The postseason has arrived in region II Saturday saw the first round of the national championship tournament tee off.
It will be a historic affair as it is this year Five HBCU teams will compete in the Region II Playoffthe most seen in a single year in the tournament’s 52-year history.
It comes a year after Virginia Commonwealth and Millie won their first round of matches for the first time, marking the first time two HBCus have advanced past the opening round in the same year.
Here is every HBCU Division II Playoff team’s biggest key to victory in the opening round of the national championship tournament.
Albany State: Take care of football
Albany State begins the 2025 Division II football playoffs as a No. 2 seed in the Super Regional, with a reigning national championship over Valdosta State
The Golden Rams posted a perfect 10-0 record against Section II opponents, including a 22-16 victory in the SIAC championship game.
Albany State has a dynamic SIAC hitting offense that features SIAC offensive lineman Jesus Knylles and all-SIAC running back Geri Tiant Wyche.
In addition, they compiled the second-highest offense in the SIAC overall, five games with over 400 yards, including five games against Atlanta where Clark missed due to injury.
The SIAC champions will face a Valdosta State team currently riding a four-game winning streak after a 2-4 start to the season thanks to some dominant defensive play.
During the four-game winning streak, Valdosta State forced 11 turnovers (compared to just seven through the first six games), a pick-and-roll into the playoffs.
If the Golden Rams want to get past the first round, taking care of the ball will be the key to getting the job done.
Johnson C. Smith: Struggling with Strong Power
For the first time in school history, the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls will play for the II national championship after claiming their first CIAA title since 1969.
Johnson C. Smith will face the Frostburg State Team, Fury in the 2nd season of the Division II, II playoff game in the first season in school history.
The matchup to watch in this game is Johnson C. Smith’s offense against Frostburg State’s defense.
The Golden Bulls’ CIAA title win, along with All-Ciaa Quarterback Deandre Proctor, was highlighted by a five-high passing touchdown performance from All-Ciaa Quarterback Kelvin Durham.
That has been the norm for JCSU, which ranks in the top 25 in the nation with three different receivers with 26 touchdown passes.
On the other hand, Frostburg State hangs its hat on its fourth-ranked defense in the nation, allowing 152.7 passing yards per game.
Only two teams have passed for more than 200 yards against them, and they are one of nine DII teams that have allowed fewer than 10 touchdowns this season.
Commonwealth of Virginia: A balanced offense
For the fourth straight season, the Virginia Commonwealth Panthers, posthers, will compete as one of five Division II football programs to accomplish the feat.
Virginia Commonwealth’s bid for a third straight CIAA championship fell short after committing a season-high three turnovers, including two interceptions, against Johnson C. Smith.
The Panthers have been a strong running team all season, led by CIAA Player of the Year Candis Allen, who averages 205.3 rushing yards per game.
However, it’s the passing game that will need to step up if Virginia Commonwealth wants to repeat its postseason success from last season.
After Woes’ passing limited them to the first two playoff rounds, RJ Rosales and the Panthers’ passing game came to make a run to the regional finals last season.
In the second half of Vuu’s opening-round game, Rosales was a game-changer for the Panthers, contributing three passing touchdowns to two rushing touchdowns in the team’s three-game playoff run.
Going up against a California (PA) team where four of their last five opponents have gone 4 over 100 rushing yards, Rosales will need to make a similar impact with the offense opening lanes and keeping the defense honest.
To Benedict: Limit the big plays
Benedict returns to Division II, after a one-year absence, to avenge the wing that eliminated them in the second round in 2022.
Despite a valiant effort, the Tigers were unable to complete a fourth-quarter comeback to claim the SIAC championship, falling to Albany State for the second time this season.
The Tigers’ defense has been the team’s strength all season, averaging 16.9 points per game (ninth in the nation).
Starring in Benedict’s defensive unit, Israel Nwokocha and Ty’metrius Patterson each have 9.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
That defense will have its hands full against a wing-heavy offense that ranks 15th in the nation in scoring at 37.7 points per game.
Their most efficient scoring offense is in the running game with Division II-ranked running back Xavier Pugh with 21 rushing touchdowns (as a team).
They are also the only team in Division II football this season to have a quarterback with 20 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns this season.
Benedict’s ability to stop the wing from making big plays will dictate whether or not he wins this game.
Kentucky State: Making an impact without defense
The Kentucky State Thorobreds jump into the Squeak for their first sectional Finals, completing their best performance in a season in 90 years.
A 9-2 overall record, capped by a nine-game winning streak, including a 35-7 win in the final, knocked Perth just short of the playoffs in the final.
Kentucky State will have its hands full in the opener when South Atlantic Conference Champion Newberry takes on Newberry.
The Thorobreds’ defense will be the key to victory against a new team that ranks highly among the most efficient offensive units in the country.
Newberry committed just three turnovers this season, the fewest among II football programs.
It’s an offense highlighted by an offense led by quarterback REED Chapria, 27% completions per game on 268.2 yards, 23% on 23 touchdowns to just one interception.
The Kentucky State runner-up, third in the SIAC in the SIAC, all-SIAC defensive tackle and Lawrence McConnell’s head (four interceptions each) showed big-play potential.
However, that’s a conference that has 235.5 sacks a game and an overlap that allows for 235.5.
The Thorobreds’ chances to win this game will hinge on their ability to defend the pass and pass the ball out of bounds.
