The FCS Playoffs are set to kick off, and excitement is in the air with three highlighted matchups on Saturday, November 29. The games feature Central Connecticut State taking on Rhode Island, New Hampshire facing South Dakota State, and Drake going head-to-head with South Dakota.
The opening game features Central Connecticut State (CCSU), a team that had a solid season in the Northeast Conference. However, they weren’t dominant, often struggling with their defense, which allowed an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Their quarterback, Brady Olson, had a good season, throwing for 2,821 yards and 23 touchdowns. Despite a balanced offensive strategy, CCSU’s undersized offensive line might face significant challenges against Rhode Island’s robust front. Rhode Island’s quarterback, Devin Farrell, also had a productive season with over 3,000 passing yards, complemented by a powerful ground game spearheaded by Antwain Littleton Jr. With the potential for a high-scoring game, the recommendation is to bet on Rhode Island to cover a 19.5-point spread.
Moving to the next matchup, New Hampshire (UNH) will square off against South Dakota State (SDSU) amid challenging weather conditions that could see between 6-11 inches of snow, impacting gameplay. SDSU’s offense, dealing with injuries to key players, is expected to lean heavily on their running game. Despite their struggles this season, UNH’s defense has shown the ability to pressure quarterbacks effectively. However, with SDSU’s formidable run defense this year, it’s anticipated that scoring will be limited. The suggestion is to take the under on the total points, set at 43.5.
Finally, in their rematch, Drake will take on South Dakota after previously being defeated, 42-21, in a regular-season game. South Dakota dominated in that contest, especially in the trenches, which is likely to be a similar story this time. With star running back L.J. Phillips Jr. boasting impressive stats and the Coyotes’ offensive line in top form, South Dakota is expected to control the game. The recommendation leans towards South Dakota winning by at least 20.5 points.
Additional predictions for other FCS playoff games include close contests with Yale narrowly defeating Youngstown State, and Villanova edging out Harvard in tightly contested affairs. Meanwhile, Abilene Christian and Southeastern Louisiana are favored to secure wins against their respective opponents, further hinting at a thrilling playoff weekend.
As the FCS Playoffs begin, fans are in for an action-packed series of games filled with talent and intensity, setting the stage for an exhilarating postseason in college football.