THE LIGHTNING ROUND--2008 DEBUT!!!!

Welcome to the "Lightning Round", the weekly post of predictions available exclusively on Real Football Central! Each week, the "Lightning Round" will predict who will some of the top games in small college football nationwide.

Only teams that are currently competing at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA), NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels eligible to have their games included on the list of predicted games.

Additionally, games involving current NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-A) programs are ineligible for inclusion on the predictions list. Otherwise, let's get started!

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highlighted in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

FCS

Richmond at Elon

(2007 FCS playoff semifinalist opens season against nationally-ranked Phoenix from the Southern Conference!)

Albany (N.Y) at Massachusetts

Alabama State at Florida A&M

NCAA DIVISION II

Valdosta State (1-0) at Newberry

(Defending national champion Blazers look to start season 2-0!)

Abilene Christian at Northwest Missouri State

(Bearcats host Wildcats in early-season "cat-fight"!)

West Chester at California (Pa.)

(2007 playoff semifinalist Vulcans host Rams in early PSAC test!)

Shaw at Albany State (Ga.)

INTERDIVISIONAL GAMES

Birmingham Southern (D-III) at Campbell (FCS)

(First-ever game for the Campbell Fighting Camels!)

Western Oregon (D-II) at Portland State (FCS)

(The Vikings host the Wolves in this in-state, inter-divisional match-up)

St. Ambrose (NAIA) at South Dakota (FCS)

(The former D-II Coyotes begin their transition to the FCS ranks!)