2013 DIVISION 1-AA (FCS) PLAYOFFS
SECOND ROUND
2013 Matchups, Bracket, and Team Information
BRETT CIANCIA
DECEMBER 6th, 2013
DECEMBER 6th, 2013
Here are the "Second Round" matchups for the 2013 Division 1-AA (FCS) Playoffs. 24 teams made the tournament up from 20 last year; the matchups are in order of appearance on the bracket, with home teams on the right side. All Second Round games will be played Saturday December 7th, and all will be broadcast live on ESPN3.com RELATED: First Round Matchups (11/26/13)
The final 16 teams:
FURMAN at NORTH DAKOTA STATE
Furman Paladins
Greenville, South Carolina Southern Conference CO-CHAMPS 8-5 |
North Dakota State Bison
Fargo, North Dakota Missouri Valley Conference CHAMPIONS 11-0 **Two-Time Defending National Champions |
PREDICTION: The 2-time defending champs are undefeated and riding a 20-game win streak. Coach Craig Bohl has built a dynasty that even knocks off D-1 powers (Kansas State). Fargo Dome will be rowdy as usual - NDSU by 17
COASTAL CAROLINA at MONTANA
PREDICTION: One of the final remaining undefeated teams, Coastal Carolina has had another successful season under Coach Joe Moglia. Despite the long roadtrip to the Pacific Northwest, look for the play-making Coastal secondary to be the difference, and pull the upset. Coastal Carolina by 3
NEW HAMPSHIRE at MAINE
PREDICTION: Colonial Conference rivals and New England neighbors will face off up in Orono Saturday. New Hampshire won the first round on their Senior Day in dominating fashion, but I expect the rested Black Bears to return the favor. Maine by 7
SAM HOUSTON STATE at SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA
PREDICTION: Another league rematch here, as two Southland powers go head-to-head for a second time. SE LA won the first meeting, and earned the first-round bye for a reason. They went undefeated in the tough Southland, and despite SHSU's playoff experience, the Lions go for the sweep. SE LA by 10
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE at EASTERN WASHINGTON
PREDICTION: This was a tough one, because I think that South Dakota State is a very strong team with a tough second round draw. Both had some success against D-1 squads; despite losing, SDST ran right through the Blackshirt Defense of Nebraska, while EWU beat Oregon State in the opener. Look for the RED TURF to provide significant home field advantages. Eagles by 10
JACKSONVILLE STATE at McNEESE STATE
PREDICTION: On opening Saturday, McNeese State shocked South Florida (D-1A) and the 55-21 beatdown was the biggest blowout win of a FCS over FBS squad. The Cowboys went on to a 10-win season and should defend the home turf here. McNeese State by 13
FORDHAM at TOWSON
Towson Tigers
Towson, Maryland Colonial Conference Runner-Up 10-2 |
PREDICTION: Both teams upset D-1A foes this season (both from the American), with Fordham taking out Temple and Towson beating UCONN. Fordham had a historic season, bringing dominant football back to the Bronx, and I look for the storied season to continue by pulling off this road upset. Fordham by 3
TENNESSEE STATE at EASTERN ILLINOIS
PREDICTION: It's a continuing pattern on this side of the bracket; Eastern Illinois took out D-1A San Diego State on opening weekend, and never looked back, winning the talented Ohio Valley Conference. TSU is outmatched here. Eastern Illinois by 14