As one of the three undefeated teams remaining in Division II football and one of the four teams to receive a No. 1 seed heading into the 2024 Division II football playoffs, Valdosta State’s odds are looking particularly strong as they get ready to take their shot at the championship on Dec. 21 in McKinney, TX.
With a perfect season so far and a dominant 6-0 record in the Gulf South Conference (GSC), the Blazers have proven themselves as one of the top teams in the nation. However, with fierce competition from other top-ranked programs, the path to the NCAA Division II National Championship will be a tough one.
Here’s everything you need to know about Valdosta State’s playoff chances as the postseason approaches.
The Blazers‘ performance during the regular season has been highlighted by a series of convincing victories, including a 42-10 season opener over Albany State, a 59-6 win against Shorter, and a commanding 52-0 victory over Chowan.
Their ability to win consistently on both offense and defense has propelled them to the top of the rankings, earning them the majority of first-place votes in the latest AFCA poll. They have held the top spot in the AFCA Division II rankings since week 9 of the season, earning at least 18 first-place votes each week.
One key stat that leaves the Blazers vulnerable is their inability to stop teams on 3rd down. They currently sit in 21st amongst all Division II football teams with 30.4% are 8th among teams that made the playoffs. Wingate is best at holding opponents on 3rd down at a 20.7% rate.
This wasn’t enough to stop them in their tracks during the regular season, but, the Blazers only played against three teams that had more wins than losses—Shorter, Delta State, and West Florida. Not one of them made the playoffs.
Their closest matchup, against the playoff-bound West Alabama Tigers on Sept. 28, was cancelled due to a hurricane. Time will tell if the Blazers can continue their trend of outscoring their opponents nearly five to one.
The only other undefeated teams remaining in D2 are Charleston (WV) and Kutztown who are in the same region of the playoff bracket and thus will have to eliminate each other before they can make it far enough to meet against Valdosta State.
In the first three rounds, Valdosta State will have to walk away with two wins against the following opponents to make it to the semifinals. Here’s what their playoff schedule may look like:
Regardless of their playoff opponent, it will be crucial for the Blazers to continue their defensive dominance, averaging only 9 points allowed per game.
During the regular season, they recovered 12 fumbles and intercepted 6 passes, while also recording the 10th most tackles for loss. As long as their defense remains effective and continues to gain ground for when the offense takes the field, they should be able to replicate much of the success they enjoyed throughout the season.
Dropped Out: Minnesota St. (18), Findlay (Ohio) (22)
Others Receiving Votes: Fort Hays St. (Kan.), 65; East Stroudsburg (Pa.), 45; Virginia Union, 38; Miles (Ala.), 36; Minnesota St., 34; New Haven (Conn.), 21; Findlay (Ohio), 18; Bemidji St. (Minn.), 9; Sioux Falls (S.D.), 4; Davenport (Mich.), 3; Ashland (Ohio), 2; Glenville St. (W.Va.), 1.
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