FCS playoff bracket: Predictions, picks for every FCS playoff game and round

The 2022 FCS playoffs are right here! The total 24-team area was revealed on Sunday, Nov. 20. South Dakota State took the highest seed, adopted by Sacramento State and North Dakota State, respectively, at two and three.

With the whole area launched and the primary spherical beginning on Saturday, Nov. 26, there is no higher time to foretell each spherical and recreation for the 2022 event.

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Listed here are my 2022 FCS championship predictions.

2022 FCS Playoff predictions

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First spherical | Nov. 26

Saint Francis (PA) at Delaware | 2 p.m. | ESPN +

Winner: Delaware

Saint Francis (PA) makes the playoffs after going undefeated within the NEC play for its second convention title ever. In the meantime, Delaware enters the playoffs after shedding three of its final 4 video games.

At one level within the season, Delaware was a top-10 staff within the nation. Then got here accidents to gamers like quarterback Nolan Henderson. I believe even when Henderson has to battle by means of accidents, the Blue Hens are the higher all-around staff and get the win.

PLAYOFFS: See the whole 2022 FCS Championship area

Fordham at New Hampshire | 2 p.m. | ESPN+

Winner: Fordham

Co-CAA champion New Hampshire hosts Fordham within the first spherical. New Hampshire’s run to the CAA title was spectacular, however Fordham’s explosive offense is extra spectacular. But, I believe this recreation will finish with over 70 factors mixed between the 2 groups, because of Fordham’s leaky protection.

In a shootout, I belief Fordham quarterback and certain Walter Payton Award finalist Tim DeMorat to get the job performed.

Gardner-Webb at Japanese Kentucky | 5 p.m. | ESPN+

Winner: Japanese Kentucky

Gardner-Webb needed to shut the season by enjoying playoff-level soccer, defeating North Carolina A&T in a winner-take-all Large South recreation. Japanese Kentucky gained the ASUN-WAC shared bid to make the playoffs.

I’ve Japanese Kentucky successful its first-round recreation due to Parker McKinney, a top-10 FCS quarterback. I count on a minimum of 4 touchdowns from the signal-caller in a win.

North Dakota at Weber State | 4 p.m. | ESPN+

Winner: Weber State

Weber State’s solely losses got here to the second and third-seeded groups within the playoffs. North Dakota has additionally performed a tricky schedule, however Weber State has seemed like a top-10 staff all season. I see Weber State prevailing in what may very well be a low-scoring, defensive battle.

BRACKET: See the whole 2022 FCS playoff bracket

Southeast Missouri State at Montana | 10 p.m. | ESPN2

Winner: Montana

The primary-round nightcap will be the greatest upset of the primary spherical. Or it is probably not.

Montana simply snuck into the playoffs at 7-4, whereas Southeast Missouri State wanted a coin flip to get in.

BUT

Each Southeast Missouri State and Montana may very well be lacking their beginning quarterbacks (Paxton DeLaurent and Lucas Johnson, respectively) on this playoff matchup. If one staff will get their starter again and the opposite does not, I would financial institution on that staff to win.

For these predictions, I am working as if each quarterbacks will not play. In that case, I will give the benefit to Montana, enjoying at house with a powerful protection.

Idaho at Southeastern Louisiana | 7 p.m. | ESPN+

Winner: Idaho

Idaho has impressed on its method to 7-4. Southeastern Louisiana gained the Southland auto-bid with an 8-3 file. I’ve Idaho getting the win right here, led by a freshman quarterback.

If Gevani McCoy returns, I do not assume this one shall be shut, because of the McCoy-to-Hatten connection. If McCoy does not play, I like what I noticed from backup Jack Layne final week to really feel assured within the Vandals.

Elon at Furman | 12 p.m. | ESPN+

Winner: Elon

I believe this would be the finest recreation of the primary spherical. Elon and Furman have been each assured at-large groups heading into the ultimate week of the season. It is a true toss-up recreation, however I give the benefit to Elon due to its proficient backfield. Quarterback Matthew McKay and operating again Jalen Hampton will carry the Phoenix to victory.

Davidson at Richmond | 2 p.m. | ESPN+

Winner: Richmond

Richmond was a recreation away from successful the CAA title. Davidson gained its Pioneer Soccer League auto-bid however did not win the convention championship. Richmond has been extra battle-tested in 2022. Richmond’s expertise towards powerful opponents will assist it get a first-round win.

AQ: Each automated qualifying bid for the 2022 FCS playoffs

Second spherical | Dec. 3 | ESPN+

Delaware at No. 1 South Dakota State | 3 p.m.

Winner: South Dakota State

I used to be hesitant about this choose as a result of a wholesome Delaware staff is able to beating South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits aren’t any stranger to playoff disappointments. Nonetheless, Delaware hasn’t been wholesome shortly, and there is no telling what bumps and bruises the Blue Hens stroll away with after the primary spherical. South Dakota State wins this recreation.

Fordham at No. 8 Holy Cross | 12 p.m.

Winner: Holy Cross

Holy Cross wanted a game-winning two-point conversion in extra time to defeat Fordham throughout the common season. If the 2 faculties meet within the second spherical, this recreation shall be shut once more.

I predict Holy Cross beats Fordham for the second time this 12 months. The Crusaders proved they’ll rating sufficient to maintain up with Fordham within the final outing. I believe this go round, Holy Cross will flip to a motivated protection to get just a few extra stops and a win.

SEEDS: The significance of a prime seed within the FCS playoffs, defined

Japanese Kentucky at No. 5 William & Mary | 2 p.m.

Winner: William & Mary

William & Mary has performed strong, (largely) mistake-free soccer all season. Giving head coach Mike London per week to arrange for a staff offers me confidence that the Tribe will deal with enterprise towards Japanese Kentucky.

Weber State at No. 4 Montana State | 3 p.m.

Winner: Weber State

Within the common season, Montana State defeated Weber State 43-38, a five-point margin. Within the loss, Weber State blew a 24-9 lead, permitting a file 4 safeties from lengthy snap errors on punts. That is an eight-point swing.

I believe Weber State fixes its snapping points and defeats Montana State in a rematch.

Montana at No. 3 North Dakota State | 3:30 p.m.

Winner: North Dakota State

Montana will deliver both a fragile quarterback or a backup quarterback into the Fargodome. That will not bode effectively towards North Dakota State’s protection. The Bison get the win right here.

2022 HBCU: Comply with the whole lot that occurs within the 2022 HBCU soccer season

Idaho at Samford | 3 p.m.

Winner: Samford

If Idaho battles Samford within the second spherical, it needs to be an excellent recreation. I’ve Samford successful the competition as a result of, on offense, quarterback Michael Hiers has persistently been among the finest within the nation. Mix that with a protection that has three ranked wins and one other win over a playoff staff, and you’ve got the steadiness wanted for a Bulldog victory.

Elon at No. 7 UIW | 2 p.m.

Winner: UIW

UIW wins its opening playoff contest as Elon will not have a solution for quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr. and a high-scoring offense.

Richmond at No. 2 Sacramento State | 5 p.m.

Winner: Sacramento State

Sacramento State shedding right here can be no shock given its latest playoff historical past. Nonetheless, I believe a two-quarterback system will trigger Richmond suits, and the Hornets win a detailed one.

CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY: Each champion within the historical past of FCS soccer

Quarterfinals | Dec. 9/10

No. 8 Holy Cross at No. 1 South Dakota State

Winner: South Dakota State

South Dakota State will get the win over Holy Cross in a battle of groups undefeated towards FCS competitors. The Jackrabbits have the protection to decelerate Crusader quarterback Matthew Sluka’s dual-threat capabilities. 

Weber State at No. 5 William & Mary

Winner: William & Mary

Weber State will be the common choose right here, with the Wildcats shedding solely two Large Sky video games, however I see William & Mary successful this recreation. The Tribe have an elite pass-rushing duo that can wreak havoc in Weber State’s backfield. 

No. 6 Samford at No. 3 North Dakota State

Winner: North Dakota State

North Dakota State defeats Samford due to the Bison’s play within the trenches. North Dakota State will overpower Samford upfront in a quarterfinal win.

No. 7 UIW at No. 2 Sacramento State

Winner: UIW

This recreation options two of the highest 4 highest-scoring offenses within the FCS. In what figures to be a shootout, it comes right down to the quarterbacks. UIW has arguably the nation’s finest quarterback in Lindsey Scott Jr., whereas Sacramento State will flip to each Jake Dunniway and Asher O’Hara. The slight edge goes to Scott Jr. right here, and that provides UIW the upset victory.

RING SZN: Faculties with probably the most FCS championships

Semifinals | Dec. 16/17

No. 5 William & Mary at No. 1 South Dakota State

Winner: South Dakota State

South Dakota State is without doubt one of the most proficient groups within the nation. At each place on offense and most positions on protection, the Jackrabbits have an excellent, if not an elite participant. That expertise will overwhelm William & Mary and earn South Dakota State its second championship berth in three years.

No. 7 UIW at No. 3 North Dakota State

Winner: North Dakota State

North Dakota State has proven time and time once more that it may well shut down prolific offenses. When UIW involves the Fargodome, the Cardinals would be the newest prolific offense to halt. From there, a bodily Bison offense with TaMerik Williams and Hunter Luepke will get the job performed.

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2022 FCS Championship recreation

No. 3 North Dakota State vs. No. 1 South Dakota State

2022 FCS Champion: South Dakota State

A North Dakota State-South Dakota State matchup within the FCS nationwide championship recreation will be the most anticipated title recreation in FCS historical past. The sport will pit two of the most important rivals within the FCS head-to-head within the postseason for the fifth time, nevertheless it’ll be the primary time a title is on the road.

🏆: FCS Championship Recreation data

South Dakota State has been probably the most profitable staff towards the Bison of their dynastic run, with the Jackrabbits successful three straight video games within the rivalry. South Dakota State already proved it may well beat North Dakota State as soon as this season; the Jackrabbits will do it once more for all of the marbles.