By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) and Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
#22 Fordham Rams (6-1, 2-0 Patriot) @ #5 Holy Cross Crusaders (7-0, 3-0 Patriot)
Sat. Oct. 29; 1 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
The 60th Ram-Crusader Cup will be awarded on Saturday and there is so much more than just the cup on the line. The winner will just about wrap up the de-facto Patriot League title and stay unbeaten, while the other suffers their first loss to an FCS opponent. Holy Cross has won 14 straight conference tilts, a streak that spans nearly three years. Defeating the Rams would just about give the Crusaders their fourth consecutive league championship and cement their sixth win in a row over Fordham. Both teams enter Saturday a combined 13-1 and are primed for deep playoff runs, so this game is sure to be a competitive, exciting showdown.
North Carolina Central Eagles (5-2, 1-1 MEAC) @ Delaware State Hornets (4-3, 1-1 MEAC)
Delaware State Homecoming
Sat. Oct. 29; 2 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Both Peak schools are coming off hard-fought losses on the road, creating high stakes for Saturday's matchup between the Eagles and Hornets. The MEAC conference schedule is underway, and this game could play a part in deciding who takes the MEAC title back to their campus. The Eagles will try to end their road losing streak with another big-time performance from QB Davius Richard while the Hornets will look to avenge their overtime loss to NC Central last year.
Alabama A&M Bulldogs (3-4, 3-1 SWAC) vs. Alabama State Hornets (4-3, 2-2 SWAC)
81st Annual McDonald's Magic City Classic: Legion Field - Birmingham, AL
Sat. Oct. 29; 3:30 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
The party will be back in full force in Birmingham, as all the festivities return for this annual showdown. Rich history and culture define these two schools' rivalry and help create one of the best HBCU atmospheres in the country. As for the football, well, one thing is certain that it will be a tight matchup. There have been 47 one-point games in the series' history, but recently the Bulldogs have the edge. The Hornets are well-rested, coming off a bye, and want to snap the four-game losing streak to Alabama A&M. If the offense finds a rhythm, Alabama State wins not just the Battle of the Bands, but even more.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (6-2, 2-0 ASUN) @ #25 Austin Peay Governors (5-2, 1-1 ASUN)
Sat. Oct. 29; 4 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
A highly compelling ASUN matchup takes place this weekend, as the Gamecocks travel to Clarksville, TN in hopes of spoiling Austin Peay's homecoming. Suffering a gut-check loss during their own homecoming last Saturday, Jacksonville State needs to put together a solid, well-rounded performance if they hope to win the ASUN before moving up to the FBS. Both squads have dynamic playmakers, so expect a high-scoring affair that will come down to the last drive.
D-II: UTPB Falcons (3-5, 3-4 LSC) @ Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds (2-6, 1-6 LSC)
Sat. Oct. 29; 4 PM ET/LSC Digital Network ($)
Coming into this Peak Bowl from different directions, both squads will provide answers as to what remains for their 2022 campaigns. Despite another one-possession loss, the Falcons still have a chance to finish with a winning record. After some recent poor defensive performances, the Greyhounds still have a chance for their second straight home win. In their previous five games against each other, the home team prevailed in four of those. This game could get crazy, so keep an eye out for weirdness in Portales, NM on Saturday afternoon.
North Alabama Lions (1-6, 0-3 ASUN) @ Central Arkansas Bears (3-5, 2-0 ASUN)
Sat. Oct. 29; 5 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Tune into this game if you like offense. Look away if you are a fan of defense. The other Peak Bowl of the week features two ASUN high-powered rushing attacks pinned against each other. Lions RB ShunDerrick Powell is having an out-of-body season, scoring 13 rushing touchdowns and on the cusp of reaching 1000 yards on the ground before November. On the other side, Bears RB Darius Hale is also having a nice season, averaging shy of 100 yards a game, propelling Central Arkansas's offense. These two teams enjoy lighting up the scoreboard and it should result in producing an instant classic and worth a watch.
