FCS Week 1 Recap: Punching Up
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The first full weekend of college football did not disappoint… at least not if you were a fan of some of the FCS teams out there. For the FBS, it was largely a different story. The subdivision did not back down from the big boys in Week 1. A handful of FCS teams took home not only paychecks but also victories after the games this weekend. It wasn’t just those contests, however, that defined the weekend. Top to bottom it was another exciting and telling week.
Tarleton State Bests Bowling Green on Hines’ Huge Day
The FCS got its first FBS scalp of the season in the early window on Saturday when Tarleton State took down Eddie George’s Bowling Green Falcons to improve to 2-0. Texans running back Tylan Hines was a man possessed, rushing for a staggering 250 yards on 26 carries. Kaden Anderson threw two touchdowns as well. TSU’s defense held on late as the Falcons were driving to tie and preserved the 20-13 win. This victory comes just a year after Tarleton State upset Army on the road, making that two wins over FBS opponents in as many years. The Texans have officially stamped themselves as one of the top contenders in the country right now.
The Citadel Shocks Charlotte in Triple Overtime
None of the FCS’s three FBS upsets on Saturday were as unexpected or came as hard-fought as The Citadel’s 43-41 3OT stunner over Charlotte. Gavin Garcia led a tremendous rushing effort, rumbling for 137 yards and three touchdowns. It was a nip-and-tuck game throughout as neither team ever led by more than a touchdown. The 49ers forced overtime with a late touchdown pass from quarterback Cole Gonzalez to Jaylen Hampton. Once there, the Bulldogs scored in just two plays thanks to a 25-yard run from Garcia. Charlotte answered right back. The teams traded scores in the second OT period as well. It was The Citadel defense that ultimately sealed it. After Whit Hobgood came down with the two-point pass for the Bulldogs, forcing Gonzalez into an incompletion. Coincidentally enough, the last time The Citadel faced off against Charlotte it was also a high-scoring, multiple overtime affair that they won. This is one of the bigger wins for the Bulldogs who have struggled in recent years as they improve to 1-1.
William & Mary Forces Six Turnovers to Beat Delaware State
Mike London’s William & Mary squad remains defeated on the young season and picked up another quality win on Saturday with a 22-15 triumph over Delaware State. The Tribe dominated for the first three quarters, forcing five turnovers and jumping out to a 22-0 advantage. DSU’s Ui Ale coughed up the ball twice and tossed two picks. Despite scoring twice late, the Hornets could not overcome all the mistakes. William & Mary linebacker Harrison Johnson had a big day, logging 11 tackles and breaking up a pass. The Delaware State defense also played inspired, making 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage on the day, 3.5 of which came from Carl Nesmith. In spite of that, however, the Hornets slip to 1-1.
West Florida Blasts Bears 42-14 in First UAC Game
If there were any questions on whether or not West Florida came by its #25 ranking honestly after just their big Week 0 win, they were answered emphatically on Saturday afternoon. The Argos blitzed Central Arkansas in their inaugural UAC contest. Ty’Ray Davis was again a one-man highlight reel, accounting for over 300 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. Davis was nearly perfect as a passer too, completing 14 of his 17 attempts and having no interceptions. The defense flustered the Bears all day, sacking quarterback Donovyn Omolo three times and forcing a pair of fumbles. They also held UCA to just 3-of-10 on third down and 0-of-2 on fourth. It was an all-around thrashing by UWF and now suddenly the Argonauts are 2-0 with an early conference win under their belt. They should again climb the rankings in this week’s polls as they head into a bye before another big test against Austin Peay.
Idaho State Upsets Utah State thanks to five FGs from Lindberg
The Bengals picked up a big FBS win on Saturday evening with a strong defensive performance in Logan against Utah State. Cornerback TreShawn Shorty picked off two passes and linebacker Nathan Reynolds made 17 tackles. The Bengals took a 16-10 lead into halftime thanks to three Mason Lindberg field goals. Lindberg would end up going 5-for-5 on the day with a long of 48. The Aggies would regain the lead in the third quarter but once ISU took it back they would not relinquish it again. Jordan Cooke hit Chedon James for an eight-yard score to begin the fourth quarter and Lindberg later stamped it with his fifth field goal. The 29-17 win is a signature one for an Idaho State team that has hopes of making a playoff push in the Big Sky this year. The Bengals, now 2-0, get ready to welcome in San Diego.
Southern Utah Outshoots Weber State 47-42
The Big Sky continues to deliver exciting games in the early season and Saturday night was a thriller in Cedar City between Weber State and Southern Utah. The Wildcats and Thunderbirds combined for 978 total yards of offense, 48 first downs and 89 points. Floyd Chalk and Will Burns tore it up for SUU with each running for over 100 yards and teaming up for five total rushing touchdowns. For Weber State it was receiver Noah Khar that went off for 150 yards and two TDs on nine catches. Chalk gave the Thunderbirds the late lead with a 22-yard scoring run and Parker Vance sealed it with an interception on the Wildcats last drive. Southern Utah is 1-1 with two impressive showings after taking Montana to the brink last weekend. Weber State is also 1-1 as they now prep for Colorado.
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