Rightfully so, there is always hype around the end of the season, bowl games and the college football playoffs. At the same time, there are countless other games receiving far less attention, specifically those at the FCS, Division 2, and Division 3 level. If you missed the action, check out this recap and national championship preview (and mark your calendar for next year!).
FCS Championship – Semifinal Game 1
Friday, December 16th, 2022 – 7 p.m. EST
Incarnate World Vs. North Dakota State
Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota
For the second straight season, North Dakota State got the chance to play in the FCS championship game. Getting there wasn't easy though, as they battled from a 16-0 deficit to defeat Incarnate World 35-32, sealing the victory with a game-winning interception with a 1:30 left in regulation.
Related: Deion Sanders Named University Of Colorado Head Football Coach
FCS Semifinals – Semifinal Game 2
Saturday, December 17th, 2022 – 4 p.m. EST
Montana State vs. South Dakota State
Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, Brookings, South Dakota
South Dakota State started early and never let up. In fact they scored on all of their four drives in the first half, leading by 19 at halftime. They continued to play well as they ended up winning 39-18. They are set to face North Dakota State in the FCS championship game, which will be the first time both teams have played each other for a shot at the trophy.
Cricket Celebration Bowl
Saturday, December 17th, 2022 – 12 p.m. EST
Jackson State vs. North Carolina Central
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Deion Sanders' last battle as the coach of Jackson State certainly lived up to the hype. In fact, at the end of regulation, Sanders' son, Shadeur, threw a 19 yard touchdown pass to send the game to overtime. However, North Carolina Central played the part of the spoiler in ending Jackson State's undefeated season as they wound up winning 41-34 in overtime.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
Division II Championship
Saturday, December 17th, 2022 – 1 p.m. EST
Colorado School of Mines vs. Ferris State
McKinney ISD Stadium, McKinney, Texas
For the second straight season, Ferris State is the Division 2 Championship winner. They faced few problems but still ended up winning 41-14. The team ended their season with a 14-1 record.
Division III Championship
Friday, December 16th, 2022 – 7 p.m. EST
Mount Union vs. North Central
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland
This game was one for the books. After coming so close to winning the championship last season, North Central knew they couldn't let this one get out of their hands. Both teams entered with overall records of 14-0. However it was North Central getting the victory after holding off a late comeback from Mount Union. They wound up winning 28-14 to secure their second championship in three seasons.
TONIGHT: FCS Championship
Sunday, January 8th, 2023 – 2 p.m.
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State
Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
Though South Dakota State has played in the FCS Championship game once, falling by 2 in 2020 to Sam Houston, the Jackrabbits have never won the championship trophy since the inception of the FCS championship in 1978. This year they might pull it off as they are playing some great football–in fact, after falling to Iowa in the season opener, South Dakota State has won 13 in a row. Meanwhile, their opponent North Dakota State, has won 4 out of the past 5 championship games, clearly emerging as a FCS powerhouse. North Dakota State will look to avenge a 23-21 loss to the Jackrabbits back in October of 2022, and ultimately raise the trophy yet again. It should be a great game, featuring two teams who will look to lean on their offense. Either a team will win for the first time, or a dynasty will be intact.
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* Originally published on January 2, 2023, by Nicholas Nathanson
