Central Oklahoma projected to topple series leader Fort Hays State

Fort Hays State has owned this series, leading 7-5 across 12 meetings since 2011, but Central Oklahoma took last year's meeting 21-14 and Versus likes the Bronchos to make it two in a row. The two sit close in the Division II ranks, with Fort Hays State at No. 44 and Central Oklahoma just six spots behind at No. 50, and this one counts in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings.

The model gives Central Oklahoma the edge at home, projecting a 31-23 win and a 68 percent chance to cover that outcome. The Bronchos carry A grades in power, offense and defense and rank 7th in strength of schedule, a profile built on a win over NW Missouri St that stands as the season's biggest upset relative to rank. Fort Hays State answers with its own A- grades across power, offense and defense, though its offensive and defensive ranks sit in the 30s and its schedule strength ranks 42nd.

Fort Hays State has won three of its five games this season by 21 points or more, a sign of how lopsided its wins have been even as it has slid 19 spots in the rankings. Central Oklahoma has fallen further, 30 spots, but remains one of just 17 Division II teams ranked inside the top 25 in both offense and defense.