Small College Football Playoff Predictions & Bracketology: NAIA

Editor's Note: This is the third and final installment of a three-part series leading up to the start of the playoffs at the NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels. This time, we break down the first round of the NAIA playoffs. In each installment, there'll be some predictions of each first-round game, followed by a brief analysis of each bracket. Now, on to the second post.

NOTE: For this week's regular "RFC Top Games" column, please click here, or scroll below.

NOTE: For the NCAA Division II first-round preview & predictions column, please click here, or scroll below. For the NCAA Division III preview, please click here, or scroll below.

KEY: Projected winners marked in RED.

(Courtesy of NAIA.org)

2018 NAIA FCS First Round Pairings Announced

NAIA Playoffs-First Round

Saturday, November 17

Rocky Mountain (8-3) at Morningside (11-0)

St. Xavier (8-3) at Marian (10-0)

Baker (8-2) at Bethel (Tenn.)-(10-0)

Concordia (Mich.)-(8-2) at Reinhardt (9-1)

Dickinson State (9-1) at Northwestern (Iowa)-(9-1)

Langston (9-1) at Kansas Wesleyan (11-0)

Cumberlands (Ky.)-(10-1) at Benedictine (Kan.)-(10-1)

Grand View (8-2) at St. Francis (Ind.)-(8-2)

Quickie Analysis: This year's NAIA playoff field has teams that have won at least eight games during the regular season in 2018, including two-time defending national champion St. Francis (Ind.). Four undefeated teams; Bethel (Tenn.), Kansas Wesleyan, Marian, and Morningside, as well as multiple once-beaten teams in Cumberlands (Ky.), Dickinson State, Langston, Northwestern (Iowa), and Reinhardt, also headline the 16-team bracket. Expect a wide-open fight on the road to Daytona Beach, Fla. That's where the NAIA national championship will be played on December 15. 

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