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HBCU Conference Champions: Benedict, VA Union Await NCAA Playoff Selections

The SIAC and CIAA football champions await NCAA playoff selections for 2023 NCAA Division II Playoff.
Kyle T. Mosley|
HBCU Conference Champions: Benedict, VA Union Await NCAA Playoff Selections
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.

HBCU Football Division II Rankings, Superlatives | 2023

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.

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.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends. Former founder and publisher of the Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on SI since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Collegiate Head Coach), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Mark Ingram (NFL RB), Terron Armstead (NFL OL), Jameis Winston (NFL QB), Cam Newton (NFL QB), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Chennis Berry (Collegiate Head Coach), Johnny Jones (Collegiate Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Women's Basketball Coach), Tremaine Jackson (Collegiate Head Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (Former VP of Basketball - New Orleans Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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