FCS Previews: Week 13

Cfootball Betting Lines

11/20/2008 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Here are the predictions for the top 25 games and other notable contests from week 13 of the FCS season.

THURSDAY NIGHT'S GAME

Grambling State (8-2, 5-0, SWAC) at Texas Southern (4-6, 1-4 SWAC), 8 p.m.

Texas Southern, which was 0-11 last season, could still get to .500 on the season, but to do that, they'll have to go through traditional SWAC power Grambling, a team chasing the SWAC West Division title.

The Tigers are led by Oklahoma State transfer Bobby Reid (1,790 yards, 12 TDs, six interceptions) at quarterback. Reid leads a Texas Southern offense that averages 361 yards per game. Reid powers a passing game that is averaging 263 yards through the air per contest.

Reid's top target is the league's leading receiver and the nation's top all- purpose runner, William Osbourne (73 receptions, 13.6 yards per catch, 2,042 all-purpose yards, seven TDs). Running back Marcus Brown (465 yards, six TDs) has been the most reliable threat on the ground.

Texas Southern's defense has not been as successful as the offense this season (432 yards per game, 106th in FCS), especially against the pass (243 yards per game, 99th in FCS). The catalyst of the Tigers' defense in their turnaround campaign has been sophomore linebacker DeJuan Fulgham (79 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks).

Grambling State will look for its eighth-straight win behind a defense that allows just 14 points per game (third in FCS) and just 277 yards of total offense (ninth in FCS). Senior linebacker Keefe Hall has been the cornerstone of the defense.

A balanced offensive game plan (151 yards passing, 137 yards rushing) has been the key during Grambling's win streak. Shouldering most of the load on the ground has been Cornelius Walker (590 yards, three TDs) while Greg Dillon (981 yards, 13 TDs, six interceptions) has been an effective managing the passing game in the signal-callers' role.

Grambling's defense should be able to overcome a potent Texas Southern offense led by Reed, but the score shouldn't resemble the 57-9 whitewash it was last season.

Grambling State 38, Texas Southern 21

SATURDAY'S TOP-25 GAMES

No. 1 James Madison (9-1, 7-0 CAA) at Towson (3-8, 1-6 CAA), 12 p.m.

For Towson quarterback Sean Schaefer (2,971 yards, 23 TDs, 14 interceptions), a win over top-ranked James Madison in front of the home crowd would be a fitting way to end the signal-callers' illustrious career (11,329 career passing yards, active leader in FCS).The task for the Tigers and Schaefer is defeating a team boasting nine-straight wins, on the verge of clinching the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs and snapping a four-game losing streak to the Dukes.

Schaefer nearly accomplished a similar task last week, before the Tigers dropped a heartbreaking 34-31 decision to sixth-ranked Villanova. He connected on 35-of-47 passes for 326 yards, four TDs and an interception in the valiant effort. Schaefer leads an offense that ranks 11th in the FCS in passing (273 yards per game), but 114th in rushing average per game (59 yards). Marcus Lee (44 catches, four TDs), David Newsom (38 receptions, 12.3 yards per catch, two TDs) and Steve Holmes (39 receptions, 11 yards per catch, one TD) are the top targets for Schaefer. Though the running game is sometimes shaky, due in a large part to poor line play, Matt Castor has 543 yards and five TDs.

Prospects for the Tigers stopping the nation's fifth-best rushing attack (263 yards per game) are not good, especially considering the Tigers rank 111th in FCS in rush defense (213 yards). The Tigers have been better against the pass (210 yards, 71st in FCS), but still rank 101st in FCS in total defense (423 yards). Linebacker Jordan Manning (91 tackles, eight tackles for loss) will also close out a memorable career for the Tigers against the Dukes, having led the Towson in tackles three out of his four seasons at Towson.

James Madison has been nothing less than a juggernaut since back-to-back mid- season scares against Richmond and Villanova. The Dukes have won by an average of 29 points in their last two outings and boast an overall 21-point average margin of victory for the season.

Payton Award candidate Rodney Landers (1,260 yards rushing, 11 TDs, 1,150 yards passing, 14 TDs, three interceptions) has spurred an offense that churns out 382 yards per game (38th in FCS) at quarterback. Other than Landers' contributions to the running game, Eugene Holloman (647 yards, seven TDs) and Griff Yancey (379 yards, seven TDs) have also been key elements in the attack.

The Dukes field the 15th-best defense in FCS (293 yards per game), and are 20th nationally against the pass (161 yards per game). That bodes well going against Schaefer. Schaefer will be challenged by the league's top safety, Marcus Haywood (74 tackles, four interceptions).

Schaefer and Towson may have what it takes to keep it close for three quarters playing on sheer emotion, however, the Tigers don't possess enough weapons on offense to stay in the game much after that.

James Madison 35, Towson 21

No.2 Appalachian State (9-2, 7-0 SoCon) at Western Carolina (3-8, 1-6 SoCon), 3 p.m.

The annual Battle for the Old Mountain Jug between Appalachian State and Western Carolina, a game in which the Mountaineers have won 21 of the last 23 meetings, reached an all-time low for the Catamounts last season. Western Carolina surrendered a program-worst 79 points and 703 yards of total offense in coach Kent Briggs' final game.

First-year coach Dennis Wagner has seen improvement in the Catamounts, including breaking a three-year drought without a SoCon win. Western Carolina is inexperienced at quarterback, but freshman quarterback Zach Jaynes (1,100 yards, 10 TDs, four interceptions) has been the at the controls of the league's second-best passing attack (207 yards per game). The rushing attack has also been part of the offensive youth movement, led by redshirt sophomore Quan Warley (658 rushing yards, two TDs).

The Catamounts' defense has found few positives to point to this season, however, Western Carolina has been able to produce turnovers in the passing game (11 interceptions), with safeties Antoine George (team-leading four interceptions) and cornerback Mitchell Bell (three interceptions) combining for seven of those picks. Overall, Western Carolina's defense ranks 84th nationally in total defense (372 yards), but is 25th in the FCS in pass defense (176 yards per game).

The Mountaineers, fresh off claiming a share of their fourth-straight SoCon title, still have work to do if it wants to clinch a top-two seed. With a win, Appalachian will almost certainly be assured of three playoff games at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The Mountaineers' coaching staff may, however, decide to rest a less-than 100% running back Robert Welton (521 rushing yards, 11 TDs) and a banged up Armanti Edwards (2,146 passing yards, 25 TDs, two interceptions, 890 rushing yards, nine TDs) will probably only garner limited action. Welton has a shoulder injury and Edwards suffered a hip-pointer last week.

Appalachian's pass defense, which has helped contribute to conference-leading 18 interceptions, ranks 46th nationally against the pass (188 yards per game),anchored by ball-hawking safety Mark LeGree (FCS-leading nine interceptions).The Mountaineers' top tackler continues to be linebacker Jacques Roman (105 tackles).

The Mountaineers have too many weapon for a young WCU club and should clinch a seed for the first time since 2006 in convincing fashion.

Appalachian State 49, Western Carolina 14

No.3 Cal Poly (8-1) at Wisconsin (6-5), 3:30 p.m.

Winners of seven straight, Cal Poly could make an emphatic statement for a top- four seed with a win over FBS traditional power Wisconsin. If anything, Cal Poly's offense will offer the Badgers something they will have problems preparing for, much less being able to stop.

The Mustangs already have one FBS win over San Diego State in the season opener and could join North Dakota State (2007) and The Citadel (1992) as teams with two FBS wins in the same season.

Wisconsin was fortunate to beat a talented Citadel team, 38-24, that paid a visit to Camp Randall last season. This season, an experienced club welcomes one of the FCS' elite in their house Saturday. That hasn't been a recipe for success in the very recent past. Despite the 17 starters that have returned from a 9-4 team last season, the difference could be speed.

Offensively, the Badgers figure to get a strong dose of the quarterback- receiver tandem of Jonathan Dally (1,680 yards, 20 TDs, one interception,526 rushing yards, eight TDs) and Ramses Barden (55 receptions, 19.4 yards per catch, 1,066 receiving yards, 15 TD receptions).

There's not many at the college level that can stop the 6-6 Barden, and that's only part of the concern for coach Bret Bielema's Badgers. If they manage to slow Mustangs' main weapon, they must also account for a running game that averages 304 yards per game, led by slotbacks James Noble (489 yards, eight TDs) and Ryan Mole (573 yards, nine TDs). In all, the Cal Poly offense leads the FCS in scoring offense (46.4 points per game), total offense (494 yards)

The Cal Poly defense (343 yards per game, 55th in FCS) must account for a strong Badgers' rushing attack, powered 250-pound running back P.J. Hill (962 yards, 11 TDs). The Badgers have experienced some growing pains having to replace last year's leader Tyler Donovan at quarteraback.Junior signal-caller Dustin Sherer took over for (1,012 yards, four TDs, four interceptions) for senior starter Allan Evridge (949 yards, five TDs, five interceptions), who suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Fresno State.

The Mustangs' defense ranks ninth in FCS against the run (87 yards per game), while having one of FCS' top pass rushes. (3.67 sacks per game, second in FCS). Linebacker Carlton Gillespie heads the unit with seven sacks, while fellow linebacker Fred Hives leads the team in total stops (75 tackles).

The Badgers are solid defensively themselves, ranking 33rd in FBS in total defense (318 yards per game) and have excelled against the run (120 yards per game, 32nd in FBS). Pacing the Wisconsin defense this season has been sophomore cornerback Niles Brinkley, who has 66 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions. He'll likely draw the tall task of checking Barden.

Cal Poly should again serves notice of the narrowing talent gap between elite FCS schools against traditional powers of the Big Ten, but the Mustangs probably don't have the defense, or the depth to withstand the Badgers offensive and defensive lines.

Wisconsin 38, Cal Poly 31

No. 4 Northern Iowa (9-2) at Southern Utah (4-6), 3 p.m.

The good news for Northern Iowa is the Panthers are still in contention for one of the top-four seeds. The bad news is the Panthers will have to do so without Johnny Gray and Victor Williams the rest of the way. The two were arrested on drug charges and suspended just prior to last week's contest with Indiana State. On Monday, both were dismissed from the team.

The Panthers will close out the season against Southern Utah, and can become the sixth team in UNI history to complete the season with 10 wins. UNI, which already owns a share of the Missouri Valley Conference title, can also earn the league's automatic bid and win the title outright, if Southern Illinois loses at Illinois State.

Northern Iowa's defense was able to whitewash its second-consecutive opponent in the 28-0 win over Indiana State. UNI's 16th-ranked defense (298 yards per game) is paced by linebackers Josh Mahoney and Derrick Lloyd. The Panthers have allowed just 16 points per game, sixth-best in FCS.

Offensively, the Panthers have been pretty vanilla the past few weeks, with a run-heavy attack, centered around star running back Corey Lewis (1,025, eight TDs). Lewis needs 122 rushing yards to become set the all-time UNI rushing record with 3,835 yards. Pat Grace (1,245 yards, nine TDs, five interceptions) and Zach Davis (496 yards, three TDs, one interception) have split time at quarterback.

Southern Utah has have shown marked improvement under coach Ed Lamb after a winless 2007 season. The offense has been directed by senior quarterback Cody Stone (2,413 yards, 20 TDs, 19 interceptions). He has one of the nation's top wide receivers to in Tysson Poots (74 receptions, 14.8 yards per reception, 1,098 yards, 12 TDs).

A Thunderbird defense which yields 209 yards per game on the ground (110th in FCS), is led by junior linebacker Robert Takeno (89 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss).

Despite SUU's improvements, Lewis and the Panthers' strong running game should make quick work of Southern Utah's weak run defense.

Northern Iowa 40, Southern Utah 6

Montana State (7-4, 5-2 Big Sky) at No. 5 Montana (10-1, 6-1 Big Sky), 2:05

Montana State and Montana both have something to play for other than one's sheer bitterness towards the other in the 108th commencement of the Brawl of the Wild.

From Montana's point of view, it still holds out hope that with a win and an 11-1 record, the Grizzlies might have done enough to garner one of those top- four seeds despite a loss to conference champion Weber State. Montana State wants to end the year on a five-game winning streak and claim third place in the Big Sky all to itself, in addition to beating its bitter, cross-state rival.

There's no doubt the Grizzlies offense will be tested against a revived Bobcats' defense, led by senior linebacker Bobby Daly (69 tackles). The Bobcats' defense has been a major part of their late season run, leading the league in that department, yielding just 317 yards per game. Montana State's strength defensively has been its ability to defend the run, ranking seventh in FCS (86 yards per game).

Sticking with that theme, the Montana State offense has fielded the league's top ground attack (172 yards per game, 35th in FCS), led by the Big Sky's second-leading rusher, Demetrius Crawford (1,111 yards, eight TDs). After an injury to starting quarterback Cody Kempt, Mark Desin did a (183 yards, two interceptions, one TD) a nice job, drawing his first-career start in a replacement role. He relied mostly on Crawford rather than his arm in the 49-32 win over Portland State.

Montana counters with the nation's 18th best offense (410 yards), led by one of the FCS' top quarterbacks, Cole Bergquist (2,301 yards, 23 TDs, five interceptions). The Grizzlies have seen their running game take off under the direction of Chase Reynolds (880 yards, 13 TDs), to bolster the league's second-best ground attack (171 yards per game). Mike Ferriter (40 catches, 16.7 yards per reception, nine TDs) and Marc Mariani (51 receptions, 18.9 yards per catch, 13 TDs) continue to do their thing in the passing game, to complete the balanced offense.

Fortunately for the Grizzlies, they have been stronger defending the run (109 yards per game, 25th in FCS) than the pass this season (209 yards per game, 69th in FCS), and that could prove to be the difference, facing the physical running attack of Montana State.

Defensive end Jace Palmer (7.5 sacks) and defensive tackle Mike Stadnyk (7.5 sacks) are responsible for generating much of the pass rush, while safety Colt Anderson's 79 tackles and two interceptions continue to be mark of leadership for an otherwise young Montana defense.

Look for the Grizzlies make a statement for seed with a hard-fought win over their bitter rivals.

Montana 27, Montana State 17

No. 6 Villanova (8-2, 6-1 CAA) at Delaware (4-7, 2-5 CAA), 2:30 p.m.

Villanova will look to earn a top-four seed in the FCS playoffs if it can overcome arch-rival Delaware in the season finale for the second-consecutive season. The Wildcats are just a Hail Mary away from being a a certain seed with a win over the Blue Hens.

The 42nd meeting between the two schools represents an end to a long, arduous season for the Blue Hens. A season that began with so many expectations coming off their national runner-up finish in 2007 and started with a promising 14-7 loss at Maryland, has gone south from there. Delaware could salvage some pride with a win. The Blue Hens have lost seven games in a season for the first time since 1983 and just the fifth time in school history.

Certainly Delaware's defense has been a solid force this season and was responsible for the Blue Hens' 14 points in a 31-14 loss to Richmond, as safety Tyrone Grant had 55-yard fumble return for a score and fellow safety Charles Graves had a 57-yard interception return for a score in the 17-point loss to the Spiders.The Delaware defense, led by Graves' 64 tackles, ranks a respectable 37th nationally in yards allowed per game (328 yards per game).

The Blue Hens' offense on the other hand, has had a multitude of problems moving the ball this season, ranking 106th nationally in total offense (285 yards per game), 101st in passing offense (146 yards per game) and 102nd in scoring offense (18 points per game).

Quarterback Rob Schoenhoft (1,163 yards, six TDs, 12 interceptions) returned briefly to the lineup in last week's loss to Richmond after having had three concussions already in 2008, but backup Lou Ritacco (287 yards of passing) took the bulk of the snaps as Delaware had just 53 yards and three first downs last week. Junior Jabbie (392 yards, three TDs) leads the running game.

Villanova's defense, which ranks 30th nationally (317 yards per game), has held seven of its 10 opponents under 100 yards rushing this season, which is ominous for a Delaware team that has trouble establishing any sort of passing game this season. Seniors Greg Miller (41 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks) and Dave Dalessandro (33 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss) and junior Tim Kukucka (6.5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss) anchor the defensive line.

Offensively, Villanova was able to eclipse the 2,000-yard rushing mark for the season in the Towson game and are averaging 204 yards per game on the ground this season. That stat, however, was overshadowed by quarterback Chris Whitney (1,084 yards, eight TDs, four interceptions), who threw for a career-high 212 yards in the 34-31 win. The Wildcats' running game (200 yards per game, 18th in FCS), has been powered Aaron Ball (847 yards, nine TDs).

This is a rivalry game that's normally close, but under the circumstances, Villanova's defense should dominate the Blue Hen offense to guide a comfortable and set up the possibility of a top-four seed.

Villanova 31, Delaware 7

No. 7 Richmond (8-3, 5-2 CAA) at No. 16 William & Mary (7-3, 5-2 CAA), 12 p.m.

William & Mary and Richmond represent the oldest rivalry in the south, but only one will likely earn an invitation to the FCS postseason, with a playoff berth hinging on the outcome of the 118th meeting between the two storied programs.

Looking to make its first FCS postseason appearance since advancing to the 2004 semifinals, William & Mary suffered a blow its playoff hopes last week with a 48-24 loss at James Madison. The Tribe could salvage those postseason hopes with a win against Richmond.

Quarterback Jake Phillips (2,039 yards, 21 TDs, 11 interceptions) leads an offense that has scored at least 24 points in every game this season. The Tribe attack has been among the nation's top-notch units in scoring (34 points per game), passing average (243 yards, 30th in FCS) and total offense (413 yards, 17th in FCS), while also sporting a reputable running game (170 yards), led by Jonathan Grimes (877 yards, seven TDs).

The Tribe's defense has been solid, but they are a unit that showed the potential to give up big yardage on the ground in the loss to the Dukes (317 yards on the ground). Adrian Tracy (8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss), one of the CAA's top pass-rushers, is the ringleader of the Tribe's defense, while freshman linebacker Jake Trantin leads the defense with 70 tackles.

William & Mary faces a Richmond offense that specializes on physical dominance in the trenches to free running back Josh Vaughn. Vaughn's rushing total of 1,279 yards on the ground is more than the combined 1,153 rushing yardage totaled by the Spiders' opponents this season. Quarterback Eric Ward (2,008 yards, 11 TDs, five interceptions) has big-game experience and has a reliable aerial target in Kevin Grayson (44 catches, 13.6 yards per catch, one TD catch).

After holding Delaware to just 53 yards total offense on 40 plays last week, the Richmond defense certainly has a measure of confidence, however, that number is relative to a team that was one-dimensional offensively.

The Spiders know they'll face a prolific Tribe passing game, but the Richmond has an experienced secondary, led by safety Derek Hatcher (58 tackles, two interceptions, one TD) and cornerback Justin Rodgers (four interceptions, two TDs). Those two help anchor a unit ranked fifth nationally against the pass (145 yards per game).

The experience of the Spiders' defense, especially in the secondary, should prove to be the deciding factor for Richmond.

Richmond 28, William & Mary 27

Eastern Washington (5-5, 4-3 Big Sky) at No. 8 Weber State (9-2, 7-0 Big Sky), 2:05 p.m.

Weber State looks to finish of its magical regular-season in style and head into the playoffs riding plenty of momentum when it hosts Eastern Washington, who'll be playing for its second-consecutive winning season.

The Eagles, the preseason favorites to take the Big Sky title and a team ranked in the top-10 nationally, have had a disappointing season. They were supposed to be the team in the shoes Weber State finds itself in heading into this matchup.

One of the reasons the Eagles season went sour is their play on defense. But the defense has played better of late, leading EWU to wins over Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado in the past two weeks.

Despite sporting the nation's 103rd ranked defense (427 yards per game), the Eagles have held five opponents to under 20 points for the first time since 1984. Buchanan Award favorite Greg Peach (18 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 67 tackles) will close out his career in Ogden after turning in a season reminiscent of some of his Big Sky predecessors at defensive end.

Quarterback Matt Nichols (3,051 yards, 19 TDs, 13 interceptions) leads an Eastern Washington offense that ranks sixth nationally in passing offense (306 yards per game) and 29th overall in total offense (393 yards per game). He has three of the Big Sky's premier receivers to throw the ball to in Aaron Boyce (57 catches, 14.9 average, eight TDs), Brynsen Brown (50 receptions, 14.6 average, four TDs) and Tony Davis (50 catches, 11.0 average, three TDs). But the Eagle running game, featuring tailback Dale Morris and fullback Alexis Alexander, has been disappointing.

Weber State's offense has plenty of firepower of its own (452 yards per game, seventh in FCS), sparked by Payton Award candidate Cameron Higgins (3,479 yards, 33 TDs, eight interceptions) at quarterback. Trevyn Smith (1,173 yards, 15 TDs) generates much of the electricity on the ground.

Higgins certainly has a corps of receivers in tight end Cody Nakamura (37 receptions, 16.6 yards per catch, nine TDs) and Tim Toone (60 receptions, 18.2 yards per catch, 1,097 receiving yards, six TDs) to rival Nichols' contingent.

The Weber State defense (332 yards per game, 45th in FCS) ranks second in the Big Sky against the pass (216 yards per game, 76th in FCS) and the Wildcats have one of the league's best pass-rushers of their own in defensive end Kevin Linehan (9.5 sacks).

The Wildcats have had too much firepower on offense and enough defense to dominate the rest of the league. There is little reason to see them stumble with a playoff seed on the line at home.

Weber State 49, Eastern Washington 21

No. 20 Furman (7-4, 4-3 SoCon) at No. 9 Wofford (8-2, 6-1 SoCon), 12 p.m.

If Furman had been able to defend its home turf last week, the Paladins might have been playing for more than pride when they meet Wofford in the Palmetto State's oldest rivalry (first met in 1889) in the regular-season finale.

After losing to Georgia Southern last week, Furman will miss the playoff in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1997-98.

Wofford on the other hand, hopes to make its third overall appearance in the FCS postseason, and for the first time in consecutive seasons as a Division I member. The Terriers could bolster their resume for a home playoff game with a win over another FCS ranked opponent by defeating the Paladins.

Wofford has steam rolled opponents running the football (346 yards per game, leads FCS), while using its passing attack (127 yards per game) to burn opponents for long gains (16.8 yards per pass plays). Senior quarterback Ben Widmyer has orchestrated the Terriers' offense (474 yards per game, second in FCS) with proficiency all season, fashioning 169 yards per game of total offense (62 rushing yards, 107 yards passing). Dane Romero has put up Terrier- like rushing numbers as the feature back, while Andy Strickland (27 catches, 20 yards per reception, six TD grabs) is the lethal receiving threat.

Furman's offense has seen a gradual decline over the latter-half of the season, with two of its three worst offensive totals in its last two outings against Samford (298 yards) and Georgia Southern (305 yards). Signal-caller Jordan Sorrells (2,312 passing yards, 16 TDs, 10 interceptions) have been a part of an inconsistent offense. Wide receiver Adam Mims (52 receptions, 12.6 average, three TDs) and senior offensive guard Joel Bell have been Furman's most valuable performers on offense in 2008.

The Paladins' defense had their most frustrating day of the season in the loss to Georgia Southern, allowing Georgia Southern quarterback Lee Chapple to establish school standards for attempts (57) and completions (39). Despite the disappointment last week, the secondary has been much improved, anchored by cornerback William Middleton (89 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions) and safety Max Lerner (78 tackles, four interceptions).

Furman has defended the run well this season (135 yards per game, 48th in FCS), but the Paladins haven't faced a team that boasts the rushing prowess and offensive line strengths the Terriers possess. For the first time in quite a while, Furman is a decisive underdog to its upstate counterparts.

Wofford 31, Furman 14

No. 10 Southern Illinois (8-2, 6-1 MVFC) at Illinois State (3-7, 2-5 MVFC), 1:30 p.m.

Southern Illinois head coach Dale Lennon will look to cap a dream inaugural season in Carbondale with a win over Illinois State before leading his top-10 Salukis into postseason play. Lennon is looking to become just third first-year coach in Missouri Valley Conference history to claim at least a share of the league crown in his first year at the helm.

Also at stake for the Salukis is the outside possibility of grabbing a top-four seed, boasting a win over conference heavyweight Northern Iowa, 27-24, earlier this season. No one seems to have an answer for running back Larry Warner (1,123 rushing yards, nine TDs, 13 kickoff returns, 462 return yards, three kickoff returns for TDs, 35.5 yards per return), who's also the reigning national special teams player of the week. Warner has been the catalyst for a Southern Illinois offense (363 yards per game, 51st in FCS) that had to break in a new starter at quarterback coming into the season.

Quarterback Chris Dieker (1,747 yards, 14 TDs, eight interceptions) has benefited from having Warner carrying the pigskin and also owes a tremendous amount of gratitude to a Salukis' defense that ranks (314 yards per game, 26th in FCS).

The nation's 16th-ranked rush defense (98 yards per game) is centered around a linebacking corps that ranks among the nation's elite with Chauncey Mixon (59 tackles, five sacks) and Brandin Jordan (80 tackles, three sacks). Marty Rodgers (59 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one interception return for a score) has been able to assert his leadership in the secondary, and is coming off MVFC Player of the Week plaudits after his 10 tackles and an interception return for a score in the victory over South Dakota State.

Illinois State has dropped three of the last five in the series to the Salukis and will bid farewell to 15 seniors, including senior tailback Walter Mendenhall (640 yards rushing, 11 TDs) and free safety Tom Nelson on defense (70 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception).

With so much on the line, look for SIU to overcome a tough road venue with its tough defense and hard-nosed rushing game.

Southern Illinois 30, Illinois State 20

No. 11 New Hampshire (8-2, 5-2 CAA) at No. 17 Maine (8-3, 5-2 CAA), 12 p.m.

The 98th renewal of the battle for the Brice-Cowell Musket between Maine and New Hampshire will carry on added significance with a CAA North Division title and a probable playoff berth.

Many feel that even with a New Hampshire loss to the Black Bears, the Wildcats are already comfortably in the 16-team field. However, with a weak non- conference slate that includes wins over the likes of Dartmouth and fledgling FBS Army, the prospects of a playoff bid aren't written in stone with a New Hampshire.

Maine could earn its first conference title and playoff berth since 2002 and its 12th league crown in school history. To do that, Maine, winners of six- straight, will have to keep an explosive Wildcats' offense off the field by controlling the clock with its running game.

Jhamal Fluellen (525 yards, two TDs) and Jared Turcotte (582 yards, seven TDs) lead the nation's 16th-ranked rushing attack (202 yards per game, 16th in FCS). Quarterback Michael Brusko (658 yards, seven TDs, one interception) has been a major part of the success offensively. After taking over for an injured Adam Farkes as the full-time starter mid-season, he leads an offense that averages 341 yards per game (67th in FCS).

Defense continues to be a staple of Jack Cosgrove-coached teams, and the 2008 campaign has been another example of that (318 yards per game, 32nd in FCS). Led by Buchanan Award candidate Jovan Belcher (86 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss) at defensive end, the Black Bears might have what it takes to cause New Hampshire quarterback R.J. Toman (2,483 yards, 25 TDs, seven interceptions) and the a New Hampshire passing attack that ranks nationally real difficulties in the season finale.

Cornerbacks Lamir Whetstone (53 tackles, four interceptions) and Norman Smith (34 tackles, three interceptions) are the keys in the secondary, giving the Black Bears also have the experience and athleticism to matchup with New Hampshire talented receiving targets Mike Boyle (53 receptions, 16.4 yards per catch, eight TDs) and tight end Scott Sicko (39 catches, 12.0 yards per catch, seven TD receptions).

New Hampshire's strength on defense this season has been its ability to stop the run effectively (132 yards, 44th in FCS), despite ranking 83rd nationally in total defense.

With Maine not being a threat to beat them with the pass (139 yards per game passing, 104th in FCS), the Wildcats game plan might be to sellout against the Fluellen and company, forcing Brusko to beat them with the pass.

The Wildcats' defense has most of its playoff experience on defense, with senior linebacker Matt Parent (73 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one interception return for a TD) and safety John Clements (65 tackles, two interceptions, one interception return for a TD).

That could prove to be the ultimate advantage for the Wildcats in Orono.

New Hampshire 30, Maine 24

No. 12 Elon (8-3) at No. 22 Liberty (9-2), 1 p.m.

Elon and Liberty, two teams that have never tasted Division I postseason play, will have the opportunity to play their way in this weekend.

The game will also showcase two Payton Award candidates in Elon wide receiver Terrell Hudgins (79 receptions, 13.5 yards per catch, 1,066 receiving yards, 10 TD catches) and Liberty running back Rashad Jennings (1,391, 16 TDs). Hudgins had a career day against Liberty last year, torching the Flames' secondary for 219 yards and four scoring grabs in Elon's 42-14 throttling of Liberty. Meanwhile, the Elon defense was able to limit Jennings to just 48 yards rushing.

Elon and Liberty also have another thing in common, two of the nation's premier quarterbacks. Elon signal-caller Scott Riddle (2,667 passing yards, 24 TDs, 15 interceptions) is one of the nation's top passers, leading a Phoenix passing attack that ranks 25th nationally (248 yards per game). Besides Hudgins, Riddle has other capable targets to throw to, such as Bo Williamson (43 receptions, 12.2 average, seven TD receptions).

Brock Smith (2,347 passing yards, 19 TDs, six interceptions), the Big South's top quarterback, heads up a Liberty offense that ranks eighth nationally in total average per game (450 yards per game) and a passing attack that ranks 37th in FCS (230 yards per game).

Smith's favorite targets have been Dominic Bolden (50 catches, 19.2 yards per catch, 960 receiving yards, nine TD receptions) and Jonathan Crawford (45 catches, 15.1 yards per catch, 683 receiving yards, six TD grabs). Behind Jennings, the Flames have managed to roll up 221 yards per game on the ground to rank 11th in the nation in rushing offense.

Elon's defense will have its hands full yet again this week, having faced the nation's third-best offensive unit last in week at Appalachian State. Fortunately for the Phoenix, they have seen drastic improvements on defense in 2008, due in large part to being healthy down the stretch. Injuries on defense were one of the main reasons the Phoenix went from 6-2 and playoff-bound last season to 7-4 and missing out on the postseason.

The Phoenix's unit ranks 34th in FCS in total defense (320 yards per game), 48th against the run (151 yards per game) and 33rd against the pass (181 yards per game). Defensive tackle Daniel Jordan (five sacks) powers a solid Elon pass-rush that already has six more sacks (25) than it finished the 2007 season with (19).Linebackers Brandon Wiggins (79 tackles) and Corey Weaver (67 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss) remain the core of the Phoenix's defense.

Liberty's defense will see many of the same tendencies and trends in Elon's offense that plagued them in a devastating loss at Presbyterian a couple of weeks ago, only Elon presents more of a running threat with Brandon Newsome (903 yards rushing, two TDs).

The Flames haven't fared particularly well against the pass (209 yards per game) this season, and that might be the final nail in the coffin for a possible FCS playoff berth.

Elon 34, Liberty 28

No.13 McNeese State (7-3, 4-2 Southland) at No.14 Central Arkansas (9-2, 5-1 Southland), 5 p.m.

By virtue of Central Arkansas' being ineligible to win the Southland Football title, three teams remain in the hunt for the league crown in the final week of the regular-season.

Central Arkansas, which has the best record in the Southland, knew it wasn't going to factor into the playoff picture due to completing FCS transitional requirements, however, it never dreamed it would be ineligible for a league crown until the NCAA outraged fans in Conway, AK.last week by declaring the Bears also ineligible for the league title.

McNeese has to win and have a little help to garner a third-straight bid to the postseason, while hoping for a Texas State loss at Sam Houston State.

In the first-ever meeting between the Cowboys and Bears last season, McNeese earned a 41-14 victory to finish the season unscathed in league play. Central Arkansas, which finished 5-2 in league action last fall, could have actually won a tangible piece of the league title last season had it been able to win in Lake Charles.

Two of the league's top quarterbacks will be on display in Central Arkansas' Nathan Brown (2,953 yards, 29 TDs, three interceptions) and McNeese State's Derek Fourroux (1,891, 16 TDs, four interceptions).

Offensively, both the Bears (440 yards per game) and Cowboys (465 yards, No. 1 in FCS) have put up big numbers, with McNeese State boasting a more balanced attack (237 yards rushing, 228 yards passing), powered the league's top running back, Toddrick Penland (1,321 yards, 12 TDs).

Brown and the Bears' offense counter with the Southland's to receiving corps, led by Marquez Branson (52 catches, 16.8 yards per catch, 10 TDs), Willie Landers (40 receptions, 16.8 yards per catch, seven TDs) and Eric Ware (47 catches, 14.4 yards per catch, four TDs). McNeese's main threat in the passing game is multi-talented Steven Whitehead (52 receptions, 13.8 yards per catch, four TDs).

The Bears have the league's best pass rush, paced by defensive end Larry Hart, who leads the league in tackles for loss (20.5) and sacks (11.5). Defending the run might be the key to a win today for the Bears. UCA has done a decent job on run defense (158 yards), but will be offered their stiffest challenge in the 2008 finale.

McNeese has shored up some of its defensive woes it encountered early in the season against the pass, however, the Cowboys are still allowing 230 yards per game through the air (90th in FCS). Linebacker Allen Nelson (63 tackles, four sacks) and Deron Minor (60 tackles) are the strength of the defense, while Jamelle Juneau (24 tackles, two interceptions, one TD) offers that playoff edge in the secondary the Cowboys may need to get a win and receive a postseason bid.

McNeese State 28, Central Arkansas 24

No. 15 South Carolina State (9-2, 7-0 MEAC) at North Carolina A&T (3-8, 1-6 MEAC), 1:30 p.m.

South Carolina State looks to put the finishing touches on its first 10-win season since its appearance in the Bicentennial Bowl in 1976, when the Bulldogs tangle with arch-rival North Carolina A&T before taking part in its first FCS playoff game in 26 years.

The MEAC champs have had their way with pretty much everyone offensively, as quarterback Malcolm Long (1,602 yards, 10 TDs, one interception) has thrived in his first season as the starter. Will Ford (1,221 yards, 11 TDs) and Travil Jamison (511 yards 13 TDs) being the primary leaders of a potent Bulldogs' running game (199 yards per, 20th in FCS).

South Carolina State's defense has also been able to impose its will on MEAC foes in 2008, especially against the pass (157 yards per game, 16th in FCS), while also being almost as stingy against the run (110 yards per game, 20th in FCS). The physical unit relies on six senior starters, with a pass-rush fueled by defensive end Cedric Lloyd (seven sacks), while linebacker Marshall McFadden (71 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks) is the league's best all- around defender.

North Carolina A&T has prided itself on its running game (119 yards per game, 77th in FCS) in through its tumultuous offensive woes (217 yards per game, 116th in FCS) in 2008. That that ground game has been tailback Michael Ferguson (587 yards, while the Aggies' field general responsibilities have been led by Herb Miller (677 yards, three TDs, seven interceptions).

The Aggies hope their 40th-ranked defense (33 yards per game) is a harbinger for a successful 2009 campaign, but it won't serve as one in the 2008 regular- season finale.

South Carolina State 42, North Carolina A&T 7

Eastern Kentucky (7-3, 6-1 OVC) at No.18 Tennessee-Martin (8-3, 6-1 OVC), 1 p.m.

Both Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee-Martin have split the last two Ohio Valley Conference titles (EKU 2007, UTM 2006) along with the league's automatic berths to the postseason. Eastern Kentucky is the traditional league power, having posted 19 league crowns and 18 FCS postseason appearances, while the Skyhawks are the emerging power, looking to challenge the old-guard Colonels.

For the Colonels to claim their first back-to-back OVC crowns since the completing the feat in the 1993-94 campaigns, they'll need to get the kind of consistent production out of running back C.J. Walker (627 yards, seven TDs) and 2007 OVC Player of the Year quarterback Allan Holland (1,834, six TDs, six interceptions) in the passing game.

To extend its winning streak to seven games, Eastern Kentucky will have its hands full against a Skyhawks' offense that is averaging 37.9 points per game. Tennessee-Martin may well look to avoid Colonel safety Zach Denton (50 tackles, five interceptions), who's recorded an interception in four of the last five games, leading a an Eastern Kentucky defense that surrenders an average of 199.4 (60th in FCS) yards per game through the air.

Tennessee-Martin's aerial success is largely due to fielding one of the league's best quarterbacks, Cade Thompson (2,261, 22 TDs, 10 interceptions). The South Carolina transfer also has a receiving corps rivaled by few around the FCS, led by Roren Thomas (28 receptions, 20.2 yards per catch, six TDs) and Mike Hicks (54 receptions, 13.8 yards per catch, 10 TDs). That trio helps comprise the nation's 27th-best offense in FCS (397 yards per game).

For the Skyhawks to garner their first win in 18 previous meetings against the Colonels, they'll need to get a solid performance of a ground defense that yields 161 yards per contest. The stalwart of the Tennessee-Martin defense has been linebacker Josh Bey (83 tackles), while cornerback Dontrell Miller (four interceptions, two interceptions returned for TDs, three fumble returns for TDs).

Look for Eastern Kentucky to see its postseason hopes dashed by Tennessee- Martin's offensive prowess as the Skyhawks claims its first win over the Colonels along with its second league title and the automatic bid to the playoffs.

Tennessee-Martin 27, Eastern Kentucky 24

Yale (6-3, 4-2 League) at No. 19 Harvard (8-1, 5-1 Ivy League), 12 p.m.

Harvard will look to notch a share of its 13th Ivy League title when it meets Yale for the 125th time in college football's most-storied rivalry. Yale is still holding out hope for a three or four-way crown, but the Bulldogs need a lot of help to add to its Ivy League-standard 14 titles, Yale must hope Brown defeats Columbia in addition to a Yale victory.

It will be a classic matchup of Harvard's nation's 16th-ranked pass offense (265 yards per game) powered by Payton Award candidate quarterback Chris Pizzotti, (2,381, 17 TDs, four interceptions) against the nation's stingiest scoring defense (10.5 points per game), platoon by linebacker and Buchanan award candidate Bobby Abare (68 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions, four sacks).

The Yale defense has accounted for four of Yale's 23 TDs this fall. Abare has a couple of TDs in 2008, an 86-yard fumble return and a 32-yard interception return to account for those 12 points.

Pizzotti will have to be cautious against the league's most opportunistic pass defense, as Yale has picked off a league-best 19 passes, including four from Abare and Paul running back-turned-defensive back Paul Rice who has matched Abare's team-leading total. The Crimson also has to be wary of Yale's league- leading pass-rush, which averages 2.2 sacks.

The Harvard offense (395 yards per game) will offer the Yale defense a variety of different threats in the annual clash of Ivy League titans, as Pizzotti can hook up with top receiver Matt Luft (51 receptions, 17.1 yards per catch, five TDs), or keep the Bulldogs' defense honest by getting production out of Crimson top tailback Gino Gordon (410 yards, four TDs).

Yale's offense will counter with a strong running game led by one of the sub- classification's most-dangerous threats, Mike McLeod (780 yards, six TDs). Quarterback Brook Hart (883 yards, seven TDs, two interceptions) leads an offense that puts amasses an average of an average of 276 yards per game.

Harvard looked like the team of destiny in last week's 24-21 win at Penn and that scenario can play itself out in another dramatic Crimson win.

Harvard 21, Yale 20

Holy Cross (7-3, 5-0 Patriot League) at No. 21 Colgate (8-2, 4-0 Patriot League), 1 p.m.

The Patriot League title and a playoff bid will be on the line for Colgate and Holy Cross in the 71st meeting between the two Empire State rivals. Last year, the Raiders were able to put an end to Holy Cross' six-game winning streak with a 27-20 road win in Utica, N.Y.

Though veteran coach Dick Biddle led the Raiders to a national runner-up finish in 2003, he may have done his best coaching in his 13 seasons at the helm of the Colgate program. An early season injury to starting quarterback Alex Guinn and the more significant loss of one of the FCS' all-time great runners Jordan Scott, Biddle has done a masterful job in leading the Raiders to eight-straight wins.

The Raiders have gotten solid production from signal-caller Greg Sullivan (1,398 yards, nine TDs, seven interceptions, 789 yards, seven TDs), while Scott's replacement Nick Eachus (754 yards, nine TDs) has put a yeoman-like effort in the absence of Scott in the backfield. With Eachus leading the charge effectively, Colgate has been able to maintain its status as one of the FCS' top%