Last Four In: Tennessee-Martin, Youngstown State, Fordham, New Hampshire
First Four Out: Montana, Towson, Citadel, Eastern Kentucky
Don’t look now, but guess who’s back in the playoff picture? By virtue of its 30-25 victory over Richmond, the Wildcats of New Hampshire (5-4) could still get a bid if they win their last two contests. They face Albany on the road and then come home to face rival Maine in the regular-season finale. If New Hampshire goes 7-4, it could sneak ahead of Towson for possibly the final CAA berth. Towson (6-3) still must face William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., before coming home against Rhode Island. Towson and New Hampshire didn’t meet this fall, meaning if they both finish 7-4 the committee might like to give New Hampshire its 12tj straight playoff bid – longest in the nation – over the Tigers.
The CAA is just one of many conferences that still are loaded with questions. Even though South Dakota State upset Illinois State in the MVFC, that conference’s playoff picture is coming into focus. Illinois State, North Dakota State and South Dakota State should be in with Northern Iowa and Youngstown State still alive. YSU likely must win its home game with North Dakota State this weekend to stay alive while Northern Iowa is likely in with wins over Missouri State and Southern Illinois. But in the Big Sky Conference, there are six teams still alive for likely four playoff spots: Southern Utah, Eastern Washington, Portland State, Northern Arizona, Montana and North Dakota. Portland State hurt itself by losing to Northern Colorado this weekend because it finishes against Southern Utah and Eastern Washington. Perennial playoff contender Eastern Washington lost to Northern Arizona and must still face Montana and Portland State so there is a lot to be decided out west.
See the FCS Football Projected Bracket
Big Sky: Northern Arizona, Eastern Washington, Southern Utah, Portland State
Big South: Coastal Carolina, Charleston Southern
CAA: James Madison, New Hampshire, William & Mary, Richmond
MVFC: Illinois State, South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, Youngstown State
NEC: Bryant
OVC: Jacksonville State, Tennessee-Martin
Patriot: Colgate, Fordham
Pioneer: Dayton
Southern: Chattanooga
Southland: McNeese State, Sam Houston State
See the FCS Football Projected Bracket