FCS Playoffs: Predictions, Upsets & Bracket Breakdown

Can anyone predict the unpredictable? The FCS Playoffs, with their history of upsets and dramatic finishes, offer a spectacle unlike any other in college football.

Lehigh's stunning victory in the first round, broadcast on ESPN+, serves as a potent reminder: anything can happen. We're here to dissect the second round, offering predictions that may or may not come to pass. For a deeper dive into the week's most anticipated matchups, tune into our FCS preview show. You can also catch the action on ESPNU on Sunday, November 24th.

Ten teams earn automatic berths to the playoffs through conference affiliation, adding another layer of intrigue. But who else will make the cut? Let's delve into the 2024 FCS playoff bracket predictions, a yearly exercise in educated guesswork.

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Before we proceed, let's briefly touch upon the core elements. The 2024 FCS playoffs, just like its predecessors, will feature 24 teams vying for the national championship. The predicted bracket follows the established format, with eight teams seeded and receiving a bye in the first round. The games are played across the country, with the ultimate goal of reaching Frisco, Texas, for the championship game.

NCAA.com's Stan Becton, for example, provides comprehensive game-by-game predictions, analyzing potential upsets, rematches, and the teams favored to go all the way.

The committee's projections, often based on a complex blend of factors, are the foundation for the matchups. But how do the pairings look if Selection Sunday were to happen today? The anticipation is palpable, as teams and fans alike await the announcement.

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The matchups are set to begin just days after Thanksgiving, adding another layer of excitement to the holiday season. For some teams, the FCS postseason is a relatively new experience, making their reactions to the Selection Show even more electric.

Here's a breakdown of some key teams and their prospects:

• The Contenders: Teams like the Dukes are frontrunners in their respective leagues. They are aiming for their second playoff trip in a row, with the potential for a deep run.
• The Underdogs: Keep an eye on teams like Western Carolina, whose offensive firepower could upset the established order.
• The Bubble Teams: Semo's recent stumble highlights the precarious nature of playoff contention. The "bubble" is where the drama resides as teams fight to secure their spots.

The 2024 FCS playoffs will see the field announced in November. Let's examine the selection process and the variables that shape each team's fate.

Here's a quick look at the bracket:

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Now, let's delve into the core of the predictions, outlining the potential matchups and highlighting key factors in each game.

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With teams vying for a spot in Frisco for the championship game, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. The FCS has hosted a playoff since 1978, providing a platform for teams to prove their mettle. The playoffs have involved 24 teams since 2013 (excluding the 2020 Covid season), further enhancing the excitement.

Analyzing the bracket demands a multifaceted approach, considering team performance, rankings, and the ever-present potential for upsets.

Here is the table with predictions for the FCS playoffs: