5 FBS-FCS mismatches in 2017
(STATS) - As excited as FCS fans are about their favorite teams taking on - and sometimes beating - FBS opponents, nine out of 10 times they depart with a loss.
The bigger, often massive crowds and the prospect of playing against the top level of Division I are undeniably exciting prospects for players and coaches in the subdivision. But they're often on the ugly end of some 63-7, 56-3 and 45-0 blowouts as well.
Out of the nearly 100 FBS-FCS matchups this season, here are five major mismatches (plus one for good measure):
Austin Peay at Cincinnati (Aug. 31) - The Governors are headed in the right direction under second-year coach Will Healy. But let's also remember they have a 27-game losing streak - the longest in Division I.
Florida A&M at Arkansas (Aug. 31) - A&M won its season opener last Saturday, but that opponent was struggling Texas Southern. This week won't be Hog Heaven. A&M lost to Miami 70-3 to last season.
Mercer at Alabama (Nov. 18) - Iron Bowl rivals Auburn and Alabama are both playing Mercer this season. While the Bears are moving up the Southern Conference ladder, as a fifth-year program, they're not ready for the SEC juggernauts.
Jackson State at TCU (Sept. 2) - Jackson State will win the battle of the bands, but after two straight 3-8 seasons, the final score will be as unsightly as a Horned Frog.
Delaware State at West Virginia (Sept. 16) and Florida State (Nov. 18) - These games could easily be ranked 1 and 2, but to avoid piling on the Hornets, let's group their blowout losses together. The MEAC program is 3-31 over the last three seasons and went 0-11 with a 79-0 loss to Missouri in 2016.