Commentary
The YSU-USD matchup has potential despite the difference in records and ranking. Turns out, Missouri – South Dakota’s one loss – is a pretty strong FBS (5-1, and only five points out of being ranked). On the other hand, one of YSU’s losses was at Ohio State (currently ranked #3 in FBS). Their other loss was on the road by a FG at Northern Iowa. The Yotes may need their home field advantage … and they need the win to stay atop the MVFC standings.
For a big contingent of (older) fans, the UND-NDSU matchup is a huge rivalry game. But to hear some tell it, it’s really no big deal. Well, whatever your view, it could be crucial this year. Both teams are (1-1) in the MVFC. Right now, the leaders are all (2-0) in the conference (that includes Northern Iowa, BTW). To have two losses at this stage of the season would leave the loser with a big uphill climb. Adding the fact that UND is undefeated at home definitely adds flavor to the mix.
That segues nicely into the UNI-SDSU matchup. The Panthers are on a three-game winning streak, including two on the road. Since they and the ‘Jacks are tied at (2-0) in conference, the loser will drop out of the lead. Since Northern Iowa already has two losses, another loss would hurt them the most, so they will likely come out with their hair on fair.
If ever there was a strange matchup, the Mercer-Chattanooga game may be it. Mercer is unranked, but their record actually looks better than Chattanooga’s. They beat common opponent North Alabama at home, while the Mocs lost by two TDs (on the road). Also, one of the Bears' losses was to Ole Miss (currently ranked #13). To be honest, I’m not sure a home win for Mercer could be considered an “upset.”
Murray State’s record is misleading: Two of their losses were to FBS opponents (one ranked) and the third was to a ranked FCS opponent. Based on that, I give them a decent chance for an upset on their home field.
The Elon-Villanova game is worth including because, while neither is currently ranked, they both have been ranked, and are high in the “Others Receiving Votes” category. I made Villanova the favorite because they have the better record and got more points in the most recent poll. I expect this to be a very competitive game (each has one FBS loss). Also, recall that Elon did beat William & Mary when The Tribe was in the top-10.
At first glance, one would not expect much from the Howard-Harvard matchup. However, two points are worth considering: Two of Howard's three losses were to FBS opponents … and neither was a blowout. In fact, the Bison made a huge 4th-quarter comeback at Northwestern and only fell short by a FG. Admittedly, Northwestern (3-3) is no powerhouse, but they are a mid-level Big Ten team. I’d say Harvard better be on their toes.
