There is finally a full slate of FCS games to kick off the 2024 season. There are four consecutive days of FCS action starting Thursday.

This week’s FCS vs. FCS schedule is a little looser, with plenty of FCS vs. FBS matchups. Next week we’ll increase the number of picks.

Let’s predict some FCS vs. FCS results.

Prediction recording:
Record 2024: 3-1
Record 2023: 96-42

Week 1

TV program week 1

No. 25 Youngstown State at No. 6 Villanova

The best FCS vs. FCS game of the week is a playoff rematch. Nova knocked YSU off the 2023 roster 45-28 in the second round. The Wildcats led 38-13 at one point and averaged six yards per carry against a pretty good Youngstown defense.

The YSU defense’s starting lineup was depleted this offseason, with several players graduating or entering the transfer portal. The Penguins return only two of their top 15 tacklers and four of their top 20 snap leaders.

They will try to defend a Nova offense led by quarterback Connor Watkins, who threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns in the playoff win, as well as three returning starters from the offensive line and two explosive receivers in Jaylan Sanchez and Devin Smith, who transferred from NC Central.

YSU’s offense is equipped with a new starting quarterback and a lot of experience. The Penguins return their outstanding running back Tyshon King, WR Max Tomczak and four starting offensive linemen.

They will try to establish the run. But that will be no easy feat against a stubborn Nova defense. The Wildcats return seven starters from their unit that ranked 13th in points allowed at 18.8 per game, as well as two FCS transfers who earned All-Conference honors at their previous school. Shane Hartzell and Brendan Bell are excellent linebackers. Jalen Goodman and Ty Trinh are experienced safeties, while Isas Waxter is arguably the best cornerback in the FCS.

One advantage YSU may be able to exploit is its experienced offensive line, which takes advantage of the fact that the Nova D-Line only returns one starter.

Villanova is a tough place to get a win. And YSU has too many unknowns on defense. Plus, this is a key game for Nova’s playoff position, as it may be their only chance at a win on a very favorable schedule.

Prediction: Villanova 34-24

VMI at No. 15 William & Mary

If W&M wants to return to its 2022 form, a season in which it reached the quarterfinals, it can’t mess with a team like VMI.

Because if you appear careless, a team like VMI will catch you.

Just ask Western Carolina. WCU’s loss at VMI in the final game of the regular season likely cost the Catamounts a playoff berth.

VMI finished 5-6 last year and 4-4 in the SoCon standings. The Keydets return 13 starters, including Hunter Rice, who ran for 867 yards and 14 touchdowns last year.

It’s a good test for a W&M team that loses eight of its top 11 tacklers. The Tribe should be good on offense, though. Darius Wilson is a three-year starter at quarterback and has his top three pass catchers back. The O-line returns four starters, led by NFL draft prospect Charles Grant. The top three rushers are also back, led by elite player Bronson Yoder, who returns from injury.

W&M does this at your home.

Prediction: William & Mary 28-21

Monmouth in Eastern Washington

Monmouth had a great offense last year, ranking 19th in the FCS with 187.7 yards per game. Eastern Washington’s offense defense was the exact opposite, allowing 232.2 yards per game, which ranked them 118th in the subdivision.

The Hawks lost Jaden Shirden to the NFL but got Sone Ntoh back after he rushed for 411 yards and 14 touchdowns. EWU, meanwhile, bolstered its defense with five FBS transfers.

This is a really important season for EWU, one of the most successful FCS teams in the 2010s. A 3-8 season in 2022 and a 4-7 record last year is a major setback for a program with high playoff expectations. Is this a sign of even tougher times ahead? Or will the proud program bounce back?

A 1-0 start is crucial as they face several high-level opponents. Monmouth faces a tough cross-country trip, and EWU quarterback Kekoa Visperas and receiver Efton Chism III will prove to be a difficult duo to handle.

Forecast: EMU 31-24

Missouri State at No. 3 Montana

Montana can’t afford a dull non-conference performance like last season. This year’s non-conference schedule is much more difficult — North Dakota is one of the toughest FCS places to get a win next week, Western Carolina is a playoff-caliber team, and this week’s opponent certainly won’t be lacking in individual talent.

Missouri State returns 21 starters after going 4-7 overall and 3-5 in the MVFC last season. The Bears also bring in about 12 FBS transfers and will be over the 63-scholarship limit when they transition to the FBS.

Now, is Mo State a serious threat to get a win in Missoula? Probably not. But Morehead State isn’t coming to town, either.

After making it to the national championship game, the Grizzlies have high expectations for this fall. And for good reason. They’re all in.

Montana has an excellent group of offensive playmakers – Junior Bergen, Keelan White, Aaron Fontes, Cole Grossman, Eli Gillman and Nick Ostmo. The offensive line has a total of 70 career games under its belt.

The big question is quarterback. It looks like Montana will go back to a two-QB system to start the season. Redshirt freshman Keali’i Ah Yat has the potential to be great. Fresno State transfer Logan Fife will also get his chance, a veteran who started four games for the Bulldogs.

Montana’s defense, which has some big holes to fill but has a tradition of rejuvenation, will do its thing on Saturday. The crowd noise and the Griz defensive pressure will overwhelm Missouri State’s previously shaky offensive line. They will also have to keep a really good running back in Jacardia Wright under control. Montana’s offense and how well the new quarterbacks mesh will determine whether Saturday is a decisive win for the Griz or a more exciting game than expected.

Prediction: Montana 38-17