We break down three teams for each and where they go from here.

Stock Up

Montana State

The question mark surrounding No. 3 Montana State heading into Saturday’s matchup vs. No. 7 Idaho was it hadn’t been tested yet. Well, that’s still technically true. MSU thrashed the Vandals in a 38-7 win. Yes, Idaho was probably running on fumes due to its schedule and has dealt with multiple quarterback injuries. But Idaho’s front seven is legit, and the Bobcats had their way, rushing for 360 yards. Tommy Mellott has put himself in the conversation for the Walter Payton Award.

Now 7-0 with an FBS win and a ranked win, the Cats are in the driver’s seat to finish 12-0 and earn a Top 2 playoff seed. More ranked opponents are coming, but if MSU plays like this, it’ll be favored to win every game.

For Idaho, a 4-3 record doesn’t look great after once receiving first-place votes in the Top 25 polls. But the Vandals have a good shot at winning their remaining games to finish 9-3 with two FCS losses, three ranked wins, and an FBS win. That could maybe get them a first-round bye, depending on what happens elsewhere.

Chattanooga

The Mocs went off the national radar for a bit. They started 0-3, losing big to FBS No. 15 Tennessee, by three points to FBS Georgia State, and by seven points to Mercer, who is still undefeated and now ranked in the Top 10. Chattanooga has since won three straight to sit at 3-3 overall and 3-1 vs. the FCS, beating Portland State, No. 23 ETSU, and dismantling Furman 41-10 on Saturday.

Furman isn’t close to the same quarterfinal squad it had last year. But it was still an impressive performance by the Mocs and showed why they were the preseason favorites in the SoCon. Chase Artopoeus threw for 232 yards with 168 going to Javin Whatley.

The Mocs have perhaps the two toughest SoCon opponents behind them (Mercer and ETSU), so keep an eye on this team and how it finishes the season as it moves back up the rankings. They are No. 19 in this week’s Media Poll.

Stephen F. Austin

SFA has won three straight, improving to 4-2. On Saturday, the Lumberjacks defeated No. 22 Lamar 27-20 behind Sam Vidlak’s 329 passing yards and Qualan Jones’ 119 rushing yards. Vidlak, a transfer from Montana, has played well this fall. He is completing 66.47% of his passes for 1,565 yards, 17 touchdowns, and two interceptions.

SFA hosts ranked UIW and Abilene Christian in the final two games of the regular season. The Lumberjacks can position themselves for the playoffs by hitting eight wins before those two games in the next four weeks.

With the MVFC and Big Sky looking like four-bid leagues this year instead of five or sometimes six, and the CAA having so many teams that will lack ranked wins, that will free up more bids for conferences like the SoCon, Southland, UAC, and Big South-OVC. UIW looks like the class of the Southland after dominating Nicholls. The No. 2 team in the league will be a tight race, and SFA is in that conversation.

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Stock Down

Abilene Christian

A week after beating No. 5 Central Arkansas, Abilene Christian couldn’t hold on to its Top 10 ranking, losing 47-34 to North Alabama. UNA was 2-5 coming into this game. ACU drops to 4-3 overall and 4-2 vs. the FCS. UNA’s TJ Smith threw for 220 yards and four touchdowns in the win.

This sets ACU back as it could have kept climbing the rankings to earn a high playoff seed. With limited opportunities at ranked wins, losing to an unranked team really hurts your resume. It’ll be a red flag for the playoff committee if you don’t have several ranked wins to make up for it.

ACU finishes the regular season against two teams currently ranked — at Tarleton State and at SFA. ACU needs to avoid letdown performances before those matchups to position itself for a nice playoff seed. But the UAC is always good for some upsets and crazy finishes.

Sacramento 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. The Hornets lost 34-16 at Northern Arizona. And on Saturday, No. 18 Sac State lost 35-28 at home to Eastern Washington, who was 1-4 entering the game. Interestingly, it was the run game that Sac State couldn’t stop. EWU rushed for 289 yards and four touchdowns while its explosive passing attack only needed to attempt 17 passes with Kekoa Visperas completing 15 of them for 141 yards.

Sac State probably has to win out and finish 8-4 to make the playoffs. In a 12-game season, the magic number to hit is eight and not seven. A 7-5 record could make the bracket, but it’s like a 6-5 team in previous years getting a postseason bid — possible, but pretty rare. The Hornets still have to play ranked Montana State (on the road) and UC Davis (at home).

Weber State

A week after winning 55-48 in overtime at No. 8 Montana, No. 20 Weber State lost 21-17 to Northern Colorado. UNC snaps an 18-game losing streak with the win.

The Wildcats are now 3-4 overall and 3-3 vs. the FCS, also losing to unranked Lamar and McNeese. Like Sac State, they likely need to win out to reach the playoffs at 8-4. A 7-5 record may not cut it this year on a packed bubble. Weber still needs to play at ranked Idaho and at Northern Arizona, who was ranked last week.

And this weekend, Weber State goes to Sac State in what could be a de facto playoff elimination game.

The post FCS Stock Up, Stock Down After Week 7 appeared first on HERO Sports.

Here’s an early look at the FBS bowl picture a couple months before bowl games begin.

How Many FBS Bowls Are There?

There are 35 FBS bowls during the 2024 season, not including the College Football Playoff, meaning 70 teams will make a bowl while another 12 teams will be in the CFP.

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How Many FBS College Football Teams Are Bowl-Eligible?

Though there’s still plenty of football yet to be played, only two teams are bowl-eligible as of Oct. 7. Here is a list of those teams by conference.

AAC

• Army

ACC

• Miami
• Pitt

Independent

• none

Big 12

• BYU
• Iowa State

Big Ten

• Indiana
• Oregon
• Penn State

Conference USA

• none

MAC

• none

Mountain West

• none

Pac-12

• none

SEC

• Texas

Sun Belt

• none

The post College Football Bowl Games 2025: Which Teams Are Bowl-Eligible And Which Teams Won’t Be? appeared first on HERO Sports.

And that’s not to mention we’ll see at least one G5 program compete in the College Football Playoff with the field expanding to 12 teams this year.

Here’s a look at HERO Sports’ 2024 bowl projections.

College Football Playoff First-Round Prediction

For my G5 College Football Playoff prediction, I project Boise State will play Tennessee with Tennessee winning.

The Broncos are stacked on offense and defense this year. Though they lost to Oregon, they have a good chance of going 11-1 during the regular season and winning the Mountain West. If they do, they’ll probably be the G5 team that makes it to the CFP.

I don’t discount Boise State from pulling off an upset in the first round of the CFP. But beating a team like Tennessee or one of that caliber would be daunting, though.

Group of Five teams likely to play in the College Football Playoff:

• Boise State
• Memphis
• UNLV
• JMU
• Liberty

Camellia Bowl Prediction

For my Camellia Bowl prediction, I project Georgia State will play East Carolina with ECU winning.

Even with Georgia State going through a coaching change, I think Dell McGee can lead the Panthers to a bowl game after they beat Vanderbilt this year. But I’m anticipating East Carolina will continue to improve after the starting the season 3-3, including a victory over UTSA.

Teams likely to play in the Camellia Bowl:

• East Carolina
• Navy
• Georgia State
• Coastal Carolina
• ULM

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Boca Raton Bowl Prediction

For my Boca Raton Bowl prediction, I project ULM will play Colorado State with ULM winning.

Colorado State, though it started 3-3 overall, is formidable with wide receiver Tory Horton and quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi on offense. However, ULM has proven it is one of the top teams in the Sun Belt with Bryant Vincent as head coach. The Warhawks have looked impressive during their 5-1 start to the season, including during their victory over James Madison.

Teams likely to play in the Boca Raton Bowl:

• ULM
• JMU
• Louisiana
• Colorado State
• San Jose State

Frisco Bowl Prediction

For my Frisco Bowl prediction, I project Texas State will play UNLV with UNLV winning.

This would be a fantastic matchup. Texas State has a high-powered offense this year. But UNLV is balanced and has stars on both sides of the ball, like wide receiver Ricky White III and linebacker Jackson Woodard. It’s now tough to pick against the Rebels after they’ve defeated two Power Four squads.

Teams likely to play in the Frisco Bowl:

• Texas State
• ULM
• UNLV
• Fresno State
• Colorado State

LA Bowl Prediction

For my LA Bowl prediction, I project Fresno State will play Oregon State with Fresno State winning.

With playmakers like Malik Sherrod, many thought Fresno State was strong enough to compete for a Mountain West Championship. But even if the Bulldogs don’t reach the league title game, I think they’ll be in a position for a good bowl game. Don’t discount Oregon State, though. The Beavers should be capable of winning seven or more games in 2024.

Teams likely to play in the LA Bowl:

• Fresno State
• UNLV
• San Jose State
• Washington State
• Oregon State

New Orleans Bowl Prediction

For my New Orleans Bowl prediction, I project Arkansas State will play FIU with Arkansas State winning.

I’m expecting FIU should be competitive in Conference USA by the end of the year. However, Arkansas State has a standout QB, 2023 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year Jaylen Raynor, who should help the Red Wolves play at a high level in the next few weeks after starting the year 3-3.

Teams likely to play in the New Orleans Bowl:

• FIU
• Western Kentucky
• Arkansas State
• JMU
• Coastal Carolina

Cure Bowl Prediction

For my Cure Bowl prediction, I project Louisiana will play North Texas with Louisiana winning.

Louisiana is expected to have a shot of winning the Sun Belt this year, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Ragin’ Cajuns making a bowl game. I expect North Texas will continue to be exciting to watch for the rest of the year after starting 5-1, but I think Louisiana would win this tilt.

Teams likely to play in the Cure Bowl:

• Louisiana
• Arkansas State
• JMU
• North Texas
• USF

Gasparilla Bowl Prediction

For my Gasparilla Bowl prediction, I project Army will play Virginia Tech with Army winning.

Army is one of the better teams in the AAC this year and proved it by starting the season 6-0. The Black Knights also reached the No. 23 spot in the Associated Press Top 25. I think Army would be in a better position to win if this matchup happened.

Teams likely to play in the Gasparilla Bowl:

• Army
• USF
• Navy
• Virginia Tech
• Louisville

Myrtle Beach Bowl Prediction

For my Myrtle Beach Bowl prediction, I project JMU will play Eastern Michigan with JMU winning.

Eastern Michigan has put together a great start to the 2024 season. The Eagles are 4-2 overall, with their only losses being at Washington and against Miami (Ohio). But I think the Dukes are one of the best G5 teams in the country, especially after they beat North Carolina in Week 4.

Teams likely to play in the Myrtle Beach Bowl:

• Eastern Michigan
• Toledo
• JMU
• ULM
• Arkansas State

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Prediction

For my Famous Idaho Potato Bowl prediction, I project New Mexico will play Northern Illinois with NIU winning.

Though New Mexico is 2-4 overall, the Lobos’ schedule is pretty favorable for the rest of the season, so I could see them finding their way into a bowl. But the Huskies are skilled in every facet of the game and displayed how great they can be during their victory over Notre Dame.

Teams likely to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:

• New Mexico
• Colorado State
• San Jose State
• Northern Illinois
• Buffalo

Hawai’i Bowl Prediction

For my Hawai’i Bowl prediction, I project San Diego State will play Western Kentucky with WKU winning.

SDSU has bounced back after starting the 2024 season 1-3 overall and is now at .500 after beating Hawaii and Wyoming in back-to-back games. But Western Kentucky looks to be well-rounded this year and might be tough to stop in a bowl game.

Teams likely to play in the Hawai’i Bowl:

• San Diego State
• Colorado State
• Western Kentucky
• Sam Houston
• Liberty

Detroit Bowl Prediction

For my Detroit Bowl prediction, I project Western Michigan will play Iowa with Iowa winning.

Western Michigan is strong up front this season, and the Broncos’ play in the trenches should lead to them being in position for a bowl game. But I think Iowa would be even stronger in this clash.

Teams likely to play in the Detroit Bowl:

• Western Michigan
• Ohio
• Toledo
• Iowa
• Wisconsin

Guaranteed Rate Bowl Prediction

For my Guaranteed Rate Bowl prediction, I project San Jose State will play Nebraska with San Jose State winning.

With Ken Niumatalolo taking over as head coach, the Spartans have looked like one of the better teams in the Mountain West after starting 4-2. Their only losses are against Washington State in double overtime and a seven-point defeat at Colorado State last week. Taking on Nebraska would be a tall order, but I think SJSU ends the year with a victory.

Teams likely to play in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl:

• San Jose State
• Colorado State
• Fresno State
• Nebraska
• Wisconsin

68 Ventures Bowl Prediction

For my 68 Ventures Bowl prediction, I project Marshall will play Ohio with Ohio winning.

With head coach Tim Albin leading the way, Ohio should manage to find itself in a bowl game by the end of the season and would win this bout in my opinion. But I also believe Marshall will put together a winning campaign in 2024, as the Thundering Herd started the season with a blowout victory over Stony Brook, competed well against Virginia Tech, and recently defeated App State.

Teams likely to play in the 68 Ventures Bowl:

• Ohio
• Buffalo
• Western Michigan
• Marshall
• Coastal Carolina

Armed Forces Bowl Prediction

For my Armed Forces Bowl prediction, I project Jacksonville State will play FAU with Jacksonville State winning.

This would be a game between two teams that needed to bounce back after starting the 2024 season 0-2. Jacksonville State made a bowl game last year in its first FBS season, and I don’t see the Gamecocks struggling much more this year. FAU, which is in its second season during head coach Tom Herman’s tenure, would give Jax State some issues in this contest, however.

Teams likely to play in the Armed Forces Bowl:

• Jacksonville State
• Western Kentucky
• Sam Houston
• FAU
• Charlotte

Birmingham Bowl Prediction

For my Birmingham Bowl prediction, I project Navy will play North Carolina with Navy winning.

Navy is 5-0 and is ranked at No. 25 in the AP Top 25 after Week 7. None of the Midshipmen’s games have even been one-possession contests, including against Memphis. So as great as they’ve played, beating a team like North Carolina, which lost to James Madison this season, would be possible. I would expect this to be a close one.

Teams likely to play in the Birmingham Bowl:

• Navy
• USF
• Charlotte
• North Carolina
• NC State

Fenway Bowl Prediction

For my Fenway Bowl prediction, I project USF will play NC State with NC State winning.

South Florida might no longer be in contention to make the College Football Playoff, but the Bulls will have plenty more opportunities to earn enough wins for bowl eligibility. NC State is also loaded with talent, so this would be an entertaining matchup.

Teams likely to play in the Fenway Bowl:

• USF
• Memphis
• NC State
• SMU
• Virginia Tech

New Mexico Bowl Prediction

For my New Mexico Bowl prediction, I project Liberty will play Georgia Southern with Liberty winning.

Liberty has a high-powered offense with quarterback Kaidon Salter and running back Quinton Cooley leading the way. Georgia Southern should be in the mix for a bowl bid, but I think the Flames would be better in this game.

Teams likely to play in the New Mexico Bowl:

• Liberty
• Jacksonville State
• Georgia Southern
• Marshall
• Arkansas State

Arizona Bowl Prediction

For my Arizona Bowl prediction, I project Nevada will play Toledo with Toledo winning.

Nevada is 3-4, but the Wolf Pack have shown promise during head coach Jeff Choate’s first season there. I believe they could win enough games in Mountain West play to reach a bowl game. However, I also think Toledo is one of the top teams in the G5 and would find a way to triumph here.

Teams likely to play in the Arizona Bowl:

• Toledo
• Buffalo
• Nevada
• Colorado State
• UNLV

Military Bowl Prediction

For my Military Bowl prediction, I project Memphis will play Georgia Tech with Memphis winning.

Memphis will have a great opportunity to make the College Football Playoff if the Tigers win the AAC, which they’re capable of doing. But if Boise State earns the CFP G5 spot over them, I think they would be capable of beating a Power Four team in a bowl game, just like they beat Iowa State in the Liberty Bowl last season.

Teams likely to play in the Military Bowl:

• Memphis
• USF
• Navy
• Georgia Tech
• Duke

First Responder Bowl Prediction

For my First Responder Bowl prediction, I project Tulane will play Arizona State with Tulane winning.

Tulane did go through a coaching change, but new head coach Jon Sumrall has proven he can keep the team competing at a high level. The Green Wave also have a good number of players who could be all-conference picks this season, so I believe they could defeat a Power Four squad in a bowl.

Teams likely to play in the First Responder Bowl:

• Tulane
• Navy
• Army
• Arizona State
• Cincinnati

Bahamas Bowl Prediction

For my Bahamas Bowl prediction, I project Buffalo will play Sam Houston with Buffalo winning.

Following a losing season in its first year as an FBS program, making a bowl game would be a massive success for Sam Houston in 2024, and I think the Bearkats are capable of doing that. At this point, they might even be able to secure their first bowl victory, though Buffalo would be a tough opponent as the Bulls have started this season 4-2.

Teams likely to play in the Bahamas Bowl:

• Buffalo
• Ohio
• Sam Houston
• Jacksonville State
• Western Kentucky

Group of Five FBS Bowl Schedule

The post 2023 FBS G5 College Football Bowl Game Predictions appeared first on HERO Sports.

And after Week 7, there’s still plenty of teams that have a shot of earning that CFP spot.

Here’s a look at the G5 landscape after Week 7.

AAC Scores

Army 44, UAB 10

Memphis 21, USF 3

North Texas 41, FAU 37

Rice 29, UTSA 27

Mountain West Scores

UNLV 50, Utah State 34

Colorado State 31, San Jose State 24

San Diego State 27, Wyoming 24

New Mexico 52, Air Force 37

Washington State 25, Fresno State 17

Nevada 42, Oregon State 37

Boise State 28, Hawaii 7

Sun Belt Scores

JMU 39, Coastal Carolina 7

Old Dominion 21, Georgia State 14

ULM 38, Southern Miss 21

Texas State 41, Arkansas State 9

Louisiana 34, App State 24

Georgia Southern 24, Marshall 23

MAC Scores

Ball State 37, Kent State 35

Buffalo 30, Toledo 15

Miami (Ohio) 38, Eastern Michigan 14

Northern Illinois 17, Bowling Green 7

Ohio 27, Central Michigan 25

Western Michigan 34, Akron 25

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Conference USA Scores 

Liberty 31, FIU (OT)

Jacksonville State 54, New Mexico State 13

Louisiana Tech 48, Middle Tennessee 21

Western Kentucky 44, UTEP 17

The post Group of Five College Football Scoreboard appeared first on HERO Sports.

That means, for the first time in more than a decade, UMass has a conference home. Here’s more info about the move and what it means for the Minutemen football team.

UMass-MAC Conference Arrangement & Timetable

Most of UMass’ sports will be competing in the MAC after the 2024-25 academic year. That includes football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s track and field, women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and women’s tennis.

As of now, UMass is independent in football and plays in the Atlantic 10 in all other sports.

“As one of the nation’s leading public research universities, with a rich tradition of intercollegiate athletics, UMass Amherst is well suited to join the similarly situated institutions of the Mid-American Conference,” Chancellor Javier A. Reyes said in a press release. “We are aligned with the MAC in our institutional missions, our values, and the profound impact we have on our respective communities. We join the MAC with great enthusiasm knowing that this affiliation through athletics will elevate and extend the profile and exposure of both UMass Amherst and all members of the MAC’s member institutions significantly.”

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What Conference & Division Is UMass Football In?

UMass has been an independent football program since 2015. The Minutemen were in the MAC before then.

UMass’ first season in the FBS was 2012. The Minutemen played in the MAC for three years before going independent.

UMass will be the 13th member of the MAC in football. The conference is getting rid of divisions for the 2024 season and beyond.

“Today marks a historic moment for the Mid-American Conference as we proudly welcome the University of Massachusetts into our family,” MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said in a press release. “Adding UMass is an exciting next step as we increase the strength of our collective programs. We are thrilled to welcome their student-athletes, coaches, administrators, alumni and fans to the Conference. 

“The opportunity to add a state flagship institution with exceptional academics and a storied athletics tradition does not come along often. I look forward to our collaborative efforts in providing outstanding opportunities for student-athletes to maximize their intellectual and athletic pursuits.”

UMass’ Football Record

UMass went 4-8 in 2023. That was the Minutemen’s best record since 2018. They started this season 1-5 overall.

UMass hasn’t had a single winning season or a bowl appearance since joining the FBS in 2012. The Minutemen are 24-112 in the FBS.

“Our entire athletics program will benefit greatly by aligning and partnering with the Mid-American Conference and its member institutions,” UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford said in a press release. “As we consider our future in a very challenging and choppy college athletics landscape, having conference peers with similar institutional profiles, aspirations and commitments toward athletics excellence will provide stability and strength. Furthermore, our transition to the MAC will provide additional resources allowing our department to evolve and grow in a manner that will support student academic success and competitive excellence.”

UMass Football 2024 Schedule

UMass plays five MAC opponents in 2024.

The Minutemen opened the season against Eastern Michigan at home on Aug. 31, then played Toledo and Buffalo on the road the following two weeks.

UMass also took on Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 28 and Northern Illinois on Oct. 5 on the road. UMass’ lone win has been against Central Connecticut State.

The Minutemen will also play Liberty, UConn, and Wagner, as well as Power Four opponents Missouri, Mississippi State, and Georgia.

UMass’ Football Head Coach & Coaching Staff

Don Brown is in his third season in his second stint as UMass’ head coach in 2024. He led the Minutemen to a 4-20 record the past two years.

Brown was also UMass’ head coach from 2004-08. The Minutemen were 43-19 during that time, which was the winningest five-year stretch in program history. They won two conference championships and made two appearances in the FCS playoffs.

Before 2022, Brown was a defensive coordinator at several other FBS programs including Arizona (2021), Michigan (2016-20), Boston College (2013-15), UConn (2011-12), and Maryland (2009-10).

The post UMass To The MAC: UMass Football Joining The MAC College Football Conference In 2025 appeared first on HERO Sports.

Now looking forward to next year, here are the top G5 prospects who could be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24 and goes on until April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

NFL Draft Group of Five Big Board

The post 2025 NFL Draft: Group of Five Big Board & Top Prospects appeared first on HERO Sports.

Now looking forward, here are the top AAC prospects who could be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24 and goes on until April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

NFL Draft AAC Big Board

The post 2025 NFL Draft: AAC Big Board & Top Prospects appeared first on HERO Sports.

Now looking forward, here are the top Mountain West prospects who could be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24 and goes on until April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

NFL Draft Mountain West Big Board

The post 2025 NFL Draft: Mountain West Big Board & Top Prospects appeared first on HERO Sports.

Now looking forward, here are the top Conference USA prospects who could be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24 and goes on until April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

NFL Draft Conference USA Big Board

The post 2025 NFL Draft: Conference USA Big Board & Top Prospects appeared first on HERO Sports.

Now looking forward, here are the top Mid-American Conference prospects who could be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24 and goes on until April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

NFL Draft MAC Big Board

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