An exciting Week 2 of the 2022 FCS season is here.
All year, I will share my thoughts and score predictions on the week’s biggest games. Week 2 features a few games between 2021 playoff teams, including some rematches.
Let’s predict some scores.
Predictions Record:
2019-2021 record: 244-115
2022 record: 13-3
Week 2
RELATED: Notable Games And How To Watch
No. 14 UT Martin at No. 5 Missouri State (Thursday)
Mo State will have revenge on its mind after last season’s 32-31 home loss to UT Martin in the first round. The Bears have big expectations this year to play deep into the postseason, but their offensive line needs to have a better showing after allowing four sacks last week in a 27-14 win against Central Arkansas. They won’t have to deal with UT Martin’s standout edge Eyabi Anoma, though, who transferred to Michigan right before this season began.
The Skyhawks still have dudes on defense, like LB John Ford II. Offensively, Zak Wallace is a great RB, and QB Dresser Winn led UT Martin to its win over Missouri State last November. Thursday should see a different story, though, as Jason Shelley and Co. for Mo State’s offense will be too much to slow down.
Prediction: Missouri State 38-28
South Dakota at No. 3 Montana
Montana looked fantastic last week in a 47-0 win against Northwestern State. San Diego State transfer QB Lucas Johnson looked the part, going 15-24 for 208 yards and four TDs, plus seven rushes for 76 yards. USD will be a much tougher challenge this week. The Coyotes were a playoff team last season and received votes in the preseason Top 25.
USD’s offensive line, granted it was against FBS Kansas State, looked very attackable in a 34-0 loss. And attacking is exactly what Montana’s defense does, bringing pressure from all angles. This may be the best defense in the FCS. The Griz D will have another strong game, but expect USD to give Montana’s offense a tougher game than NW State did in a relatively low-scoring affair.
Prediction: Montana 24-10
No. 24 Northern Iowa at North Dakota
It’s Week 2, so this isn’t a must-win. But it’s pretty damn close to being a must-win. Both teams are 0-1 with FBS losses. UNI had an eyebrow-raising 48-17 loss at Air Force, allowing 582 yards on the ground. UND lost 38-17 at Nebraska, a game that saw a 17-17 tie in the third quarter.
UND has a tricky road trip to Northern Arizona next week. UNI hosts a Top 10 team Sac State next week. Whoever loses will fall to 0-2 with a chance of dropping a third straight game.
UND’s offensive line and RB Isaiah Smith looked strong against Nebraska. Which, surprisingly, may be the recipe to beat UNI. Not to mention RB Tyler Hoosman going up against his former team. The Alerus Center can get loud, and a big crowd is expected for the home opener. I put UND No. 24 and UNI No. 25 in this week’s Top 25 ballot, with the expectation of the loser dropping out. I expect a tight game, but there’s a reason I put UND one spot ahead. Homefield makes the difference.
Prediction: North Dakota 21-17
No. 9 ETSU at The Citadel
The Citadel is always good for one or two wins against upper-half SoCon teams. I don’t see it happening in this one, though. The Bulldogs lost 29-10 to Campbell, and ETSU is a stronger team than Campbell.
Beating non-D1 Mars Hill 44-7 does nothing for ETSU’s playoff resume. And it could come back to hurt the Bucs if they are in the discussion for a seed. But it did give some new players a chance to gel and get clicking under a new coaching staff. Some familiar names still remain from last year’s quarterfinal team. Tyler Riddell (14-19, 197 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT.) looked sharp. Jacob Saylors (13 rushes for 63 yards and two TDs) looks ready for another big season. And Will Huzzie (2 TD catches) should have a great year. ETSU gets a win here.
Prediction: ETSU 28-14
Campbell at No. 20 William & Mary
Campbell looked good in its 29-10 win against The Citadel last week. It’s great to see QB Hajj-Malik Williams healthy and making plays on the field again. W&M will be a different animal, though.
The Tribe is coming off of a dominating 41-24 win at FBS Charlotte. Nate Lynn is a star on the defensive line. The offense has a strong rushing attack led by Bronson Yoder. And Darius Wilson is a playmaker with his arm and legs. Campbell may be the favorite in the Big South. But as it heads to the CAA next year, it’ll learn what it takes to be a top team in a better conference
Prediction: W&M 31-21
UC Davis at No. 2 South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits annihilated UC Davis in last season’s first round, winning 56-24. This is an opportunity for SDSU’s o-line featuring some new starters that it is just as strong as last year’s. It’s also an opportunity for UC Davis, who fell out of the Top 25, to show they are playoff-worthy.
SDSU is going to be sore after a slobberknocker at Iowa, losing 7-3. The Jacks suffered some injuries, so it’ll be interesting to see who plays. UC Davis is coming off of a 34-14 loss at Cal. Falling to 0-2 is not good for playoff positioning, while a win is a solid resume booster. SDSU can prove it is a tier 1 FCS title contender with another decisive win.
Prediction: SDSU 34-14
No. 13 Jackson State vs. Tennessee State
Holy, did Jackson State look phenomenal last week in its 59-3 win vs. FAMU. Tennessee State also impressed, battling No. 13 EWU before losing 36-29. This will be an exciting QB battle between Shedeur Sanders and Draylen Ellis.
Perhaps we see a shootout to start. But it’ll be too much JSU after a couple of quarters. The Tigers have too many weapons on offense and fly around on defense to create a couple of turnovers and pull away. I said JSU will go 11-0 this regular season during the summer. I feel good about that, even more now after beating up on FAMU.
Prediction: Jackson State 49-28
North Carolina A&T at No. 1 North Dakota State
This would have been a more intriguing matchup had it been played when it was originally scheduled in 2020 — The defending Celebration Bowl champs and HBCU standard vs. the defending FCS national champs and the subdivision’s standard.
NC A&T’s transition away from the Celebration Bowl picture and into the FCS playoff picture has not gone as expected, going 5-6 overall and 3-4 in the Big South last season. The Aggies opened this year with a tough 28-13 loss against rival NC Central. But this program has big expectations and wants to compete at a national level. Next year, it will be playing in the CAA, a top three FCS conference.
The Bison will just be too much on Saturday. The play in the trenches won’t be close. But it gives NC A&T an up-close look at what it takes to be at the top of the FCS.
Prediction: NDSU 42-14
No. 22 Rhode Island at Bryant
This could be an intriguing showdown between in-state foes. Bryant lost 38-37 last week to FBS FIU in OT, a game it really should have won. Rhode Island looked good in its 35-14 win against CAA member Stony Brook.
Bryant is looking to up its football program by leaving the NEC and joining the Big South this year. But Rhody will be too talented here. The Rams were right on the playoff bubble last season and return an experienced squad. Rhody will pull away but expect a fun QB battle between Kasim Hill and Zevi Eckhaus.
Prediction: Rhode Island 35-21
