Who: Missouri at Auburn
When: Saturday, 11 a.m.
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn
What to look for: Will T.J. Finley play in the game? Does that matter? How many touches will Tank Bigsby get? No doubt, that will matter in the outcome.
Why to watch: It may be the lone SEC win for the victor.
Who: Miles College at Central State
When: Saturday, Noon
Where: McPherson Stadium, Xenia, Ohio
What to look for: Miles College defended the pass better than the run thus far. Central State rushed for just 19.7 yards per game during the first three games.
Why to watch: Central State has done a nice job of creating turnovers with eight in the first three games. Miles College turned the ball over 13 times in its first three games. Turnovers – or lack of turnovers – will play a big role.
Who: Belhaven at Huntingdon
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where: Samford Stadium, Montgomery
What to look for: Sacks, sacks and more sacks. Or is it no sacks, no sacks and no more sacks. Huntingdon had nine sacks in last week’s win at Guilford College. Belhaven has allowed just three sacks in two games.
Why to watch: The offensive balance of Huntingdon – 297 yards pass per game, 251 yards rushing per game – is on display. On the other side, Belhaven is rushing for 303 yards per game with three very good running backs in Kolbe Blunt (121.5 yards per game), D’Ante Gallashaw (98 ypg) and Devin Daniels (65 ypg).
Who: Allen University vs. Tuskegee
When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery
What to look for: Allen has scored just four offensive touchdowns in two games. But the Yellow Jackets did score 27 points in the first half against Johnson C. Smith. That game was called off at halftime because of lighting.
Why to watch: Tuskegee carries the momentum of winning for the first time this season. The Golden Tigers knocked off West Alabama last week.
Who: University of Cumberlands at Faulkner
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Billy D. Hillyer Stadium, Montgomery
What to look for: Cumberlands allowed eight sacks in last week’s loss to No. 3 ranked Lindsey Wilson. Can a Faulkner defense, which has five sacks in three games, disrupt the quarterback?
Why to watch: Faulkner freshman cornerback Jailen Clemons has three interceptions and four pass breakups thus far.
Who: Western Carolina at Samford
When: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Where: Siebert Stadium, Homewood
What to look for: Which defense will slow down an explosive offense? Western Carolina is averaging 64 points in its two non-FBS games. Samford’s balance has caused problems for everyone on their schedule thus far that isn’t named Georgia.
Why to watch: Samford is making key plays on both sides of the ball right now. The Bulldogs need to keep that up in the Southern Conference opener.
Who: West Georgia at West Alabama
When: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Where: Tiger Stadium, Livingston
What to look for: West Alabama has no time to fret over last week’s upset loss to Tuskegee. West Georgia, the No. 8 team in the country, comes to town after outscoring its first two opponents, 80-7.
Why to watch: Both teams have strong quarterbacks with Harrison Frost leading West Georgia and Tucker Melton taking snaps for West Alabama.
Who: Jacksonville State at Nicholls
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where: John L. Guidry Stadium, Thibodaux, Louisiana
What to look for: Who takes the snaps for Jacksonville State? More importantly, who takes the most snaps for the Gamecocks?
Why to watch: It will be interesting to see how the Gamecocks react from last week’s lopsided loss at Tulsa. It will be the Gamecocks third consecutive road game.
Who: Alabama A&M at Florida A&M
When: Saturday, 5 p.m.
Where: Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
What to look for: It’s been a tough start to the season for FAMU All-American linebacker Isaiah Land, who missed the season opener and had just four tackles in the next two games. JUCO transfer linebacker Isaiah Major stepped up and leads the team with 20 tackles.
Why to watch: The Bulldogs loaded up with some tough games to start the season. Will it pay off now that SWAC play is beginning?
Who: Prairie View A&M at Alabama State
When: Saturday, 5 p.m.
Where: ASU Stadium, Montgomery
What to look for: Will a week of rest help the Hornets? Alabama State began the season by winning two of three games under first year head coach Eddie Robinson Jr.
Why to watch: Prairie View A&M looks to get the running game going to move the football. The Hornets have been more successful throwing the football. Which style wins on Saturday?
Who: Louisiana Tech at South Alabama
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile
What to look for: The Jaguars are back at home after two long road trips. Will the crowd show up to support a team that is playing well?
Why to watch: La’Damian Webb missed time during fall camp and is still working to get into his best shape. But, even with that, he’s been worth the price of admission.
Who: Marshall at Troy
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy
What to look for: The record doesn’t necessarily show the strides that Troy is already making under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall and his staff. Can the Trojans get their biggest win thus far under Sumrall?
Why to watch: The Troy defense will definitely have to face Khalan Laborn, a Florida State transfer averaging 140 yards per game, and the Trojans might also see Rasheen Ali, who led the nation in rushing touchdowns last season.
Who: Tarleton State at UNA
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Braly Stadium, Florence
What to look for: UNA true freshman quarterback Noah Walters has quickly become the Lions’ starter. He threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns last week.
Why to watch: According to each team’s official stats, neither has lost a fumble this season. Did we just jinx it?
Who: Point University at Birmingham-Southern
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: General Krulak Stadium, Birmingham
What to look for: Turnovers. Point University is losing the turnover battle, 10-4, over the first four games. Any question on a big reason for the 0-4 record?
Why to watch: Will the Panthers come out quickly after last week’s bye?
Who: Vanderbilt at Alabama
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Bryant Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa
What to look for: Will there be a reason for everybody to stay in their seats for the second half for the first time this season at Bryant Denny Stadium?
Why to watch: Vanderbilt is a much improved team. Will that show on the scoreboard?
*All games on Saturday
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email steve.irvine@1819news.com.
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