Week 2 Other Conferences Game Breakdowns
Most of the conferences not at the top of Football Championship Subdivision play are still in non-conference mode… and the Ivy League hasn’t begun play yet… so Week 2 is still loaded with games that could be one-sided. Or are they? The in-state rivalry for control of Delaware could get interesting, and Saturday night has a battle between Montana State and Drake. Enjoy Week 2!
Albany at Robert Morris, Saturday, 12:00
After the first week of the Northeast Conference season, the only school to have a winning record was Albany. That’s right. Every other NEC school lost. That doesn’t mean the NEC will be a steaming pile of you-know-what when league play begins, but it makes you wonder about the quality a little bit. Albany defeated Colgate 40-23 in Week 1 behind Drew Smith’s 174 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Robert Morris started out the season with a 52-0 drubbing at the hands of North Dakota State, one of the top teams in all of the FCS. This game will be somewhat closer, but the edge goes to the team from New York.
Projected score: Albany 42, Robert Morris 14
#24 Delaware at Delaware State, Saturday, 3:30
The in-state rivalry for bragging rights in Delaware pits these two undefeated teams against each other in what could be a solid Week 2 showdown. Delaware, a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, started off its season with a 41-21 victory over West Chester, a member of NCAA Division II and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. It was a victory, but Delaware thought better things were ahead in Week 1. Delaware State only scored a 17-10 win over VMI to start its season off on a close note. So what to make of this game? Is Delaware weaker than anticipated? The same for Delaware State? Both teams recorded victories, and this game could be interesting in either direction.
Projected score: Delaware 23, Delaware State 20
Fordham at Villanova, Saturday, 3:30
The Colonial Athletic Association goes up against the Patriot League in this non-conference showdown. Fordham uses scholarship players while the other schools in the league do not, so Fordham is ineligible for the Patriot championship. Still, a win over this CAA power would be a big feather in Fordham’s cap. Fordham started its season with a 55-0 drubbing of Division II Lock Haven, while Villanova lost to Temple, 41-10, in the battle of the Philadelphia football powers at Lincoln Financial Field. Forget Fordham’s drubbing of Lock Haven. This game will be closer, and Fordham will have a chance.
Projected score: Fordham 28, Villanova 17
Alcorn State at #5 James Madison, Saturday, 6:00
Another CAA school goes outside the conference when Alcorn State plays James Madison in an FCS showdown. Alcorn State and Alabama A&M were the only Southwestern Conference East Division schools to win their opening-week contests. In the Port City Classic at Shreveport, La., Alcorn State barely squeaked by Grambling State, 22-21, getting first-year coach Jay Hopson’s reign off to a good start. James Madison, one of the higher-ranked teams this season, began the season with a 55-7 win over St. Francis (Pa.). James Madison was one of the top schools during the 2011 season, and there is no question the Dukes will go far once again.
Projected score: James Madison 37, Alcorn State 7
Presbyterian at Georgia Tech, Saturday, 7:00
Never let it be said the Blue Hose steered away from competition. After a 45-10 victory over Brevard, Presbyterian will spend the next two games playing much stronger competition. Following this week’s game against the Atlantic Coast Conference, Presbyterian prepares for a game against Southeastern Conference member Vanderbilt. Georgia Tech lost 20-17 to Virginia Tech in an overtime thriller Labor Day. Georgia Tech will have an easier time with Presbyterian, but the Yellow Jackets might find the Blue Hose a slightly tougher opponent than anticipated.
Projected score: Georgia Tech 44, Presbyterian 10
#4 Montana State at Drake, Saturday, 8:00
Undefeated teams from the Big Sky and the Pioneer Leagues face off in the marquee showdown of FCS Week 2. Montana State topped Chadron State 33-6 in its opening game of the season, while Drake topped Grand View 28-8. This could be a high-scoring contest if the last meeting between these programs is any indication. Montana State won 48-21 back in 2010, evening the team’s all-time series at one game apiece. Montana State is used to playing wide-open football like most Western teams are, and if MSU can air it out it could be a thrilling contest.
Projected score: Montana State 46, Drake 17
See All FCS Games of the Week Breakdowns
