Week 1 is here and hope springs eternal. Probably going to keep these a bit brief this year just with some high level story lines in recaps and previews especially as we cover this more on the Scared Money Pod here on Jackrabbit Illustrated. However I am excited to be back and ready for year 3!
- Murray State (0-0, 0-0) (0.947 conf wins)
Last week: Off
This Week: (+14.13, 16.46%) At RV East Tennesse State (0-0), 4:30PM Sat, ESPN+
The Racers start off their meat grinder of a schedule in Johnson City against an East Tennessee State squad that just missed out on the playoffs last year. This will be a tough test for the Racers as the Bucs look to capitalize against an MVFC component for an early season playoff resume builder.
- Indiana State (0-0, 0-0) (1.384)
Last Week: Off
This Week: (-22.45, 94.87%) Vs McKindree (D2) (0-0), Thurs 5 PM, ESPN+
Indiana State opens with D2 McKindree. This is the easiest game on their schedule and only one of two they are favored in all season. Look for the trees to play a lot of guys if this goes their way.
- Northern Iowa (0-0, 0-0) (2.830)
Last Week: Off
This Week: (-17.2, 89.50%) Vs Butler (0-0), 1 PM Sat, ESPN+
The Panthers will look to open up their new era at home against Butler, who should be a familiar foe for new HC Todd Stepsis. The Panthers will look to capitalize on the Pioneer League foe and carry momentum into the season.
- RV Youngstown State (0-0, 0-0) (3.384)
Last Week: Off
This Week: (-25.93, 96.30%) Vs Mercyhurst (0-0), 5 PM Thurs
Youngstown starts the season with a buy game against relative newcomer to the NEC, Mercyhurst. This should be another game that is a good lead in to the season.
- #6 Illinois State (0-0, 0-0) (3.812)
Last Week: Off
This Week: (+34.91, 0.70%), At #18 (FBS) Oklahoma (0-0), 5 PM Sat, ESPN+/SEC+
What should be a promising campaign for the Redbirds will have a difficult start as they head to a ranked SEC opponent in Norman, Oklahoma. I think this will be a bit close than the numbers suggest, but overall the Redbirds will probably just look to get back to Normal healthy with a check cashed.
- RV North Dakota (0-0, 0-0) (4.068)
Last Week: Off
This week: (+28.98, 98.28%) At #17 Kansas State (0-1), 6 PM Sat, ESPN+
North Dakota will travel to Manhattan to face a familiar foe in former NDSU coach Chris Klieman and his Kansas State Wildcats. K-State is coming off a loss to rival Iowa State in Ireland and will be looking to right the ship. North Dakota will be looking to break in new QB Jerry Kaminski after he beat our Sr QB Simon Romfro for the job this summer. However, doing so against a team looking to rebound and hunt for a Big XII Title this year will be tough.
- #20 Southern Illinois (0-0, 0-0) (4.360)
Last Week: Off
This Week: (-36.12, 99.9%), Vs St. Thomas More (D2) (0-0), 6 PM Sat, ESPN+
Southern Illinois will look to open the year by handling D2 opponent St. Thomas More in front of a friendly crowd.
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- #4 South Dakota (0-0, 0-0) (5.448)
Last Week: Off
This Week: (+21.19, 4.89%) At #22 FBS Iowa State (1-0), 2:30 PM Sat, Fox
This is a sneakily interesting game. This could be a bit of a trap game for Iowa State as it is smack in between rivalry games for them. Adding intrigue to the matchup USD QB Aidan Bouman started his career in Ames and will be making his return. Several things to keep an eye on in this one as the Yotes open up the 2025 campaign.
- #1 North Dakota State (0-0, 0-0) (6.703)
Last Week: Off
This Week: (-30.11, 98.04%) At The Citadel (0-0), 11 AM Sat, ESPN+/ABC (ND Only)
NDSU heads down to Charleston, SC to take on the military men of The Citadel. Although one would reasonably expect the Bison to easily start their defense, The Citadel has been known to be a difficult opponent.
- #3 South Dakota State (0-0, 0-0) (7.064)
Last Week: Off
This week: *GAME OF THE WEEK* (-26.09, 96.63%) Vs #15 Sacramento State (0-0), 6 PM Sat, ESPN+/MidcoSN
I think this one will be closer than the projection. A lot has been made about this game, and the storylines surrounding both programs this off-season. Whether it is the overhaul of Sac State, or the return of Dan Jackson and the minor overhaul of the SDSU roster as well, the eyes of the entire FCS world will be in Brookings Saturday night.
Go Jacks!
Alex
