Fort Hays State picked to end five-game skid against Pittsburg State

Versus projects a 27-21 finish for Fort Hays State over Pittsburg State, a six-point margin that gives the Tigers a 62 percent win probability in this Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association matchup.

Pittsburg State comes in at 0-3, having fallen from No. 4 to No. 36 in D2 this season after a loss to West Alabama dropped the Gorillas out of the D2 top 25. That slide is notable given an A- overall grade and a No. 3 rank in strength of schedule, one of the toughest slates in the division. The trouble is on the other side of the ball: Pittsburg State ranks 37th in offense in D2 even with a No. 19 defensive rank.

Fort Hays State sits 26th in D2 at 1-1, with an A- offensive grade and an A defensive grade backing a No. 27 offensive rank and a No. 18 defensive rank. The Tigers have not finished a season below .500 since 2022, and history in this series has run their way lately too. Pittsburg State still leads the all-time series 11-5, but Fort Hays State has not beaten the Gorillas since November 2021, a run that now stands at five straight for Pittsburg State.

Both teams play in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association, so this one counts in the conference standings rather than serving as a non-conference tune-up.