Most Likely FCS Over FBS Wins In 2023
We predicted six of the eight 2022 FCS over FBS wins last year. Here are 10 we believe are most likely to happen in 2023.
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9. William & Mary at Virginia
Hammering FBS Charlotte 41-24 in 2022, W&M will try to earn another FBS win, this time against an in-state Power Five foe.
After going 10-1 last regular season and then advancing to the FCS quarterfinals, the run-first offense brings back four starters on the o-line and its top three rushers. And the defense returns nine of its top 11 tacklers, led by standouts OLB John Pius, DL Nate Lynn, CB Ryan Poole, and CB Jalen Jones.
Virginia has been down recently, going 3-7 last year and now ranking No. 72 on ESPN’s 2023 FBS College Football Power Index. If W&M can develop this offseason even more in the trenches, this will be a tight game.
6. Rhode Island at Georgia State
Rhody could be set for a breakout year after being right on the playoff cusp in recent seasons. The Rams return an experienced team, led by seventh-year QB Kasim Hill.
Rhode Island got an FBS win not too long ago in 2021 over UMass. Georgia State is a step up from UMass, but it’s no intimidating FBS opponent, ranking No. 92 on ESPN’s 2023 FBS College Football Power Index. The Panthers finished 4-8 last year, although they were competitive in many of the losses.