College Sports Journal Big South Previews: Week of 9/21/2019
Conference play is still a couple of weeks away, but the teams of the Big South take on some interesting challenges out-of-conference this week, including an FBS game, a trip to an iconic FCS football stadium, and a game against a Missouri Valley opponent.
BYE: North Alabama
Fearless Predictions
Eastern Kentucky (1-2) at Presbyterian (0-2), Saturday September 21st, 1:00 PM, Bailey Memorial Stadium, Clinton, SC, ESPN+ (subscription req’d)
This game will get ugly fast. Eastern Kentucky 43, Presbyterian 16
Kennesaw State (2-1) at Missouri State (0-2), Saturday September 21st, 3:00 PM, Plaster Stadium, Cape Girardeau, ESPN+ (subscription req’d)
I know Missouri State plays in the brutal Missouri Valley Football Conference, but next time they schedule a home opener, perhaps scheduling the No. 6 team in the nation might be considered… unwise. Kennesaw State 38, Missouri State 6
Monmouth (2-1) at Montana (2-1), Saturday September 21st, 3:00 PM, Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, MT, Altitude TV, Montana Local Listings, Montana Athletics
Though it’s not the program’s first-ever trip to Montana, the Hawks travel to the unfriendly Grizzly confines of Missoula to face off against Montana in front of 21,000 mostly rabid fans of the home team. This could be a bit of a trap for Montana if they’re not taking the Hawks seriously, especially star RB Peter Guerriero, but the Grizzlies should pull away in the 4th quarter. Montana 34, Monmoth 21
Davidson (3-0) at Campbell (1-1), Saturday September 21st, 6:00 PM, Baker-Lane Stadium, Buies Creek, NC, ESPN+ (subscription req’d)
The “gun triple-option” of Davidson goes on the road for the first time this season, as Davidson heads to Campbell in what could be an under-the-radar entertaining game. It feels like the last team with the ball might be the one that survives. Davidson 44, Campbell 41
Hampton (2-1) at FBS Liberty (1-2), Saturday September 21st, 6:00 PM, Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA, ESPN+ (subscription req’d)
The Pirates followed up their stunning double-digit loss to D-II Virginia Union with an equally stunning 41-21 win over Howard last week in the Chicago Football Classic. That inconsistency could mean a variety of outcomes against Liberty, who did seem to finally get on track somewhat after a win over a Buffalo. QB Deondre Francois should cause Liberty fits, but it might not be enough to pull off the upset all of FCS Nation is hoping for. Liberty 35, Hampton 31
Charleston Southern (0-3) at The Citadel (1-2), Saturday September 21st, 6:00 PM, Johnson Hagood Memorial Stadium, Charleston, SC, ESPN+ (subscription req’d)
The Citadel needs to avoid a letdown after their big win against Georgia Tech. Brandon Rainey’s ankle is question, but the Bulldogs should roll to a win. The Citadel 27, Charleston Southern 10
Gardner-Webb (1-2) at Wofford (0-2), Saturday September 21st, 6:00 PM, Gibbs Stadium, Spartanburg, SC, ESPN+ (subscription req’d)
If Wofford doesn’t get off the mat this week against an inferior opponent, this season will be completely lost. Thankfully for the Terrier faithful, they’ll pick up the win this week. Wofford 34, Gardner-Webb 22
Chuck has been writing about Lehigh football since the dawn of the internet, or perhaps it only seems like it. He’s executive editor of the College Sports Journal and has also written a book, The Rivalry: How Two Schools Started the Most Played College Football Series.
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