Bracketology Breakdown
Six At-Large Bids: Southern Illinois, South Dakota State, Delaware, North Dakota State, Albany, Southeastern Louisiana, Eastern Washington
First Four Out: Incarnate Word, Northern Iowa, Virginia Military, Murray State
One major change this week. I can’t keep that fourth team from the Missouri Valley off the bracket any more. And if you look across the FCS landscape, there are not really many disagreements. Sure, a second Southern Conference team could be added (Virginia Military) or a second Ohio Valley Conference team (Murray State), but most people would consider South Dakota State a stronger team overall. Besides, there are massive match-ups across the board in the FCS this coming week. And those who win will force themselves into the projected field and the losers will filter out.
Other changes, after Villanova’s unforeseen loss to Rhode Island, they’ve fallen straight off the tree and down by the roots. A similar situation as to what happened to Nicholls, who was obliterated by Sam Houston State. Speaking of which, Sam Houston State has vaulted from a contender to a near seeded team. Same thing can be said for Delaware, who got off to a late start in the CAA, but has destroyed consecutive opponents.
Next week there’s the potential for many changes once again, both in the rankings and for Bracketology. And if this spring season has shown us anything, one of two things will happen; a chalk week where all the favorites win or complete mayhem and a near total scrapping of all previous work.
Bids By Conference
Big Sky (2): *Weber State, Eastern Washington
Big South (1): *Kennesaw State
Colonial (2): *James Madison, Delaware
Missouri Valley (4): *North Dakota, Southern Illinois, South Dakota State, North Dakota State
Northeast (1): *Duquesne
Ohio Valley (1): *Jacksonville State
Patriot (1): *Holy Cross
Pioneer (1): *San Diego
Southern (1): *Chattanooga
Southland (2): *Sam Houston State, Southeastern Louisiana
* denotes predicted automatic qualifier
