As some of you know, I am obsessed with seeing the day when any SWAC team pulls off an upset against a FBS opponent in this era. I have watched the MEAC pull it off with Bethune-Cookman over FIU twice, but I sure would like to see more. I know that we will always have a long shot at winning a FBS game, but so often, we watch our kids get of the bus or plane terrified before the opening kickoff. This season, I don't see anyone pulling off an upset, but there are a few games that caught my eye.
1. North Carolina vs North Carolina A&T
(UNC will be tough for A&T to deal with in the trenches, but their defense was not good last season. They also will have some question at the QB position as their projected starter was out for the spring with an injury. Rod Broadway will be returning home to Chapel Hill and will play ball control football. I can see this game being much close than most experts think.)
My Prediction: UNC 28 NCAT 14
Upset: UNC 21 NCAT 24
2. Miami vs Bethune-Cookman
(Any instate match up is always fun to watch. Bethune-Cookman has proven in the past that they aren't scared to fight the big boys. The have come to Miami and beaten FIU twice in a row and played Miami pretty tough in their last meeting. Yes, Miami is no FIU, but they aren't the U anymore as well. Bethune-Cookman will be going through some new staff blues and position changes this season as well.)
My Prediction: Miami 38 BC 14
Upset: Miami 24 BC 27
3. MTSU vs Jackson State
(JSU has the size to make this a tougher game than most expect, but do they have the coaching staff capable of keeping them in the game? Ivy proved as a freshman proved that he isn't scared of FBS schools as he moved the ball extremely well vs.Tulane, (who would later have one of the best defenses in C-USA that season). MTSU's run defense was terrible last season, but they have plenty of guys returning that have 2 years of starting experience. I expect MTSU to be bowl eligible this season, but JSU really matches up better than most think in the trenches.)
My Prediction: MTSU 35 JSU 17
Upset: MTSU 20 JSU 27
4. Appalachian State vs Howard
(Apps State is in their second year of the FBS ranks. The former FCS powerhouse struggled early last season started out 1-5, but they went on a 6 game winning streak to finish 7-5. They are expected to deal with some transition woes this season again, but they have momentum. Although Howard went 5-7 last season, the Bison went to war with Rutgers in a 38-25 loss and outgained them as well. In 2013, Howard lost to Eastern Michigan 34-24. Howard has a very tough coaching staff who plays to win and won't be on the sidelines just for a check. Apps State isn't really a FBS team on paper as far as their size goes, but they return 10 starters on both sides of the ball that will make things tough for Howard.)
My Prediction: Apps St 49 Howard 24
Upset: Apps St 23 Howard 24
5. California vs Grambling State
(If California's secondary is anything close to what they were last season, then the G-Men could very well put up some points on the scoreboard. If GSU' secondary is anything close to what it was last season, then Cal might put up 50+ points. This could be a fun game to watch as both had the same issues in 2014, but the G-Men must establish some type of running game to keep that clock rolling.)
My Prediction: Cal 55 GSU 28
Upset: Cal 27 GSU 28
What other match up catches your eye?
Louisiana Tech vs Southern
Cincinnati vs Alabama A&M
Geogria Tech vs Alcorn
New Mexico vs Mississippi Valley
Rutgers vs Norfolk State
Air Force vs Morgan State
Colorado State vs Savannhah State
Old Dominion vs Norfolk State
Kent State vs Delaware State
Duke vs North Carolina Central
Boston College vs Howard
Texas State vs PVAMU
Georgia vs Southern
Akron vs Savannah State
FIU vs North Carolina Central
Marshall vs Norfolk State
