Last Four In: Eastern Kentucky, William & Mary, Youngstown State, Northern Arizona
First Four Out: Montana State, Liberty, Furman, Central Arkansas
It is 0-2 by a combined seven points, but that’s the reality facing Chattanooga today after it dropped a tough 26-23 overtime loss to Ohio Valley Conference favorite Jacksonville State. The Mocs now find themselves in a tough spot with games against Tennessee, Wofford, The Citadel and Furman remaining. Figure a loss to Tennessee in a few weeks so that would give the Mocs three losses ... which means they might have to run the table to make the playoffs. You can bet this isn’t the way they envisioned the season. Chattanooga should be able to rebound next week at Austin Peay before Samford comes to town on September 27th.
Another key game this weekend was Southern Illinois’ 38-24 victory over Eastern Illinois. The Salukis belong to the Missouri Valley Football Conference, which figures to send several teams to the playoffs. Count the Salukis as one of those possibilities. There could be five teams from the MVFC in the playoffs this season, and Southern Illinois has a good shot – particularly since it doesn’t meet South Dakota State, another team that figures to be in the hunt.
Meanwhile, Eastern Kentucky scored its first win over an FBS program since 1985 when the Colonels defeated Louisville. With Tennessee State losing this weekend, it helps the Colonels’ long-range chances for the playoffs. Jacksonville State is the team to beat in the OVC, but Eastern Kentucky looks as if it wants to make some noise, too.
See the FCS Football Projected Bracket
Big Sky: *Eastern Washington, Montana, Northern Arizona
Big South: *Coastal Carolina
CAA: *Villanova, New Hampshire, Richmond, William & Mary
MEAC: *Bethune-Cookman
MVFC: *North Dakota State, Youngstown State, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois
NEC: *Bryant
OVC: *Jacksonville State, Eastern Kentucky
Patriot: *Fordham
Pioneer: *San Diego
Southern: *Chattanooga, Wofford
Southland: *SE Louisiana, Sam Houston State, McNeese State
See the FCS Football Projected Bracket
