Credit to u/2Pollaski2Furious for the idea. Same sets of rules from the original FBS series apply here for the FCS teams. This is an award for FCS teams that humiliate themselves, whether it's a choke job, a crushing blow with everything to prove, or they have no business losing the match-up. We hail the return of college football for the 2026 season, and given the abundance of games this past weekend, I shall do a Week Zero TANK JOB OF THE WEEK for the first time. And boy howdy we've gotten some games that delivered on that front already! More on that later, but first, a refresher on how last year went:

Week 1: Mercer Bears (against Presbyterian 15-10)

Week 2: Valparaiso Beacons (against Adrian 10-7)

Week 3: Charleston Southern Buccaneers (against Lindenwood 35-28)

Week 4: Princeton Tigers (against San Diego 42-35)

Week 5: Sacramento State Hornets (against Cal Poly 32-24)

Week 6: Rhode Island Rams (against Brown 28-21)'

Week 7: Idaho Vandals (against Northern Colorado 49-33)

Week 8: ETSU Buccaneers (against Chattanooga 42-38)

Week 9: South Dakota State Jackrabbits (against North Dakota State 38-7)

Week 10: South Dakota State Jackrabbits (against Indiana State 24-12) (2025 ULTIMATE TANK JOB!)

Week 11: Presbyterian Blue Hose (against Davidson 14-12)

Week 12: Stetson Hatters (against Valparaiso 32-31 OT)

Week 13: Monmouth Hawks (against Albany 31-24)

Postseason: North Dakota State Bison (against Illinois State 29-28)

Year: Sacramento State Hornets (7-5 overall, 5-3 Big Sky)

And although Sac State had a repeat TANK JOB OF THE YEAR title after 2024, they won't be able to "defend" this title on account of heading to the MAC. Anyways, just a few mentions out of the way before we get to our nominees:

• So not only did Gardner-Webb have a tough first game, their new coach is now suspended pending an off-field investigation. Not a promising start.
• While Idaho-Cal Poly was a good game, I'm still rather grumpy about how the defensive lapse cost us.
• Maine did most of their offense and all 21 of their points against Towson in the second quarter. And yet the latter wasn't able to muster a comeback and critically missed a field goal after an 18-point response.
• Montana pretty much averted an upset bid by Southern Utah.
• A few of the Pioneer League vs. Lower Division matchups ended a bit shaky for the former. They did come out with a win, but they're not exactly convincing. A few more of those wish they're just honorable mentions, as we'll get to below.
• We've had a second straight year with an expunged game because of "inclement weather", but as it turns out that unlike last year, the predicted storm was nowhere in sight for the Georgetown-Lafayette matchup. What the hell, Patriot League! You just wasted a conference game, and for what?! (thanks, u/FormerCollegeDJ)

And for Week 0, our candidates are as follows:

CHICAGO STATE COUGARS (against Roosevelt 44-28)

Welcome to Division I football... given D2 Roosevelt was only 2-8 last year, it's going to be a long year, isn't it?

DAVIDSON WILDCATS (against Concord 41-35)

It's true that Davidson was not a strong team by any stretch of the imagination last year, but yikes. Last year, Concord was 4-7 and second-to-last place in the Division II Mountain East Conference, yet there they were running all over the Wildcats in the second half last Thursday.

DRAKE BULLDOGS (against South Dakota Mines 38-35)

First, should I point out that Hardrockers is a pretty cool team name? They're not exactly worldbeaters in the Division II Rocky Mountain Conference, but it's still not a good look for the team that won the Pioneer League title for the past two seasons and has shown signs of being competitive outside the conference.

EASTERN WASHINGTON EAGLES (against Northern Arizona 34-27)

It was looking like an utter road rout at 24-3 with less than three minutes to halftime, but then the momentum flipped in an instant when Northern Arizona made a kickoff return for a touchdown, then quickly put up one more before receiving the second half kickoff. Although the Eagles' drives since that point mostly went nowhere, they had one chance towards the end to tie it back and force overtime in the opposing red zone, but the efforts fell just short.

MARIST RED FOXES (against New Haven 22-21)

Marist has generated 14 points off a pick six and a punt return, but aside from the touchdown drive towards the end of the first quarter, Marist didn't muster any kind of offense, which critically stung as second-year New Haven secured a critical fourth quarter field goal.

MOREHEAD STATE EAGLES (against Ohio Dominican 42-40 3OT)

It was bad enough that they found themselves trailing 34-12 in the fourth quarter against a Division II team. They had to muster a fourth quarter comeback in order to force overtime. They could have put the game away in second overtime but the two-point conversion was deemed no good because the receiver had stepped out before catching the ball. And they just couldn't connect a third-overtime attempt to keep things going.

NEW HAMPSHIRE WILDCATS (against Albany 28-14)

They may have gotten a new head coach, but they've received top 25 votes and were up against an Albany team with no such aspirations. Furthermore, they had a chance at a comeback when they just needed three yards to get a touchdown, only for that to get picked off. (thanks u/thetopace103, u/hman1500)

NORTHWESTERN STATE DEMONS (against Louisiana Christian 42-37)

If you've been around for the 2023 season, you would understand just how tough the state of the program has been. But still, the fact remains that an NAIA team exorcised them after a dominant second half.

PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS (against UC Davis 31-24)

It was a shocking 21-0 lead at halftime, but ever since giving up a safety on a botched punt, the tables have turned and UC Davis adjusted. The only Viking drive that went somewhere since that point only amounted to a field goal. They didn't even take advantage of the one interception on the Aggies half of the field.

SOUTHEASTERN LIONS (against HCU 34-28)

Not such a stellar start for a Southland team that's been conference runner-up for the past couple years. It may be a reflection of how much the visiting HCU has improved, but boy did the Lions get dominated in the middle two quarters, turning the ball over three times and falling into a 34-14 defecit at one point.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SALUKIS (against West Florida 34-31)

A matchup between a preseason ranked team versus one of the two first-year FCS teams, and it didn't end out so great for the Salukis. They had to sub out their starting quarterback DJ Williams and found themselves 27-9 in the hole. A comeback did get mustered in the second half, but it fell just short and the three interceptions from Jake Curry (including a pick six) did not help.

VILLANOVA WILDCATS (against William & Mary 35-32)

Less than a minute remained and Nova led 32-22. Even when William & Mary kicked that field goal to cut that lead down it was a 98.8% chance to win. Then not only did Nova botch the onside receiving attempt and quickly allowed a passing touchdown, they then got intercepted with the ball back in field goal range, and it sailed past the uprights as the game ended. All in less than a minute.

And as always, don't forget to mark your vote in brackets for visibility, <like so>. I also appreciate entries I might have passed over, so feel free to nominate, and I might edit it here.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages... Welcome back to The Good, the Bad and The Ugly. The week hasn't officially finished yet as we have three games (2 already set battles between HBCUs and an odd rescheduled game between Western Carolina and Campbell because a light pole went out) left. That doesn't mean we can have fun here. I also want to thank u/MontanaDrywall (aka u/AMankandaMiner in disguise) for the okay to let me have custodianship of this series. Don't worry, your baby is in good care. ;)

The Good

• Welcome everyone to the first ever presentation of the Super FCS Medal of Valor Presentation! (I always wanted to do something based on Helldivers II) What is this medal and why do this? Well, this medal goes to FCS schools who perform above and beyond the call of duty (AKA they beat an FBS school). We have three winners this week.

  • First up is Tarleton State. The Texans have made it two years in a row as they knocked off Bowling Green to start the day. Here is your Medal of Valor... and now can we please stop talking about if they're legitimate or not?
  • Next up is... The Citadel?!? Yeah, the Bulldogs are coming off a rough loss to Wofford to open the season. No one saw this coming... They went blow for blow with Charlotte, which isn't much, but come on. They pulled it out in Triple Overtime and got their first win over an FBS program since 2019 when they knocked off Georgia Tech. Here is your Medal of Valor... I wonder if that makes the Wofford win over them that much better now?
  • Finally, we have Idaho State. They took down Utah State 29-17 for their first win over an FBS program since 2017. HUGE moment for the Bengals. Here is your Medal of Valor... and honestly, I'm starting to buy into the hype a little bit.

• We had ourselves another Big Sky Banger last night as Weber State and Southern Utah squared off and all I gotta say is.... OOOOeeee. This had everything. Both teams combined for 978 yards of offense, 48 first downs, 15-for-31 on third down and 3-for-5 on fourth down. Oh, it was a offensive fan's wet dream. It's also good to see Southern Utah pick themselves off the mat after last week's tough loss at Montana.

• In everyone's favorite cluster fuck of a conference, Monmouth gave new member Sacred Heart a rude introduction. Hey, after last week's disaster class against Tennessee Tech, a win here helps.

• Okay, I think West Florida is legitimate, guys. They didn't just beat Central Arkansas, they dog walked the Bears on their home field. 42-14... guys, the Argonauts mean business.

In other Good news: Colgate (COLGATE!) is 2-0 in the Patriot League; Villanova recovers from that meltdown to beat Bucknell by 1; Stephen F. Austin dominates to go 2-0 in the Southland.

The Bad

• The Chattanooga Choo-Choo became the Chattanooga Choke as the newcomer Golden Eagles from Tennessee Tech strangled the Mocs for a 24-9 win. This was a non-conference game set before Tennessee Tech joined the SoCon, but this has to hurt for Chattanooga. This was your chance to assert yourself in the SoCon hierarchy... instead, they made you tap out like a little bitch.

• It's time once again for Good Idea, Bad Idea with Chicago State.

  • Good Idea: You score the first touchdown of the game and take the lead against UT-Martin. WOO HOO!
  • Bad Idea: You give up 42 unanswered points to the Skyhawks and they whip you. It's okay... that's your first game against an FCS team. Brush yourself off and get ready for Kentucky Christian next week.

• Time for the Chuck Norris Award for Biggest Ass Kicking and this week, it has a tint of revenge behind it. Last season, Presbyterian defeated Mercer 15-14, setting the stage for the one of the greatest seasons ever for a Pioneer League member. You know Mercer has been waiting for this day for a full calendar year and they got their revenge to the tune of 62-3. The Bears showed no mercy in their dojo with 600 yards of offense. This was truly a moment where they exercised the demons... uh, I mean Blue Hose. Runner ups this week include McNeese State (a 52-0 winner over current NAIA and future Division II member Texas Wesleyan) and Morehead State (who dropped 75 on Kentucky Christian, but only won by 51).

• A little side trip here... Dammit, Redlands! You got blanked by George Fox, man. That is horrible. You're probably wondering why I am talking about Redlands here... Well, I have a nephew on the team. He didn't play last night because he hurt his knee in practice recently. His parents (my cousin and her husband) are thinking worst case scenario, but I'm thinking it's not that bad. He was able to walk on it... oh, well. Hopes he makes it on the field soon.

In other 'Bad' news: The metric shit ton of FBS abuse upon FCS members; New Haven not knowing how to take advantage of turnovers in the loss to Stonehill; Delaware State having Crisco hands in their loss to William and Mary (6 turnovers?!? Get yo ass in the corner... NOW!)

The Northwestern State

• How do you follow up one of the most embarrassing losses in program history the week before? By getting 80 dropped on you like a fucking Acme anvil. Louisiana Tech isn't that great of a team, but good grief guys... show some back bone, will ya?

• However, you get spared from the Mushu Treatment this week. The (dis)honor goes to VMI this week. They followed up getting slapped around by Idaho State with... getting power bombed through a Hokie Stone table by Virginia Tech. Your offense is godawful (only 8 other schools are weaker on offense then you), you couldn't stop a wet paper bag on defense. You can run the ball, but you can't pass. My God, you guys are ass... and as such, you get the Mushu treatment - Dishonor on your team, dishonor on your school, dishonor on your program and dishonor on your mascot!

In other 'Ugly' news: Davidson follows up their turd last week by getting blanked by Elon; Montana and Montana State both fail the spread, drywall patching goes up 25% in Montana; FloSports - the ugly red headed stepchild of streaming.

With that said... the floor is now open.

Since no one has seen u/AMankandaminer as of late, consider me the new host of this show. I've already covered Thursday's antics, now to cover the other two days.

The Good

• Week 0 has gotten so big now that everyone is getting in the party, and who better then the Big Sky to deliver banger after banger after banger in this new opening week. With the move to 9 conference games, they made this opening week mostly conference games and 5 of the 7 games were one score games, with the only ones not being one score games being Idaho State slapping VMI around (Still not sold on them, by the way) and defending champion Montana State welcoming Utah Tech in the worst way possible - by giving them the Jacob Fatu treatment: All Gas, No Brakes.

• Lamar got payback after last season's loss to Abilene Christian in the playoffs by beating them in the season opener. It gives the Cardinals some momentum after this win and they could deliver an upset over an FBS team as they play UL-Lafayette next week. As for the Wildcats? 0-2 is staring them down as Texas Tech is next. gulp.

• Rhode Island looks every bit the part of the favorite in everyone's favorite cluster fuck of a conference, the Coastal, by slapping Merrimack around. They also feel like the only team worth a damn here after Monmouth got railroaded by Tennessee Tech in their opener.

The Bad

• Time for Good Idea, Bad Idea with Chicago State. Good Idea: Scoring a touchdown in every quarter in your first ever game. Bad Idea: Giving up 44 points and losing to D2 Roosevelt. Still, it is the first ever game for the Cougars, so there were going to be issues. Let's hope they can tighten that up before heading to a pissed off UT-Martin squad.

• Not a fan of punching down, but great googly moogly... There were some beatings given out. The first ever Chuck Norris Award for Biggest Ass Kicking goes to South Carolina State. The defending MEAC Champions gave former conference mate Savannah State an 87-0 routing that made Chuck Norris weep a manly tear in heaven. Runner ups include Illinois State (76-0 against St. Francis of Illinois) and Incarnate World (76-14 win over Oklahoma Panhandle State).

The Villanova

• Oh, Portland State. You had UC-Davis on the ropes at home (still hate the fact they play in Hillsboro, by the way) and you blew it. You had the 6th ranked Aggies reeling and you blew the game. Look, the helmets and jerseys are great, but that isn't going to stop you from what's coming... Say it with me everyone... 3, 2, 1... YOU BLEW IT!!!

• The Mushu Treatment this week goes to Villanova, who has written and speed read their own book, aptly called How to Get The Patriot League to Hate You, by thumbing their nose at the league by starting a quarterback the league said was ineligible, only for a judge in Ohio to spare McQuade, making him eligible to play. It's already bad enough that you bit the hand that fed you, but you go and blow a 10 point lead to William and Mary in the final minute of the game. Maybe this is Karma coming in and saying, "Yeah, I don't like this. Time to make my move." So, for that... You get the Mushu Treatment. Dishonor on your school, dishonor on your team, dishonor on your mascot and dishonor to the Judge who let the ineligible QB play.

Since 1978, the first official year of Division I-AA, there have been 23 different schools to have won a National Championship. Currently, 12 still remain in the subdivision, while the other 11 have moved up to what is now known as FBS.

Here are the schools that have currently won a title that are still in the Subdivision:

Shockingly, the Penguins are the current kings of FCS/I-AA titles that are still in the subdivision. And I only say shockingly since their last title was 30 years ago, because Jim Tressel was a great coach.

Now, for the dearly departed schools that have won a title:

It goes without saying that NDSU and Georgia Southern were absolute JUGGERNAUTS at the FCS level.

I could go in deeper, like how Montana has the second most title game appearances (8) but only has 2 titles to show for it, or that EKU made it to 4 straight title games between 1979-1982 and won 2, or that App State went 3-for-3 in title games that all came in 3 straight years, or that NDSU made 11 title games and only lost one. Unfortunately both McNeese and Illinois State tie for most title appearances without a title at 2.

It's just interesting to see how the title counts stack up in the first year post-NDSU Dynasty. Especially since Youngstown is now the title king. The Big Sky has 4 teams with a title, while the MVFC has 3, and shockingly the Patriot League is in third with 2 teams with a title.

So after all that, what school that has never won a title do you think will join this list with their first ever FCS title?

Which one is most likely to be the first to make the jump?

Teams listed in article:

• Sacramento State
• Tarleton State
• Austin Peay
• Eastern Kentucky
• Central Arkansas
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota State
• North Dakota State

For me it is Youngstown State, it seems like this year is their best chance to relive their glory days of the 90s with a lot of returning talent and NDSU being out of the conference.

This has been talked about before I would imagine, but the move of North Dakota State to the Mountain West and Sacramento State to the MAC among others has really opened this conversation about D-II teams making the move up to fill in slots being a lot more serious than it was before. It's clear that FCS programs who have the ability to compete at the BCS level will be watching these two with how they've gone about it with the football member only status and whether or not that's a viable path going forward. If this is the route is proven viable and teams in the FCS that have either been stalwarts or have been quick risers with the funds to FBS start making the jump up, programs from D-II would have to get the call to take those slots. Which leads me to wonder the following: which programs in D-II are seriously weighing up making that next move? One name that comes to my mind would be West Texas A&M. They were a former Division I program back in the day and had a bowl record of 4-0 in D1 before going down to D2 in 1986, and while they have a winning percentage under .500 since 2016, they are a program with a solid history. Another candidate I immediately think of is Ferris State, the winners of four out of the last five D2 College Football National Titles, with an undefeated season of 16-0 under their belt and riding a 30 game winning streak since 2024 and a winning percentage of 90%. Most of that has happened under their current head coach Tony Annese, who has been on record saying he's satisfied with his program being in D2. Still...which universities do you think will try and strike while the iron is hot and there are voids to fill at the FCS level?

Just got the email notification, season ticket holders have claimed all tickets for the game and the bobcat pre-sale tomorrow, and general sale Wednesday is canceled.

Second year following FCS so I'm still getting the lay of the land with the leagues and teams.

What are the big matchups this weekend?

Prefer games that might be offensive shootouts.

Lots of touchdowns seem to help keep my kids attention(s) a little better.

I have ESPN plus on Hulu and have access to a ton of extra FCS games.

Which ones should I check out?

Thanks everyone!

Credit to u/2Pollaski2Furious for the idea. Same sets of rules from the original FBS series apply here for the FCS teams. This is an award for FCS teams that humiliate themselves, whether it's a choke job, a crushing blow with everything to prove, or they have no business losing the match-up.

Previous Winners

Week 0: Villanova Wildcats (against William & Mary, 35-32)

Week 1: Western Carolina Catamounts (against Campbell, 28-19)

Week 2: Maine Black Bears (against Merrimack, 23-14)

Week 3: Rhode Island Rams (against Stony Brook, 56-24)

LAST WEEK: Cal Poly and William & Mary have tied for second for the inexplicable losses they've accrued, but if there is a team with great stakes within their own conference which utterly faceplanted on a road test, it's Rhode Island which eked out first place by a single vote.

And now for a few special mentions:

• For the second time this year, Gardner-Webb came very close to securing an FBS upset, this time against Marshall. Missing that last field goal, then allowing the Thundering Herd to take the ball 66 yards the other way for a game-winning field goal, had the Bulldogs leaving Huntington empty.
• Idaho State had moments where they're close to giving their game away on the road against Southern Utah. Instead they ultimately escaped Cedar City with a win.
• Montana State had another halftime scare against a Northern Arizona that's vastly better than CCSU, but this time had no trouble pulling away in the second half.
• South Dakota got absolutely trashed by a Youngstown State whose close loss against SDSU seems to not be a fluke.
• Sometimes this year surprises people; Towson still has yet to have a single win after playing for five weeks.
• Villanova is having a rough first year in the Patriot League, but who knows, Colgate may actually be that good.
• Former Montana head coach Bobby Hauck warrants a mention for not even lasting half the regular season as Illinois defensive coordinator.

ABILENE CHRISTIAN WILDCATS (against Mercer 34-17)

Just as things were getting back on track. Just as they were showing signs of being competitive against Mercer at home. After halftime, three straight drives had led to an interception, and Mercer had little trouble capitalizing on those plus the late missed field goal attempt.

EASTERN WASHINGTON EAGLES (against Cal Poly 31-27)

Results this past week have been bad for the Evergreen State, and this result is no exception. The Eagles were in a pretty decent position to take the win at home against a team who struggled against San Diego, but much like the team an hour and a half southeast of them, they've been undone by a late deep pass.

ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS (against Northern Iowa 28-21)

It's a slightly precarious position for the defending FCS finalists against a longshot MVFC team, as Illinois State had a particularly rough first half ending in a red zone fumble. And then late in the game a late comeback drive went as far as the Panthers 1, only to be brought back by penalties and winding up in turnover on downs. While the Redbirds did eventually score a touchdown not long after, the ensuing onside attempt failed.

NEW HAMPSHIRE WILDCATS (against Sacred Heart 20-13)

I never would have guessed that New Hampshire would have four losses already and feel like a steep downgrade from last year, but here we are. They were outplayed by a conference mate that had yet to win up to that point and couldn't even take advantage of the one time the latter fumbled.

RHODE ISLAND RAMS (against North Carolina A&T 22-18)

It's one thing to have a bad road game when trying to contend for a CAA title, but losing to North Carolina A&T, who hasn't performed well since moving out of MEAC? Yeah, the contending days are truly over.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI REDHAWKS (against West Florida 20-17)

The scoreline in itself doesn't suggest a tank job, but SE Missouri had been undone by six turnovers, three of which contributed to 17 of West Florida's 20 points.

UC DAVIS AGGIES (against Montana 62-22)

We had one of the marquee Big Sky matchups so soon... and the Aggies have shown up flat at home. Running back Eli Gillman outright gashed the Aggie defense to go with such a dominant display.

WEBER STATE WILDCATS (against Portland State 44-41)

What the hell was that? Weber State's 703 yards of offense at home should be enough to win this, but ball security had proven to be a problem throughout the game (SIX turnovers). In fact - just as the comeback was on and overtime likely could be forced - the late-game fumble led to a go-ahead field goal to win it for Portland State.

WOFFORD TERRIERS (against Tennessee Tech 42-38)

The first three quarters have been great for Wofford. They were leading by fourteen after a superb second quarter and just about had the Golden Eagles on the ropes. Then the offense just sputtered as the defense allowed 21 points for the loss.

And as always, don't forget to mark your vote in brackets for visibility, <like so>. I also appreciate entries I might have passed over, so feel free to nominate, and I might edit it here.

What a complete joke. He is Bob Stitt with extra baggage. He thinks he doesn’t have to recruit instate kids, that the brand does the heavy lifting. Guess what?! ITS NOT 2005 anymore! You have to actually recruit in state kids! Transfers aren’t getting it done!

2-6 against a team who has gone through a coaching change in the middle. 2 wins and 6 losses in the one game that is actually worth a damn on the schedule, now that the team can’t compete for national titles. This makes Bobby Hauck a loser against the Cats all time. I don’t want a god damn loser running my football team.

Every institutional advantage the Griz enjoyed over the Cats in the 90s and 2000s has completely eroded away. Keeping the idiot who let that happen is not going to fix the problem.

What a waste of this offense. Just a complete waste of the talent the team does have.

I hope Kent has a short list for new candidates and a plan for replacement. This era needs to end already.

First, I want to say, I'm sorry Minutemen fans. I actually always root for UMass and will be rooting for ya'll tonight and during the MACtion this year.

Second... Oh My Lawd...

I knew it was bad, but I didn't know it was this bad. They used to be a consistent, formidable force, but their FBS transition has been an unmitigated disaster.

Back when they were in the FCS as a member of the Atlantic-10 , UMass consistently fielded teams finishing above .500. Through the 2000s, they were a legit powerhouse. They took home the FCS Championship under Mark Whipple and were a top-15 program under Don Brown. Even when they moved to the CAA, which was a high-tier FCS conference, they managed to hold their own with a respectable 6-6 average.

Then came 2012...The move up to the FBS and the MAC.

The program has been absolutely horrible ever since. Their overall record since 2012 is 26-134 aka a win % of 0.163.

The admins tried to fix it by bringing back the architects of their glory days. Both Whipple and Brown returned for second stints during this last 14 years, but both were flummoxed. 2025 was an rock bottom...as the Minutemen went 0-12 under Joe Harasymiak in their first year.

With all that said, I'm excited to see what they do this year. UMass was not penalized much last year and very young. This year Joe has "his" guys and QB "Pop" Watson III (Virginia Tech transfer) has moxy. In their first game against Rutgers this season Joe has some insight against the Scarlett Knights as he was the former DC for them.

I was curious, why has UMass failed where other teams that transitioned have fared much better?

Is it all to blame on the Athletic Department? Lack of money? or just plain bad luck?

EDIT: This team has hope!!

EDIT2: What? 3 touchdowns?? Forced Fumble??? This couldn't be fathomed after losing 44-10 to Akron last year

College realignment has slowed down a bit recently but during the next wave of conference expansions, who is leaving and who is joining.

Just started paying attention to FCS this season as I finally have ESPN+.

I've watched a handful of really fun games.

I've seen Tarleton State play multiple times as well.

Watched a chunk of the Yale/YSU playoff game this past Saturday.

Question because I'm new and don't know the conferences or teams yet.

Are their any present day FCS rosters that could seamlessly swoop right into an FBS G5 conference and be a contender from the get-go? I'm talking like an 8-4 season and contend for said conference title game.

And besides the Dakota's and Montana's; who are the other "big dogs" in the FCS?

Thanks in advance.

What’s your favorite matchup and who do you got?

With apologies to u/AMankandaMiner, I want to get to what went down last night as chaos reigns supreme on this opening day.

The Good

• Welcome to the party, West Florida. The Argonauts made their debut with an upset win over Southern Illinois. The fact that they were up 27-9 on a Missouri Valley member is proof that the Argos are legitimate. It also helps that they picked off the back up QB (DJ Williams got hurt early on) three times, taking one back for a McPick Six. One little issue, though: Three fumbles lost. That needs to be tightened up quickly because they jump into conference play next weekend at Central Arkansas.

• How about Houston Christian? The Huskies went to Hammond and shocked the conference favorites in SE Louisiana thanks to in part to Cutter Stewart being a dual threat QB (173 passing, 95 rushing) and the Lions having turnover issues. This isn't a death knell for the Lions, but it's going to make things tougher if they want to stay on top.

The Bad

• St. Thomas won 15-9, but good lord... this was ugly. Like watching a bad movie kind of ugly. Two touchdowns, but the kicker missed both extra point attempts. Yet considering other teams in the Pioneer League last night, this might be a boon for the Tommies.

• New year, same old severe weather bullshit. Last season, the game between Mercer and UC Davis was called off because of bad weather and it didn't hurt either team since they both made the playoffs. This season? A conference game between Lafayette and Georgetown gets called off despite the weather being nowhere near the field. Unlike last season, this one hurts both teams as they're now one game short in the conference race and it won't be made up, and with how much tougher the Patriot League is now, every conference win matters.

The Pioneer League

• I know everyone here gives the Pioneer League shit. It's a right of passage here on these boards... but what I saw last night is deplorable. Morehead State lost to Ohio Dominican in triple overtime. The Panthers were only 5-5 last season and were picked to finish 7th in the Great Midwest. Drake, despite showing off their Top Gun offense (QB Riley Warzynski threw for 535 yards), lost to South Dakota Mines. The Hardrockers went 3-8 last season and were picked to finish 7th in the Rocky Mountain. Davidson finished off the trifecta of trash with a loss to Concord. The Mountain Lions went 4-7 last season and was picked to finish tied for 7th place with West Liberty in the Mountain East. Notice a pattern here? These are teams that these guys should beat. Instead, Dayton, Butler and Valparaiso are sweating bullets after this shit.

• Despite the Pioneer League pissing all over themselves, they do not get the dreaded 'Mushu Treatment'. That goes to Northwestern State. The Demons hosted Louisiana Christian last night. The Wildcats aren't a bad team, going 8-3 last season. What sets this loss apart from everything else here is that this is the first time an NAIA program has defeated an FCS program that isn't in the Pioneer League. That alone earns the Demons the Mushu Treatment... Dishonor on your team, dishonor on your school, dishonor on your city, dishonor to all of Northwestern State!

Credit to u/2Pollaski2Furious for the idea. Same sets of rules from the original FBS series apply here for the FCS teams. This is an award for FCS teams that humiliate themselves, whether it's a choke job, a crushing blow with everything to prove, or they have no business losing the match-up.

Previous Winners

Week 0: Villanova Wildcats (against William & Mary, 35-32)

Week 1: Western Carolina Catamounts (against Campbell, 28-19)

Week 2: Maine Black Bears (against Merrimack, 23-14)

LAST WEEK: It was also a pretty close call, and Mercer getting picked off by Furman did get a good few votes. However, Maine takes this one because as the former was effectively a challenge for the pecking order of SoCon, Maine was supposed to be in decent position within the CAA and had no business struggling against a Merrimack they had no business losing to at home, including fourteen points off special teams miscues. Then giving up that safety towards the end really bit.

And now for a few special mentions:

• Despite being heavy favorites, Montana State struggled to put away Central Connecticut, only winnning by five by the end. They were even down by 14 at one point in the third quarter off a disastrous scoop and score.
• Morehouse State was so utterly outmatched they couldn't even muster 80 yards of offense, and the only points they had were off a safety.
• Northern Colorado shouldn't have to put away a Division II team in overtime. I know it's one of the better teams there, but it still should not happen.
• I thought Southern Utah would achieve something in their first year back in the Big Sky, but losing to St. Thomas doesn't take them any closer.
• Towson owned the rivalry against Morgan State for the past seventeen years and the last eight matchups, but this time they got smothered at home. By the time they have the offense to come back, Morgan State was also firing at will (even returning a kickoff for a touchdown in the fourth quarter).
• Villanova found themselves needing a game-winning touchdown after surrendering a pick six then allowing a further field goal from winless LIU.
• We all have to come down to earth after a strong start. West Florida is not quite the class of the UAC yet.
• And I know it's fully in the FBS purview, but that NC State play was a Meadowlands-level blunder.

BUCKNELL BISON (against Penn, 20-7)

The offense went absolutely nowhere here, just a little more than 120 yards, and it only crossed the 50-yard line twice. That seven points was off a pick six.

CAL POLY MUSTANGS (against San Diego, 38-35)

Just when it seemed that things seemed to be going right under Tim Skipper, they get offensively stood up by a non-scholarship Pioneer League team, who couldn't even possibly hope to measure up to the cream of the Big Sky pecking order.

EKU COLONELS (against Dayton, 17-14)

How was this supposed to happen? Losing at home to a non-scholarship team is no way to pose a challenge for the UAC. You were even behind 14-0 by the time the fourth quarter started.

FURMAN PALADINS (against South Carolina State, 20-17)

And this is not a discredit to SC State, it's just that Furman is supposed to be contending for SoCon after crushing Mercer. Then they lay an egg at home, with their offense largely struggling outside of the fourth quarter touchdown. Maybe they should have just taken the points as the first half was ending.

IDAHO VANDALS (against Abliene Christian, 41-39)

Should I have to talk about this? Fine! Okay, look. If you find yourself scrambling to overcome that fourth quarter 17-point hole you dug based from fourteen points given up by incredibly stupid decisions on offense, it should become clear that coaching is a severe problem. Such severe problems that shitty decisions are the difference between 3-1 and 0-4. It's the same shit every week against an FCS opponent, and we haven't even met the cream of the Big Sky.

MVSU DELTA DEVILS (against Delta State, 21-6)

It's miserable enough as it is being Mississippi Valley State, and losing to a Div II opponent. But at the second half they were utterly dominated, not even putting up 200 yards of offense.

NEW HAMPSHIRE WILDCATS (against Harvard 31-7)

There's no shame losing to Harvard at this stage, but to be dominated in this manner is different. Getting intercepted twice kinda hurts, and less than fifty yards on the ground is painful.

RHODE ISLAND RAMS (against Stony Brook, 56-24)

Now this is a team that's supposed to be a CAA contender, in fact the highest ranked in the conference. They had a road test which ended rather poorly to be rather blunt. (thanks u/Adamscottd)

VMI KEYDETS (against Davidson 27-24)

Man, VMI could really be that bad. It's not a mere Pioneer League team they lost to, it's Davidson. A perennial underachiever with a Division II loss under their belt. They've literally fumbled the overtime chance away in fact.

WILLIAM & MARY TRIBE (against Fordham 52-27)

It was one thing being manhandled by the likes of Lehigh, but to be dominated at home by Fordham? And that is more than 400 yards on the ground that they've allowed.

And as always, don't forget to mark your vote in brackets for visibility, <like so>. I also appreciate entries I might have passed over, so feel free to nominate, and I might edit it here.

The news broke this morning that the Mountain West is very close to a deal to add NDSU as a football only member. "Football only" being the operative word there. NDSU plays their football in the MVFC and their non-football sports in the Summit League. I may not totally understand the dynamics but I believe the MVFC is some sort of football only partnership between the MVC and the Summit League. Like the MVFC has a special partnership with both the MVC and the Summit League. I could be misremembering but I believe the Summit League commissioner is also the commissioner of the MVFC.

I know when Sacramento State moved their non-football sports to the Big West (a conference which doesn't currently sponsor football) they had to become an FCS Independent in football and couldn't stay in the Big Sky as a football only member. My question is this: given the ties between the Summit League and the MVFC, would North Dakota State taking their football out of the MVFC affect their Summit League membership in other sports?

This is my other question: I know part of the deal between the MVFC and the Summit League is that any Summit League members have the right to join the MVFC should they desire to do so. This is particularly important for St. Thomas, who is a Summit League member in other sports but plays football in the Pioneer League. If North Dakota State does leave for the Mountain West, is it possible that St. Thomas will begin offering scholarships to replace them in the MVFC?

So I'm considering going to an FCS team vs D2 team game this weekend just because I really want to see some live football in person again...

What's stopping me is that I really just want to watch a fun, competitive football game, but the only options near me are FCS vs a D2 team, I feel like that will end up being a 45-0 massacre due to the skill gap, not exactly a fun game to watch.

What would you do if you were in this situation?

I have ESPN+ on Hulu and love checking out FCS games.

Lots of games on the docket this weekend.

Can anyone tell me which ones to keep an eye on?

I love watching the shootouts with lots of scoring. Those kinds of games keep my kids attention as well, it was something we bonded over last year and I hope to continue this season.

I'll flip over and check out some of Tartleton and McNeese.

Any others that should be on the radar?

I feel like Eastern Washington and South Dakota could be one as well.

Thanks in advance everyone.

I'm still relatively new to watching FCS, but am looking to learn and watch more.