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I learned today of the list today while I was in the car traveling from seeing the game in Florence this weekend. The rankings didn't have much of a shock value, but it's still too early to say where anyone will land in the playoff field.
But what can be said is that certain teams are in the driver's seat, while others can definitely improve their rankings with key wins. That said, there are always a few upsets in these final weeks and sometimes by teams not in the current rankings.
Those that have watched these things for years know how much they can change over three weeks.
A fun hypothetical to consider, though, is that if the playoffs started today, the GSC would be represented by four teams with Delta hosting West Georgia and VSU traveling to Tuskegee in the first round. The DSU/UWG winner would travel to Lenoir-Rhyne in the second round while the winner of the VSU/TU matchup would be hosted by UNA.
NCAA Regional Rankings: Super Region Two
1. North Alabama. With a record of 6-0 vs. D2 opponents, UNA is currently one of only two undefeated teams in the region. The Lions are sitting in the first position mainly because they have defeated the #5 and #6 teams in the rankings. However, in their final three games North Alabama faces tough tests against #3 Delta State and West Alabama, both on the road.
2. Lenoir-Rhyne. The Bears have an impressive undefeated record of 7-0 in D2. Yet, their only game against another team on the list will be this upcoming weekend as they travel to #7 Carson-Newman. After a bye week, they will finish up by hosting Catawba. They seem to be a lock on the playoffs, but the game this week will likely help determine whether they are one of the top two seeds (bye week then hosting in the second round) or not.
3. Delta State. The Statesmen are very close to being undefeated themselves, except for that slip up at #6 UWG. Hosting #1 UNA this weekend will determine if they are one of the top two seeds or not as it's the only competitive game remaining on their regular season schedule.
4. Tuskegee. After getting to the post-season in their first year of declaring themselves eligible, no doubt Willie Slater's Golden Tigers are eager to return this season and improve upon that close loss at UNA last year. They already have wins over #8 ASU and #10 FVSU and host #9 Miles next weekend. The SIAC also has a championship game they will possibly (with a win over Miles) participate in on November 15th.
5. Valdosta State. See, the season isn't over Blazer fans! Far from it. Yet, three road games against opponents with good name recognition will determine if VSU makes the post-season or not. West Alabama, UNC Pembroke and Florida Tech will all host the hot Blazers (see what I did there?) to wrap up the regular season. But, it would appear that if they win out, they're mostly likely in. Y'all are the ones that understand most why I clarify all of this. You just never know, folks!
6. West Georgia. While it's just the first week of the rankings, Will Hall is to be given a gold star for having the Wolves in the conversation during his first season directing the team. UWG's toughest opponent in the final three contests of the season will be Florida Tech in two weeks. According to how things shake out with other teams in the rankings, the UWG faithful have a reason to be optimistic about post-season potential. But Coach Hall (and UWA fans) knows all to well what it's like to have a dang good season and be left out.
7. Carson-Newman. The Eagles only have one loss and an opportunity to make a big statement this weekend when they host #2 L-R. But similar to the Bears, C-N will have only played one team (L-R) this season that is currently ranked in the region. Also, their only current loss is to a team not ranked in their region. Their best, and probably only, hope for the post-season is to win out.
8. Albany State. The Rams have defeated #9 Miles and have losses to #4 Tuskegee and #5 Valdosta State. They will travel to #10 FVSU in two weeks to see who will represent the SIAC East Division in the title game. They certainly have an outside chance of moving into contention for one of the spots according to how their conference plays out.
9. Miles. Like the other SIAC schools on the list, Miles could get a chance to play in the title game pending their outcome with #4 Tuskegee. The Bears have only played one other school on the list, however, (a loss to #6 UWG) and that could hurt them if they were to win out and it comes down to SOS.
10. Fort Valley State. Another similar outlook to their fellow conference schools represented here in that they have an outside chance if a series of events plays out and relying on victories for the Wildcats.
Notes from the Regions:
A few things stood out to me when glancing at this week's rankings.
- Defending national champs NW Missouri State are 7-1 and ranked #7 in the SR3
- Currently, the LSC would have to rely on Earned Access in SR4 to get a team into the playoffs
- Bloomsberg is 8-0 and in control of SR1 having wins over the #3 and #4 teams in the rankings
- Conference Breakdown of the SR2 rankings: GSC (4), SIAC (4), SAC (2)