This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on the 2022 NCAA Division II football season. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Gridiron Grandeur

A scholarly examination of the strategic shifts, standout performances, and structural dynamics that defined a pivotal year in collegiate athletics.

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Season Overview

The 2022 Campaign

The 2022 NCAA Division II football season represented a significant chapter in American collegiate football, featuring 164 teams competing across the nation. The regular season commenced on August 31 and concluded on November 12, setting the stage for an intense postseason.

The culminating event, the Division II National Championship, was held on December 17, 2022, at the McKinney Independent School District Stadium in McKinney, Texas.

Championship Glory

The season's pinnacle saw the Ferris State Bulldogs emerge victorious, defeating the Colorado Mines Orediggers with a decisive score of 41–14. This triumph marked Ferris State's second consecutive national championship, solidifying their dominant presence in Division II football.

Individually, the prestigious Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division II football, was presented to John Matocha, quarterback for Colorado Mines, recognizing his exceptional performance throughout the season.

D-II Triumphs Over FCS

Notable Upsets

The 2022 season showcased several instances where Division II teams demonstrated their competitive prowess by securing victories against opponents from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). These upsets highlight the depth of talent and strategic capabilities within Division II football:

  • September 10: Missouri S&T 17, Drake 14 (in Overtime)
  • September 17: Delta State 28, Mississippi Valley State 17
  • October 1: Lane 28, Tennessee State 27 (in Overtime)

These results underscore the competitive parity and the potential for compelling matchups across different NCAA divisions.

Conference & Membership Shifts

Conference Realignment

Prior to the 2022 season, the collegiate football landscape experienced notable structural adjustments. The Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) announced its decision to discontinue its sponsorship of football. This marked the end of the GNAC's second period of football sponsorship, which had run from 2008 to 2021.

Consequently, the three remaining football-playing members of the GNAC—Central Washington, Simon Fraser, and Western Oregon—transitioned to become football-only affiliated members of the Lone Star Conference, impacting regional competitive dynamics.

Team Transitions

The 2022 season also saw several institutions change their conference affiliations or initiate new football programs, influencing the competitive balance within Division II and beyond. The following table details these significant membership changes:

School Former Conference New Conference
Barton Bulldogs Independent (D-II) SAC
Central Washington Wildcats GNAC Lone Star
Emory & Henry Wasps Independent (D-II) SAC
Erskine Flying Fleet Independent (D-II) SAC
Lindenwood Lions GLVC Ohio Valley (D-I FCS)
Northwood Timberwolves GLIAC G-MAC
Post Eagles New program Independent
Simon Fraser Red Leafs GNAC Lone Star
Stonehill Skyhawks Northeast-10 Northeast (D-I FCS)
Texas A&M–Commerce Lions Lone Star Southland (D-I FCS)
Western Oregon Wolves GNAC Lone Star

Key Developments

Redshirt Rule Proposal

On October 27, 2022, the Division II Presidents Council endorsed a significant change to the redshirt rules, a proposal initially put forth by six D-II conferences. This proposed amendment would permit players in their inaugural season of college attendance to participate in up to three games without forfeiting their redshirt status.

This initiative aims to provide greater flexibility for student-athletes and coaching staff. The proposal is slated for a vote by the entire D-II football membership at the upcoming 2023 NCAA Convention, potentially altering player eligibility and development strategies.

Preseason Expectations

AFCA Coaches' Poll

The anticipation for the 2022 season was captured in the AFCA Coaches' Poll, which provided an early indication of the teams expected to contend for national honors. The preseason rankings highlighted established powerhouses and emerging contenders, setting the narrative for the season ahead.

Ranking Team
1Ferris State (30)
2NW Missouri State
3Valdosta State
4Colorado Mines
5Grand Valley State
6Shepherd
7Angelo State
8Bowie State
9Harding
10Notre Dame (OH)
11West Florida
12West Georgia
13Kutztown
14Nebraska–Kearney
15Newberry
16New Haven
17Western Colorado
18Albany State
19tLenoir–Rhyne
19tOuachita Baptist
21California (PA)
22Bemidji State
23Slippery Rock
24Midwestern State
25Augustana (SD)

Conference Performance

Super Region 1 Standings

Super Region 1 encompassed several competitive conferences, each vying for supremacy and a berth in the national playoffs. The final standings reflect the intense competition and strategic play throughout the season.

Great Midwest Athletic Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 13 Ashland $^7–110–2
Ohio Dominican6–27–3
Findlay6–27–4
Tiffin #6–26–5
Hillsdale4–45–6
Lake Erie3–53–8
Northwood2–63–8
Kentucky Wesleyan1–72–9
Walsh1–71–9

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant, # – America's Crossroads Bowl participant

Mountain East Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 23 Notre Dame (OH) $^9–19–3
Concord8–29–2
Frostburg State7–38–3
Glenville State6–47–4
Wheeling6–47–4
West Virginia State6–47–4
Charleston (WV)6–46–5
UNC Pembroke5–55–6
West Liberty3–74–7
Fairmont State3–73–8
West Virginia Wesleyan1–91–10
Alderson Broaddus0–100–11

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant

Northeast-10 Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
Assumption $^6–18–3
New Haven ^6–18–3
Bentley5–27–3
Pace4–36–4
Saint Anselm3–46–4
Southern Connecticut2–53–8
Franklin Pierce1–62–8
American International1–61–9

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
East Division
No. 6 Shepherd xy^7–013–2
Kutztown5–28–3
West Chester4–37–4
Millersville4–35–6
Shippensburg3–45–6
East Stroudsburg3–44–7
Bloomsburg2–54–7
Lock Haven0–71–10
West Division
No. 11 IUP xy$^6–110–2
No. 16 Slippery Rock x^6–110–3
Gannon x6–18–3
California (PA)4–36–5
Edinboro2–55–6
Clarion2–53–8
Seton Hill2–52–9
Mercyhurst0–72–9

Championship: IUP 24, Shepherd 21

Legend: $ – Conference champion, x – Division champion/co-champions, y – Championship game participant, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant

Super Region 2 Standings

Super Region 2 featured a dynamic array of conferences, with teams battling for top honors and the opportunity to advance in the national championship tournament.

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
Northern Division
Chowan xy7–17–4
No. 18 Virginia Union x^7–19–2
Virginia State5–36–4
Bowie State5–36–4
Elizabeth City State2–62–8
Lincoln (PA)1–62–7
Southern Division
Fayetteville State xy$^7–19–3
Shaw4–44–6
Winston-Salem State3–43–6
Livingstone3–54–6
Johnson C. Smith2–62–7
St. Augustine's1–71–9

Championship: Fayetteville State 31, Chowan 28

Legend: $ – Conference champion, x – Division champion/co-champions, y – Championship game participant, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant

Gulf South Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 4 West Florida +^6–112–2
No. 9 Delta State +^6–111–2
No. 19 West Georgia5–28–2
West Alabama3–45–6
Mississippi College3–44–7
Valdosta State2–55–6
North Greenville2–53–8
Shorter1–63–8

Legend: + – Conference co-champions, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant

South Atlantic Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
Mountain Division
Mars Hill xy7–27–3
Tusculum6–38–3
Carson–Newman5–46–5
Emory & Henry *4–55–6
Virginia–Wise1–82–9
Erskine0–92–9
Piedmont Division
No. 21 Newberry xy$7–29–2
No. 15 Wingate x^7–211–3
Lenoir–Rhyne x7–28–3
Limestone x^7–28–4
Barton3–64–7
Catawba0–91–10

Championship: Newberry 27, Mars Hill 24

Legend: $ – Conference champion, x – Division champion/co-champions, y – Championship game participant, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant, * – Emory & Henry ineligible for postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division III

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
East Division
No. 12 Benedict xy$^7–011–1
Fort Valley State5–28–2
Albany State5–27–3
Edward Waters *4–35–6
Savannah State3–45–5
Clark Atlanta2–63–7
Morehouse1–61–9
Allen *0–71–8
West Division
Tuskegee xy7–08–3
Lane4–25–5
Kentucky State4–34–6
Central State (OH)2–53–7
Miles1–61–9

Championship: Benedict 58, Tuskegee 21

Legend: $ – Conference champion, x – Division champion/co-champions, y – Championship game participant, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant, * – Allen and Edward Waters ineligible for postseason play due to transition from NAIA

NCAA Division II Independent Schools

TeamOverall W–L
Bluefield State3–4
Post0–10

Super Region 3 Standings

Super Region 3 was a hotbed of competition, with numerous teams demonstrating exceptional talent and strategic depth in their pursuit of postseason berths.

Great American Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 10 Ouachita Baptist $^11–011–1
No. 22 Harding9–29–2
East Central #8–39–3
Henderson State8–38–3
SE Oklahoma State #6–56–6
Arkansas Tech5–65–6
Southern Arkansas5–65–6
Southern Nazarene5–65–6
SW Oklahoma State4–74–7
Arkansas–Monticello3–83–8
Oklahoma Baptist1–101–10
NW Oklahoma State1–101–10

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant, # – bowl participant (East Central: Heritage Bowl, SE Oklahoma State: Live United Texarkana Bowl)

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 3 Grand Valley State $^6–012–1
No. 1 Ferris State ^5–114–1
No. 20 Davenport ^4–28–3
Saginaw Valley State3–38–3
Michigan Tech2–44–7
Northern Michigan1–54–7
Wayne State (MI)0–61–9

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant

Great Lakes Valley Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 17 Indianapolis $^6–09–2
No. 25 Truman State #5–19–2
Southwest Baptist4–26–5
McKendree2–45–6
Missouri S&T2–43–7
Quincy1–54–7
William Jewell1–52–9

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant, # – America's Crossroads Bowl participant

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 5 Pittsburg State $^11–012–1
No. 8 NW Missouri State ^9–210–3
Emporia State #8–39–3
Nebraska–Kearney8–38–3
Washburn7–47–4
Central Oklahoma6–56–5
Missouri Western5–65–6
Central Missouri4–74–7
Missouri Southern4–74–7
Fort Hays State3–83–8
Northeastern State1–101–10
Lincoln (MO)0–110–11

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant, # – Live United Texarkana Bowl participant

Super Region 4 Standings

Super Region 4 showcased a collection of formidable teams, with intense competition defining the race for conference titles and national playoff berths.

Lone Star Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 7 Angelo State $^9–012–1
Central Washington6–36–4
Texas A&M–Kingsville #5–47–5
Midwestern State5–46–5
Western New Mexico5–46–5
Western Oregon5–46–5
UT Permian Basin4–55–6
West Texas A&M3–65–6
Eastern New Mexico2–73–8
Simon Fraser1–81–9

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant, # – Heritage Bowl participant

Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
North Division
No. 24 Bemidji State x+^9–210–3
Minnesota Duluth8–38–3
Northern State6–56–5
MSU Moorhead4–74–7
Mary2–92–9
Minot State1–101–10
Concordia–St. Paul1–101–10
South Division
No. 14 Minnesota State x+^9–210–3
Wayne State (NE) +^9–29–3
Winona State ^8–38–4
Sioux Falls8–38–3
Augustana (SD)7–47–4
SW Minnesota State4–74–7
Upper Iowa1–101–10

Legend: + – Conference co-champions, x – Division champion/co-champions, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference

TeamConf. W–LOverall W–L
No. 2 Colorado Mines $^9–013–3
CSU Pueblo ^7–28–4
Western Colorado7–27–4
South Dakota Mines6–37–4
Black Hills State5–47–4
Colorado Mesa3–64–6
New Mexico Highlands3–63–7
Chadron State3–63–8
Adams State2–72–9
Fort Lewis0–90–10

Legend: $ – Conference champion, ^ – NCAA Division II playoff participant

Playoff Journey

Playoff Teams

The 2022 NCAA Division II Football Championship featured a competitive field of teams, each earning their spot through stellar regular-season performances. The following table outlines the qualifiers from each Super Region, detailing their conference affiliation, record, and playoff history.

Super Region School Conference Record Appearance Last Bid
Super Region 1IUPPSAC9–119th2019
ShepherdPSAC10–114th2021
AssumptionNortheast-108–24th2017
AshlandGMAC9–18th2017
Notre Dame (OH)Mountain East9–24th2021
Slippery RockPSAC9–210th2021
New HavenNortheast-108–28th2021
Super Region 2BenedictSIAC10–01st—
Delta StateGSC10–110th2017
West FloridaGSC9–14th2021
Virginia UnionCIAA9–110th2015
WingateSAC9–25th2019
LimestoneSAC8–31st—
Fayetteville StateCIAA9–24th2009
Super Region 3Grand Valley StateGLIAC11–021st2021
Ferris StateGLIAC9–113th2021
Pittsburg StateMIAA11–019th2014
Ouachita BaptistGAC11–05th2019
NW Missouri StateMIAA9–226th2021
IndianapolisGLVC9–17th2019
DavenportGLIAC8–21st—
Super Region 4Angelo StateLone Star11–08th2021
Colorado MinesRMAC9–28th2021
Minnesota StateNSIC9–213th2019
Bemidji StateNSIC9–22nd2021
Winona StateNSIC8–37th2017
Wayne State (NE)NSIC9–22nd1982
CSU PuebloRMAC8–39th2019

Championship Brackets

The path to the national championship was a rigorous journey through regional brackets, culminating in the final showdown. Each Super Region's bracket illustrates the progression of teams through the first round, second round, and quarterfinals.

Super Region 1 Playoff Bracket

RoundSeedTeamScore
First RoundNotre Dame (OH)13
Ashland13
Second Round1IUP19
4Ashland20
Quarterfinals1IUP13
2Shepherd48
First RoundNew Haven13
Slippery Rock27
Second Round3Assumption14
Slippery Rock17
Quarterfinals2Shepherd37
2Shepherd16

Super Region 2 Playoff Bracket

RoundSeedTeamScore
First RoundWingate32
Wingate23
Second Round1Benedict6
Wingate14
QuarterfinalsWingate14
4Virginia Union7
First RoundLimestone19
West Florida45
Second Round3West Florida45
West Florida38
Quarterfinals3West Florida38
2Delta State27
First RoundFayetteville State0
Delta State51

Super Region 3 Playoff Bracket

RoundSeedTeamScore
First RoundNW Missouri State47
NW Missouri State8
Second Round1Grand Valley State13
4Ouachita Baptist17
Quarterfinals1Grand Valley State21
2Ferris State24
First RoundIndianapolis0
Pittsburg State35
Second Round3Pittsburg State35
Pittsburg State14
Quarterfinals2Ferris State17
Davenport7
Finals2Ferris State41

Super Region 4 Playoff Bracket

RoundSeedTeamScore
First RoundWinona State7
Bemidji State7
Second Round1Angelo State33
4Bemidji State31
Quarterfinals1Angelo State24
2Colorado Mines42
First RoundWayne State (NE)26
Minnesota State26
Second Round3Minnesota State26
CSU Pueblo7

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the 2022 NCAA Division II football season Wikipedia page

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