Emory's Picks (1 Live)
What a fantastic matchup here in the FCS Semi-finals between two heated rivals. This game is always one of the better ones on the calendar and we get it for the right to go to Nashville for the FCS Championship. This line jumped a full point during the week, but I can't jive with that number in a game of this magnitude with two teams of the same caliber. Expect this to come down to a field goal or less.
Tulane got absolutely obliterated in their first meeting earlier in the season. Since then, both teams' coaches have been hired by other programs, but Jon Summerall has decided to stay and coach the team through the playoffs. And what we saw from Tulane defensively in the AAC title game could be a sign of things to come here against the Rebels. Look for the Green Wave to fare much better this time around with everything on the line, embracing the role of the G5 underdog.
Where the Aggies have an advantage over the Canes is at the QB position. A healthy Marcel Reed gives Texas A&M a plus-one in the run game and changes the math defensively for Miami. All things being equal across the board, look for the Aggie signal caller to be the reason why they win the game and cover.
I think this game is one that features two teams that are mirror images of each other. Both are solid along the offensive line and both can run the ball WHEN they want to. Defensively they are fundamentally sound and do a great job of minimize the big play. 5.5 points is a bit too much for me, when the matchup says it should be close to a pick'em.
The Cavaliers have played excellent offense this year, but their defensive efforts are the reason why they are in this position to punch their ticket to the postseason. Look for them to be able to get both key and timely stops against the Blue Devils offense en route to running into the postseason.
With the spread being only four points, I actually think that's giving a nod and some respect to Indiana. The problem is that I don't think the Hoosiers can find enough points to successfully cover this spread. Ohio State's passing offense is going to be the reason why they are able to get to cover town vs Indiana.
Alabama was able to take advantage of Georgia still trying to figure things out at the earlier juncture of the season. Right now, QB Gunnar Stockton is playing more consistent ball than Ty SImpson. Alabama also is entering this game a bit banged up, all of which will help the Bulldogs get their revenge and cover.
This game will be one of the more entertaining ones of the weekend. Both teams are equally as tough defensively and on offense. I am quite surprised at the 8.5 spread, as this game should be under 4.5 points. Expect this one to come down to the wire, especially with a trip to the Celebration Bowl on the line
I know it may be counterintuitive regarding rematch games, but the team with the better defensive unit tends to have an edge. In this game, that is the Redhawks of Miami (OH). I like how Chuck Martin's teams are both disciplined and assignment sound. Both of which will help them knock off the Broncos for the second time this season.
Mercer has been one of the top teams in the FCS all season long and does it because of how explosive they are on offense. South Dakota has some playmakers and does matchup well defensively, but in a potential track meet, I don't see how they can keep of the pace on the road against the Bears.
Villanova is an FCS blue blood program and is probably who you would think of when answering the question of 'who is the most balanced offense in the FCS'. However, this year that is the Lehigh Mountain Hawks who are also strong defensively as well. With their level of consistency on both sides of the ball, I don't foresee them slipping up against an in-state foe.
This is a game where the Red Raiders can put the nation on notice. We've seen them slip up once in a high leverage moment and they won't allow themselves to do it again. What the difference is here is the defense is still suffocating and will do a great job once again vs a freshman QB-led BYU offensive attack.
Both offenses can score, but North Texas does so consistently and regardless of the opponent. They lead the FBS averaging 47 points per game. Defensively is where I trust them more than Tulane. I like how the Mean Green can play strong situational defense on top of being opportunistic as well.
With the announcement of coach Mike Locksley returning for the next season and a newfound investment into the football program will give the Terps a significant bump and confidence boost entering this game vs Michigan. On the other side, we've seen the Wolverines struggle throwing the ball with consistency on the road. On top of that, they're significant banged up in the backfield. Game should be closer to 4 points as opposed to 14 points.