So much for the chance at a Northwest Missouri-Missouri Western rematch.

The teams could still play each other in the Super Region 3 finals, but will both begin the 2012 playoffs at home, as was announced today on the NCAA Division II football playoff selection show.

Missouri Western, fresh off their first-ever outright MIAA title, earned the No. 3 seed and will host No. 6 Minnesota Duluth. The winner will travel to No. 2 Henderson State.

I think most Northwest Missouri fans were ready for a road trip, but the Bearcats stayed above Harding, coming in at No. 4 while Harding landed the No. 5 spot. Northwest will host Harding on Saturday with the winner traveling to No. 1 Minnesota State-Mankato.

Both games are slated for 12 p.m. CT kickoffs.

Here's a look at the Super Region 3 playoff field:

1. MSU-Mankato
2. Henderson State
3. Missouri Western
4. Northwest Missouri
5. Harding
6. Minnesota-Duluth

Full bracket: http://www.d2football.com/playoffbracket/46/

Emporia and Lindenwood going bowling

Emporia accpeted an invite to the Kanza Bowl Sunday night. As the highest-ranking non-playoff finisher in the MIAA, they receive invites to both the Kanza (Topeka) and Mineral Water Bowl (Excelsior Springs, Mo.).

Lindenwood, who finished in a 7-3 tie with Pittsburg State for the next spot within the MIAA but had the head-to-head tiebreaker, then accepted the invite to the Mineral Water Bowl.

The Lions will play Winona State in the Mineral Water Bowl. The LSC opponent for the Kanza had yet to be determined as of 5 p.m. CT Sunday.

The Kanza Bowl kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25. The Mineral Water Bowl is set for noon CT on Saturday, Dec. 1.