Five District College Football Teams Advance to NCAA Playoffs: Highlights and Matchups
Five local college football teams are going to the NCAA playoffs.
Cal (Pa.) is the PSAC West champion. This is their first appearance in the Division II playoffs since 2017. The Vulcans lost to Kutztown in the PSAC championship game. They earned the No. 3 seed in their region. Cal will host East Stroudsburg, another PSAC East team, in the first round on Nov. 23. Cal finished the season with an 8-2 record, winning all 6 of their PSAC West games.
Slippery Rock also qualified for the playoffs. They finished with a 5-1 record in the PSAC West. Slippery Rock is seeded fourth and will host New Haven next Saturday in the opening round.
Kutztown secured the top seed in the region.
What are the key strengths of Cal (Pa.) and Slippery Rock’s football teams this season?
Interview with Dr. Mark Thompson, College Football Expert
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. Exciting times for local college football! Can you share your thoughts on the performance of the PSAC teams this season, particularly Cal (Pa.) and Slippery Rock?
Dr. Mark Thompson: Absolutely! This season has been exceptional for PSAC teams. Cal (Pa.) deserves a lot of credit for their resilience, especially after clinching the PSAC West championship. Their season has shown tremendous growth since their last playoff appearance in 2017. Finishing 8-2 and unbeaten in conference play is no small feat.
News Directory 3: Yes, and they will be hosting East Stroudsburg in the first round. What do you think are their chances in this matchup?
Dr. Mark Thompson: Hosting a playoff game is a significant advantage. Cal (Pa.) has built a strong home-field atmosphere, and their previous experience in high-stress games will be invaluable. East Stroudsburg will be a formidable opponent, but Cal’s recent track record, particularly in the PSAC, positions them well for a victory.
News Directory 3: Slippery Rock also made it to the playoffs, finishing fourth in seedings. How does their performance this season compare?
Dr. Mark Thompson: Slippery Rock’s rich football history adds to the excitement. A 5-1 record within the PSAC West certainly underscores their competitive edge, and they’ll be eager to prove themselves against New Haven. Their experience in playoff scenarios can’t be overlooked, and I expect a closely contested game.
News Directory 3: Moving to Division III, the Presidents’ Athletic Conference sent three teams to the playoffs. What do you think of Carnegie Mellon, Grove City, and Washington & Jefferson each finishing 9-1?
Dr. Mark Thompson: It highlights the competitive nature of the PAC. Carnegie Mellon earning the automatic bid is a testament to their consistent performance throughout the season, while Grove City and Washington & Jefferson’s at-large selections indicate strong programs capable of taking on tough opponents. All three teams benefiting from first-round byes not only provides them with a breather but also a strategic advantage.
News Directory 3: With all three teams playing on November 30, what do you expect from those matchups?
Dr. Mark Thompson: Those games will set the tone for their postseason journey. Carnegie Mellon facing Centre should be intriguing, as the pressure of hosting comes into play. Grove City against Johns Hopkins will be a tactical battle, while Washington & Jefferson’s trip to Randolph-Macon will test their adaptability. I anticipate some thrilling football action across the board!
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights on this thrilling season of college football.
Dr. Mark Thompson: My pleasure! Excited to see how these local teams perform and represent the region in the playoffs.
In Division III, the Presidents’ Athletic Conference sent three teams to the playoffs. Carnegie Mellon, Grove City, and Washington & Jefferson all finished with 9-1 records. The Presidents earned the PAC’s automatic bid based on point differential. Carnegie Mellon and Grove City received at-large selections.
All three teams received first-round byes. They will play their first games on Nov. 30 at noon. Carnegie Mellon will host Centre, Grove City will face Johns Hopkins, and Washington & Jefferson will visit Randolph-Macon.