Along with plenty of FBS action, Saturday's Week 3 college football slate features a lot of FCS matchups.
Betting FCS is a whole new ballgame, with massive line movement, late odds releases, and if we're lucky, severe mismatches. Click here for my top FCS betting tips.
I have my eyes on three games featuring FCS teams today: Weber State vs. Lamar, Bethune-Cookman vs. Western Michigan and Georgetown vs. Sacred Heart.
Let's dive into my FCS picks for Saturday, Sept. 14.
Weber State vs. Lamar
Weber State comes into this game 1-1 after defeating Portland State last week, 43-19. The two teams combined to score 30 points in the fourth quarter after a slower-paced first three frames.
Weber State hit some chunk plays against Portland State last week, but it went just 2-for-10 on third down — not good considering it was facing one of the worst defenses in FCS.
The Wildcats had to settle for four field-goal attempts, and now they're on the road and facing a much better defense.
Lamar comes in after a 28-14 win last week over Mississippi Valley State.
The Cardinals made a concerted effort to run the football last week, as the passing game struggled against the Delta Devils. Starting quarterback Robert Coleman was just 12-of-30 for 216 yards and played very erratically throughout the night.
Instead, they leaned into their run game to extend their last possession, which resulted in a 10-play, 84-yard touchdown scoring drive.
One of the problems holding Lamar back from bigger offensive outputs is that it's as heavily penalized a team as you will find in college football. It's had 30 accepted penalties against by opponents for 266 yards this season.
For this particular matchup, I'm looking at the under.
Weber State and Lamar are both two teams that want to run the football. Both quarterbacks are under 50% completion percentage on the season and are inaccurate at times.
The Wildcats have started slow the last two weeks, and now that they're on the road in unfamiliar territory this week, I can see the game play being much more conservative than it would be against weak conference foe at home.
Both teams are equipped with punters who have big legs. Weber ranks 11th in FCS in punting average at 42.4 yards per punt. On the other side, Lamar punter Chase Leon is averaging 44.6 yards per punt with a long of 56 yards.
This could be one of those games where inefficient offenses face long fields and the punters are asked to flip the field for their defense.
Target: Under 52.5
Bethune-Cookman vs. Western Michigan
Bethune-Cookman and Western Michigan both enter 0-2, but these teams have played vastly difference schedules up to this point.
Bethune has been outscored in its two games against South Florida and Mercer by a combined 80-5. It has struggled to get the ground game going but continues to pound the rock. Through two games, it's recorded 77 rushing yards on 67 attempts with one explosive pass play.
This is the third week in a row that Bethune will be severely outclassed by superior competition. Western Michigan is still a very solid MAC program that competed well against Wisconsin.
After a beatdown at the hands of Ohio State, the Broncos need a feel-good win before heading back on the road. This is the perfect spot to put up a big number.
With Bethune Cookman going 3-of-28 on third-down attempts this year and averaging 1.15 yards per rush, it's very hard to see it having any tangible success in this contest.
WMU is 5-0 against the spread in its last five games against FCS competition, and it's typically not shy about pouring it on. I would lay it with the Broncos here at -32.5.
Target: Western Michigan -32.5
Georgetown vs. Sacred Heart
Georgetown is projected as a favorite of -6.5 here.
Sacred Heart comes in 1-1 after a two-point home loss to Delaware State in Week 1 and a win last week against Division II St. Anselm, 10-3.
The Pioneers have an extremely run heavy offense that lacks explosion, and their passing game leaves a lot to be desired. They've really struggled to convert on third down, going just 6-for-24 in that department.
Georgetown has a stout run defense that has held opponents to just 3.2 yards per carry this season. I really can't see SHU moving the football enough to hang in there and keep pace with the Hoyas.
Georgetown is averaging 38 points per game and last week received excellent quarterback play from Danny Lauter, who went 21-of-27 for 199 yards and a touchdown.
The Hoyas defense has been playing really well against better competition, and they excel in getting third-down stops.
There's no line available as of writing, but I would look to back Georgetown here at -13.5 or better.
Target: Georgetown -13.5 or Better
