Rattlers have opportunity to play for FCS Championship, if football returns in spring

When, and if, MEAC football returns this spring as scheduled, the conference champion will be granted an automatic berth in the FCS playoffs.  With no Celebration Bowl on tap for the first time since 2014, MEAC petitioned the NCAA, and has been granted, for an automatic berth to the NCAA Division FCS Playoffs this spring.
 
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all MEAC fall sports were delayed until the spring.
 
“I am excited that our student-athletes and coaches will have the opportunity to participate in the FCS playoffs," MEAC Commissioner Dennis E. Thomas said. "Furthermore, the MEAC is primed to make history this spring with its first-ever championship game. It is exciting to make that sort of history as our conference celebrates its 50th Anniversary."
 
The first-ever MEAC championship game will be held the weekend of April 16-18. With the FCS playoff selection happening on Sunday, April 18.  The first round would take place the weekend of April 24, followed by quarterfinals the weekend of May 1 and semifinals the weekend of May 8.  The FCS Championship game will be held May 14, 15 or 16.
 
The Rattlers have made seven appearances in the NCAA FCS/1-AA playoffs, including winning the inaugural FCS National Championship in 1978, defeating the University of Massachusetts 35-28.  The Rattlers’ last playoff appearance was 19 years ago (2001), where they suffered a first round lost to Georgia Southern University.