Southern Conference gets four teams in FCS playoffs

Macon native Chris Hatcher’s Samford team and three other Southern Conference teams were picked for the FCS playoffs Sunday.

The 24-team field begins play Saturday, and the Southern Conference also will be represented by The Citadel, Chattanooga and Wofford.

“I’m extremely excited, I know our players are extremely excited. We thought we were down and out, and all of a sudden we have knew life about ourselves, so it’s a great opportunity for our young men," Hatcher said. "It’s a great opportunity for our program. We’re just excited about having another opportunity to play football. I’ve been really proud of this team and the way they’ve battled all season long.”

Samford (7-4) is making its first playoff appearance since 2013 and will visit Youngstown State on Saturday. Chattanooga (8-3) is making its third straight playoff appearance and will host Weber State, while Wofford (8-3) will host Charleston Southern.

The Citadel (10-1) earned the No. 6 overall seed and is making its second straight playoff appearance. The Bulldogs will host the Wofford-Charleston Southern winner.

The Southern Conference joined the Big Sky, Missouri Valley and Colonial Athletic Association with four teams in the field. North Dakota State is the No. 1 overall seed, while Eastern Washington is second, Jacksonville State third and James Madison fourth.

The national championship is set for Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas.

This story was originally published November 20, 2016 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Southern Conference gets four teams in FCS playoffs."