The race for the playoffs is under way and it could result in several new faces in the playoffs.
NDSU is still #1 and rightfully so at 9-0 and being the two time defending champ. They seem to have the Missouri Valley locked up, and with the drop off in SDSU and Northern Iowa, the MVC may not send more than 2 teams to the tourney.
The Big Sky will get three and Eastern Washington has a clear path to the automatic bid. Montana and Montana State will battle at the end of the year with the third spot probably on the line. Does the committee take a Montana squad with 3 conference losses? Probably not. However, if they beat Montana State, it would be hard to pass either one of the teams up perhaps gaining a fourth team in the playoffs. Of course Cal Poly has only two conferences losses as well and very well could upset the apple cart by beating Eastern Washington this week. Northern Arizona probably has a spot locked up, but you never know.
Sam Houston State is now #4 in the major polls despite losing to McNeese State, who has slipped out of the top 10 after losing to SE Louisiana. SE Louisiana has only one loss, is ranked in the top 15 and has a chance to really throw a monkey wrench into things by beating Sam Houston this week. It probably is the game of the week. Could the Southland conference get 3 bids? They probably deserve it, but two teams will be anxiously waiting to see if they get in.
The Colonial Athletic Association always sends more than two and this year will be no exception despite the early thoughts it looked weak. No other conference really stepped up to strip all its spots away. Maine is in the driver seat for the title. Towson is probably disappointed with their two losses, but they still make it baring a collapse. Delaware is a popular team and also has two loses. And William and Mary seems like their two losses ought to get them in. New Hampshire currently also has two losses, and should be in this hunt, but with a game remaining against Maine, they may end up with three. Three should be enough to keep them out.
The Southern Conference usually sends three teams, but this year, I don't think they will. Samford is playing for the automatic bid this week against Chattanooga. A win puts them in a tie with the tie breakers, a loss gives the UTC Mocs the SoCon title. However, I think Chatanooga is probably in either way. Samford is another story. A loss drops them below Wofford despite defeating the Terriers in the Conference. Wofford needs to win out to make the playoffs, which would bump Furman out of playoff hopes. Wofford's out of conference loss to Gardner Webb in that 3-0 monsoon looks bad and may require them to be outright in second place to get in. If Samford loses this weekend, the SoCon might only send one. A Samford win would lock up two and then Furman and Wofford would battle for a possible third spot, but neither team should hope for much.
The Big South could send two this year as Charleston Southern has a clear path to the title after last weeks big win over Coastal Carolina. Although coaches and Sports Network both have Coastal ranked higher still. Both should make the playoffs.
Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State should both make it from the MEAC although neither can afford a silly slip up in the last two games.
The NEC will be decided this week as Robert Morris takes on Sacred Heart. The winner gets the automatic bid and the loser in all likelihood goes home for the year.
The Ohio Valley belongs to Eastern Illinois who currently sits ranked 2nd by the major polls. This conference could send another, but the logjam for second place makes things murky. Tennessee St., Jacksonville St., Eastern Kentucky, and Tennessee Martin all have 4-2 records in the conference with one of those losses coming from Eastern Illinois. Jacksonville St. and Tennessee St. probably both make it, but it is too close to call.
The Patriot league is Fordham's to lose. They are undefeated and a team to keep your eye on during the playoffs. The surprise of the season so far. They beat Rhode Island and Villanova early in the season.
The first ever Pioneer automatic bid is still far from decided. San Diego, Butler, Marist, and Mercer are all sitting with 1 conference loss. Mercer has the best overall record with 9-1, but the league will probably only send one team, so it is win or go home for these last two weeks.
For those interested in the SWAC and Ivy which do not get automatic bids watch out for Princeton to win the Ivy and the SWAC is basically decided with Jackson State your champ. Grambling did recover from their boycott to get a win this year setting up the Thanksgiving Day show down with 2-7 Southern. No matter the record, it is always worth watching.
