Rivalry week isn't the only thing happening this week in the world of college football betting odds.'
This is one of my favorite weeks of the year, and that's long before you get to the turkey and mashed potatoes. This is the first week of the FCS Playoffs.
FCS Playoff Selection
In case you're new here: Division I college football is split into two groups.'
The top group, known as FBS, generally plays 12 games before bowl season begins in December; the bottom half, known as FCS, typically plays 11 games before embarking on a true 24-team playoff.
That 24-team field for the 2022 FCS Playoffs was set on Sunday, November 20.
FCS Playoff Bracket
South Dakota State, Sacramento State, North Dakota State and Montana State are the top four seeds in this year's FCS Playoff bracket.
It's the third straight year that North Dakota State will not play as the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.'
FCS Playoff Schedule 2022
The 16 non-seeded teams will play a first-round game in the wake of Thanksgiving, on Saturday, Nov. 26.
THE BRACKET ??
?? https://t.co/oQoopueEz0#FCSPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/aDQpdmVEey
— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) November 20, 2022
FCS Football Rankings
ICYMI: The top-10 remains the same, as @FAMU_FB and @NCCU_Football join the latest @WeAreAFCA FCS Coaches Rankings.
1? @GoJacksFB
2? @SacHornetsFB
3? @MSUBobcats_FB
4? @NDSUfootball
5? @GoJSUTigersFB6?-2?5? https://t.co/vE42B0WD14#FCS pic.twitter.com/g5VU7y1Add
— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) November 14, 2022
South Dakota State has played as the No. 1 team for much of the season. The Jackrabbits haven't yet won a national championship as a Division I program, but they have reached the semifinal round (or beyond) in four of the last five seasons.'
This year, with home-field advantage secured all the way to the title game in Frisco, South Dakota State has one of its best chances to finally secure the FCS title that's eluded it.'
There is some controversy among FCS football fans over whether or not Sacramento State – which earned an FBS win over Colorado State earlier this year – deserved the No. 1 overall seed.
However, as fans of James Madison and North Dakota State can tell you, there's no measurable difference between the top two seeds outside of message board bragging rights. Each team will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The immortal NDSU Bison have won nine of the last 11 national championships, including last year's title in Frisco.'