HBCU Conference Champions: Benedict, VA Union Await NCAA Playoff Selections
HOUSTON - The HBCU Division II conference champions - Benedict College (SIAC) and Virginia Union (CIAA) - await the 2023 NCAA Division II football tournament selection committee's decision on Sunday, Nov. 12. Last season, Benedict and Fayetteville State gained berths into the tournament, VA Union is hoping to represent like the Broncos.
THE 2023 SIAC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS - BENEDICT TIGERS
The Benedict Tigers (11-0, 9-0 SIAC) defeated the Albany State Golden Rams (6-5, 6-3 SIAC), 47-10, to win the 2023 SIAC Football Championship title. It's been back-to-back seasons for Benedict to be undefeated, hoist the championship trophy, and produce the SIAC Defensive Player of the Year in Loobert Denelus, and SIAC Coach of the Year in Chennis Berry. The past two seasons have been highly impressive for an outstanding institution, team, and head coach.
After Saturday's win over Albany State, Benedict will keep the top spot in the NCAA's FCS Super Region II rankings. The Tigers await the NCAA's selection committee to determine the 2023 Super Region II Playoff bracketing, opponent, and if they will host a game in Columbia, South Carolina.
THE 2023 CIAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS - VA UNION PANTHERS
Next, Virginia Union Panthers (10-1, 8-1 SIAC) won 21-10 to claim the 2023 SIAC Football Championship title after beating the Fayetteville State Broncos (8-3, 8-1 SIAC) in the 2023 CIAA Football Championship Game.
2023 CIAA Coach of the Year Dr. Alvin Parker will return the conference crown to Richmond, Virginia, after a 22-year absence since 2001. In the process, the Panthers got a little payback behind the 10-7 loss to the Broncos earlier this season. First-Team All-CIAA running back Jada Byers pounded the Broncos defenders with 40 rushes for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He finished his season as the CIAA's leading rusher with 1,085 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 120.6 yards per contest.
The Panthers will be in the NCAA Super Region II Playoff by the selection committee on Sunday evening.
Credit: Benedict Athletics
NCAA DII SELECTION PROCESS
The 2023 NCAA Division II football championship selection committee will stream their show live online at NCAA.com on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 6 PM ET.
How does it work? According to the NCAA:
The tournament consists of 28 teams divided into four Super Regions. Seven teams from each of the four Super Regions will be seeded by the NCAA selection committee, with each No. 1 seed receiving a first-round bye. No conference receives automatic qualification to the 2023 championship but can receive earned access if the highest-ranked team is in the top nine of the final super region rankings on Sunday's selection.
The tournament's early rounds will occur across various campuses, with the final championship game scheduled for Dec. 16 at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas.
Here is the schedule of the 2023 NCAA Division II football tournament, including dates and locations:
- First round: Saturday, Nov. 18, campus sites
- Second round: Saturday, Nov. 25, campus sites
- Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 2, campus sites
- Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 9, campus sites
- Championship: Saturday, Dec. 16, McKinney, TX.