Staff Records:
CJ Sweat: 14-2
Chris Mason: 13-3
Parker Hall: 15-1
Louisville @ UVA
For the second week in a row, the Hoos' face a game that is crucial to their hopes of making a bowl. Despite the fact that Louisville has won three games in a row against UVA, the Cavs find themselves favored by 5 for this weekend's match-up. If you're a betting man, keep in mind that in the 6 times these two programs have met, UVA has only won twice and their largest margin of victory is just two points when they won 23-21 in 2014.
CJ Sweat: UVA 30 Louisville 28
Chris Mason: Louisville 33 UVA 20
Parker Hall: UVA 30 Louisville 27
VT @ ODU
Before the season started, both Chris Mason and CJ Sweat thought ODU had potential for a big upset this weekend, and a 4-0 start. Yet, after three games, the Monarchs find themselves still searching for their first win. Last year, the Hokies won 38-0. Considering how well Bud Foster's defense has played this year, and how poor ODU's offense has performed, the Monarchs may get shut out for a second year in a row.
CJ Sweat: VT 37 ODU 10
Chris Mason: VT 47 ODU 24
Parker Hall: VT 42 ODU 24
William & Mary @ JMU
JMU's quest for their second national title in three years continues after their blistering of Robert Morris last Thursday, by a tune of 73-7. A Ben DiNucci led offense has worked for the Dukes, but defense is actually lacking. JMU ranks 7th in FCS in yards allowed per game. That doesn't sound bad, but consider that one of their games ended after a quarter. Lastly, they rank last in FCS in sacks per game.
CJ Sweat: JMU 42 William & Mary 16
Chris Mason: JMU 38 William & Mary 17
Parker Hall: JMU 45 William & Mary 42
VMI @ Western Carolina
Last night, the Cleveland Browns won their first game since December 2016 after beating the New York Jets. VMI's losing streak dates back longer though, all the way to October 8th of the same year. Just a week ago though, VMI nearly saw that streak come to an end, losing to ETSU 27-24 in the fourth quarter.
CJ Sweat: WCU 31 VMI 13
Chris Mason: WCU 31 VMI 0
Parker Hall: WCU 24 VMI 7
Hampton @ Northern Iowa
Due to the transition from the MEAC to the Big South, Hampton is forced to compete this year as an Independent. That made it difficult to schedule games, which is why the Pirates could only schedule 6 FCS squads, and are forced to face 5 division 2 opponents this year. However, last week's game against Tennessee State was cancelled due to Hurricane Florence, dropping Hampton's FCS opponent count to 5. This week, they'll head out west to take on #22 Northern Iowa.
CJ Sweat: Northern Iowa 40 Hampton 7
Chris Mason: Northern Iowa 51 Hampton 27
Parker Hall: Northern Iowa 34 Hampton 10
North Texas @ Liberty
When the Mean Green play at Liberty this weekend, they will not only be the best team to ever play at Williams Stadium, they will be the best out-of-state, non-conference opponent to visit the Commonwealth in 2018. A week ago, North Texas took a trip to Arkansas (yes, SEC) and won 44-17. North Texas is off the a 3-0 start, their best start since 1990, when Liberty HC Turner Gill was a graduation assistant with the Mean Green.
CJ Sweat: North Texas 38 Liberty 17
Chris Mason: North Texas 40 Liberty 17
Parker Hall: North Texas 37 Liberty 27
Norfolk State @ S. Carolina St.
It's hard to really judge anything from either of these two squads just yet. While Norfolk State has only played five quarters of football, South Carolina State opened the year with back-to-back FBS opponents in Georgia Southern and Central Florida. However, if there's one thing the Spartans need to improve on, it's third down conversions. Currently, they rank 80th in FCS, converting on just over 30% of third down plays.
CJ Sweat: South Carolina State 20 Norfolk State 14
Chris Mason: South Carolina State 16 Norfolk State 13
Parker Hall: Norfolk State 24 South Carolina State 10
Richmond @ Stony Brook
Defensively, the Spiders have looked great through three games and rank 20th in FCS. However, everyone knew this squad could play defense. The biggest obstacle was/is replacing QB Kyle Lauletta. Kevin Johnson has stepped up to the challenge though and is completing 60% of his passes for 721 yards and 4 TD's.
CJ Sweat: Stony Brook 33 Richmond 28
Chris Mason: Stony Brook 27 Richmond 24
Parker Hall: Richmond 27 Stony Brook 24
