Potential FCS Upsets Against FBS Teams

Each year, almost every FBS school pays at least one team to come in and play patsy for it. Usually, these games work out as expected: big school gets a win, revenue from fans and playing time for the backups, small school gets a check to help fund its non-revenue sports.

But occasionally, it doesn’t go as planned. Sometimes, the small school forgets its role and comes up with a monumental win, collecting the money in the process. Some memorable examples include Appalachian State’s 2007 stunner over Michigan and Portland State’s 66-7 thrashing of North Texas, which earned North Texas coach Dan McCarney immediate dismissal.

Here are five games where the FCS school has a legitimate shot to win against its FBS host.

Aug. 31: Saint Francis at Western Michigan

Saint Francis nearly pulled one off last year, losing in overtime to Akron. The Red Flash get another shot at a MAC foe and face a very inexperienced Western Michigan squad. The Broncos have just two starters back on defense and have a new coach taking the reins in Lance Taylor. If the game is close, Western Michigan could get nervous.

Sept. 2: Southeastern Louisiana at Mississippi State

This really isn’t the right opponent for the post-Mike Leach era. The Bulldogs’ emotions will be high in their first game in Starkville since Leach’s death, and Southeastern Louisiana features a veteran offensive line protecting an explosive offense. The Lions should make this interesting and will likely have a chance in the final 10 minutes.

Sept. 9: Holy Cross at Boston College

Holy Cross knocked off Buffalo last season, and the Crusaders could pull another surprise here. Bob Chesney’s team went 12-1 last season and returns dual-threat quarterback Matthew Sluka and a host of veterans. BC gave up 30.3 points per game last year and returns just six starters. This will not be an easy game at all for the Eagles.

Sept. 9: Idaho at Nevada

Nevada’s offense hit the skids in a 2-10 campaign, and now they have to try to outscore Gevani McCoy. McCoy was the top freshman in FCS last season and led Idaho to a playoff appearance, where the Vandals went down to the wire. Idaho gave Washington State and Indiana all they wanted last year, and both are a few steps ahead of the Wolf Pack.

Oct. 7: William and Mary at Virginia

Have the Cavaliers thought this one through? Mike London was once the coach in Charlottesville, a tenure that saw four finishes of sixth or lower in the Coastal Division. Now he’s moved down I-64 to Williamsburg, where he has an explosive offense at his disposal. Last year, Duke beat up Virginia on the ground, and William and Mary will try to do the same. The Tribe will be motivated and should be in the game for 60 minutes.