THE LIGHTNING ROUND--FINAL 2007 TALLY

Here are the final numbers for "The Lightning Round" one final time in 2007!

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES--3-2 (.600)

Correct guesses were the FCS, D-II, and NAIA title games. Missed guesses were the D-III and SWAC championship games.

FINAL RECORD--427-184 (.699)

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM REAL FOOTBALL CENTRAL!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM RFC

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM

REAL FOOTBALL CENTRAL !!!!!!

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW--PART 2

As promised, here's the final installment of our championship recaps!!!!

SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP--at Birmingham, Ala.

Jackson State 42, Grambling State 31

JSU wins its 16th SWAC title over Grambling.

Jackson State University Sports Information

NAIA CHAMPIONSHIP--at Hardin County, Tenn.

Carroll (Mont.) 17, Sioux Falls 9

The Saints win a defensive struggle over the Cougars for their fifth title in six years.

Victory Sports Network

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

The games are done, and the champions have been crowned! Find out how each title was won for each of this year winners!!!

NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION (FCS)--at Chattanooga, Tenn.

Appalachian State 49, Delaware 21

The Mountaineers made history last Friday, as they roll past the Blue Hens for their third straight national championship!

Appalachian State University Sports Information

NCAA DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP--at Florence, Ala.

Valdosta State 25, Northwest Missouri State 20

A touchdown plunge in the closing seconds lifts the Blazers to their second title in four years!

Associated Press

Valdosta (Ga.) Daily Times

Valdosta State University Sports Information

WALB-TV Albany, Ga.

WCTV Tallahassee, Fla.

NCAA DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIP (Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl)--at Salem, Va.

Wisconsin-Whitewater 31, Mount Union 21

The third time is the charm for the Warhawks, as they dethrone the Purple Raiders!

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Never saw it coming

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Whitewater never loses focus

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Sports Information

Stay connected for recaps on the NAIA and SWAC championship games!

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 16

Last Week: 5-1 (.833)
Year-To-Date: 424-182 (.700)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

NCAA DIVISION I FCS CHAMPIONSHIP--at Chattanooga, Tenn. (Friday)

Delaware (11-3) vs. Appalachian State (12-2)

NCAA DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP--at Florence, Ala. (Saturday)

Valdosta State (12-1) vs. Northwest Missouri State (12-1)

NCAA DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIP (STAGG BOWL)--at Salem, Va. (Saturday)

Wisconsin-Whitewater (13-1) vs. Mount Union (14-0)

NAIA CHAMPIONSHIP--at Savannah, Tenn. (Saturday)

Sioux Falls (13-0) vs. Carroll (Mont.)--(14-0)

SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP--at Birmingham, Ala. (Saturday)

Grambling State (8-3) vs. Jackson State (7-4)

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--SEMIFINALS RECAP

As hard as it is to believe, championship week is here! Here's how the teams got to that moment in the NCAA playoffs!

FCS SEMIFINALS

Appalachian State 55, Richmond 35 (Dec. 7, 2007)

The Mountaineers put on a record-setting performance en route to their third straight title game!

Appalachian State University Sports Information

Delaware 20, Southern Illinois (Dec. 8, 2007)

The Blue Hens rally from a 10-point deficit to stun the Salukis!

University of Delaware Sports Information

NCAA DIVISION II SEMIFINALS

Valdosta State 28, California (Pa.) 24

The Blazers also make a late comeback to upset the previously undefeated Vulcans!

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Valdosta (Ga.) Daily Times

Northwest Missouri State 34, Grand Valley State 16

The third time is not the charm for the Lakers, as the Bearcats end their dream of a fifth national championship in six years!

St. Joseph (Mo.) News-Press

Detroit Free Press

Associated Press

NCAA DIVISION III SEMIFINALS

Mount Union 62, Bethel (Minn.) 14

The Purple Raiders advance to the Stagg Bowl with an easy rout over the Royals!

Mount Union College Sports Information

MORE: Alliance (Ohio) Review

Canton (Ohio) Repository

Ohio.com (Akron Beacon-Journal)

Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator

Associated Press

Wisconsin-Whitewater 16, Mary Hardin-Baylor 7

The Warhawks struggle, but still manage to outlast the Crusaders!

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Sports Information

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 15

CORRECTION: It was Eastern Washington, not Eastern Illinois, who played Appalachian State last Saturday. Sorry for the mistake. Appalachian State, of course, defeated Eastern Washington 38-35. Now, on to this week predictions!

Last Week: 14-4 (.778)
Year-To-Date: 419-181 (.698)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

FCS PLAYOFFS SEMIFINALS

Friday, December 7

Richmond (11-2) at Appalachian State (11-2)

Saturday, December 8

Delaware (10-3) at Southern Illinois (12-1)

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS SEMIFINALS

Valdosta State (11-1) at California (Pa.)--(12-0)

Grand Valley State (12-0) at Northwest Missouri State (11-1)

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS SEMIFINALS

Bethel (Minn.)--(12-1) at Mount Union (13-0)

Mary Hardin-Baylor (12-1) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (12-1)

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE WEEK THAT WAS--PART 2

Think "bowl games" are only limited to the so-called "Football Bowl Subdivision" of NCAA Division I (formerly NCAA Division I-A)? Think again! Believe it or not, several "small college" bowls were held nationwide last weekend. Here's a quick recap of all of them.

Gridiron Classic: Dayton 42, Albany 21

The Flyers cap off another successful Football Championship Subdivision mid-major season with a blowout win over the Great Danes.

Article courtesy of University of Dayton Sports Information

Pioneer Bowl: Tuskegee 58, Virginia Union 51

The NCAA Division II Golden Tigers finish off an undefeated 2007 campaign, but not before holding off the Panthers in a thriller last Saturday!

Article courtesy of Tuskegee University Sports Information

Mineral Water Bowl: Missouri Western State 20, Wayne State (Neb.) 13

The Griffons pull out a big win in Excelsior Springs, Mo.!

Article courtesy of Missouri Western State University Sports Information

Rotary Bowl: Western Oregon 26, Colorado Mines 13 (at St. George, Utah)

The Wolves finish off a nine-win season by outlasting the Orediggers!

Article courtesy of Western Oregon University Sports Information

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE WEEK THAT WAS--PART 1

Before getting to this weekend's action, let's quickly recap what happened last weekend.

FCS RECAP: COUNTDOWN

The Southern Illinois University Salukis are the only national seed standing after top-seeded Northern Iowa falls to Delaware in quarterfinal action.

College Sporting News

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS

All four quarterfinal games were decided by at least 13 points or more last weekend.

For the updated playoff bracket, click here.

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS

A couple of upsets led the storyline in the "Elite Eight" of the D-III "Dance", as Bethel (Minn.) and Mary Hardin-Baylor (Tex.) move on to the semifinals.

Bethel 27, Central 13

Article courtesy of Des Moines Register

MORE: College Sporting News

Twincities.com

Mary Hardin-Baylor 27, Wesley 10

The Crusaders deny the Wolverines a third straight trip to the national semifinals.

Mary Hardin-Baylor Press Release

The complete D-III playoff bracket, click here.

NAIA PLAYOFFS

It all comes down to one game, between two unbeaten teams, Carroll (Mont.) and Sioux Falls (S.D.). Read how both teams punched their tickets to Tennessee on Dec. 15.

Carroll 23, St. Francis (Ind.) 7

Article courtesy of the Helena (Mont.) Independent-Record

Sioux Falls 11, Missouri Valley 10

The Cougars trailed for all but the final 43 seconds, but that was all the time needed to pull out a dramatic win.

Article courtesy of the Victory Sports Network

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 14

Last Week: 20-10 (.667)
Year To Date: 405-177 (.696)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

Saturday, December 1

FCS PLAYOFFS QUARTERFINALS

Delaware (9-3) at Northern Iowa (12-0)

Massachusetts (10-2) at Southern Illinois (11-1)

Eastern Illinois (9-3) at Appalachian State (10-2)

Richmond (10-2) at Wofford (9-3)

NCAA DIVISION II QUARTERFINALS

Central Washington (10-2) at Grand Valley State (11-0)

Northwest Missouri State (10-1) at Chadron State (12-0)

North Alabama (10-1) at Valdosta State (10-1)

Shepherd (10-1) at California (Pa.)--(12-0)

NCAA DIVISION III QUARTERFINALS

St. John Fisher (11-1) at Mount Union (12-0)

Bethel (Minn.)--(11-1) at Central (12-0)

Mary Hardin-Baylor (11-1) at Wesley (11-1)

Wabash (11-1) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (11-1)

NAIA SEMIFINALS

Missouri Valley (10-2) at Sioux Falls (12-0)

St. Francis (Ind.)--(11-1) at Carroll (Mont.)--(13-0)

OTHER GAMES

Tuskegee (11-0) vs. Virginia Union (9-2)

(Pioneer Bowl at Columbia, S.C.)

Missouri Western (8-3) vs. Wayne State (Neb.)--(7-4)

(Mineral Water Bowl at Excelsior Springs, Mo.)

Western Oregon (8-2) vs. Colorado Mines (7-4)

(Rotary Bowl at St. George, Utah)

Albany (N.Y.)--(7-3) at Dayton (10-1)

(Gridiron Classic at Dayton, Ohio)

KITNA'S ALMA MATER PREPARES FOR GRAND VALLEY

While Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna hopes to lead his team to the NFL playoffs, his alma mater, Central Washington University, is preparing to face two-time defending NCAA Division II national champion Grand Valley State this Saturday in quarterfinal playoff action.

Article courtesy of the Associated Press

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE TOP 10 GAMES

With the Thanksgiving weekend (and dinner) finally in the rear view mirror, let's take a belated look at some of the top playoff (and non-playoff) games from the week that was.

10. Grand Valley State 21, North Dakota 14

The two-time defending NCAA Division II champs send the Fighting Sioux packing out and up, but not without a fight.

Grand Valley State University Sports Information

9. Wofford 23, Montana 22

The Terriers pull off the upset over the previously undefeated Grizzlies in the first round of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) playoffs.

Wofford College Sports Information

8. North Alabama 20, Delta State 17

The Lions edge the Statesman by a field goal in a fantastic finish!

Associated Press

7. St. Francis (Ind.) 30, Bethel (Tenn.) 27

The Cougars win a thriller over the Wildcats in NAIA quarterfinal action!

Final statistics courtesy of the Mid-States Football Association

6. Appalachian State 28, James Madison 27

The Mountaineers hold off the determined Dukes in first round FCS playoff action!

Appalachian State University Sports Information

5. Central Washington 20, Nebraska-Omaha 17

The Wildcats stun the previously undefeated Mavericks in second round D-II playoff action!

Yakima (Wash.) Herald-Republic

MORE COVERAGE: Yakima (Wash.) Herald-Republic

Seattle Times

University of Nebraska-Omaha Sports Information

Associated Press

4. Shepherd 41, Indiana (Pa.) 34

The Rams hold off the Crimson Hawks in a D-II second round slugfest!

Associated Press

3. Northern Iowa 38, New Hampshire 35

The top-seeded Panthers hold off a scrappy Wildcats squad from Northern New England!

University of Northern Iowa Sports Information

2. Tuskegee 64, Alabama State 58 (Turkey Day Classic at Montgomery, Ala.)

They may have worked triple overtime, but it was finally worth for the Tigers, as they down the Hornets!

Tuskegee University Media Relations

1. Chadron State 76, Abilene Christian 73

The Eagles rally from 29 points down to defeat the Wildcats in a triple overtime thriller!

Jackson Hole (Wyo.) Star-Tribune

GREY CUP ODDS AND ENDS

As the 95th edition of the Grey Cup kicks off from Toronto Sunday, there's at least one oddity most football fans aren't aware of: An American team once took home the trophy. Find out who that team is by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of the Toronto Star

NORTH CAROLINA WESLEYAN STILL DANCING

In only its fourth year of football, the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan College have already made history, as they became the first #8 seed to eliminate a #1 seed from the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Last Saturday, NCWC (9-2) upset previously undefeated Washington & Jefferson (10-1) 35-34 in overtime. d3football.com has an inside look on the Battling Bishops Cinderella run in the D-III dance.

Article courtesy of d3football.com

GREY CUP PREVIEW

The Saskatchewan Rough Riders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers do battle in Canada's "Super Bowl", the 95th Grey Cup, this Sunday in Toronto!

Click here for a preview, courtesy of the Canadian Football League

DAYTONA BEACH NEWEST af2 FRANCHISE

The arenafootball2 league welcomed one of its newest franchises in the Daytona Beach (Fla.) Thunderbirds. Find out what to expect by clicking the link below:

Article courtesy of Arena Fan Online

ALSO

af2 releases 2008 schedule

af2.com

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 13

Last Week: 37-12 (.755)
Year To Date: 385-167 (.697)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

Thursday, November 22 (THANKSGIVING DAY!)

Alabama State (FCS)--(5-5) vs. Tuskegee (D-II)--(10-0)

(Turkey Day Classic at Montgomery, Ala.)

Friday, November 23

FCS PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND

Delaware State (10-1) at Delaware (8-3)

Saturday, November 24

Grambling State (8-2) vs. Southern (7-3)

(Bayou Classic at Louisiana Superdome/New Orleans)

FCS PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND

New Hampshire (7-4) at Northern Iowa (11-0)

Eastern Illinois (8-3) at Southern Illinois (10-1)

Fordham (8-3) at Massachusetts (9-2)

Eastern Washington (8-3) at McNeese State (11-0)

James Madison (8-3) at Appalachian State (9-2)

Wofford (8-3) at Montana (11-0)

Eastern Kentucky (9-2) at Richmond (9-2)

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS SECOND ROUND

Central Washington (9-2) at Nebraska-Omaha (10-0)

North Dakota (10-1) at Grand Valley State (10-0)

Abilene Christian (10-2) at Chadron State (11-0)

West Texas A&M (12-0) at Northwest Missouri State (9-1)

Catawba (11-1) at Valdosta State (9-1)

Delta State (10-1) at North Alabama (9-1)

Southern Connecticut State (9-3) at California (Pa.)--(11-0)

Indiana (Pa.)--(9-2) at Shepherd (9-1)

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS SECOND ROUND

College of New Jersey (9-2) at Mount Union (11-0)

Curry (12-0) at St. John Fisher (9-1)

St. John's (Minn.)--(10-1) at Central College (11-0)

Wisconsin-Eau Claire (9-2) at Bethel (Minn.)--(10-1)

North Carolina Wesleyan (9-2) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (10-1)

Muhlenberg (11-0) at Wesley (10-1)

North Central (9-2) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (10-1)

Wabash (10-1) at Case Western Reserve (10-0)

NAIA PLAYOFFS QUARTERFINALS

St. Xavier (10-2) at Sioux Falls (11-0)

Morningside (9-2) at Carroll (Mont.)--(11-0)

Missouri Valley (9-2) at Ohio Dominican (11-0)

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

HOLIDAY HYSTERIA--THE TOP 10 FIRST ROUND GAMES

With the first round of the NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA playoff now in the books, now's the time take a look back at the 10 best games of that first weekend in all divisions, in no particular order.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM REAL FOOTBALL CENTRAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Indiana (Pa.) 45, West Chester 35 (D-II)

The Crimson Hawks pull off the mild upset on the road, advance to round two.

Associated Press

Case Western Reserve 21, Widener 20 (D-III)

The Spartans rally to win their first-ever playoff game!

Case Western Reserve Sports Information

College of New Jersey 17, Rensselaer Tech 14 (D-III)

TCNJ moves on to round two with narrow win.

Rensselaer Tech Sports Information

St. Xavier 33, St. Ambrose 27 (NAIA)

The Cougars win a thriller over the Fighting Bees!!!!!!

St. Xavier University Sports Information

Wisconsin-Eau Claire 24, St. Norbert 20 (D-III)

The Blugolds use some last-minute heroics to shock the previously undefeated Green Knights!

UW-Eau Claire Press Release

North Carolina Wesleyan 35, Washington & Jefferson 34 (D-III)

The Battling Bishops pull off the upset over the Presidents in overtime!

North Carolina Wesleyan College Sports Information

Muhlenberg 31, Salisbury 21 (D-III)

The Mules score 10 points in the fourth quarter to knock off the Sea Gulls, stay undefeated!

Muhlenberg College Press Release

West Texas A&M 40, Washburn 39 (D-II)

The Buffaloes battle back to edge Ichabods, run record to 11-0!

Morris News Service

Wabash 31, Mount St. Joseph 21 (D-III)

The Little Giants pull away in the second half, eliminate the Lions!

Box score courtesy of Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference

North Central 44, Franklin 42 (D-III)

The HCAC makes an uneventful exit from postseason play, as the Grizzlies fall to the Cardinals on the game's final play.

North Central College Sports Information

FCS PLAYOFF SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED

The NCAA announced the 16 teams who will play in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs Sunday. Northern Iowa, McNeese State, and Montana, all 11-0, earned the top three national seeds, while 10-1 Southern Illinois got the nod for the fourth overall seed. Appalachian State hopes to earn to record third straight national championship when it faces James Madison this Saturday (11/24/2007).

Click here for the full bracket.

FCS RECAP: RIVALRY

Championships and playoff berths were at stake on the final day of the regular season in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Find out what happened by clicking the link below.

Article courtesy of College Sporting News

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 12

Last Week: 25-17 (.595)
Year To Date: 348-155 (.691)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

Most important highlighted in BOLD type.

Other games of interest highlighted in regular type.

Saturday, November 17

FCS REGULAR SEASON

Harvard (9-0) at Yale (7-2)

(The 124th "Game" will decide the 2007 Ivy League Champion!)

Massachusetts (8-2) at Hofstra (7-3)

(Pride must win to stay in FCS playoff hunt!)

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

(Patriot League rivals meet for the 143rd time!)

Montana (10-0) at Montana State (6-4)

North Dakota State (10-0) at South Dakota State (6-4)

Liberty (7-3) at Gardner-Webb (5-5)

Coastal Carolina (4-6) at Charleston Southern (5-5)

Villanova (6-4) at Delaware (8-2)

Southern Illinois (9-1) at Hampton (6-4)

Iona (7-3) at Cal Poly (6-4)

Winston Salem State (6-4) at Norfolk State (7-3)

Bethune-Cookman (4-6) vs. Florida A&M (3-7)

(Florida Classic XVIII at Orlando, Fla.)

Stony Brook (6-4) at Elon (6-4)

Central Arkansas (6-4) at McNeese State (10-0)

Alabama A&M (8-2) at Prairie View A&M (6-3)

Central Connecticut State (6-4) at Albany (N.Y.)--(7-3)

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

Ashland (8-1) at Central Washington (8-2)

Winona State (10-1) at North Dakota (9-1)

Mesa State (10-1) at Abilene Christian (8-2)

Washburn (8-2) at West Texas A&M (11-0)

Albany State (Ga.)--(8-2) at Catawba (10-1)

Shaw (8-3) at Delta State (9-1)

Southern Connecticut State (8-3) at Bryant (8-2)

Indiana (Pa.)--(8-2) at West Chester (9-2)

FIRST ROUND BYES: Nebraska-Omaha, Grand Valley State, Chadron State, Northwest Missouri State, Valdosta State, North Alabama, California (Pa.), Shepherd

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

Ithaca (8-2) at Mount Union (10-0)

Rensselaer Tech (8-1) at College of New Jersey (8-2)

Hartwick (8-2) at Curry (11-0)

Hobart (8-2) at St. John Fisher (9-1)

Olivet (6-4) at Central (10-0)

Redlands (8-1) at St. John's (9-1)

Wisconsin-Eau Claire (8-2) at St. Norbert (10-0)

Concordia (Wis.)--(7-3) at Bethel (Minn.)--(9-1)

North Carolina Wesleyan (8-2) at Washington & Jefferson (10-0)

Trinity (Tex.)--(9-1) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (9-1)

Salisbury (9-1) at Muhlenberg (10-0)

Hampden-Sydney (8-2) at Wesley (9-1)

Capital (8-2) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (9-1)

North Central (8-2) at Franklin (9-1)

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

Widener (8-2) at Case Western Reserve (10-0)

NAIA PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

Northwestern Oklahoma State (8-3) at Sioux Falls (10-0)

Black Hills State (7-3) at Carroll (Mont.)--(11-0)

Cumberlands (Ky.)--(8-2) at Ohio Dominican (11-0)

Mid America Nazarene (8-2) at Bethel (Tenn.)--(10-1)

Lindenwood (10-1) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(9-1)

Morningside (8-2) at Jamestown (9-1)

St. Ambrose (8-2) at St. Xavier (9-2)

Missouri Valley (8-2) at Friends (9-1)

OTHER POSTSEASON GAMES

ECAC DIVISION III BOWL GAMES

Bridgewater State (Mass.)--(6-3) at Plymouth State (8-1)

(North Atlantic Bowl)

Union (N.Y.)--(5-4) at Cortland State (7-3)

(Northeast Bowl)

Rochester (6-4) at Alfred (7-3)

(Northwest Bowl)

Albright (7-3) at Montclair State (8-2)

(South Atlantic Bowl)

Waynesburg (8-2) at Dickinson (8-2)

(Southeast Bowl)

Gettysburg (6-4) at Carnegie Mellon (6-4)

(Southwest Bowl)

VICTORY BOWL--at Beaver Falls, Pa.

Malone (NAIA)--(7-4) vs. Geneva (Pa.)--(D-III)--(8-2)

RUNNING ON FAITH

Find out how a former NFL great who attended a small college in the Great Plains is inspiring his players at a small suburban Chicago high school.

Article courtesy of suburbanchicagonews.com

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--THE PLAYOFF SELECTIONS

And now, the moment you've been waiting for here at RFC. The 2007 playoff selections for NCAA Division II, Division III, and the NAIA. So, without any further ado, here they are!

NCAA Division II Playoff Bracket

NCAA Division III Playoff Bracket

NAIA Playoff Bracket

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--NCAA DIVISION III, NAIA PLAYOFF PICTURE

As the selections for the 2007 small college football playoffs draw closer, here are some key games at the NCAA Division III and NAIA levels for this weekend.

Cortland State vs. Ithaca: The Red Dragons battle the Bombers in the battle for the "Cortaca Jug". It could also decide which team, if either, lands an at-large bid to the D-III playoffs.

Curry vs. Coast Guard: The 10-0 Colonels will look to get past the 8-1 Bears in the New England Football Conference title game.

Hobart vs. Rochester/Rensselaer Tech vs. Union (N.Y.): With these four teams tied for the Liberty League lead going into the final week of the regular season, the winners of both games need help to claim the automatic bid to the "D-III Dance".

Alfred vs. St. John Fisher: Both the Saxons enter this pivotal contest in a three-way tie for first place in the Empire 8 Conference with Hartwick (4-1). Hartwick can win the E8 autobid with a win over Utica. SJF can win the crown with a win, plus a Hartwick loss to Utica. As for Alfred, a win over the Cardinals would give the Saxons the autobid.

Wheaton vs. Illinois Wesleyan/North Central at Carthage: Both games will decide who earns the automatic bid from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). Wheaton, IWU, and North Central are all 5-1 in CCIW play, while Carthage is 4-2.

St. Xavier (9-1) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(8-1): The winner of this game could win a share of the Mid States Football Association Mideast League title, if Ohio Dominican (10-0) loses to Malone (7-3).

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 11

Last Week: 28-17 (.622)
Year To Date: 323-138 (.701)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

Game (s) of the week highlighted in BOLD type.

Other games of interest highlighted in regular type.

Saturday, November 10

NCAA DIVISION I FCS

New Hampshire (6-3) at Massachusetts (7-2)

(Critical game in the Colonial Athletic Association North Division.)

Richmond (7-2) at Delaware (8-1)

(There's a lot at stake in the CAA South, too!)

San Diego (8-1) at Morehead State (7-2)

(A share of the Pioneer Football League title is on the line in this clash!)

Western Illinois (6-4) at Youngstown State (6-4)

Eastern Kentucky (7-2) at Austin Peay (6-3)

Jackson State (6-3) at Prairie View A&M (5-3)

Eastern Washington (6-3) at Northern Arizona (6-4)

North Dakota State (9-0) at Cal Poly (6-3)

Gardner-Webb (5-4) at Coastal Carolina (3-6)

Dayton (9-1) at Drake (6-4)

NCAA DIVISION II

Nebraska-Omaha (9-0) at Central Washington (8-1)

(The Mavericks battle the Wildcats for the last-ever North Central Conference crown!)

West Texas A&M (10-0) at Tarleton State (9-1)

(The Texans battle the Buffaloes for the Lone Star Conference title!)

Bentley (7-2) at Bryant (7-2)

American International (6-3) at Stonehill (5-4)

Abilene Christian (8-2) at Midwestern State (8-2)

Carson-Newman (9-1) at Tusculum (6-4)

Slippery Rock (8-2) at Edinboro (7-3)

Shaw (7-3) vs. Virginia Union (9-1)

(CIAA Championship Game at Charlotte, N.C.)

North Dakota (8-1) at South Dakota (6-4)

Saginaw Valley State (6-3) at Hillsdale (8-2)

Texas A&M-Commerce (5-5) at Southwestern Oklahoma (5-5)

NCAA DIVISION III

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

(It's the Johnnies against the Royals for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference crown!)

Central College (9-0) at Wartburg (8-1)

(The Dutch face the Knights for the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship!)

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

(New England Football Conference Championship Game)

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

(The Red Dragons battle the Bombers for the "Cortaca Jug"!)

Amherst (4-3) at Williams (5-2)

(The Ephs face the Lord Jeffs in the 122nd "Biggest Little Game in America!)

Wabash (9-0) at DePauw (7-2)

(The 114th Monon Bell Game!)

Moravian (6-3) at Muhlenberg (9-0)

North Central (7-2) at Carthage (7-2)

Alma (5-4) at Adrian (6-3)

Redlands (7-1) at Cal Lutheran (5-3)

Wheaton (8-1) at Illinois Wesleyan (6-3)

Hampden-Sydney (7-2) at Randolph-Macon (8-1)

Baldwin-Wallace (6-3) at Capital (7-2)

Middlebury (6-1) at Tufts (5-2)

Wesleyan (4-3) at Trinity (Conn.)--(5-2)

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

NAIA

St. Xavier (9-1) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(8-1)

(It's a battle of the "Cougars" in the Mid States Football Association Mideast League!)

Malone (7-3) at Ohio Dominican (10-0)

Montana Tech (7-3) at Carroll (Mont.)--(10-0)

Lindenwood (10-0) at Missouri Valley (7-2)

Northwestern Oklahoma State (7-3) at Southern Nazarene (6-3)

WHITE NAMED TO STEELERS ALL-TIME TEAM

Former Pittsburgh Steelers great Dwight White, who played collegiately at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M Commerce), was named to the Steelers all-time team, in commemoration of the NFL franchise's 75th season. White was a member of the famous "Steel Curtain" defensive line that helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles during the 1970's.

Article courtesy of Texas A&M University-Commerce Sports Information

COUNTDOWN TO SELECTION SUNDAY--NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFF PICTURE

The countdown to Selection Sunday starts here, at Real Football Central. First up is a look at the key games at the NCAA Division II level this weekend.

Northeast: California (Pa.)--(10-0) sits in the driver's seat in this region, with Shepherd (9-1) not too far behind. Still, it's a toss-up for the other four playoff berths.

KEY GAMES

Bentley at Bryant: The Bulldogs host the Falcons in a game that could decide a share of the Northeast 10 Conference title. That's because the championship could be split four ways at 7-2 in conference play if the Falcons defeat the Bulldogs, Southern Connecticut wins over St. Anselm, and American International beats Stonehill.

Indiana (Pa.) at Bloomsburg: Although out of D-II playoff contention, the Huskies can still share the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division crown if Cheyney upsets West Chester. On the other hand, this is a must-win game for the sixth-ranked Crimson Hawks if they are to solidify their playoff position.

Southeast: This is by far the toughest of the four regions at the D-II level, with five of the top six ranked teams all having at least one loss. Three of those teams; Valdosta State, North Alabama, and Delta State, all have identical 8-1 records, and can earn a three-way share of the Gulf South Conference championship with wins this weekend. VSU hosts West Georgia Thursday night, while North Alabama faces West Alabama, and Delta State battles Arkansas-Monticello Saturday.

Two teams from the South Atlantic Conference, Catawba and Carson-Newman, are ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, and are both 9-1 with one game to play. It's possible that either team could be on the outside looking in, despite the impressive records.

KEY GAMES

Tusculum at Carson-Newman: It's a good thing the Eagles are at home for this critical contest, because it's a must-win situation for them if they hope to stay in the playoff hunt. Ironically, though, C-N's only loss so far this season came at home to Catawba 55-49 Oct. 13.

Virginia Union vs. Shaw (CIAA Championship Game at Charlotte): The CIAA title is on the line between the 9-1 Panthers and the 7-3 Bears. Because of the so-called "earned access" rule, it's likely the winner of the contest could invited to the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Southwest: This region has a pair of undefeated teams in top-ranked teams in Chadron State (Neb.) and third-ranked West Texas A&M, both 10-0 heading into the final weekend of the regular season. Second ranked Northwest Missouri State is 8-1 with one regular season game remaining.

KEY GAMES

West Texas A&M at Tarleton State: The 10-0 Buffaloes pay a visit to the 9-1 Texans in a game that could decide who wins the Lone Star Conference title.

Abilene Christian at Midwestern State: The Wildcats travel to Wichita Falls in a battle of 8-2 teams. ACU can win a share of the Lone Star Conference crown with a win, combined with a WTAMU loss.

Northwest: While Grand Valley State (9-0) has a chance to win a third straight D-II national championship, don't count out Nebraska-Omaha (also 9-0). Central Washington (8-1) has been the surprise team in the Northwest, including the Pacific Northwest, so far this season.

KEY GAMES

Nebraska-Omaha at Central Washington: The Mavericks head to Ellensburg, Wash. with the final North Central Conference title at stake.

North Dakota at South Dakota: In the last Division II game ever between these fierce rivals, the Fighting Sioux can share the final NCC crown with a win over the Coyotes, plus a loss by UNO to CWU.

Winona State vs. Wayne State (Neb.): The 9-1 Warriors face off against the 7-3 Wildcats in the de-facto Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference championship game at the NSIC Metrodome Classic in Minneapolis. Winona remained unbeaten in NSIC action at 8-0, but needed double overtime to defeat Southwest Minnesota State on the road 49-46. On the other hand, Wayne struggled against a scrappy squad from Mary (N.D.) before pulling out a 35-31 win, and improve to 7-1 in the NSIC in the process.

Saginaw Valley State at Hillsdale: The 8-2 Chargers host the 6-3 Cardinals in a game with tremendous playoff implications. A win over SVSU gives Hillsdale an outside shot of advancing to postseason play, as the Chargers enter the contest ranked seventh in this week's Northwest Region poll.

THE SUNDAY DRIVE--WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2, 2007

FCS Recap: Perfection

College Sporting News

California drops West Chester

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

GVSU tops Saginaw Valley

Grand Rapids Press

WEEKEND OUTLOOK--WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2, 2007--PART 2

"Unofficial Title Game"

8-1 West Chester battles 9-0 California in a battle of division leaders in the NCAA Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

Philadelphia Inquirer

THE WEEKEND OUTLOOK--WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2, 2007

NOTE: Our apologies for not running a "WO" from last week. Otherwise, here's the installment for this week.

Expected and Unexpected (FCS)

How do the final three weeks in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) shape up? Click the link below for the answers.

College Sporting News

NCAA Division II Regional Rankings

d2football.com looks at the games that will clear up the playoff picture nationwide this weekend.

d2football.com

Inside D-III

Go "Around The Nation" with d3football.com

NAIA Preview

Victory Sports Network

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 10

Last Week: 33-12 (.733)
Year To Date: 295-121 (.709)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED

Game (s) of the week highlighted in BOLD type.

Other games of interest highlighted in regular type.

Thursday, November 1

NCAA DIVISION II

South Dakota (6-3) at Nebraska-Omaha (8-0)

(Big game with North Central Conference and NCAA Division II playoff implications!)

Friday, November 2

NCAA DIVISION II

Bryant (7-1) at Southern Connecticut (6-3)

Saturday, November 3

NCAA DIVISION I FCS

James Madison (6-2) at Delaware (7-1)

(The Blue Hens battle the Dukes in a first-place showdown in the Colonial Athletic Association South Division!)

Holy Cross (6-2) at Fordham (7-2)

(The Rams can clinch the Patriot League title with a win!)

Georgia Southern (6-2) at Wofford (7-2)

(The Eagles take on the Terriers in a key Southern Conference tilt!)

Southern Illinois (7-1) at Western Illinois (6-3)

Jackson State (5-3) at Alabama A&M (7-1)

Appalachian State (6-2) at Citadel (5-3)

Drake (6-3) at Morehead State (6-2)

Davidson (5-3) at San Diego (7-1)

NCAA DIVISION II

California (Pa.)--(9-0) at West Chester (8-1)

(Battle of division leaders in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference; the Vulcans versus the Rams!)

Pittsburg State (7-2) at Washburn (6-3)

(Critical game with playoff implications in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association between the Ichabods and the Gorillas!)

Grand Valley State (8-0) at Saginaw Valley State (6-2)

West Virginia State (6-2) at Shepherd (8-1)

West Liberty State (6-3) at Charleston (W.Va.)--(7-2)

Central Missouri (6-3) at Missouri Western (7-2)

Fort Valley State (7-2) vs. Albany State (Ga.)--(7-2)

(Fountain City Classic at Columbus, Ga.)

Virginia Union (8-1) at Fayetteville State (4-5)

Carson-Newman (8-1) at Wingate (6-3)

NCAA DIVISION III

Muhlenberg (8-0) at Ursinus (7-1)

(The Centennial Conference championship is at stake between the Mules and the Bears!)

Hobart (6-2) at Union (N.Y.)--(5-2)

Washington (6-2) at Case Western Reserve (8-0)

Carthage (6-2) at Wheaton (8-0)

East Texas Baptist (5-4) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (7-1)

Illinois Wesleyan (6-2) at North Central (6-2)

Chapman (5-2) at Occidental (6-1)

Wittenberg (6-2) at Allegheny (5-3)

Trinity (Conn.)--(4-2) at Amherst (4-2)

Defiance (5-3) at Franklin (7-1)

Randolph-Macon (7-1) at Bridgewater (Va.)--(6-2)

Olivet (4-4) at Hope (5-3)

Concordia (Wis.)--(6-3) at Benedictine (5-4)

Ferrum (5-3) at North Carolina Wesleyan (6-2)

DePauw (6-2) at Rhodes (5-3)

Williams (4-2) at Wesleyan (4-2)

Albright (7-1) at Widener (6-2)

Wisconsin-Eau Claire (6-2) at Wisconsin-Stevens Point (6-2)

Centre (5-3) at Trinity (Tex.)--(7-1)

Waynesburg (7-1) at Geneva (6-2)

NAIA

Northwestern (Iowa)--(7-1) at Morningside (7-2)

(Critical game in the Great Plains Athletic Conference!)

Bethel (Kans.)--(7-0) at Friends (7-1)

(Key clash in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference!)

Cumberlands (Ky.)--(6-2) at Virginia-Wise (8-1)

(A monumental match-up in the Mid-South Conference!)

St. Francis (Ind.)--(7-1) at Malone (7-2)

(The Cougars clash with the Pioneers in a crucial Mid States Football Association contest!)

Jamestown (8-1) at Minot State (6-3)