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Chris Meaney
Every year there are plenty of games between the FCS and FBS levels. Last year there were eight victories by the lower level over the higher one, with the highlight being a Southern Illinois 31-24 victory over Northwestern out of the Big 10. Let’s take a look at several potential upsets that could occur this coming season by the FCS.
Eastern Kentucky @ Cincinnati (Sept. 2)
Much like last season, the Colonels open up with two FBS opponents in 2023. Last year they lost 42-34 at Eastern Michigan, but then followed it up with a 59-57 victory in seven overtimes over Bowling Green. They went 7-5 last year and return a large chunk of an offense that averaged over 35 points per game including quarterback Parker McKinney. Cincinnati, meanwhile, has a new head coach and is breaking in a lot of starters. Last year the Bearcats smashed their FCS opponent, but EKU is much better than Kennesaw State.
Holy Cross at Boston College (Sept. 9)
Holy Cross had one of those FCS wins last year, knocking off Buffalo on the road 37-31. They lost in the FCS quarterfinals so they will not be intimidated by Boston College who beat Maine 38-17 last year. The Crusaders are led by QB Matthew Sluka on offense and six starters back on defense. The Eagles have a lot of starters back, but situationally this game is before a huge matchup with Florida State in Chestnut Hill so focus could be an issue.
New Hampshire @ Central Michigan (Sept. 9)
The Wildcats lost 44-7 at Western Michigan last season, so that’s a bit of a concern, but there’s some continuity for the team out of the CAA. Max Brosmer is an underrated quarterback in the FCS, and he’s got a lot of his weapons back, including Dylan Laube at running back. The defense has a lot of talent as well with nine of its top 11 tacklers returning. This contest is Week 2 for the Chippewas who will be coming off a physical affair at Michigan State the week before. CMU won their FCS contest 41-0 last year against Bucknell, but once again this is a step up in competition.
Idaho at Nevada (Sept. 9)
Idaho at California (Sept. 16)
The Vandals made the playoffs for the first time as an FCS team last year and return a lot of their offense. They have Gevani McCoy at QB, Terez Traynor, Hayden Hatten and Jermaine Jackson at WR and Anthony Woods at RB. The questions come on defense where they have only six starters back from a group that struggled to slow down high-powered offenses. Luckily for them, neither Nevada nor California is going to be high powered. Cal beat UC Davis 34-13 last year while Nevada lost 55-41 to Incarnate Word. I certainly don’t think that Idaho beats them both, but they have a chance to get one of them.
Sacramento State at Stanford (Sept. 16)
The Cardinal will probably finish last in the Pac-12 and are coached by Troy Taylor, who will be very familiar with the Hornets considering he was their head coach. Last year, Stanford beat Colgate 41-10 in their FCS contest, but they only have six returning starters in 2023. Sac State went to Colorado State and won 41-10 last season. They do have a lot returning including eight of their top 11 tacklers and several skill position guys on offense. This should be an emotional contest on both sides.
William & Mary at Virginia (Oct. 7)
The Tribe beat Charlotte 41-24 last year on the road and return a lot of that team. The offense has QB Darius Wilson under center as well as several running backs who run behind a bruising offensive line. The defense has the CAA preseason player of the year in John Pius as part of nine of 11 tacklers back from 2022. Mike London returning to Charlottesville is always emotional as well. The Cavaliers were overwhelmingly picked to finish last in the ACC. They won their FCS game last year 34-17 over Richmond who was very good, but this is a worse team in 2023.
