Top 5 FCS Games
Take a whiff of that spring air. Fantastic, isn't it?
Now go back inside, plop in your beaten-up couch and enjoy another week of FCS football.
That’s right, football only left for about two weeks before FCS programs kicked off its seasons after delaying the start of their campaigns due to COVID-19. With that being said, here are the best FCS games to watch.
Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (0-0) vs. Jackson State Tigers (1-0)
When Deion Sanders accepted the offer to take over the Tigers, the national media immediately shifted its spotlight to see just how Sanders’s team would perform. In its first game, Jackson State dominated from the opening whistle, smothering Edward Waters for a 53-0 victory.
As for the Delta Devils, they kick off their season facing an absolute buzzsaw in the Jackson State offense headlined by sophomore quarterback Jalon Jones and sophomore running back Kymani Clark, who combined for four touchdowns in Jackson State’s win.
North Dakota State Bison (2-0) vs. Southern Illinois Salukis (1-1)
The defending champion Bison have started off their 2021 campaign strong with two dominant wins while the Salukis picked up their first win back in October before losing to the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in their second game.
All eyes will be on North Dakota quarterback Trey Lance, who has struggled so far. Through the Bison’s first two games, Lance has only completed 50 percent of his passes for 149 yards with a 2:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
For being one of the best quarterback prospects in this upcoming draft, Lance is primed for a huge bounce-back performance against a struggling Southern Illinois defense.
Robert Morris Colonials (0-0) vs. James Madison Dukes (1-0)
One of the championship-caliber squads, the Dukes continue their quest to get back to the national championship and have gotten off to a fantastic start. Coming off a 52-0 stomping of Morehead State, the James Madison offensive flourished. Senior quarterback Cole Johnson was efficient in his first start of the year, throwing for three touchdowns and 147 yards and completing over 70 percent of his passes.
Furthermore, senior running back Percy Agyei-Obese has established a powerful running attack for the Dukes, which will set up some offensive fireworks this week.
Weber State Wildcats (0-0) vs. Idaho State Bengals (0-0)
Despite the fact both teams haven’t played yet, Weber State is one of the best FCS teams in the nation and should be treated as such. Finishing on top of the Big Sky conference last season before losing to JMU, Weber State will seek to avenge that season-ending loss which will offer the potential for some great play on both sides of the ball.
South Dakota State Jackrabbits (1-0) vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (1-0)
Coming off a four-point win against Northern Iowa, South Dakota State did not look like one of the best teams at the FCS level. Mark Gronowski was solid but not phenomenal (194 yards, two touchdowns), which leaves intrigue for the possibility of North Dakota upsetting South Dakota this weekend.
As for the Fighting Hawks, they’re coming off a dominant win versus the aforementioned Salukis. Putting up 44 points is impressive against any squad but how the Fighting Hawks will come out against the Jackrabbits could create some early chaos in the FCS rankings.
Matthew McLaughlin is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mem6936@psu.edu.
