Every year there is an FCS team that pulls out a win over an FBS team. Since 1978, there have only been three seasons where it didn’t happen (1980, 1993, 1997). North Dakota State and Northern Iowa lead all FCS teams with 8 wins all time vs FBS opponents. Last season 7 FCS Opponents defeated an FBS team. In 2017, there were 9 FCS wins over FBS teams, including Liberty who’s now FBS (Independent) knocking off Baylor.
The all-time biggest FCS wins over FBS teams
- The Citadel 23 South Carolina 22 (2015)
- UC Davis 20 Stanford 17 (2005)
- FAMU 16 Miami 13 (1979)
- JMU 21 VT 16 (2010)
- NDSU 23 Iowa 21 (2016)
- Appalachian State 34 Michigan 32 (2007)
Potential 2019 FCS Upsets over FBS Teams
Remember, I’m not predicting all of these to happen. These are just potential games where it could happen.
Nicholls St @ Kansas State (August 31st) & Nicholls St @ Texas State (Sep 28th)
The Colonels are a tough opponent for the Wildcats. They’ve been known to knock off FBS opponents (Kansas 2018, WMU 2013, Rice 2007). Nicholls is my pick to win the Southland Conference and they have one of the best QBs in the FCS returning in Chase Fourcade (7,728 Passing yards, 53 TDs in 3 seasons). They also have a good RB in Dontrell Taylor (990 rushing yards) returning. If Nicholls can create pressure (finished 7th last season in the FCS in TFL) and get good QB play from Fourcade, then they can pull off the upset.
South Dakota State @ Minnesota (August 29th)
South Dakota State is one of the top teams in the FCS for 2019. They return RB Pierre Strong Jr (1,100 rushing yards) and also six starters in the front seven don defense. So they will be strong up front. Minnesota is a team I expect to compete for the Big Ten West, but they can’t overlook the Jackrabbits.
JMU @ West Virginia (August 31st)
JMU has proven to be one of the best teams in the FCS the last few years. They scored one of the biggest FCS wins over an FBS team in 2010 when they knocked off Virginia Tech. QB Ben Dinucci returns for the Dukes, as well as CB Rashad Robinson who had 7 INTs in 2017. West Virginia is going through a coaching change, they have to replace QB Will Grier, their top four pass catchers, leading tackler David Long and some quality defensive backs who transferred. So they could be ripe for the upset.
Incarnate Word vs NMSU (Nov 16th) & Incarnate Word vs UTSA (Aug 31st)
UIW returns QB Jon Copeland who last year as a freshman threw for 2,984 yards and 22 touchdowns before going down with an injury. The Cardinals also bring back linebacker Mar’kel Cooks, who is one of the best in the Southland Conference. If Jon Copeland is back to 100%, then UIW will have a chance in these games.
Kennesaw State @ Kent State (September 7th)
Kennesaw State went 11-2 last season in only their 4th season as a football program. The defense is a big strength that returns four First-Team Big South players, including defensive linemen Andrew Butcher & Desmond Johnson, linebacker Bryson Armstrong and DB Dorian Walker. The offense must replace QB Chandler Burks, but they return dynamic RB Shaquil Terry. If the Owls can get decent QB play, they will have a chance to pull off this upset.
Colgate @ Air Force (Aug 31st)
The Raiders are one of the top teams in the FCS. Last season they went 10-2 (6-0) in conference play. The defense was dominant for the Raiders, as they recorded 5 shutouts. In 2018, the only teams they lost to were FCS National Champions North Dakota State and Army, who won 11 games. Dominant DT Nick Wheeler returns (51 Tackles, 16 TFL, 9 Sacks). He has an NFL future ahead of him. On offense, they return QB Grant Breneman and OL Jack Badovinac. This will be a good game in Week 1.
Furman @ Georgia State (Sep 7th)
Furman is one of the favorites in the SOCON for 2019. Last season the Paladins went 6-4 and they return all five offensive linemen and also return linebacker Adrian Hope who had 15 sacks as a freshman. Georgia State is coming off a 2-10 season and they lose star WR Penny Hart who’s been one of best WRs in CFB the past few seasons.
Central Connecticut State @ EMU (Sep 21st)
The Blue Devils went 6-5 last season, but they must replace QB Jacob Dolegala in 2019. They do return some elite offensive linemen in Cole Phelps, Connor Mignone and J’von Brown. Also returning is RB Aaron Dawson, who rushed for 896 yards last season. If the Blue Devils can control the clock and get decent QB play, they’ll have an opportunity in this.
NC A&T @ Duke (Sep 7th)
NC A&T defeated a FBS Team last season when they downed ECU 28-23. The Aggies lose a ton of starters. Only 3 offensive starters and just 5 on defense return, however 7 of the 8 were All-MEAC Performers. WR Elijah Bell (6 TDs) RB Jah-Maine Martin (7 rushing TDs) and LB Antoine Wilder (67 Tackles) return. NC A&T has the possibly be able to pull off a huge upset. Duke will be coming off a Week 1 matchup with Alabama.
UC Davis @ California (August 31st)
This would be a big upset if it happened. It’s also a game where it’s a really good offense goes up against a dominant defense. The Aggies return one of the best QBs in the FCS in Jake Maier (7,600 passing yards 60 TDs in his career). I’m interested to see what Maier can do vs a very good Golden Bears defense. UC Davis also returns RB Ulonzo Gilliam and TE Wes Preece. This game comes down to whether or not Maier can keep the Aggies in it. If he struggles it will be a blowout.
Indiana State @ Kansas (Aug 31st)
The Sycamores went 7-4 last season, led by QB Ryan Boyle, who was the Missouri Valley Newcomer of the Year. Boyle threw for 12 touchdowns last season compared to only 3 INTs. Linebacker Jonas Griffith is one of the best in the FCS and has 227 tackles in his career. Kansas has a really good secondary and they’re improving. However, RB Pooka Williams is suspended for this game, and that definitely improves the Sycamore’s chances.
Other Notable Games where an upset could happen
- EKU @ Louisville (September 7th)
- Sam Houston State @ New Mexico (Aug 31st)
- Weber State @ SDSU (Aug 31st)
- Grambling State @ ULM (Aug 31st)
