Commentary
The Central Arkansas at Abilene Christian game is hard to figure because neither team seems to deserve its ranking, especially the Bears. After losing to FBS Arkansas State, Central Arkansas gathered their record with wins at powers like Lindenwood and Arkansas-Pine Bluff … teams with a combined record of (7-12). The main claim to fame for the Wildcats is that they forced FBS TCU into overtime before losing. Their other loss was to Idaho. They beat a team that’s in its first year as an FBS program, and their other wins were over teams that haven’t won any games this year, Good luck picking this one!
On the other hand, the North Dakota at North Dakota State deserves plenty of hype. I’ll just say that the Bison are tough to beat at home.
You can say the same for the Illinois State at Southern Illinois game. They seem evenly matched so I’d give a slight edge to the Salukis at home.
The Villanova at Stony Brook game should be a good test. Each lost to an FBS opponent and have otherwise played a mid-level schedule, To me, this is a definite pickem’
With South Dakota State traveling to Northern Iowa, this is the chance for the Panthers to show they can compete for the MVFC title this year. (Neither has played a conference game yet,)
The Rhode Island at Hampton game should be more competitive than you might expect from the rankings. (Hampton has received NO votes in the STATS poll.) The Pirates are no powerhouse, but besides the FBS loss, the Rams have played a total cupcake schedule (combined 3-11 records).
I included the New Hampshire at Harvard game for those who like to measure the Ivies against a “real” FCS team. The Wildcats haven’t played anybody (combined 3-9) after losing to UCF. This does not look like a top Harvard team. but I think they could give the Wildcats a tussle.
