With Selection Sunday approaching in just one week, anticipation builds regarding the 24-team playoff bracket for the upcoming championship. So far, two teams have secured automatic bids, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season.
Current Automatic Bids
As of now, two schools have clinched their spots:
- North Dakota State – Missouri Valley Football Conference
- Mercer – Southern Conference
Upcoming Key Matchups
This weekend will bring significant clarity to the playoff picture, particularly within the Missouri Valley Conference. The crucial game known as the “Brawl of the Wild” will likely determine the second and third seeds, influencing the playoff bracket significantly.
Projected Automatic Bids
In total, there are eleven automatic bids available. Here’s a summary of the current automatic bids along with potential contenders:
- Missouri Valley – North Dakota State
- Ivy League – Harvard
- Southern Conference – Mercer
- Big Sky – Montana State
- Patriot League – Lehigh
- United Athletic – Abilene Christian
- Ohio Valley/Big South – Tennessee Tech
- Northeast Conference – Central Connecticut State
- Southland Conference – Stephen F. Austin
- Pioneer Football League – Drake
- CAA – Monmouth
At-Large Bids Overview
The playoff also includes thirteen at-large bids. Potential teams vying for these spots include:
- South Dakota
- South Dakota State
- North Dakota
- Illinois State
- Youngstown State
- Tarleton State
- Montana
- UC Davis
- SE Louisiana
- Lamar
- Western Carolina
- Villanova
- Rhode Island
Expert Insights
Dom Izzo, Sports Director at WDAY-TV, has been closely following these developments. He has been part of the WDAY team since 2006, taking on the role of Sports Director in 2010. His insights offer valuable perspectives as the playoff picture continues to unfold.
As the final weeks of the season progress, it is crucial for fans and teams alike to stay informed about the evolving bracket and the paths that teams must take to secure their playoff positions.
