Here are my predictions for the FCS Playoffs
First Round
Keeping these predictions for the first and second round short and sweet and straight to the point.
Southeastern Louisiana over Illinois State (INCORRECT; Illinois State won)
Don't know much about either two teams this season, haven't watched either one play so I am going based on rankings and stats.
Rhode Island over CCSU (CORRECT)
Really love the improvement Letchenberg has had each season since taking over the Blue Devils, I just feel like Rhode Island finally got the offense clicking which seemed to be inconsistent last season.
Harvard over Villanova (INCORRECT; Villanova won)
My only fear for the Crimson to lose is the defense allows another 40 point game. They have the offense to win, the defense has been absent the last two or three games.
North Dakota over Tennessee Tech (CORRECT)
Though I love watching the Bobby Wilder redemption arc, I feel like this miracle season will come to a close when they play an actually defense in North Dakota.
South Dakota State over New Hampshire (CORRECT)
No debate, just don't pick against the Jackrabbits.
South Dakota over Drake (CORRECT)
More talent at South Dakota than the no scholarship Drake.
Abilene Christian over Lamar (CORRECT)
I just think the Texas based Graham Harrell, Air Raid offense will over power the more generic spread option offense Lamar plays.
Yale over Youngstown State (CORRECT)
Youngstown State is fun to watch with Beau Brungard leading the team in passing and rushing yards, if you can contain him and keep him inside the box, he feels trapped and throws it away. Yale's defense has done a good job this season, they should stop him.
Second Round
North Dakota State over Southeastern Louisiana
Easy answer. They are too talented to lose this game.
Rhode Island over UC Davis
May I be the first to say that Rhode Island deserved a first round bye over UC Davis. The Aggies lost to a 6-6 Idaho State and escaped out of a win against bottom of the barrel Utah Tech and Cal Poly. Rhody finished undefeated in conference and has a top 15 defense (not to mention 14 in pass yards allowed), they are capable of containing the redshirt freshman.
Harvard over Lehigh (INCORRECT; TBD won)
Granted, I haven't watched a lot of Lehigh this season, but they are undefeated and I acknowledge that. I am just going off of what I seen from Harvard and picking them. Bias? Guilty.
North Dakota over Tarelton State
North Dakota is a top team in the FCS this season, they just had a difficult schedule losing to Big 12 team Kansas State and FCS Playoff teams in Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota State, and South Dakota State. I feel confident in saying they will win easily.
South Dakota State over Montana
This hasn't been an easy season for the Jackrabbits since losing their HC to Washington State. I think Dan Jackson is going to get a signature win and being able to say he beat both Montana and Montana State in his first season.
Mercer over South Dakota
Mercer is a fun, young team and is built like a Sun Belt team. I think they will squeak out a win against South Dakota.
Stephen F. Austin over Abilene Christian
A Colby Carthel, SFA season is always rocky and hard to watch without getting a headache. I think he finally got the Lumberjacks rolling this season though, so that's who I'm picking.
Montana State over Yale
Are there speculation that Brent Vigen is leaving Montana State for Oregon State? Yes. Is it going to affect them? Not against Yale, at least.
Quarterfinals
North Dakota State over Rhode Island
Rhode Island's run ends with a loss to North Dakota State. Not a bad way to go out, honestly.
North Dakota over Harvard
Go ahead and call this game the Cinderella story game, but I think both can make a deep run in any other form of the bracket, I'm just favoring North Dakota more.
Mercer over South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits season stop short of the semifinals with the red hot Mercer Bears come and rain on their parade. I got to watch them play this season, and Mercer is legit and can hang with the big dawgs.
Montana State over Stephen F. Austin
Even if the coach carousel is hanging over the teams head, Montana State is still going outperform Stephen F. Austin.
Semifinals
North Dakota State over North Dakota
North Dakota State is just more talented than North Dakota. I don't know what else to say to get my point across.
Montana State over Mercer
Though Mercer may be able to beat SDSU, they won't be able to beat Montana State and one of the biggest dynasties in sports history may be in jeopardy by the Bobcats trying to win their second.
Finals
North Dakota State over Montana State
This may go down to the wire, but I believe North Dakota State will come up strong. Cole Payton might be one of the best dual threat QB's in the FCS and I don't think Montana State will be capable of stopping him.
Current Record: 6-2