FCS Playoff Picture Coming Into Focus
This year marks an exciting time for college football as the 2024 FCS playoffs draw nearer. With only a few weeks left in the regular season, teams are vying for one of the coveted automatic bids granted to conference champions. A total of 10 automatic bids are up for grabs, and additional 14 teams may qualify for at-large bids as chosen by the FCS Playoff Committee.
The complete 24-team bracket will be officially revealed on Sunday, Nov. 24. Following the announcement, teams will prepare for the exciting road to the championship that culminates with the national title game in Frisco, Texas, set for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
As it stands, conference winners are a key focus, but there are some potential tiebreakers that could come into play. For example, in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), if South Dakota State, South Dakota, and North Dakota State all end up with only one conference loss, a tiebreaker will be necessary. The likely deciding factor could be the Sagarin Ratings at the end of the season.
Similarly, the Patriot League could see a tiebreaker situation arise if Lehigh, Holy Cross, and Bucknell all finish with 3-2 records in conference play. It’s critical that teams pay attention to these developments as they head into the final weeks of the regular season.
Fans can find up-to-date information about current standings, scores, and rankings to keep a pulse on the unfolding playoff race.
As anticipation builds for the playoffs, teams are looking to solidify their chances for postseason glory and aim for their shot at the national championship. With rivalry games approaching and the stakes higher than ever, the FCS landscape is one to watch closely this November.