Week 4 “Other” Conferences Game Breakdowns
This week’s “Other” games is a unique list that includes anyone from the Ivy League set to just start their season, to the two-time defending champs. Plus for good measure there are three FCS versus FBS games that all have the chance to be upsets, with two being a lot higher chance than the third, but all will be exciting. Conference play kicks in next week, so everyone gets one last week to get set for the season within the season. Last week’s predictions went 3-2, making the season total at 10-6. Here’s a look at five entertaining games for week four.
Columbia (0-0) at #17 Fordham (3-0), Saturday, 1:00 ET
That’s right; the Patriot League Fordham Rams are 3-0 for the first time since 1998. After a 6-5 record last season, the Rams have opened up with wins over CAA teams Rhode Island and Villanova and then a one-point victory over FBS Temple last week. The Lions aren’t known as an Ivy League power, plus they are taking the field for the first time as many other Ivy League schools are, so the odds don’t appear to be ever in their favor.
Projected Score: Fordham 30 - Columbia 13
Jacksonville State (3-0) at Georgia State (0-3), Saturday, 2:00 ET
The Coach Bill Clark era couldn’t have gotten off to a better start in Jacksonville as the Gamecocks start 3-0 for the first time since 2010, which was the season JSU opened the year with a shocking double OT win over Ole Miss. The Coach Trent Miles project has not been as smooth in Atlanta, but don’t let the 0-3 record fool you. Two of the losses came to SoCon foes Chattanooga and Samford, who both look strong and last week the Panthers fell at West Virginia. Jax State narrowly escaped Division II rival North Alabama last week, so it may not be the kind of game you may expect it to look like on paper.
Projected Score: Jacksonville State 31 – Georgia State 24
Delaware State (0-2) at #1 North Dakota State (2-0), Saturday, 3:30 ET
Get up for Gameday, what more can you say? That’s right; ESPN’s College Gameday will be airing live from Fargo this Saturday and soon after the Bison will head into the FargoDome and try to secure that top ranking. Delaware State has its work cut out as it looks to cap one of the toughest opening stretches imaginable in the FCS. Their first three games were Delaware, Towson, and now the Bison. The Hornets are just ready for Savannah State next week.
Projected Score: North Dakota State 35 - Delaware State 9
#13 Bethune-Cookman (3-0) at Florida State (2-0), Saturday, 6:00 ET
Bethune-Cookman was one of our games to watch last week as we knew they had a chance to knock off FIU, but had no idea it would turn into a 34-13 run-away win for the Wildcats. That made a bold statement and really helped B-CU in the polls as they get set to face a much tougher FBS opponent this week before starting conference play. The Seminoles look to be a contender for the BCS title, but they can’t sleep on the Wildcats, who are just as much in the hunt for the FCS title.
Projected Score: Florida State 28 - Bethune-Cookman 14
#11 Eastern Illinois (3-0) at Northern Illinois (2-0), Saturday, 7:00 ET
I would pay to see this game! Eastern Illinois is beginning to gain more national recognition, which seems to be tough for OVC schools at times. But leave no doubt, the Panthers are for real this year. They are led by the offensive attack of QB Jimmy Garappolo and WR Erik Lora. NIU is the FBS school, but this game is a toss-up as to who will win. But one thing is for sure, between EIU’s playmakers and NIU’s possible Heisman hopeful, Jordan Lynch, this will be an exciting game, probably with plenty of scoring, and maybe a dramatic finish.
Projected Score: Northern Illinois 42 - Eastern Illinois 34
See All FCS Games of the Week Breakdowns
