North Dakota State Claims Top Seed in 2024 FCS Playoff Bracket

The 2024 FCS playoff field is now official. North Dakota State earned the No. 1 overall seed on Selection Sunday. The Bison completed a perfect 12-0 regular season.

They enter the postseason as defending national champions. The 24-team bracket features six Missouri Valley Football Conference teams. That ties a conference record for most representatives.

Complete Breakdown of the Playoff Field

North Dakota State’s top seeding came as no surprise. According to ESPN, the Bison dominated their schedule. They carry a 16-game winning streak into the tournament.

Montana State secured the No. 2 seed with a 10-2 record. Montana followed closely as the No. 3 seed at 11-1. Both Big Sky Conference powers received first-round byes.

Tarleton State earned the No. 4 seed with an impressive 11-1 campaign. Lehigh rounded out the top five seeds with their own perfect 12-0 record. These eight seeded teams avoid the opening weekend.

What Makes This Bison Team Different

North Dakota State brings championship experience to this tournament. They defeated Montana State in last year’s national championship game. That familiarity with playoff pressure gives them an edge.

The Bison offense has been nearly unstoppable this season. Quarterback Cole Payton leads a balanced attack that averaged over 45 points per game. Their defense allowed just 14 points per contest.

Their regular season finale demonstrated their dominance. They defeated St. Thomas-Minnesota 62-7. That kind of performance builds confidence heading into elimination games.

Conference Strength on Full Display

The Missouri Valley Football Conference’s six bids highlight its depth. This matches the conference’s own record for playoff representation. The MVFC has consistently been among the FCS’s toughest leagues.

Beyond North Dakota State, other MVFC teams include South Dakota State and Southern Illinois. These programs have playoff experience and could make deep runs. The conference’s strength means its teams are battle-tested.

The selection committee clearly valued competitive conferences and tough schedules. This bracket reflects that emphasis. Teams from multiple conferences earned at-large bids.

The road to the FCS national championship runs through North Dakota State. Their perfect record makes them the team to beat. This bracket sets up what should be an exciting tournament.

Thought you’d like to know

When do the FCS playoffs begin?

First-round games start on Saturday, November 29. The top eight seeded teams receive byes and begin play in the second round. The tournament concludes with the national championship in Nashville.

How many teams make the FCS playoffs?

The tournament features 24 teams total. Eleven conference champions receive automatic bids. The selection committee chooses 13 at-large teams to complete the field.

Which conference has the most teams?

The Missouri Valley Football Conference leads with six teams. The Big Sky Conference follows with five representatives. These two conferences traditionally dominate the FCS landscape.

Where is the championship game?

The FCS national championship will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. The game typically occurs in early January. Specific date and venue details will be announced later.

Has North Dakota State won before?

Yes, they are the defending national champions. They defeated Montana State in last year’s title game. The program has won multiple championships in recent years.