Bracketology Breakdown
Last Four In: Missouri State, New Hampshire, Villanova, North Dakota
First Four Out: Furman, Richmond, Virginia Military, Murray State
Rejoice, FCS fans! The division picked up a couple more scalps this week as both Jacksonville State (beating Florida State) and Duquesne (beating Ohio) both did the trick. Of course, there were multiple others that almost did it also. But as we sit, the FCS has taken eight games from the upper level.
Here’s where the cheering ends, unless you’re a “Big Three” fan. So far, the Missouri Valley, Big Sky and Colonial Conferences have dominated the FCS division of football. Most of the most impressive victories have come from this narrow cross section of teams. Yes, it could all be argued and surely many will. I expect to get e-mails or objections through social media. But everyone needs to remember, these conferences also have to play within themselves. With more than 80% of the season remaining, changes will happen. There’s a very slim, scant chance that the Missouri Valley ends with six bids. Same goes for the Big Sky getting five and the Colonial four. But at this particular moment in time, it could.
I’m not going to get much more in depth right now because this seems almost imaginary. Still, it’s also a good conversation starter. Even if people are starting their conversations with “Hey, (EXPLETIVE)!” It’s the nature of this business. Someone always has a gripe.
Bids By Conference
AQ7 (2): *Sam Houston State, Jacksonville State
Big Sky (5): *Montana, Eastern Washington, UC-Davis, Montana State, Weber State
Big South (1): *Monmouth
Colonial (4): *James Madison, Delaware, New Hampshire, Villanova
Missouri Valley (6): *South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Southern Illinois, North Dakota, Northern Iowa, Missouri State
Northeast (1): *Duquesne
Ohio Valley (1): *Austin Peay
Patriot (1): *Holy Cross
Pioneer (1): *San Diego
Southern (1): *East Tennessee State
Southland (1): *Southeastern Louisiana
* denotes projected conference’s automatic qualifier
