PLAYOFF RECAP--WEEK OF NOVEMBER 29, 2008

The Thanksgiving weekend has come and gone, and so has another round of playoffs. Let's quickly recap what happened.

FCS First Round: Aside from two road teams pulling off mild upsets (Cal Poly over Weber State, and New Hampshire over Southern Illinois), there were really no surprises to speak of in the first round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) playoffs. In fact, all four nationally-seeded teams advanced to next weekend's quarterfinals, although top seeded James Madison had to fight off a scrappy Wofford squad to win 38-35.

FCS Playoff Bracket (Updated)

NCAA Division II Quarterfinals: Straight from the "who would've thunk it?" category, all four No. 2 seeds went on the road, and pulled off upset wins over the No. 1 seeds in Saturday quarterfinal action.

Starting in Super Regional 1, California (Pa.) returned to the national semifinals after shocking Bloomsburg, 28-24. The Vulcans will now take their 12-1 overall record into next week's contest against now 13-0 Minnesota-Duluth, whose Bulldogs pulled off the biggest shocker of all, as they stunned Grand Valley State--whose Lakers were ranked No. 1 in both the AFCA and d2football.com polls, respectively, for most of the 2008 season--19-13 in double overtime to win the Super Regional 3 title.

North Alabama and Northwest Missouri State provide the other national semifinal match-up. While neither program is a stranger to winning national championships (UNA won three straight titles in 1993, 1994, and 1995, while Northwest won back-to-back crowns in 1998 and 1999), both had to go on the road to set up this otherwise unlikely contest. The Lions avenged their regular season loss to Delta State by stomping the Statesmen, 55-34, while the Bearcats did the same against previously undefeated Abilene Christian in a 45-36 upset win.

NCAA Division II Playoff Bracket (Updated)

NCAA Division III Second Round: The D-III dance had its share of surprises, too, as three of the four No. 1seeds fell in round two. In the North bracket, Franklin avenged its playoff loss of a year ago by rolling past North Central, 38-28. In the South, Washington & Jefferson (Pa.) upset previously unbeaten Millsaps 35-20, and in the West bracket, defending national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater ended Willamette's dream season with a 30-27 win. The Warhawks face No. 7 seed Wartburg, whose Knights eliminated No. 3 seed and previously undefeated Monmouth in a similarly 30-28 final score. The lone No. 1 seed to advance to round three was Mount Union, who crushed Hobart, 42-0. The Purple Raiders now await No. 2 seed Cortland State. The Dragons scorched Curry College, 42-7.

NCAA Division III Playoff Bracket (Updated)

NAIA Quarterfinals: There was one close game among the three quarterfinal contests, as Lindenwood (Mo.) knocked off Morningside (Iowa) on a last-second field goal, 37-34. On the other hand, St. Francis (Ind.) held off the University of the Cumberlands, Ky., 31-20, while Sioux Falls stomped Langston (Okla.), 50-13. Those results will set up next Saturday's two semifinal contests; with defending national champion Carroll (Mont.) playing host to Lindenwood in one game, while Sioux Falls hosts St. Francis in a re-match of the 2006 title game, a contest in which Sioux Falls eventually won.

NAIA Quarterfinal Recap (courtesy of naia.cstv.com)

The Post-Thanksgiving, Post-Season Feast

Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, and it's now time for a feast, not leftovers. A feast of postseason games, that is. Let's briefly this four-course meal of playoff games.

FCS: The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) begins its run to the 2008 national championship this weekend. Three-time defending champion Appalachian State hopes to join select company, and win a fourth straight title. Should that happen, the Mountaineers would join the likes of Augustana (Ill.), who won four straight NCAA Division III national championships from 1983-1986, and Carroll (Mont.), winners of four NAIA titles in a row from 2002-2005. Standing in the way, though, is James Madison, who was the last program other than Appalachian State to win an FCS national championship (2004).

FCS Playoff Bracket

NCAA Division II: If there was ever a excellent group of "Elite Eight" teams at any level of college football, this Saturday's quarterfinal round of the NCAA Division II playoffs has to be just that. All four games involve the No. 1 seeds playing host to the No. 2 seeds in each of the respective "Super Regionals". Also, three of those four games involve re-matches of regular season contests, with hosts Delta State (vs. North Alabama), Abilene Christian (vs. Northwest Missouri State), and Bloomsburg (vs. California [Pa.]), all winning those aforementioned games. Th fourth contest, Grand Valley State (11-0) vs. Minnesota-Duluth (12-0), is the only game involving teams that are still undefeated.

NCAA Division II Playoff Bracket

NCAA Division III: Mount Union (11-0) has been steamrolling opponents as usual, and last weekend was no different, as the Purple Raiders stomped Randolph-Macon 56-0 to advance to round two this weekend. Meanwhile, defending champion Wisconsin-Whitewater (10-1) also moved on to the second round after routing St. John's 37-7. The Warhawks will now draw top-seeded Willamette (11-0) in the West bracket, which is a game that's sure to be intense. The most telling storyline of the D-III playoffs, however, has to be the fact that all four No. 7 seeds pulled off upsets in the first round, as Curry, Wheaton, Wesley, and Wartburg all advanced in shocking fashion. Could it happen again this weekend? After all, the games are played on the field for a good reason, and this quartet proved it last weekend.

NCAA Division III Playoff Bracket

NAIA: The road to the NAIA title got a little bit easier for defending champion Carroll (Mont.), as Northwestern Oklahoma State was forced to forfeit its upset win over Friends (Kan.) in the first round, as well as relinquish its participation in the remainder of the postseason, because of the use of an ineligible player. That leaves just three quarterfinal playoff games set for Saturday, Langston at Sioux Falls; Cumberlands (Ky.) at St. Francis (Ind.), and Lindenwood at Morningside.

Bayou Classic: Although not a playoff game in the truest sense, the annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern Saturday (2 p.m. EST--NBC) will impact who will represent the Western Division in next month's SWAC title game. A win by Grambling would pit the Tigers against Eastern Division champion Jackson State in that contest, while a victory by Southern would force a three-way tie for the West crown.

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 14

NOTE: Last week's first round NAIA playoff game between Friends (Kan.) and Northwestern Oklahoma State was declared a forfeit, with Friends defeating NWOSU 2-0. The forfeit was declared after NWOSU used an ineligible player. Therefore, that game won't count in the tally for the updated predictions.

Also, RFC apologizes for the omissions of the following NCAA Division III first round playoff games, with the final scores listed below:

Monmouth (Ill.) 42, Aurora 13
Wartburg 26, Wisconsin-Stevens Point 21
Wheaton 14, Trine 0
Willamette 48, Occidental 33
Wisconsin-Whitewater 37, St. John's 7

And now, on to this week's predictions!

Last Week: 32-12 (.727)
Year-To-Date: 281-142 (.664)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

FCS PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

Wofford (9-2) at James Madison (10-1)

Colgate (9-2) at Villanova (9-2)

Texas State (8-4) at Montana (10-1)

Weber State (9-3) at Cal Poly (8-2)

South Carolina State (10-2) at Appalachian State (10-2)

Eastern Kentucky (8-3) at Richmond (9-3)

Maine (8-4) at Northern Iowa (10-2)

New Hampshire (9-2) at Southern Illinois (9-2)

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS

North Alabama (11-1) at Delta State (10-1)

Northwest Missouri State (11-1) at Abilene Christian (11-0)

California (Pa.)--(11-1) at Bloomsburg (11-1)

Minnesota-Duluth (12-0) at Grand Valley State (11-0)

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--SECOND ROUND

Hobart (9-1) at Mount Union (11-0)

Curry (10-1) at Cortland State (10-1)

Franklin (10-1) at North Central (11-0)

Wheaton (9-2) at Wabash (10-1)

Washington & Jefferson (10-1) at Millsaps (11-0)

Wesley (9-1) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (10-1)

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

Wartburg (9-2) at Monmouth (Ill.)--(11-0)

NAIA PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS

Carroll (Mont.) advances to semifinals due to forfeit by Northwestern Oklahoma State

Langston (10-2) at Sioux Falls (11-0)

University of the Cumberlands (Ky.)--(10-1) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(11-0)

Lindenwood (10-1) at Morningside (10-1)

BONUS PREDICTION

Grambling State (9-2) vs. Southern (6-4)

(Bayou Classic at Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, LA)

FCS Playoff Selections Announced

James Madison, three-time defending national champion Appalachian State, Northern Iowa, and Montana are the top four national seeds, as the 16-team field for the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivsion playoffs was announced Sunday night.

Complete FCS Playoff Bracket

OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's more on Abilene Christian's record setting performance in their resounding win over West Texas A&M in second round NCAA Division II playoff action. The Wildcats defeated the Buffaloes convincingly, 93-68.

Article courtesy of the Abilene (Tex.) Reporter News (includes video highlights)

ALSO...

Updated NCAA Division II Playoff Bracket

The Long, Painful Wait

The regular season is over, the waiting game begins in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, as the 16-team field for the 2008 playoffs comes Sunday night (tonight) at 7:30 p.m. EST.

College Sporting News

THE SUNDAY DRIVE--PLAYOFF RECAP--A record setting Texas shootout

The Abilene Christian University Wildcats and West Texas A&M University Buffaloes combined to score a new NCAA playoff record 161 points. But it was ACU advancing to the Division II semifinals with a convincing win at Abilene, Tex. Saturday.

Article courtesy of Abilene Christian University Sports Information

ALSO SEE...

ACU-WTAMU Box Score

BREAKDOWN--Storylines for the NCAA Division III and NAIA Playoffs

As the first round of both the NCAA Division III and NAIA playoffs approach, here are five storylines to ponder:

5. The South Region seems to be the toughest of all four brackets of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Of the eight teams that make up this aforementioned bracket, seven have had just one loss during regular season. However, the eighth team, Millsaps, comes in unbeaten at 10-0. The Majors face an upstart LaGrange (Ga.) team that had back-to-back winless seasons its first two years. Also, Wesley has had a pair of national semifinals appearances in a five-year span. That's not to mention Mary Hardin-Baylor reached the Stagg Bowl in 2004. It all adds up to being the toughest bracket in the entire NCAA Division III championships.

4. Higher seeds playing each other in the D-III first round.

Because of the desire to reduce travel costs, a few higher seeded teams are playing against each other in the first round of the D-III playoffs. Case in point, the first round of the West Region, where No. 1 seed Willamette (10-0) hosts No. 2 seed Occidental (9-0). Similarly, in the South Region, No. 2 seed Mary Hardin-Baylor (9-1) faces off against No. 3 seed and fellow American Southwest Conference archrival Hardin-Simmons (9-1) in a re-match of a regular season contest where UMHB eventually came out on top 20-18.

3. Potential early round upsets from upstarts.

Just as North Carolina Wesleyan shocked Washington & Jefferson in the first round of last year's D-III playoffs, upstart LaGrange (Ga.) could do the same thing this year against Millsaps. What do both NCWC and LaGrange have in common? Both small Southern institutions started their programs within the last 5-10 years.

2. What's in the (White)water?

After falling short in back-to-back Stagg Bowls in 2005 and '06, respectively, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks finally climbed the "little big" mountain that is Mount Union, and won the D-III national title in 2007. Now the big challenge for Whitewtater is this: can they repeat as national champions? First, the Warhawks must knock St. John's (Minn.), then likely defeat the winner of the Willamette-Occidental contest to get to the quarterfinals. There, they could possibly face Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) rival Wisconsin-Stevens Point in a regular season re-match where the Pointers handed the Warhawks their lone defeat.

1. Can Mount Union and Carroll continue their respective runs of excellence?

Last season, UW-Whitewater ended Mount Union's quest to win its 10th national championship in the last 15 years. Now the Purple Raiders and head coach Larry Kehres hope to return to the top in 2008. All of this from a program that has lost only 11 games since 1990. On the other hand, the Saints of Carroll College (Mont.) hope to win an unprecedented sixth NAIA national title in eight years.

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 13

Last Week: 19-15 (.559)
Year To Date: 249-130 (.657)

NOTE: It was erroneously posted that Redlands played Occidental, when that team actually played Cal Lutheran. Cal Lutheran defeated Redlands 24-17 last weekend. RFC apologizes for the error.

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highlighted in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

FCS

Richmond (8-3) at William & Mary (7-3)

(Spiders take on Tribe in critical Colonial Athletic Association contest!)

New Hampshire (8-2) at Maine (8-3)

(Black Bears hosts Wildcats in de-facto CAA North Division title game!)

Yale (6-3) at Harvard (8-1)

(125th edition of "The Game" has Ivy League championship implications!)

Game Notes

Harvard

Yale

Furman (7-4) at Wofford (8-2)

Eastern Kentucky (7-3) at Tennessee-Martin (8-2)

Elon (8-3) at Liberty (9-2)

Holy Cross (7-3) at Colgate (8-3)

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

McNeese State (8-3) at Central Arkansas (9-2)

Dayton (9-2) at Jacksonville (8-3)

Bethune-Cookman (8-2) vs. Florida A&M (8-3)

(Florida Classic at Orlando, Fla.)

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--SECOND ROUND

Tusculum (9-3) at Delta State (9-1)

Valdosta State (9-2) at North Alabama (10-1)

West Texas A&M (11-1) at Abilene Christian (10-0)

Pittsburg State (11-1) at Northwest Missouri State (10-1)

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

Seton Hill (10-2) at California (Pa.)--(10-1)

Ashland (9-3) at Grand Valley State (10-0)

Chadron State (11-1) at Minnesota-Duluth (11-0)

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

Randolph-Macon (6-4) at Mount Union (10-0)

Lycoming (7-3) at Hobart (8-1)

Plymouth State (10-1) at Cortland State (9-1)

Curry (9-1) at Ithaca (9-1)

Thomas More (8-2) at North Central (10-0)

Franklin (9-1) at Otterbein (9-1)

Wabash (9-1) at Case Western Reserve (10-0)

LaGrange (9-1) at Millsaps (10-0)

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

Wesley (8-1) at Muhlenberg (9-1)

Hardin-Simmons (9-1) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (9-1)

ECAC BOWLS (NCAA Division III postseason games in the Northeast)

St. John Fisher (6-4) at Husson (7-2)

Alfred (7-3) at RPI (7-2)

Brockport State (6-4) at Hartwick (7-2)

Catholic (8-2) at Johns Hopkins (8-2)

Kean (7-3) at Delaware Valley (7-2)

Salisbury (8-2) at Moravian (8-2)

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

NAIA PLAYOFFS--FIRST ROUND

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

St. Ambrose (8-3) at Sioux Falls (10-0)

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

Langston (9-2) at MidAmerica Nazarene (10-0)

Northwestern Oklahoma State (8-2) at Friends (10-0)

Lambuth (8-3) at Lindenwood (9-1)

Shorter (9-2) at University of the Cumberlands (Ky.)--(9-1)

NCCAA VICTORY BOWL--at Minneapolis, Minn. (Friday)

Malone (NAIA)--(6-3) vs. Northwestern (Minn.)--(D-III)--(8-2)

(Hosted by the National Christian College Athletic Association)

BREAKDOWN--NCAA Division II Playoffs Second Round

So many things about the second round of the NCAA Division II football playoffs. So little time. So, what are waiting for? Let's get started.

Of the eight games played in round two, six are re-matches of regular season contests. Maybe the most interesting of those match-ups are Super Regional 4, where No. 1 seed Abilene Christian will host No. 4 West Texas A&M (10-1), whose Buffaloes held off Central Washington for a 49-42 win last weekend. In the regular season meeting between the two teams, ACU rolled past WTAMU 52-35 on the road. The other game in Super Regional 4 pits No. 2 vs. No. 3, as Northwest Missouri State entertains Pittsburg State (Kan.). In the regular season contest at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., the Bearcats had no trouble in dropping the Gorillas 35-10. While Northwest will look to win its 11th straight game since a season opening loss to Abilene Christian, Pittsburg State is coming off a 33-21 come from behind win over Nebraska-Omaha.

Super Regional 3 has a pair of second round games where one is a regular season re-match, and the other isn't. Grand Valley State (10-0) is sure to be favored to win its fifth national championship in the last seven years, as the Lakers play host to an Ashland (9-3) team that won its first-ever playoff game in a 27-16 win over Minnesota State last weekend. During the regular season, the Golden Eagles gave the Lakers all it could handle before losing 48-42. There's also No. 2 seed Minnesota-Duluth (11-0), whose Bulldogs will face a huge challenge in taking on the Eagles of Chadron State (11-1), who held off Wayne State (Neb.) 23-17 to advance to round two last week.

Super Regional 2 has yet another re-match of a regular season in North Alabama and defending D-II champion Valdosta State. The No. 2 seeded Lions (9-1) defeated the No. 3 seeded Blazers (9-2) 41-23 during the regular season. In first round action last Saturday, VSU rallied to defeat Carson-Newman 24-20. In the other first round match-up in Super Regional 2, Tusculum eliminated Albany State (Ga.) 34-22. The No. 4 seeded Pioneers, who improved to 9-3 with the win, will now draw top seeded Delta State (9-1) in second round action this weekend.

Finally, in Super Regional 1, there's yes, yet another regular season re-match, as the top seeded Bloomsburg Huskies (10-1) will get another shot against the only team to beat them, the West Chester Golden Rams (9-3). In the regular season meeting on Nov. 1, WCU upset Bloomsburg 24-21. In last week's first round action, the Golden Rams stomped Southern Connecticut State, 52-32. The other second round contest pits No. 2 seed California (Pa.)--(10-1) against No. 6 seed Seton Hill (10-2). The Griffins won their first-ever NCAA Division II playoff game with a 14-7 upset win over No. 3 seed American International.

THE SUNDAY DRIVE--SPECIAL EDITION--NAIA Playoff Announced

Click HERE!

NOTE: Updated at 6:33 p.m. EST

THE SUNDAY DRIVE--SPECIAL EDITION--NCAA Division III Playoff Field Announcement

The 32-team field for the 2008 NCAA Division III football playoffs has been announced. The link is available here.

THE SUNDAY DRIVE--SPECIAL EDITION--PLAYOFF RECAP

While awaiting the selection of the 32-team NCAA Division III playoff field, here are some recaps from select first round NCAA Division II playoff contests below.

Ashland 27, Minnesota State 16

The Golden Eagles win their first-ever playoff game after three failed attempts.

Ashland (Ohio) Times-Gazette

Valdosta State 24, Carson-Newman 20

The defending D-II champs rally to knock off the Eagles in dramatic fashion.

Valdosta (Ga.) Daily Times

Pittsburg State 33, Nebraska-Omaha 21

Gorillas rally from small deficit, hold off Mavericks.

Pittsburg (Kan.) Morning Sun

West Texas A&M 49, Central Washington 42

Buffaloes win slugfest win over the Wildcats.

Associated Press

PLAYOFF RECAP--Randolph-Macon 31, Hampden-Sydney (The Game)

The Yellow Jackets rally in the fourth quarter to stun the Tigers, and earn their first NCAA Division III playoff berth since 1984, thanks to Bridgewater (Va.) upsetting Catholic earlier Saturday.

Randolph-Macon College Sports Information

PLAYOFF RECAP--NOVEMBER 15, 2008

So, how did the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs go? Or even the final week of the regular season in NCAA Division III, for that matter? Both questions, and then some, will be answered in the debut edition of "Playoff Recap", only on RFC.

Seton Hill 14, American International 7 (NCAA Division II Playoffs First Round)

The Griffins upset the Yellow Jackets in a defensive struggle, win first-ever postseason game.

Seton Hill University Sports Information

West Texas A&M 49, Central Washington 42 (NCAA Division II Playoffs First Round)

Buffaloes hold off Wildcats in shootout, face Abilene Christian in regular season re-match next weekend.

West Texas A&M University Sports Information

NCAA Division II Playoffs First Round Scoreboard

Every final score from the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

d2football.com

NCAA Division III Regular Season Finales

Ithaca 35, Cortland State 13

Bombers blast Red Hawks; get help from Alfred to win Empire 8 Conference title.

Otterbein 20, John Carroll 17 (Overtime)

The Cardinals needed an extra period to outlast the Blue Streaks, and keep themselves in the playoff hunt in the process.

LaGrange 27, Huntindgon 17

The Panthers win the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, await potential playoff bid.

Triple upsets in D-III

Can't you hear that flushing sound?

That's the sound of several teams playoff hopes going down the drain, or at least limiting their home field advantage in the postseason to one round, as several unranked teams upset their ranked opponents on the final day of the regular season in NCAA Division III football.

In the 115th edition of the "Monon Bell" game at Crawfordsville, Ind., DePauw ended its season on a winning note at 8-2, as the Tigers crushed previously unbeaten Wabash, 36-14. In Bethelem, Pa., the Moravian Greyhounds handed the Centennial Conference champion Muhlenberg Mules their first loss in a 27-24 overtime shocker. Finally, in New Jersey, Kean likely ended any Montclair State hopes for an at-large playoff bid with a 21-18 triumph at home.

Alfred defeats St. John Fisher in OT, Ithaca wins E8 title

The St. John Fisher Cardinals lose in overtime to the Alfred Saxons, 36-33, in overtime. With the SJFC loss, Ithaca wins the automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs from the Empire 8 Conference.

In the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, Pittsburg State held off Nebraska-Omaha 33-21 to the second round.

Randolph-Macon upsets Hampden-Sydney, 31-21, in "The Game"

The Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets are in the NCAA Division III playoffs. R-MC upset Hampden-Sydney, 31-21, to win the Old Dominion Athletic Conference autobid. Their bid for the playoffs was aided by Catholic's 37-26 upset loss to Bridgewater (Va.) Saturday.

In other games, the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title goes to the LaGrange (Ga.) College Panthers, who defeated the Huntingdon Hawks from Montgomery, Ala., 27-17, at home. The Panthers, who went 0-20 in their first two teams, finish the regular season, and now await their potential first-ever playoff berth. In the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, the Christopher Newport Captains held off Ferrum, 13-10, to win the USA South Athletic Conference automatic bid to the D-III dance.

Game updates--Playoff implications galore

Ithaca wins "Cortaca Jug", hands Cortland State first loss, 35-13. Meanwhile, Plymouth State pounded Maine Maritime 46-16, to win the New England Football Conference championship, and the automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Stay connected to RFC throughout the remainder of the afternoon, and all night, for recaps of key, as well as select first-round games from the NCAA Division II playoffs.

BREAKDOWN--The NCAA Division III Playoff Picture (plus NAIA bonus coverage)--Part 2

The road to postseason play continues on RFC, as we take a look at a few more games that will impact the playoff picture at both the NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels, respectively.

Got questions about the D-III playoffs? d3football.com has the answers!

NCAA Division III--Pools B & C

Huntingdon (8-1) at La Grange (8-1): The much anticipated showdown for the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship has arrived, as the Panthers of Georgia's LaGrange College--who went winless in their first 20 games over the first two seasons--play host to the Huntingdon College Hawks of Montgomery, Ala. While the Panthers have had an extra week to rest and prepare for most important game in their three-year history, the Hawks are coming off a tough 38-34 home loss to Hampden-Sydney (Va.) last weekend. Still, the bottom line is the winner of this game wins the SLIAC title, and maybe their first-ever D-III playoff berth. Of course, the loser must settle for second place in the conference.

Ithaca (8-1) at Cortland State (9-0): When the Bombers take the field against the host Red Dragons in the battle for the "Cortaca Jug", more than just winning a big bottle will be at stake. For Cortland, a victory would mean a perfect regular season, while an Ithaca loss could cost the Bombers a "Pool C" at-large playoff bid.

Montclair State (8-1) at Kean (6-3): With Cortland State already having the postseason autobid in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, the Red Hawks must win to secure the Pool C bid from the league.

Otterbein (8-1) at John Carroll (5-4): After losing to Mount Union 49-20 last week, the Cardinals must regroup quickly, and defeat the Blue Streaks to lock up the program's first-ever playoff bid.

Cal Lutheran (6-2) at Redlands (7-1): With Occidental (8-0) already having won the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) automatic bid, this aforementioned is for second place in the league. A Redlands win, though, would mean the Bulldogs not only would finish the regular season at 8-1 overall, but also keep themselves in the at-large playoff hunt in the process.

Case Western Reserve (9-0) at Washington University (5-4): As a member of one of the so-called "Pool B" conferences that make up NCAA Division III, the Spartans must win in St. Louis against the Bears to not only secure another University Athletic Association title and undefeated season, but also assure themselves of a postseason berth.

NAIA

Morningside at Sioux Falls: A battle of 9-0 teams ensues for the Great Plains Athletic Conference crown, as the Cougars host the Mustangs. The winner of this clash could very well get home field advantage for at least the first two rounds of the playoffs.

Missouri Valley (7-2) at Lindenwood (8-1): With undefeated MidAmerica Nazarene (9-0) already having clinched the Heart of America Athletic Conference crown, the winner of this contest will likely advance to postseason play, while the loser will likely be on the outside looking in.

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 12

Last Week: 19-16 (.543)
Year To Date: 230-115 (667)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highighted in italics.

FCS

William & Mary (7-2) at James Madison (8-1)

(Dukes host the Tribe for the Colonial Athletic Association South Division title!)

Elon (8-2) at Appalachian State (8-2)

(Mountaineers entertain the Phoenix with the Southern Conference autobid to the FCS playoffs at stake!)

Massachusetts (6-4) at New Hampshire (7-2)

Tennessee State (8-2) at Jacksonville State (7-3)

Harvard (7-1) at Penn (5-3)

Holy Cross (6-3) at Lafayette (7-2)

South Dakota State (6-4) at Southern Illinois (7-2)

South Carolina State (8-2) at Morgan State (6-4)

McNeese State (6-3) at Northwestern State (6-4)

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND

Seton Hill (9-2) at American International (9-1)

Southern Connecticut State (8-2) at West Chester (8-3)

Wayne State (Neb.)--(9-2) at Chadron State (10-1)

Minnesota State (9-2) at Ashland (8-3)

Carson-Newman (7-3) at Valdosta State (8-2)

Albany State (Ga.)--(7-3) at Tusculum (8-3)

Nebraska-Omaha (7-3) at Pittsburg State (Kan.)--(10-1)

Central Washington (10-1) at West Texas A&M (10-1)

NCAA DIVISION III

Ithaca (8-1) at Cortland State (9-0)

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

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

(Little Giants take on the Tigers in the 115th "Monon Bell" game!)

Randolph-Macon (5-4) at Hampden-Sydney (8-1)

(The 114th edition of "The Game" has playoff implications, as the Tigers face the Yellow Jackets!)

St. John Fisher (6-3) at Alfred (6-3)

Muhlenberg (9-0) at Moravian (7-2)

Otterbein (8-1) at John Carroll (5-4)

Albright (7-2) at Delaware Valley (6-3)

Lebanon Valley (6-3) at Lycoming (6-3)

Case Western Reserve (9-0) at Washington (Mo.)--(5-4)

Huntingdon (8-1) at La Grange (8-1)

Montclair State (8-1) at Kean (6-3)

Occidental (6-2) at Redlands (7-1)

NAIA

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

(The Great Plains Athletic Conference championship is on the line between the Mustangs and the Cougars!)

Missouri Valley (7-2) at Lindenwood (8-1)

(Lions host Vikings in Heart of America Conference game with playoff implications!)

Ohio Dominican (6-3) at Malone (9-0)

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

St. Francis (Ind.)--(9-0) at St. Xavier (7-3)

BREAKDOWN--The NCAA Division III Playoff Picture--Part 1

Already? Just one week left in the NCAA Division III football regular season? Yes, it's true, indeed. Here's how the playoff picture is shaping up heading into that final weekend.

Current automatic qualifiers (Pool A)

KEY: Conference: Champion (Current won-lost record)

American Southwest Conference: Mary Hardin-Baylor (8-1)

Centennial Conference: Muhlenberg (9-0)

College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin: North Central (9-0)

Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference: Franklin (8-1)

Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: Wartburg (8-2)

Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association: Trine (9-0)

Midwest Conference: Monmouth (Ill.)--(10-0)

New Jersey Athletic Conference: Cortland State (9-0)

North Coast Athletic Conference: Wabash (9-0)

Northwest Conference: Willamette (9-0)

Ohio Athletic Conference: Mount Union (9-0)

President's Athletic Conference: Thomas More (7-2)

Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: Occidental (8-0)

Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference: Millsaps (9-0)

Automatic bids to be clinched:

Empire 8 Conference: With Ithaca (8-1, 5-1) already having completed its conference schedule, St. John Fisher (6-3, 4-1) can clinch that league's autobid with a win over Alfred (6-3, 3-2). That's because the Cardinals blasted the Bombers, 37-6, earlier this season.

Liberty League: Hobart (7-1, 5-1) can clinch the LL title with a win over Rochester. If the Statesmen falter, RPI (7-1, 5-1) can take the autobid if the Engineers defeat Merchant Marine.

Middle Atlantic Conference: Albright (7-2, 5-1) controls its own destiny in its conference, as a win over Delaware Valley (6-3, 4-2). If the Lions lose, however, it could open the door for a three-way share of the MAC crown, as the winner of the Lebanon Valley-Lycoming contest could forge such a split should Del Val pull off the upset.

Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: Carleton and St. John's both have identical 7-2 overall and 5-2 MIAC marks heading into this unlikely de-facto conference title game. One thing's for sure, the winner of this game wins the MIAC autobid to the D-III playoffs, while the loser goes home.

New England Football Conference: For the first time in what seems like a long time, the NEFC championship doesn't involve Curry (9-1, 6-1), as Plymouth State (9-1, 7-0) squares off against Maine Maritime (7-3, 6-1) for the title there.

Northern Athletics Conference: It's Lakeland (5-4, 5-1) paying a visit to Aurora (8-1, 6-0) for the autobid in this fledgling league.

Old Dominion Athletic Conference: Catholic (8-1, 4-1) can win the ODAC automatic bid with a win over Bridgewater (Va.). If the Cardinals lose, Hampden-Sydney (8-1, 4-1) can claim the crown if the Tigers defeat archrival Randolph-Macon (5-4, 3-2). Should both Catholic and H-S lose, and Emory and Henry (5-4, 3-2) defeat Guilford, it would create a four-way tie for the title. Try sorting that out.

USA South Athletic Conference: Ferrum (7-2, 5-1) visits Christopher Newport (7-1, 6-0) for the top spot in that conference.

Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: Wisconsin-Stevens Point (8-1, 5-1) can take home at least a share of the title with a win over Wisconsin-La Crosse. Defending D-III national champion must defeat Wisconsin-Platteville, and hope for LaCrosse to upset Stevens Point in order to win the WIAC autobid.

BREAKDOWN: NCAA Division II Playoffs First Round

After 11 weeks of regular season play, only 24 NCAA Division II football teams are still playing. Here's a brief look at the first round match-ups.

NOTE: All previews are listed in bracket order, from top to bottom.

Super Regional Two

5. Albany State (Ga.)--(7-3) at 4. Tusculum (8-3)

The Pioneers play host to the Golden Rams in a batlle of three loss teams. Tusculum won a share of the South Atlantic Conference after upsetting Wingate and Carson-Newman in back-to-back, while ASU looks to snap a four-game losing streak dating back to the 2004 playoffs.

6. Carson-Newman (7-3) at Valdosta State (Ga.)--(8-2)

It's a clash of perennial Southern powers, as the Eagles head south to face the defending national champion Blazers. In addition to in-conference losses to Newberry and Tusculum, C-N also lost an early season non-conference clash to North Alabama. As for VSU, the Blazers losses came to Delta State and UNA.

FIRST ROUND BYES: 1. Delta State (9-1) and 2. North Alabama (10-1)

Super Regional Four

5. Central Washington (10-1) at 4. West Texas A&M (10-1)

Both the Wildcats and Buffaloes, respectively, breezed through the regular season with just one loss; with WTAMU losing to Lone Star Conference foe Abilene Christian, while CWU dropped its lone regular season to Montana of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. It's too bad only of these teams will continue their season after this weekend, and get a shot at top seeded ACU.

6. Nebraska-Omaha (7-3) at 3. Pittsburg State (10-1)

The Mavericks struggled their way through a tough schedule of games to reach the playoffs in their inaugural Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association season. They face a tough task against the Gorillas, who handed UNO a tough 35-28 setback on Oct. 18.

FIRST ROUND BYES: 1. Abilene Christian (10-0) and 2. Northwest Missouri State (10-1)

Super Regional One

5. Southern Connecticut State (8-2) at 4. West Chester (8-3)

One of the more interesting first round match-ups pits the Owls against the Golden Rams. SCSU enters the contest on a high after upsetting previously unbeaten American International last weekend, while WCU fell to California (Pa.) in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference title game.

6. Seton Hill (9-2) at American International (9-1)

The Yellow Jackets play host to the Griffins, who are making their first-ever appearance in the D-II playoffs. Both teams are coming off tough losses to end the regular season, as AIC's bid for an undefeated season was denied by Southern Connecticut State, while SHU fell to West Liberty State. That defeat cost the Griffins a share of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title.

FIRST ROUND BYES: 1. Bloomsburg (10-1) and 2. California (Pa.)--(10-1)

Super Regional Three

5. Minnesota State (9-2) at 4. Ashland (8-3)

The Mavericks make the long trip to Ohio to take on the Golden Eagles in a battle of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference vs. the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. At stake is the right to face No. 1 seed and undefeated Grand Valley State on Nov. 22.

6. Wayne State (Neb.)--(9-2) at Chadron State (10-1)

The Wildcats from northeastern Nebraska travel to the western Panhandle of the state to go up against the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champion Eagles. After losing back-to-back games to St. Cloud State and Minnesota State in consective weeks, Wayne State ended the regular season on a seven-game winning streak. On the other hand, Chadron State has reeled off nine straight wins since losing to Pittsburg State 38-31 in Week 2 (Sept. 6).

FIRST ROUND BYES: 1. Grand Valley State (10-0) and 2. Minnesota-Duluth (11-0)

Time for the showdown

Two teams from the South square off for a championship in a Midwestern-based conference, as the Huntingdon College Hawks of Montgomery, Ala. face the LaGrange College Panthers of LaGrange, Ga. for the NCAA Division III St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title.

Article courtesy of LaGrange (Ga.) Daily News

Knights, Johnnies to battle for championship

The Cinderella team of the NCAA Division III Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Carleton, takes on a perennial powerhouse in St. John's. At stake is an automatic bid to the D-III playoffs.

Article courtesy of College Sporting News

THE SUNDAY DRIVE--SPECIAL EDITION--NCAA Division II Playoff Bracket Announcement

The 24-team field for the NCAA Division II football playoffs has been announced. Click the link below to see who's playing who.

2008 NCAA Division II Football Playoff Bracket

NCAA Division II Playoff Update

Here are some reviews of games with potential conference championship, and/or playoff implications as of 9:17 p.m. EST Saturday. The NCAA Division II Selection Show will air at 3 p.m. EST Sunday on ESPNNews.

Super Regional 1

Southern Connecticut State 27, American International 17

Owls spoil Yellow Jackets bid for perfect regular season, await potential NCAA Division II playoff bid.

Southern Connecticut State University Sports Information

California (Pa.) 47, West Chester 36

The No. 1 Vulcans outlast the No. 3 Golden Rams to win Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference title.

West Chester University Sports Information

Other Scores: Bloomsburg 38, Gannon 10; Edinboro 38, Millersville 13; West Liberty State 35, Seton Hill 32; Glennville State 50, Charleston 20*

*--Recaps courtesy of West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Super Regional 2

Tusculum 45, Carson-Newman 44

Pioneers stun Eagles to win share of South Atlantic Conference crown.

Tusculum College Sports Information

Mars Hill 45, Wingate 42

Lions pull off upset on the road, put Bulldogs postseason hopes in doubt.

Mars Hill College Sports Information

Other scores: Albany State (Ga.) 42, Miles 0

Super Regional 3

Grand Valley State 24, Wayne State (Mich.) 10

Lakers finish regular season undefeated at 10-0.

Grand Valley State University Sports Information

Minnesota-Duluth 38, Winona State 7

Bulldogs crush Warriors to win Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference title!

University of Minnesota-Duluth Sports Information

Other scores: Chadron State 39, Western State (Colo.) 7; Ashland 45, Findlay 38; Minnesota State 16, St. Cloud State 7; Wayne State (Neb.) 31, Mary 16

Super Regional 4

Abilene Christian 47, Midwestern State 17; Northwest Missouri State 48, Missouri Western 24; Pittsburg State (Kan.) 52, Emporia State 7; West Texas A&M 51, Tarleton State 0; Nebraska-Omaha 34, Washburn 14

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 11--BONUS PREDICTION

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highlighted in italics.

Other games highlighted in BOLD type.

Saturday, November 8

NCAA DIVISION III

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

(The 123rd edition of the "Biggest Little Game In America" between the Ephs and Lord Jeffs!)

Game Notes

Amherst

Williams

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 11

Last Week: 28-12 (.700)
Year To Date: 211-99 (.680)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highlighted in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

FCS

New Hampshire (7-1) at Villanova (6-2)

(It's a clash of the Wildcats in the Colonial Athletic Association!)

Western Illinois (5-3) at Southern Illinois (6-2)

(Salukis host the Leathernecks in a critical Missouri Valley Football Conference match-up!)

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

Sacred Heart (8-1) at Monmouth (N.J.)--(5-4)

Penn (4-3) at Princeton (3-4)--(Friday)

Dayton (8-1) at Butler (6-2)

Bethune-Cookman (6-2) at Hampton (5-3)

Montana State (5-4) at Northern Arizona (6-3)

NCAA DIVISION II

West Chester (8-2) at California (Pa.)--(9-1)

(Vulcans, Golden Rams battle in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship game!)

Tarleton State (8-2) at West Texas A&M (9-1)

(Buffaloes take on Texans in game with playoff implications)

Southern Connecticut (7-2) at American International (9-0)

Grand Valley State (9-0) at Wayne State (Mich.)--(8-2)

Charleston (W. Va.)--(7-3) at Glenville State (7-3)

West Liberty State (6-4) at Seton Hill (9-1)

Carson-Newman (7-2) at Tusculum (7-3)

St. Cloud State (7-3) at Minnesota State (8-2)

Shaw (7-3) vs. Elizabeth City State (7-3)

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

NCAA DIVISION III

Mount Union (8-0) at Otterbein (8-0)

(Ohio Athletic Conference championship at stake between the Purple Raiders and upstart Cardinals!)

Augustana (Ill.)--(6-2) at North Central (8-0)

Hobart (6-1) at RPI (7-0)

Rowan (7-1) at Montclair State (7-1)

Trine (8-0) at Adrian (7-1)

Carnegie-Mellon (4-4) at Case Western Reserve (8-0)

Illinois Wesleyan (5-3) at Wheaton (6-2)

Wisconsin-Stevens Point (7-1) at Wisconsin-Eau Claire (5-3)

Ithaca (7-1) at Alfred (6-2)

Carleton (6-2) at Concordia-Moorhead (Minn.)--(5-3)

NAIA

Malone (6-1) at St. Francis (Ind.)--(8-0)

(Cougars host Pioneers in de-facto Mid States Football Association Mideast Division title game!)

Baker (7-2) at Mid America Nazarene (8-0)

Dickinson State (6-3) at Minot State (6-3)

Friends (8-0) at Bethel (Kans.)--(6-2)

St. Ambrose (6-3) at Quincy (5-4)

Virginia's College at Wise (7-2) at University of the Cumberlands (Ky.)--(8-1)

INTERDIVISIONAL GAME

Western Oregon (D-II)--(6-4) at Linfield (D-III)--(5-2)