Week 9 FCS Football Preview & Predictions

The FCS football season continues this weekend with a loaded Week 9 slate. We preview all the FCS Week 9 action right here.

We predict the top FCS football games on the Week 9 slate right here. You can find more information on the biggest games each week on our FCS Preview Show.

2023 Predictions Record: 47-21
2022 Predictions Record: 115-35

Dartmouth (3-3) @ Harvard (5-1)

Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Dartmouth ended a two-game losing streak with a 20-9 win over Columbia last weekend. The Harvard rushing attack will be a great test for a dominant Dartmouth front seven, allowing only 2.9 yards per carry. Linebackers Macklin Ayers (49 Tackles; 3 TFLs) and Braden Mullen (6.5 TFLs; 5.5 Sacks) are two key players to watch this weekend. Quarterback Nick Howard has struggled passing this season, but continues to impress on the ground with seven rushing touchdowns.

Harvard suffered an upset loss against Princeton last weekend as the Crimson were held to only 68 yards rushing. Quarterback Charles DePrima (935 Passing Yards; 17 Total TDs) has emerged as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. This game will be a nice test for the Harvard defensive line, led by Thor Griffith (4 TFLs; 1.5 Sacks) and Tyler Huenemann (2.5 TFLs; 2.5 Sacks).

Prediction: Harvard (27-17)

Alabama A&M (4-3) vs. Alabama State (3-3)

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

The Magic City Classic is already one of the biggest games of the season but will be amplified this weekend due to the SWAC East implications that headline this game. Both teams also have plenty of momentum after huge upset wins two weeks ago.

Alabama A&M has found some rhythm after a quarterback change, as Xavier Lankford (670 Passing Yards; 11 Total TDs) has taken control of the offense. Running back Donovan Eaglin (427 Rushing Yards; 4 TDs) is one of the key pieces for the Bulldogs' offensive attack. The defensive line has played at a high level this season, led by Jordan Mitchell (3.5 TFLs; 3 Sacks) and Zareon Hayes (10 TFLs; 3.5 Sacks). 

Alabama State is on a two-game winning streak, including a huge 24-19 upset win over Jackson State. The rushing defense will be the key this weekend, as the Hornets are allowing only 105.3 yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry. Linebacker Colton Adams (74 Tackles; 9.5 TFLs) has been one of the most dominant linebackers in the country. The Hornets have struggled with quarterback play, but wide receiver Kisean Johnson (471 Receiving Yards; 3 TDs) offers a massive safety blanket. 

Prediction: Alabama State (20-17)

Southeast Missouri State (3-4) @ Nicholls (3-3)

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Nicholls State has started to build some momentum with three consecutive wins, including a 27-7 win over Texas A&M-Commerce last weekend. Running back Collin Guggenheim (411 Rushing Yards; 6 TDs) and Jaylon Spears (295 Rushing Yards; 3 TDs) combine to form an explosive rushing attack. The secondary has forced 12 interceptions, led by Tyler Morton (3 INTs) and Jordan Jackson (2 INTs; 4 PBUs). 

Southeast Missouri State lost three consecutive games by less than five points but have won back-to-back games over the past two weeks. Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent (1,608 Passing Yards; 14 Total TDs) has been impressive this season and has built excellent chemistry with wide receiver Ryan Flournoy (575 Receiving Yards; 4 TDs). A question mark will be if running back Geno Hess (552 Rushing Yards; 7 TDs) can begin to find his rhythm after a lackluster performance against Tennessee Tech.

Prediction: Southeast Missouri State (34-20)

Lindenwood (3-4) at Tennessee State (5-2)

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Lindenwood needs a win this weekend after losing three of the last four games, including a 24-10 loss to Charleston Southern two weeks ago. The rushing attack has been the focal point of the offense, led by Robert Giaimo (440 Rushing Yards; 3 TDs). Wide receiver Jeff Caldwell (519 Receiving Yards; 7 TDs) has developed into a huge target on the outside. Defensive lineman Kobe McClendon (9.5 TFLs; 6.5 Sacks) will be a player to watch defensively this weekend.

Tennessee State has won three consecutive games since a tough loss to UT Martin on Sept. 30. The Tigers have started to find some rhythm offensively behind running backs Jalen Rouse (358 Rushing Yards) and Jordan Gant (345 Rushing Yards; 7 TDs). The defense continues to be the identity of this team as defensive lineman Terrell Allen (14 TFLs; 9 Sacks) is having an All-American season for the Tigers.

Prediction: Tennessee State (30-14)

Holy Cross (4-3) at Fordham (5-2)

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Fordham controls their own destiny in the Patriot League championship race with a win this weekend. Quarterback CJ Montes (1,788 Passing Yards; 17 TDs) is having a breakout sophomore season as he is thriving in his first season as QB1. The Rams have one of the most explosive wide receiver cores in the country, led by MJ Wright (490 Receiving Yards; 5 TDs). The defense has improved this season as Fordham is holding opponents to 22.4 points per game.

Holy Cross has lost two of the past three games and could be in jeopardy of missing the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2018. Matthew Sluka (1,449 Passing Yards; 24 Total TDs) continues to be one the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, while his connection with Jalen Coker (696 Receiving Yards; 10 TDs) is something to watch this weekend. The defense has taken a step back this season, allowing over 26 points per game and 5.5 yards per play. This game will be a massive test and linebacker Jacob Dobbs (101 Tackles; 9.5 TFLs) needs to have a big game against the Rams.

Prediction: Fordham (38-31)

Tarleton State (5-3) @ No. 18 Central Arkansas (5-2)

Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Tarleton State faces a must-win scenario this weekend if the Texans want to stay in the race for the UAC title. Running back Kayvon Britten (755 Rushing Yards; 9 TDs) has been explosive this season, while Derrel Kelley III (493 Rushing Yards; 4 TDs) gives this offense an excellent 1-2 punch. The secondary has forced seven interceptions and is currently holding opponents under 230 passing yards per game.

Central Arkansas enters this game on a four-game winning streak, including three straight wins by less than five points. Quarterback Will McElvain (1,594 Passing Yards; 16 TDs) is having a breakout season for the Bears, but running back ShunDerrick Powell (878 Rushing Yards) is the x-factor in this offense. Defensive lineman David Walker (8 TFLs; 5.5 Sacks) is a player to watch defensively for the Bears.

Prediction: Central Arkansas (41-21)

Prairie View A&M (3-4) @ No. 16 Florida A&M (6-1)

Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. CT (ESPNU)

Prairie View A&M will look to rebound from a 30-0 loss to Houston Christian, but the Panthers still control their destiny in the SWAC West. The rushing attack is the identity of this offense, led by running back Ahmad Antoine (376 Rushing Yards) and Caleb Johnson (256 Rushing Yards). The defense has done an excellent job against the run, but the key will be the play of the secondary this weekend. The Panthers have allowed 280 yards per game and 20 passing touchdowns this season.

Florida A&M could clinch the SWAC East with a win and a potential Alabama A&M loss, which could give the Rattlers an opportunity to win the first SWAC championship in school history. This matchup could be a perfect opportunity for quarterback Jeremy Moussa (1,749 Passing Yards; 14 TDs) to have a signature game. The defense continues to dominate, holding opponents to 281.3 yards per game and less than 4.5 yards per play. Defensive linemen Anthony Dunn Jr. (9.5 TFLs; 6.5 Sacks) and Gentle Hunt (10 TFLs; 4.5 Sacks) have been key players for the Rattlers this season.

Prediction: Florida A&M (35-17)

Mercer (5-3) @ No. 10 Western Carolina (5-2)

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Mercer needs a win this weekend to solidify their resume for a potential at-large bid for the FCS playoffs. The Bears will need to feed All-American wide receiver Ty James (793 Receiving Yards; 6 TDs) as the Catamounts have allowed multiple receivers to have big games this season. The defense has continued to be a bright spot for Mercer this season as the Bears are holding opponents to 322.5 yards per game. Linebacker Ken Standley (56 Tackles; 8 TFLs) and defensive end Solomon Zubairu (9 TFLs; 4.5 Sacks) are key players in this matchup.

Western Carolina will aim to keep their chances for a seed in the FCS playoffs alive after a loss to Furman last weekend. Quarterback Cole Gonzales (1,801 Passing Yards; 16 TDs) has been one of the best young QBs in the country, leading the offense to 304 passing yards per game. A major question mark will be the health of running back Desmond Reid (857 Rushing Yards; 12 TDs), who was limited against the Paladins. The secondary will be tested this weekend as the Catamounts have allowed 15 passing touchdowns and over 240 yards per game through the air. 

Prediction: Western Carolina (45-41)

No. 2 Montana State (6-1) @ No. 9 Idaho (5-2)

Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

Idaho enters this matchup off of a bye week as the Vandals look to rebound from a loss to Montana two weeks ago. Quarterback Gevani McCoy (1,642 Passing Yards; 10 TDs) is going to be a key player to watch but will need to limit turnovers against the Bobcats this weekend. Running back Anthony Woods (703 Rushing Yards; 11 TDs) will look to spark the rushing attack after the Bobcats allowed 200 rushing yards last weekend to Sacramento State. The defense will face a massive test but has played well against the run, holding opponents to only 4.0 yards per carry. 

Montana State will look to earn back-to-back victories over Top-10 opponents this weekend. The Bobcats lead the nation in rushing offense, averaging 325.6 yards per game and 7.7 yards per carry. The defense has done an excellent job rushing the quarterback, totaling two or more sacks in all but one game this season. The Bobcats have also forced two or more interceptions in three games, led by safety Rylan Ortt (3 INTs).

The line of scrimmage matchup will be extremely important on Saturday afternoon as the Vandals struggled against Montana two weeks ago. The Bobcats have a significant advantage on both lines of scrimmage and the rushing attack will be too much for the Vandals in this game.

Prediction: Montana State (38-28)

No. 1 South Dakota State (7-0) @ No. 4 South Dakota (6-1)

Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)

South Dakota enters this game after winning six consecutive games, including a massive 24-19 win over North Dakota State four weeks ago. Quarterback Aidan Bouman (1,359 Passing Yards; 10 TDs) has played efficiently this season and continues to develop as one of the best young QBs in the FCS. The defense is holding opponents to only 14.4 points per game and has done an excellent job at creating negative plays (36 TFLs; 17 Sacks). 

South Dakota State holds the nation's longest winning streak (21 Games) and will look to win the first game in Vermillion since 2017. The defense continues to look dominant, holding teams to 12.5 points and 267.6 yards per game. The Jackrabbits have done an excellent job rushing the ball, led by Isaiah Davis (685 Rushing Yards) and Amar Johnson (444 Rushing Yards).

This game is the second of four consecutive ranked matchups for the Jackrabbits. South Dakota's run defense will be the key, but the South Dakota State offensive line will have the advantage this weekend. I also expect Mark Gronowski to make a handful of key throws to win this game on the road.

Prediction: South Dakota State (28-24)

FCS Football Playoff Picture: Oct. 24 (Week 9)