What a fun and active week we had for championship week in the FCS! Upsets, theatrics, and fireworks were plenty in a riveting slate of games. As the push for the playoffs reaches its end, some teams found a lifeline, while others sank to the depths. Let’s start with our headline matchup that garnered Gameday status and debuted a groundbreaking new medium for fake college football.

Atlantic Sun

#22 Kennesaw State at #19 Alabama A&M

NORMAL, AL – The world (at least 0.000000057% of it) watched in awe as fake college football was brought to the small screen for the first time. It was a historic occasion as #22 Kennesaw State (8-4) traveled to #19 Alabama A&M (9-3) for the ASUN championship, while AAMU’s coach traveled to the KSU coach’s house in real life. The first half was seen by tens (30 unique viewers!) on Twitch, and it all went the Bulldogs’ way early.

A poor punt by KSU on the first drive of the game gave AAMU outstanding field position, and they took advantage with a 30 yard touchdown on the ground on their first play. KSU then gave up another gift on the ensuing drive, with the Bulldogs intercepting a pass and returning it all the way for a 14-0 lead right out the gate. After that, the Owls turned the ball over again and it looked like the blowout was about to start. But KSU was able to force a turnover right back to keep them in it. The two teams traded touchdowns for the rest of the first half, and Alabama A&M missed an extra point on one of their scores, which proved costly later in the game. The score at halftime was 27-21 in favor of AAMU, and credit should be given to the Owls for fighting back after their early disasters.

Alabama A&M’s offense took the field first in the third quarter and immediately they were pushed behind the chains. The drive would end shortly after on an interception, opening the door for Kennesaw State to take their first lead of the game on a 10 yard touchdown pass. Trailing by 1, AAMU methodically drove down the field behind the strength of their running game to regain the lead 33-28. Unfortunately, the kicking woes continued. The Bulldogs missed another PAT and the lead stayed at 5 points. KSU converted a crucial 4th down on their next drive en route to another TD, and the Owls opted for two points. They got it, making the score a field goal margin early in the 4th quarter, 36-33. The missed PATs by AAMU was a huge factor.

Alabama A&M was forced to punt for the first time with 5 minutes remaining in the game, and Kennesaw State had a clutch game-sealing drive that ended in a punt as time expired.

The Owls completed an improbable comeback and won their 8th straight game to take the ASUN crown. KSU started the season 1-4, but now they sit at 9-4 and have clinched an auto-bid to the FCS playoffs. Alabama A&M finishes up a fine season at 9-4 as well, and it remains to be seen if they can sneak into the playoffs with an at-large bid. They are certainly in the conversation on the bubble.

Colonial

Youngstown State at #15 VMI

LEXINGTON, VA – The CAA championship game pitted the Youngstown State Penguins (7-4) against the #15 VMI Keydets (9-2). YSU finished the season especially strong after a midseason coaching change and became a trendy pick to upset some of the playoff prognostications. VMI has flown under the radar, but a case could be made that they have proven themselves to be among the elite in the FCS.

VMI quickly jumped out to a 14-0 lead and never looked back, keeping a decent cushion over the Penguins. It was a very impressive showing for the Keydets, controlling their opponent and subjecting them to the palindrome, winning 42-24. VMI clinched a 10 win season to go along with a trophy. YSU can still lean back on their winning season in a volatile year.

Mid-Atlantic

Hampton at #8 Lehigh

BETHLEHEM, PA – Hampton (6-6) took on #8 Lehigh (9-3) in the MAAC championship in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh aimed to cement their playoff status, while Hampton looked to play in honor of division foe Monmouth, a powerhouse abstaining from postseason play.

This is a contender for one of the weirdest games of the year. Lehigh outgained Hampton 375-74, but struggled to put them away most of the game thanks to five fumbles lost. The Pirates actually led 7-0 at halftime, but the Mountain Hawks put up four touchdowns in the second half to comfortably become the champion of the MAAC, 28-7. It’s possible that Lehigh locked up a first round bye in the FCS playoffs at 10-3 with strong metrics.

Carolina

North Carolina Central at Charleston Southern

CHARLESTON, SC – North Carolina Central (7-4) went down to the South Carolina coast to face Charleston Southern (7-3). It was an exciting battle on the hardcourt. NC Central shot for a good field goal percentage and hit some timely threes to stretch a decent seven point lead at the break to a 17 point margin at the end. CSU’s attack sputtered just after halftime, along with shaky free throw execution near the end. The Eagles bested the Bucs 75-58. The NCCU coach praised his team and their physical play in the paint.

In all seriousness, it was an offensive showcase with tons of theatrics. The “always pass, never run” philosophies clashed and combined for 923 passing yards. NC Central was able to stay a step ahead throughout the game and did win 75-58 to capture the CFC title.

Ivy League

Princeton at #16 Penn

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Next, we have the Ivy League championship game. #16 Penn (8-4) needed to turn things around against surprise competitor Princeton (6-6). The Quakers ran away with first place in the standings, but struggled late, so their postseason prospects may end up hinging on this game. Princeton emerged as second place amidst a crowded middle class in the Ivy League.

It appeared that Princeton had a head start on game prep, because they took a 14-0 lead into the second quarter. Penn would have to climb uphill the rest of the game, as both teams have option playbooks and the clock moves swiftly. The Tigers held a 21-10 advantage at the half and did not have to score for the rest of the game. Penn attempted and nearly completed a comeback, but fell just short, allowing Princeton to claim victory and an automatic bid. They are definitely a bid-stealer, but they don’t care if they’re 7-6. Princeton is ready to prove themselves further.

Delta Intercollegiate

#25 Murray State at #9 Mississippi Valley State

ITTA BENA, MS – The Delta Intercollegiate Conference title game between #25 Murray State (8-4) and #9 Mississippi Valley State (9-3) was one of the spicier matchups of the CCG week. MVSU looked to move up into bye status, while this is likely Murray State’s only chance.

Like some of the other games this week, this game featured a team racing out to a big lead, but it wasn’t the Racers. The Delta Devils scored the first 28 points off the game. Murray State fought back, but there was little chance of a choke. MVSU tallied 400 total yards, all but 4 of those on the ground, and defeated Murray State by a final score of 28-21. They are your DIC champions.

Big Sky

Montana at #18 Southern Utah

CEDAR CITY, UT – There was an unexpected matchup in the Big Sky. Montana (7-5) shockingly turned things around in the last part of the season, defeating division favorite Montana State to return to the conference pinnacle. #18 Southern Utah (8-4) came out of the south division instead of Dixie State or Cal Poly after some huge wins.

It was a disastrous start for Southern Utah, who trailed 21-0 at halftime. Montana’s defense came well prepared, forcing four SUU fumbles, giving the offense great field position to cash in on. The Thunderbirds could only muster 144 yards The Grizzlies only had 163 yards, but they didn’t need many as they suffocated SUU and cruised to a 38-7 victory. Montana has improbably punched their ticket to the playoffs.

Southland

Nicholls State at #7 Prairie View A&M

PRAIRIE VIEW, TX – The Southland featured division champions Nicholls State (8-4) and #7 Prairie View A&M (8-3). Two potent offenses faced off with big stakes.

Nicholls State struck first, but PVAMU kept up and had a three point lead at the half. The Colonels made some impressive adjustments and roared to a two possession lead in the third quarter. Turnovers proved costly for Prairie View A&M, who stayed one step back the rest of the way. Nicholls State was able to finish strong, taking the Southland 44-34.

America East

Holy Cross at #1 Stony Brook

STONY BROOK, NY – The best team in the land hosted Holy Cross (9-3) for the America East. #1 Stony Brook (11-1) had likely already locked up a first round bye in the playoffs, but they still were very excited to play for a conference title.

The Crusaders were a little bit more excited though. The Seawolves could not stop tripping over themselves, fumbling four times. Holy Cross put up 28 points behind a strong rushing performance that controlled the clock with 232 yards. Stony Brook did not get on the scoreboard until the fourth quarter with a touchdown. Faced with a large deficit, the option offense could not make an efficient comeback. Holy Cross vanquished the Seawolves 28-7 to win the America East.

Missouri Valley

Eastern Illinois at #2 Northern Iowa

CEDAR FALLS, IA – The last game to finish was the Missouri Valley Conference championship. Eastern Illinois (8-4) competed against #2 Northern Iowa (10-2). Panthers versus Panthers! Northern Iowa had also likely played themselves into a first round bye already.

EIU showed a lot of fight. After giving up touchdowns to UNI on the first two drives, Eastern Illinois returned the kickoff back for a touchdown of their own. They clawed back to take a halftime lead 21-20. But UNI figured things out, going on a nice streak of scores in the second half to emerge as champion. EIU won the yardage battle 398-275, but turned the ball over five times. The final score was 51-35 in favor of Northern Iowa.

Automatic Qualifiers

Congratulations to the ten teams that have already earned a spot in playoffs by virtue of winning their conference!

Holy Cross

Kennesaw State

Lehigh

Mississippi Valley State

Montana

Nicholls State

North Carolina Central

Northern Iowa

Princeton

VMI