THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 3--PART 2

KEY: Projected winner (s) highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highlighted in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

Saturday, September 12

FCS

McNeese State (1-0) at Appalachian State (0-1)

(Mountaineers hope to bounce back after tough loss to East Carolina)

Richmond (1-0) at Delaware (1-0)

Central Connecticut State (1-0) at William & Mary (1-0)

South Dakota (1-0) at Northern Iowa (0-1)

Norfolk State (1-0) at North Carolina A&T (1-0)

Albany (N.Y.)--(0-1) at Massachusetts (0-1)

Georgia Southern (1-0) at South Dakota State

Northwestern State (0-1) at Grambling State (0-1)

Jackson State (0-1) vs. Tennessee State (0-1)

(Southern Heritage Classic at Memphis, Tenn.)

Alabama State (1-0) at Savannah State (1-0)

NCAA DIVISION II

Northwest Missouri State (1-1) vs. Pittsburg State (Kan.)--(2-0)

(It's "Fall Classic VIII" between the Bearcats and Gorillas at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.!)

Saginaw Valley State (2-0) at Grand Valley State (2-0)

(The Lakers host the surprising Cardinals in this Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference clash!)

Michigan Tech (0-1) at Ashland (1-1)

California (Pa.)--(0-2) at West Chester (1-1)

Wingate (2-0) at UNC Pembroke (2-0)

Central Oklahoma (1-1) at Texas A&M Kingsville (2-0)

Winona State (2-0) at Bemidji State (1-1)

West Texas A&M (0-2) at Central Washington (2-0)

NCAA DIVISION III

Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Central (1-0)

(Defending WIAC co-champion Pointers travel to Iowa to start season)

Hardin-Simmons (1-0) at Linfield

(Cowboys head to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Wildcats!)

Mount Ida (0-1) at Plymouth State (0-1)

Emory and Henry (1-0) at Greensboro (1-0)

Ithaca (1-0) at Union (N.Y.)

Hobart at Dickinson (1-0)

Carthage at Hope (0-1)

Hanover (0-1) at Waynesburg (1-0)

Wheaton at Bethel (Minn.)--(1-0)

NAIA

Mid America Nazarene (1-0) at Baker (0-1)

(Key early season showdown looms in the Heart of America Athletic Conference!)

Northwestern (Iowa)--(1-0) at Morningside (1-0)

(This game's also big in the Great Plains Athletic Conference!)

St. Ambrose (1-0) at Malone (1-0)

(A crucial early season game from the Mid States Football Association!)

Central Methodist (1-0) at Lindenwood (1-0)

Rocky Mountain (1-1) at Montana State-Northern (1-1)

INTERDIVISIONAL GAMES

LaGrange (D-III)--(1-0) at Shorter (NAIA)--(1-0)

(Hawks play host to the Panthers in a battle of Georgia playoff teams from last season)

Lenoir-Rhyne (D-II)--(0-1) at Davidson (FCS)--(0-1)

Virginia Union (D-II)--(1-1) at Old Dominion (FCS)--(1-0)

Valparaiso (FCS)--(0-1) at Concordia (Wis.)--(D-III)--(0-1)

Butler (FCS)--(1-0) at Franklin (D-III)--(1-0)

Dixie State (D-II)--(1-1) at Montana State (FCS)--(0-1)

Southern Oregon (NAIA) at Portland State (FCS)--(0-1)

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 3--PART 1

Last Week: 41-16 (.719)
Year-To-Date: 60-25 (.706)

KEY: Projected winner (s) highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highlighted in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

Thursday, September 10

FCS

Florida A&M (1-0) at Winston-Salem State (0-1)

NCAA DIVISION II

Arkansas Tech (2-0) at West Alabama (2-0)

(Tigers take on the Wonder Boys in battle of unbeaten Gulf South Conference upstarts!)

INTERDIVISIONAL GAMES

Wagner (FCS)--(0-1) at SUNY Maritime (D-III)--(1-0)

Union (Ky.)--(NAIA)--(1-0) at Southeastern Louisiana (FCS)--(1-0)

Pikeville (Ky.)--(NAIA)--(0-1) at Tennessee Tech (FCS)--(0-0)

Campbellsville (NAIA)--(1-0) at Carson-Newman (D-II)--(0-2)

Friday, September 11

NCAA DIVISION II

American International (2-0) at Stonehill (1-1)

New Haven (1-0) at Assumption (1-1)

Saint Anselm (1-1) at Bentley (2-0)

NCAA DIVISION III

Western New England (1-0) at Westfield State (1-0)

Worcester Polytech (1-0) at Worcester State (1-0)

CORRECTION ON "LIGHTNING ROUND" PREDICTIONS FOR WEEK 1

Faulkner (Ala.) defeated Webber International (Fla.) 17-16 on August 29, 2009. Therefore, instead of having 18 games right and 10 wrong for Week 1, or the "debut" week, the new total for the first week is 19 right and nine wrong. RFC regrets the error.

RFC SCOREBORAD--THE DEBUT

Welcome to the first-ever "RFC Scoreboard", where all of your final scores in small college football are located all in one post. RFC is not responsible for any scores reported incorrectly.

FCS

NCAA Division II (September 3)

NCAA Division II (September 4)

NCAA Division II (September 5)

NCAA Division III

NAIA

RFC e-mail address: realfootballcentral@gmail.com

RFC on Twitter--http://www.twitter.com/realfootball

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 2--PART 2

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highlighted in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

FCS

South Carolina State vs. Grambling State

(MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Orlando, Fla.)

Albany at Georgia Southern

Presbyterian at Furman

Central Connecticut State at Lehigh

Delaware State at Florida A&M

Alabama A&M at Tennessee State

NCAA DIVISION II

Chadron State (1-0) at Pittsburg State (1-0)

(Gorillas play host to the Eagles in early-season Super Region 4 match-up)

Bloomsburg (1-0) at California (Pa.)--(0-1)

(Huskies take on the Vulcans in early-season PSAC test)

Carson-Newman (0-1) at North Alabama (1-0)

Saginaw Valley State (1-0) at Wayne State (Mich.)--(1-0)

Nebraska-Omaha (1-0) at Nebraska-Kearney (0-1)

Michigan Tech at Hillsdale (1-0)

NCAA DIVISION III

Christopher Newport at Wesley

(Captains face off against the Wolverines in early season non-conference clash)

Anna Maria at Castleton State

(First-ever game for two New England programs)

Mount Union at St. John Fisher

North Central at Ohio Northern

Whitworth at Hardin-Simmons

Willamette at Concordia-Moorhead (Minn.)

Franklin at Baldwin-Wallace

Wisconsin-Oshkosh at Ripon

Wisconsin-LaCrosse at East Texas Baptist

Johns Hopkins at Delaware Valley

Millsaps at Mississippi College

Guilford at Greensboro

Thomas More at John Carroll

NAIA

Montana State-Northern (1-0) at Carroll (Mont.)--(1-0)

(Saints host the Lights in critical early-season Frontier Conference match-up)

Morningside at Dakota Wesleyan

(Critical game in the Great Plains Athletic Conference)

Virginia-Wise at Union (Ky.)

(Bulldogs home to Cavaliers in key early-season Mid-South Conference clash)

Baker at Missouri Valley

(Huge opener in the Heart of America Athletic Conference)

INTERDIVISIONAL GAMES

Chowan (D-II)--(0-1) at Old Dominion (FCS)

(First-ever football game for the Monarchs)

Valparaiso (FCS) at St. Joseph's (Ind.)--(D-II)

Stonehill (D-II) at Wagner (FCS)

Southern Connecticut State (D-II)--(0-1) at Bryant (FCS)

Shaw (D-II)--(1-0) at Bethune-Cookman (FCS)

Virginia State (D-II)--(1-0) at Norfolk State (FCS)

Newberry (D-II)--(1-0) at Austin Peay (FCS)

Western Oregon (D-II) at Eastern Washington (FCS)

Sul Ross State (D-III) at Western New Mexico (D-II)

Colorado State-Pueblo (D-II)--(1-0) at Northwestern Oklahoma State (NAIA)

Wisconsin-Whitewater (D-III) at Dickinson State (NAIA)--(0-1)

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 2--PART 1

Last Week: 18-10 (.643)
Year-To-Date: 18-10 (.643)

Projected winners are highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week highlighted in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

Thursday, September 3

FCS

Western Illinois at Sam Houston State

Illinois State at Eastern Illinois

NCAA DIVISION II

Central Washington at Minnesota-Duluth (1-0)

(Defending champion Bulldogs host Wildcats in national TV match-up)

Harding (1-0) at West Alabama (1-0)

Missouri S&T at Central Missouri (1-0)

Northwest Missouri State (0-1) at Southwest Baptist (0-1)

NCAA DIVISION III

Trine at Manchester

SUNY-Maritime at Massachusetts Maritime

INTERDIVISIONAL GAMES

St. Cloud State (D-II) at Maine (FCS)

Kentucky Wesleyan (D-II) at Murray State (FCS)

Minnesota-Crookston (D-II) at Mayville State (NAIA)

Anderson (D-III) at Taylor (NAIA)

Friday, September 4

NCAA DIVISION II

New Mexico Highlands (0-1) at Washburn (1-0)

NCAA DIVISION III

Westfield State at Nichols

INTERDIVISIONAL GAMES

West Chester (D-II)--(1-0) at Delaware (FCS)

Curry (D-III) at Bentley (D-II)--(1-0)

Assumption (D-II)--(0-1) at Worcester State (D-III)

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 1--PART 2

KEY: Projected games highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the week in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

Saturday, August 29

NCAA DIVISION II

Grand Valley State at West Texas A&M

(Preseason #1 team in d2football.com, AFCA polls faces early season test against the Buffaloes.)

Delta State at Texas A&M Kingsville

(Javelinas host Gulf South Conference favorite Statesmen in season opener.)

Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.) at Minnesota-Duluth

North Alabama at Southern Arkansas

UNC Pembroke at Fayetteville State

Virginia State at Livingstone

Mary at Chadron State

Clark Atlanta at Fort Valley State

Central Oklahoma at Pittsburg State (Kan.)

NAIA

Avila vs. Doane

Ottawa vs. McKendree

(First Down Classic at Platte City, Mo.)

Faulkner at Webber International

Dickinson State at Rocky Mountain

Azusa Pacific at Carroll (Mont.)

Eastern Oregon at Southern Oregon

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--2009 DEBUT!!!!!! (Part 1)

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. Here are some ground rules for these predictions.

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 this elite list.

For example, the following games are "LR Eligible".

Appalachian State vs. Georgia Southern (FCS)
Grand Valley State vs. Ashland (D-II)
DePauw vs. Wabash (D-III)
Azusa Pacific vs. Carroll (Mont.)--(NAIA)
Quincy (NAIA) vs. Indiana State (FCS)
St. Cloud State (D-II) vs. Maine (FCS)

These games aren't eligible for inclusion on "The Lightning Round".

Any game involving two FBS teams (example: Ohio State vs. Michigan).
A game pitting any FBS opponent vs. an FCS opponent (example: Charleston Southern vs. Florida).

Having said that, what are waiting for? Let's go!

Projected winners are highlighted in RED.

Game (s) of the Week highlighted in italics.

Other games of interest highlighted in BOLD type.

Thursday, August 27

NCAA DIVISION II

Northwest Missouri State at Abilene Christian

(Bearcats face Wildcats in playoff re-match.)

Ashland at Bloomsburg

(Huskies take on the Golden Eagles in another battle of playoff teams from 2008.)

Saginaw Valley State at California (Pa.)

Carson-Newman at Winona State

Albany State (Ga.) at Chowan (N.C.)

Arkansas Tech at Northeastern State (Okla.)

NAIA

Marian at St. Francis (Ill.)

Bethel (Tenn.) at St. Xavier

INTERDIVISIONAL GAMES

Quincy (Ill.)--(NAIA) at Indiana State (FCS)

West Alabama (D-II) at Belhaven (NAIA)

Minot State (NAIA) at Bemidji State (D-II)

Friday, August 28

NCAA DIVISION II

Indiana (Pa.) at Southern Connecticut State

Assumption at Millersville

RFC Original--The NAIA Dandy Dozen

Editor's Note: Our preseason rankings wrap up with a look at which made the Top 12 in the NAIA.

1. Sioux Falls (14-0 in 2008): The Cougars won their second national championship in the last three years after knocking off then defending national champion Carroll (Mont.) in last year's title game. With 18 starters coming back this year, USF is the obvious favorite to repeat as NAIA champs. That is, unless another team proves otherwise.

2. Carroll (Mont.)--(13-1): The Saints from the northern Rocky Mountains just may be that aforementioned team to stop the "Sioux Falls Express", as their quest to win an unprecedented sixth national championship in seven years was derailed by these similarly aforementioned Cougars from South Dakota. Obviously, don't be surprised if the 2009 edition of the Saints make another deep playoff run.

3. St. Francis (Ind.)--(12-1): The Cougars from Indiana have made a serious run at a national championship the last several years, only to fall short each time. The big question mark is on defense. That's where USF only returns four starters from a year ago.

4. Lindenwood (Mo.)--(11-2): The Lions look to not only defend the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship they won last year, but also take that next step, and advance to the NAIA championship game in Rome, Ga. They hope to do just that, with 15 starters returning from 2008.

5. Morningside (10-2): The Iowa-based Mustangs hope to make a deeper playoff run after a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to Lindenwood in last year's quarterfinals.

6. University of the Cumberlands (Ky.)--(10-2): The Patriots advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NAIA playoffs for the first time ever last season, only to lose to St. Francis (Ind.), 31-20. Can the two-time defending Mid South Conference East Division champions take that step, and go deeper into postseason play? If this early season ranking is any indication, those chances could be very good for the Cumberlands faithful.

The Other Six

7. Mid American Nazare (Kan.)--(10-1)

8. Langston (Okla.)--(10-3)

9. Friends (Kan.)--(10-1)

10. Shorter (Ga.)--(9-3)

11. Union (Ky.)--(9-3)

12. Virginia-Wise (8-3)

Honorable Mention: Lambuth (Tenn.)--(8-4), St. Ambrose (Iowa)--(8-4), Ottawa (Kan.)--(8-2), St. Xavier (Ill.)--(7-4), Montana State-Northern (7-3), and Dickinson State (N.D.)--(7-4).

E-mail: realfootballcentral@gmail.com

RFC Originals--The D-III Dandy Dozen

Editor's Note: Our preseason previews with the revelation of the top 12 teams in NCAA Division III.

1. Mount Union (15-0 in 2008): There's no doubt as to who's on top to start the 2009 season: none other than the Purple Raiders from Alliance, Ohio. With 10 national championships (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2008) in the last 16 years, Mount Union has had a run of excellence that even the strongest programs in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-A) can't match. In fact, in the last 10 seasons alone (1999-2008), the Purple Raiders have lost just five games overall. Now, the big question is this: Can head coach Larry Kehres and his charges continue that run of excellence this season? An experienced group of returnees could provide answers as to whether the "Mount" will mount up yet another national championship trophy come December.

2. Wisconsin-Whitewater (13-2): The Warhawks hope to do something very few teams at any level of football have done over the years: reach a national championship game for the fifth year in a row. UWW has reached four straight Stagg Bowls at Salem, Virginia, with one national championship (2007) already under their belts, at the expense of the aforementioned Mount Union program. Additionally, the Warhawks have compiled an impressive 55-5 record over the last four years. It's a run of success this program hopes to continue in 2009.

3. Mary Hardin-Baylor (12-2): The Crusaders have become one of the strongest programs in all of D-III over the last seven years, winning at least 10 games in all but of those seasons. That's not to mention they've played for a national championship in 2004. Last year, though, UMHB reached the national semifinals, only to lose to eventual national runner-up Wisconsin-Whitewater. It'll be interesting to see if the Crusaders can take that next step, and make their first trip to the Stagg Bowl in five years.

4. Wheaton (11-3): Another national semifinalist from a year ago, the Thunder hope to go all the way in 2009. It fell to Mount Union there.

5. North Central (11-1): But the defending College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin champion Cardinals might have something to say about that along the way. They downed the Thunder 44-23 en route to the league title, but fell to Franklin in round two of last year's D-III playoffs.

6. Wisconsin-Stevens Point (9-2): The Pointers pulled off the upset over Wisconsin-Whitewater en route to a share of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) title last season, but lost to Wartburg in the first round of the playoffs. UWSP hopes to win at least one playoff game this year, assuming the Pointers can tough in the always-tough WIAC. They open the 2009 season with three straight non-conference games, all on the road.

The Other Six

7. Willamette (11-1)

8. Hardin-Simmons (9-2)

9. Wesley (9-2)

10. Cortland State (11-2)

11. Ithaca (9-2)

12. Monmouth (Ill.)--(11-1)

Honorable Mention: Washington & Jefferson (11-2), St. John's (Minn.)--(8-3), Case Western Reserve (10-1), Franklin (11-2), Wabash (10-2), Christopher Newport (8-2), Otterbein (9-2), Hobart (9-2), DePauw (8-2), LaGrange (9-2), and Millsaps (11-1).

RFC Originals--The Dandy Dozen of (NCAA) Division II

Our preseason previews continue with a look at the top 12 teams in NCAA Division II. So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

1. Minnesota-Duluth (15-0 in 2008): Of course, the most logical place to start this latest installment is with the defending national champions from Duluth, Minnesota. After an unlikely, yet remarkable season a year ago, can the Bulldogs repeat the feat in 2009? Team captains Tobias Lemke, Cole Strilzuk, and Brandon Wood could be the key as to whetherd UMD can bring home another national championship trophy home come December.

2. Northwest Missouri State (13-2): The Bearcats accomplished a "four-peat" last year, but not the one most people want: a fourth straight national runner-up finish. Still, that hasn't stopped both the coaches and media from picking Northwest to finish on top in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association for the fourth straight year. A season-opening contest at Abilene Christian on national television (CBS College Sports) August 27 could tell just how good the Bearcats may be in 2009, as they hope the fifth time will be the charm, at least in terms of winning their first national championship in 10 years, with back-to-back crowns being won in 1998 and 1999, respectively.

3. Grand Valley State (11-1): GVSU has won four NCAA Division II titles this decade (2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006). But despite not having lost a regular season game in five years, the one loss the Lakers did suffer ended their season the last two years. Can Grand Valley end this current decade with a "one for the thumb" national championship in 2009?

4. California (Pa.)--(12-2): The Vulcans have gone 25-3 over the last two seasons, but both ended with losses in the national semifinals. Can Cal U finally get over the hump, and punch a ticket to the title game in Florence, Alabama this December.

5. Bloomsburg (11-2): The Huskies return a solid nucleus for what could be another potential deep playoff run. Their first comes on August 27. That's when they'll face another playoff team from a year ago in Ashland.

6. North Alabama (12-2): The Lions may have a new head coach in Terry Bowden, who--of course--is the son of legendary Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden. But it will take more than a famous name for UNA to make another deep playoff run in 2009.

The Other Six

7. Abilene Christian (11-1)

8. Pittsburg State (11-2)

9. West Texas A&M (11-2)

10. Delta State (11-2)

11. Chadron State (11-2)

12. Central Washington (10-2)

Honorable Mention: Valdosta State (9-3), Albany State (Ga.)--(7-4), Tusculum (8-4), Seton Hill (10-3), Ashland (9-4), West Chester (9-4), Wayne State (Neb.)--(9-3), and American International (-2).

RFC Originals--DEBUT EDITION

Well, here it is! The debut of the "RFC Originals", articles on small college and minor league professional football not available elsewhere. First up is the first-ever RFC "Dandy Dozen" poll. This is where we rate the top 12 small college football teams in the nation, whether it be the Football Championship Subdivision of NCAA Division (formerly NCAA Division I-AA), NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, or the NAIA. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started!

RFC Dandy Dozen Debut Poll--FCS

1. Richmond (13-3 in 2008): Despite a third-place finish in the Colonial Athletic Association South Division, the Spiders peaked at the right time, winning their first-ever national championship. Can they win back-to-back titles in 2009? An October visit to defending division champion and intra-state rival James Madison, and a home showdown against Villanova could decide if UR will even get that chance--to return to the playoffs at least.

2. Appalachian State (11-3): The Mountaineers quest to win an unpredecedented fourth straight FCS national championship was de-railed by this aforementioned Richmond squad in last year's quarterfinals. A healthy Armanti Edwards leading the way at quarterback could determine whether or not the Mountaineers win four FCS crowns in the five years.

3. Montana (14-2): After falling to Richmond in last year's title game, the Grizzlies will look to win--or share--the Big Sky Conference crown for the 11th straight season.

4. Northern Iowa (12-3): The Panthers hope to have a happy ending in 2009 after losing a heartbreaker to Richmond in last year's FCS semifinals. They'll find out quickly just how good they are when they pay a visit to Big Ten Conference foe Iowa to open the season on September 5.

5. James Madison (12-2): The Dukes are re-loading for 2009 after going unbeaten (8-0) in the CAA South Division in 2008, losing to Montana in the FCS national semifinals. Senior defensive end Sam Daniels is among three Sports Network preseason All-Americans hoping to lead JMU to its second national championship in six years.

6. Villanova (10-3): Despite a second place finish (7-1) in the CAA South, two of the Wildcats three losses last season came to James Madison, with the latter coming in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs, a season-ending 31-27 setback. 'Nova will be tested quite often this season, as the Wildcats must travel to New Hampshire (October 10), James Madison (October 17), and defending national champion Richmond (November 7).

The Other Six

7. Weber State (10-4): Shared Big Sky title with Montana last season.

8. Southern Illinois (9-3): Another conference co-champion, the Salukis shared the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship with Northern Iowa in 2008.

9. New Hampshire (10-3): Winners of the CAA North title a year ago, the Wildcats managed to outlast Southern Illinois, 29-20, before losing a heartbreaker to UNI, 36-34, in the FCS quarterfinals.

10. Wofford (9-3): A second place finisher in the Southern Conference last year, it'll be interesting to see if the Terriers can mount a serious challenge to Appalachian State's supremacy in that league this year.

11. Eastern Kentucky (8-4): The Colonels enter the 2009 season as the defending Ohio Valley Conference champions after a 7-1 finish in league play in 2008.

12. Maine (8-5): The Black Bears fell in the first round of the FCS playoffs to Northern Iowa, 40-15.

Questions or comments about the Dandy Dozen? Send them to realfootballcentral@gmail.com.

New e-mail address for RFC

Effective immediately, the dawkndqbfb@yahoo.com e-mail address for RFC will no longer be used. Instead, please send any responses to realfootballcentral@gmail.com. That's realfootballcentral@gmail.com. Thank you.

COMING SOON!!!

The RFC Originals. Articles and/or interviews not available anywhere else.

NFL Draft Coverage

Visit realfootballcentral.blogspot.com starting Saturday, April 25 for complete coverage of the 2009 NFL Draft, including coverage at the "RFC News Center" regarding any small college players who have been drafted or have signed free agent contracts with any NFL teams.

2009 af2 Preview--Part 3

Our preseason outlook for arenafootball2 wraps up with a round-up of the Southwest Division, courtesy of af2.com.

Southwest Division

2009 af2 Preview--Part 2

Our preview of the 2009 arenafootball2 season continues with an inside look of the Central and West Divisions, courtesy of af2.com.

Central Division

West Division

2009 af2 Preview

As hard as it is to believe, the 10th anniversary season of arenafootball2 opens Friday night, with the Tri-Cities Fever facing the Central Valley Coyotes, followed by the Florida Firecats playing host to the South Georgia Wildcats on Saturday. Here are previews of the three divisions that make up the American Conference, courtesy of af2.com.

East Division

Midwest Division

South Division

The "Twitter Ticker" is here!

Now available on Real Football Central, the RFC "Twitter Ticker". Your source for scores and breaking news related to the world of small college and minor league professional football, both indoors and outdoors. Follow all of the action on realfootballcentral.blogspot.com, and click the "Follow me on Twitter" link in the upper right hand corner of the blog.

COMING SOON TO RFC!!!!

The Real Football Central "Twitter Ticker"! Here, you will find breaking news, as well as scoring updates from some of the top games in small college and minor league professional football, both indoors and outdoors! Watch for it at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com!

WE'RE BAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!

After a hiatus of more than a month, RFC is back with a new feature, the "RFC News Center". It features the latest headlines in the world of small college and minor league professional football, indoors as well as outdoors. Check it out on the top right of the homepage at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Real Football Central says Happy New Year, with hopes for a prosperous 2009! As always, RFC will go on hiatus for the upcoming NFL playoffs, with regular posting to resume after Super Bowl XLIII in February. Here are the final tallies for the 2008 season on the "LIGHTNING ROUND".

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES (FCS, NCAA Division III, NAIA)

2-1 (.667)

FINAL TOTALS FOR 2008

306 games right, 162 wrong (.654)

And as a new year gets underway, and RFC goes on hiatus, Arena Fan Online explores what 2009 will be like without arena football, as the Arena Football League board of directors voted to cancel its upcoming season. Still, it won't be a total loss.

SEASON'S GREETINGS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM

REAL FOOTBALL CENTRAL!!!

National champs crowned

The 2008 small college football season ended this past weekend, with one national champion crowned Friday night, and two others on Saturday. Here's what happened...

FCS Championship--at Chattanooga, Tenn.

Richmond 24, Montana 7

The University of Richmond Spiders completed one of the greatest Cinderella stories in all of sports Friday, as the knocked off the University of Montana Grizzlies for their first-ever NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) title.

Complete coverage...

Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch

Billings (Mont.) Gazette

Chattanooga Times Free Press

NCAA Division III Championship--at Salem, Va.

Mount Union 31, Wisconsin-Whitewater 26

One year after being denied a three-peat, the Purple Raiders of Mount Union College won their 10th national championship in the last 16 years by dethroning the defending national champion Warhawks Saturday.

Article courtesy of Mount Union College Sports Information

NAIA Championship--at Rome, Ga.

Sioux Falls 24, Carroll (Mont.) 7

The Cougars win their second national championship in three years, and deny the Saints their sixth title in seven years, in convincing fashion.

Article courtesy of naia.cstv.com

National title games end 2008 season

It may hard to believe, but this is the last weekend of the 2008 small college football season, as three games will decide national championships in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formeryly NCAA Division I-AA), NCAA Division III, and the NAIA. Here's a quick look at each of those contests.

FCS Championship (Tonight [Friday] at Chattanooga, Tenn.)--Montana vs. Richmond

Probably one of the most unlikely title game pairings in FCS history will take place between the No. 4 seeded Grizzlies, and the unseeded Spiders. Montana upset No. 1 seed James Madison, 35-27, in a national semifinal game last week, while Richmond rallied to stun No. 3 seed Northern Iowa on the road in the other semifinal contest.

NCAA Division III Championship (Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl)--(Saturday at Salem, Va.)

For the fourth straight year, it's Mount Union vs. Wisconsin-Whitewater for all of the marbles in D-III. The defending national champion Warhawks will look to make it back-to-back titles, while the Purple Raiders hope to take back the title that Whitewater took away last year. Should be yet another hard-fought, down-to-the-wire game.

NAIA Championship (Saturday at Rome, Ga.)

In a battle of 13-0 teams, Carroll (Mont.) hopes to win an unprecedented sixth national championship in seven years, while Sioux Falls hopes to win a second title in three teams. The Cougars won the crown in 2006.

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 17 (THE SEASON FINALE)

Last Week: 2-4 (.333)
Year To Date: 304-161 (.654)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

FCS CHAMPIONSHIP--at Chattanooga, Tenn. (Friday)

Montana (14-1) vs. Richmond (12-3)

NCAA DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIP (Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl)--at Salem, Va. (Saturday)

Mount Union (14-0) vs. Wisconsin-Whitewater (13-1)

NAIA CHAMPIONSHIP--at Rome, Ga. (Saturday)

Carroll (Mont.)--(13-0) vs. Sioux Falls (13-0)

PLAYOFF RECAP--Minnesota-Duluth wins first-ever D-II title

After having no postseason wins prior to this year, the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs won four such contests en route to their first-ever NCAA Division II national championship. UMD handed Northwest Missouri State its fourth straight title game loss in a 21-14 win at Florence, Ala. Saturday.

Article courtesy of the Florence (Ala.) Times-Daily (click on title above)

A little late...

but better late than never...as Minnesota-Duluth and Northwest Missouri State prepare to play for an NCAA Division II football national championship today. Therefore, there's some catching up to do.

FCS

James Madison won its first two playoff games in close fashion (Wofford 38-35 and Villanova 31-27). But Friday night, the No. 1 seeded Dukes finally ran out of luck, as they were upset by No. 4 seed Montana, 35-27. The Grizzlies now await the winner of Saturday's Northern Iowa-Richmond contest in next week's title game at Chattanooga, Tenn.

As for how the Grizzlies got to the FCS finals, they defeated Texas State, 31-13, then avenged their lone regular season loss to Weber State by knocking off the Wildcats, 24-13. UNI earned its way into the national semifinals with a thrilling 36-34 win over New Hampshire at home in the quarterfinals last Saturday.

NCAA Division II

No contest in either national semifinal game last weekend. Really.

Northwest Missouri State 41, North Alabama 7

Minnesota-Duluth 45, California (Pa.) 7

Enough said.

NCAA Division III

Mount Union advanced to yet another national semifinal game with a convincing 41-14 win over Cortland State. The 13-0 Purple Raiders face the upstart Thunder from Wheaton, who downed Franklin 45-28 to advance to the D-III semis.

On the other side of the bracket, defending national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater outlasted Wartburg 34-17, while Mary Hardin-Baylor crushed Washington & Jefferson 63-7 to set up the other national semifinal contest.

NAIA

It will be a battle of 13-0 teams in next week's NAIA championship game at Rome, Ga. on Dec. 20, as defending national champion Carroll (Mont.) facing Sioux Falls (S.D.). The Saints edged Lindenwood (Mo.) 38-37 in one national semifinal game last weekend, while the Cougars rolled past St. Francis (Ind.) 24-6 in the other semifinal match-up.

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 16

Last Week: 6-6 (.500)
Year To Date: 302-157 (.658)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

FCS PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS

Montana (13-1) at James Madison (12-1)

Richmond (11-3) at Northern Iowa (12-2)

NCAA DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP--at Florence, Ala.

Minnesota-Duluth (14-0) vs. Northwest Missouri State (13-1)

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS

Wheaton (11-2) at Mount Union (13-0)

Wisconsin-Whitewater (12-1) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (12-1)

SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP--at Birmingham, Ala.

Grambling State (10-2) vs. Jackson State (7-4)

Minnesota-Duluth football grabs attention of locals

As they prepare to play in their first-ever NCAA Division II championship game at Florence, Ala., the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs football program is narrowing the gap between it and its more successful hockey program.

Article courtesy of the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune

What went wrong for Appalachian State?

Last weekend, Appalachian State was on the march for a fourth straight NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision national championship. This weekend, the Mountaineers find themselves watching from the sidelines, as Richmond pulled off the improbable upset in the second round of the FCS playoffs. College Sporting News explores what went wrong in this article listed below.

FULL STORY

Richmond derails App State bid for four-peat

So much for trying to win a fourth straight national championship. The University of Richmond Spiders denied three-time defending NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision national champion Appalachian State's bid for a four-peat with a 33-13 upset win over the Mountaineers at Boone, N.C. Saturday.

Article courtesy of the Sports Network

THE LIGHTNING ROUND--WEEK 15

Last Week: 15-9 (.625)
Year To Date: 296-151 (.662)

KEY: Projected winners highlighted in RED.

FCS PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS

Villanova (10-2) at James Madison (11-1)

Weber State (10-3) at Montana (12-1)

Richmond (10-3) at Appalachian State (11-2)

New Hampshire (10-2) at Northern Iowa (11-2)

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS

North Alabama (12-1) at Northwest Missouri State (12-1)

Minnesota-Duluth (13-0) at California (Pa.)--(12-1)

NCAA DIVISION III PLAYOFFS--QUARTERFINALS

Cortland State (11-1) at Mount Union (12-0)

Wheaton (10-2) at Wabash (11-1)

Washington & Jefferson (11-1) at Mary Hardin-Baylor (11-1)

Wartburg (10-2) at Wisconsin-Whitewater (11-1)

NAIA PLAYOFFS--SEMIFINALS

Lindenwood (11-1) at Carroll (Mont.)--(12-0)

St. Francis (Ind.)--(12-0) at Sioux Falls (12-0)

BREAKDOWN--Playoff Preview

Well, the final month of the 2008 football season, December, has arrived, and the road to a national championship in each of the four divisions RFC covers (FCS, NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA) is nearing the end. Here's a quick preview of each division going into this weekend.

NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Quarterfinals

The "Elite Eight" of the subdivision formerly known as "NCAA Division I-AA" features several re-matches, including Montana hoping to avenge its lone loss to Weber State, Richmond looking to derail Appalachian State's hopes of a "four-peat", not to mention Villanova trying to put their memory of a last-second loss to James Madison out of their minds, with a win. Oh, and there's a mouth-watering fourth match-up between a team in the Colonial Athletic Association (New Hampshire) and the Missouri Valley Conference (Northern Iowa) too.

Updated bracket

NCAA Division II Semifinals

The "Final Four" of the D-II dance might as well be dubbed the "Two-fer" round. That's because all four national semifinalists are No. 2 seeds, and both games are interesting to boot. Northwest Missouri State plays host to North Alabama in one semifinal, while 13-0 upstart travels to Pennsylvania to face the Vulcans of California University, who fell to eventual national champion Valdosta State in last year's semis.

Updated bracket

NCAA Division III Quarterfinals

Only one No. 1 seed remains in Mount Union, whose Purple Raiders play host to No. 3 Cortland State in the East Regional final. On the other hand, No. 5 Franklin hosts No. 7 Wabash in the North, No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor takes on No. 5 Washington & Jefferson at home in the South, and defending national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater hosts Wartburg in another No. 5 vs. No. 7 match-up in the West region.

Updated bracket

NAIA Semifinals

After an unexpected bye week due to Northwestern Oklahoma State's forfeiture of its playoff win, defending champion Carroll (Mont.) hopes to move one step closer towards a sixth title by facing Lindenwood (Mo.), while St. Francis (Ind.) travels to South Dakota to face Sioux Falls in a battle of 12-0 teams.

Please, Mr. Brand, Don't Change the FBS

With the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) playoffs entering the quarterfinals this weekend, one columnist states his case for not having a playoff in the current NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-A).

Article courtesy of College Sporting News