Another week of thrilling games leaves us able to practically smell the NCAA Division III football playoffs. But while nearly half of the 27 automatic bids to the 32-team playoff field have already been claimed, the at-large playoff picture seems clear as mud. Aside from UW-La Crosse, which should be as much of a shoo-in as there can be for an at-large bid if they win next week, it’s hard to make a definite case for any particular at-large candidate. Pat and Greg run through the candidates as they stand today, and will revisit them this week.

This edition of the podcast is sponsored by the hosts of Stagg Bowl XLIX, and we look forward to seeing all of you in Annapolis, Maryland, for the Division III football championship game on Dec. 16.

And one of those possible at-large candidates is the runner-up in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, where co-leaders Albion and Alma, both 9-0, will square off on Saturday. We go a Fast Five with Alma coach Jason Couch — he’s the one coaching in a kilt on the photo on this page, and his Scots live by the KILT philosophy, which Coach Couch will explain.

Meanwhile, Greg gives his impressions of Mount Union, now that the Purple Raiders have finally played an opponent of note. Are we worried about Mary Hardin-Baylor’s recent performance? Has Bethel lost its quarterback again? Who’s looking to make the next step in the OAC? Plus, Pat does an in-person visit as Keystone gets its first-ever home win and celebrates its first Senior Day (already?) and there’s dancing in the sheets, if not the streets. Plus, how bad is Pat’s voice this week, anyway?

In addition, Pat and Greg hand out game balls, spotlight the unexpected in Stat of the Week, make guesses about Week 11 games and more.

Fan question in the mailbag from @rgyfo: What’s the history on seeding for Pool C? Thinking team like UWL actually ranked higher than AQ from its conference.

Pat Coleman and Greg Thomas talk about it all in the latest D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast. The D3football.com Around the Nation Podcast is a regular conversation covering the wide range of Division III football.

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Mentioned on the pod: Adding football, why and how (Feb. 4, 2006)

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