FCS Playoffs Archives - The College Sports Journal

A FCS Title Game Masterpiece: Montana State’s Win Over Illinois State One For the Ages

On January 5, 2026January 21, 2026By David Coulson

NASHVILLE, TN. — For four quarters and into overtime Montana State and Illinois State had created a masterpiece during the 2025-26 Football Championship Subdivision championship game Monday night before 24,105 spectators at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium. And with one final, precision-brushstroke, MSU quarterback Justin Lamson completed a Monet-like classic. Lamson’s four-down, back-shoulder, 14-yard pass at.

An Epic Defensive FCS Playoff Battle Ends With Villanova Outlasting Lehigh 14-7

On December 8, 2025January 4, 2026By Chuck Burton

Two of the best defenses in all of FCS were in a showdown on a cold December day in front of a large invested crowd, and the result was a game that was one for the ages.

GAME 13, FCS Playoffs Second Round, Villanova at Lehigh: In Wildcats, Mountain Hawks Face Off Against The Foe They Wanted to Emulate

On December 5, 2025December 5, 2025By Chuck Burton

This weekend at Murray Goodman Stadium, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks (12-0) will be facing off against a foe that is familiar to them in the Villanova Wildcats (10-2).

Lehigh’s Magical Season Ends in Idaho, 34-13, In the Second Round of the FCS Playoffs

On December 11, 2024December 11, 2024By Chuck Burton

An impressive display by the Idaho Vandals in all three phases of the game ended the Lehigh Mountain Hawks’ 2024 football season in a 34-13 defeat at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow, Idaho.

PREVIEW OF LEHIGH AT IDAHO, 2nd ROUND OF THE 2024 FCS PLAYOFFS – As Mountain Hawks Hit National Stage, Skeptics Question Lehigh’s Ability To Keep Up With Vandals

On December 6, 2024December 7, 2024By Chuck Burton

Lehigh’s (9-3) reward is to take a long flight to Moscow, Idaho, close to the Eastern Washington border, to face off against one of the best FCS teams in the nation in the Idaho Vandals (9-3).

Lehigh Overcomes Real Adversity In Gritty Win Over Richmond 20-16 In 1st Round of FCS Playoffs

On November 30, 2024December 2, 2024By Chuck Burton

Missing their starting left tackle and defensive captain, Lehigh (9-3) would overcome their absence and injuries to win a gritty, thrilling 20-16 game over Richmond (10-3) in the 1st round of the FCS Playoffs.

PREVIEW OF LEHIGH AT RICHMOND, 1st ROUND OF THE 2024 FCS PLAYOFFS – Mountain Hawks Will Encounter the Poetry of Past, Present And Future This Saturday

On November 29, 2024November 30, 2024By Chuck Burton

For the first time since 2017, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks (8-3) will be returning to the FCS Playoffs, and their opponents they drew, the Richmond Spiders (10-2), couldn’t be a more interesting opponent.

Final FCS Playoff Bracket Projection, 11/23/24

On November 24, 2024November 24, 2024By admin

The FCS regular season has concluded, and based on the GPI and based on the results of the final weekend of games, here is CSJ’s projected bracket for 2024.

CSJ Gridiron Power Index 2024 NCAA FCS Playoff Projection – 11/21/2024

On November 21, 2024November 21, 2024By admin

Going into the final week of the regular season, the following would be the field of 24 teams for the 2024/25 Division I FCS Football Playoffs based on the College Sports Journal’s Gridiron Power Index (GPI) for the week of 11/21/2024.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Final Picks The FCS Playoff Field Before the Selection Show, 11/18/2023

On November 19, 2023November 19, 2023By admin

The final autobids have been determined, and the final games have been played. At 12:30PM on ESPNU, FCS Nation will learn the official bracket for the 2023 FCS Playoffs, and about the only thing that can be said for sure is that there are going to be a lot of teams with uneasy sleeps tonight.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 11/14/2023

On November 15, 2023November 16, 2023By admin

The final weekend is poised to have a lot of drama – more than most years. Only three out of the ten possible autobids have been positively determined and how those play out will determine how many spare at-large spots will be available.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 11/9/2023

On November 9, 2023November 10, 2023By Chuck Burton

Some of the picks will shock you.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 11/2/2023

On November 3, 2023November 3, 2023By admin

We come up with a composite list of 24 teams – teams based on CSJ’s staff picks on who we think will be in the field, not based on a formula, but who we project comes away with it. With the caveat that there is still everything to play for, and plenty can (and will) change, this is the field that we think, collectively, will be the field in November.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 11/15/2022

On November 16, 2022November 16, 2022By Chuck Burton

We’re now officially a week away from Selection Sunday, and Samford, with their win over Chattanooga, is officially in the field. Other than that, it’s a big heaping helping of chaos that means a ton can still happen on the last day of the regular season!

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 11/8/2021

On November 10, 2022November 10, 2022By Chuck Burton

Two weekends left to the FCS regular season, we’re even closer to knowing what the 2022 FCS Playoff field will look like. For a big number of teams, there’s a lot to play for – and for some, a lot to see what develops for those precious at-large bids.

CSJ Sagarin 2022 NCAA FCS Playoff Projection-Nov. 7

On November 7, 2022November 7, 2022By Kent Schmidt

Using the Sagarin rankings for this week of Nov. 7th, the following would be the field of 24 teams for the 2022/23 Division I FCS Football Playoffs. South Dakota State would be the top seed using the rankings for this week, while Sacramento State would be the second seed. North Dakota State is the #3,.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 11/1/2021

On November 3, 2022November 3, 2022By Chuck Burton

It’s time to really start thinking about what this November’s FCS Playoff field might look like.

CSJ Sagarin 2022 NCAA FCS Playoff Projection-Oct. 23

On October 23, 2022October 23, 2022By Kent Schmidt

Using the Sagarin rankings for this week of Oct. 23rd, the following would be the field of 24 teams for the 2022/23 Division I FCS Football Playoffs. Sacramento State right now would be the top seed, while South Dakota State would be the #2 seed. North Dakota State is the #3, while Weber State and.

CSJ Sagarin 2022 NCAA FCS Playoff Projection-Oct. 16

On October 20, 2022October 20, 2022By Kent Schmidt

Using the Sagarin rankings for this week of Oct. 15th, the following would be the field of 24 teams for the 2022/23 Division I FCS Football Playoffs. Sacramento State right now would be the top seed, while Big Sky Conference mate Weber State would be the #2 seed. South Dakota State is the #3, while.

Montana State Head Coach Brent Vigen Knows A Thing Or Two About Bison, Frisco

On January 4, 2022January 4, 2022By Ray Maloney

Montana State has spent nearly half a century panning for another national title in football and it’s taken a graduate of North Dakota State to lead the Bobcats to the threshold of achieving that goal.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: Chuck’s Final Bracket Projection

On November 21, 2021November 21, 2021By Chuck Burton

One last spin in the dryer.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: Five Days Out, Chuck And Jamie Pick Their Brackets

On November 18, 2021November 18, 2021By admin

First of all – if you haven’t seen “The Vermillion Miracle” – watch it. Now. It’s one of the most extraordinary things you’ll ever see this college football season, or any other.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 11/11/2021

On November 11, 2021November 11, 2021By admin

With two weeks to go, no autobid has been determined for the upcoming FCS Playoffs, and without the FCS Playoff Committee releasing their working list of seeds, FCS fans have been left to the sift through the chaos as to what the heck the FCS Playoff bracket might look like.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 11/04/2021

On November 5, 2021November 5, 2021By admin

If you weren’t following the key FCS Playoff matchups last week involving the playoffs, boy did you miss out!

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 10/28/2021

On October 29, 2021October 29, 2021By admin

Check out highlights of last week’s big games, and check out out CSJ composite playoff bracket, bubble team of the week, and playoff implication game of the week as well.

FCS Playoffs ‘Til I Die: CSJ Picks The FCS Playoff Field, 10/21/2021

On October 21, 2021October 21, 2021By admin

Last week was a real thriller with a lot of FCS Playoff implications. Montana State, Eastern Washington and North Dakota State had statement wins showing how they plan to be a part of these playoffs come Thanksgiving, while the SoCon’s title and autobid race seems as muddled as ever.

CSJ Sagarin 2021 NCAA FCS Playoff Projection-Oct. 17

On October 17, 2021October 17, 2021By Kent Schmidt

Using the Sagarin ranking this week, the following would be the field of 24 teams for the Division I FCS Football Playoffs. South Dakota State despite suffering their first loss of the season is predicted to be the top seed, followed by MVFC mate North Dakota State as the #2 seed. James Madison, who is.

Sam Houston Proves Themselves Worthy of the National Championship

On May 18, 2021May 18, 2021By Ben Schleiger

Sam Houston State defeated South Dakota State 23-21 to complete a perfect season and National Championship win. After a long awaited FCS National Title game we finally have a winner to crown from this crazy season. The teams who made it to the playoffs suffered through opt outs, cancelled games, players going through numerous tests,.

Spring 2021 FCS National Championship Game Preview: Sam Houston vs. South Dakota State

On May 16, 2021May 16, 2021By Rob Butler

The Sam Houston defensive line just keeps on coming. The offense came through in the second half, but the defensive front has lived behind the line of scrimmage all season long.

2021 Spring FCS Semifinals: James Madison at Sam Houston

On May 7, 2021May 7, 2021By Jamie Williams

With a matchup between two of the top teams in the FCS over the last decade, College Sports Journal went to its two writers who have covered these two teams closely all season.

CSJ Roundtable, Spring Quarterfinal Edition: Are We At The End of the Bison Era?

On May 5, 2021May 5, 2021By admin

This week, the Gang got together and talked about their big takeaways from the FCS quarterfinal games this past weekend.

FCS Quarterfinals: Southern Illinois vs. South Dakota State

On May 1, 2021May 1, 2021By Ben Schleiger

These two Missouri Valley Football Conference foes have survived a tough conference schedule and the first round of the playoffs. Southern Illinois will be looking for the upset of the playoffs and revenge against the Jackrabbits for their 44-3 loss earlier in the year.

Everything You Need to to Know about The SWAC Championship and the Quarterfinals Of the 2021 Spring FCS Playoffs: Streaming Info, Previews, Fearless Predictions

On May 1, 2021May 1, 2021By admin

Find everything you need to know about this weekend’s FCS Playoff games and the SWAC Championship, including full previews, and our staff’s predictions on how the games are going to go.

Spring 2021 FCS Quarterfinal Playoff Preview: North Dakota at James Madison

On April 30, 2021April 30, 2021By Jamie Williams

These two teams both play a similar style. Both like to run the ball on offense to set up the pass.

Spring 2021 FCS Quarterfinal Playoff Preview: Delaware at Jacksonville State

On April 30, 2021April 30, 2021By Ray Maloney

This game may be for the birds, but it will certainly not be for the faint of heart and it certainly has all the earmarks of an instant classic.

Spring 2021 FCS Quarterfinal Playoff Preview: North Dakota State at Sam Houston

On April 30, 2021April 30, 2021By Rob Butler

North Dakota State is in the postseason for the 11th straight season dating back to 2010 when the Bison advanced to the FCS quarterfinals in their first appearance. Overall, NDSU has a 37-2 record in the FCS playoffs.

Everything You Need to to Know about The First Round Of the 2021 Spring FCS Playoffs Tomorrow: Streaming Info, Previews, Fearless Predictions

On April 23, 2021April 23, 2021By admin

Find everything you need to know about this weekend’s FCS Playoff games, including full previews, and our staff’s predictions on how the games are going to go.

Spring 2021 FCS Round 1 Playoff Preview: Holy Cross at South Dakota State

On April 23, 2021April 23, 2021By Chuck Burton

Holy Cross survived a season of long COVID pauses and a chaotic schedule the same place they were at the conclusion of the 2019 football season – Patriot League Champions. This time, however, they ended with a perfect 3-0 record.

Spring 2021 FCS Round 1 Playoff Preview: Sacred Heart vs. Delaware

On April 23, 2021April 23, 2021By Jamie Williams

This first round game features the champions of the NEC, Sacred Heart against the champions of the CAA, Delaware.

Spring 2021 FCS Round 1 Playoff Preview: Virginia Military Institute vs James Madison

On April 23, 2021April 23, 2021By Jamie Williams

This game features two teams at opposite ends of the historical FCS spectrum.

Spring 2021 FCS Round 1 Playoff Preview: Missouri State at North Dakota

On April 23, 2021April 23, 2021By Kent Schmidt

This might the rarest of first round Division I FCS playoff games in the history of the event. While two teams from the same conference have played before (rule implemented if two conference mates had not played during the regular season), this game features two schools within the same conference that have never played each other as conference mates before.

Spring 2021 FCS Round 1 Playoff Preview: Monmouth at Sam Houston

On April 23, 2021April 23, 2021By Rob Butler

The game will feature two of most explosive offenses in the FCS with the Hawks averaging 41.7 points per game which is fifth in the FCS and Sam Houston scoring 45.4 per contest just ahead of MU in fourth.

Spring 2021 FCS Round 1 Playoff Preview: Davidson at Jacksonville State

On April 22, 2021April 22, 2021By Ray Maloney

Jacksonville State, the No. 4 seed in this year’s playoffs, will play host to Davidson, the Pioneer League champion, in one of eight first-round games. It will be the first-ever meeting between the Gamecocks and Wildcats.

Big Sky Conference FCS Playoff Preview (Eastern Washington/North Dakota State, Southern Illinois/Weber State)

On April 21, 2021April 23, 2021By Ben Schleiger

The Big Sky Conference earned two bids for the Football Championship Subdivision Playoff bracket. Eastern Washington will travel to Fargo, North Dakota to face the Bison and Weber State will play host to the Southern Illinois Salukis. Both Big Sky teams drew stiff Missouri Valley Conference competition that will provide sufficient challenges for being able.

CSJ Roundtable, Spring Postseason Edition: Our Thoughts On The Official FCS Bracket

On April 20, 2021April 20, 2021By admin

The FCS Playoff bracket was announced this past Sunday at the conclusion of the historic spring football season. After the euphoria of realizing that the FCS actually made it to the finish line, despite lots of uncertainty, CSJ then proceeded to do what they do best – enter a spirited discussion on who really should have been in, out, seeded, or not.

Tag: FCS Playoffs