Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - Here are the predictions for the first- round playoff games and other notable contests from week 13 of the FCS season.

THURSDAY'S GAME

Tuskegee (10-0) at Alabama State (2-8), 2 p.m.

Alabama State will attempt to break a four-game losing streak to Tuskegee in the annual Turkey Bowl at Montgomery, AL's Crampton Bowl. It won't be an easy task, however.

Tuskegee is ranked No. 1 in the Sheridan Broadcast Network black college football poll after finishing No. 1 last year and has won 26 straight games. The Golden Tigers won a wild 64-58 triple-overtime game last season behind the play of SIAC offensive player of the year Jacary Atkinson. Atkinson was 18- of-29 with 279 yards and two TDs passing and rushed 21 times for 159 yards and two more scores.

Alabama State came back from a two-touchdown deficit in the final 10 minutes to tie the game at 44 on Darius Mathis' eight-yard scoring pass to Jay Pack (32 carries, 138 yards) with 27 seconds left.

The two squads traded touchdowns in the first two extra periods before Tuskegee recovered an ASU fumble in the third overtime. Richard Fitzhugh's seven-yard scoring surge finally gave Tuskegee a 64-58 victory.

Tuskegee leads the all-time series 46-30-3 and has won seven of the past eight games.

Atkinson has picked up where he left off last season, completing 57% of his passes for 2,444 yards and 23 touchdowns and running for 724 yards, a 6.6 average and 11 TDs. Antoin Mitchell is Tuskegee's top receiver (35 catches, 19.8 average, four TDs).

Clifton Sanders (62 tackles, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble) and Jarvis DeVaughn (39 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery) lead the Golden Tiger defense.

Alabama State has struggled on offense throughout the season and has been shut out by Jackson State and Southern the past two weeks. Rahmod Taylor has been the Hornets' top rusher with 519 yards for a 4.9 average and four TDs, while Mathis has 48 catches and five scores.

Quarterback Reid Herchenbach has passed for 1,094 yards, with eight TDs and six interceptions, but Brandon Dowdell made his first start last week. Dowdell was 12-of-34 with four interceptions.

Donovan Masline had two interceptions last week for the Hornets to lead a defense that limited Southern to just three field goals in a 15-0 loss. Adrian Hardy has a team-high 72 tackles, including 9.5 for loss.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Tuskegee 42, Alabama State 38.

SATURDAY'S NON-PLAYOFF GAMES

Grambling (9-2, 6-0) vs Southern (6-4, 5-1), Lousiana Superdome, 2 p.m., NBC

Grambling will meet arch-rival Southern in the 55th renewal of the SWAC's most- prestigious rivalry, and it will mark the 35th meeting between the two as a part of the Bayou Classic. The Jaguars hold hold the overall rivalry advantage, 29-26, and lead the Bayou Classic series 18-16.

Grambling enters the contest as one of the hottest teams in the FCS, having won eight straight games, and has plenty on the line. The Tigers can claim the outright SWAC Western Division title and a spot in the SWAC championship game in two weeks against Jackson State with a win.

A Grambling loss would create a three-way tie for first between Grambling, Southern and Prairie View and force a three-team coin flip to determine who would play Jackson State.

If Southern hopes to break Grambling's winning streak, the Jaguars will need to contain a Grambling running game (244 yards per game) that ranks third in the SWAC in rushing. The Tiger ground game continues to be paced by tailback Cornelius Walker (520 yards, two TDs).

The offense has been managed efficiently by signal-caller Greg Dillon (1,091 yards, 14 TDs, seven interceptions). Dillon's top target in a calculated passing game (150 yards per game) is Nick Lewis (34 receptions, 13.7 average, five TDs).

The Tigers have displayed one of the most-physical defensive units in the SWAC, buoyed by linebacker Keefe Hall (82 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one interception), while defensive end Melvin Matthews (14.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks) has terrorized opposing quarterbacks all season. Grambling has given up 261 yards per game and 13.4 points per game.

Southern has an offense that will offer Grambling's defense its stiffest challenge yet, led by quarterback Bryant Lee (2,498 yards, 19 TDs, seven interceptions) and receiver Juamorris Stewart (67 receptions, 14.4 average, 11 TDs).

Southern has a strong defense (353 yards per game) of its own and will provide a stiff test to Grambling's ground-oriented attack. The Jaguars' defense has been paced by linebacker John Malveaux (81 tackles, three interceptions.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Southern 17, Grambling 14.

Texas Southern (4-7, 1-5) at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2-9, 1-5), 3:30 p.m.

Texas Southern hasn't found the treading easy since quarterback Bobby Reid went down with a knee injury three weeks ago, getting held to just 101 yards of total offense in the 33-7 loss to Grambling last Thursday.

Quarterback Cornelius Hamilton (899 yards, six TDs, eight interceptions) struggled last week and the Tigers' only score came off a muffed Grambling punt return that was recovered in the end zone by TSU's Zachary Dixon.

Defensively, linebacker Dejuan Fulgham (99 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss) has been one of the few bright spots for a unit giving up 438 yards per game and 40 points per game in 2008. Fulgham was spectacular last week, recording 20 stops, the most in the SWAC this season. Arkansas Pine-Bluff is coming off its first FCS win of the season, shutting out Mississippi Valley State last Saturday.

Under the direction of quarterback Gvona Turner (976 yards, five interceptions) and running back Martell Mallett (778 yards, seven TDs), the offense will look to build off its second-highest point production of the season (highest against FCS opponent).

The Golden Lions had their best defensive performance as well, forcing six turnovers (three interceptions, three fumbles) in the win over the Delta Devils. Safety John Keith (107 tackles, 11,5 tackles for loss) leads a UAPB pass defense that gives up just 150 yards through the air on the season.

But Arkansas-Pine Bluff will have to find a way to stop the league's top receiver in TSU's William Osborne (75 receptions, 1,008 yards, 13.4 yards per catch, seven TDs). Osborne ranks 10th nationally in receptions, is 17th receiving yards, third in punt returns (18.4) and second in all-purpose yards (194 per game).

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Texas Southern 28, Arkansas Pine-Bluff 24.

SATURDAY'S FCS FIRST-ROUND PLAYOFF GAMES

No. 8 Wofford (9-2) at No. 1 James Madison (10-1), 3 p.m.

James Madison worked hard to earn the No. 1 seed in the FCS playoffs and a home-field advantage for the first three rounds. And the Dukes reward was one of the toughest opponents in the 16-team field.

JMU spent eight weeks at the top of the FCS poll, but now the Dukes will have to transition into a new role after garnering the top seed for the first time. In its eight previous appearances in the postseason, JMU is 6-7, but four of those wins came when the Dukes won the 2004 national championship.

James Madison is just 3-5 in first round games, including a 35-31 loss at Youngstown State in 2006 and a 28-27 defeat at Appalachian State last season.

Wofford received its second-consecutive bid to the playoffs and third overall since moving to FCS in 1997. The Terriers were semifinalists in 2003, losing to eventual national champion Delaware, and advanced to the quarterfinals in 2007, beating No. 3-seeded Montana on the road 23-22 before losing 21-10 to Richmond at home.

The Terriers should be cause for concern for the Dukes, with a disciplined option offense (343 yards per game, second in FCS). Leading that attack is quarterback Ben Widmyer (1,190 yards passing 10 TDs, two interceptions, 702 yards rushing, 10 TDs). Fullback Dane Romero leads the team with 991 yards rushing and 19 TDs.

Widmyer's top targets are speedster Andy Strickland (31 catches, 19.2 average, seven TDs) and sure-handed tight end Fenn Allen (13 receptions, 17.1, one TD).

Wofford's defense, since giving up 70 points in a road loss at Appalachian State on Halloween night, has been nothing less than stellar. In the three games since, the Terriers have yielded a meager five points per game. The Terriers are strongest against the against the run, surrendering 116 yards per game. One of the primary reasons the Terriers are formidable against the run is their talented corps of linebackers led by Seth Goldwire (86 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions) and James Mitchell (74 tackles, 6.5 sacks). But the Wofford pass defense has struggled, giving up 246 yards per game (101st in FCS). In all, the Wofford is allowing opponents 23.6 points (50th) and 362 yards (77th).

Outside of the loss to ASU, Wofford has been one of the top turnover margin teams in the country.

As good as Wofford has been on defense, the JMU offense might take comfort in the Terriers' loss to Appalachian State. That night, the Wofford defense could only watch as Payton Award candidate Armanti Edwards put up one of his best individual performances of the season against the Terriers, totaling 440 yards of total offense in the win.

Fellow Payton Award candidate Rodney Landers (1,236 passing yards, 15 TDs, three interception, 1,377 rushing yards, 14 TDs) will be the one lining up under center to face the Wofford defense just four weeks after Edwards' big night. Landers is a bigger, stronger presence at the signal-callers' position and is a more physically imposing runner than Edwards.

Landers helps lead the nation's second-best rush offense (279 yards per game) and the fourth-ranked total offense (395 yards per game). Landers teams with Eugene Holloman (778 yards, seven TDs) and Griff Yancey (439 rushing yards, 10 TDs, team-leading 18 catches, three TDs) in the backfield, while Rockeed McCarter (16 catches, 15.6 yards per catch, three TDs) acts as the big target in the passing game with his big-time speed.

Kick returner Scotty McGee has been a huge weapon for the Dukes, sparking two critical wins over Appalachian State and Richmond with a kickoff return and a punt return for touchdowns. McGee ranks second nationally in kickoff returns (34.5 average) and 15th in punt returns (13.6), with four touchdowns.

Expect JMU's defense to get tested by Wofford's wingbone attack, which combines the Jim Brakefield (former Wofford and Appalachian State coach) wishbone with the Delaware Wing-T. In the past few years, Ayers has added some shotgun formation to the Terrier arsenal.

Look for Wofford to attack the JMU defense with plenty of counters and mixing in some well-timed passing. The Dukes have shown some vulnerability at times with pass defense (175 yards per game) and the Terriers will look to attack with play-action.

JMU has done a solid job at stopping the run (121 yards per game). Free safety Marcus Haywood (76 tackles, four interceptions) is a run-stopper, while defensive end Arthur Moats (44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks) and defensive tackle Sam Daniels (31 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks) offer solid play along the defensive line.

Ball control will be a huge key for both teams, with the team winning the time of possession and turnover battles likely to emerge as the winner.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Wofford 28, James Madison 21.

No. 16 Colgate (9-2) at No. 6 Villanova (9-2), 1 p.m.

Two proud programs still looking for their first FCS championship make playoff returns in a game where Villanova and Colgate will match strength against strength.

Villanova makes its first playoff appearance since advancing to the semifinals in 2002 and the Wildcats could have enough talent to make another deep run in 2008. Known as a finesse team in the past, Villanova has used a hard-hitting, blitzing defense and a strong, ball-control attack to grind out wins this season.

The Wildcats rank sixth nationally in rushing defense (80 yards per game) and are 17th in tackles for loss. Overall, Villanova allows 304 yards and 19.9 points per game. The centerpiece of the defense is a deep and talented defensive line, led by Buchanan Award candidate Greg Miller at defensive end (41 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks).

David Dalessandro (34 tackles, 12 tackles for loss) and Tim Kukucka (30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks) also put plenty of pressure on enemy quarterbacks. Linebacker Darrel Young, who been playing through injuries early in the year, had one of his top games of the year in a 21-7 victory over Delaware last week with nine tackles.

The Wildcats offense can attack teams in many ways, but like to control games by running the ball from a variety of formation. Chris Whitney (1,149 yards passing, 443 yards rushing, 12 combined TDs) and Antwon Young (872 yards of total offense, seven TDs) give Villanova one of the top quarterback duos in the country. Receiver Matthew Szczur (898 all-purpose yards, six TDs) will line up at QB in the Wildcat formation (a derivative of the Single Wing) and is one of the team's most dangerous weapons.

Aaron Ball (952 yards rushing, 11 TDs) and Angelo Babbaro (1,070 all-purpose yards, two TDs) help fuel a running game that averages 210 yards per game (13th nationally), while Phil Atkinson (48 catches, 10.8 average, six TDs) is the top receiver. But the key to Villanova's 32nd-ranked offense is one of the top lines in FCS, led by tackles Izzy Bauta and Ben Ijalana.

Colgate has expanded its offensive system to include the spread, along with its treasured I-formation power game. But the Raiders still look to wear down defenses with the run. Jordan Scott (1,054 yards, 5.4 average, 12 TDs) became the eighth player in FCS history to earn 1,000 yards rushing in four consecutive seasons, but it wasn't easy with him battling an ankle injury and missing three games.

When Scott wasn't available, freshman Nick Eachus blossomed into a star with 872 yards (5.4 average) and 10 touchdowns. That has helped the Raiders pile up 273 yards per game on the ground (fifth nationally) and rank 13th in total offense (420 yards).

Coach Dick Biddle has showed some flexibility with the use of his roster in a year where injuries have plagued Colgate. With quarterback Alex Relph going out early in the season, Greg Sullivan has come on to lead the offense with 1,527 yards passing and 11 TDs and 865 yards rushing with seven more scores. Pat Simonds (59 yards, 17.9 average, eight TDs) can be a game-breaking receiver.

The Colgate defense has been as strong as the offense, but it has excelled in the second half of games. That unit held Holy Cross to three points after the break in a 28-27 win last week that gave the Raiders the Patriot League title and the auto bid to the playoffs. Colgate has allowed 217 yards through the air and 152 on the ground to rank 82nd nationally in total defense. Linebacker Greg Hadley leads the team with 70 tackles.

Colgate has struggled against playoff competition outside of its 2003 run to the national championship game, where it lost 40-0 to Delaware. And Villanova provides a poor matchup for the Raiders in this one.

Villanova 35, Colgate 14

No.12 Weber State (9-3) at No. 3 Cal Poly (8-2), 9:05 p.m.

Weber State has come a long way since Sept. 15, 2007. That's when it took a 47-19 beating at the hands of the Cal Poly at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.

The Wildcats will be back at the same facility for the first round of the playoffs, but this time as the automatic-bid winner of the Big Sky Conference. It will be WSU's first playoff berth since 1991 and marks the first time that the Wildcats have finished tied at the top of the standings since 1989.

Cal Poly was on the cusp of earning a seed to the postseason. But the kicking game cost the Mustangs in an early season loss to seeded Montana and again in a 36-35 regular-season finale loss at Wisconsin. A win over the Badgers at Camp Randall would have propelled the Mustangs into one of those top four seeds for the postseason.

Kicker Andrew Gardner has been a source of concern for the Mustangs. He missed three critical extra points against Wisconsin and missed a potential game- winning, 27-yard field goal with 38 seconds left against Montana. Gardner won the San Diego State game with a 21-yard field goal in the final seconds.

In the FCS playoffs for just the second time, the Mustangs did well in their debut against another Big Sky team in 2005, knocking off Montana at Washington- Grizzly Stadium.

Cal Poly has caused defenses headaches this season with its unique option- based attack that is ranked No. 1 nationally (461 yards per game) on the way to a Great West Conference title.

Although the Mustangs boast the nation's third-best rushing offense (301 yards per game), it's best player is wide receiver Ramses Barden, a two-time Walter Payton Award finalist expected to go early in this year's NFL draft. Barden (61 receptions, 1,149 yards, 18.8 average, 16 TDs) is a matchup nightmare for defenses with his speed and 6-6 frame. Barden has caught a TD in each of the past 19 games, surpassing the previous marks held by Jerry Rice for FCS and former Pittsburgh Panther Larry Fitzgerald in Division.

Speedster Tredale Tolver (29 catches, 13.1, three TDs) takes pressure off Barden on the other side of the field.

The player charged with leading the prolific offense the past couple of seasons is senior quarterback Jonathan Dally (1,775 yards passing, 21 TDs, one interception, 644 rushing yards, nine TDs). In his first season at Cal Poly in 2007, he set numerous school records, including the mark for all-purpose yards (3,001). In 2008, Dally is No. 1 in FCS in passing efficiency (186.6) and ranks 29th in total offense (242 yards per game).

Cal Poly has a backfield comprised of Ryan Mole (606 yards, 10 TDs), James Noble (570 yards, nine TDs), Jono Grayson (299 yards, five TDs) and fullback Jon Hall (296 yards, one TD).

The much-maligned Cal Poly defense of a year ago, finishing 63rd in total defense in 2007 (allowing 264 yards per game) has shown improvement in 2008. The improvement has started with reviving the pass rush (36 sacks, second in FCS).

Leading that unit this season has been senior defensive end Sean Lawyer (nine tackles for loss, eight sacks) and outside linebacker Carlton Gillespie (12 tackles for loss, eight sacks). Linebacker Fred Hives II is the Mustangs' leading tackler with 78 stops on the campaign.

The most experienced of a Mustangs' defense that ranks fifth in turnover margin (+1.40) and 14th against the run (97 yards per game) is senior rover Mark Restelli (46 tackles, one interception). If there's a weakness in the Cal Poly defense, it is defending the pass.

The Mustangs rank 110th in FCS, surrendering 255 yards per game. But strong safety David Fullerton (four interceptions) and cornerback Asa Brown were both All-Great West Conference selections.

That vulnerability could prove problematic against a WSU squad that is fifth nationally in passing.

Much like their opponent, the Wildcats have a well-rounded, explosive attack that has the potential to score from any field position they have. The Wildcats' field general has been sophomore Cameron Higgins (3,808 yards, 34 TDs, 12 interceptions), a Payton Award finalist.

One of big cogs in the nation's fourth-ranked offense is Tim Toone (67 receptions, 1,230 yards, 18.4 yards per catch, six TDs). Toone ranks sixth in the nation in receiving yards per game (102.5 yards per game). Another key element is tight end Cody Nakamura (42 receptions, 682 yards, 16.2 yards per catch, nine TDs), while Bryant Eteuati (41 catches, 11.6 yards per catch, five TDs) offers big-play potential with his speed. Eteuati, one the top most dangerous returnmen in FCS, rejoined to the lineup last week after a month- long suspension.

The most consistent weapon in Weber State's offensive arsenal is running back Trevyn Smith (1,344 yards, 18 TDs). Smith led the Big Sky in rushing for the second consecutive season this fall, and is tied for first in FCS in scoring (12.0 points per game) and 16th in rushing yards per game (112). Smith is also a dangerous receiving threat coming out of the Weber State backfield (54 receptions, 11.3 yards per catch, six TDs).

The key to a win for Weber State Saturday might be its defense. The key for the Wildcats will stopping the run first before worrying about stopping Barden. Weber State has been able to stop the run effectively this season (124 yards per game). But of course that's all relative to the Big Sky rushing attacks they've faced, and certainly all 11 FCS opponents don't really offer the kind of running game Cal Poly does.

The Wildcats' defense is led by a safety Beau Hadley (111 tackles, three interceptions), while a pass rush that ranks 25th in the nation in sacks (2.42 sacks per game) is marshaled by defensive end Kyle Linehan (14.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks). Hadley teams with cornerback Josh Morris, who leads the team with four interceptions, rounding out a defense that ranks 52nd in FCS (324 yards per game).

Weber State shares two common opponent with Cal Poly, Montana and Idaho State. WSU beat Montana 45-28 and Idaho State 59-27, while Cal Poly dropped a 30-28 decision to Montana and beat Idaho State 49-10.

The game, at least on paper, has the potential to be one of the more exciting games of the first round, and for that fact the FCS season. Coach Ron McBride, an offensive schematic whiz, will have a few wrinkles for fellow offensive mastermind Rich Ellerson in a matchup that pits strength against strength.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Cal Poly 38, Weber State 31.

No. 23 Texas State (8-4) at No.5 Montana (11-1), 2:05 p.m.

Making an FCS record-tying 19th postseason appearance, including its 16th trip in a row, No. 4-seeded Montana will look to avoid a repeat of its 23-22 first- round loss to Wofford from last year.

The Grizzlies get what should be an easier opponent, with Southland champion Texas State coming to Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The Bobcats struggled in a mediocre conference before winning three crucial games at the end of the season, including a 48-45 victory over arch-rival Sam Houston State in overtime last week.

Texas State also survived the controversy of the Southland to get a well- earned automatic playoff berth. Central Arkansas finished on top of the Southland standings, but was not allowed to be declared conference champion by the NCAA and was ineligible for the playoffs, due to the Bears' transitional status.

The automatic bid for the Bobcats marks the second appearance in school history, with the last being in 2005, when the Bobcats were the No. 4 seed and advanced all the way to the semifinals.

The Grizzlies started slow by Montana's high standards, but did manage to garner a pivotal early-season win over Cal Poly that helped them eventual earn a top-four seed. Montana's only setback was a 45-28 thrashing by Weber State, but WSU's 33-26 loss to Eastern Washington in the regular-season finale allowed Montana to gain a share of the Big Sky title for the 11th straight year.

Plenty of quarterbacks have put up astounding totals during the 2008 season, but few have efficiently managed their respective teams like Montana's Cole Bergquist (2,457 yards, 24 TDs, five interceptions). Bergquist's leadership on offense was a contributing factor to keeping the Grizzlies from faltering early in the season.

Bergquist lost two of his three top receiving targets from a year ago (Ryan Bagley and Eric Allen). But Mike Ferriter (42 receptions, 17.2 average, nine TDs) and Marc Mariani (53 receptions, 1,009 yards, 14 TDs) have been one of the top receiving pairs in the country.

One of the biggest reasons the Grizzlies' offense sputtered early on was the lack of a running game, with the graduation of Lex Hilliard. Taking the reigns of the running game in mid-season was sophomore running back Chase Reynolds (995 yards, 15 TDs).

Montana's defense has also been a large part of the team's improved play in the second half of the season. With eight veterans having graduated, the Grizzlies were able to rely on veterans such as strong safety Colt Anderson (85 tackles, two interceptions, five pass break-ups) in the secondary as well as players like defensive ends Mike Stadnyk (42 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks) and Jace Palmer (33 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks) up front.

Overall, Montana has fared best against the run, limiting opponents 118 yards on the ground (30th in FCS). The Grizzlies allow 316 yards per game (29th in FCS) overall, but have been suspect at times against the pass (198 yards per game, 59th in FCS).

Texas State fields an offense that ranks fourth nationally in scoring offense (38.3 points per game) and fifth in total offense (460 yards). Playing in a conference that already had three of the nation's top signal-callers, it was easy to see why Bobcats' signal-caller Bradley George (2,401 yards, 25 TDs, five interceptions) have gotten lost in the mix.

George has been helped by one of the Southland's most underrated running backs, Karrington Bush (1,039 yards, 11 TDs), who's shouldered much of the rushing load for the Bobcats in 2008. Bush has helped lead a rushing attack that churns out 191 yards per game (191 yards per game, 23rd in FCS). Speedy Stan Zwingi has 581 yards and five TDs.

The problem for Texas State is a defense that ranks 111th in FCS (441 yards per game) and yields an average of 276 yards through the air (115th in FCS). Safety Courtney Smith (64 tackles, two interceptions) patrols the struggling secondary, while defensive end Travis Houston (6.5 sacks) will likely be the one that provides the pressure on Bergquist.

Over the years, Southland teams haven't fared too well when traveling to Washington-Grizzly Stadium for a playoff game, and that's not likely to change Saturday.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Montana 45, Texas State 17.

No. 20 Maine (8-4) at No. 4 Northern Iowa (10-2), 5:05 p.m.

Two hard-nosed, mirror-image teams that put an emphasis on defense and ball control will face off in the playoffs for the second time in seven years. Northern Iowa beat Maine 56-28 when the Black Bears traveled to the UNI Dome for a 2001 quarterfinal encounter, but this one should be a lot closer.

Maine is making its fourth overall appearance in the FCS playoffs, while No. 3 UNI qualified for the 14th time, including its second in a row and third in four years. The Panthers were the No. 1 seed in the 2007 playoffs, but saw their 12-0 season ruined by Delaware, 39-27, win in the quarterfinals.

UNI is the most-successful FCS program without a national title and the key to winning its first this year will be getting the same solid play on both sides of the ball that has yielded eight-straight victories and a share of the Missouri Valley Conference crown. One thing in the Panthers' favor is a six- game winning streak in first round games.

With the loss of one of the school's all-time great signal-callers Eric Sanders, it probably would've been hard to believe that the 2008 edition of the Panthers football team would become just the sixth team in school history to post a 10-win campaign.

The offense has been managed efficiently by quarterbacks Pat Grace (1,333 yards, 10 TDs, five interceptions) and Zach Davis (496 yards, three TDs, one interception, three starts), replacing four-year starter and 2007 Payton Award runner-up Eric Sanders. Grace missed three games with a knee injury, but had a good tune up with 133 yards of total offense last week in a 34-24 road win over Southern Utah. Davis, a redshirt freshman, led the Panthers to three wins in Grace's absence.

One of the leftovers from an offense that ended the 2007 season ranked seventh nationally is running back Corey Lewis (1,122 yards, nine TDs, 12 catches, 215 yards, 11.3 yards per catch, two TDs ). Though he's battled injuries in 2008, Lewis needs just 25 yards to become the school's all-time rushing leader. Derrick Law has added 647 yards and seven TDs to spell Lewis, who was slowed at mid-season by an ankle injury.

UNI had to rebuild an offensive line that lost Chad Rinehart and Brandon Keith to the NFL, but Bob Swift at left guard, and one of the league's best centers, Austin Steichen have stepped up.

The Panther offense isn't flashy (361 yards per game, 51st in FCS), but has more of a blue-collar work ethic that has yielded the nation's 16th-best running game (202 yards per game).

One deficiency the Panthers weren't expecting to have this season was at receiver, but the late-season dismissals of Johnny Gray (preseason All- American) and Victor Williams on drug charges, make things more murky entering the postseason.

Redshirt freshman Josh Collins (23 catches, 17.7 yards per reception, 406 yards, one TD), once a third option at wide receiver, has now become the featured receiver in the UNI offense. Collins is a deep threat, possessing the speed to get behind the opposing secondary.

Another key in UNI's carryover from last season's 12-1 team has been a defense that ranks seventh in FCS in scoring defense (16.2 points per game) and posted back-to-back shutouts (28-0 vs. Indiana State, 42-0 vs. Missouri State) for the first time since 1971.

The Panthers' defense thrives on opportunity, sporting a plus-15 turnover margin (16 interceptions, 13 fumbles). The Panthers are best at stopping the running game (108 yards per game, 20th in FCS). Junior defensive end James Ruffin (54 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks) is one of the reasons for the Panthers' success at stopping the run.

Strong safety Darrell Lloyd (80 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three blocked kicks) has also played a role in the units overall success, and his blocked extra point against Youngstown State is what preserved UNI's shared title and its second-straight postseason seed. Linebacker Jamar Thompson has contributed to the significant interceptions total this season with a team-high tying four picks.

The secondary has been mediocre so far (195 yards per game, 55th in FCS) but has been able to produce big plays in key situations. Ball-hawking cornerback Terrell McMoore (47 tackles, four interceptions) was one of the premier one- on-one cover corners in the MVFC.

Despite its 28-24 loss to New Hampshire in the regular-season finale in what was thought to be a playoff elimination game, Maine's six-straight wins, including a pivotal road win over then-playoff bound UMass proved to be enough to tip the scales in the Black Bears' favor. To avoid losing its first opening round playoff game since 1989, Maine can't afford to get into a track meet with the Panthers.

Running the ball won't be easy for Maine, whose offense is based primarily around its ground attack, against the staunch Panther defense. The running game, which averages 196 yards per game, has been carried by Jarad Turcotte (602 yards, seven TDs) and Jhamal Fluellen (558 yards, three TDs). Michael Brusko (647 yards, seven TDs, one interception) has played in all 12 games this season and has been in the starters' role ever since quarterback Adam Farkes suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the second quarter of the Delaware win in early October. Brusko has gone 6-1 as a starter, and has been the offensive spark the Black Bears needed down the stretch.

Brusko's top targets have been Landis Williams (20 catches, 214.7 yards average, five TDs) and Turcotte (23 receptions, 11.8, one TD), who's the team's leading receiver as well as being the leading ground gainer. Williams is the teams best game-breaker in terms of being able to break the big play in the running game or the passing game.

The calling card in most seasons for Jack Cosgrove-coached clubs has been defense. There's no change in that pattern in 2008, as the Black Bears rank 27th nationally in total defense (315 yards per game) and are energized by the leadership of defensive end Jovan Belcher (93 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks). The CAA defensive player of the year is one of the favorites for the Buchanan Award.

The Maine rush defense (133 yards per game, 47th in FCS), faced with limiting Lewis is also strong at linebacker, paced by senior Sean Wasson (88 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two interceptions), while the nation's 42nd-rated pass defense is headed up by free safety Lamir Whetstone, who leads the team with five interceptions to go with 54 tackles.

While Maine certainly has a defense that can contain Lewis and the Panthers' offense, questions remain as to whether its offense is explosive and versatile enough to put enough points on the board to pull out a win at the UNI Dome.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Northern Iowa 24, Maine 14.

No. 10 New Hampshire (9-2) at No. 9 Southern Illinois (9-2), 2 p.m.

The New Hampshire-Southern Illinois matchup offers a classic offense vs. defense matchup, as New Hampshire enters the contest fielding the nation's 15th-ranked offense (412 yards per game), while Southern Illinois counters with a defense that rates 32nd (318 yards per game) among the 118 FCS teams.

Southern Illinois is second to only Montana in consecutive playoff appearances with its sixth straight berth. The Salukis will meet a New Hampshire team that is third in consecutive appearances with five.

New Hampshire will be the third-straight CAA opponent the Salukis have faced in the playoffs. SIU beat Massachusetts in the quarterfinals last year before losing to Delaware in the semifinals.

Southern Illinois, coached by Eddie Robinson Award nominee Dale Lennon, has been one of the surprises of the season. The Salukis lost seven starters on offense, including quarterback Nick Hill and 1,000-yard rusher John Randle and five on defense. But Lennon has had a smooth transition in his first year.

The emergence of quarterback Chris Dieker (1,920 yards, 15 TDs, eight interceptions), along with Payton Award candidate Larry Warner has helped spark an improving offense. Warner has rushed for 1,172 yards, 10 TDs, ranks first in kickoff returns (34.4 average, three TDs) and fourth in all-purpose yardage (184 yards per game).

Dieker has spread the ball around in the passing game, with Damian Sherman (29 receptions, 14.4 average, five TDs) being his favorite option, while Marc Cheatham (26 catches, 13.4 average, two TDs) offers a nice compliment. Cheatam has good physical size, at 6-2, 213-lbs, and could offer matchup problems for the UNH secondary. The Salukis' offense (358 yards per game) hasn't put up huge numbers this season, but they have been able to grind out wins on the ground behind an offensive line that includes seniors Aaron Lockwood at guard, Mike Farrell at center and giant junior right tackle John Purdy (6-4, 340).

While the offense has been efficient, the real story has been Southern Illinois' defense. Led by one of the top linebacking groups in FCS, the Salukis have allowed just 111 yards on the ground per game (25th nationally) and 20.6 points (28th).

Brandin Jordan (80 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception), Chauncey Mixon (72 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles), James Cloud (56 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks) and Ryan Patton (54 tackles, four tackles for loss) have been solid in SIU's new 3-4 set. The Salukis will show the Wildcats a number of different stunts and blitzes to try and confuse UNH quarterback R.J. Toman

The Salukis' defensive line has been solid, but hasn't put up big numbers in terms of sacks. The leading man in the trenches has been freshman defensive end Chance Coda, who has 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack in 11 starts in 2008.

The secondary is built around the talented duo of cornerback Korey Lindsey (36 tackles, four interceptions) and safety Marty Rodgers (71 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss), but has been the weak link of the defense, allowing 208 yards per game (69th in FCS).

New Hampshire closed the year with two of its best wins, crushing Massachusetts 52-21 at home and beating Maine 28-24 on the road to win the Colonial Athletic Association's North Division. Toman has been at the helm of passing attack that ranks 27th nationally (242 yards per game) and eighth in scoring offense (36.4 points per game).

Like Dieker, Toman (2,610 yards, 27 TDs, eight interceptions). had some large shoes to fill this season replacing 2005 Payton Award winner Ricky Santos at quarterback. Toman has plenty of good targets in Mike Boyle (56 catches, 16.5 average, 10 TDs) and tight end Scott Sicko (41 receptions, 12.3 yards, seven TDs). Sicko has been slowed recently by injuries.

Though the Wildcats don't run it much (170 yards per game), when they do they have been effective. Speedster Chad Kackert (571 yards, five TDs) has overcome a knee injury that cost him four games and inside force Robert Simpson (687 yards, six TDs) has been solid as a compliment.

Defensively, the Wildcats simply must keep Warner in check. The Wildcats have done well against the run this season (131 yards per game) and that should be a confidence boost facing a physical SIU offensive front that Warner often hides behind.

Leading a solid defensive front is redshirt freshman bookend Bryan McNally (45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks), however the strength of the UNH defense has been a veteran secondary directed by safety John Clements (72 tackles, two interceptions) and cornerback Dino Vasso (86 tackles, four interceptions). Hugo Souza (56 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a fumble return for a TD) and Matt Parent (85 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one interception return for a TD were two of the CAA's best linebackers.

Safety Terrence Klein was named national defensive player of the week after intercepting two passes to kill off Maine's late comeback hopes.

New Hampshire was criticized as not being playoff worthy for much of the season, playing what was considered a light schedule. But the Wildcats have a chance to prove the doubters wrong this weekend at one of the toughest road venues in FCS.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Southern Illinois 31, New Hampshire 28.

No. 21 Eastern Kentucky (8-3) at No. 7 Richmond (9-3), 1 p.m.

Richmond will host Eastern Kentucky for the second-consecutive season in the first round of the FCS playoffs, The two teams enter the first round contest as two of the hottest teams in the subdivision.

Richmond, a semifinalist last year, enters this year's tournament with a seven- game winning streak, while Eastern Kentucky, making an FCS-tying 19th postseason appearance, has won six in a row.

The Spiders, who are making their seventh all-time appearance in the FCS postseason, are looking to build on last year's program pinnacle of reaching the final four. To do that, they'll have to go through a more seasoned EKU team than the one they defeated 31-14 last year.

In the opening round win over the Colonels last season, the Spiders were powered by the rushing efforts of Tim Hightower, who now plays in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals. This season, running back Josh Vaughan (1,413, 14 TDs) has picked up where Hightower left off. Vaughan was the CAA's leading rusher in 2008 and ranked 10th nationally in FCS, averaging 117.8 yards per game. He is the dominant force in a Richmond running game that totals 189 of its 363 yards per game of total offense.

Meanwhile, Eric Ward (2,066 yards, 11 TDs, six interceptions) has been solid leading the Spiders' offense in his third season as the starting quarterback. He still has sophomore Kevin Grayson (46 catches, 622 yards, 13.5 average, one TD), who garnered All-CAA accolades for the second-straight season, as his favorite receiver. The Spiders' main deep threat is Jordan Mitchell (21 catches, 20.0 yards per catch, three TDs), while Tre Gray (39 receptions, 13.2 average, two TDs) is the team's second-leading receiver.

A Richmond defense that returned eight starters at the outset of the 2008 season has held true to form as the backbone for the Spiders. The Spiders rank fifth in FCS (249 yards per game).

That defense is anchored by a stout defensive line, including one of the nation's elite tandem of defensive ends, Lawrence Sidbury (14.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles) and Sherman Logan (44 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks). The Spiders have excelled in stopping the run, holding five straight opponents and nine this season, to less than 100 yards rushing in a game.

Tradition-laden Eastern Kentucky is in search of its first playoff win since 1994, when it defeated now-defunct Boston University 30-23 at Roy Kidd Stadium. EKU stumbled out of the gate to a 1-3 start. However, eight-straight victories has them looking more like the team that dominated their way to a undefeated 8-0 league mark last season.

The Colonels return 13 starters off that 2007 championship team, including the Ohio Valley Conference offensive player of the year, quarterback Allan Holland (1,940 yards, eight TDs, six interceptions).

Spearheading EKU's ground game is tailback C.J. Walker (679 yards, seven TDs), while the top receiving threats are Stephen Sizemore (46 receptions, 349 yards, 7.6 yards per catch, two TDs), while Stephon Fuqua (29 catches, 491yards, 16.9 yards per catch) has proven to be the top long-ball threat.

The key to getting a win at UR Stadium for the Colonels will be getting a solid game from a run defense that limits opponents to 135 rushing per game this season. Linebacker Tyjuan Jones paces the defense with 94 tackles and eight sacks, while safety Brandon Gathof (72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five interceptions) provided the heroics that allowed the Colonels to even make the postseason with his game-winning blocked kick against Tennessee-Martin last week.

Richmond 34, Eastern Kentucky 21

No. 13 South Carolina State (10-2) at Appalachian State (10-2), 12 p.m., ESPNU

The last time a MEAC champion visited Kidd-Brewer Stadium for an opening-round playoff game against Appalachian State was 1999.

The Mountaineers were the No. 4 seed in the tournament and had won a third of the Southern Conference championship with Georgia Southern and Furman, but underestimated Florida A&M in a 44-29 loss.

FAMU went on to the semifinals before losing a hard-fought battle with national runner-up Youngstown State.

ASU comes into the first round of this year's playoffs as the No. 2 seed, the Southern Conference champion and the three-time defending national titlist. And the Mountaineers meet another dangerous opponent in South Carolina State.

The Bulldogs, making their first playoff appearance in 26 years and only their second ever, have faced the Mountaineers only one other time, dropping a 24-0 decision to ASU to close the 1984 season.

South Carolina possesses the kind of speed that gave the Mountaineers trouble back in 1999 against the Rattlers. The only problem for the Bulldogs, is the Appalachian has recruited much more with speed in mind over the last decade, leading to its impressive championship run over the previous three years.

The Bulldog offense is led Payton Award candidate Will Ford (1,382 yards, 12 TDs), an elusive speedster, who is also a team leader. Ford combines with Travil Jamison (567 yards, 16 TDs) and quarterback Malcolm Long (1,809 yards, 12 TDs, eight interceptions) in the backfield.

One player that coach Buddy Pough likes to go to in certain situations is reserve signal-caller DeWain Clark (25-of-40, 336 yards, three TDs, one interception, 209 rushing yards in eight appearances this season) who brings speed and quickness to the table and could offer a change-up to a steady diet of Ford and Long.

There is also big-play speed at wide receiver, with Oliver Young (47 receptions, 587 yards, 12.5 yards per catch, four TDs), Phillip Morris, (35 catches, 547 yards, 15.6 yards per catch, five TDs) and Octavius Darby (26 grabs, 450 yards, 17.3 yards per catch, four TDs).

SCSU ranks 35th in FCS in total offense (387 yards per game) and 14th in rushing (209 yards per game). One of the strengths of the Bulldog attack is center Raymond Harrison. Harrison could be a tough assignment for Appalachian State's defensive interior, comprised of Malcolm Bennett (33 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack) and Anthony Williams (43 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks).

Not to be overshadowed by all the offensive weapons the Bulldogs boast, SCSU brings the nation's fourth-ranked defense (248 yards per game) into the contest.That unit is spearheaded by one of the nation's premier pass rushes, led by defensive ends Cedric Lloyd (eight tackles for loss, seven sacks) and Markus James (10 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception).

The ringleader of the defense is one of the MEAC's best linebackers, Michael McFadden (79 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks). The Bulldogs are allowing just 105 yards per game on the ground entering the postseason.

However, the SCSU defense hasn't faced an offense with as much speed and as many weapons since an early-season clash with Clemson. In the 54-0 loss to the Tigers, the Bulldogs surrendered a season-high 418 yards to Clemson, including 189 on the ground.

Armanti Edwards (2,146 yards passing, 25 TDs, two interceptions, 890 yards rushing, nine TDs) is one of the Payton Award favorites and should be back after sitting out last week's win over Western Carolina with a hip injury.

True freshman backup DeAndre Presley (379 yards passing, two TDs, one interception, 414 yards rushing, seven TDs) played the whole way in the 35-10 win over Western Carolina in the regular-season finale, winning SoCon offensive player of the week honors with 314 yards of total offense.

ASU ranks sixth nationally in rushing (254 yards) and is third in total offense (464 yards). Other than Edwards, the Appalachian running game is aided by Robert Welton (521 yards, 11 TDs) and Devin Radford (509 yards, four TDs, five catches, 178 yards, 35.6 yards per catch, two TDs).

Edwards and Presley have some solid, reliable options in the passing game. Tight end Ben Jorden (21 catches, 18.7 average, five TDs) was certainly a favorite of Presley's last week, catching a pair of TD passes. The leading receiver is CoCo Hillary (46 catches, 13.0 yards per catch, 600 yards, four TDs), while Brian Quick (12 catches, 25.6 yards per reception, five TDs) is the most dangerous deep threat.

Appalachian's defense seems to be molding into form just in time for the postseason.The Mountaineers held Western Carolina to just 72 yards of total offense and minus-11 yards in the second half.

The young but talented ASU defensive end tandem of Lanston Tanyi (6.5 tackles for loss, six sacks) and Jabari Fletcher (11.5 tackles for loss, six sacks) has fueled an improving pass rush.

The Mountaineers have one of the country's most talented linebacking corps. Jacque Roman leads the trio with a team-high 107 tackles, while Pierre Banks has contributed 80 stops and D.J. Smith has 93.

A secondary that had to be rebuilt in the off-season has turned into an ASU strength. The Mountaineers lost all four starters, including Buchanan Award runner-up Corey Lynch, has ranked 32nd nationally (179 yards per game).

ASU has picked off a SoCon-leading 18 passes with nine of those interceptions hauled in by Buchanan Award candidate safety Mark LeGree.

Overall, the Mountaineers' defense ranks 47th nationally in total defense (333 yards per game) and 69th against the run (154 yards per game).

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Appalachian State 48, South Carolina St 21.