UVA @ NC State
We could call this the "Battle of the Nearly Ranked" as both of these programs are receiving votes and a win could propel them into the top 25. As for the Hoos', this is the start of three very important games. With Duke and Miami on the horizon, a win gives UVA a key conference victory and confidence heading into Coastal play. A loss however forces UVA to win their next two games or risk missing a bowl.
CJ Sweat: NC State 30 UVA 20
Chris Mason: NC State 31 UVA 17
Parker Hall: NC State 30 UVA 24
Mercer @ VMI
For two weeks in a row, the Keydets have come within a possession of winning their first game in two years. This week they'll travel to Mercer who is 1-3 on the year. Keep an eye on VMI QB Reece Udinski who threw 72 passes last week for 491 yards and 4 TD's.
CJ Sweat: Mercer 31 VMI 27
Chris Mason: Mercer 28 VMI 13
Parker Hall: Mercer 38 VMI 14
Charleston Southern @ Hampton
Hampton has been outscored 100-28 in their past two games. This week they'll play host to Charleston Southern, who is 0-2 on the year. Don't let that record fool you though; the Bucs have played Florida and gave #9 Elon a run for their money, losing 31-22.
CJ Sweat: Charleston Southern 35 Hampton 10
Chris Mason: Charleston Southern 31 Hampton 30
Parker Hall: Charleston Southern 31 Hampton 10
JMU @ Richmond
Sitting at #2 in FCS, James Madison really hasn't done anything to impress or concern voters. They lost at NC State and reeled off three blow out wins, all of which was predicted. They'll get their first real test tomorrow when they travel to in-state and conference rival, Richmond. Keep in mind though that the Spiders have been struggling with issues of their own and aren't likely to move the ball on the stingy Dukes defense.
CJ Sweat: JMU 27 Richmond 0
Chris Mason: JMU 64 Richmond 10
Parker Hall: JMU 45 Richmond 38
ODU @ ECU
After shocking the nation a week ago, it's back to reality for Old Dominion. The reality is this team is still 1-3 and a long-shot reach a bowl game. That said, ECU has won a total of four games since 2016. So, this is an opportunity for ODU to get a key road win and get back on track to bowl eligibility.
CJ Sweat: ODU 28 ECU 24
Chris Mason: ECU 30 ODU 17
Parker Hall: ODU 24 ECU 20
Delaware State @ Norfolk State
A week after their abbreviated game against JMU, Norfolk State traveled to SC State and won 17-7. This week they'll welcome MEAC cupcake, Delaware State. A Spartans win will depend on the play of their defense, which is allowing just 12 points per game.
CJ Sweat: Norfolk State 30 Delaware State 7
Chris Mason: Delaware State 27 Norfolk State 17
Parker Hall: Norfolk State 34 Delaware State 24
Liberty @ New Mexico
After opening with a 52-10 throbbing of ODU, the Flames are reeling and all of their preseason concerns have returned. Army proved the rushing defense still needs work en-route to a 38-14 win. North Texas continued to cause problems and rushed for 349 yards a week ago to win 47-7...in Lynchburg.
CJ Sweat: New Mexico 30 Liberty 24
Chris Mason: New Mexico 17 Liberty 3
Parker Hall: New Mexico 38 Liberty 24
Colgate @ William & Mary
Nothing surprising so far for the Tribe. A close win against Bucknell and blowout losses to Virginia Tech and JMU. This weekend though presents a unique opportunity as Colgate has impressed many in the FCS world, and risen to #24 in the latest Stats FCS Poll.
CJ Sweat: Colgate 17 William & Mary 14
Chris Mason: Colgate 24 William & Mary 14
Parker Hall: William & Mary 28 Colgate 7
Virginia Tech @ Duke
At this point, Hokie fans and players are anxious for the weekend, just to get the discussion of their loss to ODU. An ACC road game gives them a chance to refocus and with Duke being ranked, it gives them an opportunity for a quality win. On the flip side, imagine if Virginia Tech loses. It could send the season into turmoil and potentially put Justin Fuente on the hot seat. This is a must win game.
CJ Sweat: Virginia Tech 30 Duke 21
Chris Mason: Virginia Tech 19 Duke 0
Parker Hall: Virginia Tech 31 Duke 30
