What a time to be a football fan. Not only is the 2021 NFL Draft going on this weekend, but on top of that, the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs are all set to take place on Sunday.
South Dakota State will host MVFC rival Southern Illinois on Sunday night. The Jackrabbits almost shut out Holy Cross last weekend, winning 31-3. As for the Salukis, they took down previously unbeaten Weber State. The winner of South Dakota State vs Southern Illinois will face the winner of Delaware vs Jacksonville State. The Hens and Gamecocks easily took care of their first round opponents. Delaware held on to beat Sacred Heart,19-10, last weekend. As for the Gamecocks, they crushed Davidson, 49-14. On the other half of the FCS Playoffs bracket, James Madison will host a good North Dakota team. The Dukes were faced a tough VMI team last weekend, 31-24. The Fighting Hawks dominated MVFC rival Missouri State, 44-10, to advance to the quarterfinals. Finally, in the biggest matchup of the weekend, Sam Houston State will host North Dakota State for the right to go to the semi-finals.
It should be a great day of FCS Playoff Football on Sunday. Let’s take a look at our first matchup: Delaware vs Jacksonville State.
Delaware vs Jacksonville State | FCS Playoffs
Date: Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 | Time: 3 PM ET
Coverage: WatchESPN
Location: JSU Stadium — Jacksonville, AL
Delaware vs Jacksonville State Betting Odds
Spread: UD +3.5 (-110) | JSU -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: UD (+140) | JSU (-160)
Total: 41.5 — Over (-110) | Under (-110)
Delaware finished the regular season undefeated, and earned the CAA’s automatic FCS Playoff bid. However, they did not receive one of the top four seeds, so to say the Hens are angry is an understatement. Delaware has lived off turnovers this spring. They have a turnover differential of +11, which is the best in the country. The Gamecocks’ defense has been their strength all year, so Delaware will need a better offensive performance than they put out last weekend.
Jacksonville State is a great story in the FCS this year. After their loss to Austin Peay a month ago, they have been on a roll, winning three straight. They received the final top-four seed, after posting a 9-2 record. Defense is the key for Jacksonville State. If the Gamecocks can get pressure on Hens quarterback Nolan Henderson, they could win this one going away. Either way it should be a great game.
