FCS Previews: Week 12

Cfootball Betting Lines

11/14/2008 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Here are the predictions for the top 25 games and other notable contests from week 12 of the FCS season.

GAME OF THE WEEK

No.12 William & Mary (7-2, 5-1 CAA) at No. 1 James Madison (8-0, 6-0 CAA), 1:30 p.m.

All that stands between James Madison and its first league title since 2006 and first top-four playoff seeding in school history are two wins. The first hurdle to be cleared is perhaps the toughest, as the Dukes will take on playoff hopeful and red-hot William & Mary.

The Tribe have been able to reel off five straight wins to vault from not being ranked to the cusp of the Top 10 during the streak. The Tribe could make a major jump with a win over the Dukes, and throw things into disarray in the CAA as well as how the Top Four seeds are shaping up heading into the final week.

A William & Mary win could throw the CAA race into a three-way tie between William & Mary, James Madison and Villanova, heading into the final weekend of regular-season play.

While a Tribe win may seem like only a pipe dream, a Jake Phillips-led (1,852 yards, 19 TDs, 11 interceptions) offense (426 yards per game, 12th in FCS) has the potential to pull of the shocker in Bridgeforth Stadium. Phillips is the orchestrator of a passing game that has been among the nation's elite this season, averaging 245 yards per game.

Phillips has plenty around him that makes William & Mary and coach Jimmye Laycock's offense so tough to stop. Leading a group of four receivers that have 300 or more passing yards are the two top options, D.J. McAulay (31 receptions, 19.6 yards per catch, eight TDs) and Elliot Mack (25 receptions, 16.6 yards per catch, three TDs).

Brent Grimes is a threat as a runner, receiver and special teams performer. Grimes is the key factor in the Tribe's ground game, with 829 yards rushing and seven TDs. He is also the teams leading receiver, with a team-best 34 catches for 239 yards and a TD, acting as a safety valve for Phillips. The multi- faceted Grimes completes his impressive resume with a 24.6 yards per return in the kicking game, including a 97-yard kickoff return for a score earlier this season in a loss to Villanova.

The Tribe defense will be charged with stopping one of the nation's top offense, especially its elite ground game. One player that has a chance an impact on being able to contain the rush-oriented Dukes is defensive end Adrian Tracy (55 tackles, team-leading 8.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss). The Tribe's run defense ranks 52nd in FCS (137 yards per game) and the defense is 25th overall (313 yards per game).

James Madison is coming off a bye week and have seemingly atoned for their late-game miscues last season, to turn the tables in their favor with late game heroics this season. That is due in large part to the maturity on both sides of the ball.

On offense, Rodney Landers (938 yards passing, 11 TDs, three interceptions) has been a composed leader at crunch time . Landers directs an offense that ranks sixth in rushing (257 yards per game) and seventh nationally in individual rushing yards (1,115 yards, 10 TDs). In games which he has played more than a half, Landers has been held under 100 yards only once when Richmond limited him to 62 yards. Other than Landers, the running game has been also been enhanced by both Griff Yancey (337 yards, seven TDs) and Eugene Holloman (517 yards, seven TDs).

The first and foremost concern for the James Madison defense is William & Mary's passing game. The Dukes' pass defense (155 yards per game) actually has been its strength defensively this season, although have been susceptible to the big play on cornerback Scotty McGee's side of the field.

Buchanan Award candidate Marcus Haywood (team-leading 70 tackles, four interceptions). has been able to been the leader of the staunch aerial defense. Defensive tackle Sam Daniels (nine tackles for loss, three sacks) and defensive end Arthur Moats (37 tackles, team-leading 5.5 sacks) could hinder Phillips' time to throw as they are two of the better pass rushers in the CAA.

Ironically for William & Mary, the last time the Tribe defeated the Dukes was in 2004, when the Lang Campbell-led club led the Tribe to a 27-24 win in the regular-season, only to see the Dukes start their current five-game winning streak with a 38-24 win over the Tribe in the FCS semifinals that year.

But this JMU team has more weapons than the national championship squad did and that, along with the home field advantage, should make the difference in this important game.

James Madison 45, William & Mary 31

SATURDAYS TOP-25 GAMES

No. 11 Elon (8-2, 6-1 SoCon) at No. 2 Appalachian State (8-2, 6-0 SoCon), 3:30 p.m.

Appalachian State could add to its many school and SoCon milestones with a victory on senior day against Elon. The Mountaineers, can clinch at least a share of its fourth-straight Southern Conference title and would become the first team since Georgia Southern (1997-2000) to win four consecutive league crowns and just the third current league member to accomplish the feat. A victory would also give the Mountaineers the SoCon auto bid.

Elon joined the SoCon in 2003 and have now become SoCon title contenders, but the Phoenix haven't beaten the Mountaineers since 1964 in Boone, and ASU remains the only opponent the Phoenix haven't defeated in their short SoCon tenure.

With a win, Elon could throw the SoCon standings into a quandary, as three teams, Elon, ASU and Wofford, would be tied with a loss in league play.

The Phoenix got a 33-14 win over Western Carolina last Saturday, led by superlative offensive performances by the quarterback-receiver tandem of Scott Riddle (2,741 passing yards, 22 TDs, 14 interceptions) and Terrell Hudgins. (team-leading 76 receptions, 1,043 receiving yards, nine TDs, 13.8 yards per catch) Elon's passing attack shredded the Catamounts' defense. Riddle accounted for 230 yards of total offense (210 passing, 20 rushing) and three TDs, while Hudgins snagged seven catches for 120 yards and a score to become Elon's all- time leading pass-catcher.

Despite Elon's 45-21 loss two years ago, Hudgins had a big day against a talented Mountaineer secondary, hauling in eight catches for 148 yards, including a 43-yard TD catch, but was held to the same catch total, no TDs and just 75 yards in last season's 49-32 setback. Riddle did manage pass for 307 yards and two scores in his only meeting with the Mountaineers, but also threw two interceptions.

The Elon defense (316 yards per game, 32nd in FCS) has been the big reason the Phoenix have been able to position themselves to win a league crown and make the school's first playoff appearance. A team that was just a win short of a playoff bid last season, yielded 407 yards of offense to opponents to end the 2007 season. Leading a unit given the unthinkable task of stopping Appalachian's quick-strike offense is linebacker Brandon Wiggins (team-leading 65 tackles), while leading a defensive line charged with limiting Payton Award candidate Armanti Edwards are defensive ends Tim Happer (36 tackles, four sacks) and Daniel Jordan (21 tackles, 4.5 sacks).

Appalachian's offense has now officially hit its stride in 2008, especially Edwards who racked up an astounding 328 yards total offense in the first half alone in Appalachian's 49-7 rout of Chattanooga last week. He leads an attack that ranks second nationally in both total offense (482 yards per game) and scoring (41 points), while ranking fifth in rushing offense (262 yards). Devin Radford (509 rushing yards, four TDs) helps power that fifth ranked rushing attack, while CoCo Hillary (39 receptions, four TD catches) is the Mountaineers' leading receiver.

Appalachian's defense, buoyed by safety Mark LeGree, (188 passing yards per game, 37th in FCS, SoCon-best 17 interceptions) can pad its league-leading interceptions total, while LeGree looks to improve on his nation-leading eight picks against one of the top passing offenses in the nation. Linebackers Jacque Roman (team-leading 95 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks) and D.J. Smith (83 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss) continue to lead one of the nation's top linebacking units.

The Mountaineers have dropped just one game at Kidd Brewer Stadium in the past six years and with so much on the line on senior day, don't expect ASU to fall short in this one.

Appalachian State 44, Elon 28

UC Davis (5-5, 1-0 Great West) at No. 3 Cal Poly (7-1, 1-0 Great West), 7:05 p.m.

Cal Poly can officially regain its hold on the Great West Conference League title after a two-year hiatus. All that stands in the way of the Mustangs and coach Rich Ellerson of gaining their first title since winning back-to-back league crowns in 2004 and 2005 is a victory over UC Davis.

This been one of the closest played rivalries on the west coast over the years, with the Mustangs holding a narrow 16-15-2 all-time series edge entering this matchup.

Cal Poly continued to see its offense flourish in a 49-3 win over North Carolina-Central, enabling the players on both sides of the ball to in essence getting a golden opportunity to work on execution and fundamentals. The Cal Poly offense is led by quarterback Jonathan Dally (1,585 yards passing, 18 TDs, one interception).

It also helps when you have weapons like Payton Award candidate Ramses Barden (49 receptions, 20.3 yards per reception, 13 TDs), Ryan Mole (495 yards rushing, eight TDs) and James Noble (454 yards rushing, nine TDs).

Last year, Cal Poly's defense experienced some rare growing pains. Rare when you consider it boasted three consecutive Buchanan Award winners before two their graduation, two of which play on Sundays. That gave way to a young unit that gave up more points (25.3 PPG) and yardage (370.4) than defensive minded Mustangs' fans were used to. This season are allowing 30 yards less (340.1 yards per game) to opponents and have been bolstered by the play of their linebacking corps and defensive front especially defensive end Sean Lawyer (leads team with seven sacks) and linebacker Frederick Hives (team-leading 68 tackles).

UC Davis lost four of its first five games this season before winning four straight against Northern Colorado, Southern Utah, Iona and North Dakota, all at home. The Aggies will look to use their seventh ranked pass offense, led by quarterback Greg Denham, to exploit the Mustangs' 101st ranked pass defense. The Aggies' main ground threats have been Joe Trombetta (468 rushing yards, three TDs) and Brandon Tucker (358 rushing yards and six TDs).

Things have gone pretty well on the defensive side of the ball in 2008, ranking 27th in FCS in total yards allowed (313 yards per game). A large part of that success belongs to Buchanan Award candidate John Faletoese (43 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four blocked kicks), who can single-handedly disrupt a game with his speed and power along on the defensive line.

It's never an easy thing to predict who'll win a rivalry game, but it hasn't been easy to stop Dally and the Mustangs' offense either.

Cal Poly 45, UC Davis 30

No. 4 Northern Iowa (8-2, 6-1 MVFC) at Indiana State (0-10,0-6 MVFC), 12:05 p.m.

Northern Iowa can gain a share of Gateway title with a win over an Indiana State team that has won only once in its last 43 outing, including losing its last 24 games.The Panthers have won the last five meetings with the Sycamores, including a 68-14 win at the UNI Dome last season.

The Sycamores had hopes that their nation-leading losing streak would come to an end last week when they took advantage of some Youngstown State miscues to take a 21-7 lead at one point in the second quarter. However, the Penguins stormed back to score 28 unanswered points the rest of the way to take the 35-21 win.

Indiana State continues to come in dead last in both total offense (195 yards per game) and scoring (7.7 points per game). The Sycamores are led offensively by sophomore quarterback Charles Dowdell (211 yards passing, one TD, three interceptions), while Darrius Gates (311 yards) and Antoine Brown (246 yards) are the top rushers.

The defense hasn't fared much better for the Sycamores this season, ranking 99th in the FCS (417 yards per game). Indiana State also ranks last in points allowed, surrendering 45 points to opponents. The defensive unit is led by safety Quinton Scott, who paces the team with 106 tackles to go with four tackles for loss.

Northern Iowa has its leader, signal-caller Pat Grace (1,245 yards passing, nine TDs, five interceptions) back in the lineup after missing several games with a knee injury. Running back Corey Lewis (947 rush yards, six TDs) has caught fire of late. He had 188 yards and two scores in the Panthers' win over Missouri State. The Northern Iowa running attack ranks 16th overall in FCS (198 yards).

On defense, the Panthers have been solid, especially against the run (109 yards per game, 25th in FCS) and are ninth nationally in turnover margin (1.20). Solidifying that staunch front seven are linebackers Josh Mahoney (85 tackles, five tackles for loss and an interception) and Darrell Lloyd (73 tackles, three interceptions, three blocked kicks).

Northern Iowa will use this game and the one next week against Southern Utah as tune-ups for the playoffs.

Northern Iowa 54, Indiana State 7

Idaho State (0-10, 0-6 Big Sky) at No. 5 Montana (9-1, 5-1 Big Sky), 2:05 p.m.

Montana and Sacramento State are all that stand between Idaho State and its first winless season in two decades. Montana holds onto hope it can earn a share of the Big Sky title with two wins and a Weber State loss at home against Eastern Washington next week.

Even more important, the Grizzlies know they are auditioning for one of the four seeds in the FCS playoffs.

A Grizzly team that entered the year rebuilding by Montana standards, has managed to suffer only one setback to one of the nation's elite along the way. That's due in large part to the leadership of Cole Bergquist (2224 passing yards, 22 TDs, four interceptions) on offense.

Montana ranks 17th in FCS in total offense (417 yards per game), 16th in scoring (35 points per game) and 25th in passing (252 yards per game). Lately, the running attack has sophomore running back Chase Reynolds (727 rushing yards, 12 TDs), who has reached the century mark the past three weeks.

The lone deficiency the Montana defense has shown is against the pass, yielding 205 yards through the air per contest to rank 59th in FCS. However, in the pass-happy Big Sky, that average is good enough to lead the league. And the Grizzlies best player resides in the secondary with strong safety Colt Anderson (team-leading 72 tackles, two interceptions).

Idaho State, with nothing to lose, will test Anderson and that Montana secondary. Those responsibilities will fall to two of the league's most talented players in the league at their respective positions, quarterback Russel Hill (2,624 passing yards, 14 TDs, 15 interceptions) and wide receiver Eddie Thompson, who has 60 catches despite being slowed by injuries.

The Bengal passing attack (280 yards per game, 10th in FCS) may be good enough to give Montana problems for a while, but a running game that's non-existent (77 yards per game, 109th in FCS) makes Idaho State too one-dimensional offensively.

Idaho State's defense ranks among the FCS' worst in four major defensive categories: total defense (505 yards, 118th in FCS), scoring (43 points, 117 in FCS), rushing (228 yards per game) and passing (277 yards per game). Linebacker Ryan Phipps is one of the few positives, pacing the defense with 84 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sack.

Montana should be able to control the ball, as it has in recent weeks, and should be happy to grind out another victory.

Montana 42, Idaho State 14

Towson (3-7, 1-5 CAA) at No. 6 Villanova (7-2, 5-1 CAA), 1 p.m.

Villanova closes out its home slate with visions of a top-four seed and a CAA title still a possibility. Wins by the Wildcats against bottom-feeders Towson and Delaware and a loss by James Madison against either William & Mary or Towson would give Villanova a share of the title.

But the focus for coach Andy Talley's Wildcats must be much narrower, and that attention to detail begins with a dangerous Towson pass offense. The Wildcats and Tigers have met just four times, with Villanova snapping a two-game Towson winning streak with a 14-12 win at Towson in 2007.

Villanova is coming off another reputable win to add to its already impressive playoff resume, earning a hard-fought 24-13 win over New Hampshire last time out. The quarterback situation has worked out quite nicely for Talley. He has reliable starter Chris Whitney (872 yards passing, seven TDs, four interceptions, 303 yards rushing, three TDs) and athletic Antwon Young (812 yards passing, four TDs, seven interceptions) seeing action off the bench.

The Villanova offense is geared towards gaining yardage on the ground (202 yards per game, 15th in FCS), meshing nicely with a short passing game (187 yards per game, 67th in FCS).

Platooning the ground efforts for the Wildcats this season has been sophomore running back Aaron Ball (team-leading 785 rushing yards, seven TDs) and Angelo Babbaro (999 all-purpose yards, two TDs), while Phil Atkinson (team-leading 37 catches, 11.2 yards per catch, four TDs) Brandyn Harvey (30 catches, 12.3 yards per reception, one TD) and Matthew Szczur (24 receptions, 13.3 yards per catch, three scoring grabs) offer solid receiving options for both Whitney and Young. Szczur has also taken direct snaps like a single-wing quarterback, rushing for 262 yards.

Although the Wildcats have been productive on offense this season, the team knows its defense is a large part of the resurgence of the program. Villanova's defense, 23rd overall in the FCS (308 yards per game) and ninth in defending the run (85 yards), is powered by maybe the nation's top defensive line.

That front is anchored by Buchanan hopeful Greg Miller (40 tackles, team- leading 5.5, 13 tackles for loss). He teams with Dave Dalessandro (29 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks) and Tim Kukucka (24 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, tied for team-lead with 5.5 sacks) to comprise a talented, physical front.

Keeping Villanova's defense at bay is not something any team has been able to do in the CAA this season, and keeping that defense out of quarterback Sean Schaefer's (2,645 yards passing, 19 TDs, 13 interceptions) face will be something for coach Gordy Combs and the rest of the Tigers' offensive coaching staff to figure out.

If Towson's 15th-ranked pass offense (268 yards) is to be successful, it will need Matt Castor (543 rushing yards, five TDs) to provide some yards on the ground, while allowing Schaefer to at least pick out his hot routes to hit one of his six receivers that boast over 300 yards receiving. His top targets have been David Newsom (38 receptions, 12.3 yards per catch, two TD receptions) and Steve Holmes (39 receptions, 11 yards per catch, one TD reception) .

Towson's defense hasn't really played well in any respect this season (427 yards, 104th in total defense), but if it has a strong suit, it's a pass defense that allows 325 yards per game (72nd in FCS). The Tigers are among the nation's worst ground defenses (217 yards, 116th in FCS), meaning Villanova's running game could flourish in front of the home fans on senior day. The defensive veteran sometimes lost in those atrocious numbers is one of the league's premier linebackers, Jordan Manning (85 tackles).

Villanova 35, Towson 10

Delaware (4-6, 2-4 CAA) at No.7 Richmond (7-3, 4-2 CAA), 3:30 p.m.

Delaware, which made a memorable run to the FCS title game last season, is running out of chances to provide an emphatic reference point to an otherwise dismal season. This week's game against seventh-ranked Richmond offers the Blue Hens the perfect chance to earn some respect with a win.

Richmond and Delaware have some things in common, including playing tough non- conference slates. The Blue Hens played toe-to-toe with ACC Atlantic Division leader Maryland, before dropping a 14-7 decision. The loss that turned the season in the wrong direction for Delaware was a 23-21 loss at Furman, which Keeler defended his team's talent, going further to say that they were a better team than a Furman team that defeated them on the field. From there, things just snowballed with key injuries, inconsistency at quarterback and off-the- field trouble.

To Delaware's credit, they have to be respected for the way they have rebounded from some of those hardships this season. A lot of that maturity was garnered by making the run the Blue Hens did last season. The injury-riddled Blue Hens team enter the rivalry matchup on a positive note, defeated Towson 31-21 on Joe Flacco Day at Tubby Raymond Field.

With injuries to both Rob Schoenhoft and Lou Ritacco, at one point the Blue Hens enlisted the help of tight end Robbie Agnone and Aaron Love split time at the position in a game against Hofstra earlier in the season. The starter for the Richmond game will be Ritacco (239 yards passing, one interception, one TD), who has returned from an eye injury to lead the offense. His top target passing will be Aaron Love (35 catches, 12.9 yards per reception, two TDs), who need just three catches to surpass UD's all-time leading receiver, Eddie Conti (1994-97).

Delaware's strength this season has been its play on the defensive side of the ball. The Blue Hens rank 34th nationally (317 yards per game) and might be ranked even higher if it weren't the offensive unable to establish long drives to allow the unit to rest. The defense's calling card this season has been their ability to defend the pass (186 yards per game, 34th in FCS). Safeties Charles Graves (team-leading 60 tackles, four interceptions) and Anthony Walters (51 tackles, four interceptions) have headlined the secondary, while veteran defensive tackle Matt Marcorelle (32 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and defensive end John Higginson (team-leading five sacks) anchor a physical defensive front.

Despite experiencing success this season, Richmond has fallen a bit below the standards many prognosticators had put in the clippings before the season. However, Richmond has had plenty of disappointment to deal with of its on, particularly in setbacks to Villanova and a forgettable last second loss against James Madison.

Even though it didn't overcome those obstacles, Richmond showed resiliency after them, posting a big win at UMass, and now the resume looks even more with the performances of Maine and Elon.

Offensively, Eric Ward (1,794 yards passing, 10 TDs) has to be spectacular at times and a bad decision maker on other occasions. Josh Vaughn (1,123 rushing yards, 11 TDs) has been the story of the season for the Richmond football, especially considering how well his predecessor is doing with the Arizona Cardinals. Wide receiver Kevin Grayson (38 receptions, 14.2 yards per catch, 1 TD) has encounter more physical play and seen some double coverage on occasion after garnering All-CAA Rookie of the Year accolades last season.

Weaving a web through a physical Spiders defense is something that is rare. The FCS' eight-ranked defense is woven by a strong front seven that features safety Derek Hatcher (57 tackles, two interceptions, one TD) and the team's leading pass rushers, Lawrence Sidbury (4.5 sacks) and Sherman Logan (four sacks)

This figures to be a physical, defensive battle, but Richmond is playing for too much to let this game slip away.

Richmond 24, Delaware 10

No. 9 Wofford (7-2, 5-1 SoCon) at Samford (5-4, 3-4 SoCon), 3 p.m.

Defending the co-championship it won in the Southern Conference last season hasn't been an easy task for Wofford and it won't get an easier against a Samford team that has been the surprise of the league.

Samford, a team picked by both the league and media to finish dead last in its new league, has used its physical defense (315 yards per game, 22nd in FCS) to thwart those last-place prognostications. The unit doesn't boast any one standout to speak of, but has been solid at every position.

If there is a star, at least statistically speaking, it has been sophomore linebacker Bryce Smith (73 tackles, four interceptions), while defensive tackle Patrick Hatcher's 5.5 sacks are evidence of a capable pass rush.

The Bulldogs have also been able to establish respect on offense, especially in its 27-17 win at six-time national champion Georgia Southern last week. Under the guidance of coach and former Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan, freshman signal caller Dustin Taliaferro (1,425 yards passing, 11 TDs, five interceptions) is still cutting his teeth against SoCon defenses, some of the nation's toughest fastest units.

Taliaferro was able to orchestrate an offense that generated 317 yards of total offense, 166 yards of them coming via his 166 yards on his efficient 14-of-17 passing day. Taliaferro also passed for two TDs without an interception en route to garnering SoCon Offensive Player of the Week accolades.

His favorite target has been big-play threat Jonathan Lowery (16.7 yards per catch), while Chris Evans (1,107 yards rushing, 11 TDs) continues to lead the league in rushing and power the league's third-best rushing attack (185 yards per game).

After getting out of the gate looking nearly unstoppable on both sides of the ball in its first six games, Wofford has had its share of problems maintaining that swagger the past two games, especially defensively. In its 33-28 win over The Citadel, the Terriers' defense surrendered 259 yards through the air after having given up 376 yards passing in the 70-24 loss at Appalachian State.

Wofford's offense has remained pretty consistent, especially the nation's top- ranked rushing offense (346 yards per game). Fullback Dane Romero (792 yards, 16 TDs) and quarterback Ben Widmyer (946 passing yards, eight TDs and two interceptions, 646 yards rushing, eight TDs) have been the leading forces in the attack. Widmyer guides an offense that ranks third nationally (474 yards per game).

The Terriers haven't played a team as physical against the run (79 rushing yards allowed per game, 6th in FCS) as Samford is and that could prove to be a problem in another tough road game.

Samford 27, Wofford 24

South Dakota State (6-4, 5-1 MVFC) at No. 10 Southern Illinois (7-2, 5-1 MVFC), 1 p.m.

Southern Illinois has a chance to move into prime position to make its fourth playoff appearance in the last five years and earn the MVFC auto with wins in the last two games. The Salukis will also honor as they take on league title contender South Dakota State.

The Salukis have been nearly impossible to beat at home over the past three seasons (15-1), and have been one of the hottest teams in the nation having won five straight. The only loss in that time frame was to Delaware in last year's national semifinals.

No one would have projected that South Dakota State would be the one of the two Dakota schools in contention for a league crown in its first year of play in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Led by national player of the week Ryan Berry (2,740 yards passing, 26 TDs, 11 interceptions) at quarterback, the Jackrabbits have flourished on offense. Berry completed 17-of-29 passes for 237 yards with scoring strikes of 11, 51, 40, eight and 16 yards in the first half. He add TD tosses of four and three yards in the second half. He is marshals a Jackrabbit offense that ranks 13th nationally (425 yards per game), including 11th nationally in passing (280 yards).

SDSU's receiving corps is among the most talented and overlooked in the MVFC, led by JaRon Harris (55 catches, 15.3 yards per catch, 10 TDs) and Glen Fox (team-leading 56 catches, 12.3 yards per catch, nine TDs). Kyle Minnett (1,114 rushing yards, 12 TDs ) is able to keep defenses honest with his work on the ground, making the Jackrabitts' high-profile attack tough to stop.

Defensively, the Jackrabbits rank 55th nationally in total defense (343 yards per game), and the strength of South Dakota State unit is against the run (136 yards per game, 49th in FCS). The front seven is among the best in the Missouri Valley, led by defensive end Danny Batten (team-leading five sacks, one interception) and rover linebacker Jimmy Rodgers (team-leading 77 tackles).

Southern Illinois' offense has just plain out-physicaled people all season with their running game that has been powered by Larry Warner (1,047 passing yards, eight TD passes). That has allowed for much of the pressure to be alleviated from the shoulders of inexperienced starting signal-caller Chris Dieker (1,302 yards passing, 13 TDs, seven interceptions).

Taking a cue from the offense's physicality, the Salukis' defense has pretty much imposed its will on Missouri Valley opponents all season and that is largely responsible for their six-game win streak. Boasting a stalwart linebacking group that includes Brandin Jordan (71 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception) and Chauncey Mixon (53 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks), SIU is 19th in rushing defense (98 yards) and 21st in overall defense (307 yards).

Playing at home, Southern Illinois should be able to stay on track towards a league title with a hard-fought win.

Southern Illinois 24, South Dakota State 21

No. 22 Massachusetts (6-4, 3-3 CAA) at No. 13 New Hampshire (7-2, 4-2 CAA), 12 p.m.

Coach Don Brown may be at the dinner table this year when Thanksgiving weekend rolls around instead of going through final preparations for UMass' opening round opponent in the FCS playoffs. His team's 21-20 home loss to Maine last Saturday likely spelled the end of UMass' two-year postseason run.

Sean McDonnell's New Hampshire team could be in a similar situation with a loss to the Minutemen this week, and its been a while since the FCS postseason hasn't included at least one of these two. You'd have to go back to the 2002 season to find the last time both teams were home for the holidays.

The Minutemen will be looking for their fourth win in a row over the Wildcats, including a 28-20 victory over the Wildcats two years ago in Durham. If last week's loss was indeed the final blow for UMass in terms of its playoff hopes, then the last two weeks will also see the end of another great era in quarterback play come to a close, with the graduation of signal-caller Liam Coen (2,459 passing yards, 21 TDs, 10 interceptions).

Coen leads a UMass offense that relies primarily on his arm, although Tony Nelson (967 rushing yards, seven TDs) has been effective on the ground. Coen has several top aerial targets to throw to, with his favorite being Victor Cruz (59 catches, 16.4 yards per reception, 968 yards receiving, six TD catches), while Jeremy Horne (48 receptions, 17.9 yards per catch, team-leading eight TD receptions) has also been a key element in the UMass passing game.

Defensively, the Minutemen have struggled to find continuity. Still, the unit has performed well of late and ranks 46th in FCS in total defense (333 yards per game), but has found it difficult to stop the running game (181 yards, 91st in FCS). Veteran leadership has been provided by linebacker Josh Jennings (team-leading 88 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions), safety Jeromy Miles (76 tackles, three interceptions, four tackles for loss) and All- American cornerback Courtney Robinson.

New Hampshire needs at least one win in its final two games to earn a fifth- straight appearance in the 16-team field. But a loss to UMass could put the Wildcats on the playoff bubble.

R.J. Toman (2,188 passing yards, 21 TDs, seven interceptions) has done a stellar job of taking one of the toughest roles imaginable, replacing Payton Award winner and the FCS' all-time leading passer, Ricky Santos. Without margin for error, Toman will need to get a big day from wide receiver Mike Boyle (49 catches, 14.7 yards per catch, seven TD receptions) and tight end Scott Sicko (39 receptions, 12 yards per catch, seven TD receptions).

Running back Robert Simpson (521 rushing yards, six TDs) has provided solid production on the ground since an injury to Chad Kackert. Kackert (368 yards rushing, three total TDs) returned last week after missing four of the previous five games.

Despite its deficiencies on defense (370 yards per game, 80th in FCS), the Wildcats have been able to overcome some weaknesses by forcing turnovers. UNH ranks sixth in turnover margin (plus 1.22 per game). Leading the opportunistic contingent are cornerback Dino Vasso (team-leading 71 tackles, four interceptions) and safety John Clements (59 tackles, two interceptions, one interception returned for a TD).

New Hampshire found itself extremely lucky to get in the FCS postseason with four losses last season, but it may not find the same fortune this season and playing against a long-time nemesis will make the WIldcats road even more difficult.

UMass 37, New Hampshire 34

Georgia Southern (5-5, 3-4 SoCon) at No.14 Furman (7-3, 4-2 SoCon), 3 p.m.

In 2005, Georgia Southern celebrated its 20th anniversary of its football program's cornerstone accomplishment, honoring the 1985 national championship winning team (the school's first of six) that defeated a Bobby Lamb-led Furman 44-42 in the most epic FCS national title game of all-time.

The 2005 edition of the Georgia Southern football team provided a thank you later that evening, upsetting top-ranked Furman in a dramatic 24-22 win. Furman probably needs to win out to garner a postseason invitation, while Georgia Southern will not only look to play the spoiler role, but also try to avoid becoming the first team since the football program's rebirth in 1982 to experience two losing seasons within a three-year time span.

Furman will look to turn the tables on Georgia Southern's 2005 two-decade coronation with a 20-year reunion of its only national championship in 1988 (17-12 win over GSU).

Georgia Southern has had some heartbreaking setbacks this season, which has seen the Eagles fall three times at home to ranked foes by a combined four points. Excluding the Eagles' season-opening loss to FBS top-ranked Georgia, Georgia Southern's only other double-digit margin of defeat came last week, with a 27-17 home loss to Samford.

Quarterback Antonio Henton (1,842 passing yards, 15 TDs, 12 interceptions) has now had almost a year learning coach Chris Hatcher's offense, and has seen his share of strong performances along the way. Henton connected on 16-of-27 passes for 298 yards and two scores, including a 25-yard game-winning jaunt in overtime to deliver a win over Northeastern. The Ohio State transfer also nearly instigated an upset of No. 2 Appalachian State in mid-October, accounting for 426 yards of total offense and had a hand in three (two rushing and one passing) of the Eagles' four TDs.

His favorite target in the passing game is Raja Andrews (team-leading 56 receptions, 14.1 yards per catch, team-best five TD receptions), who could become the school's all-time receptions leader with eight catches against Furman.

The Georgia Southern defense has been a liability in 2008, ranking 101st in total defense (423 yards per game), 94th in scoring defense (32 points per game), 100th in pass defense (246 yards per game) and 88th nationally against the run (178 yards per game). Safety Chris Covington (57 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss) and linebacker Dakota Walker (team-leading 66 tackles, 8.5 sacks) have been the two stalwarts on the Georgia Southern defense.

Furman has gotten solid play out of its defense in its last two outings, especially against the run, holding two of the league's most-feared running threats, quarterback Armanti Edwards and running back Chris Evans well below their respective rushing yards per game averages. Keying the defensive line for the Paladins is All-SoCon defensive tackle Justin Brown (31 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss), while the new 4-2-5 defensive scheme has been fueled by the play of cornerback William Middleton (80 tackles, team-leading four interceptions, five sacks) and linebacker Brandon Williams (team-leading 87 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks).

Furman's offense has been plagued by careless turnovers that have resulted in costly points by opponents this season. When the Paladins' offense is hitting on all cylinders, the Jordan Sorells-led (2,128 passing yards, 16 TDs, nine interceptions) unit has been tough to stop at times. The Paladins can beat you on the ground with Mike Brown (717 rushing yards, five TDs) and Tersoo Uhaa (338 rushing yards, team-leading seven rushing scores), while always posing the threat of catching the defense sleeping with a deep ball to Adam Mims (team- leading 47 receptions, 12.6 yards per catch, three TD receptions).

The Paladins will have their share of troubles against the Eagles, and from the historical standpoint, Furman has gone 3-1 in games with Georgia Southern playing the proverbial role of spoiler, winning in 1996 and 2006 with its only loss to a Georgia Southern team with postseason plans already canceled coming in 2003.

Furman 31, Georgia Southern 24

No. 15 Central Arkansas (8-2, 4-1 Southland ) at Stephen F. Austin (4-6, 2-3 Southland ), 7 p.m.

There used to be a rather popular TV show on the National Geographic Channel titled, "When Bears Attack." The filming crew of that program might won't to consider a trip to Nacodoches, TX., for Saturday's game between Central Arkansas and Stephen F. Austin in light of the NCAA action taken against the Bears and the Southland this week.

Without a title on the line, the motivation the Bears should have in their final two games should be more than even the guarantee of hardware. Now there's more to play for, injustice.

It could also serve the home standing Lumberjacks well on Senior Day, as the Bears' emotions early in the contest could lead to costly mistakes. Lost in all the drama surrounding the inequalities of the NCAA lies the possibility of Stephen F.Austin making its first playoff appearance in a 12 seasons, but it has plenty of work ahead, should the Southland Conference finish in a multiple- team tie.

Quarterback Jeremy Moses (3,364 yards, 37 TDs, 15 interceptions) has continued his assault on the school's passing records, but he will be facing a tough, talented physical Bears' defense that has had some success defending the pass this season (240.1 yards per game).

Veteran Dominque Edison (59 receptions, 16 TD receptions, 14.9 yards per reception) has been a big target in more ways than one at 6-3 and could give a smaller Bears secondary some issues Saturday. Duane Brooks (55 receptions, 13.0 yards per catch, four TDs) is another solid target for Moses in an attack that ranks second nationally (349 yards).

Defensively, the Lumberjacks have been among the nation's worst (423 yards per game, 102nd in FCS) and are allowing 39 points per game (112th in FCS). Shoring up many of the defensive woes for the Lumberjacks' defense this season has been linebacker Jabara Williams (team-leading 52 tackles), while defensive end Tim Knicky (seven sacks) anchors a pass-rush that has proven to be one of the few defensive strengths (2.8 sacks per game, 14th in FCS).

When the Bears attack offensively, they'll be led by the league's top signal- caller, Nathan Brown (2,618 passing yards, 27 TDs, three interceptions), and like Moses, has plenty of options to throw to in Eric Ware (team-leading 41 catches, 14.7 yards per catch, four TD receptions), Willie Landers (37 receptions, 17.2 yards per reception, seven TD grabs) and Marquez Branson (34 catches, 17.9 yards per catch, eight TD catches).

For the Central Arkansas defense, containing Moses and the Lumberjacks won't be easy, but the Bears have several players on the defensive line and in the secondary that could slow that production significantly. Safety Pieri Feazell paces the defense in tackles (56 stops, four tackles for loss, five pass breakups, one interception) while defensive end Larry Hart (team-leading 19 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks) has a chance to increase his sack totals.

Coming off the NCAA decision to not allow UCA to compete for a Southland title, it would be hard to find a more motivated team anywhere in FCS this weekend.

Central Arkansas 48, Stephen F. Austin 20

No. 16 McNeese State (6-3, 3-2 Southland) at Northwestern State (6-4, 3-1 Southland), 7 p.m.

At one point this season, McNeese State was a team receiving first-place votes, however, now the Cowboys need to win their last two games on the road in two tough venues, and have some help if they want to garner the automatic bid out of the Southland.

The first test is arch-rival Northwestern State and a trip to what's sure to be a boisterous crowd at Turpin Stadium. With a win, the Demons would have the inside track on the league's auto-bid, with Stephen F. Austin standing in the way in the season finale.

The Demons are the Cowboys' most-played Southland opponent, as the two will meet for the 58th time Saturday. The Cowboys haven't had much success at Turpin Stadium of late, losing in their last two trips to Natchitoches, including a 29-26 overtime loss to the Demons two years ago.

The Cowboys have had a roller-coaster season against a tough schedule and that doesn't include a home game against No. 3-ranked Cal Poly that was cancelled due to a hurricane. McNeese State can draw some positives from their 42-31 come-from-behind win over Stephen F. Austin at Cowboy Stadium last Saturday.

While their have been inconsistencies at times on defense for McNeese State, the same hasn't been true of the offense. Led by quarterback Derrick Fourroux (1,753 passing yards, 16 TDs, four interceptions) and running back Toddrick Penland (1,218 rushing yards, 12 TDs), the Cowboys have posted some lofty numbers, ranking fourth nationally in total offense (471 yards per game), third in scoring (40 points per game) and eighth in rushing (234 yards).

Things have not held as stable on defense (357 yards per game, 67th in FCS), as the Cowboys have struggled of late, but it still manage to rank as the league's top unit. A pass defense that is 90th (239 yards per game) in the nation has been the culprit for most of the problems.

Shoring up the defense at linebacker has been junior Deron Minor (team-leading 58 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, an interception) and Allen Nelson (55 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks) completes a solid tandem of tacklers.

Northwestern State will try and regroup after the 42-6 thrashing it received at the hands of Central Arkansas. Up until that point, the Demons had been playing some of the best football in the Southland. The offense needs to find its rhythm, after being held to 319 yards total offense and a season-low matching six points in the loss to the Bears.

The Demon boast one of the strongest running games in the pass-happy Southland. The running game has flourished behind the running of Byron Lawrence (966 yards, nine TDs), while quarterback John Hundley (859 passing yards, seven TDs, two interceptions) has managed to be a solid field general.

The Demons haven't been as proficient on defense as some of their traditional Purple Swarm units early in the decade, but they have played well against the run (137 yards per game, 51st in FCS). The pass defense has been another thing, however, with NSU allowing 237 yards per game, 86th in FCS.

Senior linebacker Mack Dampier has been the Demons catalyst, leading the team with 60 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Defensive ends Josh Daniels and Ledell Love have combined for six sacks.

Though it hasn't had the season it would've expected after playing so well early on, McNeese State should have enough playoff experience left in the tank to at least keep its postseason hopes alive for one more week.

McNeese State 37, Northwestern State 35

No. 17 South Carolina State (8-2, 6-0 MEAC) at Morgan State (6-4, 4-2 MEAC), 4 p.m.

South Carolina State needs one win in its last two games to wrap up the championship and the automatic bid from the MEAC and the Bulldogs hope to accomplish the task at Morgan State.

It won't be an easy task against a Bears team that is trying to reclaim some of its old glory. Morgan State has relied heavily on a rushing attack that ranks 33rd (177 yards per game) in the FCS and the nation's top-rated defense (205 yards per game).

The Bears' running game has been powered by tailback Devan James (1,129 rushing yards and eight TDs), but an injury to starting quarterback Carlton Jackson (742 yards passing, five TDs, one interception) last week could mean starting responsibilities fall to backup Jeremy Glover (199 yards passing, two TDs, four interceptions).

Defensively, Morgan State is eighth against the run (80 yards per game), but still hasn't faced one of the nation's best running backs in SCSUs Will Ford. The Bears also rank second in pass defense, limiting opponents to just 126 yards. Manning the leadership role for Morgan State on defense is linebacker Jarrell Guyton (team-leading 59 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks)