Week 6 FCS football preview: 10 best teams that will make an impact this weekend ft. North Dakota State
FCS football in 2024 is chugging along in Week 6. Six FCS teams have already bested an FBS team this season, and as the year goes on, more FCS wins will likely arise. Given the rapidity of major head-to-head battles in FCS, every week is pivotal. Here's a rundown on the 10 best teams that will make an impact in Week 6.
10 best FCS teams to watch in Week 6
10. William & Mary
Thomas Jefferson's alma mater is 4-1 on the year and sports a high-octane ground attack. William & Mary is averaging 6.1 yards per carry on the season. William & Mary's only loss was to Coastal Carolina, while they have bested Wofford and Furman.
9. Montana
A high-scoring team from the Big Sky, 4-1 Montana, is fun to watch. Last week, they won 52-49 against Eastern Washington. Montana averages 42 points per game and 7.0 yards per carry. Their only loss so far is to North Dakota.
8. Idaho
Idaho has one of the FBS wins of the season, having bested Wyoming 17-13. The Vandals are the only team on this list with two losses, but one was a 24-14 loss to a likely CFP-bound Oregon team. Outstanding pass rusher Keyshawn James-Newby (seven sacks) is a player to watch.
7. North Dakota
North Dakota is coming off a 72-35 win over Murray State. The 4-1 team took its only loss to Iowa State in the opener. Receiver Bo Belquist (24 catches, 478 yards, 5 TDs) is a game-breaker, but they're playing North Dakota State in Week 6.
6. Villanova
CAA standout Villanova is off to a 4-1 start. Their only loss was a 38-20 setback to Big Ten's Maryland. The defense is a strength and veteran linebacker Brendan Bell (42 stops) is well worth watching.
5. Central Arkansas
Central Arkansas is most famous for producing Scottie Pippen, but their gridiron team may change that. At 4-1, UCA's only loss is to Arkansas State by three points. Running back ShunDerrick Powell is electric, with 810 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns already this year. Central Arkansas plays a solid Abilene Christian team in Week 6.
4. South Dakota
One of three MVFC champions in the nation's top four teams, South Dakota is 3-1 this year, with the only loss coming to Wisconsin by two scores. A lethal 1-2 punch of runners Charles Pierre Jr. (378 yards) and Travis Theis (348 yards) makes South Dakota more than a handful to defend.
3. Montana State
Big Sky standout Montana State not only beat an FBS team (New Mexico in Week 1), they were favored in betting lines on the road against an FBS team. The Bobcats are averaging 313.8 rushing yards per game. Add in an 8-0 touchdown to interception rate, and Montana State is a daunting 5-0 squad.
2. North Dakota State
The 4-1 Bison gave Colorado all they wanted in a 31-26 loss to open the season. QB Cam Miller has thrown for 1,143 yards with nine touchdowns and no interceptions. Perhaps the most accomplished FCS program in history, the Bison face state rival North Dakota in Week 6.
1. South Dakota State
Back-to-back defending champions, the Jackrabbits remain a fearsome force. Since a loss to Oklahoma State, they've won their last three games. With 6.5 yards per carry, SDSU runs the ball like a team that means national title business. They travel to Northern Iowa in Week 6.
Which FCS teams will you be watching in Week 6? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!