10 FCS football midseason superlatives

We’re at about the midseason point of the 2024 FCS football season. It’s time to hand out some superlatives as we reflect on the season that’s been and look forward to what’s to come. Here are 10 superlatives — five for teams and five for individuals.

Bright lights star

This award goes to the player who stepped up under immense pressure. That player is Idaho quarterback Jack Wagner. Wagner became the starting quarterback after Jack Layne suffered an injury in a season-opening loss to Oregon where the Vandals pushed a top-five FBS team to the wire. Those were big shoes to fill.

Wagner not only filled those shoes, but he led Idaho to an FBS win over Wyoming in his first start of the year. Wagner stepped up in a high-pressure moment, leading the Vandals to the first of many wins.

Bounceback player of the year

This award goes to the player who bounced back after adversity. Stephen F. Austin quarterback Sam Vidlak takes this award after finding success in his new home. 

Stephen F. Austin is Vidlak’s fourth school of his college career. Vidlak verbally committed to Montana out of high school before ultimately going to Oregon State as a freshman, transferring to Boise State the next year and then transferring to Montana in 2023. Vidlak transferred to the Grizzlies hoping to become the starter, but ended up the backup as Montana reached the title game. Vidlak entered the transfer portal one more time before finding a home at Stephen F. Austin.

Now a Lumberjack, Vidlak is fourth in the FCS in passing touchdowns and efficiency, and ninth in passing yards. He’s bouncing back in a big way, most recently leading SFA to a ranked win over Lamar on Oct. 12.

Best individual play

Just watch this catch from Robert Morris’ Rob Carter Jr.

In case you missed it, check out this acrobatic interception by Rob Carter Jr. to end the half. #BobbyMo pic.twitter.com/EwE9XxXmk9

— RMU Football…