From FCS Football Central On SI · · 2m
Week 6 FCS Football Preview & Predictions
FCS Football Central predicts key Week 6 matchups including Montana vs Northern Arizona and Southern Illinois vs South Dakota.
In brief
FCS Football Central predicts key Week 6 matchups including Montana vs Northern Arizona and Southern Illinois vs South Dakota. FCS Football Central forecasts Montana to beat Northern Arizona 35-28 and South Dakota to defeat Southern Illinois 27-21 in Week 6. Originally reported by FCS Football Central On SI.
Week 6 FCS Football Preview
FCS Football Central previews major Week 6 matchups with predictions for the season.
2026 Prediction Record
2026 Prediction Record: 74-23 2022-25 Prediction Record: 540-175 (75.5%).
“2026 Prediction Record: 74-23 2022-25 Prediction Record: 540-175 (75.5%)”
Southern Illinois vs South Dakota
Southern Illinois at No. 10 South Dakota with Salukis needing win to secure playoff bid.
“No. 25 Southern Illinois at No. 10 South Dakota”
Storylines to Watch
Salukis must win after early loss to West Florida to avoid playoff complications.
“Storylines to Watch: I hate saying that games this early in the season are must-win games, but whichever team loses will be in a really uncomfortable position in the mvfc race.”
Matchup to Watch
Southern Illinois run defense vs South Dakota's rushing attack.
“Matchup to Watch: Southern Illinois Run Defense vs. South Dakota's Rushing Attack”
X-Factor
DJ Williams (Southern Illinois, QB) needs more efficiency and rushing yards.
“X-Factor: DJ Williams (Southern Illinois, QB)”
Prediction
South Dakota predicted to win 27-21 against Southern Illinois.
“Prediction: South Dakota (27-21)”
Montana vs Northern Arizona
No. 2 Montana at No. 13 Northern Arizona with key momentum games.
“No. 2 Montana at No. 13 Northern Arizona”
Storylines to Watch
Both teams carry positive momentum into crucial Big Sky matchup.
“Storylines to Watch: Both of these teams carry some positive momentum into this major Big Sky matchup.”
Matchup to Watch
Northern Arizona's secondary vs Montana's passing game.
“Matchup to Watch: Northern Arizona's Secondary vs. Montana's Passing Game”
X-Factor
Eli Gillman (Montana, RB) & Jeter Purdy (Northern Arizona, TE) could impact game.
“X-Factor: Eli Gillman (Montana, RB) & Jeter Purdy (Northern Arizona, TE)”
Prediction
Montana predicted to win 35-28 against Northern Arizona.
“Prediction: Montana (35-28)”
Tarleton State vs Austin Peay
No. 3 Tarleton State at No. 9 Austin Peay with Top 10 matchup implications.
“No. 3 Tarleton State at No. 9 Austin Peay”
Storylines to Watch
Winner establishes path to Top 8 seed and national contender status.
“Storylines to Watch: Not only does this game potentially have major postseason implications, but it's also the first Top 10 matchup in UAC history.”
Matchup to Watch
Austin Peay passing attack vs Tarleton State secondary.
“Matchup to Watch: Austin Peay Passing Attack vs. Tarleton State Secondary”
X-Factor
Turnovers & negative plays could determine game outcome.
“X-Factor: Turnovers & Negative Plays”
Prediction
Austin Peay predicted to win 41-38 against Tarleton State.
“Prediction: Austin Peay (41-38)”
Quick-Hit Predictions
No. 4 North Dakota 38, Northern Iowa 21 and No. 11 Lamar 27, Incarnate Word 24.
“Quick-Hit Week 6 Predictions: No. 4 North Dakota 38, Northern Iowa 21”
Other Notable Predictions
Tennessee Tech 28, Furman 10 and Harvard 23, Cornell 13.
“Other Notable Week 6 Predictions: No. 15 Tennessee Tech 28, Furman 10”
What matters most
FCS Football Central forecasts Montana to beat Northern Arizona 35-28 and South Dakota to defeat Southern Illinois 27-21 in Week 6.
