Last Four In: Youngstown State, Southern Illinois, Western Carolina, Chattanooga
First Six Out: Mercer, Northern Iowa, Illinois State, William & Mary, Rhode Island, UC Davis
As usual, the bubble is extremely interesting. The most intriguing conference race that could affect the bubble is in the UAC. Central Arkansas would win the automatic bid if they beat Austin Peay this Saturday, but Austin Peay would still be 8-3 and have a strong strength of schedule and find themselves right on the bubble.
The MVFC has huge game after huge game this weekend. Illinois State faces off against North Dakota, with the winner likely reaching the playoffs. Southern Illinois needs to beat Indiana State and they should be in. Youngstown State is in the same situation against Murray State. Northern Iowa is 6-4 right now and have to face NDSU. If UNI wins, they should be the first 7-4 team in the committee’s bracket.
The SoCon teams will be hoping for bubble chaos. Mercer’s season is finished and Chattanooga will finish 7-4 after facing Alabama this weekend.
William & Mary has to beat Richmond to have a shot at an at-large and Richmond could use that win to cement an at-large bid. Rhode Island will need a win and a little help to find themselves on the right side of the bubble.
Bids By Conference
Big Sky: Idaho, Montana, Montana State, Sacramento State
Big South / Ohio Valley: Gardner-Webb
Coastal: Albany, Delaware, Richmond, Villanova
Missouri Valley: North Dakota, North Dakota State, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois, Youngstown State
Northeast: Duquesne
Patriot: Lafayette
Pioneer: Drake
Southern: Furman, Western Carolina
Southland: Incarnate Word, Nicholls
UAC: Austin Peay
