, but they proved last week they can play a complete game and moved the ball slowly and consistently. Obviously Boise State will be a huge favorite on its home turf, but after a surprisingly poor performance last week at Washington, the door is open for UTM to keep it close if they can strike early.
Projected Score: BSU 48, UT Martin 20
Alabama State (0-1) at Jackson State (0-1), Saturday, 6:00 ET
Alabama State couldn’t pull out the comeback last week when they struck for two late scores to draw within two of Jacksonville State and was driving into field goal range late before an interception ended the Hornets’ chances. Jackson State couldn’t keep up with Tulane last week in a game that got away early. This week Jackson State hopes to be in the game longer and be around in the second half to try to pull out a home victory over one of the top teams in the SWAC. Last year Jackson State took a 37-34 victory in the matchup, but ASU looks to be ready for a strong season.
Projected Score: ASU 35, Jackson State 16
Jacksonville (0-1) at Jacksonville State (1-0), Saturday, 7:00 ET
The Dolphins may go under the radar being from the Pioneer League, but JU is a very solid team behind a mobile QB in Kade Bell who brings a strong arm as well. Last week the Dolphins fell to a very talented Delaware team, but stayed with the Fightin’ Blue Hens for most of the game as Bell tossed four TD passes. Jacksonville State edged out Alabama State last week and now prepares for the team’s home opener. It looks like the Gamecocks have settled on Minnesota transfer QB Max Shortell as their main guy after Shortell came off the bench to lead the comeback a week ago. But offenses have the potential to score a lot, while the defenses have looked shaky early.
Projected Score: Jacksonville State 38, Jacksonville 32
#7 Central Arkansas (1-0) at Colorado (1-0), 8:00 ET
Colorado better have paid attention last week when eight FCS schools beat (not all upset) FBS teams in the opening weekend. This is another game that can be labeled as an upset alert simply for the reason that it puts one of the weaker FBS schools against a strong FCS opponent. UCA put up 57 points in its opening win and probably won’t even need that much to be able to top the Buffalos.
Projected Score: Central Arkansas 31, Colorado 28
#2 Montana State (1-0) at SMU (0-1), Saturday, 8:00, ET
Montana State is one of the powers in the FCS and looks to add to an already impressive FCS versus FBS season. The Bobcats ran away with their opener against a lesser opponent, but now prepares for one of the big boys on a level above. SMU fell to Texas Tech, and didn’t look very good. Still, it will be hard for the Bobcats to pull out the big win, but not impossible, after we’ve already seen more surprising results this season. SMU had a lot to fix over this week and is sure to be a little better.
Projected Score: SMU 27, Montana State 20
Arkansas Pine Bluff (0-1) at McNeese State (1-0), Saturday, 8:30 ET
McNeese State played a part in the huge FCS weekend of upsets by slapping around South Florida in a 53-21 rout of the Bulls. Pine Bluff was crushed by Arkansas State last week and was possibly looking ahead to the Cowboys, who at the time seemed like a more competitive opponent. But after what McNeese State did to USF, the Lions may need to be concerned, and maybe prepared, for a similar result as last week. The Cowboys showed they could threaten Sam Houston State and Central Arkansas for a run at the Southland.
Projection Score: McNeese State 44, Arkansas Pine Bluff 13
See All FCS Games of the Week Breakdowns
