IDAHO STATE, TARLETON STATE, CITADEL WIN AT FBS VENUES

Three FCS teams defeated FBS opponents on 5 September, a rare occurrence in college American football. Idaho State beat Utah State 29-17 at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Tarleton State defeated Bowling Green 20-13 at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, and The Citadel won 43-41 against Charlotte in three overtimes at Jerry Richardson Stadium. The three FCS visitors had been paid flat fees by their hosts to travel and fill nonconference fixtures. Idaho State collected $400,000 from Utah State, Tarleton State collected $360,000 from Bowling Green, and The Citadel collected $305,000 from Charlotte.

Idaho State entered the match as a 15.5-point underdog and came from behind after Utah State took a 17-16 lead late in the third quarter. The Bengals scored the last 13 points to secure the victory, their first FBS win since 2017 when they beat Nevada. Tarleton State, ranked No. 5 in the FCS coaches' poll, led 17-0 early but saw Bowling Green narrow the margin. The Falcons' two late drives inside the Tarleton 10-yard line stalled, and Tarleton held on for the road win, their second consecutive FBS victory after beating Army in 2025. The Citadel overcame a 20.5-point underdog spread at Charlotte following a one-hour, 15-minute weather delay. After regulation ended 28-28, both teams scored in the second overtime before The Citadel's Nick Billoups threw a two-point conversion pass to Whit Hobgood in the third overtime to win.

According to available data, only four FCS teams beat FBS opponents throughout the previous season, making three victories in a single week uncommon. The visiting teams retained their appearance fees regardless of the result. The Citadel had entered the match having lost 42-14 to Wofford in their prior fixture.