By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) and Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
Eastern Kentucky Colonels (6-3, 2-1 ASUN) @ Jacksonville State Gamecocks (7-2, 3-0 ASUN)
Sat. Nov. 12; 2 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
A big-time matchup is in store this weekend for Jacksonville State, as they host the surging Eastern Kentucky Colonels with crucial stakes on the line in the ASUN. The Colonels have won three straight and would be the ASUN leader with a win on Saturday. Last year, this game went to double overtime, resulting in a Colonels win. As it is the Gamecocks' final home game at the FCS level, it creates another level of intrigue to rematch that could be just as good as previous meetings.
Florida A&M Rattlers (7-2, 5-1 SWAC) @ Alabama State Hornets (6-3, 4-2 SWAC)
Sat. Nov. 12; 3 PM ET/Bounce Network
A Peak Bowl matchup in the SWAC between the two hottest teams in the conference is certainly spotlight worthy. An eight-game win streak versus a three-game win streak; something's got to give. Both teams have played complementary football during their win streaks, with the Rattlers rolling on the back of experienced QB Jeremy Moussa's stellar play and the stinginess of their defense. Meanwhile, the Hornets have done much of the same, battering teams on the ground while allowing just 15 points per game in their last four wins. This game is going to come down to who wants it more.
D-II: Western New Mexico Mustangs (5-5, 4-4 LSC) @ Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds (3-7, 2-6 LSC)
Sat. Nov. 12; 4 PM ET/LSC Digital Network ($)
Senior Day at Greyhound Stadium will play host to a huge in-state Division II rivalry: the Chile Bowl. With Eastern New Mexico getting back on track last week in their Wagon Wheel win against West Texas A&M, they're motivated to end their season on a good note against another set of rivals.The Mustangs aren't known to back down from a fight, especially since the Greyhounds have prevailed in the last 16 contests between each other. This game will have back-and-forth action and this rivalry may be decided by who has the ball last.
D-II: UTPB Falcons (5-5, 4-4 LSC) @ Central Washington Wildcats (5-4, 5-3 LSC)
Sat. Nov. 12; 4 PM ET/LSC Digital Network ($)
The Falcons finally won a game that wasn't decided by just one score. With that monkey off their back, they have an opportunity to finish with a winning season, their second in three years. Although a formidable opponent lies between them and that goal. The Wildcats have had an up-and-down year, but would like to finish strong. Only four Division II bowl games exist, and you have to think that the winner of this one has an inside track to one of those slots.
Northwestern State Demons (4-5, 4-0 Southland) @ #25 Southeastern Louisiana Lions (6-3, 3-1 Southland)
Sat. Nov. 12; 5 PM ET/ESPN3
A rivalry game, an important conference game, and a resume builder - what more could you ask for? The stakes are set for a thriller in Hammond, LA, and gives the winner of this game the inside track to the Southland Conference title. The Lions have the upper hand, having already beaten #7 Incarnate Word early in September. Meanwhile, the Demons will face Incarnate Word next week, so a win against rival SLU is crucial to stay in the hunt for the conference crown. The Lions have controlled this rivalry, winning the last 11 in the series, with Northwestern State last winning in 2011. Grab your popcorn, snacks, and beverages; this one will be good.
Central Arkansas Bears (4-5, 3-1 ASUN) @ Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (5-4, 2-1 WAC)
Sat. Nov. 12; 5 PM ET/ESPN+ ($)
The ASUN and WAC conferences have a scheduling alliance helping all ten eligible combined members increase their resumes to reach the FCS Playoffs. This game is a great example of how that alliance can be beneficial. The Bears must put last week's challenge against Eastern Kentucky in the rearview mirror and get ready for an SFA team that can score a lot. Central Arkansas needs their star running back Darius Hale healthy again to help establish a consistent run game. That certainly could be the difference in Nacogdoches, TX.
