App State has a key game tomorrow towards ensuring an at-large playoff berth. But in terms of winning our conference, it’s the games that we’re not playing in this week that are more important. Actually, we’re the only SoCon team not playing a conference game tomorrow. Let’s take a look:

Saturday, Sept 28

1:30PM #6 Wofford @ Elon

Elon gets the home advantage after NEARLY taking down Georgia Southern last week. That recent experience playing against the triple option should help them. However, Wofford has the bigger advantage in that they had 2 full weeks to prepare for this game. They should be healthy, well-rested, and well-prepared. The only thing that gives me pause is that Wofford hasn’t really played anyone yet. Upset alert?! (I hope so!)

Viewing Options: TV – None / Streaming Video / Live Audio / Live Stats

Prediction: Wofford 30 / Elon 24

1:30PM Western Carolina @ Furman

Western Carolina had a 4pt heartbreaking loss against Samford last week. They’re still looking for their first D-I win of the season (they didn’t have a D-I win last season either). If they’re going to get one, this is the week. Furman lost to Samford by a similar score of 3 earlier in the season. Last week they got their first win against a lousy Presbyterian team. This is the “Battle for the Bottom”. At this point, I’m slightly more impressed with WCU and I don’t think Furman’s homefield advantage is that big. It could go either way though.

Viewing Options: TV – None / Live Audio / Live Stats

Prediction: Western Carolina 27 / Furman 24

6:00PM Samford @ #10 Georgia Southern

This is the “Underrated Vs Overrated” game of the week. Samford is the best they have ever been. They’re undefeated and actually ranked in some of the polls (not in the Sports Network poll). Georgia Southern lost to The Citadel. Their best win is a 3pt marquee victory over Elon . If there was a way for both of these teams to lose I would wish for that. But either outcome helps us in a way. I think Georgia Southern wins at home, but they have their hands full.

Viewing Options: TV – ESPN3 / Streaming Video / Live Audio / Live Stats

Prediction: Samford 21 / Georgia Southern 27

6:00PM Chattanooga @ #11 The Citadel

The Citadel is, as of the right now, the best team in the SoCon. You can throw out their 52-14 loss to NC State last week. Meanwhile, Chattanooga will have to do everything this season just to prove it hasn’t fallen all the way to the bottom of the conference. They won’t prove that this week (but I wish they would!)

Viewing Options: TV – None / Streaming Video / Live Audio / Live Stats

Prediction: Chattanooga 13 / The Citadel 41

7:00PM UTEP @ East Carolina

The ECU game feels like a distant memory at this point. This week they face UTEP, a team that has struggled against tough teams so far. Their 3 losses were to Wisconsin, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma. They did beat NMSU. It’s hard to tell where they’re at, but they’re going to be excited to play a team they have a good chance of beating. ECU is likely demoralized after losing so badly to UNC last week.

Viewing Options: TV – WITN / Streaming Video / Live Audio / Live Stats

Prediction: UTEP 28 / ECU 14

7:15PM #21 Montana @ #7 E Washington

Montana is 1 or 2 losses away from making our win against them seem mediocre. A win here from them would really help our strength of schedule. E Washington is ranked so high, partly because of their FBS win over Idaho. But then again, Idaho hasn’t even come close to winning a game this season. Last week, E Washington beat a winless Weber State team by 6. I think you can throw out the rankings for this one. In reality, E Washington hasn’t beaten anyone yet. I like Montana here.

Viewing Options: TV – Root Sports / Live Audio / Live Stats

Prediction: Montana 34 / E Washington 24

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NOTE: All rankings are based on Sports Network’s weekly FCS poll.