In the midst of today’s college football conference championships, don’t lose sight of the important thing:
I should keep writing blog posts about the FCS in case I decide I want to go to Frisco and get a press pass for that national championship in January.
Here’s what’s going down today, in the FCS’ second round. Some of it’s even already started! But I promise I haven’t looked at any scores. Promise.
#1 Seed North Dakota State vs. Nicholls State
North Dakota State plays in a dome, so don’t bother checking for snow. That dome is the Fargodome though, so don’t let me make you think this game isn’t going to be really freaking cool. Anything in the Fargodome is really freaking cool as far as I’m concerned.
Nicholls State beat North Dakota to save the latter the indignity of getting walloped by their in-state rival. That can wait a bit longer. The only other thing of note is that we, The Barking Crow, do not know whether to refer to Nicholls State as Nicholls State or Nicholls. I think ESPN dropped the “state” in a few places? Classic ESPN causing problems. Anyway, should probably check their athletic website soon. Nicholls State’s, I mean. Going on ESPN’s wouldn’t help.
#8 Seed Central Arkansas vs. Illinois State
How many directional schools are there in Arkansas?
Told you we ask the hard-hitting questions around here.
I haven’t checked, but based on conferences alone I’m guessing Illinois State might be the favorite here. If you’re into that kind of thing (saying a team is a favorite that might not appear one at first glance), they’re your guy today.
#5 Seed Montana State vs. Albany
It’s not snowing in Bozeman, which is disappointing, especially because even if the Bobcats win, Sacramento State doing the expected would result in next week only having one potential snow game, barring an unexpected Shenandoah Valley blizzard.
It’s a showdown between the Big Sky and the CAA to see who’s better between the two leagues putting a lot of also-ran’s up against North Dakota State every year.
#4 Seed Sacramento State vs. Austin Peay
As was said, Sacramento State’s the favorite here. I assume. I didn’t check. Probably could, though. I would never say this, as a credential-deserving journalist, but I bet some Sacramento State sympathizers might call Austin Peay by the name “Austin Pee” today.
#3 Seed Weber State vs. Kennesaw State
No snow here either, but next weekend’s forecast is nasty (sleet!), which is the second reason we want the Beekeepers to win this weekend. The first is that I saw someone online implying that Weber State can’t stop the option. They can stop whatever the heck they want (besides North Dakota State, if it comes to that).
#6 Seed Montana vs. Southeastern Louisiana
Southeastern Louisiana knocked off Villanova in the first round, which might turn out to be helpful for the Griz. If you want four Big Sky teams in the quarterfinals, and two in the semifinals, you want Montana to win. If you favor the bayou over the northern wild in your internal debate between two lovable parts of the country, you probably want SELA to get the W. What’s SELA’s mascot, by the way?
No snow here either, so no snow games today. Watch NIT-relevant basketball instead, I suppose.
#7 Seed South Dakota State vs. Northern Iowa
In the game of the day, two Missouri Valley Football Conference rivals square off in Brookings. Just a few weeks ago, the Jacks throttled UNI, winning 38-7. UNI’s got that defense, though, and if it steps it up and plays its best, this could be a beautiful 13-9 contest with a lot of punts. We can all pin our hopes on that.
#2 Seed James Madison vs. Monmouth
Monmouth is, I think, the worst team left in this tournament. James Madison is, I would guess, the second-best left. I hope Weber State’s better, but I have no idea. Bet it’s the Dukes. Anyway, guessing Monmouth loses by a lot of points.
