Week 4 FCS Football Preview & Predictions

We take a look at some of the biggest FCS football matchups in Week 4

We preview and make our official predictions for the top FCS games on the Week 4 slate right here. You can find more information on the biggest storylines and games each week on our preview show.

2024 Prediction Record: 41-10
2022-23 Record: 207-75

No. 24 Western Carolina at No. 9 Montana

Kickoff: 2 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

The Catamounts rebounded from a disappointing Week 2 loss with a ranked win over Elon. Montana overpowered an overmatched Morehead State, which helped the Grizzlies build some positive momentum after the collapse against North Dakota.

Quarterback Cole Gonzales will be the x-factor this weekend as he will face one of the most talented defenses in the nation. The Grizzlies have only allowed 137.7 passing yards per game this season and have not allowed a passing touchdown in the first three games. Gonzales had outstanding performances against NC State and Elon but must avoid turning the ball over against a Montana secondary that has forced three interceptions this season.

Montana's question mark at quarterback has still not been answered, but the rushing attack continues to carry this offense. Eli Gillman continues to be electric, leading the Grizzlies with 281 rushing yards and five touchdowns. The Grizzlies are averaging 6.2 yards per carry and 245.7 rushing yards per game this season. Western Carolina's defense will be tested, but has shown promise against the run this season, holding FCS opponents to under 140 rushing yards per game.

The biggest question will be Western Carolina's ability to run the ball against Montana's experienced front seven. The Catamounts have struggled to find consistency in the rushing attack as Branson Adams steps into the RB1 role. The Grizzlies have held opposing offenses to less than 3.0 yards per carry, which could increase the pressure on Gonzales to push the ball downfield.

Western Carolina's offense is good enough to keep this one close early, but Montana's ability to dominate the line of scrimmage will be the difference in this game.

Prediction: Montana (31-17)

No. 21 SEMO at No. 7 Southern Illinois

Kickoff: 6 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

The "War for the Wheel" has been a battle over the past two seasons, with both games being decided by a combined four points. These programs have split the past six matchups, while SEMO holds a 43-40-8 lead in the series.

The biggest storyline in this game is the absence of Southern Illinois quarterback DJ Williams, who will miss significant time with a hand injury. Hunter Simmons will make his first career start this weekend. Simmons saw limited action last season, throwing for 169 yards and one touchdown.

Southern Illinois will aim to take the pressure off of Simmons by establishing the rushing attack. Running back Shaun Lester had a breakout performance against Austin Peay, but the Salukis have struggled to run the ball throughout the season. Despite the lack of success, SEMO's defense has allowed over 200 rushing yards per game this season.

SEMO will be led by quarterback Paxton DeLaurent, who set the single-game school record with six passing touchdowns in a Week 2 win over UT Martin. DeLaurent has continued to shine this season after missing the second half against North Alabama in Week 0. Wide receivers Dorian Anderson and Cam Pedro have combined for over 550 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season. The Redhawks will test a Southern Illinois secondary, allowing over 330 passing yards per game.

Without DJ Williams, I question whether the Southern Illinois offense will be as explosive as we saw last weekend against Incarnate Word. DeLaurent will be the difference for the Redhawks and make enough plays to escape with the massive road victory.

Prediction: SEMO (24-21)

No. 4 Idaho at No. 19 Abilene Christian

Kickoff: 7 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Idaho enters this game as one of the nation's hottest teams after a dominant ranked win over UAlbany. Abilene Christian has emerged as a potential contender in the UAC, but last week's two-point win over Northern Colorado has some experts questioning if the Wildcats are true contenders.

Quarterback Maverick McIvor has been spectacular for the Wildcats, throwing over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in only three games. He will face a massive challenge this weekend, as Idaho's defense has been the catalyst for the Vandals' success this season. The Vandals have held their last two opponents to less than 14 points, including an FBS win over Wyoming. Defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby leads the Vandals with 6.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

The Vandals will be led by their dynamic rushing attack, which recorded over 240 rushing yards against the Great Danes. Running backs Eli Cummings and Nate Thomas have combined for over 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Abilene Christian struggled to stop the run last week, allowing 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns to Northern Colorado.

This will be a great road test for the Vandals, but Idaho will have the advantage in multiple key areas. The Vandals should be able to establish the run early and will dominate the line of scrimmage, which will keep McIvor from establishing a rhythm on Saturday night.

Prediction: Idaho (35-20)

Northern Arizona at No. 15 Incarnate Word

Kickoff: 6 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Incarnate Word aims to rebound from back-to-back road losses against Top 15 opponents, but another test awaits as Northern Arizona brings plenty of momentum to San Antonio. The Lumberjacks dominated two overmatched opponents and played a competitive FBS game against Arizona.

Quarterback Zach Calzada has been the bright spot for the Cardinals, throwing for over 900 yards and eight touchdowns. His connection with wide receivers Jalen Walthall and Roy Alexander continues to cause problems for opposing defenses, but the rushing attack has continued to be inconsistent. Incarnate Word has averaged only 69.5 rushing yards over the past two games.

Northern Arizona will be an interesting test for the Incarnate Word defense, as the Lumberjacks are averaging over 220 rushing yards per game. Four players have surpassed 100 rushing yards this season, led by running back Darvon Hubbard with 146 rushing yards.

Quarterback Ty Pennington could be the x-factor after the Cardinals struggled to stop DJ Williams last weekend. Pennington is another dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 140 yards and three touchdowns this season. Incarnate Word's defense has allowed over 6.0 yards per play this season but has played two of the best teams in the FCS over the past two weeks.

The hype surrounding Northern Arizona could be justified, but the Lumberjacks have not been tested this season. This game could be competitive early, but Incarnate Word's offense will help the Cardinals pull away in the second half for the win.

Prediction: Incarnate Word (38-28)

Furman at No. 12 William & Mary

Kickoff: 5 p.m. CT (FloSports)

William & Mary will look to win its third game over a SoCon opponent after defeating VMI and Wofford earlier this season. Furman has failed to meet its lofty preseason expectations, losing to Charleston Southern in Week 2.

It will be a battle of strengths as William & Mary's dynamic rushing attack will meet a stout Furman front seven. All-American Bronson Yoder leads the Tribe with 240 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Malachi Imoh is another weapon in a talented running back room. The Paladins have limited FCS opponents to 3.1 yards per carry this season. Linebacker Evan DiMaggio leads the Furman defense with 20 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Furman will start true freshman Trey Hedden, who has recorded 487 passing yards and three touchdowns this season. Hedden will face his toughest test this season as the Tribe has held opposing passing attacks to only 168.3 yards per game. Defensive backs Marcus Barnes and Jalen Jones have combined for one interception and seven pass breakups this season.

Hedden has an extremely bright future with the Paladins, but the Tribe defense will be too much this weekend. I expect William & Mary to let Yoder lead the offensive attack again, while quarterback Darius Wilson's experience will be too much for the Paladins.

Prediction: William & Mary (24-13)

Other Week 4 FCS Predictions:

No. 1 South Dakota State 42, Southeastern Louisiana 14
No. 2 North Dakota State 38, Towson 17
No. 18 Lafayette 23, Columbia 10
No. 22 Lamar 30, Texas Southern 14
Jackson State 34, Grambling State 20
Rhode Island 34, Long Island 14
Southern Utah 35, Idaho State 27
Elon 28, ETSU 24
North Carolina Central 24, North Carolina A&T 10
Yale 27, Holy Cross 21
Campbell 37, Stony Brook 21

More FCS Football News

Behind The Numbers: Week 3 FCS Football Review
Week 4 FCS Football Schedule, How To Watch
FCS Football Top 25: Zach McKinnell's Week 4 Ballot
FCS Football Recap: Week 3 Takeaways
Behind The Numbers: Week 2 FCS Football Review

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