Category: FCS

Southern Illinois vs North Dakota Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Spring Football

Southern Illinois Salukis vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Southern Illinois Salukis vs North Dakota Fighting Hawks prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Southern Illinois vs North Dakota Broadcast

Date: Saturday, February 20
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND
Network: ESPN+

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Southern Illinois (0-0) vs North Dakota (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Southern Illinois Will Win

The Saluki rushing attack is going be a problem for the Fighting Hawks, and the pass rush is going to be a bigger issue.

Senior DE Antony Knighton is a pass rushing terror on one side, LB Makel Calhoun is an all-around playmaker on another, and whatever these two don’t get to in the backfield, S Qua Brown and the rest of the veteran D should be able to take care of.

2019 1,000-yard rusher DJ Davis might be gone, but the combination of Javon Williams and Romeir Elliott should be terrific against a North Dakota defensive front that’s okay, but struggled against the run a few years ago.

Why North Dakota Will Win

The Fighting Hawks might not have a ton of bulk on the defensive front, but the three in the 3-4 are active enough and tend to hold their own while the linebackers take care of the rest.

The pass rush comes from everywhere, there’s plenty of playmaking producing throughout the D – nine players came up with interceptions in 2019 – and on the other side, the offensive line has the bulk and the experience to do a decent job against what SIU brings from all sides.

What’s Going To Happen

The Southern Illinois experience and pass rush will come through, however, North Dakota owns the Alerus Center, going 6-0 at home back in 2019 and 1-5 away from it.

The Fighting Hawks will do plenty of things well this year – especially defensively – but SIU will be a bit better and a bit more explosive on both sided. It’ll be a steadier performance from the Salukis with a big day on the ground controlling the clock and the game.

Southern Illinois vs North Dakota Prediction, Line

Southern Illinois 31, North Dakota 24
Bet on college football with BetMGM
CFN Line Best Guess*: SIU -2, o/u: 56

Must See Rating: 3

5: McNeese State vs Tarleton State 2 OT thriller to open the spring season
1: 2021 Saturday Night Live

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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Illinois State vs Missouri State Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Spring Football

Illinois State Redbirds at Missouri State Bears prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Illinois State Redbirds at Missouri State Bears prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Illinois State vs Missouri State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, February 20
Game Time: 2:00 ET
Venue: Robert W Plaster Stadium, Springfield, MO
Network: ESPN+

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Illinois State (0-0) vs Missouri State (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Illinois State Will Win

The Redbirds have a whole lot of rebuilding to do after a huge 2019 season, but Brock Spack’s team has the parts to come up with another terrific run defense.

There isn’t a James Robinson at running back and the O needs to settle in with new starting quarterback Bryce Jefferson – he got in a little experience a few years ago – but the key here is to not screw up and let the defense take care of the the rest.

There might be a whole lot of stars gone from the D that was third in the nation in sacks and was a takeaway machine, but it should regroup quickly against a Missouri State team that didn’t win a game in 2019 and has rebounding to do, too.

Why Missouri State Will Win

It’s the fourth game under Bobby Petrino, whose team went out and got whacked 48-0 by Oklahoma and lost twice to Central Arkansas in entertaining battles in the fall of 2020.

The experience from those three games will matter.

QB Jaden Johnson didn’t throw a touchdown pass, but he has a good all-around running back in Kevon Latulas to take the pressure off, and Damoriea Vick is a potential star if the passing attack can open up a bit. The experience is there for the O line, but …

What’s Going To Happen

Can Missouri State really pull this off?

Illinois State has a whole lot of rebuilding and work to do, but the pass rush and the defensive line will rise up as the game goes on.

The Bears pushed the Redbirds really, really hard in a 17-12 loss in 2019, and they played a bit better overall than the 1-10 record, but Petrino’s team will come up just short at home in the opener. It won’t be pretty, but Illinois State will take it.

Illinois State vs Missouri State Prediction, Line

Illinois State 27, Missouri State 23
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CFN Line Best Guess*: Illinois State -9.5, o/u: 46

Must See Rating: 2

5: McNeese State vs Tarleton State 2 OT thriller to open the spring season
1: 2021 Saturday Night Live

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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Davidson vs Elon Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Spring Football

Davidson Wildcats vs Elon Phoenix prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Davidson Wildcats vs Elon Phoenix prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Davidson vs Elon Broadcast

Date: Saturday, February 20
Game Time: 1:30 ET
Venue: Rhodes Stadium, Elon, NC
Network: FloFootball

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Davidson (0-0) vs Elon (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Davidson Will Win

The Wildcats have a decent offense that was great a few years ago at keeping the chains moving. The competition might not have been anything amazing in the Pioneer League, but Davidson was No. 1 in the nation in third down conversions and fantastic at pushing the ball down the field.

Returning to make it all go is Tyler Phelps, a veteran lefty who struggled with his accuracy, but connected on a whole lot of deep plays and kept things moving with his legs, too. The O line is good, and the defensive front should once again be outstanding against the run but …

Why Elon Will Win

Elon is a wild card team that should be much, much better than it was in 2019.

QB Davis Cheek is a good enough passer to match Phelps big play for big play, and he gets back most of his weapons to spread the wealth around. Davidson isn’t going to generate a ton of plays in the backfield, and it’s not going to be the type of defense that comes up with a whole lot of turnovers.

It was a few years ago, but the Elon D was great at coming up with takeaways – the Phoenix have to win the turnover battle.

What’s Going To Happen

No, really, just how good will Elon be?

The experience is there to make a jump up in the second full year under Tony Trisciani, but the offense has to be more explosive to keep up with what Davidson should be able to do.

Elon will survive at home with the D bending but not breaking all that often. Davidson will come up with a few big plays to keep this from getting too ugly, but it won’t be consistent enough.

Davidson vs Elon Prediction, Line

Elon 31, Davidson 17
Bet on college football with BetMGM
CFN Line Best Guess*: Elon -8.5, o/u: 45

Must See Rating: 3

5: McNeese State vs Tarleton State 2 OT thriller to open the spring season
1: 2021 Saturday Night Live

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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Samford vs ETSU Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Spring Football

Samford Bulldogs vs ETSU Bucs prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Samford Bulldogs vs ETSU Bucs prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Samford vs ETSU Broadcast

Date: Saturday, February 20
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Greene Stadium, Johnson City, TN
Network: ESPN+

[jwplayer OuWvDp8f]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Samford (0-0) vs ETSU (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Samford Will Win

Here comes the Samford offense with its Air Raid passing game that moves fast, plays fast and does everything possible to keep defenses on their toes.

They have the veterans for the key spots with former USF transfer Chris Oladokun combining with Liam Welch to once again run the thing – they’re co-starters with Oladokun a bit more of the main guy – throwing to a dangerous group of playmakers.

Why ETSU Will Win

ETSU has offensive playmakers, too.

It might have a new starting quarterback in redshirt freshman Tyler Riddell, but he’ll be helped by excellent veteran RB Quay Holmes – he needs to dominate this game from the start – working behind a strong offensive front.

The Bucs have to do whatever they can to go on long, drawn out marches to keep the Bulldog offense on sidelines. Yeah, Samford has a fast attack, but it also gets off the field in a hurry when the O isn’t working. The ETSU secondary is just good enough to win its share of battles and keep this from getting out of hand.

What’s Going To Happen

Samford might be the stronger team with more talent and better lines, but it’ll be the special teams that get this done.

In PK Mitchel Fineran, P Bradley Porcellato, and return man Montrell Washington, the Bulldogs have the all-stars to make up for what will be a spotty first game from the offense. ETSU will play well, but the passing game won’t be enough to help out a huge day from Holmes.

Samford vs ETSU Prediction, Line

Samford 30, ETSU 24
Bet on college football with BetMGM
CFN Line Best Guess*: Samford -5.5, o/u: 44

Must See Rating: 3

5: McNeese State vs Tarleton State 2 OT thriller to open the spring season
1: 2021 Saturday Night Live

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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Mercer vs Wofford Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Spring Football

Mercer Bears vs Wofford Terriers prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Mercer Bears vs Wofford Terriers prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Mercer vs Wofford Broadcast

Date: Saturday, February 20
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: Gibbs Stadium, Spartanburg, SC
Network: ESPN+

[jwplayer OuWvDp8f]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Mercer (0-0) vs Wofford (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Mercer Will Win

For what it’s worth, Mercer isn’t starting from scratch.

Wofford might have the talent to win the SoCon, but Mercer is coming into this with more game experience after playing three games this fall. The Bears might have lost all three games, but they battled well against Jacksonville State and Abilene Christian, and lost 49-3 to Army.

The pass rush was a positive, and a few playmakers now return with Deondre Johnson an all-around quick option who needs the ball in his hands, and with 233-pound Tyray Devezin – who was strong in the meeting with Wofford a few years ago – adding the thump. Coastal Carolina QB Fred Payton adds a new option to the mix, but Harrison Frost is a veteran.

However …

Why Wofford Will Win

Wofford gets back the talent.

The lines are going to be stronger, the offensive line should be fine right out of the gate, and the devastating running attack should be okay despite the long layoff.

It might have been two years ago, but the Terriers won 41-7 back in 2019 when the ground game went off for almost 400 yards with six players running for 40 yards or more. A new starting quarterback has to step up in place of Joe Newman, but Peyton Derrick has a little bit of experience in a deep group of options, and again, the lines should take over.

What’s Going To Happen

Wofford will go Wofford.

The option attack will control the clock, the defensive line will hold up well enough against the Mercer ground game, and it’ll be business as usual to open up the SoCon season.

Mercer vs Wofford Prediction, Line

Wofford 44, Mercer 16
Bet on college football with BetMGM
CFN Line Best Guess*: Wofford -27.5, o/u: 47

Must See Rating:

5: McNeese State vs Tarleton State 2 OT thriller to open the spring season
1: 2021 Saturday Night Live

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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Nicholls vs Lincoln Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Spring Football

Nicholls Colonels vs Lincoln Blue Tigers prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Nicholls Colonels vs Lincoln Blue Tigers prediction and FCS spring football game preview.

Nicholls vs Lincoln Broadcast

Date: Friday, February 19
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: John L Guidry Stadium, Thibodaux, LA
Network: Cox Sports TV

[jwplayer OuWvDp8f]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Nicholls (0-0) vs Lincoln (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Lincoln Will Win

The Blue Tigers have to get the running game going right out of the gate.

The passing attack might have the parts and experience, but to have any semblance of a chance to make this anything other than an ugly blowout, the offense has to control the time of possession and Hosea Franklin has to go off.

The Lincoln back was one of the few bright spots in an ugly 2019 season with 1,359 yards and five touchdowns, and likely starting quarterback Desmond Hunter needs to get on the move, too.

Why Nicholls Will Win

This is likely nothing more than a light scrimmage for the Colonels.

Likely new starting quarterback Lindsay Scott is an FBS talent who comes in from Missouri to add even more pop to what was a strong passing game back in 2019, but the O should be able to move however it wants to.

It’s a few years ago, but the Lincoln defensive front couldn’t stop anyone on the ground, didn’t generate any sort of a pass rush, and was rocked in game after game because the O couldn’t get off the field. As long as there aren’t a slew of Nicholls turnovers, there shouldn’t be a problem.

What’s Going To Happen

The weather will be just fine after a tough start to the week. By Friday everything will be okay, and Nicholls will get a shot to flex its muscles to do whatever it wants offensively to gear up for the Southland opener against Lamar next week.

Nicholls vs Lincoln Prediction, Line

Nicholls 63, Lincoln 7
Bet on college football with BetMGM
CFN Line Best Guess*: Nicholls -49, o/u: 60

Must See Rating: 1.5

5: McNeese State vs Tarleton State to open the spring season
1: 2021 Saturday Night Live

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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James Madison vs Morehead State Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Spring Football

James Madison Dukes vs Morehead State Eagles prediction and game preview.

James Madison Dukes vs Morehead State Eagles prediction and game preview.

James Madison vs Morehead State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, February 20
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Showker Field, Harrisonburg, VA
Network: FloFootball/NBC Sports Washington

[jwplayer OuWvDp8f]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

James Madison (0-0) vs Morehead State (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Morehead State Will Win

The defense has to do something to take the ball away early and often.

The run D isn’t going to be there, and the O that had such a problem hanging on to the ball in 2019 isn’t likely to be all that sharp in mid-February in a weird season, but this group can hit and it can take the ball away.

QB Mark Pappas returns – JMU QB Ben DiNucci isn’t – and has to be careful with the ball and keep the chains moving. And then he and the attack have to rely on the defense to hold on because …

Why James Madison Will Win

The Dukes are going to run all day.

Yeah, the offense might not have DiNucci around anymore, but the ground game will be devastating with the 1-2 punch of Percy Agyei-Obese and Jawon Hamilton bringing a nice mix of pop and speed against what should be a porous Eagle defensive front.

Starting with Mike Greene on the defensive front, the No. 1 defense in the FCS a few years ago will soon be every bit as producing and tough again, but …

What’s Going To Happen

JMU has to replace a ton of star talent. DiNucci can be replaced, but the defensive side is missing the killer pass rushing tandem of Ron’Dell Carter and John Daka along with leading tackler Dimitri Holloway.

It’ll be fine.

Morehead State’s defense will get pounded on early and won’t have the offensive pop – even with the experience returning – to keep up the pace against a team that should grow into a national championship level good.

James Madison vs Morehead State Prediction, Line

James Madison 52, Morehead State 20
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CFN Line Best Guess*: James Madison -24.5, o/u: 64

Must See Rating: 2

5: Real football games in spring
1: Spring “games” that are just intrasquad scrimmages

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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South Dakota State vs Northern Iowa Prediction, Game Preview: FCS Spring Football

South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Northern Iowa Panthers prediction and game preview.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Northern Iowa Panthers prediction and game preview.

South Dakota State vs Northern Iowa Broadcast

Date: Friday, February 19
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: UNI Dome, Cedar Falls, IA
Network: COMING

[jwplayer OuWvDp8f]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

South Dakota State (0-0) vs Northern Iowa (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why South Dakota State Will Win

The defense should be there from the start.

The Jackrabbit D that was so amazing in 2019 doesn’t get back everyone, but has a terrific base to work around DE Reece Winkelman and LB Logan Backhaus for a strong defensive front that’s going to once again be among the best in the FCS against the run.

Considering how strange this will all be from the start, the idea will be to keep it simple, pound away, and rely on the defense. South Dakota State has its back in Pierre Strong, who ran for over 1,000 yards and eight scores two years ago and should be able control the game early on. However …

Why Northern Iowa Will Win

Welcome to the Northern Iowa defense.

The brick wall of a few years ago might not have the same talent, but it has hitting machine LB Bryce Flater, DT Jared Brinkman, and big-time corner Omar Brown to start. The run D should be almost as strong right out of the box – it’s not as simple as stop Strong, stop SDSU, but it’ll help – and the Panthers have playmakers on the other side.

If Will McElwain isn’t the best quarterback in the MVC, he’s close, and if Isaiah Weston isn’t the best receiver in the league, he’s really, really close. The running game isn’t going to be as good as South Dakota State’s, but there should be more explosion.

What’s Going To Happen

There will be some fun games in this spring session of the FCS, but this is the big one – at least early on.

Expect these two to be among the ten best teams in the country throughout 2021, and expect a good, tough defensive battle to go along with a whole lot of misfires on offense.

Will the home field advantage really matter? South Dakota State might be the slightly stronger team, but Northern Iowa will have just a wee bit more of a passing game and has PK Matthew Cook. He’ll hit a late field goal and three on the day.

South Dakota State vs Northern Iowa Prediction, Line

Northern Iowa 23, South Dakota State 21
Bet on college football with BetMGM
South Dakota State -1.5, o/u: 47.5*

Must See Rating: 4.5

5: Real football games in spring
1: Spring “games” that are just intrasquad scrimmages

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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McNeese State vs Tarleton State Prediction, Game Preview, FCS Spring Football

McNeese State Cowboys vs Tarleton State Texans prediction and game preview.

McNeese State Cowboys vs Tarleton State Texans prediction and FCS Spring Football game preview.

McNeese State vs Tarleton State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, February 13
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Stephenville, TX
Network: ESPN+

[jwplayer FrbLXRet]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

McNeese State (0-0) vs Tarleton State (0-0) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why McNeese State Will Win

It’s a new era of Cowboy football with former UTSA head man Frank Wilson finally getting a chance to coach up his team. He’s had a full year to get his team together and figure out what he has, and he’s been able to push the transfer portal and recruiting world to bulk up a team that was supposed to be good last year.

Once again, this should be a team based on a good, sound run defense and an efficient passing attack. In this weird spring season and with everything changing and crazy, it helps to have back a veteran quarterback in Cody Orgeron – yup, he’s Ed’s son – along with Elijah Mack ready to handle more of the rushing work.

Why Tarleton State Will Win

Welcome to the FCS world, Tarleton State.

The D-II powerhouse that rolled through the 2019 season before getting knocked out of the playoffs should once again have a high-powered offense that can do a little of everything right.

Former star QB Ben Holmes is long gone, but veteran head coach Todd Whitten has the right system to push the Cowboy defense for a full 60 minutes. He’s got a good base to work around starting with RB Kahlil Banks ready to do more and enough veteran receivers to not be starting from scratch.

What’s Going To Happen

Both teams have a whole bunch of rebuilding to do, but Tarleton State has more key parts to replace. The offense, though, will still be fast, balanced and efficient enough to make this a fun game in the inaugural FCS game for the program.

McNeese State will be stronger on the defensive front, but the Texans will be just a wee bit sharper offensively in this weird, weird, weird, weird-fun game.

– CFN Experts Picks: NFL

McNeese State vs Tarleton State Prediction, Line

Tarleton State 34, McNeese State 30
Bet on college football with BetMGM
Tarleton State -2, o/u: 55.5*

Must See Rating: 3

5: FCS football in Spring
1: Other sports in Spring

*For the FCS spring games with lines that aren’t officially posted, we’re taking our best guess on what the line and over/under would and probably should be regardless of what our prediction is.

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