Division 1AA

Currently called something ridiculous by the NCAA, D1AA is the college football division that has gotten their act together and created a 16 team playoff to decide the national champion.  Last year's champion Richmond, currently ranked #2, will look to repeat over 3 time champion and giant killer Appalacian St., ranked #1.  Here are some things you should know:

1. There are 8 automatic bids and 8 invitation bids

2. Two conferences, while eligible, choose to abstain; the SWAC and the IVY

3. 7-4 for a tough conference and 8-3 for a mid conference are usually the bubble teams.

4. Starting next year the format will switch to 10 auto bids and 6 invitation.  (Wait you mean we don't need to adjust the size of the tournament just because we're adding an auto bid??  Call NCAA Basketball, we can get rid of that freakin play in game.)

5. There are 144 teams in 14 conferences with 2 independents.

6. The automatic bid conferences are: Big Sky, Colonial, MEAC, Missouri Valley, Ohio Valley, Patriot, Southern, and Southland.

7. Even if you abstain you can still be invited.  A SWAC team has gone every once in a while.

The great news about D1AA is that unlike the other monstrosity every team is right now in contention for a national championship.  Barring the 8 Ivies and the 10 SWACs this is a 126 team league and yes every game matters.  (Remember just because they abstain doesn't mean they wont get an invite if its deserved)

To get a look at the preseason rankings here's a link: http://fcsnow.com/poll.aspx

I don't think its a good one for in season but I'll find one that updates regularly.