The 2016 FCS Playoffs are here! We've got game-by game previews, an FCS Playoff Bracket for you to fill out, and all sorts of analysis and highlights coming your way in the next few weeks. Check back daily for more FCS playoff coverage.
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Weber State
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| Saturday: 2 p.m. EST (ESPN3) |
THE PLAYERS
WEBER STATE (7-4) – Andrew Vollert, WR (57 catches, 757 yards, 6 TDs); Tre'von Johnson, LB (87 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks); Taron Johnson, DB (12 passes defended, 45 tackles, 5 tackles for loss)
CHATTANOOGA (8-3) – Keionta Davis, DL (8.5 sacks, 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, one blocked kick); Nakevion Leslie, LB (3 forced fumbles, 92 tackles); Derrick Craine, RB (134 attempts, 808 yards, 9 TDs)[divider]
THE STATS
WEBER STATE – 27.1 points a game on offense (T-56th in FCS); 28.6 points a game on defense (70th in FCS)
CHATTANOOGA – 33.1 points a game on offense (20th in FCS); 18.2 points a game on defense (9th in FCS) [divider]
THE SKINNY
Weber State is a very well-rounded team with players who can hurt you all over the depth chart. They were picked to win the Big Sky in the preseason, but fell short of that and will probably have a tough time beating Chattanooga in a tough first round matchup. Chattanooga has several NFL-caliber players, including defensive lineman Keionta Davis who pretty much demands a double team on every down.
This Chattanooga squad started out 6-0, but comes into the playoffs having lost three of their last five games, including each of their last two. Hard to count the season finale loss at Alabama against them though. Home field advantage, a stout defense, and the fact that the game will feel much slower after their showdown with Alabama this weekend should be enough for Chattanooga to move on. Look for Weber State to keep it close, but the Mocs end their two-game skid.
THE PREDICTION: Chattanooga 31, Weber State 24[divider]
More First Round Previews
Cal Poly vs. San Diego | Central Arkansas vs Illinois State | Samford at Youngstown State
St. Francis at Villanova | Lehigh at New Hampshire | Charleston Southern at Wofford
North Carolina A&T at Richmond
