By Chad Lenz & JT Nutt
The Review
#1. North Dakota State @ #12. Montana
NDSU and Montana kicked off not only the football season but the FCS season in fine fashion. A TREMENDOUS game between NDSU and Montana, two premier FCS programs narrated by Brent Musburger that didn’t disappoint. NDSU started the game off making it look far too easy scoring on a long, nearly perfect drive. They tried to chew up as much clock as possible and very very nearly did it. Montana used more than one 4th down desperation play to get into the red zone. After a couple…questionable…play calls, they faced 4th and goal from the 1 with 2 seconds left. Joey Counts punched it in and the Griz nation went nuts. NDSU allowed Montana to get 434 passing yards. Previous Bizon teams failed to give up that many yards over multiple games. The defense had led them to four FCS Titles in a row but it may be the Achilles Heel this season. They got some easy games before conference play starts but the Missouri Valley is always a tough row to hoe. They’ll be in the playoffs but they may be traveling for the first time in years. That won’t be much of an issue though, the Bizon nation always shows up in full force. And for one week, the nation’s only football game of substance was a brilliant game played by two FCS schools that have ruined some FBS seasons. Further proving that the gap between the FBS and FCS is as close as it has ever been.
The Previews
EIU @ WIU
The Leathernecks are looking for their 11th win in their last 12 home openers while facing a familiar opponent as this will be the 66th meeting between the two. The Panthers come into this game as the favorite looking to rebound after a disappointing 2014 campaign. Meanwhile the Leatherneck are looking to build off of the momentum they gained last season while being lead by one of the best quarterback/wide receiver combos in the league with Trenton Norvell and Lance Lenoir Jr. WIU does have to replace 4 of their back 7 on defense but if they can get that group together I think the Leathernecks offense will be potent enough to pull out the win to open the season.
Illinois State @ Iowa
Iowa has never lost to an opponent that is currently in the FCS since 1938, but this might be one of the two best FCS teams to ever enter Kinnick Stadium. The Redbirds, led by Tre Roberson and Marshaun Coprich have the potential to be one of the most potent offenses in the nation this year and can cause some real match up issues with the back 7 of the Iowa defense. They key will be the line of scrimmage. If Illinois State can manage to win that, against an Iowa team known for massive offensive and defensive lineman they have a shot. I think Iowa finds a way to take this one by about 8 though.
Buter @ ISUb
If Indiana State wants to repeat last years success they will need to find replacements for lost weapons in a hurry. While they may return their top 2 wide receivers, they lost the next 4 leading wide receivers, lost their top running back and will need to replace Mike Perrish at QB. It might be a long season for the ISU offense, but the defense will keep them in most games. Lead by All American Connor Underwood the Syc defense is opportunistic. Thankfully for the boys from Terre Haute, Butler shouldn’t cause them too much grief and allow their new players to get into game rhythm early. I expect Indiana State to win this one big.
Missouri State @ Kansas State
The Bears are breaking in a brand new coaching staff this season, but return 12 starters, including AGS All American, Robert Booker, at center to help create holes for Calan Crowder, who ran for a Bear freshman record 762 yards last season. For the Bears to be successful this year the defense will need to maintain the level they played at last year ranking 11th nationally in take aways. Memphis figures to fall back some from the 10 win season they had last year, but I don’t see them falling enough for the Bears to pick up a win.
South Dakota @ Kansas State
Joe Glenn may be entering a make or break season for the Coyotes. He’s managed just 3 conference wins in 3 years, and 2 of those years were winless in conference play, including last season. This season is already off to a rough start as starting QB Kevin Earl has been forced to give up football due to injuries. They also lost their top running back and 3 of their top 5 wide receivers. The Yotes do bring back much of their defense, but I don’t know where the offense comes from. I think this game gets ugly early for the Yotes – Wildcats big.
#10. Northern Iowa @ Iowa State
The University of Northern Iowa rode David Johnson past Iowa State two years ago and into the playoffs last season. #7 may be gone but there is still plenty left in stock for UNI to find success. They WILL need to find success early this season if they want to make it back to the playoffs. A win against Iowa State is a great way to jump-start the campaign. It will be a new look Panther team with a much more uptempo system than years past. Farley may publicly say he hasn’t decided who the QB is, but he’s probably got a guy picked out. Not saying there won’t be more than one QB but if UNI wants to win, he needs to focus on one QB. Last time there was more than one QB used in Ames by UNI, they got run out of Jack Trice. The new endzone will be rocking at first, but quiet late when UNI wins 24-21.
#16. South Dakota State @ Kansas
Another FCS upset alert also involves another bottom feeding Big 12 team. The Jayhawks of Kansas will be facing a top 15 FCS school in South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits have been often overlooked, even in the Missouri Valley. With teams like NDSU, UNI, and Illinois State, there has been little discussion of SDSU. SDSU nearly knocked off NDSU last year and with NDSU already losing their first game AT Montana, the MVFC will be up for grabs. A sleeper dark house team could steal the crown. SDSU is a great pick for that dark horse. Kansas is a terrible place to play and a long long journey for Jackrabbit fans. Those who make it will see their team win making it two games won by Missouri Valley schools over Big 12 schools.
ORV Southern Illinois @ Indiana
Southern Illinois, a once proud and dominant FCS school, has fallen on hard times recently. Indiana certainly isn’t a power house in the B1G but will be too much for SIU. SIU has finished 6-6, 7-5, and 6-5 the past 3 seasons including losses to 2 B1G in Illinois and Purdue. Dale Lennon is still an excellent coach in his 8th season at SIU but another year out of the playoffs might put him into the hot seat. SIU could bounce back and make the playoffs this season but a win over Indiana is not in the cards. Indiana finished 4-8 last year but had a win over Indiana State. Southern HAS a win over Indiana in 2006 but that was a fully loaded world beating FCS squad that season that won 9 games.
#15. Youngstown State vs Pittsburgh.
Had to check on the coach of Pittsburgh because the last one in recent memory was Dave Wansted. Pat Narduzzi is now at the helm of the Panthers and looking to make a name for himself as the first time head coach after being an assistant coach since 1990. Pittsburgh will be too much for Youngstown to handle (dare I say too much for Iowa to handle in a few weeks). Bo Pelini and his cat will have success at Youngstown who has come close to the playoffs recently but an upset is not in the works. This YSU team will be an upset special for Missouri Valley foes come conference season, but it will take time for Bo to get his mojo going.
