Another full slate of college football games means another week of under-the-radar contests to highlight outside of the power conferences. We have plenty of outstanding options to pick from once again. Check out our selections for Week Two.
A brief spoiler alert, though. Memphis at Boise State is not on this list. Yes, both teams are in non-power conferences. However, both teams are high on the list of potential G6 playoff teams, meaning that game isn’t really under the radar. Still, if you want a reminder of where to watch that one, it’s at 5:00 p.m. CT on USA.
App State at East Carolina
Paint it Purple! 🟣🟣🟣 pic.twitter.com/voCWGPCilm
— ECU Football (@ECUPiratesFB) September 10, 2026
How to Watch: Saturday, September 12th – 11:00 a.m. CT on ESPNU
Why You Should Watch: In-state or regional rivalries will likely be a recurring theme in these blogs moving forward. We kick off our under-the-radar slate early in the day with Appalachian State and East Carolina. These two programs played each other often in the past but have met just five times since the turn of the century. Still, the hatred runs deep from the mountains of Western North Carolina to the beaches and swamps of the eastern part of the state. Don’t be surprised if this one gets chippy as both programs look to claim a spot as the top G6 program in North Carolina.
UTSA at Texas State
How to Watch: Saturday, September 12th – 2:30 p.m. CT on the CW
Why You Should Watch: Storylines abound in this newer rivalry contest. A short jog on IH-35 separates San Marcos from San Antonio. Head Coaches G.J. Kinne and Jeff Traylor have plenty of history after Kinne played for Traylor in high school in East Texas. Texas State has made the transition to the PAC-12. At the heart of it, though, this is about two fanbases that simply don’t like each other. A rivalry game with two high-powered offenses? Go ahead and twist my arm.
Stephen F. Austin at Abilene Christian
PURPLE REIGN ☔️#AxeEm x #EastTexasTough pic.twitter.com/Ju2SYz5Ayj
— Lumberjack Football (@SFA_Football) September 7, 2026
How to Watch: Saturday, September 12th – 7:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+
Why You Should Watch: Stephen F. Austin and Abilene Christian faced each other twice in 2025. Abilene Christian took the first contest while Stephen F. Austin returned the favor in the FCS playoffs. Both contests were decided by one score. Both teams are ranked heading into this one. I got to witness that playoff matchup last year, and it was an all-time banger. I expect nothing less in this meeting between two Texas FCS programs.
North Dakota State at Air Force
How to Watch: Saturday, September 12th – 9:00 p.m. CT on FS1
Why You Should Watch: North Dakota State is 2-0 in their first year in the FBS, though that second win came against FCS Fordham. Now the Bison get their first conference test in what should be a hyper-physical matchup against Air Force. If you want hard-hitting, hard-nosed football, there may not be a better version of it than this contest. I can’t wait to see how the Bison handle their first Mountain West game, and I also think Air Force could be a sneaky good team in the conference.
Montana State at Nevada
JONES TO CHEERS 🎯 🙌#BattleBorn pic.twitter.com/tf01udOaeJ
— Nevada Football (@NevadaFootball) September 6, 2026
How to Watch: Saturday, September 12th – 9:30 p.m. CT on the CW
Why You Should Watch: Montana State is the reigning FCS Champion and looks to take the dynasty slot vacated by North Dakota State bumping up to FBS. The Cats head to Reno to take on a Nevada squad that surprised me in Week One by utterly trouncing perennial CUSA contender Western Kentucky. Still, FCS Montana State is favored over FBS Nevada. I’m expecting a banger of a game for a nightcap with another great chance of an FCS team defeating an FBS foe after we saw it happen three times in Week One.
What under-the-radar games are you most excited about for Week Two? We’d love to hear from you.
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