FCS Roundup, Week Seven

James Madison and Richmond both won easily, setting up a huge matchup this week - so big that Gameday will be in Harrisburg for the festivities.

Arguably the biggest story of the week, however, is North Dakota State falling to 4-2 after a loss to South Dakota, 24-21. The Bison clearly haven't looked as strong as the last few years, but South Dakota was 2-3 going into the game and were not expected to put up much of a fight.

The Coyotes even committed two turnovers to NDSU's zero, and barely outgained the Bison in yardage. South Dakota put together a 9 play, 55-yard drive to end the game, capped by a 33-yard field goal as time expired. The Bison are still in fine shape as far as their postseason aspirations, and they still have a chance at winning the MVC - Illinois State is undefeated in conference but still has a couple of lose-able games, and they get Western Illinois, the only other undefeated team in-conference, in a few weeks. NDSU dropped to #8 in both the Coaches' poll and STATS poll.

#11 Fordham survived a scare from Holy Cross, winning a ridiculous game 47-41 in overtime. Fordham running back Chase Edmonds dominated, carrying 31 times for 162 yards and four scores - including the game-winner. Meanwhile, Crusaders QB Peter Pujals threw 70 (!!!) passes for 508 yards and four touchdowns of his own. But he couldn't find the endzone in overtime, and a missed field goal set up Edmonds' following score.

#4 Illinois State dominated Missouri State en route to a 38-2 win, despite losing three fumbles. Redbirds RB Marshaun Coprich had 16 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns, which brings him to #4 in the country in rushing. There was nothing too notable about this game, except that I think the Redbirds might even be underrated at #4 in the coaches' poll and #3 in the STATS poll. They've got an efficient and consistent offense combined with a defense that makes plays when it needs to. Their only loss came to Iowa, 31-14 in their opening game.

Grambling blocked a potentially game-tying PAT in overtime to give them a 35-34 victory over Alcorn State. The SWAC isn't near the highest level of FCS play, but the win brings Grambling to 5-2 on the season, including topping the SWAC at 5-0. The Tigers even got some love in the coaches' poll, although not enough to crack the top-25.

All eyes should be in Harrisburg for JMU-Richmond next week, but a few other games of note include 4-1 Princeton attempting to take down Ivy League powerhouse #15 Harvard in Cambridge, #8 North Dakota State vs. #21 Indiana State, and #4 Illinois State taking on in-state rival #23 Western Illinois.