CSN West: West Proves in First Week Why it Might be the Best in FCS

There were four upsets of FBS schools by an FCS team this past week and three of those were by conferences in the CSN West. Ironically, all four were from four different conferences and per each of the league’s preseason ballots, none were projected two win their conference’s title.

By Kent Schmidt
CSN West Columnist
College Sporting News

We saw two wins on Thursday night and another two (with one being away from the West) on Saturday night.

After the past two national champions and three of the past four finalists, I think this first week of FCS play proves that the West is best.

Who defeated their FBS opponent in Week 1?

The four teams that won in opening week over the supposedly higher level of college football. McNeese State over Middle Tennessee State, Eastern Washington defeated Idaho, Tennessee-Martin (the lone non-West team) over Memphis, and Youngstown State over Pittsburgh were the winners.

That is a winner from the Southland, Big Sky, Ohio Valley, and the Missouri Valley.

McNeese State beat Middle Tennessee, 27-21, and Eastern Washington won easily over Idaho, 20-3, on Thursday night, and Youngstown State manhandled Pittsburgh, 31-17, and UT Martin slipped past Memphis, 20-17, on Saturday.

Of the four wins, I was the most impressed with the Youngstown State win over Pittsburgh.

The Penguins were headed by quarterback Kurt Hess, who threw for 154 yards and two touchdowns, and Youngstown State totaled 381 offensive yards.

Running back Jamaine Cook rushed for 84 of the team's 204 rushing yards on 21 carries. Andre Stubbs ran for 71 yards and one touchdown and caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.

The win was the first Youngstown win over an FBS school in its last 10 games since 2001.

Where there any other close games involving West teams?

Yes, Indiana State narrowly lost to Indiana 24-17 and Northern Iowa just about pulled off the upset of FBS ranked Wisconsin 26-21.

What these scores show me is that the difference between FCS and FBS is getting even narrower.

I also am impressed with the Missouri Valley as this league looks to be one with a number of teams that could win their title.

Are there any opportunites this week for some FBS upsets?

Yes, there are a number opportunities for West teams to notch another upset. The biggest ones I see are Illinois State over Eastern Michigan, Northern Arizona over Nevada-Las Vegas, Sacramento State over Colorado, and North Dakota State over Colorado State.

With four upsets overall, I could see this year having the most FBS upsets for FCS teams in history. Teams in the FCS are getting closer and closer to their FBS counterparts. And I enjoy every one of these games.

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FCS WEST GAME OF THE WEEK

Montana (1-0) @ Appalachian State (0-1), 6:30 Eastern

The Grizzlies have had their share of off-field issues but are coming off an impressive win over South Dakota at home to start their season. Appalachian State is coming off a closer than the score would indicate against FBS East Carolina.

These two FCS powerhouse teams have met twice before and both times in the NCAA playoffs in the semi-final round. Montana won both contests that were both in Missoula.

Appalachian State and Montana are the top winningest programs in all of the FCS with 79 and 78 victories, respectively since I have been covering FCS football in 2004. The last meeting was a 24-17 Montana win in 2009.

Wins against Appalachian State at their home of Kidd Brewer Stadium are rare. Coach Jerry Moore is 20-3 all-time in home openers for the Mountaineers.

I see this game being close but the home field should be the advantage for the Mountaineers. I will take App State by a field goal. Appalachian State 27 Montana 24.