There aren’t many cases the place a crew from the FCS can beat an FCS, but it surely does occur. Final season, Montana State defeated New Mexico in week 0. What are one of the best possibilities for an FCS over FBS upset?
Incarnate Phrase at UTSA, September 13
Incarnate Phrase is fourth within the FCS preseason ballot after making the quarterfinals of the playoffs final season. Whereas they misplaced quarterback Zach Calzada to Kentucky within the switch portal, however they returned star receiver Jalen Walthall. He had 1,290 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns final season. UTSA is projected to be a strong crew within the American Convention, however Incarnate Phrase may pull off the upset.
Southeast Missouri State at Arkansas State, August 30
Whereas they had been omitted from the FCS preseason ballot, the Redhawks have gone to 2 out of the final three FCS playoffs. Jax Leatherwood is transferring in at quarterback and may have a steep studying curve, as his first recreation will likely be towards Arkansas State. Whereas the Pink Wolves must be strong after successful eight video games final season, they might take some time to mesh, as they return simply 5 starters.
Abilene Christian at Tulsa, August 30
Abilene Christian is ranked sixteenth within the preseason FCS ballot. The Wildcats gained a recreation within the FCS playoffs final season, however did lose quarterback Maverick McIver to Western Kentucky. They’ve loads of place battles to nonetheless determine, though they do have expertise on the roster. Tulsa gained simply three video games final season, so Abilene Christian may win the season opener earlier than issues get settled.
Idaho at Washington State, August 30
Idaho has made three straight appearances within the FCS playoffs, however they misplaced head coach Jason Eck, who took the New Mexico job. Seven FBS transfers are coming into this system to assist new coach Thomas Ford. If he can get issues rolling early, they might shock Washington State in week 1. The Cougars return simply three starters and have quite a lot of roster turnover after head coach Jake Dickert left for the Wake Forest job.
Sacramento State at Nevada, September 6
Though they missed final 12 months’s playoff, Sacramento State made the three earlier playoffs. They’ve a brand new head coach in Brennan Marion, who did wonders as UNLV’s offensive coordinator. The Hornets had been ranked sixteenth within the preseason ballot. The offensive innovation of Marion may give Nevada issues, as they bring about again only one offensive starter from final 12 months’s squad.
New Hampshire at Ball State, September 13
New Hampshire was ignored of the preseason FCS ballot, however have made two of the final 4 FCS playoffs. The Wildcats will depend on huge receiver Caleb Burke to take a step ahead after totaling 711 receiving yards final season. They are going to play Ball State a number of video games into the season and the Cardinals are projected to have a tough season after successful simply three video games in 2024.
Jackson State at Southern Miss, September 6
The Tigers gained the Celebration Bowl final season and head coach TC Taylor has them ranked seventeenth within the FCS preseason ballot. They’ve some proficient transfers coming into this system, which may assist them return to the Celebration Bowl. The portal additions give them depth. They’ll have an opportunity to compete towards Southern Miss, who gained only one recreation final season. Head coach Charles Huff introduced quite a lot of his crew from Marshall with him, however may need a while to find out how finest to play collectively.
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