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 that third and final 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)

2019 NAIA FCS First Round Pairings Announced

NAIA Playoffs-First Round

Saturday, November 24

Dickinson State (8-2) at Morningside (10-0)

Reinhardt (9-2) at Marian (9-0)

Baker (8-2) at Kansas Wesleyan (11-0)

Concordia (Mich.)-(8-2) at Grand View (11-0)

Ottawa (Ariz.)-(9-1) at College of Idaho (10-0)

St. Francis (Ind.)-(7-2) at Lindsey Wilson (10-0)

Cumberlands (Ky.)-(9-1) at Keiser (9-0)

St. Xavier (8-2) at Northwestern (Iowa)-(9-1)

Quickie Analysis: Another solid group of quality teams headlines the 2019 NAIA playoffs, as seven of the 16 teams in this year's field finished the regular season undefeated, while four other squads are either 9-1 or 9-2, as well as several 8-2 teams, and one 7-2 squad in St. Francis (Ind.). While this might be the strongest field of squads in recent years, defending national champion Morningside remains the team to beat.

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