Best Performance: Idaho St. 30, Sacramento St. 27 (OT) - The Bengal defense did allow 538 yards, but they still came up big by getting a 53-yard fumble-return TD from Nathan Reynolds and by keeping Sac out of the endzone after halftime.
Worst Performance: Northern Colorado 0, (#9) Montana 24 - The Bears went into Griz territory 5 times in 10 drives, and they still couldn't score any points against a defense that was allowing 30.3 points-per-game coming in.
Most Surprising Result: Sacramento St. 27, Idaho St. 30 (OT) - The Hornets are now 1-2 in one-score games this season after going 12-2 (11-0 in the regular season) over the previous 3 years.
Southland
TAMUC 27-34 PVAMU
HCU 6-55 SFA UIW 34-31 SELU LAM 42-10 NWST
MCNSE 19-24 NICH
NConf Record: 0-1 Overall: 16-27
vs. FCS: 0-1 Overall: 14-15
Best Performance: (#10) Incarnate Word 34, Southeastern Louisiana 31 - The Cardinals stretch their winning streak to 5 thanks to a defense that racked up 9 tackles-for-loss and 2 defensive touchdowns.
Worst Performance: Houston Christian 6, Stephen F. Austin 55 - Since their stunning smackdown of McNeese, the Huskies have lost to 2 unranked teams by a combined score of 92-13.
Most Surprising Result: Stephen F. Austin 55, Houston Christian 6 - The strength-of-schedule hasn't been high, to be fair, but Lumberjack transfer QB Sam Vidlak—the scapegoat for Montana's unimpressive September of 2023—has 23 TD passes to 3 INTs and ranks 5th. in FCS in passing efficiency.
Missouri Valley
SDK 17-20 SDKST(OT) MIZST 49-42 UNI
SIU 17-20 INST
UND 40-41 YSU(OT) NDSU 59-6 MUR
NConf Record: 0-0 Overall: 23-19
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 21-7
Best Performance: (#3) South Dakota St. 20, (#4) South Dakota 17 (OT) - The Jackrabbits dodged some bullets to be sure—they gave up a fumble-return TD to tie things up late, and SoDak missed a (likely) game-winning field goal in the final minute—but they still managed to earn a split in back-to-back games against top-5 opponents.
Worst Performance: Southern Illinois 17, Indiana St. 20 - After blowing a 17-0 lead and losing to the lowly Sycamores, the Salukis seem destined to play Murray State in an MVFC battle for the basement in their season finale.
Most Surprising Result: (#7) North Dakota 40, Youngstown St. 41 (OT) - The Fighting Hawks run for just 144 yards and average 3.3 yards-per-carry against an opponent that was allowing 246 rushing yards-per-game and 5.9 ypc coming in.
UAC
UNA 19-24 UCA SUU 28-17 UWG
UTU 17-28 EKU TARL 27-17 AP
NConf Record: 0-0 Overall: 13-19
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 11-10
Best Performance: (#12) Central Arkansas 24, North Alabama 19 - The Bears win turnovers 4-0 and hold on against a North Alabama squad that was on a serious hot streak coming in.
Worst Performance: Utah Tech 17, Eastern Kentucky 28 - This wasn't as awful as most of the Blazers' performances this season, but still… they're 0-9.
Most Surprising Result: (none)
Pioneer
USD 14-34 STTHOM MHEAD 14-6 DAY VALPO 17-14 MARIST BUT 48-38 DVDSN PRESBY 42-14 STET
NConf Record: 0-0 Overall: 20-18
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 4-17
Best Performance: St. Thomas 34, San Diego 14 - Hope Adebayo runs for 277 yards and 3 touchdowns for a Tommies team that seems to have fully recovered from their lousy August/September start.
Worst Performance: Stetson 14, Presbyterian 42 - The Hatters allow 663 total yards to a team that was 0-4 in Pioneer play coming in.
Most Surprising Result: Morehead St. 14, Dayton 6 - Eagle WR Nathan Garnett puts up 212 receiving yards, which was 14 more yards than Dayton's total offensive output for the game.
FORD 19-33 LEH HC 34-28 LAF
COLG 17-51 MERR
BUCK 20-21 GTOWN
NConf Record: 0-1 Overall: 13-25
vs. FCS: 0-1 Overall: 13-19
Best Performance: Holy Cross 34, Lafayette 28 - The Crusaders get revenge for last year's conference-title deciding defeat and move to 3-0 in Patriot League play.
Worst Performance: Colgate 17, Merrimack 51 - The Raiders, now 2-6, endure their ugliest loss of the season against a team with no conference in front of 2163 fans.
Most Surprising Result: Lafayette 28, Holy Cross 34 - The underachieving Leopards are already guaranteed to have a worse record than last year both in conference and overall.
Best Performance: Robert Morris 17, St. Francis (PA) 0 - The Colonials hold SFPA to 130 yards and pitch their 2nd. shutout in 3 weeks.
Worst Performance: Mercyhurst 14, Sacred Heart 31 - The transitional Lakers fall to 0-5 against DI opponents.
Most Surprising Result: St. Francis (PA) 0, Robert Morris 17 - The Red Flash, who had a season-high 402 yards against FBS Kent State, have been held under 200 yards in 4 of their last 5 games.
CAA
UNH 6-14 NOVA
W&M 13-35 SBU
MAINE 14-24 URI RICH 41-14 BRY TOW 26-14 MONM
ALB 14-28 UD
ELON 21-41 HAMP
NCAT 7-21 CAMP
NConf Record: 0-1 Overall: 34-30
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 29-14
Best Performance: Stony Brook 35, (#16) William & Mary 13 - The Seawolves force 4 interceptions and get 202 total yards and 2 rushing TDs from Roland Dempster as they move to a stunning 6-2 on the season.
Worst Performance: Elon 21, Hampton 41 - The Phoenix embarrass themselves in the trenches by losing rushing yardage 277 to -28.
Most Surprising Result: Towson 26, Monmouth 14 - The Tigers allow 14 points to a team that was averaging 44.4 points-per-game coming in.
Best Performance: Tennessee-Martin 52, Eastern Illinois 17 - In addition to having a solid offensive performance, the Skyhawks also amassed 12 pass breakups and 3 interceptions that were returned for a total of 123 yards (1 TD).
Worst Performance: Western Illinois 38, Lindenwood 49 - Leatherneck QB Nathan Lamb's 564 yards and 5 TDs passing were overshadowed by Lindenwood RB Steve Hall and his 259 yards and 4 TDs rushing on just 13 carries.
Most Surprising Result: (none)
SoCon
ETSU 24-7 WOFF
SAM 11-28 CIT
WCU 34-44 MER
VMI 10-31 UTC
NConf Record: 1-0 Overall: 13-18
vs. FCS: 1-0 Overall: 11-11
Best Performance: The Citadel 28, Samford 11 - The Citadel beats Samford for the first time since 2018 despite going 0/3 on field goals in the first half.
Worst Performance: Samford 11, The Citadel 28 - Samford squandered every opportunity as they lost turnovers 3-0, went 0/2 on fourth down, and failed to score any points in 2 redzone trips.
Most Surprising Result: Samford 11, The Citadel 28 - How do you go from scoring 55 points on conference-title contender Mercer to scoring just 3 points outside of garbage time against The Citadel?
Mvemjsunpx wrote: ↑Tue Oct 29, 2024 2:38 amWorst Performance: Western Illinois 38, Lindenwood 49 - Leatherneck QB Nathan Lamb's 564 yards and 5 TDs passing were overshadowed by Lindenwood RB Steve Hall and his 259 yards and 4 TDs rushing on just 13 carries.
Mvemjsunpx wrote: ↑Tue Oct 29, 2024 2:38 amWorst Performance: Western Illinois 38, Lindenwood 49 - Leatherneck QB Nathan Lamb's 564 yards and 5 TDs passing were overshadowed by Lindenwood RB Steve Hall and his 259 yards and 4 TDs rushing on just 13 carries.
Mvemjsunpx wrote: ↑Tue Oct 29, 2024 2:38 amPatriot League
FORD 19-33 LEH HC 34-28 LAF
COLG 17-51 MERR
BUCK 20-21 GTOWN
NConf Record: 0-1 Overall: 13-25
vs. FCS: 0-1 Overall: 13-19
Best Performance: Holy Cross 34, Lafayette 28 - The Crusaders get revenge for last year's conference-title deciding defeat and move to 3-0 in Patriot League play.
Worst Performance: Colgate 17, Merrimack 51 - The Raiders, now 2-6, endure their ugliest loss of the season against a team with no conference in front of 2163 fans.
Most Surprising Result: Lafayette 28, Holy Cross 34 - The underachieving Leopards are already guaranteed to have a worse record than last year both in conference and overall.
Best Performance: Robert Morris 17, St. Francis (PA) 0 - The Colonials hold SFPA to 130 yards and pitch their 2nd. shutout in 3 weeks.
Worst Performance: Mercyhurst 14, Sacred Heart 31 - The transitional Lakers fall to 0-5 against DI opponents.
Most Surprising Result: St. Francis (PA) 0, Robert Morris 17 - The Red Flash, who had a season-high 402 yards against FBS Kent State, have been held under 200 yards in 4 of their last 5 games.
CAA
UNH 6-14 NOVA
W&M 13-35 SBU
MAINE 14-24 URI RICH 41-14 BRY TOW 26-14 MONM
ALB 14-28 UD
ELON 21-41 HAMP
NCAT 7-21 CAMP
NConf Record: 0-1 Overall: 34-30
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 29-14
Best Performance: Stony Brook 35, (#16) William & Mary 13 - The Seawolves force 4 interceptions and get 202 total yards and 2 rushing TDs from Roland Dempster as they move to a stunning 6-2 on the season.
Worst Performance: Elon 21, Hampton 41 - The Phoenix embarrass themselves in the trenches by losing rushing yardage 277 to -28.
Most Surprising Result: Towson 26, Monmouth 14 - The Tigers allow 14 points to a team that was averaging 44.4 points-per-game coming in.
Best Performance: Tennessee-Martin 52, Eastern Illinois 17 - In addition to having a solid offensive performance, the Skyhawks also amassed 12 pass breakups and 3 interceptions that were returned for a total of 123 yards (1 TD).
Worst Performance: Western Illinois 38, Lindenwood 49 - Leatherneck QB Nathan Lamb's 564 yards and 5 TDs passing were overshadowed by Lindenwood RB Steve Hall and his 259 yards and 4 TDs rushing on just 13 carries.
Most Surprising Result: (none)
SoCon
ETSU 24-7 WOFF
SAM 11-28 CIT
WCU 34-44 MER
VMI 10-31 UTC
NConf Record: 1-0 Overall: 13-18
vs. FCS: 1-0 Overall: 11-11
Best Performance: The Citadel 28, Samford 11 - The Citadel beats Samford for the first time since 2018 despite going 0/3 on field goals in the first half.
Worst Performance: Samford 11, The Citadel 28 - Samford squandered every opportunity as they lost turnovers 3-0, went 0/2 on fourth down, and failed to score any points in 2 redzone trips.
Most Surprising Result: Samford 11, The Citadel 28 - How do you go from scoring 55 points on conference-title contender Mercer to scoring just 3 points outside of garbage time against The Citadel?
Tomorrow: Non-Playoff Folks…
With the size and scheduling of some of these conferences, there’s potential for some fairly unproven teams to finish 10-2 or 9-3 and be in seed consideration.
There have been a couple of weeks like this one where it’s tough to find marquee matchups to preview for the podcast.
kalm wrote: ↑Tue Oct 29, 2024 9:17 amWith the size and scheduling of some of these conferences, there’s potential for some fairly unproven teams to finish 10-2 or 9-3 and be in seed consideration.
There have been a couple of weeks like this one where it’s tough to find marquee matchups to preview for the podcast.
Yeah, this was an unusually boring week for FCS. I only moved two teams on my top-25 ballot more than a couple spots (NoDak and Monmouth).
YALE 31-10 PENN DART 24-21 COLUM
PRINCE 13-45 HARV
COR 21-23 BROWN
NConf Record: 0-0 Overall: 16-8
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 16-7
Best Performance: (#22) Dartmouth 24, Columbia 21 - It got surprisingly hairy late, but the Big Green dominated most of the game thanks to 4 sacks and 3 picks by the defense and 182 yards and a TD on the ground from Q Jones.
Worst Performance: Penn 10, Yale 31 - The Quakers are outgained 497-199 and lose their 5th. straight Ivy League game.
Most Surprising Result: Yale 31, Penn 10 - The Bulldogs are finally playing at a level close to preseason expectations the last couple weeks. Too bad it's almost certainly too late for them to win the conference after that 0-2 start.
MEAC
HOW 20-21 NFOLK
MORG 7-16 NCCEN
DSU 35-69 SCSU
NConf Record: 0-0 Overall: 17-23
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 11-17
Best Performance: Norfolk St. 21, Howard 20 - Jaylen White returns a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown to offset an anemic offensive performance by the Spartans.
Worst Performance: Delaware St. 35, South Carolina St. 69 - Jaden Sutton's 150 yards and 3 TDs on the ground were totally washed out by a terrible Hornet defense that allowed 477 yards and 5 passing touchdowns on just 33 attempts.
Most Surprising Result: South Carolina St. 69, Delaware St. 35 - This wasn't a shocking result margin-wise, but it is notable that the Bulldogs scored more points here than all the teams in the other two MEAC games combined.
Best Performance: Florida A&M 24, Southern 6 - The Rattlers rebound from their first FCS loss in some time thanks to 158 all-purpose yards, a receiving TD, and a punt-return TD from Jamari Gassett.
Worst Performance: Mississippi Valley St. 21, Arkansas-Pine bluff 35 - The Delta Devils' 2024 season officially hits hopeless status as they fall to the only team they beat last year.
Most Surprising Result: (none)
Independents
COLG 17-51 MERR
MERCY 14-31 SACHRT
Non-Ind. Record: 2-0 Overall: 8-9
vs. FCS: 2-0 Overall: 7-6
Best Performance: Merrimack 51, Colgate 17 - Ayden Pereira puts up 295 passing yards and 3 TDs on just 20 attempts and adds 103 rushing yards and another TD in a Warrior evisceration.
Worst Performance: (none)
Most Surprising Result: Merrimack 51, Colgate 17 - After averaging 19.2 points-per-game in their first 6 contests, Merrimack has averaged 49.5 ppg in their last 2.
Mvemjsunpx wrote: ↑Wed Oct 30, 2024 4:26 amIvy League
YALE 31-10 PENN DART 24-21 COLUM
PRINCE 13-45 HARV
COR 21-23 BROWN
NConf Record: 0-0 Overall: 16-8
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 16-7
Best Performance: (#22) Dartmouth 24, Columbia 21 - It got surprisingly hairy late, but the Big Green dominated most of the game thanks to 4 sacks and 3 picks by the defense and 182 yards and a TD on the ground from Q Jones.
Worst Performance: Penn 10, Yale 31 - The Quakers are outgained 497-199 and lose their 5th. straight Ivy League game.
Most Surprising Result: Yale 31, Penn 10 - The Bulldogs are finally playing at a level close to preseason expectations the last couple weeks. Too bad it's almost certainly too late for them to win the conference after that 0-2 start.
MEAC
HOW 20-21 NFOLK
MORG 7-16 NCCEN
DSU 35-69 SCSU
NConf Record: 0-0 Overall: 17-23
vs. FCS: 0-0 Overall: 11-17
Best Performance: Norfolk St. 21, Howard 20 - Jaylen White returns a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown to offset an anemic offensive performance by the Spartans.
Worst Performance: Delaware St. 35, South Carolina St. 69 - Jaden Sutton's 150 yards and 3 TDs on the ground were totally washed out by a terrible Hornet defense that allowed 477 yards and 5 passing touchdowns on just 33 attempts.
Most Surprising Result: South Carolina St. 69, Delaware St. 35 - This wasn't a shocking result margin-wise, but it is notable that the Bulldogs scored more points here than all the teams in the other two MEAC games combined.
Best Performance: Florida A&M 24, Southern 6 - The Rattlers rebound from their first FCS loss in some time thanks to 158 all-purpose yards, a receiving TD, and a punt-return TD from Jamari Gassett.
Worst Performance: Mississippi Valley St. 21, Arkansas-Pine bluff 35 - The Delta Devils' 2024 season officially hits hopeless status as they fall to the only team they beat last year.
Most Surprising Result: (none)
Independents
COLG 17-51 MERR
MERCY 14-31 SACHRT
Non-Ind. Record: 2-0 Overall: 8-9
vs. FCS: 2-0 Overall: 7-6
Best Performance: Merrimack 51, Colgate 17 - Ayden Pereira puts up 295 passing yards and 3 TDs on just 20 attempts and adds 103 rushing yards and another TD in a Warrior evisceration.
Worst Performance: (none)
Most Surprising Result: Merrimack 51, Colgate 17 - After averaging 19.2 points-per-game in their first 6 contests, Merrimack has averaged 49.5 ppg in their last 2.
I thought Eric Phoenix was going to have more passing yds but I was told that he was taken out of the game he finished with 341 yds with a stat line of 18-21 with 4 tds
