The first round is over and the games are really getting going this weekend. I still think it is NDSU's tourney to lose, but we will see.
And by the way Charleston Southern was ripped off by not getting into the playoffs. I would have left off Southern Utah and put in Charleston Southern.
The First Round did not see a lot of upsets. Furman beating South Carolina State could be considered one, but not a big one. Maybe Jacksonville State taking down Samford, but Jacksonville State was at home, so probably not. SDSU did travel to Northern Arizona, but I had SDSU in that game. Maybe another small upset. New Hampshire, Coastal Carolina, Sam Houston State, Tennessee St. and Fordham all went through without problem. Of note is that Butler became the first automatic qualifier from the Pioneer League, but they will have to wait until next year to have the first automatic qualifier score any points. Butler was shut out.
My big complaint about the playoff tree did not fully materialize. SDSU knocked off Northern Arizona, so Eastern Washington does not face a Big Sky team in Round 2. In fact, I think that this is the match up I am most excited to see. SDSU can beat Eastern Washington. So watch this game close.
However, New Hampshire did win and will now face Maine in a CAA rematch. Maine should not have to face a CAA team in their first game. I do expect Maine to pull it out, but New Hampshire has plenty of experience in the playoffs and that could benefit them here. Sam Houston State will also take on SE Louisiana. I hope SE Louisiana wins because it would be a real shame for such a great season to go down in a rematch. They have beat Sam Houston once, now they have to do it again with the stakes as high as can be.
Fordham vs. Towson is my second favorite game. Fordham probably deserved a bye, but will now face vaunted Townson. This should be a good game. We will see if the CAA is as dominate as it used to be. Fordham is not from a power conference. This match up will let us know if the playing field has really leveled or not.
I expect NDSU to run over Furman, Eastern Illinios to be a shoot out with Tennessee St., but come out on top, and McNeese State to have little trouble with Jacksonville State.
Enjoy the second round and see the beauty of playoff football!!!!
