While everyone says that the start of college football starts Aug. 30 when all the “real” FBS teams play but the very first game of the year will take place Saturday, Aug. 2o when No. 1 FCS Eastern Washington hosts 17-ranked Sam Houston State.
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After Eastern Washington’s loss in last years semifinal game to Towson, they’ll be looking for revenge in hopes of an undefeated season. Eastern Washington went 12-3 last season, one of their regular season losses coming in a 49-34 loss to Sam Houston State.
Eastern Washington’s high-powered offense last year scored more than 30 points in every single game and scored over 50 points twice. Led by maybe FCS’ top player, quarterback Vernon Adams, Eastern Washington will look to make a statement next Saturday.
Sam Houston State has taken care of Eastern Washington pretty consistently. Before beating them in 2013, the Bearkats defeated Eastern Washington in the 2012 semifinal game. Both of these teams could defeat FBS teams as well. While Sam Houston State hasn’t done it since 2011, Eastern Washington won last year over 25th-ranked Oregon State in week 1.
While Eastern Washington is favored, don’t sleep on the Bearkats who averaged 41.1 points per game, more than Eastern Washington’s 39.5. This game may finish 51-50 or even higher. It will definitely be a fun one to watch where two FCS team leave everything on the field.