 "Photo: 2010 The Picket")
Shepherd's undefeated football team sits atop the NCAA's initial Division II Super Regional One rankings that were released Monday evening.
All Division II teams in the country are divided into four super regionals, and the rankings are used to determine which six teams from each region qualify for the national playoffs.
The Rams' top ranking means that they would receive a bye into the round of 16 and hold home-field advantage up until at least the national semifinals or possibly all the way to the national championship game.
WVIAC football columnist David Bykowski predicts that Shepherd will finish first (or second at worst) in the rankings as long as they defeat Glenville State at home on Nov. 13 in the regular season finale. Bykowski also predicts the Rams will still comfortably qualify for the playoffs even with a loss.
With a first or second seed, Shepherd would host a playoff game on Nov. 27. With a third or fourth seed, Shepherd would host a playoff game on Nov. 20, and a fifth or sixth seed would land the Rams on the road for a Nov. 20 game.
This will be Shepherd's first trip to the Division II playoffs since 2007 when they defeated Indiana (PA) before losing to California (PA) in the super regional finals. California has won the super region the last three years and could be Shepherd's first playoff opponent if the rankings hold at their current position.
National semifinal games will be televised on CBS College Sports, and the Dec. 18 national championship game in Florence, Ala., will be on ESPN 2.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!