Fayetteville State favored by 13 over Livingstone in CIAA matchup

Versus projects Fayetteville State to win this Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association game 30-17, giving the Broncos a 77 percent chance of victory over Livingstone. That 13-point margin lines up with a wide gap in the two programs' overall standing, with Fayetteville State ranked 87th in Division II and Livingstone 132nd.

Fayetteville State brings a B-graded defense that ranks 57th in D2, and its schedule has been tougher, sitting 38th in strength of schedule against Livingstone's 154th. Still, the Broncos have not been trending upward, with Versus noting their power rating has slipped in each of the last three weeks, and all three of their losses this season have come against teams with winning records. Their offense also grades out at only a C-, ranked 122nd in the division.

Livingstone, at 2-3 like its opponent, carries a D+ overall grade and ranks in the bottom third of Division II across power, offense and defense. The Blue Bears' defense sits 144th in D2, which gives Fayetteville State's offense room to work even in an uneven season.

This is a conference game for both teams, with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings in play. Versus sees Fayetteville State's broader advantages, particularly on defense and schedule strength, as enough to outweigh its own recent slide.