We predict the top FCS football games on the Week 7 slate right here. You can find more information on the biggest games each week on our FCS Preview Show.
Kickoff: 5:00 p.m CT (ESPN+)
Norfolk State will look to rebound from a disappointing loss to North Carolina A&T. The Spartans will lean on the rushing attack, but Otto Kuhns (678 Passing Yards; 10 TDs) has stabilized the quarterback position. The secondary has played well, allowing less than 185 yards per game and forcing four interceptions over five games.
Tennessee State continues to improve under head coach Eddie George as the Tigers are in contention for the Big South-OVC title. The defense has been dominant, holding every FCS opponent to under 25 points this season. Linebacker Monroe Beard III (63 Tackles) and Terrell Allen (6 TFLs; 3 Sacks) are two names to watch in this matchup.
The Spartans have struggled to stop the run, allowing 249 yards per game and 6.6 yards per carry, which gives the Tigers a massive advantage in this matchup. I expect quarterback Draylen Ellis to have a big game on Saturday.
Prediction: Tennessee State (23-13)
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m CT (FloSports)
Alabama State will look to win back-to-back games for the first time this season. The biggest question mark is the quarterback position as Damon Stewart (568 Passing Yards) and Dematrius Davis (413 Passing Yards) continue to battle for the starting job. The defense has carried the Hornets behind linebacker Colton Adams (60 Tackles; 6 TFLs) and Treqwan Thomas (6 TFLs; 5 Sacks).
Jackson State is looking to build a potential at-large resume for the FCS playoffs after an early loss to Florida A&M. Running back Irv Mulligan (611 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) continues to establish himself as the best running back in the SWAC. Jackson State’s offense leads the SWAC in Total Offense (392.7 YPG), including over 400 total yards against Alabama A&M last weekend. The secondary has forced eight interceptions (No. 2 in SWAC) and could take advantage of a questionable Alabama State passing game.
Four of the five games for Alabama State have been decided by five or fewer points, including last week’s win over Bethune-Cookman. Offensive inconsistency has plagued the Hornets and Jackson State’s rushing attack should be enough for the Tigers to win this weekend.
Prediction: Jackson State (27-17)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m CT (ESPN+)
Northern Iowa has won three consecutive games after a 0-2 start to the season. Quarterback Theo Day (1,414 Passing Yards; 8 TDs) has to limit the turnovers after throwing six interceptions over the last three games. Defensive lineman Cordarrius Bailey (8.5 TFLs; 6 Sacks) is having a breakout season, while Khristian Boyd (17 Tackles; 2.5 TFLs) continues to be a force in the interior.
South Dakota State continues to dominate, winning the last three games by an average of 34 points per game. The rushing attack, led by Isaiah Davis (491 Rushing Yards) and Amar Johnson (342 Rushing Yards), has topped the 200-yard mark in four of five games this season. The defense has stifled opponents, allowing only 260.2 yards per game and 4.5 yards per play.
Neither team has won back-to-back games in this series since 2013-14. The Panthers have struggled with turnovers and the Jackrabbits will be able to take advantage of that this weekend at home.
Prediction: South Dakota State (38-21)
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m CT (FloSports)
New Hampshire has not lived up to lofty preseason expectations after back-to-back conference losses to Delaware and Towson. Quarterback Max Brosmer (1,588 Passing Yards; 14 TDs) is having a spectacular season, but the rushing attack has been inconsistent. The defense has been the Achilles heel for this team, allowing over 30 points and 425 yards per game.
UAlbany is the dark horse contender for the CAA championship after a 4-0 start against FCS competition. The defense is playing at an elite level as the Great Danes rank No. 2 in the CAA in Total Defense (303.2 YPG) and Scoring Defense (18.2 PPG). Anton Juncai (13 TFLs; 9 Sacks) and AJ Simon (10.5 TFLs; 7 Sacks) will face a New Hampshire offensive line that has only allowed eight sacks.
The Wildcats have the home-field advantage and will be desperate for a win to stay in contention in the CAA race. UAlbany’s defense should be able to make New Hampshire one-dimensional and escape with a major road victory.
Prediction: UAlbany (28-21)
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m CT (ESPN+)
After a disappointing 1-3 start, the Bulldogs have rebounded with back-to-back conference wins over ETSU and Wofford. Quarterback Michael Hiers (1,768 Passing Yards; 10 TDs) has continued to rack up yards but will have to limit turnovers against a talented Furman secondary. Linebacker Noah Martin (49 Tackles; 9.5 TFLs) and defensive back Kourtlan Marsh (1 INT; 4 PBUs) will be key players to watch defensively for the Bulldogs.
Furman remains undefeated against FCS competition but will face one of the toughest tests of the season this weekend. The Paladins have continued to lean on a strong rushing attack, led by quarterback Tyler Huff (312 Rushing Yards) and Dominic Roberto (266 Rushing Yards). The defense ranks No. 10 in the FCS with seven interceptions, including four interceptions combined from Cally Chizik and Travis Blackshear.
The Paladins have won three of the last four matchups, but the Bulldogs escaped with a 34-27 win last season. Samford has the offensive talent to give the Paladins issues but will need Hiers to have his best game of the season. The Furman rushing attack will be the difference this weekend.
Prediction: Furman (28-24)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m CT (ESPN+)
Youngstown State will look to win back-to-back games over Top 10 opponents after a dominant win over Southern Illinois. Running back Tyshon King (444 Rushing Yards; 8 TDs) is emerging as a star for the Penguins. The Penguins lead the MVFC in rushing defense (75.8 YPG) and rank No. 2 in total sacks (19 Sacks). Alex Howard (32 Tackles; 5 TFLs) and Anthony Johnson (5.5 TFLs; 3.5 Sacks) are two players to watch this weekend.
South Dakota shocked the world with an upset over North Dakota State two weeks ago. The Coyotes have been led by Aidan Bouman (810 Passing Yards; 7 TDs) and the two-headed monster of Travis Theis (430 Rushing Yards) and Nate Thomas (255 Rushing Yards). South Dakota’s defense has held opponents to 13.4 points per game (No. 1 in MVFC).
Both teams enter this matchup with a ton of momentum. The Penguins have won the previous two matchups, including last year’s 45-24 win. Youngstown State’s offense is more explosive and the defense should be able to slow down South Dakota’s offensive attack.
Prediction: Youngstown State (21-13)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m CT (ESPN+)
North Dakota will look to defeat the Bison for the first time as a Division I program. Running back Gaven Ziebarth (316 Rushing Yards; 2 TDs) will be a key player to watch in this matchup. Wide receiver Bo Belquist (342 Receiving Yards) can change the game and his connection with quarterback Tommy Schuster (987 Passing Yards; 6 TDs) will test the Bison secondary.
North Dakota State will be looking to make a statement after a shocking loss to South Dakota two weeks ago. Cam Miller (941 Passing Yards; 13 Total TDs) is a threat with his legs and has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. Cole Wisniewski (29 Tackles; 4 INTs) and Logan Kopp (34 Tackles; 2.5 TFLs) lead a Bison defense allowing only 16.4 points per game.
The Fighting Hawks have won 22 of the last 24 games inside the Alerus Center, but have not defeated the Bison since 2003. North Dakota State will be able to establish the run and escape Grand Forks with a win.
Prediction: North Dakota State (31-20)
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m CT (ESPN2)
Montana had one of its best offensive performances of the season against UC Davis a week ago. Clifton McDowell (505 Passing Yards; 225 Rushing Yards) has emerged as the most consistent option at quarterback. Running back Eli Gillman (424 Rushing Yards; 6 TDs) will need to continue to be explosive on the ground against a talented Idaho defense. The defense has forced nine interceptions, while also holding opponents to 88.3 rushing yards per game.
Idaho already has one of the most impressive resumes in FCS football with two ranked wins and an FBS upset over Nevada. Running back Anthony Woods (662 Rushing Yards; 10 TDs) is having another spectacular season as the Vandals are averaging over 200 yards rushing per game. The defense continues to improve, holding opponents to under 300 yards per game and less than 5.0 yards per play.
The Grizzlies seemed to find their offensive rhythm last weekend but will face one of the best defenses in the country in this matchup. The Kibbie Dome will be rocking and the Vandals come into this game with too much momentum, which will propel Idaho to back-to-back wins over Montana.
Prediction: Idaho (34-27)
