College Football 2011 Predictions: 10 FBS Teams That Could Lose to the FCS

Over the last couple of seasons, we have seen a dramatic increase in FCS (division two) teams upsetting established FBS (division one) programs.

Of course, the prime example of this is Appalachian State’s 2007 upset of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This matchup altered the college football landscape, and changed the way people viewed FCS teams in general.

Since Michigan’s defeat in 2007, teams such as Virginia Tech, Ole' Miss and a bunch of other power programs have fallen to these smaller FCS squads.

It is almost assured that a couple of major FBS teams will have their Saturday spoiled by an unsuspecting FCS opponent next season.

Here are 10 FBS teams that have the potential to get tripped up by these unsuspecting programs.

Kansas State: September 3rd vs. Eastern Kentucky

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NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 30: Head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats Bill Snyder walks the sideline against the Syracuse Orange during the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 30, 2010 in New York, New York. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Gett

Kansas State had a solid season in 2010 under legendary Head Coach Bill Snyder. The Wildcats went 7-6, and earned a bid to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.

Nevertheless, it will be difficult for Kansas State to build on that momentum next fall. The Wildcats face heavy losses on both the offensive and defensive sides of the football. Running back Daniel Thomas was the catalyst for Kansas State’s offense last season. Thomas rushed for 1,585 yards and 19 touchdowns. He has moved onto the NFL, though.

As I said earlier, Kansas State will be working in new starters on both offense and defense in the season opener. The Wildcats will also be searching for a new identity after the loss of decorated running back Daniel Thomas.

Eastern Kentucky is an upper tier FCS school that has enjoyed an ample amount of success on the gridiron. The team won back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference championships just recently, in 2007 and 2008.  

The Colonels play FBS competition on a yearly basis, so they will not be intimidated by Kansas State. The Wildcats will still have the decided talent edge, but they would be wise not to overlook Eastern Kentucky.

Washington: September 3rd vs. Eastern Washington

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Runningback Chris Polk #1 of the Washington Huskies rushes the football during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies 44

You may know Eastern Washington’s football program best from their decision to install red turf on their football field. Whether the red turf is a genius decorative move or a cheap Boise State rip off is up for debate.

Regardless, Eastern Washington is a FCS power and is the reigning FCS National Champions. The Eagles have sent players to the NFL, most recently running back Taiwan Jones. Jones was selected by Oakland in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft.

Washington returns a sizeable amount of personnel from last season’s Holiday Bowl team, but the Huskies could still fall to Eastern Washington. Quarterback Jake Locker must be replaced. Expect running back Chris Polk to emerge as the featured talent in the Huskies offense.  

Washington hosts Hawaii in Week 2, and then travels to Nebraska in Week 3. Hawaii and Nebraska are two higher profile opponents, but Eastern Washington will test this transitioning Huskies team.

Virginia Tech: September 3rd vs. Appalachian State

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Danny Coale #19 of the Virginia Tech Hokies makes a reception in front of head coach Frank Beamer (L) the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford wo

Virginia Tech should know the dangers of overlooking a FCS school. The Hokies lost to FCS James Madison last season in Week 2, after the team suffered a heartbreaking loss against Boise State to begin the season.

Appalachian State, meanwhile, is still the quintessential FBS giant killer. Their 34-32 victory over then-fifth ranked Michigan in Ann Arbor, remains fresh in the minds of college football fans everywhere.

The bad news for Appalachian State is that quarterback Armanti Edwards is no longer with the program. Despite the loss of Edwards, Appalachian State still has a considerable amount of talent on their roster. Defensive linemen Gordy Witte Jr. and Justin Wray are two veterans who will lead the Mountaineers next season.

Virginia Tech, meanwhile, will be in the midst of replacing quarterback Tyrod Taylor and running backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans.

If you feel that the thought of Appalachian State knocking off Virginia Tech is silly, remember how eerily similar that is to how Michigan fans felt in 2007.

Virginia: September 3rd vs. William and Mary

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Mike London of the Virginia Cavaliers on the sidelines during the game against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. USC won 17-14. (Photo by Stephen

Virginia actually lost to William and Mary the last time these two teams met in 2009. William and Mary beat the Cavaliers 26-14 in that contest.

William and Mary does not have the pedigree that other FCS teams on this list have, such as Appalachian State and Eastern Washington. In this case though, the pick has to do more with my lack of confidence in Virginia rather than my confidence in William and Mary.

Virginia went 4-8 last season, and only won one ACC game. The Cavaliers return an ample amount of talent on offense and defense (15 starters). This Virginia team will have to prove that it can play better than they did last season though, before stock is invested in their returning personnel.

Mike London is going into his second season at the school. London is trying to elevate Virginia in the ACC, but right now they do not have much in the way of big time talent.

William and Mary is only two years removed from beating Virginia at Scott Stadium. It would not be shocking if the Cavaliers lost again to the FCS school.

Duke: September 3rd vs. Richmond

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DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach David Cutcliffe of the Duke Blue Devils cheers on his team the Army Black Knights at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Richmond has left Durham victorious the last two times they have battled Duke on the football field.

Duke’s program has not picked up much steam as of late. Expect the Blue Devils to be entrenched in a Week 1 dogfight with the FCS Spiders.

Junior Quarterback Sean Renfree returns to lead the offense, but Renfree was inconsistent last season throwing 17 interceptions and only 14 touchdowns. The Blue Devils defense return six starters after giving up 35.4 points per game in 2010.

Richmond did not challenge for a National Championship last season, but the Spiders are traditionally an upper tier FCS team. Head Coach David Cutcliffe needs to have a good year next season to ensure his job security. Notching a win against Richmond would not be a "gimme" victory, but rather an early season accomplishment for the much maligned football program.  

Navy: September 3rd vs. Delaware

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PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 11: Quarterback Ricky Dobbs #4 of the Navy Midshipmen carries the ball during the game against the Army Black Knights on December 11, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Midshipmen won 31-17. (Photo b

Navy has been on the rise under Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo. The Midshipmen went to the Poinsettia Bowl just last season where they faced off against San Diego State.

One of the major keys to Navy’s recent success has been quarterback Ricky Dobbs. Dobbs gained over 2,500 all-purpose yards last season and scored 27 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, Ricky Dobbs has moved on and the Midshipmen will have to find a new player to spark their offense.

Delaware may seem like the perfect opponent for the new-look Navy to ease into the season with, but that could not be further from the case.

Delaware went to the 2010 FCS National Championship last season where they fell to Eastern Washington. The Blue Hens have an impressive list of alumni as well that includes quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Pat Devlin.

Navy will be breaking in new talent all across the board in this matchup—especially on defense, where only five starters return from last season.

Navy has thrived recently under their rush-oriented offensive attack, but they will be put to the test against FCS Delaware in Week 1. Can this team hold up without Dobbs and the departed veterans?

Utah: September 1st vs. Montana State

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Jordan Wynn #3 of the Utah Utes throws a pass against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium on November 20, 2010 in San Diego, California. Utah won 38-34. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Utah makes the transition from the Mountain West to the PAC 12 conference in 2011.

The Utes will be lead on offense by the quarterback-wide receiver combination of Jordan Wynn and DeVonte Cristopher. Utah travels to USC for their first ever PAC 12 matchup in Week 2. The team will no doubt be excited to ring in conference play, but they must not overlook FCS Montana State in Week 1.

Montana State had a successful 2010 campaign and played PAC 12 member Washington State down to the wire in Pullman, losing 23-22.

The Bobcats will be led by sophomore quarterback Denarius McGhee. McGhee was the Big Sky MVP last season as well as conference newcomer of the year.

McGhee and Montana State will test a Utah team that will be playing for the first time without running back Matt Asiata and wide receiver Shaky Smithson.

Montana State is capable of beginning Utah’s historic season on a sour note. The Utes cannot afford to look ahead to USC.

Ole Miss: September 10th vs. Southern Illinois

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Houston Nutt of the Ole Miss Rebels against the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Ole Miss lost to FCS Jacksonville State 49-48 in double overtime last season, and will try to avoid a similar fate against Southern Illinois.

The Rebels will move on without departed quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. Masoli did not have the impact at the school that some thought we would, throwing 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Mississippi does return the majority of their offense next season besides Masoli though. If Southern Illinois does have an advantage over the Rebels, it will likely come against the defense rather than the offense.  

The Salukis were far from dominant last season going only 6-6, but they did end the season on a positive note by winning their final two games. Cornerback Korey Lindsey was drafted in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft by Cincinnati.

The smart money is not on Southern Illinois as they take on the Rebels of the mighty SEC but, then again, the smart money was not on Jacksonville State either.

Iowa State: September 3rd vs. Northern Iowa

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Paul Rhoads of the Iowa State Cyclones celebrates with teammates after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Insight Bowl at Arizona Stadium on December 31, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona. The Cyclones defeated the Go

Iowa State had a solid 2010 campaign under Head Coach Paul Rhoads. The Cyclones finished with a losing record at 5-7, but notched a victory over Big 12 heavyweight Texas.

Unfortunately, it will be unlikely that Iowa State takes another step forward next season. Both the offense and the defense will have to transition through heavy departures. The losses of Quarterback Austin Arnaud, running back Alexander Robinson and tight end Collin Franklin will sting the hardest.

Northern Iowa meanwhile finished 23^rd in the final FCS top 25 poll of 2010. The Panthers have been a powerhouse in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, winning four of the last six conference titles.

Despite their FCS status, Northern Iowa is a consistent winner on the gridiron. The Panthers will definitely give Iowa State a game in the Cyclones season opener, and a Northern Iowa victory would not be that shocking.

Boston College: September 24th vs. Massachusetts (UMASS)

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 17: Montel Harris #2 of the Boston College Eagles celebrates his touchdown against the of the North Carolina State Wolfpack on October 17, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.The Eagles defeated the Wolfpac

UMASS played Michigan right down to the wire in Ann Arbor last season, losing 42-37.

Boston College returns a considerable amount of talent from a team that finished 7-6 last season. The Eagles will rely heavily on senior running back Montel Harris during this game and other contests next season.

UMASS will not play the underdog role much longer. The Minutemen will be joining the FBS ranks as a member of the Mid-American Conference in 2012. Before the school moves on though, I am sure they would like to spring one last upset as a FCS member.

One player to watch for UMASS in this ball game, will be running back Chris Burns. Burns transferred in from Pittsburgh and was a four-star recruit coming out of high school.

As I said earlier, if Boston College is considering overlooking this game, they should watch game film from Michigan’s matchup versus the Minutemen last season.