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5 FCS Programs Who Could Enjoy Upsets in Week 3
5 FCS Programs Who Could Enjoy Upsets in Week 3
If North Dakota State proved anything by beating Kansas State in the opening week of the season, it was that it is possible that a top-level FCS team can beat a top-level BCS bowl team one year removed.
Appalachian State first proved that point in 2007 by going into the Big House and beating Michigan, but that was a long time ago. This year, it was North Dakota State's turn. Now, a lot of FCS teams have been emboldened. What was once a body bag game for a hefty payday is now a real chance for a program to make a name by beating a team one level above.
Most of those FCS/FBS upsets usually occur in the first week when injuries have not taken their toll. Yet there are a number of perennial FCS powerhouses playing this week like Delaware and Eastern Washington, and no one will be surprised if those schools win. Delaware topped Navy three years ago and last year, Youngstown State hung a 31-17 opening-day win on host Pitt. Delaware visits Navy again this week. The Blue Hens, coached by former Rutgers offensive coordinator Dave Brock, have a chance against the Middies and are 17-point underdogs. Youngstown State probably doesn't have much of a chance at Michigan State, where it is a 27-point underdog.
There are, however, five FCS teams that probably will not be surprised if they won, although the FBS teams they beat will certainly be bummed out.
These are the five:
Mike Gibson is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @papreps , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
5. Eastern Washington over Toledo
Even though Eastern Washington defeated FBS then-No. 25 Oregon State, the Eagles find themselves a curious 7.5 underdog in a game at Toledo. The Eagles are ranked No. 2 in the FCS, and will turn that seven-point spread around in a one-touchdown win over the 0-2 Rockets.
4. Bethune Cookman over Florida International
A year ago, Florida International gave Louisville a good game, losing 28-21, to the Sugar Bowl champion Cardinals. Now the Panthers find themselves just a three-point favorite against a very good Bethune Cookman team. The problem for FIU was that it fired a capable coach in Mario Cristobal and hired Ron Turner, whose first two games were blowout losses to Maryland and Central Florida. The Wildcats go to 3-0 in this one -- a very mild upset.
3. Cal Poly over Colorado State
Colorado State is 0-2 with their most recent loss last week coming at the hands of Tulsa. Cal Poly of the Big Sky Conference is ranked No. 14 in The Sports Network’s FCS poll. Cal Poly is no stranger to wins over FBS schools, having won at Wyoming a year ago on the way to a 9-3 record. This time, the Mustangs more than cover the 9.5 spread -- they win going away.
2. Delaware over Navy
Both teams are unbeaten, as the Middies won at Indiana last week and the Blue Hens are 2-0 coming off a win over Delaware State. As expected, the Middies are a big favorite (17) points, but Delaware has shown a propensity to score points, getting 51 in the win over Jacksonville State and 43 in the win over Delaware State. First-year Delaware head coach Dave Brock is used to playing Navy when he was the offensive coordinator at Rutgers, so he will likely have the Blue Hens prepared to shut down the triple option. Delaware won three years ago at Navy, and don’t be surprised if the Blue Hens go 3-0 here.
1. Stony Brook over Buffalo
Stony Brook, ranked No. 17 in the FCS, has a recent history of doing well against fellow New York schools. The Seawolves won at Army 23-3 last year, and dropped a tight 28-17 game at Syracuse. Buffalo allowed 70 points to Baylor last week. Stony Brook registered a 24-0 win over Rhode Island. This time, the 13-point underdog Seawolves go into Buffalo and come away with a close win.
Be sure to check out the Rant Sports 100 in 100 Series, a preview of the top 100 College Football Teams for the 2013 Season!
