Week 6 FCS Football Preview & Predictions

The FCS football season continues this weekend with a loaded Week 6 slate. We preview all the FCS Week 6 action right here.

We predict the top FCS football games on the Week 6 slate right here. You can find more information on the biggest games each week on our FCS Preview Show.

2023 Predictions Record: 31-13 
2022 Predictions Record: 115-35

Southeastern Louisiana (0-4) @ No. 8 Incarnate Word (3-1)

Kickoff: 5:00 p.m ET (ESPN+)

Incarnate Word has won 13 consecutive games at home and will be looking to avenge last season’s loss to Southeastern Louisiana. Quarterback Zach Calzada (1,193 Passing Yards; 7 TDs) has shined this season for the Cardinals. Incarnate Word ranks third in the nation for total offense (493.5 YPG) and passing offense (320.2 YPG). The Incarnate Word defense is only allowing 254 yards per game and enters this matchup with the No. 2 passing defense in the country (113.2 YPG).

Southeastern Louisiana has struggled throughout the first four games of the season as the Lions have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball. The Lions will need to generate a rushing attack as the offense enters this game averaging only 99.2 rushing yards per game. Quarterbacks Eli Sawyer and Zachary Clement have continued to split time at quarterback for the Lions. Wide receiver Darius Lewis (24 Receptions; 278 Receiving Yards) has shined for the Lions and will be a key player to watch this weekend.

This game could be a turning point in the season for the winless Lions, who entered the season as the defending conference champions. Incarnate Word may be known for offensive firepower, but the defense continues to steal the show. The Cardinals are going to enter this matchup looking to make a statement and that could signal trouble for a reeling Southeastern Louisiana program. 

Prediction: Incarnate Word (38-17)

Southeast Missouri State (1-3) @ No. 23 Central Arkansas (3-2)

Kickoff: 5:00 p.m ET (ESPN+)

Southeast Missouri State will look to rebound after back-to-back losses in the final seconds. Running back Geno Hess (253 Rushing Yards; 3 TDs) will play his 50th career game for the Redhawks and faces a Central Arkansas defense that has only allowed one FCS opponent to surpass 70 rushing yards. Wide receiver Damoriea Vick (36 Receptions; 362 Receiving Yards) leads the FCS in receptions this season. The Redhawks have been outscored 77-31 in the second half, but have scored on all 12 red zone attempts this season. 

Central Arkansas has won back-t0-back conference games after a 1-2 start to the season. Running back ShunDerrick Powell (747 Rushing Yards; 10.1 YPC) ranks No. 2 in the nation in rushing yards this season. Quarterback Will McElvain (1,091 Passing Yards; 10 TDs) has been efficient for the Bears, including his 349-yard performance against Southern Utah last weekend. Defensive lineman David Walker (6.5 TFLs; 4 Sacks) continues to shine for a defense allowing only 4.8 yards per play.

Southeast Missouri State travels to Conway for the first time in 38 years and needs this win to build momentum entering conference play. The Bears have one of the deepest rushing attacks in the country and the three-headed monster of Powell, Darius Hale, and Kylin James will be too much for the Redhawks. 

Prediction: Central Arkansas (24-16)

No. 18 UT Martin (4-1) @ Eastern Illinois (4-1)

Kickoff: 3:00 p.m ET (ESPN+)

Eastern Illinois is off to one of the best starts in school history as the Panthers have won three straight games for the first time since 2016. Running backs MJ Flowers (344 Rushing Yards; 6.1 YPC) and Kevin Daniels (202 Rushing Yards) both have the ability to be playmakers for the Panthers. Wide receiver Justin Bowick Jr. (411 Receiving Yards; 4 TDs) exploded onto the scene this season after his 120-yard, two-touchdown performance two weeks ago. The Panthers’ defense is holding opponents to only 17.8 points per game this season, led by Elijawah Tolbert (46 Tackles; 2,5 TFLs).

UT Martin is 4-0 against FCS competition, including a 20-10 victory over Tennessee State last weekend. Running back Sam Franklin (785 Rushing Yards; 6 TDs) leads the country in rushing and has topped the 200-yard mark in two of the last four games. The front seven has been dominant for the Skyhawks, totaling 36 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in the past four games. Defensive lineman Daylan Dotson (6.5 TFLs; 2.5 Sacks) and Giovanni Davis (4 TFls; 1.5 Sacks) are two impact players to watch in this matchup.

The Panthers are having an excellent start to the season, including a ranked win against Illinois State, but will face the toughest test of the season thus far. The saying is that defense travels and the Skyhawks’ defense will be the difference in this matchup on Saturday afternoon. 

Prediction: UT Martin (34-20)

No. 1 South Dakota State (4-0) @ Illinois State (3-1)

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m ET (ESPN+)

Illinois State bounced back from a one-point loss to Eastern Illinois with a dominant win over Lindenwood. The Redbirds have been dominant defensively, holding opposing offenses to only 255 yards per game and 3.6 yards per play. The front seven, led by Amir Abdullah (7 TFLs; 5.5 Sacks) and Jalan Gaines (4 TFLs; 2 Sacks), has been elite as the Redbirds are allowing only 58 rushing yards per game. Running back Mason Blakemore missed last week with an injury, but his return will be important as he leads Illinois State with 294 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

South Dakota State picked up another Top-15 win last weekend over North Dakota. The Jackrabbits have one of the most balanced offenses in the country, led by quarterback Mark Gronowski (698 Passing Yards; 13 Total TDs) who has continued to be efficient this season. Running backs Isaiah Davis (294 Rushing Yards; 4 TDs) and Amar Johnson (236 Rushing Yards; 6.2 YPC) will be a tough test for a stout Illinois State rushing attack. The defense has been suffocating this season, allowing only 12.7 points and 252 yards per game.

Illinois State has plenty of defensive talent to make this game close early, but I question if this offense will be able to sustain drives against one of the best defenses in the country. Gronowski and the loaded running back room for the Jacks will be enough to escape with a tough road win. 

Prediction: South Dakota State (35-17)

No. 14 North Carolina Central (4-1) vs. No. 25 Elon (3-2)

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m ET (FloSports)

Elon shocked William & Mary for the second consecutive season last weekend and will look to extend its winning streak to four games against the Eagles. Running back Jalen Hampton (562 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) is the star of the offense, while quarterback Matthew Downing (576 Passing Yards; 6 TDs) continues to grow into his role as QB1. The Phoenix defense is led by Marvin Pearson (7 TFLs; 4.5 Sacks) and Caleb Curtain (36 Tackles; 2 INTs) as Elon looks to slow down a powerful North Carolina Central offense.

North Carolina Central escaped with a one-point overtime win over Campbell, as the Eagles stormed back from a 35-14 deficit. Quarterback Davius Richard (656 Passing Yards; 13 Total TDs) was dominant after returning from injury last weekend and remains the focal point of the Eagles’ offense. Defensively, the Eagles had question marks in the front seven entering the season but Jayden Flaker (39 Tackles; 3.5 Sacks) and Kendrick DeJour (5.5 TFLs; 3 Sacks) are having breakout seasons.

Both teams will look to establish the rushing attack this weekend, but the advantage goes to the Eagles due to Richard’s elite athleticism. North Carolina Central will be tested, but expect Richard to continue to make plays in the biggest moments this weekend on the road. 

Prediction: North Carolina Central (27-20)

No. 17 Montana (4-1) vs. No. 20 UC Davis (3-2)

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m ET (ESPN+)

UC Davis rebounded with a 31-13 win over Cal Poly last weekend after falling to Eastern Washington two weeks ago. The Aggies will be without running Lan Larison once again, which forces Trent Tompkins (109 Rushing Yards; 2 TDs) into the spotlight. Quarterback Miles Hastings (963 Passing Yards; 6 TDs) has shown flashes but will need to limit turnovers against a Montana secondary that leads the country in interceptions (9). The defense is holding opposing offenses to 3.6 yards per carry, led by Rex Connors (36 Tackles; 5 PBUs) and Nick Eaton (4 TFLs; 2 Sacks).

Montana has been one of the most criticized teams in the country but can silence all the noise with a win this weekend. The Grizzlies have struggled offensively this season, but freshman running back Eli Gillman (338 Rushing Yards; 5 TDs) has been the bright spot. Montana’s ability to force turnovers will be a major key in the game, while the Grizzlies have also done an excellent job at stopping the run this season (90.2 YPG; 3.2 YPC Allowed). Defensive back Trevin Gradney leads the nation with four interceptions this season.

Larison’s injury and Hastings’ turnover problems are a major concern for the Aggies in this matchup. Despite Montana’s offensive struggles, the Grizzlies should be able to lean on the rushing attack to escape with a huge conference win. 

Prediction: Montana (21-17)

No. 11 Western Carolina (4-1) vs. No. 24 Chattanooga (4-1)

Kickoff: 4:00 p.m ET (ESPN+)

Chattanooga has won four consecutive games after a season-opening loss to North Alabama. The Mocs will aim to establish the rushing attack behind Ailym Ford (358 Rushing Yards; 3 TDs) and Gino Appleberry (205 Rushing Yards; 3 TDs). Quarterback Chase Artopoeus (1,307 Passing Yards; 9 TDs) continues to thrive in the QB1 role for the Mocs. Chattanooga’s defense has forced four interceptions over the past three games, led by Jordan Walker (2 INTs) and Kameron Brown (1 INT).

Western Carolina exploded into the FCS scene with four consecutive wins, including wins over Samford and Eastern Kentucky. The Catamounts have the No. 1 offense in the country (528 YPG) and are averaging over 7.2 yards per play this season. Running back Desmond Reid (636 Rushing Yards; 10 TDs) is a rising star at the FCS level and has surpassed 100 rushing yards against all four FCS opponents. Quarterback Cole Gonzales (1,256 Passing Yards; 11 TDs) has taken a massive step forward in his development this season as he ranks 4th in the FCS in completion percentage (73.0%).

The Catamounts may be the hottest team in the country, but the Mocs will be looking for revenge after an upset loss against Western Carolina knocked Chattanooga out of the FCS playoff race last season. The Mocs have played well over the past four weeks, but the Western Carolina offense will be too much this weekend. 

Prediction: Western Carolina (45-31)

FCS Top-25: Zach McKinnell's Week 5 Ballot