By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) and Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
D-II: #13 Davenport Panthers (8-0, 4-0, GLIAC) @ #7 Ferris State Bulldogs (7-1, 3-1 GLIAC)
Sat. Nov. 5; 1 PM ET/FloSports ($)
Ferris State's Top Taggart Field plays host to its second in-conference, top-15 high-stakes matchup of the season. Entering undefeated, the Panthers are amidst their best season ever, but still have much to prove, closing with the GLIAC's two best teams. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have bounced back nicely and put up 84 points in the two games since their first loss. Ferris State is primed to continue that success so long as they run the ball. Davenport's Cinderella season might almost be complete, but they better hope the clock doesn't strike midnight in Big Rapids, MI.
D-II: Fort Valley State Wildcats (7-2, 4-2, SIAC) vs. Albany State Golden Rams (7-2, 5-1 SIAC)
Fountain City Classic - Columbus, GA
Sat. Nov. 5; 2 PM ET/ESPN+
A prestigious rivalry, the 88th Fountain City Classic pits Albany State against a surging Fort Valley State in a must-win game. Benedict remains at the top of the SIAC in 2022, while these two programs are fighting for second and a potential playoff spot. With little room for error in the final weekend of conference play, the loser of this one is just about eliminated from playoff contention. Both teams have high-powered offenses led by two dynamic quarterbacks, as well as strong, developed running attacks. This year's classic has plenty of stakes and should prove to be this weekend's best, so tune in.
Howard Bison (3-5, 2-0 MEAC) @ North Carolina Central Eagles (6-2, 2-1 MEAC)
Sat. Nov. 5; 2 PM ET/ESPN3
As season's end rapidly approaches, this MEAC matchup could determine who represents the conference in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. Considered the "HBCU National Championship," that bowl matches up the winner of the MEAC with the winner of the SWAC. The Bison and Eagles square off this Saturday in not just a game, but this opportunity. Despite the weak overall record, Howard is undefeated in the MEAC, which is all that matters at this point. Meanwhile, North Carolina Central has played well all season, will lean on QB Davius Richard to help them succeed, and has defeated the Bison nine straight times.
D-II: #5 Pittsburg State Gorillas (9-0, 9-0 MIAA) @ Washburn Ichabods (6-3, 6-3 MIAA)
Sat. Nov. 5; 2 PM ET/MIAA Network ($)
Two weeks remain in the Division II regular season and Pittsburg State can officially clinch the outright MIAA title with a win on Saturday. Defeating the Ichabods on the road would also just about secure home-field advantage in the playoffs. On the flip side, Washburn still holds an outside shot for a playoff spot, and a top-5 win would most definitely increase their chances. The Gorillas are hoping to flip the script come Saturday, as they have lost four in a row to the Ichabods. Lots of points should be put on the scoreboard in this one, with top-five offenses in the conference on the field.
Northwestern State Demons (3-5, 3-0 Southland) @ Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (5-3, 3-1 Southland)
Sat. Nov. 5; 3 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
Northwestern State enters Saturday's affair as the lone unbeaten Southland Conference team and travels to Commerce, TX trying to continue their dominance. The Lions have been nothing short of impressive in their first season at the Division I level, and an upset win at home would create havoc in the top half of the standings. Keep an eye out for Demons QB Zachary Clement to continue showing why he's one of the best playmakers in the FCS in both passing and running the rock. This is certainly a marquee matchup that is worth paying attention to.
Southern Jaguars (5-3, 3-2 SWAC) @ Florida A&M Rattlers (6-2, 4-1 SWAC)
Sat. Nov. 5; 6 PM ET/ESPN3
With the second longest active home win streak in the FCS, the Rattlers are attempting to win their 15th consecutive game at Bragg Memorial Stadium. However, the Jaguars are battle-tested and prepared to pull off the upset. Coming off a frustrating loss to top-ten Jackson State, Southern hopes the pieces are there to get back on track against a great, elite Florida A&M offense. The first one to put up 24 points prevails in this meeting under the lights in Florida's capital.
