Underdog Dynasty
An unofficial The American, Conference USA, Sun Belt, and Independent football blog
Total reads
1,904
This week
1
Rank
#121 of 468
Published
707 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
2026 Week 9 Preview: Florida Atlantic Owls @ North Texas Mean Green
Thursday night’s American Conference showdown pits two offensive powerhouses against each other as North Texas (5‑2) hosts Florida Atlantic (5‑2) at DATCU Stadium. Both teams sit in the top 10 nationally for passing and top 20 for scoring, while their defenses rank near the bottom in points allowed, setting up a potential 77.5‑point fireworks display – the highest over/under of the season. FAU’s air‑raid led by quarterback Caden Veltkamp (5th in passing yards, 18 TDs, 4 INTs) and star receiver Easton Messer (162 yards last game) seeks a repeat of its 51‑49 win over Rice. North Texas counters with quarterback Tayven Jackson and a formidable passing attack, though its run defense is among the nation’s worst. The game could decide the American Conference championship race.
Minicucci starts 18/18, throws for 414, and leads Delaware to 35-21 victory at WKU
Nick Minicucci erupts in his second start back for Delaware, completing a perfect 18‑of‑18 start and finishing 32‑of‑38 for 414 yards, four touchdowns and no picks. His record‑setting performance propels the Fightin’ Blue Hens to a 35‑21 win over Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, snapping WKU’s two‑game streak. Wide receiver Sean Wilson adds 183 yards and two scores, while the defense forces three WKU turnovers. Delaware improves to 4‑4 (2‑2 C‑USA) and remains unbeaten when Minicucci plays the full game, setting a new school completion streak and posting the sixth‑best yardage game in program history.
Is UAlbany a Contender or Pretender?
UAlbany’s football program resurfaces as a potential CAA contender in 2026 after a dismal 2025. The Great Danes sit 5-3 (3-1 CAA) and face #12 Campbell, a 7-1 team, in a pivotal Saturday matchup that could solidify playoff hopes. New head coach Tom Perkovich, along with transfer standouts quarterback Kai Colon, running back Rahashan La Mons (670 yards, 8 TDs), and DB Victor Holt, have sparked the turnaround. However, the Danes give up over 200 passing yards per game and lack special‑teams explosiveness, raising doubts about sustained success. A win over Campbell would shift the narrative from pretender to serious contender as the regular season winds down.
Weekday CUSA Previews: 2026 Week 9
The final weekday CUSA slate of 2026 features four games on Oct. 27, highlighted by Delaware vs. WKU (7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports). Delaware, now 3‑4 (1‑2 CUSA), rides quarterback Nick Minicucci’s return—sixth nationally in passing yards last season—and a rejuvenated offense, aiming to outscore WKU’s 3‑4 (2‑1 CUSA) after the Hilltoppers snap a 0‑4 FBS start with back‑to‑back wins. Predictions favor Delaware 42‑31. Also on the card, Sam Houston (1‑6, 0‑3 CUSA) travels to Missouri State (2‑5, 1‑2 CUSA) at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2; Missouri State is a 6‑point favorite despite a recent 61‑38 loss at Delaware. Key players include Minicucci, WR Sean Wilson, LB Blake Matthews for Delaware, and QB Landyn Locke and LB Dean Ford for Sam Houston.
What went wrong in Salt Lake City: Houston reflects on heartbreaker at Utah
Houston entered the Utah game on Oct. 24 with a 10‑0 lead and a chance to break the nation’s longest winning streak, but Utah rallied for three fourth‑quarter touchdowns to win 21‑13 and extend its own streak to 13. Coach Willie Fritz cited missed tackles (18 recorded by PFF), the loss of star tight end Patrick Overmyer to an early injury, and a collapse in offensive production as the key reasons the Cougars squandered the win. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier rushed for 150 yards and two scores, while Houston’s rushing attack was held to 86 yards. The defeat keeps Houston out of the CFP conversation and the AP Top 10.
SMU’s potential comes to life in second half demolition of Cal
SMU finally unlocks its offense in a 59‑20 second‑half rout of California on Oct. 24, 2026, turning a 20‑17 halftime deficit into a 39‑point victory that revives its ACC Championship hopes. Quarterback Kevin Jennings throws for 223 yards and three TDs while transfer running back Kendrick Raphael rushes for 256 yards and five scores. The defense backs the surge with three sacks, eight tackles for loss and holds Cal to just 40 rushing yards. Coach Rhett Lashlee credits the halftime spark and disciplined play—no turnovers or costly penalties—as the Mustangs showcase top‑10 passing and top‑15 total offense potential after a shaky start to the season.
Utah rallies past Houston 21-13 to extend nation’s longest win streak
No. 10 Utah extends its nation‑leading win streak to 13 with a 21‑13 comeback over No. 14 Houston on Oct. 24, 2026. After trailing 10‑0 at halftime, quarterback Devon Dampier ignites the offense with 150 rushing yards, two TDs and 204 passing yards, including a 22‑yard scramble in the third quarter. Wayshawn Parker’s late touchdown gives Utah its first lead, and a game‑changing sack‑and‑fumble by free safety Jackson Bennee sets up Dampier’s go‑ahead score with 2:09 left. Coach Morgan Scalley celebrates the Utes’ resilience as they remain unbeaten under his first year.
North Texas star offensive trio teams up for 49-39 win at Navy
North Texas storms past Navy 49-39 in Annapolis, securing a fourth straight win and an unbeaten record in American Athletic Conference play (5-2, 3-0). Fresh offensive trio—QB Tayven Jackson (305 yards, 3 TDs), RB Jahiem White (174 yards, 2 TDs, 11th rushing TD of the season), and WR Justin Stevenson (209 yards, 2 TDs)—propels the Mean Green in a high‑scoring duel that totals 983 yards. Navy’s quarterback Jackson Gutierrez shines with 228 rushing yards and 3 TDs, but key defensive scores, including a 76‑yard punt‑return TD and a 63‑yard interception return, seal the victory. North Texas now ranks second in the FBS at 43.1 points per game and prepares for a home showdown with Florida Atlantic.
UTSA rolls Tulane 42-19 for fifth-straight win; snaps Green Wave home streak
UTSA breaks its road woes with a dominant 42-19 win over Tulane on Oct. 24, snapping the Green Wave’s 10‑game home streak and marking the Roadrunners’ fifth straight victory. Five different rushers, led by Henderson’s 102 yards, combined for six rushing TDs as UTSA outgains Tulane 223‑67 on the ground. The defense forces six turnovers, including two interceptions and multiple fumble recoveries, while OLB Owen Pewee piles up three sacks. The result lifts UTSA to 7‑1 (4‑0 American) and keeps its CFP hopes alive, while Tulane (3‑4) faces an uphill climb toward the conference championship.
FCS Week 8 Recap: Taking Charge
Week 8 of the FCS season shifted from chaos to decisive conference battles. In the CAA, UAlbany (5-3, 3-1) beat Rhode Island 38-21 behind Rahshan La Mons' 200 rushing yards, while Monmouth stayed unbeaten in league play with a 6th win over Hampton, highlighted by QB Frankie Weaver's three TD passes. Stony Brook rebounded with a road win at Bryant, thanks to receiver Seth Sweitzer's 122 yards and a dominant defense. The marquee game saw #8 South Dakota edge #6 North Dakota 26-23 in OT, with freshman QB Austyn Modrzewski delivering the game‑winner and RB Charles Pierre Jr. returning for 128 yards. Meanwhile, SWAC upset as Bethune‑Cookson defeated favored Jackson State, dropping the Tigers' Celebration Bowl hopes.
Owls’ offenses fly as Florida Atlantic upstages Rice in 51-49 thriller
Florida Atlantic edged Rice 51-49 in a 100‑point shootout on Oct. 4, with a blocked punt safety providing the decisive two points. FAU quarterback Caden Veltkamp threw for 339 yards and three scores, while star receiver Easton Messer posted 162 receiving yards, two receiving TDs, two rushing TDs and an 82‑yard punt‑return TD – the longest in school history. Rice’s freshman starter Gael Ochoa rushed for a record‑setting 259 yards and four TDs, adding a 71‑yard pass TD late in the game. The win lifts FAU to 5‑2 (2‑1 American) and keeps Rice on a seven‑game losing streak at 1‑7.
Cincinnati stuns undefeated Texas Tech 37-24 for first top 10 win since 2021
Cincinnati pulls off a stunning 37-24 upset over No. 8 Texas Tech at Nippert Stadium, marking the Bearcats’ first top‑10 win since 2021. Quarterback JC French IV throws four TD passes while backup running back Cole Tabb rushes for a career‑high 173 yards and two scores. The Bearcat defense forces key turnovers, highlighted by safety MJ Cannon’s interception that leads to a 75‑yard drive before halftime. Texas Tech, previously 6‑0 and a top‑10 defensive unit, scores only once late in the game, sealing its first loss of the season. The victory improves Cincinnati to 5‑2 (2‑2 Big 12) and energizes the program under Scott Satterfield.
Addison Propels NC Central to 31-12 Win over Delaware State in MEAC Opener
Freshman running back Gino Addison ignites North Carolina Central's 31‑12 victory over Delaware State in the MEAC opener, racking up 214 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles total 427 yards, with quarterback Cobey Thompkins throwing 15‑of‑18 for 155 yards and no interceptions, while junior defensive lineman Zarion Walters records a sack and six solo tackles. Delaware State struggles on both sides of the ball, missing PATs and a 47‑yard field goal, and finishes 0‑1 in league play at 4‑4 overall. NCCU now leads the MEAC and eyes a crucial Halloween matchup against Howard.
Memphis offense emerges, overcomes ECU 41-34 in OT to secure bowl eligibility
Marcus Stokes ignites Memphis’ offense, leading the Tigers to a 41-34 overtime win over East Carolina on Oct. 22, 2026. After trailing 16-3 at halftime, Memphis scores 31 unanswered points, with Stokes throwing for 320 yards, three TD passes and rushing for two more. Key plays include a 59-yard TD to Jermane Hayes, a late rush TD by Stokes, and a decisive QB keeper in OT. The victory snaps a four‑game losing streak to ECU, marks Memphis’ first win over the Pirates since 2018, and extends the Tigers’ bowl‑eligibility streak to 13 seasons (now 6‑2, 3‑1 American).
App State spoils James Madison’s perfect season, 34-31 in OT
Appalachian State upended unbeaten James Madison 34-31 in overtime on Oct. 22, 2026, snapping the Dukes' perfect season and handing them their sixth Sun Belt loss since 2023. After surging from a 14-3 deficit, the Mountaineers tied the game at 31 with seconds left, then capitalized on a JMU trick‑play fumble and a missed 47‑yard field goal. Kicker James London sealed the win with a 40‑yard field goal in OT. The victory lifts App State to 5-2 (2-1 Sun Belt) and brings them within a bowl‑eligibility win, while JMU coach Billy Napier records his first loss to the Mountaineers.
FCS Week 8 Game of the Week: North Dakota Hawks @ South Dakota Coyotes: How to Watch, Preview, Predictions
On Saturday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+, the #6 North Dakota Fighting Hawks (3‑1 MVC) travel to Vermillion to face the #8 South Dakota Coyotes (6‑2 overall). Both teams, each led by first‑year head coaches—UND’s alumnus Eric Schmidt and South Dakota’s rookie Matt Vitzthum—are vying for a playoff‑shaping win. senior QB Jerry Kaminski returns for the Hawks, boasting 1,742 yards and 21 TDs, while receivers Korey Tai and Deng Deng provide his top targets. The Coyotes rely on linebacker Wade Abrams (68 tackles) and a strong ground game from backs Charles Langama and Matt Lawson. A repeat of last year’s 26‑21 South Dakota victory could catapult the Coyotes toward a top‑eight seed and a league title.
New Mexico State leans on James Jones, defense to outlast Sam Houston, 30-24
James Jones powers New Mexico State to a 30-24 road win over Sam Houston on Oct. 22, 2026. The Aggies break a four‑game road win drought as Jones rushes for a career‑high 178 yards and a touchdown, extending his CUSA rushing lead. A stifling defense limits the Bearkats to nine first downs, -7 yards in the second quarter and forces two turnovers that set up short‑field scores. Despite early miscues—a blocked punt TD and a costly fumble—the Aggies seal the game by running out the clock on a final 4‑minute drive, converting a 4th‑and‑2 with 29 seconds left. Coach Tony Sanchez hails the balanced effort as a turning point for the season.
Week 8 Tuesday recap: Minicucci returns, Middle Tennessee and Marshall stage upsets
Tuesday’s Week 8 slate delivered three surprise upsets. Delaware’s star QB Nick Minicucci returned from injury to throw five TDs and rush for a fourth‑quarter score in a 61‑38 win over Missouri State – the highest‑scoring game in FBS history. Middle Tennessee edged FIU 26‑23 as Roman Gagliano’s 200‑yard pass and Terrence Brown Jr.’s 158 rushing yards broke the Panthers’ defense, earning the Blue Raiders a 4‑3 record. In the Sun Belt, Marshall beat South Alabama 20‑13 after a 75‑yard run by Zion Turner was called back; backup Khalil Wilkins and Judah Price sealed the win, moving the Thundering Herd to 4‑3.
2026 Week 8 Preview: Houston Cougars @ Utah Utes
College GameDay heads to Salt Lake City for Week 8 as No. 10 Utah (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) defends its unbeaten streak against No. 14 Houston (6-1, 3-1). Utah, coached by first‑year Morgan Scalley, aims to stay perfect and boost its CFP résumé, while the Cougars look to snap Utah’s 9‑1 home run record and climb into the top‑10. Houston’s Heisman‑talking QB Conner Weigman throws 20 TDs with a 68% completion rate and adds six rushing scores, backed by a balanced rushing attack from Makhi Hughes and Re’Shaun Sanford II and a strong O‑line. Defensively, Houston excels against the run but struggles versus the pass, hoping cornerback Jalen Mayo’s return steadies the secondary.
Examining the First FCS Playoff Committee Top 10 Rankings
The FCS playoff committee releases its first in-season Top 10, revealing what it values eight weeks into 2026. Montana State (6-1, 3-1 Big Sky) claims the top spot, buoyed by a win over FBS Nevada and a strong schedule, while undefeated Tarleton State (7-0, 2-0 UAC) lands second after beating Bowling Green. Youngstown State (6-2) holds third despite a loss to South Dakota State, and Stephen F. Austin (7-0) sits fourth but lacks FBS wins. South Dakota State, North Dakota, and other contenders round out the list, highlighting the committee’s emphasis on quality opponents over unbeaten records. The rankings offer a preview of potential playoff seeding and home‑field advantages.
2026 Week 8 Preview: Army Black Knights @ Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Friday night’s Army‑at‑Tulsa showdown pits the Black Knights’ record‑setting rushing attack against a resurgent Golden Hurricane. Tulsa (4‑3, 1‑2 American) rides quarterback Baylor Hayes, who delivered a turnover‑free 249‑yard, three‑TD performance at Rice, and seeks its first home conference win after a 31‑point outburst over Rice. Army (4‑2, 3‑1 American) leads the nation’s QB rushers with Cale Hellums, who logged 418 yards and five rushing TDs over his last two games, while the option offense racked up 479 yards against FAU. The teams split their recent series, with Tulsa winning a dramatic 26‑25 upset in November 2025. Both squads boast strong first‑half defenses, but Army’s turnover edge and Tulsa’s improved ball security make this a tightly contested matchup, with the spread favoring Tulsa at –1.5.
2026 Week 8 Preview: East Carolina Pirates @ Memphis Tigers
In Week 8, the East Carolina Pirates (3‑3, 1‑1 American) travel to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium to face the Memphis Tigers (5‑2, 2‑1 American) on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Memphis is a 10‑point favorite, but ECU holds a 18‑8 series edge and has won the last three meetings. The Pirates boast the nation’s top defense, leading with 10.2 tackles for loss per game and a stingy 3.18 yards per rush allowed, while free safety Ayden Duncanson has two pick‑six returns. Offense struggles persist, averaging just 19.8 points per game and ranking near the bottom in passing. Memphis rebounds from a turnover‑laden loss at Tulane; quarterback Marcus Stokes looks to revive a once‑steady offense. The game offers a clash of ECU’s defensive dominance versus a Tigers team seeking to regain its footing.
Four takeaways from Week 7 in the American Conference
Week 7 of the American Conference delivered chaos, leaving only UT S A (6‑1) unbeaten and the sole CFP hopeful from the league. Upsets saw Memphis, FAU and East Carolina fall, while Charlotte snapped a 15‑game road skid by beating Temple. Army’s Cale Hellums and Navy’s Jackson Gutierrez dominate the option QB race, each ranking in the top two FBS rushing quarterbacks. Non‑conference results cement UT S A’s edge: the Roadrunners boast wins over two Pac‑12 foes and a lone loss to Texas, positioning them for the new CFP bid reserved for the highest‑ranked team from the Group of Six conferences. Meanwhile, defensive stalwart East Carolina continues to impress despite roster turnover.
Five thoughts from Week 7 in the Big 12
Week 7 showcases the Big 12’s surge on the national stage as BYU rockets to No. 2 after a 28‑24 upset of Notre Dame, giving the conference its second AP Top‑10 win. Undefeated Texas Tech (53‑25 over Arizona State) and Utah (27‑24 over Colorado) keep the league stacked with four teams in the AP Top 15, bolstering CFP hopes. College GameDay returns to a Big 12 campus for the Utah‑Houston clash. Meanwhile, West Virginia provides nonstop drama, snapping a three‑game losing streak with a 45‑42 walk‑off win over Cincinnati despite never leading. The article breaks down these takeaways and the conference’s path to multiple playoff bids.
Weekday CUSA Previews: 2026 Week 8
Week 8 of CUSA’s weekday slate promises four intriguing matchups across three nights. On Tuesday, FIU (3‑3, 14.7 ppg allowed) travels to Middle Tennessee, a 3‑3 Blue Raiders team led by sophomore QB Roman Gagliano (291 yards, 3 TD) and a revamped pass rush; FIU is a 10‑point favorite. Also Tuesday, Missouri State (2‑4) faces winless Delaware after a breakthrough win over Kennesaw State, with QB Henry Belin IV posting 300 yards and two TDs. Wednesday pits New Mexico State against Sam Houston, and Thursday crowns the week with Liberty versus Kennesaw State. Double‑digit spreads loom, but past CUSA nights have delivered late three‑point thrills.
Displaying items 1-25 of 707 in total