A little bit about me: I live in Texas. Normally, it’s the best state in the Union. This week, it was decidedly not.
I’m alright. So many others aren’t. Please pray for them.
Now that I’m through the worst Old Man Winter can throw at me, I’m reflecting on the past year. We’re coming up on the anniversary of March 11, the day the NBA canceled its season due to The Virus (yes, that virus). Ever since, the world has felt different. Tenser. More separate.
I wrote back in August about how college football can bring us together, if we let it. And as cases of The Virus (yes, that virus) plummet nationwide, I’m happy to inform you of one excellent result of the pandemic.
We have college football in the spring now.
The teams may be unrecognizable to you. They’re smaller schools, used to playing at a different level. But if you’ve watched an FCS game, you’ll know that the athletes may be smaller, but the play is still fast-paced and exciting.
Plus, it’s February. What else are you gonna watch? (Besides WandaVision. That’s a great show.)
Unlike my usual method of breaking down the schedule, all I’m gonna do is list the games, previewing and picking the games you should DEFINITELY watch. Some of them aren’t on TV, sadly. Those won’t be included.
Follow me on Twitter by clicking here. I’ll give you hot takes, betting picks, news, the whole shebang. And now, your schedule for the weekend!
FRIDAY
Northern Iowa vs. South Dakota State (7p, ESPN+): UNI is always a top tier FCS competitor, and the line says this game will be close. It should be a great way to introduce yourself to this tier of football. PICK: UNI (+1.5)
SATURDAY
Mercer vs. Wofford (12p, ESPN+): Mercer’s already played three games this fall, while Wofford’s sat out until now. Bet on the team that’s played actual games. The line’s way too big. PICK: Mercer (+16)
Samford vs. East Tennessee State (12p, ESPN+)
Southern Illinois vs. North Dakota (12p, ESPN+): No, this isn’t the North Dakota State Bison who dominate FCS ball every year. I like Southern Illinois here, who already won a game back in October. PICK: Southern Illinois (-3)
Western Carolina vs. Furman (1p, ESPN+)
Northwestern State vs. Lamar (3p, ESPN+): Two Texas schools! That’s about all I know here. PICK: I have no idea.
SUNDAY
Edward Waters vs. Jackson State (1p, ESPN3)Austin Peay vs. Tennessee Tech (1:30p, ESPN+): You’ll remember the Austin Peay Governors from the first college football game played this fall. Out of respect, they have my bet. PICK: Austin Peay (-6.5)
Murray State vs. SE Missouri State (2p, ESPN+)
Youngstown State vs. North Dakota State (2:30p, ESPN+): Here are the fabled Bison, playing without their NFL-bound QB Trey Lance, who led them to victory in a single game last fall. They’ll probably be better than fine despite losing him, as they are every year. PICK: NDSU (-23)
And that’s everything! As always, happy watching!