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.