A full list of FCS games is finally here to start the 2024 season. There are four straight days of FCS action, beginning Thursday.
It’s a bit of a lighter FCS vs. FCS slate this week with a lot of FCS-FBS matchups. We’ll beef up the number of picks next week.
Let’s predict some FCS vs. FCS scores.
Predictions Record:
2024 Record: 3-1
2023 Record: 96-42
Week 1
No. 25 Youngstown State at No. 6 Villanova
The best FCS vs. FCS game of the week is a playoff rematch. Nova knocked YSU out of the 2023 bracket in the second round, winning 45-28. The Wildcats led 38-13 at one point while averaging six yards per carry against a pretty good Youngstown defense.
That YSU starting defensive lineup was depleted this offseason, losing several guys to graduation or the transfer portal. The Penguins bring back only two of their top 15 tacklers and four of their top 20 leaders in snaps.
They’ll try and defend a Nova offense led by quarterback Connor Watkins, who threw for 275 yards and rushed for two TDs in the playoff win, three returning offensive line starters, and two explosive receivers in Jaylan Sanchez and NC Central transfer Devin Smith.
YSU’s offense is loaded with experience as well besides a new starting QB. The Penguins return their standout running back Tyshon King, WR Max Tomczak, and four starting offensive linemen.
They’ll try to establish the run. But that is no easy feat against a hard-nosed Nova defense. The Wildcats return seven starters from its unit that ranked 13th with 18.8 points allowed per game, plus two FCS transfers who earned All-Conference honors at their previous school. Shane Hartzell and Brendan Bell are excellent linebackers. Jalen Goodman and Ty Trinh are veteran safeties, while Isas Waxter is arguably the best cornerback in the FCS.
Perhaps an edge YSU can exploit is its experienced offensive line taking advantage of a Nova d-line that brings back just one starter.
Villanova is a tough place to get a win. And YSU has too many unknowns defensively. Plus, this is a key game for Nova’s playoff seed resume as it may be its only opportunity for a ranked win on a very favorable schedule.
Prediction: Villanova 34-24
VMI at No. 15 William & Mary
If W&M wants to return to its 2022 form, a season that saw a run to the quarterfinals, it can’t mess around with a team like VMI.
Because you’ll get caught by a team like VMI if you show up lackadaisical.
Just ask Western Carolina. WCU’s loss at VMI in the regular-season finale likely cost the Catamounts a playoff at-large bid.
VMI finished 5-6 last year and 4-4 in the competitive SoCon standings. The Keydets return 13 starters, including Hunter Rice, who rushed for 867 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.
It’s a good test for a W&M squad that loses eight of its top 11 tacklers. The Tribe should be good on offense, though. Darius Wilson is a three-year starter at quarterback who has his top three pass-catchers back. The o-line returns four starters, highlighted by NFL Draft prospect Charles Grant. The top three rushers are also back, led by the elite Bronson Yoder returning from injury.
W&M gets it done at home.
Prediction: William & Mary 28-21
Monmouth at Eastern Washington
Monmouth owned a great rushing attack last year, ranking No. 19 in the FCS with 187.7 yards per game. Eastern Washington’s rush defense was on the opposite side of things, allowing 232.2 yards per game to rank No. 118 in the subdivision.
The Hawks lost Jaden Shirden to the NFL but got back Sone Ntoh after he rushed for 411 yards and 14 touchdowns. EWU, meanwhile, beefed up its defense with five FBS transfers.
This is a really important season for EWU, one of the most successful FCS teams in the 2010s. A 3-8 season in 2022 and a 4-7 mark last year is a far drop for a program with deep playoff run expectations. Is that a sign of more tough times ahead? Or will the prideful program build back up?
Starting 1-0 is key with several ranked opponents ahead. It’s a tough cross-country trip for Monmouth. And EWU quarterback Kekoa Visperas and receiver Efton Chism III will prove to be a challenging duo to contain.
Prediction: EWU 31-24
Missouri State at No. 3 Montana
Montana can’t afford a ho-hum non-conference showing like last season. This year’s non-conference slate is much tougher — At North Dakota next week is one of the toughest FCS places to get a win, Western Carolina is a playoff-level team, and this week’s opponent certainly won’t be lacking individual talent.
Missouri State returns 21 starters after going 4-7 overall last season and 3-5 in the MVFC. The Bears are also bringing in about 12 FBS transfers and will be above the 63-scholarship limit as it transitions to the FBS.
Now, is Mo State a serious threat to go into Missoula and get a win? Likely not. But this isn’t Morehead State rolling into town.
The Grizzlies have massive expectations this fall after their run to the national championship game. And for good reason. They are loaded.
Montana has a terrific group of offensive playmakers — Junior Bergen, Keelan White, Aaron Fontes, Cole Grossman, Eli Gillman, and Nick Ostmo. The offensive line brings back 70 combined career starts.
The big question is quarterback. It appears Montana will have a two-QB system once again to start the season. Redshirt freshman Keali’i Ah Yat has the potential to be great. Fresno State transfer Logan Fife is also going to get his shot, an experienced guy who started four games for the Bulldogs.
Montana’s defense, which does have some big holes to fill yet traditionally reloads just fine, will do its thing on Saturday. Crowd noise and the Griz defensive pressure will overwhelm what has been a shaky Missouri State offensive line. They’ll also have to bottle up a really good running back in Jacardia Wright. It’ll be the Montana offense and how well the new QBs gel that will determine if Saturday is a decisive victory for the Griz or a more competitive game than anticipated.
Prediction: Montana 38-17
