By THOMAS STOKES
The Southern Conference went winless this past week in non-conference games. This included three games against FBS schools played by Wofford, ETSU, and Western Carolina. Weeks like this don’t build my confidence that the SoCon will receive many, or any, at-large playoff bids.
East Tennessee State: Lost 35-3 at North Carolina
This game came with a $500,000 payday but the biggest takeaway for me is ETSU’s lack of discipline resulting in seven penalties for 67 yards and two turnovers. An interception by Mason Mims in the early stage of the game killed any momentum that was built from what seemed to be a good-looking drive. The second turnover was by TJ Peyton who coughed the ball up at the end of the first play of the second half gave UNC good starting position that the Tar Heels quickly cashed in for a touchdown.
Up next: ETSU hosts West Georgia Saturday at noon (ESPN+) to wrap its non-conference schedule. Editor’s Note: We’ll have comprehensive coverage, with a live ongoing report during the game, postgame analysis, and notes on Sunday.
Wofford: lost 36-15 at Kent State
Any hope of an upset came crashing down as the Terriers offense was almost nonexistent. Starting QB JT Fayard was benched near the end of the second quarter for backup Ethan Drumm, who threw for 100 yards but also two picks. Shockingly even after all of those issues Wofford still led 15-14 at the start of the fourth quarter. Kent State went on a roll and scored three touchdowns back-to-back-to-back ending the game. Wofford goes home with a lot of questions, the biggest one being is who is your quarterback? Fayard has not impressed through three games, and ball security and just overall play of the offense have been issues every week.
Up Next: Wofford hosts Chattanooga Saturday (6 PM, ESPN+).
VMI: Lost 14-3 to Bucknell
The Keydets fell to 0-3, dropping their home opener. as they drop their home opener to Bucknell 14-3. Ian Reynolds had a season high of 155 passing yards and led VMI in rushing yards with 26. The Keydets currently average 5.3 points per game and have not scored a touchdown since their first game against Idaho State. It looks like it’s going to be a long season for first-year coach Ashley Ingram.
Up Next: VMI travels to Pioneer League member and non-scholarship school Davidson Saturday (1 PM, ESPN+) in what might be the Keydets’ best remaining chance at a win.
Mercer: Lost 20-13 to Mercer
Jaylen King came down to earth this week. He threw four interceptions and added a fumble to his turnover total. This game ended up being close, but it shouldn’t have been. The conference really should have considered the entire Bears defense for its weekly honor. I counted maybe three times Furman was near the Mercer 30-yard line and ended up not getting any points.
Up Next: Mercer now finishes its non-conference slate with a money game at winless Georgia Tech Saturday (Noon, ACC Network).
Furman: Won 20-13 at Mercer
Furman kicked off the conference slate by beating the defending champions and preseason favorites. It feels more like Mercer lost than Furman won. The Paladins could have easily ran away with this game. I’ve never seen a team start inside the 30 three times off of turnovers and not gain a single point. It still blows my mind that this actually happened. QB Jake Garcia had two interceptions and lost a fumble. Furman finally took over the game late when Ben Croasdale ran for a 47-yard TD, leaving Mercer with mere seconds to try to respond.
Up Next: Furman hosts South Carolina State (7 PM, ESPN+), which is heavily favored.
The Citadel: Lost 26-20 in double OT to Charleston Southern
In the Low Country Boil Bowl, The Citadel’s overtime luck struck out. Gavin Garcia had a decent game rushing for 84 yards but it was not enough. Quentin Hayes only completed three passes on 14 attempts, but one completion resulted in the opening touchdown of the game. Neither had enough contributions on the offense to hold on to the win.
Up Next: The Citadel now has its off week before hosting Chattanooga Sept. 26 in its SoCon opener.
Western Carolina: Lost 62-10 at Cincinnati
Amazingly Lex Thomas was able to go the entire night without turning the ball over. That type of control is crucial for ball security in close games and will help the Catamounts in the future. It was a close 14-10 game in the middle of the second quarter but the depth of the Bearcats showed through and they rolled from there.
Up Next: Western hosts Presbyterian this Saturday (2:30 PM, ESPN+).
Tennessee Tech: Won 45-19 vs. Samford
The Golden Eagles looked right at home in their first official SoCon game. The Tennessee Tech offense started out hot, then returned a punt for a TD and had a fumble recovery for a score. I really underestimated Tennessee Tech, which I predicted would finish third after coming from a weaker conference. It seems like they might just prove me wrong. They have the potential to be conference champions in their first year in the SoCon.
Up Next: Tennessee Tech is off this week, then travels to Wofford Sept. 26.
Samford: Lost 45-19 at Tennessee Tech
Samford was held out of the end zone for almost three full quarters and did not score until this game was already decided. The Bulldogs are not in a good position right now and I’m wondering if they will even win a game this year. Samford’s only hope of being a favorite the rest of the season is against VMI in Week 5.
Up Next: Samford is off this week then hosts the Keydets Sept. 26.
Chattanooga: Lost 22-17 at Eastern Kentucky
Offense is still an issue for the Mocs; they had a total of 254 yards compared to EKU with almost 400. The bright spot of the game and the season so far, Kevin Lalin, had 98 yards along with one touchdown. Lalin may have to be superhuman each week for the Mocs to win.
Up Next: Chattanooga hosts Wofford.
Week 3 Viewing Guide (all times Eastern)
#14 Austin Peay vs #17 West Florida (7 PM ESPN +)
This game was mentioned last week when West Florida and the United Athletic Conference announced they are petitioning to make UWF eligible for the playoffs. Austin Peay is the third team in a row the Argonauts will play that is ranked in both polls. Can West Florida make history by defeating three ranked teams in its first three games as a Division I team? Ty’ray Davis has been the biggest key to the Argonauts’ success early in the season, accounting for seven total touchdowns. Austin Peay dismantled Morehead State 63-7 on Saturday, rolled up almost 700 yards of offense, and converted six of eight third downs. Keeping drives going and keeping Davis on the sideline will be a key for the Govs to win this one.
#9 Youngstown State vs #2 South Dakota State (7 PM ESPN+)
This will be one of the biggest games of the entire season for the Missouri Valley Football Conference. This will also be a big game for postseason personal awards. Youngstown’s Beau Brungard is the reigning Walter Payton Award winner (the Heisman Trophy of FCS) is looking to become the first repeat winner of the award since Jeremiah Briscoe of Sam Houston State in 2016 and 2017, and just the third two-time winner ever. Brungard had a great day in a 70-13 rout of Duquesne last Saturday, throwing for six touchdowns and rushing for two more. This game should also have implications on the playoff bracket both schools are vying for a Top 8 seed when all is said and done. The biggest thing to watch is the wide receivers of South Dakota State who, during the game at Northwestern a couple of weeks ago, had a hard time catching passes. The Jackrabbits would have been in position to add their name to the list of FCS over FBS upsets this year, if it wasn’t for the 13 pass break ups credited to Northwestern.
Name You Need to Learn
Lehigh RB Luke Yonder already has nine touchdowns this season, to go with 419 rushing yards. Last Saturday he rushed for a season-high 169 yards in a 44-20 win against then No. 16 William & Mary. The Mountain Hawks undefeated and in a great position to win the Patriot League. If Yonder keeps up this production, he should see an invite to the ceremony for the Payton award.
Can’t seal the deal
This past weekend saw four teams come so close to adding themselves to the list of FCS over FBS upsets. The biggest heartbreak has to be for Gardner-Webb, which, if you recall, dismissed its head coach after one game and is being led by Pete Bennett on an interim basis. Still, the Runnin’ Bulldogs led Liberty late before falling 24-23.
Colgate also held a lead for most of its game at Central Michigan before losing 13-10.
Wofford is next on the list for squandering its lead at the start of the fourth quarter and losing to Kent State.
Later in the day, Northern Colorado also lost its advantage late, falling 21-13 at Wyoming.
A school that broke through what seemed to be a curse this weekend is Illinois State, the runner-up in the FCS playoffs last season, which beat Northern Illinois 28-24. The Redbirds were up early 21-0 and Northern Illinois Huskies rushed back to take a 24-21 lead. Illinois State answered with an 11-play drive to score the deciding touchdown with less than two minutes to go in the game, and then the defense intercepted Taron Dickens (Remember him, Western Carolina fans?) to cap off an FCS over FBS win.
Conference Power Rankings
After the departures of big programs like James Madison, Villanova, William & Mary, and Richmond from the Coastal Athletic Association, the FCS community has wondered who will step in to that third best conference in FCS. The top two spots are written in pen: the Missouri Valley Football Conference and the Big Sky have proven time and time again why these are the best leagues.
Right now, the Patriot League clearly is the third-best FCS conference. That’s amazing if you look back at the conference only a few years ago, when teams had a 50-scholarship limit before Richmond (and others) joined. Lehigh looks like a legit candidate for a top eight seed in the FCS playoffs and could even make a run as far as the semifinals. Colgate has been a surprise this year, as mentioned. Richmond, even though it got clobbered 73-0 by NC State last week, should be a top 20 team in the FCS. Villanova, which lost to Illinois State in the semis last year and is struggling a little bit to open the season, is still a tough team to beat.