FCS Playoffs: Second-Round Preview & Predictions
We predict the second round of the FCS Playoffs right here. You can find more information on the biggest games each week on our FCS Preview Show.
2023 Predictions Record: 78-37
2022 Predictions Record: 115-35
Mercer (9-3) @ No. 1 South Dakota State (11-0)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Mercer won the first FCS Playoff game in school history last weekend and will look to pull off a historic upset in Brookings this weekend. Defense continues to be the identity of this team as the Bears are holding opponents to 326.3 yards per game. Safety Lance Wise Jr. (77 Tackles; 5 INTs) leads the defense that has forced 23 turnovers this season, which will be a key for the Bears this weekend. Wide receiver Ty James (1,102 Receiving Yards; 7 TDs) is a mismatch on the outside but will need quarterback Carter Peevy (2,209 Passing Yards; 11 TDs) to have the best game of his career on Saturday.
South Dakota State has won 18 consecutive games in Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Quarterback Mark Gronowski (2,359 Passing Yards; 23 Passing TDs) ended the season with a season-high 323 passing yards against Missouri State. Running back Isaiah Davis (1,075 Rushing Yards; 11 TDs) raises his play to a new level during the postseason, surpassing the 100-yard mark in nine of 12 playoff games. The Jackrabbits are holding opponents to 266.5 yards per game and have not allowed more than 21 points in any game this season.
Prediction: South Dakota State (38-13)
Chattanooga (8-4) @ No. 7 Furman (9-2)
Kickoff: Noon CT (ESPN+)
Despite multiple injuries to key players, Chattanooga defeated Austin Peay in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. The Mocs are expected to be without starting quarterback Chase Artopoeus, which forces Luke Schomburg (433 Passing Yards; 2 TDs) into the starting role again. Wide receivers Jamoi Mayes (999 Receiving Yards) and Javin Whatley (968 Receiving Yards) are massive weapons on the outside for the Mocs. A major question mark will be the health of All-American defensive end Jay Person as the Mocs will need to slow down the balanced offensive attack of Furman.
Furman has also struggled with injuries this season, but quarterback Tyler Huff (1,489 Passing Yards; 488 Rushing Yards) and running back Dominic Roberto are expected to return this weekend. The Paladins have been excellent against the run this season, allowing only 90.5 yards per game and 2.8 yards per carry. Defensive linemen Jack Barton (5.5 TFLs; 3 Sacks) and Matt Sochovka (5 TFLs; 2 Sacks) are two key players to watch in this matchup. Defensive back Cally Chizik (5 INTs) leads a secondary that has forced 15 interceptions this season, which ranks No. 5 in the country.
Prediction: Furman (34-17)
Youngstown State (8-4) @ No. 8 Villanova (9-2)
Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT (ESPN+)
Youngstown State dominated Duquesne in a 40-7 blowout win in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. This team excels at running the ball and dominating the time of possession (35:07-24:53). Running back Tyshon King (995 Rushing Yards) and Dra Rushton (616 Rushing Yards) have combined for 18 rushing touchdowns this season. The Penguins have struggled in the secondary, but suffocated opposing rushing attacks this season. Linebackers Alex Howard (71 Tackles; 8.5 TFLs) and Greg Benton Jr. (65 Tackles; 7.5 TFLs) have been two key contributors to the success against the run.
Villanova enters this game on a six-game winning streak, including a 35-7 win over Delaware to end the regular season. The Wildcats have one of the deepest running back rooms in the country, averaging 223.1 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Connor Watkins (2,332 Passing Yards; 19 TDs) could be the x-factor as Villanova may aim to take advantage of the Youngstown State secondary. The Wildcats rank No. 7 in the FCS for total defense (290.2 YPG), led by a secondary that ranks No. 9 in defensive passing efficiency (113.1).
Prediction: Youngstown State (27-20)
Delaware (9-3) @ No. 2 Montana (10-1)
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Delaware was able to overcome a 28-7 deficit to beat Lafayette in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. The Blue Hens need to protect the ball after struggling with turnovers against the Leopards. A major question mark will be the quarterback spot as Ryan O'Connor could return, but Nick Minicucci (435 Passing Yards; 5 TDs) will start if O'Connor cannot suit up. The defensive front will need to have a massive game this weekend, led by defensive lineman Chase McGowan (16 TFLs; 7 Sacks).
Montana enters this game as one of the hottest teams in the country as the Grizzlies have won seven consecutive games since a loss to Northern Arizona. Quarterback Clifton McDowell (1,307 Passing Yards; 16 Total TDs) is 7-0 as the starter this season and has unlocked the true potential of this offense. Montana's defense held its final four opponents to 10 points or fewer and is allowing only 14.4 points per game. Alex Gubner (8 TFLs; 3 Sacks) and Kale Edwards (7.5 TFLs; 2.5 Sacks) are key players for a dominant defensive front.
Prediction: Montana (35-14)
Sacramento State (8-4) @ No. 3 South Dakota (9-2)
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
Sacramento State escaped North Dakota with a 42-35 win after an impressive performance from quarterback Kaiden Bennett. The Hornets will need another special game from Bennett (2,158 Passing Yards; 578 Rushing Yards) to pull off another upset on the road. The key for the Hornets will be to create explosive plays against a stout South Dakota defense. Defensively, the Hornets need to force turnovers and keep South Dakota behind the chains. Linebacker Armon Bailey (90 Tackles; 7 TFLs) and safety Cameron Broussard (73 Tackles; 2 INTs) are two key players to watch this weekend.
South Dakota will be looking for the second FCS playoff win in school history this weekend. Defense is the identity of this team, led by linebacker Brock Mogensen (103 Total Tackles) and cornerback Myles Harden (47 Tackles; 6 PBUs). The Coyotes rank No. 5 in the FCS in scoring defense (14.6 PPG Allowed) and have held seven opponents to under 10 points this season. Running back Travis Theis (740 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) is a key player offensively as his success helps quarterback Aidan Bouman (2,178 Passing Yards; 12 TDs) open up the play-action throughout the game.
Prediction: Sacramento State (27-24)
Richmond (9-3) @ No. 5 UAlbany (9-3)
Kickoff: 11:00 a.m. CT (ESPN+)
Richmond leads the all-time series 7-0 and will be looking to make the first appearance in the quarterfinals since 2016. The rushing attack has been the key for this offense as the Spiders have surpassed the 200-yard mark in two of the past three games. The Spiders led all playoff teams in tackle-for-loss rate (12.3%) as Tristan Wheeler (109 Tackles; 9 TFLs) and Marlem Louis (11.5 TFLs) are two leaders of the talented front seven unit.
UAlbany enters this game on a five-game win streak and is undefeated at home this season. The Great Danes have an elite pass rush, which could be a huge mismatch for a Richmond offensive line that has allowed 37 sacks this season. Anton Juncaj (18.5 TFLs; 13 Sacks) and AJ Simon (18 TFLs; 10.5 Sacks) lead the No. 1 pass rush in the FCS (42 Sacks). Quarterback Reese Poffenbarger (2,860 Passing Yards; 31 TDs) has one of the best wide receiver cores in the country that could give Richmond's secondary problems on Saturday.
Prediction: UAlbany (37-27)
Southern Illinois (8-4) @ No. 4 Idaho (8-3)
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. CT (ESPN2)
Southern Illinois suffocated Nicholls State in a 35-0 victory in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. The Salukis are loaded with offensive talent, which allows quarterback Nic Baker (2,543 Passing Yards; 17 TDs) to distribute the ball to a variety of weapons. Running back Ro Elliott (479 Rushing Yards; 9 TDs) has returned to full strength after an injury limited him late in the season. The Salukis rank No. 6 in scoring defense (15.8 PPG Allowed) and are only allowing 4.46 yards per play, which leads all playoff teams. Safety PJ Jules (105 Total Tackles; 13 TFLs) is a name to watch for the Salukis this weekend.
Idaho needed a bye week to return to full strength after multiple starters struggled with injuries at the end of the season. Quarterback Gevani McCoy (2,410 Passing Yards; 16 Total TDs) is expected to return this weekend, but the biggest question mark will be if the offensive line can protect McCoy against a talented Southern Illinois front seven. Running back Anthony Woods (987 Rushing Yards; 14 TDs) will be a key player this weekend as the Vandals will look to slow the tempo down and control the time of possession. The Vandals rank No. 1 among playoff teams in passing defense (5.90 Yards Per Pass Allowed), led by cornerback Marcus Harris (2 INTs; 9 PBUs).
Prediction: Idaho (28-24)
North Dakota State (9-3) @ No. 6 Montana State (8-3)
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
North Dakota State is 4-0 against the Bobcats in the past four matchups, all of which have come in the postseason. Quarterback Cam Miller (2,255 Passing Yards; 27 Total TDs) is a true dual-threat option for the Bison, while Cole Payton will also be a threat in his limited action (488 Rushing Yards; 10 TDs). The Bison led all playoff teams in pressure rate (64.9%) as Jake Kava (10 TFLs; 6 Sacks) and Dylan Hendricks (8.5 TFLs; 5.5 Sacks) have emerged as a dynamic defensive end duo for North Dakota State.
Montana State enters this game with the longest home-winning streak in the country (26 Games). The Bobcats have the most explosive rushing attack in the FCS (7.33 YPC), led by running back Julius Davis (718 Rushing Yards; 6 TDs) and quarterback Sean Chambers (638 Rushing Yards; 14 Rushing TDs). Montana State has done an excellent job at limiting explosive plays this season but will need big games from Body Grebe (12 TFLs; 8 Sacks) and Sebastian Valdez (7.5 TFLs; 5 Sacks) against the Bison rushing attack.
Prediction: Montana State (34-31)
