Redbirds secure No. 2 seed, clinch home field advantage through playoffs

A shocking morning for a few as the NCAA Division I FCS Playoff brackets are released.

The Rabbits could have the same complaint, forced on the road against a Montana team that won three straight to end the regular season, most recently 54-35 over Montana State and 57-16 over Eastern Washington. “So a few of us just kind of get the luck of the draw and a few things you cant control”.

The Redbirds will play every playoff game at home throughout the playoffs, until it reaches the National Championship.

The 24-team FCS field features eight seeded programs that get the benefit of a first-round bye this week.

North Dakota State (8-2) plays the victor of the Montana-South Dakota State game in the second round. “You definitely look at that next slot and North Dakota State is still a great team”.

Number one overall seed is Jacksonville State with fellow Missouri Valley Conference Champions IL State claiming the second seed.

Also gaining first round byes were James Madison at No. 5 followed by Portland State, Richmond and Charleston Southern.

Western IL (6-5) is among five MVFC teams in the field.

IL State fell 31-14 to still-unbeaten Iowa in this year’s season opener and won nine its next 10 and ultimately shared the league title with North Dakota State for the second consecutive season.