FCS Picks/Week 0

The FCS schedule kicks off on Saturday with three games highlighted MEAC/SWAC Challenge between Alcorn State and North Carolina Central. Game time is 7:00 pm ET in Atlanta, Georgia.

Neither team took the field in 2020 because of COVID-19. The Braves last appearance was in the 2019 Celebration Bowl as they lost to North Carolina A&T, 64-44. QB Felix Harper, a Walter Payton Award finalist, returns to lead the Braves offense.

The Eagles also have experience returning on the offensive end with three-time All-MEAC RB Isaiah Totten leading the way. He’ll be joined by QB Davius Richard, who started 10 games as a true freshman in 2019.

Alcorn’s explosive offense should be enough to deliver the Braves a victory in the opener, but Dunkel’s models show the Eagles keeping the final score within the 13 ½-point spread posted at most of the sportsbooks.

Dunkel’s Pick: NC Central (+13 ½); Under

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

AUGUST 28

Eastern Illinois at Indiana State
Time: 6:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 47.162; Indiana State 65.989
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana State by 19; 44
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana State by 13 ½; 50
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (-13 ½); Under

Alcorn State vs NC Central
Time: 7:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Alcorn State 51.218; NC Central 41.084
Dunkel Line & Total: Alcorn State by 10; 48
Vegas Line & Total: Alcorn State by 13 ½; 52 ½
Dunkel Pick: NC Central (+13 ½); Under

Southern Utah at San Jose State
Time: 10:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Utah 63.630; San Jose State 81.696
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose State by 18; 50
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose State by 22; 56 ½
Dunkel Pick: Southern Utah (+22); Under