Looking Ahead to Week #3

UNI QB, Sawyer Kollmorgen could be the catalyst in an upset
against Iowa this weekend. (Photo: Jeff Hanisch-U.S. Preswire) 

This week is the last week of non-conference play for most Missouri Valley Football Conference members, only North Dakota State and South Dakota--those two are on byes this week--will play non-conference games next week against Prairie View A&M and Northwestern, respectively. For a couple of teams, this week is absolutely crucial for playoff implications. For example, if Northern Iowa doesn't beat Iowa this weekend, they must run the table in the Valley to be selected for a playoff bid. A very realistic possibility would see losses to Iowa, Youngstown State, and North Dakota State; If that situation would happen, I'm afraid Northern Iowa would be sitting out of this years playoff. A 7-4 team traditionally would be waiting for an at-large bid, however, Northern Iowa beat Central State--a non-counter--so in actuality that 7-4 record is 6-4 in the eyes of the playoff selection committee. However, if Northern Iowa beats one of those three teams, I believe an 8-3 (7-3) Northern Iowa team gets into the playoffs easily.

Southern Illinois and Missouri State are also competing in games that could be eye-openers in terms of what those teams specifically will do the rest of the season. Southern Illinois plays Southeast Missouri State, if they lose this game a 3-8, 2-9 season is a real possibility. On the other hand, Missouri State is playing its first FCS team. After two straight weeks of playing tough competition--and playing well against it--we could see what this Missouri State team is really made of. Western Illinois, who sits at a 2-0 against weak competition will most likely get a reality check when they visit Ames this weekend.

MSU QB, Ashton Glaser
(Photo: Jesse Scheve/News-Leader)

Predictions:

Illinois State 42, Eastern Illinois 24

Iowa 24, Northern Iowa 23

Indiana State 41, Drake 7

South Dakota State 34, UC Davis 21

Youngstown State 52, Albany 17

Southeast Missouri State 35, Southern Illinois 31

Iowa State 52, Western Illinois 0

Missouri State 28, Murray State 17


South Dakota State needs this win against UC Davis. If they win this weekend, the Jackrabbits will need to beat two teams out of either Youngstown State, Northern Iowa, North Dakota State, or Indiana State to make the playoffs--considering they beat the teams they are expected to beat. If South Dakota State losses this weekend, then they would have to beat three of those teams, and realistically, that would be out of reach. If SDSU is going to upset two teams, it would be against Indiana State and Youngstown State on Hobo Day. I don't see the Jackrabbits going to either Dome and coming out with a win.

Illinois State should roll against Eastern Illinois, two weeks ago I saw Eastern Illinois' offense and was pretty impressed. However, that was against a sub-par Southern Illinois defense. This game could have the potential to be a high scoring game, but I think in the end the Redbirds balance will wear out Eastern Illinois. The Redbirds should have this game in the books by the late third quarter.

I think the Valley will compete well again this week. I might be getting ahead of myself with playoff implications, a lot of "Ifs and ors" this week but still a crucial time in the FCS.