Last Four In: William & Mary, Youngstown State, Northern Arizona, Wofford
First Four Out: Liberty, Furman, Central Arkansas, Illinois State
Two of the lesser-known FCS schools, Bryant and Jacksonville, registered key victories this weekend that could propel them into the playoffs. Bryant (3-0) knocked off CAA member Maine, 13-10, while Jacksonville toppled Pioneer preseason favorite San Diego.
Meanwhile, perennial playoff contender Sam Houston State fell to 1-3 after getting crushed by Division II power Colorado State-Pueblo. One thing in the Bearkats’ favor, however, is that it doesn’t face Southeastern Louisiana this season. Sam Houston State still must play McNeese State but without the contest against SE Louisiana, KC Keeler’s team might be able to rebound and get in the playoff fight.
The other interesting schedule quirk is out west where in the Big Sky Conference, Northern Arizona doesn’t play Montana or Montana State. That should help its playoff chances.
But in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, everybody is a contender – and they should be. This conference is loaded. Add Illinois State to the list of possible playoff teams from the MVFC after it knocked off Eastern Illinois, 34-15.
This coming weekend, there are several key games to watch: Montana at North Dakota State, Eastern Washington at Montana State, James Madison at Villanova, New Hampshire at Richmond and Eastern Kentucky at UT-Martin.
See the FCS Football Projected Bracket
Big Sky: *Eastern Washington, Montana, Northern Arizona, Montana State
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: *Jacksonville
Southern: *Chattanooga, Wofford
Southland: *Southeastern Louisiana, McNeese State
*auto bid
See the FCS Football Projected Bracket
