Week 11 FCS Football Preview & Predictions
We predict the top FCS football games on the Week 11 slate right here. You can find more information on the biggest games each week on our FCS Preview Show.
2023 Predictions Record: 60-28
2022 Predictions Record: 115-35
Alcorn State (6-3) @ Texas Southern (2-7)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+; Sunday, Nov. 12)
Texas Southern may sit at 2-7, but the Tigers have lost three games by less than seven points in conference play. Running back LaDarius Owens (1,062 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) ranks No. 7 in the nation in rushing yards this season. Quarterback Jace Wilson (1,202 Passing Yards; 9 TDs) has played well after replacing Andrew Body after his injury. Despite struggling defensively, linebacker Jacob Williams (17.5 TFLs; 7.5 Sacks) is having an All-American season for the Tigers.
Alcorn State will have a chance to secure a spot in the SWAC Championship game with a win and a Prairie View A&M loss to Southern. The Braves have won five consecutive games since a Sept. 23 loss to the Panthers. The secondary has been dominant this season, allowing only nine passing touchdowns and forcing 14 interceptions. Aaron Allen (1,781 Passing Yards; 12 TDs) has played extremely well since taking over the QB1 position, while Jarveon Howard (662 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) has found his rhythm after a slow start to the season.
Prediction: Alcorn State (27-13)
Eastern Washington (4-5) @ No. 5 Montana State (7-2)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Eastern Washington has experienced highs and lows throughout the season but has won two of the last three games. The offense has been the bright spot for the Eagles, ranking No. 2 in the Big Sky in total offense (418.9 YPG) and No. 3 in scoring offense (33.2 PPG). Quarterback Kekoa Visperas (2,142 Passing Yards; 13 TDs) will need to have a career game if the Eagles are going to pull off the upset. Defense is the concern for Eastern Washington as the Eagles are allowing over 200 yards per game on the ground and 5.9 yards per carry.
Montana State will look to build momentum this weekend before a massive matchup against No. 3 Montana next week in Missoula. The Bobcats rank No. 2 in the nation for rushing offense (305.6 YPG), led by running back Julius Davis (593 Rushing Yards; 6 TDs). Montana State has done an excellent job generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks as the Bobcats lead the conference in sacks (28 Sacks). Brody Grebe (9.5 TFLs; 6 Sacks) and Kenneth Eiden IV (5 TFLs; 5 Sacks) have both put together outstanding seasons.
Prediction: Montana State (47-20)
No. 7 North Carolina Central (8-1) @ Howard (4-5)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT (ESPNU)
Howard started conference play with back-to-back wins before losing in a stunning upset against South Carolina State. The Bison will aim to establish the rushing attack, led by Eden James (398 Rushing Yards) and Jarett Hunter (381 Rushing Yards). The defense ranks No. 2 in the MEAC in total defense (335.6 YPG Allowed) and scoring defense (23.4 PPG Allowed). Safety Kenny Gallop Jr. (47 Tackles; 2 INTs) and linebacker Terrance Hollon (52 Tackles; 5.5 TFLs) are two key players to watch for the Bison.
North Carolina Central enters this game 7-0 against FCS competition and can clinch the MEAC championship with a win this weekend. Quarterback Davius Richard (1,452 Passing Yards; 27 Total TDs) is one of the most dominant offensive players in FCS football. Richard leads an offense that ranks No. 1 in the conference for scoring offense (36.4 PPG), offensive efficiency (144.8), and passing offense (207.8 YPG). Cornerback Jason Chambers (3 INTs; 5 PBUs) has been one of the breakout stars of the season in the FCS.
Prediction: North Carolina Central (34-14)
Samford (5-4) @ No. 23 Mercer (7-3)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
After a disappointing 1-3 start to the season, Samford has now won four of the last five games. Quarterback Michael Hiers (2,641 Passing Yards; 15 TDs) had a slow start to the season but has started to find his rhythm in the offense. Wide receivers Chandler Smith (739 Receiving Yards) and Ty King (455 Receiving Yards) have emerged as dangerous weapons for the Bulldogs. Samford ranks No. 3 in the SoCon in passing defense (206.1 YPG Allowed) but will face a massive test against a Mercer offense load with offensive weapons at wide receiver.
Mercer enters this game on a three-game winning streak and could clinch an at-large bid with a win over the Bulldogs. The Bears rank No. 1 in the conference in total defense (331.3 YPG Allowed), led by linebacker Ken Standley (73 Tackles; 11 TFLs) and safety Lance Wise (65 Tackles; 3 INTs). Wide receiver Ty James (982 Receiving Yards; 7 TDs) is one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the country and set a conference record with 351 receiving yards against the Bulldogs last season.
Prediction: Mercer (42-34)
Penn (6-2) @ No. 24 Harvard (7-1)
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Penn has won four of the five games, including an impressive 23-8 win over Cornell last week. The emergence of freshman running back Malachi Hosley (495 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) has helped the offense establish more balance late in the season. The Quakers have the No. 2 defense in the Ivy League, allowing only 297.9 yards per game. Defensive lineman Joey Slackman (11 TFLs; 3 Sacks) is a key player for this front seven, which is holding opponents to only 2.9 yards per carry.
Harvard can clinch at least a share of the Ivy League championship with a win this weekend. Jaden Craig (277 Passing Yards; 5 Total TDs) stepped into the QB1 role over Charles DePrima last week and led the Crimson to a huge win over Columbia. This offense is going to continue to run the ball as the Crimson leads the conference in rushing offense (217.8 YPG). Harvard has forced the second-most interceptions as Ty Bartrum ranks No. 2 in the conference and leads the team with three interceptions.
Prediction: Harvard (26-19)
Southeast Missouri State (4-5) @ No. 21 UT Martin (7-2)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Southeast Missouri State had a three-game winning streak end after an upset loss to Robert Morris last weekend. Quarterback Patrick Heitert (477 Passing Yards; 3 TDs) is expected to start this weekend after Paxton DeLaurent's injury last week. Running back Geno Hess (830 Rushing Yards; 8 TDs) is approaching 5,000 career rushing yards and will need a huge game against the Skyhawks. Linebacker Bryce Norman (73 Tackles; 8 TFLs) will be a key piece for the Redhawks against a talented UT Martin rushing attack.
UT Martin rebounded from a loss to Gardner-Webb with a win over Tennessee Tech on the road last week. The Skyhawks lead the Big South-OVC in rushing offense (216 YPG), led by running back Sam Franklin (1,095 Rushing Yards; 10 TDs). UT Martin also ranks No. 1 in the conference for rushing defense (92.8 YPG Allowed) but has struggled to defend the pass this season. Defensive lineman Daylan Dotson (14.5 TFLs; 6 Sacks) and linebacker Jaylon Sharpe (53 Tackles; 6.5 TFLs) are two players to watch in this matchup.
Prediction: UT Martin (34-23)
No. 1 South Dakota State (9-0) @ No. 22 Youngstown State (6-3)
Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT (ESPN+)
Youngstown State could create total chaos in the FCS with its second top-five upset win at home this season. The Penguins will lean on the dynamic running back duo of Tyshon King (722 Rushing Yards; 9 TDs) and Dra Rushton (468 Rushing Yards; 7 TDs). The defense has played well against the run, allowing only 94.3 yards per game and only nine rushing touchdowns. Youngstown State has also dominated time of possession (34:46 to 25:14) throughout the season, which could be a key advantage this weekend.
South Dakota State enters this weekend with six ranked wins and could possibly clinch the No. 1 overall seed with a win this weekend. The rushing attack is the identity of this team, averaging 233.2 yards per game. Quarterback Mark Gronowski (1,741 Passing Yards; 18 TDs) could also be primed for a big day against a secondary allowing almost 250 yards per game. The Jackrabbits rank No. 2 in the nation for total defense (264.6 Yards Per Game) and No. 1 in the FCS in scoring defense (11.89 PPG Allowed).
The Penguins seem to always find another gear inside Stambaugh Stadium, but this is going to be a massive step up for this team. The Jackrabbits will be too balanced offensively for an upset but expect the Penguins to keep this game close early at home.
Prediction: South Dakota State (31-21)
No. 11 Southern Illinois (6-3) @ No. 12 North Dakota State (6-3)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Southern Illinois could secure its spot in the FCS Playoffs this weekend with a huge road win against the Bison. The Salukis have been inconsistent offensively but will need a huge game from running back Ro Elliott (327 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) this weekend. Defensively, the Salukis have been excellent against the run, allowing only 2.5 yards per carry and 83.3 yards per game. Safety PJ Jules (81 Tackles; 10 TFLs) is having an All-American season and is a player to watch in this game.
North Dakota State will need to win its final two games to feel comfortable about earning an at-large bid this season. The Bison have still produced at a high level on the ground, averaging 243.2 yards per game and over 6.1 yards per carry. Quarterback Cam Miller has been the focal point of this offense as he leads the Bison in rushing (481 Yards) and is completing over 73% of his passes. North Dakota State ranks No. 2 in the MVFC in passing defense and has done an excellent job in forcing turnovers (10 INTs) this season.
Both of these teams are fighting to stay above .500 in the conference, which adds to the pressure for each team on Saturday. The Bison defense could be the x-factor this weekend against an inconsistent offense, which is why I believe North Dakota State will find a way to win in the Fargodome this weekend.
Prediction: North Dakota State (24-14)
No. 10 North Dakota (6-3) @ No. 6 South Dakota (7-2)
Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
North Dakota needs to win the final two games of the season to secure an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs. Quarterback Tommy Schuster (1,833 Passing Yards; 17 TDs) has thrown four or more touchdowns in back-to-back games. Linebackers Wyatt Pedigo (7.5 TFLs; 4 Sacks) and Malachi McNeal (4.5 TFLs; 3 Sacks) have been key pieces defensively for the Fighting Hawks.
South Dakota will face its third consecutive ranked opponent and could clinch a potential top-eight seed with a win. Defense is the identity of this team as the Coyotes rank No. 4 in scoring defense (16.1 PPG Allowed) and are holding opponents to under 190 yards passing per game. Running back Travis Theis (635 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) is a key piece offensively in this matchup for South Dakota.
The Coyotes have the advantage due to a suffocating defense and North Dakota has struggled on the road (1-3) this season, which should be enough for South Dakota to add another impressive win to their resume.
Prediction: South Dakota (23-20)
