FCS Picks/Friday Games

Following an upset win at Washington State, the Utah State Aggies will try to avoid a letdown tonight as they host FCS playoff contender North Dakota at Maverik Stadium. Kick off is 9:00 pm ET.

The Aggies win at WSU was significant as it was their first victory over a Power 5 conference team since 1971. It took a rally from 12 points down with just over 5 ½ minutes remaining to pull it off. QB Logan Bonner showed plenty of poise as he directed a 78-yard drive for the winning score on a TD pass to Deven Thompkins with 11 seconds remaining.

North Dakota’s opening win over Idaho State wasn’t as dramatic, but the 35-14 victory on the road highlighted a number of the Fighting Hawks strengths. Sophomore QB Tommy Schuster looked solid in directing the UND offense and finished with 183 yards passing and a TD toss. He was bolstered by bruising RB Otis Weah, who finished with 114 rushing yards and 3 TDs on just 22 carries.

The FCS showed it was no pushover in Week 1 as the division picked up six victories against FBS schools – good for their best mark since 2013. This game could be another feather in the FCS cap as Dunkel has the Fighting Hawks favored by 4 on the road in a low-scoring affair that should stay under the Vegas total of 51 ½.

Dunkel’s Pick: North Dakota (+7 ½); Under

Below are all of Dunkel’s picks for Friday’s FCS schedule:

SEPTEMBER 10

NC A&T at Duke
Time: 8:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: NC A&T 54.077; Duke 75.452
Dunkel Line & Total: Duke by 21 ½; 68
Vegas Line & Total: Duke by 19; 55 ½
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-19); Over

North Dakota at Utah State
Time: 9:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota 77.547; Utah State 73.683
Dunkel Line & Total: North Dakota by 4; 48
Vegas Line & Total: Utah State by 7 ½; 51 ½
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota (+7 ½); Under