FCS Playoff Bracket Predictions on Eve of Selection Sunday

South Dakota State is seeking a national title three-peat, but Montana State is the team to beat with the No. 1 seed in our 2024 FCS playoff bracket predictions. On the night before the NCAA announces the 24-team field, we provide a crystal ball look at the Road to Frisco.

The toughest job of the FCS playoff selection committee is usually deciding between the last couple at-large selections and a couple teams left wiping off the goo of their burst bubble.

That’s nothing compared to having to separate two-time defending FCS champion South Dakota State (10-2), North Dakota State (10-2) and South Dakota (9-2) for the No. 2, 3 and 4 seeds in the 24-team FCS playoff bracket, which will be unveiled on Sunday (12:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU).

They are tight as three-way MVFC champions – like thistight.

NDSU beat SDSU 13-9 on a touchdown in the final two minutes. SDSU beat USD 20-17 in overtime. YSD beat NDSU 29-28 on a TD with just 12 seconds to go.

While SDSU received the MVFC’s automatic bid to the playoff via its Sagarin rating, it’s not conclusive in any way.

Between popping the antacids, the selection committee can thank Montana State (12-0) for making it easy as a sure No. 1 seed. The Bobcats and whoever gains the No. 2 seed are guaranteed home-field advantage through the semifinal round.

The national championship game will be held the night of Jan. 6 at neutral Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

How’s the FCS playoff bracket going to look on Selection Sunday? Here’s a crystal-ball look:

FCS Playoffs: Projected Bids by Conference

*-Automatic qualifier; other teams are projected as at-large selections

Big Sky (5): Idaho (9-3), Montana (8-4), *Montana State (12-0), Northern Arizona (8-4), UC Davis (10-2)

Big South-OVC (3): *Southeast Missouri (9-3), Tennessee State (9-3), UT Martin (8-4)

CAA (4): New Hampshire (8-4), Rhode Island (10-2), *Richmond (10-2), Villanova (9-3)

Missouri Valley (4): Illinois State (9-3), North Dakota State (10-2), South Dakota (9-2), *South Dakota State (10-2)

Northeast (1): *Central Connecticut State (7-5)

Patriot (1): *Lehigh (8-3)

Pioneer (1): *Drake (8-2)

Southern (1): *Mercer (10-2)

Southland (1): *UIW (10-2)

United Athletic (3): *Abilene Christian (9-3), Eastern Kentucky (8-4), Tarleton State (9-3)

First Four Out: Western Carolina (7-5), Chattanooga (7-5), Southern Utah (7-5), Southeastern Louisiana (7-5)

Ineligible for 2024 FCS Playoffs: Delaware (9-2) and Missouri State (8-4)

FCS Playoff Bracket: 2024 Key Dates to Know

Playoff Selection Show: Nov. 24 (12:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU)

First Round: Nov. 30 (host schools)

Second Round: Dec. 7 (host schools)

Quarterfinals: Dec. 13-14 (host schools)

Semifinals: Dec. 21 (host schools)

Championship Game: Jan. 6 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)

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