THE WORD

The top of the FCS has been dominant through three weeks, complete with FBS wins and seven teams ranked inside our Top 13. So let’s play a hypothetical: If the best programs in the region formed an FCS super conference, just how well could they compete against the FBS?

The MVFC’s top teams are beginning to show both their strengths and their flaws. We recap Week 1 and preview a Week 2 slate headlined by #8 Illinois State’s FBS opportunity at Northern Illinois.

The Patriot League hits the heart of its nonconference schedule with five teams taking on FBS opponents—but the biggest game of the weekend may be an all-FCS battle as #20 William & Mary visits #9 Lehigh with major early-season stakes.

Week 1 brings a loaded slate of FCS-FBS matchups for the UAC. Tarleton State enters upset territory against Bowling Green, while Austin Peay, Abilene Christian, North Alabama and others take their shots at FBS opponents. Plus, West Florida looks to build on its historic FCS debut against Central Arkansas.