Top 5 FCS Matchups Week 11 | What are the top 5 games to watch this week?

Justin Berendzen (@jrberendzen on Twitter) with my top 5 FCS matchups of week 11.

1.South Dakota State University at University of South Dakota 

• The Jackrabbits go meet the Coyotes in a big week 11 matchup. South Dakota’s offense has redshirt freshman running back Travis Theis who has 607 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively for the Jackrabbits, they have sophomore linebacker Graham Spalding who has 31 tackles, 3 PBUs, and 2 interceptions. Junior receiver Jaxon Janke has 686 defensively receiving yards and 2 touchdowns for the Jackrabbits. Defensively for the Coyotes, they have senior defensive back Elijah Reed who has 46 tackles, 3 PBUs, and 2 interceptions.

2.Eastern Washington University at UC Davis

• Eastern Washington had a tough loss last week and here is another crucial matchup for them against UC Davis. Junior running back Ulonzo Gilliam Jr has 786 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. The Eagles defense has redshirt senior defensive back Calin Criner who has 63 tackles and 7 PBUs. Offensively redshirt senior wide receiver Talolo Limu-Jones has 717 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. Jordan Perryman junior defensive back for UC Davis has 49 tackles and 11 PBUs in 2021.

3.Eastern Kentucky University at Sam Houston State University 

• The Colonels meet the Bearkats and this will be another test for Sam Houston. The Bearkats offense has redshirt junior running back Ramon Jefferson who has 831 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Sophomore defensive back Davion Ross has 35 tackles and 12 PBUs. The Colonels offense has redshirt freshman running back Da’Joun Hewitt who has 581 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Defensively senior defensive back Jaylen Thomas has 24 tackles, 6 PBUs and 3 interceptions for Sam Houston State.

4.James Madison University at College of William and Mary 

• Tough road matchup here for James Madison with this being one of the last hurdles they have before the playoffs. The Tribe defense is led by junior defensive lineman Nate Lynn who has 42 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, and 10.5 sacks. The JMU offense has redshirt junior wide receiver Kris Thornton who has 705 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Redshirt senior defensive lineman Bryce Carter has 34 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 6 sacks. Tribe’s offense has junior running back Donavyn Lester who has 519 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.

5.University of Tennessee-Chattanooga at Mercer University 

• I feel like this is an interesting matchup even though both of these teams have had their ups and downs. Mercer’s offense has redshirt freshman running back Fred Davis who has 751 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The Mocs defensively have senior defensive back Jerrell Lawson who has 47 tackles and 4 interceptions. Ailym Ford sophomore running back from Chattanooga has 934 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Defensively Mercer has junior defensive back Michael Campbell who has 19 tackles, 5 PBUs, and 2 interceptions.