Every year there are a handful of Division I-AA teams that shock their FBS counterparts at the start of the year and crush all hopes for those fan bases. I think there are quite a few teams with a shot at those upsets this year. I’ll be happy to just get one of these right, but I could see any of the three happening.

Youngstown State over Pittsburgh

I’ve been talking this game up for weeks so I better be right here. I don’t know much about Youngstown State besides the fact that they have Bo Pelini as their coach (enough for me to pick them right there) and that they lost in the FCS National Championship last season. This is a good team and I just don’t think Pittsburgh is. Pitt is losing their QB in Nathan Peterman and RB James Conner from the offense in addition to having no form of defense. Gimme the Penguins.

Eastern Washington over Texas Tech

It’s a damn shame that this game can’t be played on the red turf in Cheney, Washington as that would be great on the eyes. Regardless, these two similarly colored and similarly styled teams should put a ton of points on the board. This will be a warmup for Big 12 play so if you love defense, shield your eyes from this one. Eastern Washington actually lost by two points in a shootout against Youngstown State in the National Semi-Finals last year and I think they have a good chance to knock off the Red Raiders here.

James Madison over East Carolina

I’ve mentioned two of the runner-ups, how about the FCS National Champions? That’s right, James Madison, who gave North Carolina a little bit of trouble last season, should roll over the Pirates in this one. I don’t think it will really even be close. James Madison is better coached and will outmatch East Carolina 9 times out of 10.

Honorable Mentions: Central Arkansas, Northern Iowa, Jacksonville State