October 01, 2025

FCS Fast Starts

51 minutes

Catch them if you can. In The FCS Edge, episode 8, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell are exploring who’s sprinted out of the starting block of the 2025 season, from the Montana Grizzlies to the key MVFC powers with big matchups this week to players out in front of the Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan award conversations.

There aren’t many teams that have had a faster start than Tennessee Tech. Coach Bobby Wilder joins the show as a special guest to break down the undefeated Golden Eagles.

Here’s a rundown of the key talking points from our "‘FCS Fast Starts" interview with Coach Wilder:

The team's fast start is motivated by last season's near miss of an FCS playoff bid.

A strong culture of hard work is embodied in the phrase "grab a shovel, jump in the ditch and dig."

All 29 transfers have contributed positively to the team's performance.

The transfer portal operates at warp speed, requiring advanced scouting.

Effort and attention to detail are crucial for building a winning culture.

The team has a veteran presence that aids in maintaining focus on the process of winning.

The team is built to compete for the OVC-Big South title and potentially make a postseason run

Tennessee Tech is moving to the Southern Conference for better geographical alignment.

Travel logistics for student-athletes will improve significantly in the new conference.

Craig and Zach also look ahead to Week 6 with the pick 'ems segment expanding out to 10 games, with colleges across the FCS nation hoping to maintain their fast starts or even start to get out of the blocks.

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Chapters in "FCS Fast Starts"

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of FCS Landscape

03:10 - Fast Starts and Key Matchups

06:05 - Ranking Controversies and Team Performances

09:04 - Individual Player Highlights and Awards Discussion

11:56 - Walter Payton Award Candidates

14:45 - Buck Buchanan Award Candidates

19:17 - Tennessee Tech Coach Bobby Wilder Joins the Show

39:29 - Pick'em Segment: Week 6 Predictions

42:22 - Key Matchups and Implications

45:14 - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

...more

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By Opta Analyst

4.9

99 ratings