Best FCS Non-Conference Games Scheduled in 2024

Here are some of the best FCS non-conference college football games scheduled in 2024 that I am looking forward to following:

Updated: 8/16/2024

Youngstown State at Villanova (8/29): A playoff rematch (Wildcats won at home 45-28), with both teams looking for a return to the playoffs again this year. Last fall was Villanova’s first win over the Penguins since becoming a FCS program back in 1985.

Holy Cross at Rhode Island (8/31): Both teams were disappointed to miss the postseason last year, so the winner of this matchup will pick up a key non-conference win to start the season off right. In a series that began back in 1917, the Crusaders and Rams are meeting for the first time since 1988.

Alabama State vs. North Carolina Central (9/1): These two top-ranked HBCU programs for 2024 are meeting for the first time. The winner of the Orange Blossom Classic will have a foot up on getting to the Celebration Bowl at the end of the year, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see them playing again in December.

Elon at North Carolina Central (9/7): The winner of this game might sneak into the Top 25 while picking up a good win for their postseason resume. Last year the Eagles beat the Phoenix on the road, 34-23, but still trail in the series, 9-4.

Montana at North Dakota (9/7): A 2024 Top 25 matchup between 2023 playoff participants. The Griz have won five of seven meetings since the Fighting Hawks moved up to Division I back in 2008.

New Hampshire at Holy Cross (9/7): Two teams looking to get back in the playoffs after missing them in 2023. These schools met in the second round of the 2022 FCS playoffs, with the Crusaders coming out on top, 35-19.

Northern Iowa at St. Thomas (9/7): The Tommies have won 21 of 24 conference (Pioneer) games since moving up to the FCS from Division III back in 2021 - but they have lost all four FCS non-conference games in that time. One of their losses was to the Panthers back in 2021 - a game they lost 44-3.

Southern Illinois at Austin Peay (9/7): Another matchup of 2023 playoff participants, with both exiting with tough losses. This is a conclusion of a home-and-home series that got started last year with a 49-23 Saluki win at home.

UIW at South Dakota State (9/7): The Cardinals will probably come into this matchup with a chip on their shoulder after not being selected for the playoffs last year with a 9-2 record. Meanwhile the two-time defending champion Jackrabbits are hoping for a three peat in 2024.

Albany at Idaho (9/14): Each team lost their quarterback, as well as other key players, to the transfer portal, so it will be a different matchup than the playoff game just months ago. The team that gels the fastest will come away the victor in this key game for both teams.

Nicholls at Sacramento State (9/14): Coming off their first undefeated Southland season, the Colonels go on the road to face a playoff-quality team in the Hornets. Last year, Sacramento State built a 38-10 lead on the road before Nicholls scored the last two touchdowns of the game.

UIW at Southern Illinois (9/14): Another key non-conference game for a Southland conference team on the road. Two years ago the Cardinals beat the 9th-ranked Salukis at home, 63-29 to open their season.

Western Carolina at Elon (9/14): The Phoenix made my composite preseason Top 25 poll, but were left off the FCS Coaches Poll - receiving only 16 votes, so they will be looking to make a statement against the ranked Catamounts. These teams have met 44 times since the series started in 1933 - but this will be the first meeting since 2013.

Eastern Illinois at Illinois State (9/21): The 112th Mid-America Classic will have more importance this year as both teams are looking to return to the playoffs in 2024. Last year the Panthers snapped a five-game losing streak to the Redbirds, with a 14-13 win at home.

Furman at William & Mary (9/21): Another game pitting playoff hopefuls against one another. These teams first met on the gridiron in 1959 and have played a total of 15 contests. In their most recent meeting in 2000, Furman defeated William & Mary 34-10 at home to take a one-game lead in the overall series, 8-7.

Southeast Missouri State at Southern Illinois (9/21): When this rivalry began back in 1909 the teams had to cross the Mississippi River by boat. Now a trophy game (War for the Wheel), the two schools have split the last six meetings - with four of them decided by one possession.

Western Carolina at Montana (9/21)

Yale at Holy Cross (9/21)

New Hampshire at Harvard (10/4)

Chattanooga at Austin Peay (11/23)