MONDAY NIGHT ROUNDUP--NOVEMBER 27, 2006

DRIVE FOR FIVE DENIED!

For the first time since 2001, there will be a new national champion in NAIA football, as St. Xavier ended Carroll (Mont.)'s quest for a fifth straight title last Saturday at Helena, Mont.

FULL STORY

FULL STRENGTH

The defending NCAA Division II national champions return all 11 of their original starters back, and it couldn't have come at a better time!

FULL STORY

SLUGFEST

Here's a recap of North Dakota's dramatic 38-35 win over Nebraska-Omaha in round two of the D-II playoffs.

FULL STORY

NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP--FIRST ROUND

The first round of the first-ever NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoffs is in the books. Click here for a recap of the first weekend's action.

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

THE DAY IN REVIEW--ROUND TWO

THE 10 BEST GAMES!!!!

With the balance of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend rapidly coming and going, let's quickly look at the 10 best games from the second week of the NCAA Division II, III, and NAIA playoffs.

Delta State 24, North Carolina Central 17 (NCAA D-II)

The Statesmen pull another rabbit out of their hat, as they rally to upset the previously undefeated Eagles.

Delta State Press Release

Bloomsburg 21, West Chester 20 (NCAA D-II)

Missed field goals by the Golden Rams help the Huskies move on the quarterfinals!

Bloomsburg Press Release

North Dakota 38, Nebraska-Omaha 35 (NCAA D-II)

Speaking of field goals, the Fighting Sioux found itself on the winning side after such a kick sunk the Mavericks in Omaha Saturday afternoon!

UND Press Release

Wisconsin-Whitewater 24, Wisconsin-LaCrosse 21 (NCAA D-III)

A go ahead touchdown catch in the fourth quarter lifts the Warhawks over the Eagles!

UW-Whitewater Press Release

Mary Hardin-Baylor 30, Washington & Jefferson 27 (NCAA D-III)

The Crusaders hold off a late rally from the Crusaders to draw a date in Delaware next Saturday! Wesley shut out Carnegie Mellon 37-0 in Dover to set up that date!

UMHB Press Release

Rowan 21, Wilkes 14 (NCAA D-III)

The Profs pull off the shocker against the Colonels to advance to the final eight!

Rowan Press Release

St. John Fisher 27, Springfield 21 (NCAA D-III)

The Cardinals exact revenge on the Pride, face Rowan in the quarters!

Box Score

St. Xavier 14, Carroll (Mont.) 7 (NAIA)

It's heartbreak in Helena, Mont., as the Cougars end the Saints hopes for a fifth straight national championship.

St. Xavier Press Release

St. Francis (Ind.) 42, Bethel (Tenn.) 35 (NAIA)

It was a good day to be a Mid-States Football Association fan, as another pack of Cougars rally to cut down a pack of Wildcats from the Mid-South Conference!

St. Francis Press Release

Missouri Valley 33, Northwestern (Iowa) 26 (NAIA)

The Vikings win a slugfest to stay unbeaten!

Box Score

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 13

Last Week--35-9 (.795)
Year-To-Date--293-143 (.672)

The first round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs is drawing closer and closer, while the second round of the NCAA Division II and III playoffs, as well as the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs surely will provide another round thrills and upsets. That's not to mention there will be a pair of games pitting four HBCU schools. All of this makes for a great feast of football this Thanksgiving Weekend!

By the way, we do apologize to the fans of both St. John Fisher and Union (N.Y.) who are reading this blog for not including their game in the list of predictions. Sorry for any inconvenience. All omissions aside, though, the other 15 games which were in the forecast all went correctly.

With that said, let's move on to this week's predictions! Happy Thanksgiving!

NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION--FIRST ROUND

Coastal Carolina (9-2) at Appalachian State (10-1)

(First-ever playoff game for Chanticleers!)

Furman (8-3) at Montana State (7-4)

Illinois State (8-3) at Eastern Illinois (8-4)

James Madison (9-2) at Youngstown State (9-2)

(It's the Dukes vs. the Penguins on ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. EST Saturday!)

Lafayette (6-5) at Massachusetts (10-1)

New Hampshire (8-3) at Hampton (10-1)

Tennessee-Martin (10-2) at Southern Illinois (8-3)

McNeese State (7-4) at Montana (10-1)

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--SECOND ROUND

South Dakota (9-3) at Grand Valley State (11-0)

North Dakota (10-1) at Nebraska-Omaha (8-2)

Delta State (10-2) at North Carolina Central (11-0)

Newberry (11-1) at North Alabama (10-0)

(The Indians march into the Shoals to square off against the Lions!)

Merrimack (8-3) at Shepherd (10-0)

West Chester (9-3) at Bloomsburg (10-1)

Midwestern State (10-2) at Northwest Missouri State (11-0)

West Texas A&M (11-1) at Chadron State (11-0)

(The Buffaloes make the stampede into western Nebraska to battle the Eagles!)

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--SECOND ROUND

Wheaton (10-1) at Mount Union (11-0)

North Central (9-2) at Capital (10-1)

Rowan (8-2) at Wilkes (11-0)

St. John's Fisher (10-1) at Springfield (10-1)

(Regular-season re-match of Empire 8 Conference powerhouses!)

Carnegie-Mellon (11-0) at Wesley (11-0)

(Battle of undefeated "Pool B's!")

Washington & Jefferson (10-1) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (9-2)

Wisconsin-LaCrosse (9-1) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (11-0)

(Here's another re-match of conference rivals from the regular season!)

St. John's (10-1) at Whitworth (11-0)

(The Johnnies go west to face the Pirates in this potential titanic battle!)

NAIA PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS

Morningside (9-2) at Sioux Falls (11-0)

Bethel (Tenn.)--(10-1) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(11-0)

Northwestern (Iowa)--(11-1) at Missouri Valley (12-0)

St. Xavier (9-2) at Carroll (Mont.)--(11-1)

OTHER GAMES

Thursday

Turkey Day Classic at Montgomery, Ala.

Tuskegee (7-3) vs. Alabama State (5-5)

Saturday

Bayou Classic at New Orleans@

Grambling State (3-6) vs. Southern (4-6)

@--Game televised on NBC-TV at 2 p.m. EST

MONDAY NIGHT ROUND-UP--NOVEMBER 20, 2006

BREAKING DOWN THE FCS SELECTIONS

Coastal Carolina (9-2) at Appalachian State (10-1)

Furman (8-3) at Montana State (7-4)

Illinois State (8-3) at Eastern Illinois (8-4)

James Madison (9-2) at Youngstown State (9-2)

Lafayette (6-5) at Massachusetts (10-1)

New Hampshire (8-3) at Hampton (10-1)

Tennessee-Martin (10-2) at Southern Illinois (8-3)

McNeese State (7-4) at Montana (10-1)

Analysis: The pairings for the newly-renamed NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly NCAA Division I-AA, have been revealed. Unlike the hypocrisy that's the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), the FCS playoff field doesn't have any undefeated teams. But it does have three teams with one loss (Hampton, Massachusetts, and Montana), three teams with two losses (Coastal Carolina, James Madison, and Youngstown State), four teams with three losses (Furman, Illinois State, New Hampshire, and Southern Illinois), two teams with four losses (McNeese State and Montana State), and one team with five losses. That by itself should make for an interesting postseason at the FCS level, although Appalachian State just might be a solid favorite to repeat as national champions.

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

NCAA DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIP SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED

In case you missed it, here are the selections of the 16 teams in the newly-created NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA).

Click here for the bracket.

B.C. LIONS WIN GREY CUP

Christmas came a month early for the British Columbia Lions, as they downed the Montreal Alouettes 25-14 to the win the Grey Cup in Winnipeg Sunday.

Article courtesy of Canada.com

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

THE DAY IN REVIEW--ROUND ONE

THE 10 BEST GAMES!!!!

It was a day of comebacks, upsets, and thrilling finishes in the first weekend of the NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA playoffs. Let's quickly recap some of those finishes.

West Texas A&M 30, Abilene Christian 27 (NCAA Division II Playoffs)

The Buffaloes rally in overtime to stun the Wildcats!

West Texas A&M Press Release

Delta State 17, Elizabeth City State 10 (NCAA Division II Playoffs)

The Statesmen also manage to make a comeback to advance to round two!

Delta State Press Release

West Chester 31, Bryant 29 (NCAA Division II Playoffs)

The sixth-seeded Rams from suburban Philadelphia pull off the shocker of the day, as they eliminated the third-seeded Bulldogs in the Northeast Region bracket!

Bryant Press Release

South Dakota 31, Northwood 28 (NCAA Division II Playoffs)

The Coyotes advance to round two thanks to a field goal!

USD Press Release

Wisconsin-LaCrosse 28, Bethel (Minn.) 21 (NCAA Division III Playoffs)

The Eagles hold off a charge from the Royals to earn a re-match with Wisconsin-Whitewater!

UW-LaCrosse Press Release

St. John's (Minn.) 21, Central (Iowa) 13 (NCAA Division III Playoffs)

The Johnnies earn a trip to the Pacific Northwest after downing the previously undefeated Dutch!

Final Stats

Whitworth 27, Occidental 23 (NCAA Division III Playoffs)

The Pirates (11-0) come from behind to trip up the Tigers in a West Coast thriller!

Whitworth Press Release

Rowan 20, Hobart 18 (NCAA Division III Playoffs)

A last second field goal lifts the Profs over the Statesmen!

Rowan Press Release

Northwestern (Iowa) 17, Black Hills State 10 (NAIA Playoffs)

The Raiders hold off the Yellow Jackets to advance to the second round.

Northwestern Press Release

Morningside 38, St. Ambrose 31 (NAIA Playoffs)

The Mustangs rally in double overtime to pull off the upset over the previously unbeaten Fighting Bees!

Morningside Press Release

arenafootball2 Schedule announced

Let the hot stove league talk begin, as arenafootball2 announced its 2007 schedule!

af2 Press Release

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 12

Last Week--30-13 (.698)
Year-To-Date--258-134 (.658)

The playoffs have arrived for the NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels, while the final weekend of the regular season has arrived for the soon to be re-named NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (soon to be former NCAA Division I-AA). There are many games at the FCS level that will have conference championship, as well as postseason implications this Saturday. So, without further ado, let's move on to this week's predictions!

Projected winners highlighted in RED

Key games highlighted in BOLD type.

Showcase games highlighted in italics.

DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION

Montana (9-1) at Montana State (7-3)

(A share of the Big Sky Conference championship on the line! Grizzlies can clinch title outright with a win!)

Lehigh (6-4) at Lafayette (5-5)

(142nd meeting all time! Winner gets Patriot League automatic bid to FCS playoffs!)

Yale (7-2) at Harvard (7-2)

(It's the Bulldogs vs. the Crimson in "The Game"! Winner wins a share of the Ivy League crown!)

James Madison (8-2) at Towson (7-3)

Bethune Cookman (5-5) vs. Florida A&M (6-4)*

*--Florida Classic at Orlando, Fla.

Charleston Southern (9-1) at Coastal Carolina (8-2)

South Dakota State (7-3) at North Dakota State (9-1)

DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

First Round Byes: Grand Valley State (11-0), Nebraska-Omaha (8-2), North Carolina Central (11-0), North Alabama (10-0), Shepherd (10-0), Bloomsburg (10-1), Northwest Missouri State (11-0), Chadron State (11-0)

South Dakota (8-3) at Northwood (8-2)

Winona State (9-2) at North Dakota (9-1)

Delta State (9-2) at Elizabeth City State (9-2)

Albany State (Ga.)--(7-3) at Newberry (10-1)

Southern Connecticut (7-3) at Merrimack (7-3)

West Chester (8-3) at Bryant (8-2)

Missouri Western (9-2) at Midwestern State (9-2)

Abilene Christian (8-2) at West Texas A&M (10-1)

DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

Hope (7-3) at Mount Union (10-0)

Mount St. Joseph (9-1) at Wheaton (9-1)

North Central (8-2) vs. Concordia (Wis.)--(10-0)**

**--Game played at Milwaukee, Wis.

Wittenberg (7-3) at Capital (9-1)

Washington & Lee (7-3) at Wilkes (10-0)

Hobart (8-1) at Rowan (7-2)

Curry (11-0) at Springfield (9-1)

Dickinson (8-2) at Wesley (10-0)

Millsaps (7-3) at Carnegie-Mellon (10-0)

Washington & Jefferson (9-1) at Christopher Newport (8-2)

Hardin-Simmons (8-1) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (8-2)

St. Norbert (10-0) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (10-0)

(It's the Midwest Cofnerence versus the WIAC in a battle of undefeated teams!)

Bethel (Minn.)--(9-1) at Wisconsin-LaCrosse (8-1)

Occidental (9-0) at Whitworth (10-0)

(It's Southern California against the Pacific Northwest in another battle of unbeatens!)

St. John's (Minn.)--(9-1) at Central (10-0)

(How about a once-beaten team taking on an unbeaten team?)

ECAC DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIPS

RPI (6-3) at Cortland State (9-1)

Rochester (7-3) at Alfred (7-3)

Bridgewater State (7-2) at Coast Guard (8-2)

Salisbury (5-5) at Delaware Valley (8-2)

Widener (6-4) at Ursinus (8-2)

King's (6-4) at Kean (6-4)

NCCAA VICTORY BOWL--at Tigerville, S.C.

Malone (7-3) at North Greenville (9-2)

NAIA PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

Walsh (9-2) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(10-0)

Jamestown (8-2) at Sioux Falls (10-0)

Morningside (8-2) at St. Ambrose (10-0)

Montana State-Northern (9-2) at Carroll (Mont.)--(10-1)

(Third meeting between the Lights and the Saints!)

Bethel (Kans.)--(9-1) at Missouri Valley (11-0)

Black Hills State (8-2) at Northwestern (Iowa)--(10-1)

St. Xavier (8-2) at Georgetown (Ky.)--(9-1)

Friends (9-1) at Bethel (Tenn.)--(9-1)

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

BREAKING DOWN THE BRACKETS--THE NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS

Bracket A

Mount Union (10-0) vs. Hope (7-3)

Mount St. Joseph (9-1) vs. Wheaton (9-1)

Concordia (Wis.)--(10-0) vs. North Central (8-2)

Capital (9-1) vs. Wittenberg (7-3)

Analysis: The team to watch in this bracket is none other than Mount Union, whose Purple Raiders hope to win a ninth national championship in 14 years. But there are plenty of challengers wanting to knock off the Ohio purple people eaters, as the Mount St. Joseph-Wheaton winner could find themselves facing Mount Union in round two. Also, don't be surprised if the Purple Raiders end up facing Ohio Athletic Conference rival Capital in a potential quarterfinal re-match.

Bracket B

Wilkes (10-0) vs. Washington & Lee (7-3)

Hobart (8-1) vs. Rowan (7-2)

St. John Fisher (9-1) vs. Union (7-2)

Springfield (9-1) vs. Curry (11-0)

Analysis: This bracket has the potential for at least two re-matches in the later rounds: Hobart vs. Union, and St. John Fisher vs. Springfield, both in round two. Or how about more juicier match-ups down the road, like Wilkes-Hobart, Hobart-SJF, SJF-Rowan or even Curry-Wilkes. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves, as anything can happen in round one.

Bracket C

Wesley (10-0) vs. Dickinson (8-2)

Carnegie-Mellon (10-0) vs. Millsaps (7-3)

Christopher Newport (8-2) vs. Washington & Jefferson (9-1)

Mary Hardin-Baylor (8-2) vs. Hardin-Simmons (8-1)

Analysis: This bracket is also packed with intrigue, as it has two undefeated teams (Wesley, CMU) that could collide in the second round should they get past the first round; another program that hasn't been to postseason play in more than three decades (Millsaps), a Virginia squad that has made the playoffs in six of the first seven years of the program (CNU), not to mention a program that played in the national title game just two years ago (UMHB). That alone should make for some interesting storylines in the 2006 D-III dance.

Bracket D

Wisconsin-Whitewater (10-0) vs. St. Norbert (10-0)

Wisconsin-LaCrosse (8-1) vs. Bethel (Minn.)--(9-1)

Whitworth (10-0) vs. Occidental (9-0)

Central (Iowa)--(10-0) vs. St. John's (Minn.)--(9-1)

Analysis: This probably has to be the most competitive of all four brackets, with five unbeaten teams. Four of those squads (Whitewater vs. St. Norbert, and Whitworth vs. Occidental) will square off in round one this weekend. Which is a shame, because only two of those teams will be assured of continuing their perfect seasons when the smoke finally clears.

MONDAY NIGHT ROUNDUP--NOVEMBER 13, 2006 (SPECIAL EDITION)

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE ROAD TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

BREAKING DOWN THE BRACKETS

Now that the playoff brackets have been revealed, it's time to analyze each of them for the NCAA Division II, D-III, and NAIA levels. First up will be the D-II playoff bracket.

Northwest:

1. Grand Valley State (10-0)

2. Nebraska-Omaha (8-2)

3. North Dakota (9-1) vs. 6. Winona State (9-2)

4. Northwood (8-2) vs. 5. South Dakota (8-3)

Analysis: GVSU remains the team the beat for a national championship until, of course, another squad can prove otherwise. The biggest surprise here is the North Central Conference getting three teams (UNO, UND, and USD) into the playoff field, especially the Coyotes, who had been snubbed from postseason play, despite decent won-loss records the last two years, before the third time finally proved to be the charm this year.

Southeast:

1. North Carolina Central (11-0)

2. North Alabama (10-0)

3. Newberry (10-1) vs. 6. Albany State (7-3)

4. Elizabeth City State (9-2) vs. 5. Delta State (9-2)

Analysis: The fact that NCCU and UNA are not only undefeated, but also have the top two seeds in this bracket comes as no surprise. But there were a lot of surprises in this year's field, as Newberry makes its first-ever postseason trip, while DSU and ECSU have advanced to this year's Big Dance after lengthy absences. The Statesmen advanced to the D-II playoffs for the first time since winning the national championship in 2000, while the Vikings will play their first postseason contest since 1981.

Northeast:

1. Shepherd (10-0)

2. Bloomsburg (10-1)

3. Bryant (8-2) vs. 6. West Chester (8-3)

4. Merrimack (7-3) vs. 5. Southern Connecticut (7-3)

Analysis: Again no surprises here, as both Shepherd and Bloomsburg again have the top two seeds in this bracket. But it also has three of the five teams with three losses in Merrimack, Southern Connecticut, and West Chester, which should least make for an interesting first round this weekend.

Southwest:

1. Northwest Missouri State (11-0)

2. Chadron State (11-0)

3. West Texas A&M (10-1) vs. 6. Abilene Christian (8-2)

4. Midwestern State (9-2) vs. 5. Missouri Western State (9-2)

Analysis: This probably has to be the toughest of the four brackets in the NCAA Division II playoffs, as all six teams have two or fewer losses coming into this weekend's first round action. The Bearcats of Northwest Missouri are the obvious favorites to come out of this bracket, although a fine-feathered flock of football players from western Nebraska might have something to say about that.

SUNDAY DRIVE--WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2006 (SPECIAL EDITION)

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--THE PLAYOFFS ARE HERE!!!!!

The moment of truth has come for teams wishing to advance to postseason play in NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA football. Click the links below to find out which teams made the playoffs, and which teams will be sitting at home for the holidays.

NCAA Division II Playoff Bracket

NCAA Division III Playoff Bracket

NAIA First Round Playoff Pairings

Stay connected to RFC for the latest news, views, and predictions throughout the playoffs.

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--PLAYOFF WATCH UPDATE

With "Selection Sunday" for NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA teams less than 24 hours away, here are some updates from key games played this Saturday.

North Dakota 33, South Dakota 26

The Fighting Sioux clinch a share of the North Central Conference championship with a win over the Coyotes in a shootout.

UND Press Release

Nebraska-Omaha 48, Central Washington 14

The Mavs win the other half of the NCC title with an easy rout of these ferocious felines from the Pacific Northwest.

Game story courtesy of WOWT-TV

Whitworth 44, Puget Sound 27

The Pirates complete a perfect regular season by rolling past the Loggers.

Whitworth Press Release

St. John Fisher 41, Alfred 13

The Cardinals from Rochester, N.Y. clinch a share of the D-III Empire 8 Conference crown with Springfield by stomping the Saxons.

SJFC Press Release

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--THE PLAYOFF WATCH

As promised, here are the final scores from the games that have the most bearing on postseason play at the NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels from Saturday.

All times Eastern Standard Time

3:13 p.m.

New England Football Conference Championship Game at New London, Conn.

Curry 34, Coast Guard 28 (Curry advances to NCAA Division III playoffs)

3:51 p.m.

Cortland State 23, Ithaca 20 (Red Dragons finish the regular season at 9-1, await possible berth to the NCAA Division III playoffs)

3:54 p.m.

Click here for final stats of Cortland State's 23-20 win over Ithaca in the battle for the "Cortaca Jug".

4:11 p.m.

Indiana (Pa.) 21, California (Pa.) 17 (IUP wins Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division title, await word on a possible NCAA Division II playoff berth)

Click here for the final stats.

4:51 p.m.

Bethel (Minn.) 28, St. John's (Minn.) 13 (Royals upset Johnnies to win Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Cofnerence title, automatic NCAA Division III playoff berth)

4:56 p.m.

Capital 19, Baldwin-Wallace 7 (Crusaders finish regular season 9-1, await potential NCAA Division III playoff berth.

4:58 p.m.

Hobart 31, Rochester 21 (Statesmen finish regular season 8-1)

5:10 p.m.

A big upset in the NAIA as Malone breaks a 7-7 halftime, and knocks off Walsh 20-10. The Pioneers finish the regular season at 7-3, while Cavaliers fall to 9-2. Could this loss affect Walsh's postseason chances. Stay connected.

Click here for final stats.

5:22 p.m.

Georgetown (Ky.) 28, Cumberlands (Ky.) 14 (Georgetown improves to 9-1 overall, finishes Mid South Conference East Division play undefeated at 5-0, awaits first round opponent in NAIA playoffs).

6:21 p.m.

North Carolina Central 17, Elizabeth City State 14 (NCCU wins second straight CIAA championship, advance to NCAA Division II playoffs unbeaten at 11-0)

Click here for final stats

6:25 p.m.

Millsaps 34, Trinity (Tex.) 12 (Majors pull off big upset, win Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title, and advance to NCAA Division III playoffs for first time since 1975)

7:00 p.m.

NCAA Division II shockers!

Presbyterian upsets Newberry, 10-0, spoils Indians (10-1) perfect season

Newberry Press Release

ALSO...

Midwestern State pounds Abilene Christian 46-30

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--THE PLAYOFF WATCH

Stay connected to RFC throughout the day for the final scores of key games throughout the nation, as the selections for the NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA playoffs arrive Sunday.

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 11

Last Week--24-14 (.632)
Year-To-Date--228-121 (.653)

Well, here it is! The final week of the regular season at the NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels, while two weeks remain for the vast majority of NCAA Division I-AA programs. What will this weekend bring for teams that need to beef up their postseason resumes? The answer is anybody's guess. Anyway, let's move on this week's predictions.

Projected winners highlighted in RED

Key games highlighted in BOLD type.

Showcase games highlighted in italics.

DIVISION I-AA

Maine (6-3) at Massachusetts (8-1)

Cal Poly (6-3) at North Dakota State (8-1)

(Share of first place at stake in the Great West Football Conference!)

Northern Iowa (6-3) at Southern Illinois (6-3)

Coastal Carolina (7-2) at Gardner-Webb (6-3)

Hampton (9-1) vs. Florida A&M (5-3)

Princeton (7-1) at Yale (7-1)

(Big-time Ivy League showdown!)

Monmouth (N.J.)--(9-1) at Albany (N.Y.)--(7-3)

Stony Brook (5-5) at Central Connecticut State (7-3)

DIVISION II

North Alabama (9-0) at West Alabama (6-4)

Chadron State (10-0) at Adams State (6-4)

Midwestern State (Tex.)--(8-2) at Abilene Christian (8-1)

(How about a Texas shootout on the final weekend of the regular season for size?)

Central Washington (6-4) at Nebraska-Omaha (7-2)

Indiana (Pa.)--(7-2) at California (Pa.)--(8-2)

Wayne State (Mich.)--(6-4) at Ferris State (7-3)

West Chester (7-3) at Slippery Rock (7-3)

Western Oregon (6-3) at Humboldt State (8-1)

Tiffin (10-0) at St. Joseph's (7-3)

DIVISION III

Mount Union (9-0) at Marietta (6-3)

Bethel (Minn.)--(8-1) at St. John's (Minn.)--(9-0)

(It's the Royals versus the Johnnies for all of the marbles in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference!)

Capital (8-1) at Baldwin-Wallace (7-2)

(The Crusaders take on the Yellow Jackets in a contest with potential postseason implications.)

Wisconsin-La Crosse (7-1) at Wisconsin-Oshkosh (5-4)

Puget Sound (7-2) at Whitworth (9-0)

Wilkes (9-0) at King's (6-3)

Ithaca (7-2) at Cortland State (8-1)

(It's the Bombers battling the Red Dragons for the Cortaca Jug!)

St. John Fisher (8-1) at Alfred (7-2)

(Share of Empire 8 Conference crown at stake!)

Union (N.Y.)--(7-1) at RPI (5-3)*

*--Dutchman Shoes Trophy Game

Trinity (Tex.)--(8-1) at Millsaps (6-3)

Thomas More (5-4) at Mount St. Joseph (9-0)

Dubuque (5-4) at Wartburg (8-1)

St. Olaf (7-2) at St. Thomas (6-3)

Williams (7-0) at Amherst (5-2)

Curry (10-0) at Coast Guard (8-1)**

**--New England Football Conference Championship Game at New London, Conn.

DePauw (6-3) at Wabash (7-2)^

^--Monon Bell Game

Dickinson (8-1) at Ursinus (7-2)

Greenville (6-3) at Washington (Mo.)--(5-4)

Rochester (7-2) at Hobart (7-1)

NAIA

William Jewell (5-4) at Missouri Valley (10-0)

Cumberlands (Ky.)--(6-3) at Georgetown (Ky.)--(8-1)

Malone (6-3) at Walsh (8-1)

Montana Tech (6-4) at Montana State-Northern (8-2)

Morningside (7-2) at Dana (5-4)

Graceland (6-3) at Mid-America Nazarene (6-3)

Friends (8-1) at Sterling (6-3)

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--NOVEMBER 8, 2006

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFF PICTURE

Real Football Central's road to the postseason continues with an outlook on the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Which teams have already clinched automatic bids to the D-III "Dance"?

Read below for the answers, in alphabetical order by conference.

American Southwest: Mary Hardin-Baylor (Tex.)
Centennial: Dickinson (Pa.)
Heartland Collegiate: Mount St. Joseph
Illini-Badger: Concordia (Wis.)
Iowa: Central College
Liberty League: Union (N.Y.)
Michigan Intercollegiate: Hope
Middle Atlantic: Wilkes
Midwest: St. Norbert (Wis.)
Ohio: Mount Union
Old Dominion: Washington & Lee
Southern California: Occidental

Which games played this weekend will have playoff implications?

Bethel (Minn.)--(8-1) at St. John's (9-0): The Johnnies host the Royals in a battle for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title.

Capital (8-1) at Baldwin-Wallace (7-2): This contest is not only a battle for a share of second place in the Ohio Athletic Conference, but also for an outside shot at an at-large bid to the D-III playoffs, or "Pool C", for fans that speak "D-III-ese".

Puget Sound (7-2) at Whitworth (9-0): Although they have already clinched at least a share of the Northwest Conference championship, the Pirates are in the so-called "Pool B" category of teams wishing to advance to the D-III dance. In fact, the visiting Loggers could not only spoil the home team's perfect season, but also jeopardize their playoff chances, by pulling off the upset this weekend?

Ithaca (7-2) at Cortland State (8-1): The Bombers meet the Red Dragons for the 48th time in the battle for the "Cortaca Jug" in upstate New York. But much more will be at stake than winning a mere bottle, as both teams are coming off upset losses from last weekend. The Bombers lost to Alfred 28-17, while the previously unbeaten Red Dragons fell to Rowan 14-7.

St. John Fisher (8-1) at Alfred (7-2): The winner of this game will win at least a share of the Empire 8 Conference title. However, the winner could also win the crown outright if Norwich upsets Springfield (8-1) this weekend. Alfred, Fisher, and Springfield all enter the final weekend of the regular season with identical 4-1 marks in E8 play.

Trinity (Tex.)--(8-1) at Millsaps (6-3): The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title will be decided this weekend, as the Majors host the Tigers from San Antonio. Both teams come into the contest with perfect 5-0 records in SCAC action.

Curry (10-0) vs. Coast Guard (8-1): The championship of the New England Football Conference will be on the line this weekend between the Colonels and Bears at New London, Conn.

Rochester (7-2) at Hobart (7-1): After a 31-14 upset loss to Union spoiled their perfect season, the Statesmen must re-group fast, and defeat the Yellow Jackets to stay in playoff contention.

Other games of interest:

Williams (7-0) at Amherst (5-2): The Ephs face off against the Lord Jeffs for the 121st time this Saturday, making this series the oldest rivalry among current D-III members. Since the current members of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) can't compete in the playoffs, this contest is basically their own national championship game, as Amherst can spoil Williams perfect season by pulling off the upset.

RPI (5-3) at Union (N.Y.)--(7-1): With a share of the Liberty League championship, and automatic playoff bid already wrapped up, the Dutch can now focus on winning the coveted "Dutchman Shoes Trophy" against the Engineers this weekend.

DePauw (6-3) at Wabash (7-2): The Tigers and Little Giants square off the 113th time at Crawfordsville, Ind. this Saturday in the battle for the Monon Bell. But although the latter team (Wabash) already has a share of the North Coast Athletic Conference crown, it can win the title outright should Hiram upset Wittenberg (6-3).

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--NOVEMBER 7, 2006

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFF PICTURE

As promised, we're breaking down the playoff races here at Real Football Central. Let's briefly look at the key games in each of the four regions at the NCAA Division II level heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

Click here for the latest NCAA Division II regional rankings

Northeast: Shepherd (W. Va.)--(9-0) and Bloomsburg (9-1) look to be serious locks for the top two seeds, as well as first round byes going into the playoffs. But the race for the other four playoff spots is wide open, with every other team in the top 12 having at least two losses. Indiana (Pa.) unfortunately, found itself joining that group after an upset loss to Slippery Rock last weekend, dropping the Indians record to 7-2, therefore putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy.

KEY GAMES

Indiana at California: No, this is not a pre-determined match-up for the Rose Bowl. However, it's a contest that could decide no worse than a share of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division title.

West Chester at Slippery Rock: The winner of this game still has slim hopes of reaching the postseason, while the loser can start making offseason plans. Both teams are 7-3 coming into this match-up.

Northwest: Defending national champion Grand Valley State (10-0) has dominated the region all season long, and should be favored to win its fourth title in the last five years. Still, there will be a multitude of match-ups with a lot of playoff implications this weekend.

KEY GAMES

South Dakota at North Dakota: The Coyotes and Fighting Sioux square off in Grand Forks, N.D. with at least a share of the North Central Conference championship on the line. USD (8-2) can win it outright with a victory, plus a Nebraska-Omaha loss to Central Washington.

Central Washington at Nebraska-Omaha: Although officially out of the NCC title and playoff race, the Wildcats still have a say in how the final pairings will turn out, as they face a Mavericks team that let a golden opportunity to win the conference crown slip away in a shocking loss at South Dakota last Saturday.

Wayne State (Mich.) at Ferris State: The winner of this contest will need help to reach postseason play. Enough said.

Southeast: Newberry (10-0), North Alabama (9-0), and North Carolina Central (10-0) appear to have punched their playoff tickets. But there are still questions as to who might join those teams in the postseason. Valdosta State (7-2), despite being ranked sixth in the Southeast Region poll, might need to defeat West Georgia, and hope for some help to extend their season, while Albany State (7-3) downed Fort Valley State in Columbus, Ga. to vault themselves into playoff contention.

KEY GAMES:

North Carolina Central vs. Elizabeth City State: The 10-0 Eagles will put their perfect record on the line against the 9-1 Vikings in the CIAA Championship Game at Durham, N.C. A loss to NCCU could mean ECSU may have to settle for the Pioneer Bowl.

Southwest: Northwest Missouri State (10-0) and Chadron State (10-0) both hold the inside track on the first round byes in that region. But deep in the heart of Texas, at least two key games could decide who will join the Bearcats and Eagles in the D-II Big Dance.

KEY GAMES:

Midwestern State at Abilene Christian: The Indians face the Wildcats in this critical Lone Star Conference contest. Another winner in, loser out kind of game.

Tarleton State at West Texas A&M: The Texans started the season 0-3, but have won six straight games to go to 6-3 overall, and can finish unbeaten in LSC play with an upset win over the 9-1 Buffaloes.

MONDAY NIGHT ROUNDUP--OCTOBER 6, 2006

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY

All this week, RFC will count down to next Sunday's selections for the NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA playoffs with some extended coverage. So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFF PICTURE

Click here for the latest NCAA Division II regional rankings.

Stay connected to RFC throughout the week for a look at the games that have the most implications in terms of postseason positioning.

SUNDAY DRIVE--WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2006--PART TWO

WHITWORTH DOWNS LINFIELD, CLINCHES SHARE OF NWC TITLE

Linfield College (Ore.) may hold the collegiate record for consecutive winning seasons with 51 in a row, but it's Whitworth that stands just one win away from winning the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference title outright, as the Pirates ran their record to 10-0 with a 17-13 win over the Wildcats Saturday. It was Whitworth's first win over Linfield since 1975.

Article courtesy of Spokane (Wash.) Spokesman-Review

MORE ON ROWAN-CORTLAND STATE

Meanwhile, back east in the NCAA Division III New Jersey Athletic Conference, the Profs turned the race in the league upside down, as they upset the previously undefeated Red Dragons of Cortland State (N.Y.) 14-7 Saturday

Rowan Press Release

SAINT FRANCIS CRUSHES WALSH, CLINCHES MIDEAST LEAGUE CROWN

The "Game Of The Week" in the NAIA took place in Fort Wayne, Ind. Saturday, as the University of St. Francis clinched the Mid-States Football Association Mideast League Championship with a 21-7 win over Walsh (Ohio). USF entered the game as the nation's top-ranked team, while Walsh was ranked third. Both teams were also undefeated coming into the crucial contest.

Article courtesy of Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette

SUNDAY DRIVE--WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2006

YOUNGSTOWN STATE DOWNS SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

The Penguins rally to stun the Salukis in a Gateway Conference thriller, 31-24.

YSU Press Release

I-AA RECAP

Click here for a review of Saturday's NCAA Division I-AA action.

BEARCATS BATTER GORILLAS

The Fall Classic at Arrowhead V turns into a laugher at Kansas City, Mo., as Northwest Missouri State routed Pittsburg State (Kans.) 41-14 to win no worse than a share of the NCAA Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association title.

Article courtesy of Kansas City Star

COYOTES PULL OFF UPSET

The University of South Dakota Coyotes maintained their hopes of winning a share of the North Central Conference championship by knocking off Nebraska-Omaha 45-28 at Vermillion, S.D.

Article courtesy of Sioux City (Iowa) Journal

PENN FALLS IN OVERTIME

The Ivy League's University of Pennsylvania Quakers set a new record; the wrong kind, as they lost their third straight overtime game to archrival Princeton 31-30.

Article courtesy of philly.com

ROWAN KNOCKS OFF CORTLAND STATE

The Profs stay in the NCAA Division III New Jersey Athletic Conference title hunt with an upset win over the Red Dragons.

Game summary and roundup courtesy of philly.com

UNION UPENDS HOBART

The Flying Dutch clinched no worse than a share of the Liberty League title in D-III action by stopping the Statesmen 31-14.

Hobart Press Release

STATESMEN STOP WEST ALABAMA

Delta State moved one step closer towards clinching a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs by routing West Alabama 41-14 in Gulf South Conference action at Cleveland, Miss. Thursday night.

Article courtesy of the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger

REAL BIGGIE PREVIEWS--WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2006

The "A-List" games in all of small college football, in the final weeks of the regular season, coming right at you! So, sit back, and hold on tight!

Southern Illinois-Youngstown State

SIU Press Release

YSU Press Release

Nebraska-Omaha/South Dakota

UNO Press Release

USD Press Release

Northwest Missouri State-Pittsburg State

Article courtesy of Kansas City Star

Northwest Missouri Game Notes

Pittsburg State Game Notes

Cortland State-Rowan

Cortland Game Notes

Rowan Game Notes

Hobart-Union (N.Y.)

Union Game Notes

Whitworth-Linfield

Whitworth Press Release

Linfield Press Release

Article courtesy of Portland Oregonian