Game Previews: FAMU vs. DSU, South Carolina vs. Vandy

When: 7:30 PM ET, ESPNU

Why You Should Care: I'm going to begin highlighting some of the FCS primetime Thursday night games that are aired on ESPNU, so I suppose I'll start with the FAMU/Delaware State game tonight. The Hornets are trying to defend their MEAC title while Florida A&M has the potential to be a big conference sleeper.

Florida A&M Will win Because...: Well, they have a week of football under their belts, unlike the Hornets. The Rattlers took out Alabama State in the opener, winning 30-20. They got solid offensive play, but most importantly, excellent special teams contributions.

Delaware State Will Win Because...: They're still one of the favorites to win the MEAC. Even though South Carolina State is predicted to win the conference, the Hornets still figure to be one of the best teams in the conference. Keep in mind, they beat Florida A&M 20-7 last season and played great defense a year ago.

Keep an Eye on...: CB LeRoy Vann. Vann was dominating on kickoffs with 3 returns for 158 yards and a score. Not to mention, he's a good CB who should limit the Delaware State passing game.

And the Crystal Ball Says: Give me Delaware State. Even though Joe Taylor was a good hire for the FAMU program, it won't result in a win against one of the MEAC favorites. Even though there won't be a ton of offense, look for Kareem Jones at RB and Vashon Winton at QB to have solid games in a victory. Should be close though, I'll say Hornets 20-14.




When: 8:30 PM ET, ESPN

Why You Should Care: Is anybody tired of seeing South Carolina on Thursday nights? They're on every single year and if I recall, we've seen them play UCF, Mississippi State, Kentucky, NC State, and now Vanderbilt. That's off of the top of my head, too, I don't recall if there have been any more. In protest, mainly because South Carolina hasn't been worthy of the Thursday night slot that many times, I'm going to be watching Florida A&M and Delaware State.

South Carolina Will Win Because...: They have a QB. Maybe. Chris Smelley seems to be the guy to lead the offense with a semblance of efficiency unlike Tommy Beecher. Even though it was late in the game, Smelley stepped his game up a notch and took South Carolina to the next level. Also, they may have the best defense in the SEC, and that's no joke.

Vanderbilt Will Win Because...: Their defense isn't too shabby, either. Especially in the secondary. Led by CB D.J. Moore, the Commodores shut down Miami offensively last week in a game that really was supposed to be a win for the MAC at home. Chris Nickson established himself as the starter, but will get a bigger test from this Gamecock defense.

Keep an Eye on...: RB Mike Davis. Even though statistically Miami had a good deal of passing yards, the pass efficiency defense was really good for the Commodores. Running the ball to shy away from a talented secondary will be crucial for South Carolina.

And the Crystal Ball Says: Going with Vanderbilt is really tempting here, mainly because you get the sense that South Carolina will lay an egg after receiving some national hype over a not-so-special victory against a lackadaisical NC State team, but South Carolina has what it takes to pull out a road squeaker. Look for offensive yards to be at a premium and the game should be decided by a big turnover or a huge special teams play. South Carolina wins, 23-18.