Virginia State University and Tuskegee University finished their 2017 regular seasons with expected results; conference championship trophies. But only one of these programs got the nod for an appearance in the NCAA Division II post-season playoffs.
First, Virginia State’s historic CIAA championship run.
Cannon and Cook power Virginia State to CIAA crown – HBCU Gameday
He’s no secret, but Virginia State’s Trent Cannon sure is a weapon. The VSU running back scored three touchdowns, including two back-breaking runs in the second half, to help lead his team to a 42-19 win over Fayetteville State to claim the CIAA championship. Crown ‘Em: @VSUTrojans 42, @FSUBroncos 19 F.
Then, a familiar outcome for the TU Golden Tigers.
Tuskegee holds off Ft. Valley for SIAC Championship – HBCU Gameday
FORT VALLEY-Ga. Tuskegee University didn’t run up 50 points like it did last week, but instead pulled off a 13-6 defensive showcase against Fort Valley State to claim the 2017 SIAC Championship. The Golden Tigers claimed its 31st Conference Championship in school history behind a steady dose of Hoderick Lowe.
But the NCAA playoff bracket won’t include both champions. Instead, Bowie State University receives an at-large invitation to the Division II tournament.
http://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2017-11-12/ncaa-division-ii-football-championship-field-announced
The Bulldogs and Trojans will both host opening round games on Nov. 18.
