FCS Playoffs 2014: Postseason Schedule, Bracket and Championship Predictions

In the FCS, 24 teams earned the right to compete in the postseason. All of them have a shot at winning the national championship. If you ask a lot of college football fans, they would probably say the FBS could learn a thing or two from this structure.

As it is, the FCS has the most definitive postseason format, and that's part of what makes its playoffs so intriguing. Add in some legendary coaches, programs and great players, and this is the perfect complement to the bigger-budget FBS bowl games.

The action starts on Nov. 29. The top eight seeds get first-round byes, but the other 16 battle it out for the right to advance to the second round on Dec. 6.

Here's a look at the matchups for the first two weeks of play as well as the viewing information for each game.

First round, Nov. 29

• Fordham vs. Sacred Heart, 12 p.m., ESPN3
• Eastern Kentucky vs. Indiana State, 1 p.m., ESPN3
• Richmond vs. Morgan State, 1 p.m., ESPN3
• Sam Houston State vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 2 p.m., ESPN3
• Montana vs. San Diego, 4 p.m., ESPN3
• James Madison vs. Liberty, 4 p.m., ESPN3
• Montana State vs. South Dakota State, 4 p.m., ESPN3
• Northern Iowa vs. Stephen F. Austin, 8 p.m., ESPN3

Second round, Dec. 6

• No. 1 New Hampshire vs. Fordham/Sacred Heart, 1 p.m., ESPN3
• No. 8 Chattanooga vs. Eastern Kentucky/Indiana State, 1 p.m., ESPN3
• No. 5 Illinois State vs. Northern Iowa/Stephen F. Austin, 2 p.m., ESPN3
• No. 4 Eastern Washington vs. Montana/San Diego, 4:30 p.m., ESPN3
• No.3 Jacksonville State vs. Sam Houston State/Southeastern Louisiana, 2 p.m., ESPN3
• No. 6 Villanova vs. James Madison/Liberty, 4:30 p.m., ESPN3
• No. 7 Coastal Carolina vs. Richmond/Morgan State, 1 p.m., ESPN3
• No. 2 North Dakota State vs. Montana State/South Dakota State, 4 p.m., ESPN3

The quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 12-13. The following weekend, the semifinals will determine the final two squads.

The FCS championship will be played on Jan. 10. Which two teams will be playing in the final game?

Sleeper Team - James Madison Dukes

Heading into Saturday's first-round battle against Liberty, the Dukes are on an eight-game winning streak since losing back-to-back games to Villanova and Delaware.

A diverse and effective running game makes the Dukes a formidable squad. Jauan Latney has run for 573 yards and six touchdowns this season. The team also features Khalid Abdullah, who has gone for 521 yards and three scores.

The Dukes have won one national championship, and that came 10 years ago. As a team seeded outside of the top eight, the odds are not in James Madison's favor, but it still could make some noise early.

Favorite - New Hampshire Wildcats

Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press

No FCS team could handle the Wildcats this year. They lost to the Toledo Rockets in the season opener, but the Wildcats went largely unchallenged by teams in their class.

The regular-season finale did bring about a close call against the Maine Black Bears. A strong defensive stand helped to offset six turnovers by the Wildcats offense.

Needless to say, quarterback Sean Goldrich—who threw three interceptions—will have to take better care of the football in the playoffs to make good on their status as the top seed.

Championship Game Prediction - New Hampshire vs. North Dakota State

Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press

Despite their struggles in the regular-season finale, the Wildcats will regain their form in the postseason. The team's defense hasn't allowed 20 points to an opponent in three weeks.

Having that unit to fall back on will prove to be invaluable. 

Opposing them should be No. 2 seed and 11-time national champion North Dakota State Bison. The Bison are 11-1, with their only blemish coming on the road against Northern Iowa on Nov. 8.

Dual-threat quarterback Carson Wentz had 246 yards of total offense in the regular-season finale against the Youngstown State Penguins. His leadership and the experience of the players who were on last year's championship team should drive the Bison back to the title game.