Tighten your seat belt even more - FCS football is not for the faint of heart. One of its biggest rivalries and two party crashers fill the playoff semifinals just one week after the Celebration Bowl had its wildest finish.

In The FCS Edge, episode 18, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell try to bring clarity to it all. Emphasis on “try” because their heads are spinning, too - but they’re ready with predictions for Nashville.

• The FCS playoffs have seen unprecedented chaos this year.
• Montana State's defensive line is a key factor in its success.
• Villanova's defense has been impressive, shutting down top offenses.
• Illinois State has proven to be formidable on the road.
• The Celebration Bowl showcased the competitiveness of HBCU football.
• Coaching changes in the FCS are significant and impactful.
• The importance of establishing a run game in playoff football.
• Turnovers can be game-changers in close matchups.
• The rivalry between Montana and Montana State adds excitement to the playoffs.
• The FCS playoffs are showcasing a new level of parity.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - FCS playoff chaos and surprises
• 02:43 - Montana State's dominance and performance
• 05:38 - Montana Grizzlies: Rising stars and coaching brilliance
• 08:28 - Villanova's resilience and defensive prowess
• 11:32 - Illinois State's road warrior mentality
• 14:19 - South Carolina State's comeback victory
• 17:27 - MEAC vs SWAC: A historical perspective
• 21:59 - Celebration Bowl insights
• 23:03 - FCS coaching changes overview
• 28:23 - FCS semifinals preview
• 29:11 - Montana vs. Montana State matchup
• 36:58 - Illinois State vs. Villanova matchup
• 40:25 - FCS playoff parity discussion

FCS college football is giving you a chance to sleep after Friday night’s quarterfinal, but set the alarm because this weekend’s schedule is can’t-miss with one big game after another. In The FCS Edge, episode 17, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell get you ready for all the action.

How did we get to the Elite Eight of the playoffs as well as the Celebration Bowl? What are the keys to the games? Who are the picks?

• North Dakota State's playoff elimination was shocking and unexpected.
• Tarleton State is an intriguing team to watch in the playoffs.
• Illinois State outplayed NDSU in almost every aspect of the game.
• Montana's offense has been moving the football smoothly.
• The FCS is seeing more parity this season than ever before.
• Villanova's defense has been impressive, giving up minimal points.
• Tarleton State's unique offensive scheme poses challenges for opponents.
• South Carolina State is looking to overcome last year's Celebration Bowl loss.
• The upcoming weekend promises exciting FCS playoff action.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

• 00:00 - Introduction to The FCS Edge
• 02:56 - North Dakota State's shocking elimination
• 05:42 - Emerging contenders: Tarleton State and Montana
• 08:44 - Illinois State's upset victory
• 11:38 - UC Davis and Montana's impressive performances
• 14:54 - The rise of South Dakota
• 17:56 - Villanova's strong defense and quarterback play
• 20:44 - Tarleton State's dominance and future prospects
• 23:53 - Stephen F. Austin and Montana State's winning streaks
• 26:09 - Heated exchanges and emotional responses in football
• 29:20 - Celebration Bowl: A financial and cultural perspective
• 34:55 - Quarterfinal picks: Analyzing matchups and predictions
• 43:31 - Celebration Bowl preview: South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M

You’re not still eating turkey leftovers, are you? No, no, no, throw it away and take a bite out of The FCS Edge, episode 16, where co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell are serving up the fresh menu of the FCS postseason.

OK, so they look back to the turkeys of the playoff first round (the winners, too). But they also preview and predict this week’s second-round games, and they make different picks for the SWAC championship game.

• The first round of the FCS playoffs saw a mix of expected outcomes and surprising performances.
• Yale's comeback victory was a highlight, showcasing the resilience of Ivy League teams.
• Seeding controversies continue to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.
• Travis Bush's success with UTRGV is a testament to effective coaching in new programs.
• Braden Atkinson's performance as a freshman quarterback has garnered significant attention.
• The importance of home-field advantage in the playoffs cannot be overstated.
• The SWAC championship game is projected to be highly competitive this year.
• Montana State's running game is a key factor in its potential playoff success.
• The unpredictability of playoff matchups adds excitement to the FCS postseason.
• The hosts emphasize the need for teams to perform well under pressure in crucial games.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get The FCS Edge delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

00:00 - Introduction to the FCS Edge Podcast 03:06 - Recap of the First-Round Playoff Games 07:05 - Analysis of Team Seeding and Selection Controversies 14:31 - Discussion on National Awards and Candidates 31:42 - Preview of Upcoming Second-Round Playoff Matchups 48:33 - SWAC Championship Game Preview 50:51 - Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead