On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Week 7 Three Game Balls and A Flag

-Montana State gets a statement win, while North Alabama, Northern Colorado, and SFA pull off upset wins

-Week 8 previews:

• An in-depth preview of No. 1 SDSU at No. 2 NDSU
• No. 16 Rhode Island at No. 24 New Hampshire implications
• Is Weber State at Sac State already a playoff elimination game?
• Is Mercer at Samford a trap game? 
• Importance of McNeese at UIW in the Southland playoff race

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

3 Game Balls and a Flag

Each week of the 2024 FCS football season, the FCS Football Talk podcast will award three game balls and a flag from the previous weekend’s action.

The game balls are awarded to three standout teams or individual players, while the flag is thrown after a disappointing performance or questionable coaching decision.

Below are the three game balls and a flag from Week 7.

Zach’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: North Alabama
  • North Alabama stunned No. 10 Abilene Christian in a 47-34 upset victory
  • It was the Lions’ first win over a ranked opponent at the FCS level
  • The Lions have now won three consecutive conference matchups, moving to 3-1 in UAC play
  • The Lions generated over 500 yards of total offense and averaged 8.2 yards per play
  • QB TJ Smith: 17-of-24, 220 passing yards, 94 rushing yards, six total TDs
  • Wide receiver Kobe Warden: 9 receptions for 112 receiving yards & 2 TDs
  • Freshman running back Jalen Fletcher led the Lions with 123 rushing yards (12.3 YPC) and one TD
  • The defense held Abilene Christian to only 101 total yards on their final five drives, including a game-sealing interception from Gregory Reddick
  • Reddick led the Lions with 12 total tackles 
  • Jackson Bratton: 5 total tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 fumble recovery, & 2 QBHs

• Game Ball: Incarnate Word
  • Incarnate Word dominated Nicholls in a 55-10 victory, avenging last season’s loss to the Colonels
  • First time since 2022 that the Cardinals have scored 50 or more points in back-to-back games
  • The Cardinals suffocated the Nicholls’ offense, holding the Colonels to only 3.6 yards per play
  • UIW allowed only 260 total yards and forced four turnovers
  • Ten players recorded at least 0.5 tackles for loss or more
  • Mister Williams: 11 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 forced fumble
  • Linebacker Dune Smith had a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown
  • Quarterback Zach Calzada led the Cardinals with 270 passing yards and five touchdowns
  • Wide receiver Jalen Walthall: 4 receptions for 80 receiving yards and 2 TDs

• Game Ball: Northern Colorado
  • Northern Colorado shocked No. 20 Weber State with a 21-17 upset victory
  • The first win over a ranked opponent since 2016
  • It was also the first win for the Bears since Nov. 12, 2022, and the first win under head coach Ed Lamb
  • The Bears finished the game with over 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns
  • David Afari led the Bears with 74 rushing yards, while Caden Meis recorded 60 rushing yards and one touchdown
  • Quarterback Kai’I Keone: 14-of-28, 118 passing yards
  • Keone led a 17-play, 98-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter, winning the game for the Bears
  • Northern Colorado’s defense forced four turnovers, including a game-sealing interception from Cam Chapa
    
• Flag: Weber State
  • No. 20 Weber State collapsed against Northern Colorado in a shocking upset loss
  • The Wildcats fall to 3-4 (2-1 Big Sky) and may need to win all their remaining games to make the FCS Playoffs
  • It was a disappointing performance following last weekend’s upset victory over Montana
  • The Wildcats generated over 400 yards of total offense, but four turnovers were the difference in this game
  • Weber State fumbled twice inside the 2-yard line in the first quarter, allowing Northern Colorado to avoid a 21-0 deficit early in this game
  • Damon Bankston: 108 rushing yards (6.8 YPC)
  • Weber State faces a must-win game against Sacramento State next weekend before traveling to Northern Arizona in another potential elimination game for the FCS Playoffs

Sam’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Montana State 
  • No. 3 Montana State beats No. 7 Idaho 38-7
  • MSU rushed for 360 yards while Tommy Mellott has put himself in the conversation for the Walter Payton Award.
  • Idaho is battling another QB injury when Saturday’s starter Nick Josifek went down with a broken collarbone, the same injury to Week 1 starter Jack Layne
  • MSU is now 7-0 with an FBS win and a ranked win
  • Idaho is 4-3 overall with 2 FCS losses, 3 ranked wins, and an FBS win
• Game Ball: SFA 
  • SFA beats No. 22 Lamar 27-20
  • SFA has won three straight, improving to 4-2 overall
  • Sam Vidlak throws for 329 yards in the win. This fall, he is completing 66.47% of his passes for 1,565 yards, 17 touchdowns, and two interceptions
  • SFA could be that No. 2 team in the Southland in the hunt for a playoff bid
  • Other teams, besides SFA, to watch behind UIW are McNeese, Lamar, and Southeastern
• Game Ball: New Hampshire DE Josiah Silver 
  • The three-time All-CAA selection and multi-time All-American is at it again
  • He had 5 TFLs and 4 sacks in a win at Elon.
  • This fall, he has 33 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks
  • In 2021, Silver recorded 80 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, and 12.5 sacks. In 2022, he had 55 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks. Last year, he totaled 45 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, and 5 sacks.
• Flag: Sac State
  • After being preseason ranked No. 8, Sac State is now 2-4 overall and 2-2 vs. the FCS, dropping back-to-back games to unranked FCS teams
  • On Saturday, No. 18 Sac State lost 35-28 at home to Eastern Washington, who was 1-4 entering the game
  • EWU rushed for 289 yards and four touchdowns
  • Sac State likely has to win out to make the playoffs at 8-4
  • It hosts Weber State this weekend, who is in the same position with four losses. The Hornets still need to travel to Montana State and host UC Davis

The post FCS Podcast: The No. 1 vs. No. 2 Showdown Is Here appeared first on HERO Sports.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Week 6 Three Game Balls and A Flag

-What are the biggest midseason questions?
1. How good is Montana State?
2. Who has the best odds to win the FCS title?
3. What do we make of the CAA race?
4. Can a RB win the Walter Payton Award?

-Week 7 previews
No. 7 Idaho at No. 3 Montana State
No. 24 North Arizona at No. 14 Montana

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

3 Game Balls and a Flag

Each week of the 2024 FCS football season, the FCS Football Talk podcast will award three game balls and a flag from the previous weekend’s action.

The game balls are awarded to three standout teams or individual players, while the flag is thrown after a disappointing performance or questionable coaching decision.

Below are the three game balls and a flag from Week 6.

Zach’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Towson
  • Towson pulled off a huge Top 15 upset over No. 12 William & Mary
  • It was the third upset over a Top 15 opponent in the past two seasons, including back-to-back wins over the Tribe
  • The Tigers established their dominance on the ground, rushing for over 200 yards and one touchdown
  • Tyrell Greene Jr.: 133 rushing yards & 1 TD (8.9 YPC)
  • John Dunmore had an outstanding performance with 3 receptions for 52 receiving yards and two touchdowns
  • The defense forced two key turnovers in the second half, including a 78-yard defensive touchdown from Branson Peters
  • Will Middleton: 9 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and 1 sack

• Game Ball: Houston Christian
  • Houston Christian stunned No. 22 McNeese in a 43-22 upset loss, the first ranked victory of the season for the Huskies
  • The Huskies are 3-3 (1-0 Southland) in their first season under head coach Jason Bachtel
  • The Huskies exploded for over 620 total yards, averaging over 7.5 yards per play
  • QB Eli Brickhandler: 159 passing yards, 138 rushing yards, and one touchdown
  • Houston Christian’s rushing attack finished the game with over 414 rushing yards and two touchdowns (7.1 YPC)
  • Defensively, Houston Christian held McNeese to 105 rushing yards and only 3.2 yards per carry
  • Braden Hay led the Huskies with 10 total tackles and two tackles for loss

• Game Ball: Villanova
  • No. 6 Villanova defeated Stony Brook 42-24 in a key CAA matchup in Week 6
  • The Wildcats move to 5-1 (2-0 CAA) with a ranked victory over Youngstown State earlier this season
  • Running back David Avit led the Wildcats with 183 rushing yards and four touchdowns (14.1 YPC)
  • The Wildcats finished the game with over 280 rushing yards and five touchdowns
  • Villanova limited Stony Brook’s passing attack to 147 yards while holding the rushing attack to less than 4.0 yards per carry
  • Linebacker Brendan Bell: 15 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack
    
• Flag: Montana’s Defense
  • No. 8 Montana suffered an upset loss to Weber State, falling 55-48 to the Wildcats in overtime
  • It was the first time since 1968 that the Grizzlies allowed over 100-plus points in back-to-back games
  • The Grizzlies allowed over 540 yards of total offense and 8.2 yards per game
  • Weber State QB Richie Munoz led the Wildcats with 364 passing yards and six passing touchdowns
  • Montana’s defense over the first six games:
  • 32 PPG allowed
  • 145.2 rushing YPG allowed
  • 239.8 passing YPG allowed
  • 385.0 YPG allowed (5.6 YPP allowed)

Sam’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Chattanooga
  • Chattanooga beats No. 23 ETSU 17-10
  • Chase Artopoeus throws for 281 yards, 110 to Sam Phillips and 95 to Javin Whatley
  • Reggie Davis rushes for 103 yards
  • Chattanooga improves to 2-3 overall, but two losses are vs. FBS opponents (including a one-score game at Georgia State) and the third loss was a one-score game vs. Top 10 Mercer
• Game Ball: Weber State
  • Weber State beats No. 8 Montana 55-48 in overtime
  • Weber is now 3-3 overall and 3-2 vs. the FCS (losses to Lamar and McNeese)
  • Richie Munoz goes 19/28 for 364 yards and 6 touchdowns
  • Jacob Sharp had 5 catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns. Jayleen Record had 3 catches for 105 yards and 2 TDs
• Game Ball: Abilene Christian
  • No. 16 Abilene Christian beats No. 5 Central Arkansas 41-34
  • ACU controlled most of the game, holding leads of 31-17 at halftime, 34-24 heading into the 4th, and 41-24 early in the 4th
  • Maverick McIvor threw for 350 yards and five touchdowns 
  • This season, he has 1,956 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 2 INT
  • Nehemiah Martinez I caught 7 passes for 202 yards
  • ACU is now 4-2 overall and 4-1 vs. the FCS with the two losses one-score games to Texas Tech and Top 10 Idaho
• Flag: McNeese
  • Was 4-1 vs. the FCS entering last week, including a ranked win over Weber State. But the No. 22 Cowboys lost 43-22 at Houston Christian
  • HCU was 2-3 overall entering this game
  • McNeese QB Clifton McDowell suffered a finger injury on his throwing hand in the first quarter, he sat the second quarter but returned at less than 100% in the second half
  • McNeese allowed 622 yards of total offense, including 414 yards on the ground

The post FCS Podcast: Biggest FCS Midseason Questions appeared first on HERO Sports.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Week 5 Three Game Balls and A Flag

-Which team had the most impressive win in Week 5?

-Week 6 previews
No. 7 North Dakota at No. 2 NDSU
No. 18 Illinois State at No. 19 SIU
No. 5 Central Arkansas at No. 16 ACU
No. 25 NAU at No. 10 Idaho

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

3 Game Balls and a Flag

Each week of the 2024 FCS football season, the FCS Football Talk podcast will award three game balls and a flag from the previous weekend’s action.

The game balls are awarded to three standout teams or individual players, while the flag is thrown after a disappointing performance or questionable coaching decision.

Below are the three game balls and a flag from Week 5.

Zach’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Northern Arizona
  • The Lumberjacks stunned No. 10 Sacramento State in a 34-16 upset victory
  • Northern Arizona’s highest-ranked win since 2018
  • It is the first time NAU has won its first two home games of the season since 2019
  • Northern Arizona’s defense was the key in this victory, holding the Hornets to only 231 total yards
  • The Lumberjacks forced three key turnovers, including an 8-yard fumble return by Ammon Allen
  • The other two turnovers led to 14 points on two one-play scoring drives
  • Sacramento State struggled to run the ball, finishing the game with 51 rushing yards on only 2.4 yards per carry
  • Alex McLaughlin: 9 total tackles, two TFLs, two sacks, one forced fumble
  • The Lumberjacks were efficient offensively, recording 360 total yards and over 6.0 yards per play
  • Ty Pennington: 22-of-27 for 275 passing yards and two passing touchdowns
  • Wide receivers Bryzai White and Tay Lanier combined for 13 receptions for 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns

• Game Ball: Mercer’s Defense
  • Mercer defeated No. 23 Wofford for their second win over a ranked opponent this season
  • It is the best start in program history (51 Seasons; 5-0)
  • Everything starts with Mercer’s defense, which has established itself as the best defense in the nation
  • The Bears held Wofford to 146 total yards, 2.6 yards per play, 2-of-14 on third downs, and only eight first downs
  • Forced four interceptions, including a 40-yard touchdown from safety Juwan Johnson
  • Over the first five games of the season:
  • 7.8 PPG
  • 29.2 Rushing YPG Allowed
  • 224.0 YPG Allowed
  • 41 TFLs, 15 Sacks, & 9 INTs

• Game Ball: McNeese State
  • McNeese continues to exceed preseason expectations as the Cowboys upset No. 25 Weber State
  • The Cowboys did not win a game last season, only win was a forfeit against Northwestern State
  • This program has not won more than four games since 2019 but is 4-1 against FCS competition this season
  • Only loss against Tarleton State in Week 0
  • Quarterback Clifton McDowell is the catalyst for the offensive turnaround for the Cowboys
  • McDowell completed 14-of-27 attempts for 203 passing yards, 109 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown
  • Over the first six games of the season… McDowell has emerged as a Walter Payton Award contender
  • 61% comp for 1,018 passing yards, 6 passing TDs, 2 INTs, 352 rushing yards, and 6 rushing TDs
  • Running back Joshon Barbie had a breakout performance with 13 carries for 70 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns
  • The defense is finding ways to make plays without All-American linebacker Micah Davey
  • The Cowboys allowed over 400 total yards but held the Wildcats scoreless on four drives into McNeese territory
    
• Flag: Eastern Illinois
  • The Panthers entered the season with plenty of momentum after an impressive 8-3 season in 2023
  • Received 139 votes in the Preseason Stats Perform FCS Top 25 (No. 28)
  • Projected to finish second in the Big South-OVC
  • Received two first-place votes
  • Eastern Illinois dropped to 1-4 after a disappointing loss to Lindenwood this weekend
  • The Panthers allowed over 7.7 yards per play and over 450 total yards of offense
  • Lindenwood’s Jeff Caldwell recorded four receptions for 115 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns
  • Kicker Drew Schiller missed a 30-yard game-tying field goal with 10 seconds remaining
  • Over the first five games of the season, the Panthers have struggled on both sides of the ball
  • The offense is only averaging 13.2 PPG and 281.4 YPG, while defensively, they are allowing 31 PPG and 448.2 YPG 
  • Eastern Illinois faces a must-win game against No. 13 SEMO in Week 6
  • Only win this season was against Indiana State in Week 2

Sam’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: ETSU
  • Beats The Citadel 34-17 after a long and scary night of travel
  • Roads were shut down due to flooding, no cell service, stuck in the parking lot of a homeless shelter and spent the night on the bus
  • ETSU is now 3-2 overall and 2-1 vs. the FCS (close loss to NDSU)
• Game Ball: UC Davis
  • No. 14 UC Davis beats No. 4 Idaho 28-26
  • Miles Hastings: 25/32 for 248 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
  • Idaho was down to its 3rd-string QB in the second half and had a chance to tie it at the end with a 2-point conversion
  • Idaho left a lot of points on the board 
  • UC Davis is now 4-1 overall and 4-0 vs. the FCS
  • Idaho is 3-2 overall and 2-1 vs. the FCS with two ranked wins and an FBS win
• Game Ball: UT Martin
  • 6th FCS over FBS win this year, beating Kennesaw State 24-13
  • UT Martin is now 2-3 
  • Patrick Smith had 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns
  • Oshae Baker had six tackles and a 63-yard pick-6 to give UT Martin a 17-10 lead
• Flag: Montana/EWU defense
  • Montana beats EWU 52-49
  • EWU scored four touchdowns in the fourth quarter while Montana had two
  • Montana had 701 total yards, EWU with 551
  • Montana’s Logan Fife goes 30/42 for 364 yards, 5 TDs, and 0 INT. Nick Ostmo and Eli Gillman both rush for over 100 yards
  • EWU’s Kekoa Visperas goes 22/38 for 265 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 INT. Efton Chism III totaled 8 catches for 107 yards and 3 TDs

The post FCS Podcast: Ranked Matchups Continue Into Week 6 appeared first on HERO Sports.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Week 4 Three Game Balls and A Flag

-No. 4 Montana’s comeback win over No. 24 Western Carolina

-How open is the race for the FCS National Championship?

-Week 5 previews:
No. 12 Mercer at No. 23 Wofford
No. 17 SIU at No. 5 South Dakota
No. 2 NDSU at No. 18 Illinois State
No. 19 Lamar at No. 7 Central Arkansas
No. 4 Idaho at No. 14 UC Davis

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

3 Game Balls and a Flag

Each week of the 2024 FCS football season, the FCS Football Talk podcast will award three game balls and a flag from the previous weekend’s action.

The game balls are awarded to three standout teams or individual players, while the flag is thrown after a disappointing performance or questionable coaching decision.

Below are the three game balls and a flag from Week 4.

Zach’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Columbia
  • The Lions opened the season with a statement win over No. 18 Lafayette
  • It was the first win over a ranked opponent since 2019
  • This game also served as the first win under head coach Jon Poppe
  • Columbia’s offense was efficient, averaging 7.0 yards per play and recording over 447 total yards
  • Chase Goodwin: 16-of-19 attempts for 180 passing yards and two touchdowns
  • In limited action, Cole Freeman recorded two passing touchdowns on only eight attempts
  • The Lions rushed over 200 yards and 5.5 yards per carry, led by Joey Giorgi with 90 yards
  • Malcolm Terry II and Chase Goodwin also combined for 119 rushing yards
  • Wide receiver Bryson Canty led the Lions with six receptions for 95 receiving yards and two touchdowns
  • The Lions held a potent Lafayette rushing attack to only 3.3 yards per carry and did not allow a rushing touchdown

• Game Ball: Montana
  • Earned first win over a ranked opponent this season with a 46-35 win over No. 24 Western Carolina
  • Trailed 17-0 early in the second quarter but outscored the Catamounts 25-8 in the second half
  • The Grizzlies recorded 349 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns
  • Led by Eli Gillman with 175 rushing yards (12.5 YPC) and one rushing TD
  • Keali’I Ah Yat became the first Montana QB to rush for four touchdowns in a single game
  • After allowing 27 points in the first half, the Grizzlies dominated the second half
  • Held the Catamounts to only 8 points, including a scoreless third quarter that helped the Grizzlies extend their lead
  • The Grizzlies held Cole Gonzales to only 115 passing yards in the second half

• Game Ball: Tarleton State RB Kayvon Britten
  • Britten set multiple program records with his performance against North Alabama
  • Britten’s four touchdowns led the Texans to a 28-14 win over the Lions
  • He accounted for over 80% of Tarleton Sate’s total offensive production
  • Britten finished the game with 21 carries for 273 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns
  • His 273 rushing yards set the new single-game program record
  • Season-high total for an FCS running back in 2024
  • His four rushing touchdowns are tied for the most in a single game this season at the FCS level
  • His 96-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter was the longest rushing touchdown in the program’s Division I era
  • Britten was named the FCS National Offensive Player of the Week
  • Leads the nation with 660 rushing yards this season

• Flag: North Carolina A&T
  • North Carolina Central defeated the Aggies 66-24 in the Aggie-Eagle Classic
  • The Aggies lost their third consecutive game to North Carolina Central, the longest streak since 2014-16
  • It was also the most points allowed in the history of the rivalry
  • The Aggies have struggled the past two seasons under head coach Vincent Brown
  • 1-10 overall record last season, finished winless in conference play
  • North Carolina A&T is 0-3 against Division I opponents this season
  • Only win against Winston-Salem State in overtime (27-20)
  • After this weekend, North Carolina A&T ranks No. 113 nationally in total defense and No. 117 in scoring defense
  • The Aggies have also struggled to find any offensive consistency, averaging only 19.3 points per game this season

Sam’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Monmouth
  • First FBS win in program history, beating FIU 45-42
  • Deuce Lee forced a fumble and recovered it near the goal line after an FIU player was fighting for extra yardage to seal the win
  • FCS over FBS win No. 5 this year:
  • Montana State vs. New Mexico (35-31)
  • Saint Francis vs. Kent State (23-17)
  • Idaho vs. Wyoming (17-13)
  • Southern Utah vs. UTEP (27-24)
  • Monmouth vs. FIU (45-42)
• Game Ball: SEMO
  • No. 21 SEMO beats No. 7 Southern Illinois 38-21
  • SEMO led 16-12 at halftime, SIU took a 21-16 lead in the third quarter, but SEMO finished strong with three touchdowns to pull away
  • SEMO’s Paxton DeLaurent throws for 301 yards and four touchdowns, and Payton Brown rushed for 124 yards and a score
  • SIU backup-turned-starting-QB Hunter Simmons finished 28/48 for 341 yards and a touchdown, but SIU rushed for only 62 yards on 30 attempts
  • SEMO LB Bryce Norman finished with 12 tackles and 1.5 TFLs
  • SEMO improves to 3-1 with a near FBS win over New Mexico State
• Game Ball: ETSU
  • After an emotional loss to NDSU, ETSU goes on the road and beats Elon 34-14
  • Both teams were receiving votes in the media poll last week
  • Jaylen King goes 17/28 for 233 yards while rushing for 93 yards and two scores
  • Bryson Irby adds 96 yards and a touchdown on the ground
• Flag: Southern Utah
  • After looking like a rankable team after beating FBS UTEP and battling No. 15 UC Davis in a 24-21 loss, Southern Utah loses 38-28 at Idaho State
  • It was 24-7 at halftime
  • Southern Utah is now 1-3 overall

The post FCS Podcast: How Open Is The FCS National Title Race? appeared first on HERO Sports.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Week 3 Three Game Balls and A Flag

-Southern Illinois & Idaho win statement games against ranked opponents

-Should we be concerned about North Dakota State’s defense after struggling against ETSU?

-Will the recent conference realignment impact the FCS?

-South Dakota State, North Dakota State, and Villanova look underwhelming in Week 3 wins… How should we view these wins?

-Week 4 previews: No. 24 Western Carolina at No. 9 Montana, No. 21 SEMO at No. 7 Southern Illinois, and No. 4 Idaho at No. 19 Abilene Christian

-Other FCS matchups to watch in Week 4

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

3 Game Balls and a Flag

Each week of the 2024 FCS football season, the FCS Football Talk podcast will award three game balls and a flag from the previous weekend’s action.

The game balls are awarded to three standout teams or individual players, while the flag is thrown after a disappointing performance or questionable coaching decision.

Below are the three game balls and a flag from Week 3.

Zach’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Idaho
  • The Vandals made a statement with a dominant win over No. 17 UAlbany
    • Idaho’s 2024 Resume:
      • Week 1: 10-point loss against Oregon (Top 10 FBS program)
      • Week 2: FBS win over Wyoming (17-13; 2^nd Year with FBS Win)
      • Week 3: Top 25 FCS win over UAlbany
  • Idaho’s defense continued to dominate, holding UAlbany without a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter
    • UAlbany’s offense finished with a 25% success rate and averaged less than 5.0 yards per play
    • The Great Danes struggled to run the ball as UAlbany averaged less than 2.0 yards per carry
      • Griffin Woodell was limited to 23 rushing yards on 14 carries (1.6 YPC)
    • Dallas Afalava & Keyshawn James-Newby: 7 total tackles, 2.5 TFLs, & 2.5 sacks
  • Idaho’s offense was led by a dynamic rushing attack, rolling up over 247 rushing yards & 2 TDs
    • Nate Thomas: 8 carries for 75 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs (9.4 YPC)
    • Eli Cummings: 11 carries for 71 rushing yards (6.5 YPC)
  • Wide receiver Jordan Dwyer led the Vandals with 5 receptions for 68 receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs
    
• Game Ball: Southern Illinois
  • Defeated No. 12 Incarnate Word, 35-28, in a massive ranked matchup
    • Jumped out to an impressive 35-14 halftime lead
  • Quarterback DJ Williams had his best performance of the season, leading the Salukis in passing & rushing yards
    • Williams: 19-of-27 for 301 passing yards, two passing TDs, 79 rushing yards, and one rushing TD
  • Wide receivers Keontez Lewis and Nah’shawn Hezekiah combined for one of the best receiving performances in school history
    • Lewis & Hezekiah: 13 receptions for 266 receiving yards
    • Second-most combined receiving yards in program history
  • Southern Illinois looked dominant against the run, making the Incarnate Word offense one-dimensional
    • UIW: 71 rushing yards on 23 carries (3.1 YPC)
    • Ben Bogle: 8 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, one sack

• Game Ball: Western Carolina
  • The Catamounts stunned No. 22 Elon for their first win of the season, avoiding an 0-3 start to the season
    • Western Carolina rebounded from a Week 2 upset loss against Campbell
    • Scored 14 points in the final four minutes of regulation, overcoming a 14-3 second-half deficit
  • Quarterback Cole Gonzales was spectacular after an unimpressive performance in Week 2
    • Gonzales: 254 passing yards & 1 rushing TD
      • Rushing touchdown with 3:48 remaining gave the Catamounts their first lead of the game
    • The Catamounts averaged 5.0 yards per play, rolling up over 370 yards of total offense
  • Western Carolina’s defense allowed over 420 yards, but made key plays to win the game
    • Defensive back Jordan Lowery returned a blocked field goal for the game-sealing touchdown with less than two minutes remaining
    • Forced two Elon turnovers inside the 20-yard line, which allowed the second-half comeback win
      
• Flag: North Dakota State’s Defense
  • The Bison allowed over 7.0 yards per play and 383 total yards to the Buccaneers
    • Allowed ETSU to score touchdowns on the first three drives of the game
      • 21 plays for 225 total yards (3 drives)
    • Only six explosive plays allowed, but ETSU dominated by gaining 5-7 yards per play all game
  • The Bucs recorded 270 rushing yards, averaging over 7.1 yards per carry against the Bison
    • Bryson Irby: 15 carries for 147 rushing yards and 3 TDs (9.8 YPC)
    • QB Jaylen King: 79 rushing yards (6.1 YPC)
  • Jaylen King made some key plays with his legs but was inconsistent in passing the ball
    • King: 6-of-15 for 113 passing yards and one passing TD
  • The Bison failed to generate any pressure or create many negative plays, which is a significant cause of concern
    • NDSU: 4 TFLs, 0 sacks, and 2 QBHs

Sam’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Central Arkansas
  • Beats Austin Peay 45-17
  • Out to a 2-1 start with a controversial FBS loss at Arkansas State
  • David Walker: 8.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 4 QB hurries
  • ShunDerrick Powell: 475 rushing yards, 6 TDs
  • Darius Hale: 240 rushing yards, 5 TDs
• Game Ball: Mercer’s defense
  • 3-0 start, beating Presbyterian 63-10, Bethune-Cookman 31-2, and No. 14 Chattanooga 10-3
  • Allowing 5 points per game, 0.5 rushing yards per attempt, and 13.7 rushing yards per game
  • Veterans Isaac Dowling and Ken Standley leading the unit with 17 and 14 tackles
• Game Ball: Lamar
  • Beats No. 20 Weber State 17-16
  • Now 2-1 overall, 2-0 vs. the FCS
  • Lost to Texas State 34-27, one of the best Group of Five teams
  • Finished 6-5 last year in Pete Rossomando’s first season
  • Lamar went 1-10 in 2022, 2-9 in 2021
• Flag: Youngstown State
  • No. 21 Youngstown State loses to Duquesne 28-25

The post FCS Podcast: Mixed Performances By Top 5 Teams, Realignment Talk, Week 4 Preview appeared first on HERO Sports.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Week 2 Three Game Balls and A Flag

-No. 23 North Dakota’s win over No. 4 Montana

-No. 1 South Dakota State’s statement win against No. 12 Incarnate Word

-How do we view South Dakota State and Montana after two weeks?

-Multiple preseason-ranked programs fall to 0-2

-Week 3 previews: No. 17 UAlbany at No. 4 Idaho, No. 23 Mercer at No. 14 Chattanooga, No. 12 UIW at No. 9 Southern Illinois, No. 24 Nicholls at No. 11 Sacramento State

-Other FCS matchups to watch in Week 3

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

3 Game Balls and a Flag

Each week of the 2024 FCS football season, the FCS Football Talk podcast will award three game balls and a flag from the previous weekend’s action.

The game balls are awarded to three standout teams or individual players, while the flag is thrown after a disappointing performance or questionable coaching decision.

Below are the three game balls and a flag from Week 2.

Zach’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Idaho
  • The Vandals defeated Wyoming, 17-13, in the third FBS upset of the season
    • Back-to-back FBS wins for the Vandals (Nevada; 2023)
    • First win against Wyoming since 1921
    • First win in Laramie in program history
  • Idaho held Wyoming to 3 points over the first three quarters
    • The Cowboys were limited to 270 total yards and 3.9 yards per play
    • Linebacker Jaxton Eck led the Vandals with nine total tackles
  • Defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby had another impressive performance
    • Led the Vandals with three TFLs and three sacks
    • Over the first two games, James-Newby has recorded 10 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, five sacks, and two forced fumbles
  • In his first career start, Jack Wagner completed 12-of-21 attempts for 101 passing yards and one touchdown
    
• Game Ball: Campbell
  • Defeated No. 16 Western Carolina for the first win over a ranked opponent in program history
    • First win for Braxton Harris as the head coach at Campbell
  • Campbell held Western Carolina to only 287 total yards and 4.3 yards per play
    • Forced five turnovers, including four interceptions from quarterback Cole Gonzales
    • Linebacker Jalen Brooks led the team with 12 total tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup
  • The Camels rolled up over 440 yards of total offense, led by multiple explosive plays from quarterback Chad Mascoe
    • Mascoe: 18-of-29 for 306 passing yards, two passing TDs, one rushing TD
    • Wide receiver VJ Wilkins led the Camels with five receptions and two receiving touchdowns

• Game Ball: Southern Utah
  • Secured the fourth FCS over FBS upset of the 2024 season
    • First FBS win for the Thunderbirds since 2013
  • The Thunderbirds scored 18 unanswered points in the second half to overcome a 17-6 halftime deficit
    • UTEP kicker Buzz Flabiano missed a game-tying field goal in overtime
  • Southern Utah recorded over 260 rushing yards, averaging over 5.7 yards per carry
    • Running back Targhee Lambson: 183 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 9.2 YPC
    • Quarterback Jackson Berry extended multiple key drives with his legs, rushing for 53 yards
  • Southern Utah’s defense recorded 10 tackles for loss and limited UTEP to 5-of-16 on third downs
    
• Flag: Eastern Washington
  • The Eagles suffered an upset loss to Drake, losing 35-32 in an overtime battle
    • The win ended an 8-game non-conference losing streak for the Bulldogs
    • It was also the hottest game in Eastern Washington history (95 degrees) at kickoff
  • The Bulldogs dominated offensively, generating over 460 yards of total offense
    • Quarterback Luke Bailey completed 28-of-48 attempts for 380 passing yards and two touchdowns
    • Wide receivers Mitchell January and Trey Radocha combined for 9 receptions for 202 receiving yards and one touchdown
  • Eastern Washington was limited to 385 total yards, including only 179 passing yards
    • Nine different Drake players recorded at least 0.5 tackles for loss
    • Linebacker Sean Allison led the Bulldogs with 15 total tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and one sack

Sam’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game ball: UND
  • No. 23 North Dakota beats No. 4 Montana 27-24, erasing a 24-7 halftime deficit
  • North Dakota rushed 49 times for 243 yards, including 161 yards in the second half
  • UND owned a 37:14-22:46 time of possession advantage
  • Both teams move to 1-1 overall
  • UND hosts Idaho State, San Diego, and Murray State before visiting NDSU
• Game ball: Wofford
  • Out to a 2-0 record, beating two 2023 playoff teams in Gardner-Webb and Richmond
  • Beats No. 14 Richmond 26-19 last weekend
  • Holding teams to 19.5 points per game
  • Kyle Watkins already has 14 catches for 242 yards and a touchdown
  • Hosts No. 13 William & Mary this week
• Game ball: Griffin Wilde
  • SDSU true sophomore WR
  • Already has 17 catches for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns this year
  • Last year, he had 20 catches for 399 yards and 6 TDs
• Flag: Western Carolina
  • 0-2 start after being preseason ranked No. 20
  • Lost to NC State in Week 1 and then lost 24-16 to unranked Campbell at home
  • QB Cole Gonzales threw four interceptions in the Campbell loss
  • WCU travels to ranked Elon and Montana in the next two weeks

The post FCS Podcast: Several Preseason-Ranked Teams Fall To 0-2, UND Upsets Montana, Week 3 Preview appeared first on HERO Sports.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 1

-NDSU’s battle against Colorado 

-No. 6 Villanova’s win over No. 25 Youngstown State

-Missed opportunities for FCS programs to pull off FBS upsets

-No. 12 UIW at No. 1 SDSU will tell us a lot about both teams

-Can No. 23 North Dakota pull off the upset against No. 4 Montana?

-Other FCS matchups to watch in Week 2

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

3 Game Balls and a Flag

Each week of the 2024 FCS football season, the FCS Football Talk podcast will award three game balls and a flag from the previous weekend’s action.

The game balls are awarded to three standout teams or individual players, while the flag is thrown after a disappointing performance or questionable coaching decision.

Below are the three game balls and a flag from Week 1.

Zach’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: David Walker (Central Arkansas, EDGE)
  • 4 total tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
  • 91.6 PFF pass-rush grade & 88.3 PFF Grade
  • Walker shined against FBS competition, showing why he was ranked the No. 1 FCS prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft
    
• Game Ball: Rhode Island
  • Rhode Island escaped with a 20-17 win over Holy Cross in a huge out-of-conference matchup
    • Devin Farrell found Shawn Harrison for the game-winning touchdown with 19 seconds remaining
      • Led 13-3 entering the 4^th quarter before two Holy Cross TDs 
  • Despite the QB question mark for the Rams, Devin Harrell shined in his first career start
    • Farrell: 20-of-33 for 287 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 54 rushing yards
  • Wide receiver Marquis Buchanan led the Rams with 4 receptions for 88 receiving yards, building on a stellar freshman campaign in 2023
  • Defensively, the Rams held Holy Cross to 101 passing yards and only 271 total yards

• Game Ball: Villanova
  • The Wildcats earned the first Top 25 win of the season, defeating Youngstown State 24-17
    • It was the eighth consecutive season-opening win for the Wildcats
    • The second consecutive victory against the Penguins after last year’s matchup in the FCS Playoffs
  • Quarterback Connor Watkins and running Isaiah Ragland shined offensively for Villanova
    • Watkins: 107 rushing yards & 2 rushing TDs (10.5 YPC)
    • Ragland: 65 rushing yards & 1 rushing TD on only seven carries
  • The Wildcats forced three key turnovers, which were the biggest difference in this game
    • Villanova was missing All-American cornerback Isas Waxter
      • Freshman Zahmir Dawud recorded 1^st career INT
    • Linebackers Shane Hartzell & Brendan Bell combined for 22 total tackles 

• Flag: Prairie View A&M
  • Texas Southern defeated Prairie View A&M for the first time in nine seasons
    •  The Tigers held the Panthers without a touchdown for the first time since 2003
  • The offense struggled throughout the game, posting only 259 total yards and 3.9 yards per play
    • The Panthers only rushed for 40 yards on 22 carries, being limited to 1.8 yards per carry
    • New quarterback Lucas Coley struggled before his injury, while Cam Peters failed to deliver in his limited action
      • Combined for 18-for-40 (45%) for 219 passing yards and zero touchdowns
    • Only held the ball for 23 minutes of possession time, allowing Texas Southern to control the pace of the game
  • Penalty Issues: 9 penalties for 89 yards
    • TXSO: 2 penalties for 25 yards

Sam’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: West Georgia
  • Beats Samford 38-29 in its FCS debut
  • West Georgia brought in 13 FBS transfers
    • Ole Miss transfer Davin Wydner threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns
    • Michigan transfer Karmello English had six catches for 108 yards
• Game Ball: Idaho
  • As a nearly 50-point underdog, Idaho loses to FBS No. 3 Oregon 24-14
  • Trailed 17-14 in the fourth
  • Held Oregon to 2.9 yards per carry (37 carries for 107 yards)
  • Jack Layne ran for a touchdown and threw for 168 yards, but he’ll miss several weeks with a broken collarbone
• Game Ball: Cam Miller
  • NDSU loses to Colorado 31-26
  • Miller played arguably his best game as a Bison
  • He went 18/22 passing for 277 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 81 yards and two scores
• Flag: UAlbany
  • No. 16 UAlbany beats LIU 27-21 at home
  • LIU went 4-7 last year and 4-3 in the NEC
  • LIU took a 21-17 lead in the third quarter
  • UAlbany offensive strength should be running the ball with an experienced o-line and Griffin Woodell returning, but it averaged only 3.2 yards per carry (28 attempts for 90 yards)
  • LIU rushed for 179 yards on 31 carries (5.8 YPC)
  • LIU’s Luca Stanzani went 20/31 for 179 yards and 3 TDs vs. UAlbany’s Myles Burkett (a Wisconsin transfer) going 12/26 for 165 yards and 1 TD

The post FCS Podcast: How To Gauge FCS-FBS Results + 2 Ranked Matchups Highlight Week 2 appeared first on HERO Sports.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-3 Game Balls and a Flag from Week 0

-Montana State’s FBS win over New Mexico

-North Dakota State’s massive Week 1 game against Colorado

-If South Dakota State can pull off the upset against Oklahoma State

-Week 1 Preview: No. 25 Youngstown State at No. 6 Villanova

-FCS vs. FBS matchups to watch in Week 1

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

3 Game Balls and a Flag

Each week of the 2024 FCS football season, the FCS Football Talk podcast will award three game balls and a flag from the previous weekend’s action.

The game balls are awarded to three standout teams or individual players, while the flag is thrown after a disappointing performance or questionable coaching decision.

Below are the three game balls and a flag from Week 0.

Zach’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Payton Brown (SEMO, RB)
  • 19 carries, 97 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, 29 receiving yards
  • Named FCS Kickoff Most Valuable Player
  • Tied FCS Kickoff Single-Game Record With 3 TDs

• Game Ball: Montana State’s Rushing Attack
  • The Bobcats recorded 362 rushing yards on 47 carries (7.7 YPC) and 3 rushing TDs
  • Montana State was missing starting RB Julius Davis and All-American center Justus Perkins
  • Redshirt freshman Adam Jones led the Bobcats with 167 rushing yards and 1 TD, averaging 9.8 YPC
  • Scottre Humphrey also finished the game with 140 rushing yards and 1 TD

• Game Ball: Daniel Richardson (Florida A&M, QB)
  • Richardson completed 22-of-30 passes for 286 passing yards and 3 TDs
  • Named MEAC/SWAC Challenge MVP
  • Earned BOXTOROW HBCU National Player of the Week honors
  • Helped lead Florida A&M to a comeback win after trailing Norfolk State 14-0 in the first half

• Flag: Dawson Odums (Norfolk State, HC)
  • Norfolk State outscored 17-9 in the final three quarters after taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter
  • The Spartans have lost six games by 10 points or less, including four consecutive games last season
  • Questionable decision to kick a field on 4^th & 1 inside the red zone
    • Florida A&M blocked the field goal
    • Norfolk State was averaging over 10 yards per carry at this point of the game
  • Another questionable play call on a 2-point conversion in the second half
    • Florida A&M blocked the initial PAT attempt, which put the ball at the 1-yard line
    • Attempted to run a read option instead, which was stopped for a loss and secured the Florida A&M win
  • Norfolk State only attempted 9 passes in the entire game
    • Jalon Daniels: 7-for-9, 142 passing yards

Sam’s 3 Game Balls And A Flag

• Game Ball: Montana State OL
  • Rushed for 362 yards (7.7 yards per carry) in FBS win over New Mexico
  • All-American center Justus Perkins was out, and starting guard Cole Sain bumped over. Starting tackles Marcus Wehr and Conner Moore moved to guard
  • Best RB Julius Davis was also sidelined
  • Redshirt freshman Adam Jones had 167 yards rushing, and true sophomore Scottre Humphrey had 140 yards
• Game Ball: Tarleton State RB Kayvon Britten
  • 164 yards rushing and 6.6 YPC
  • Came up big as starting QB Victor Gabalis missed the 2nd half with a thumb injury
• Game Ball: SEMO
  • Beat North Alabama 37-15 despite losing QB Paxton DeLaurent early to a shoulder injury
  • Freshman Payton Brown — 97 yards rushing and 3 TDs
• Flag: North Alabama
  • Not a terrible loss, but was a sleeper pick to get a win. Did not compete as well as many expected
  • Golden opportunity to get a win when DeLaurent was sidelined
  • Ari Patu — 12/24 for 104 yards and 2 INT

The post FCS Podcast: Montana State Gets FBS Win + NDSU, SDSU Take On Big 12 Opponents appeared first on HERO Sports.

On this episode, Sam Herder and Zach McKinnell discuss:

-Top 2024 storylines

-FCS playoff seeds increasing to 16

-The FCS championship game moving to Monday night

-Week 0 preview

You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Spreaker.​​

SUBSCRIBE: FCS Football Talk

The 2024 FCS football season is finally here, as the Week 0 slate is headlined by five FCS matchups this weekend. Delaware State and Montana State will travel to face FBS opponents, while three intriguing FCS out-of-conference games will dominate the headlines this weekend.

Below are the biggest games of the Week 0 FCS football slate for the upcoming weekend.

McNeese at No. 21 Tarleton State

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN2

Tarleton State hosts McNeese State in an intriguing out-of-conference matchup as the Texans are eligible for the FCS Playoffs for the first time in program history. All-American wide receiver Darius Cooper and All-American running back Kayvon Britten return to lead an explosive offensive attack. McNeese State looks to rebound from a disappointing 1-10 season in 2023. The Cowboys utilized the transfer portal to flip the roster, signing over 20 FBS transfers. Former Montana quarterback Clifton McDowell will lead the offense after taking the Grizzlies to the FCS National Championship game. 

No. 4 Montana State at New Mexico

Kickoff: 3 p.m. CT
TV: FS1

Montana State will look to earn the first FCS over FBS win of the season over New Mexico. The Bobcats are double-digit favorites over the Lobos as New Mexico enters Year 1 of the Bronco Mendenhall era. All-American center Justus Perkins and running Julius Davis are expected to miss the game due to injury. It would be Montana State’s first FBS win since 2006 when the Bobcats upset Colorado. All-American quarterback Tommy Mellott returns, while All-American defensive Brody Grebe will lead the defense. 

North Alabama vs. SEMO

Kickoff: 6 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN

North Alabama will face SEMO in the annual FCS Kickoff game in Montgomery, Alabama. The Redhawks are making their first appearance in the game, while the Lions are making their second appearance after losing to Mercer last season. SEMO is looking to rebound from a 4-7 season and will be led by All-Conference quarterback Paxton DeLaurent and All-American center Zack Gieg. North Alabama finished 3-8 in Brent Dearmon’s first season as head coach but showed plenty of potential against FCS playoff teams in 2023. All-American safety Edwin White-Schultz and All-Conference wide receiver Takairee Kenebrew will lead the Lions. 

Norfolk State vs. Florida A&M

Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. CT
TV: ABC

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge will feature Florida A&M, the defending Celebration Bowl champions. The Rattlers will be challenged by Norfolk State, which had the most preseason All-Conference selections in the MEAC. Head coach James Colzie III makes his debut as he takes over a program that is 22-2 in SWAC play over the past three seasons. Norfolk head coach Dawson Odums may be on the hot seat this season after back-to-back disappointing seasons. An exciting storyline will be the debut of Daniel Richardson, who was named Florida A&M’s starting quarterback after multiple seasons at the FBS level. The MEAC leads the overall series against the SWAC, 11-6, but the SWAC has won the last two matchups.

The post FCS Podcast: Top FCS Storylines + Week 0 Preview appeared first on HERO Sports.

Mercer joined the Pioneer League for one season before making the full transition to the Southern Conference in 2014. The Bears wasted no time in 2013 making their impact felt with a 10-2 season, but the move to the SoCon the next year came with growing pains.

The Bears did not finish with a winning conference record until the spring 2020 season, which correlated with the hire of head coach Drew Cronic. Cronic arrived in Macon, GA with a 49-6 overall record as a collegiate head coach. 

In his first season at Mercer, Cronic led the Bears to three consecutive FCS Top-20 wins in the spring season. The Bears carried the momentum into 2021, in which Mercer was one game away from winning the first conference championship in school history as ETSU defeated Mercer, 38-35, in the final game of the regular season. 

Last season the Bears lost a two-overtime game to Samford, 50-44, as the Bears’ playoff hopes fell one game short again. The question now shifts to … Will 2023 be the breakthrough season for Mercer? 

RELATED: Mercer Football Preview

Quarterback Carter Peevy may be the x-factor that many experts are overlooking for the Bears. Peevy stepped into a starting role as a true freshman in the spring season after Coastal Carolina transfer Fred Payton III had to sit out due to transfer rules. 

Peevy led the Bears to a historic season. He earned a spot on the SoCon All-Freshman Team and finished the season with 1,318 passing yards and 12 total touchdowns in only nine games. He could have transferred these past two seasons as he watched Payton lead the offense, but he decided to wait for his opportunity to shine.

That opportunity has now arrived with Payton’s departure. 

The Bears will be able to pair Peevy with one of the best wide receiver cores in the country. All-Americans Ty James and Devron Harper both return for their senior seasons. James led the SoCon in receiving yards (1,105), receiving touchdowns (13), and yards per reception (21.3) last season. Harper broke multiple school records last season while leading the conference in total touchdowns (16) and all-purpose yards (1,878). 

The defense should take another step forward as the Bears return 10 of the top 11 leading tacklers from last season. Preseason FCS All-American Lance Wise will lead the Bears’ secondary, which also returns All-Conference cornerback Cam Sims, TJ Moore, Richie Coffey, and Myles Redding. 

All-Conference linebackers Isaac Dowling and Ken Standley will lead a talented Mercer front seven. Two-time All-Conference selection Solomon Zubairu is the leader on the defensive front for the Bears, which also returns Chris Hill and Savio Frazier. 

The emergence of the transfer portal has changed college football. It takes a special culture to create experienced teams, such as Mercer, at the FCS level. James spoke about the decision to return to Mercer and the opportunity to make history this season in his interview with The Bluebloods earlier this offseason.

“If we’re all good enough to play at whatever level, Power-Five or Group of Five, how about we go win a ring here. Let’s put together one last ride and having that relationship with my brothers and teammates … That’s not something you’re going to find easily at another school.”

The first conference championship and FCS playoff appearance in school history would be a historic accomplishment, but there is even more history on the table for the Bears. 

Since the program’s inception in 1891, there have been zero Mercer players who have been selected in the NFL Draft. 

Former Mercer guard Jason Poe received some buzz before the 2022 NFL Draft but was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Francisco 49ers. Poe spent the 2022 season on the practice squad and is now competing for a spot on the 53-man active roster this season. 

The Bears have multiple players who will receive strong consideration in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. James and Harper were both named to the 2024 Shrine Bowl 1000 and were highlighted by the Senior Bowl as potential “Small School” standouts. 

All the boxes seem to be checked for the Bears entering this season … A talented quarterback with starting experience, elite weapons at the wide receiver position, an experienced offensive line, and continuity on the defensive side of the ball.

Windows of opportunity in college football do not stay open for long. Mercer has all the pieces to have a breakthrough season in 2023. The question remains … Will the Bears be able to break through the glass ceiling or will this season be another “almost” story for a program on the rise?

The post A Shot At History Lies Ahead For Mercer Football   appeared first on HERO Sports.