By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) and Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
Southeastern Louisiana Lions (3-3, 1-1 Southland) @ Jacksonville State Gamecocks (6-1, 2-0 ASUN)
Sat. Oct. 22; 2 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Boasting one of the hottest offenses in the country, the Gamecocks are hoping to continue their home cooking as they host a Peak Bowl versus Southeastern Louisiana Lions. Averaging 41 points in their last two home games, the Gamecocks are rolling like a boulder down a hill. No team has found an answer for QB Zion Webb's dual-threat attack, and the Lions will look to swipe that momentum away from them in their first road game since September 10. SLU already has a top-10 win this season, and knocking off the Gamecocks would certainly boost their resume. We wouldn't be surprised if the Lions remain feisty and knock off the Gamecocks.
#16 SEMO Redhawks (5-1, 2-0 Ohio Valley) @ Northwestern State Demons (3-4, 3-0 Southland)
Sat. Oct. 22; 2 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Currently atop the Southland Conference, the Demons get to branch out for a good non-conference test against the Redhawks. Northwestern State has steadied its season with recent offensive success. In games where the Demons score at least 30 points, they are 3-0; conversely, less than 30 points, they are 0-4. Home-field advantage could play a factor as Northwestern State is 2-0 at home, hosting this first meeting between schools. Improving to an overall .500 record would be hugely beneficial for the Demons.
D-II: Missouri Western Griffons (3-4, 3-4 MIAA) @ #5 Pittsburg State Gorillas (7-0, 7-0 MIAA)
Sat. Oct. 22; 3 PM ET/MIAA Network ($)
The first Division II Peak Bowl of the season features Missouri Western visiting an undefeated, top-five, and confident Gorilla squad. The Griffons ended a losing streak last weekend in a comeback win on the road, moving within striking distance of .500 in conference play. The problem is they must take down a juggernaut to do so since the Gorillas are firing on all cylinders and inching closer to a conference title.
#6 Holy Cross Crusaders (6-0, 2-0 Patriot) @ Lafayette Leopards (2-4, 1-0 Patriot)
Sat. Oct. 22; 3:30 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Out of the bye week, Holy Cross readies itself for the homestretch of the season. With a top-25 Fordham team looming, the Crusaders cannot let themselves get caught looking ahead. The Leopard's defense has been stout, not allowing more than 14 points since mid-September. Holy Cross's high-powered, multi-scoring offense should be the difference if the Crusaders want to head home with a win.
D-II: Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds (2-5, 1-4 LSC) @ Western Oregon Wolves (3-4, 2-3 LSC)
Sat. Oct. 22; 4:05 PM ET/LSC Digital Network
After putting an end to a losing streak, the Greyhounds are hungry for a winning streak. The Wolves are celebrating homecoming hoping to continue their own winning ways. Both teams have strong offenses, and it almost seems certain to bet on a high-scoring shootout to happen in Monmouth, OR. The Greyhounds are capable of landing on the right side of a high-scoring affair, especially with Division I transfer QB Kason Martin at the helm. This game could have the most combined points of the day.
D-II: Midwestern State Mustangs (3-4, 2-3 LSC) @ UTPB Falcons (3-4, 2-3 LSC)
Sat. Oct. 22; 7 PM ET/LSC Digital Network ($)
The Falcons will play host to the Mustangs in a rematch of one of the best games in the Lone Star Conference last season. Midwestern State won that game 36-30, hoping for a similar result this season. Meanwhile, UTPB has been battle-tested going into this game, as they've played in four straight one-possession games. This game has the makings to give us yet another instant classic between the two teams. The Falcons could be looking at a winning season, with who's left on the slate if they can avenge last year's thriller.
