Don’t look now but the FCS college football season is on the doorstep. We released our preseason FCS All-North Carolina team rankings earlier today, and the first games that count begin next Thursday, Aug. 29.
Here are 15 key contests involving FCS teams that we are definitely circling on our calendars.
Western Carolina at NC State | Aug. 29
Our state’s highest-ranked FCS team will visit our state’s highest-ranked FBS team to kick off the season. The Catamounts struggled against the SEC a year ago (Arkansas). Can they put a dent into an ACC foe?
North Carolina Central vs. Alabama State | Miami | Sept. 1
The Eagles begin the season in front of a nationally televised ESPN audience, playing in an NFL Stadium, on a Labor Day weekend. Both teams have been picked as front-runners in their respective conferences. Can’t ask for a much better start to the season.
Campbell at Western Carolina | Sept. 7
The first meeting between the schools since a pair of games in the late 1930s — both won by Campbell — will be a “White Out Whitmire” game for the Catamounts. WCU will celebrate 50 years in its current football home.
Elon at North Carolina Central | Sept. 7
Two of the state’s heavyweights clash in O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. NCCU had its way with the CAA last regular season, going 3-0 and topping the Phoenix 34-23.
Catawba at Davidson | Sept. 7
Speaking of stadiums, the Wildcats officially christen their new football home turf against an up-and-coming Division II foe.
Winston-Salem State at North Carolina A&T | Sept. 7
The schools have a long history as I-40 sports rivals but haven’t met in football since 2010. A&T had a commanding lead in the overall series, but has dropped three of the last five, including the 2010 match-up.
Western Carolina at Elon | Sept. 14
Last season, the Catamounts didn’t play an in-state opponent. This season, they will play three in a row to start the year. This could be key FCS playoff resume builder for the victor.
North Carolina A&T at North Carolina Central | Sept. 21
A rivalry that needs no introduction. The passions remain fierce between these schools even though they no longer share the same conference.
Western Carolina at Montana | Sept. 21
The Griz are the highest-ranked out-of-state opponent to appear on any North Carolina schedule. WCU will have its hands full with the 2023 FCS runners-up, who are picked as high as third in national preseason polls
North Carolina Central at Campbell | Oct. 5
The teams went to overtime a year ago before the Eagles prevailed 49-48. The quarterbacks who produced much of the fireworks — Davius Richard (NCCU) and Hajj-Malik Williams (Campbell) — have moved on, but this game still has the potential to be a compelling showdown.
Gardner-Webb at UT Martin | Oct. 5
The Bulldogs have a tough early season schedule, including FBS road games to James Madison and Charlotte. GWU will face the projected Big South/OVC front-runner on the road as well a few weeks into the conference season.
Western Carolina at Furman | Oct. 19
The Paladins have been a scourge for WCU for a long time, beating the Catamounts in seven of the last eight meetings and 15 of the last 18 (36-13-2 all-time). A reversal of those trends here likely keeps Western in the SoCon title conversation coming down the stretch.
Chattanooga at Western Carolina | Nov. 2
The preseason pick to win the SoCon comes to Cullowhee this season. Last year’s game crossed the century mark in points, with WCU prevailing 52-50.
Davidson at San Diego | Nov. 2
Before anyone ever conceived of Stanford and Cal to the ACC, the Wildcats were playing in a cross-country conference. Davidson and San Diego have formed a decent rivalry on the gridiron, and the renewal could have PFL championship implications.
Howard at North Carolina Central | Nov. 15 (Fri)
The Bison claimed a spot in last year’s Celebration Bowl with an unexpected romp (50-20). This year’s MEAC trophy could be on the line when the teams reconvene in Durham on a November Friday night.
