Montana State’s overtime win over Illinois State in the FCS championship game was off-the-charts thrilling, and Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell break it down in The FCS Edge, episode 20.

As part of the 2025 season’s final episode, our co-hosts also review many of the top memories.

• Montana State's victory was a culmination of years of hard work.
• Special teams played a crucial role in the championship outcome.
• The atmosphere in Nashville was unmatched for an FCS game.
• Coaching decisions significantly impacted the game's flow.
• The playoffs showcased the depth and competitiveness of FCS football.
• Community engagement is vital for the growth of FCS football.
• The FCS national awards ceremony highlighted outstanding individual performances.
• Memorable moments from the season will resonate with fans.
• The future of FCS football looks promising with emerging programs.
• Fan support is essential for the success of FCS teams.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - The thrilling championship game recap
• 02:51 - Key moments and players in the game
• 05:53 - Special teams impact and decisions
• 08:59 - Atmosphere and fan engagement
• 11:53 - Contrasting styles of play
• 14:42 - Final thoughts on the season and rankings
• 17:53 - Looking ahead to future locations
• 20:43 - Awards and season highlights
• 26:22 - Evaluating the top players of the season
• 31:31 - Memorable moments and highlights of the season
• 38:14 - The future of FCS football
• 44:30 - Reflections on the season and community impact

FCS fans, take a bow, we’ve arrived in FCS championship week.

The Montana State vs. Illinois State matchup is incredible, and Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell will get you ready for it in The FCS Edge, episode 19. From keys to the game to players to watch to predictions, our co-hosts break it all down.

The Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show also will be held this week, highlighted by the announcements of the Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan awards. Master of ceremonies Dom Izzo visits the show to discuss the gala event.

• The FCS National Awards Show is a significant event for FCS football.
• Montana State and Illinois State are set for an exciting championship game.
• Key players and matchups will play a crucial role in the outcome.
• Coaching strategies will be pivotal in the championship game.
• Experience and youth dynamics will impact team performance.
• Fan engagement and attendance are expected to be high in Nashville.
• The underdog story of Illinois State adds intrigue to the matchup.
• Montana State's journey to the championship reflects its growth as a program.
• Predictions suggest a competitive game with close scores.
• The significance of the awards show highlights the talent in FCS football.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - Introduction to FCS Championship Game
• 03:08 - Montana State vs. Illinois State: Matchup Analysis
• 05:49 - Key Players and Matchups to Watch
• 09:07 - Coaching Strategies and Experience
• 12:00 - Concerns and Potential Pitfalls
• 15:11 - FCS Championship Game Dynamics
• 18:10 - Attendance and Fan Engagement
• 21:44 - Dom Izzo Joins The Show
• 39:03 - FCS Championship Game Pick 'Em

Tighten your seat belt even more - FCS football is not for the faint of heart. One of its biggest rivalries and two party crashers fill the playoff semifinals just one week after the Celebration Bowl had its wildest finish.

In The FCS Edge, episode 18, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell try to bring clarity to it all. Emphasis on “try” because their heads are spinning, too - but they’re ready with predictions for Nashville.

• The FCS playoffs have seen unprecedented chaos this year.
• Montana State's defensive line is a key factor in its success.
• Villanova's defense has been impressive, shutting down top offenses.
• Illinois State has proven to be formidable on the road.
• The Celebration Bowl showcased the competitiveness of HBCU football.
• Coaching changes in the FCS are significant and impactful.
• The importance of establishing a run game in playoff football.
• Turnovers can be game-changers in close matchups.
• The rivalry between Montana and Montana State adds excitement to the playoffs.
• The FCS playoffs are showcasing a new level of parity.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - FCS playoff chaos and surprises
• 02:43 - Montana State's dominance and performance
• 05:38 - Montana Grizzlies: Rising stars and coaching brilliance
• 08:28 - Villanova's resilience and defensive prowess
• 11:32 - Illinois State's road warrior mentality
• 14:19 - South Carolina State's comeback victory
• 17:27 - MEAC vs SWAC: A historical perspective
• 21:59 - Celebration Bowl insights
• 23:03 - FCS coaching changes overview
• 28:23 - FCS semifinals preview
• 29:11 - Montana vs. Montana State matchup
• 36:58 - Illinois State vs. Villanova matchup
• 40:25 - FCS playoff parity discussion

FCS college football is giving you a chance to sleep after Friday night’s quarterfinal, but set the alarm because this weekend’s schedule is can’t-miss with one big game after another. In The FCS Edge, episode 17, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell get you ready for all the action.

How did we get to the Elite Eight of the playoffs as well as the Celebration Bowl? What are the keys to the games? Who are the picks?

• North Dakota State's playoff elimination was shocking and unexpected.
• Tarleton State is an intriguing team to watch in the playoffs.
• Illinois State outplayed NDSU in almost every aspect of the game.
• Montana's offense has been moving the football smoothly.
• The FCS is seeing more parity this season than ever before.
• Villanova's defense has been impressive, giving up minimal points.
• Tarleton State's unique offensive scheme poses challenges for opponents.
• South Carolina State is looking to overcome last year's Celebration Bowl loss.
• The upcoming weekend promises exciting FCS playoff action.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - Introduction to The FCS Edge
• 02:56 - North Dakota State's shocking elimination
• 05:42 - Emerging contenders: Tarleton State and Montana
• 08:44 - Illinois State's upset victory
• 11:38 - UC Davis and Montana's impressive performances
• 14:54 - The rise of South Dakota
• 17:56 - Villanova's strong defense and quarterback play
• 20:44 - Tarleton State's dominance and future prospects
• 23:53 - Stephen F. Austin and Montana State's winning streaks
• 26:09 - Heated exchanges and emotional responses in football
• 29:20 - Celebration Bowl: A financial and cultural perspective
• 34:55 - Quarterfinal picks: Analyzing matchups and predictions
• 43:31 - Celebration Bowl preview: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M

You’re not still eating turkey leftovers, are you? No, no, no, throw it away and take a bite out of The FCS Edge, episode 16, where co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell are serving up the fresh menu of the FCS postseason.

OK, so they look back to the turkeys of the playoff first round (the winners, too). But they also preview and predict this week’s second-round games, and they make different picks for the SWAC championship game.

• The first round of the FCS playoffs saw a mix of expected outcomes and surprising performances.
• Yale's comeback victory was a highlight, showcasing the resilience of Ivy League teams.
• Seeding controversies continue to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.
• Travis Bush's success with UTRGV is a testament to effective coaching in new programs.
• Braden Atkinson's performance as a freshman quarterback has garnered significant attention.
• The importance of home-field advantage in the playoffs cannot be overstated.
• The SWAC championship game is projected to be highly competitive this year.
• Montana State's running game is a key factor in its potential playoff success.
• The unpredictability of playoff matchups adds excitement to the FCS postseason.
• The hosts emphasize the need for teams to perform well under pressure in crucial games.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

00:00 - Introduction to the FCS Edge Podcast 03:06 - Recap of the First-Round Playoff Games 07:05 - Analysis of Team Seeding and Selection Controversies 14:31 - Discussion on National Awards and Candidates 31:42 - Preview of Upcoming Second-Round Playoff Matchups 48:33 - SWAC Championship Game Preview 50:51 - Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Archimedes, Pythagoras and all the great mathematicians took a pass on trying to figure out the FCS postseason tiebreakers and chaos, but the good doctors are in the house to decipher it for you. In The FCS Edge, episode 15, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell dive into the big games and possibilities of the final weekend of the regular season leading into Selection Sunday.

• This week is the best week of the year for FCS football.
• Auto bids are crucial for playoff scenarios.
• Three HBCUs could finish in the Top 25 this season.
• The Brawl of the Wild is a significant matchup.
• The loser of the Montana/Montana State game could drop in rankings.
• The playoff bubble is as tight as ever this year.
• Zach believes quality wins are more important than quality losses.
• There is a case for expanding the playoff field to 28 teams.
• The gap between FCS teams is closing.

Craig and Zach also welcome in special guests Grace Lawrence and Samuel Akem for an inside look at one of the FCS’ biggest rivalries – No. 3 Montana State at No. 2 Montana.

• The Brawl of the Wild is a significant rivalry game.
• Home field advantage plays a crucial role in rivalry games.
• Montana State's defense is seasoned and deep.
• Tradition and community impact are vital in college football rivalries.
• Key players will determine the outcome of the Brawl.
• The significance of the game extends beyond just football.
• The atmosphere of the game is electric and highly anticipated.
• Predictions suggest a close and competitive game.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - Introduction to The FCS Edge and exciting matchups
• 02:58 - FCS playoff scenarios and auto bids
• 06:05 - Key matchups and their implications
• 08:45 - Bubble teams and selection committee dynamics
• 12:03 - Strength of schedule and its impact
• 15:04 - Potential expansion of the playoff field
• 17:59 - Predictions for Week 13 matchups
• 26:50 - Grace Lawrence and Samuel Akem join the show
• 45:34 - Pick 'em segment

Before all the chaos on Saturday, relax, take a deep breath and embrace the playoff possibilities with The FCS Edge. No wait, In episode 14, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell are bursting bubbles, discussing the wild scenarios, and predicting key games. Yeah, chaos rules.

Craig and Zach also welcome in special guests Chris Grant, the Southland Conference commissioner, and Jeff Bacon, the United Athletic Conference executive director, to discuss the multiple playoff candidates in both of their conferences, plus the future of the FCS.

• Investment in facilities and coaching is crucial for growth.
• There is a desire to bring the FCS championship game back to Frisco.
• Realignment approached with a focus on regional identity.
• Expansion of the playoff field is a topic of interest.
• Financial viability of the playoffs is a pressing concern.
• The importance of student-athlete experience emphasized.
• Collaboration among commissioners is key for future success.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - Introduction to FCS Edge and Week 11 recap
• 02:52 - Diving into FCS playoff scenarios
• 06:02 - Analyzing top teams and their paths to undefeated seasons
• 08:47 - Chaos in the bubble: OVC-Big South and Ivy League implications
• 11:54 - Missouri Valley Conference dynamics and selection predictions
• 14:52 - Final thoughts on upcoming games and playoff picture
• 18:36 - Chris Grant and Jeff Bacon join the show
• 40:16 - Week 12 Pick'em segment

With Selection Sunday fast approaching, The FCS Edge has gone right to the source. In episode 13, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell welcome in special guests Mark Wharton, the chair of the FCS playoff selection committee, and Ty Halpin of the NCAA for an informative conservation on how the 24-team field is being built.

Also, Craig and Zach preview and predict key games, pondering if the Week 11 schedule will be as chaotic as last weekend’s results.

• Week 10 was chaotic with many upsets.
• Seeding from 1 to 16 added complexity to playoff selections.
• Metrics are secondary; the eye test is crucial.
• Injuries significantly impact team evaluations.
• The Ivy League's automatic bid changes the selection landscape.
• The selection committee faces challenges with tight bubbles.
• Upcoming matchups could shift playoff dynamics.
• Nashville championship week promises to be unique.
• The committee's process is thorough and collaborative.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - Welcome and Week 10 Chaos
• 03:12 - Analyzing Week 10 Upsets
• 05:56 - Field of 24: Playoff Scenarios
• 09:07 - Eddie Robinson Award and Coaching Picks
• 12:01 - FCS Awards Predictions
• 15:07 - Week 11 Game Previews
• 18:08 - Mark Wharton and Ty Halpin Join the Show
• 41:54 - Key Matchups and Predictions
• 44:14 - Missouri Valley Conference Showdown
• 47:17 - CAA and Southland Conference Insights
• 50:18 - MEAC and Delaware State's Rise
• 53:21 - Closing Thoughts