The D2 football season gets underway tonight thanks to a rescheduled contest due to Hurricane Harvey, which means it is time to fill out our final predictions on what will happen this season.
MORE: 2017 D2 Football Preseason All-America Team
Before we get into playoff prognostications, we first must see who the crystal ball thinks will be conference champions this year.
Take a look below at the projected winners of each of the 16 conferences, with all of them likely grabbing a playoff spot — though it is not guaranteed under D2 playoff seeding. If you feel like your favorite program was looked over, make sure to leave a comment in the comments section below to voice your opinion.
And one final word of notice, make sure to follow @HEROSportsD2FB and myself, @zach_prosba all season long for the best coverage of D2 football you will find on the web!
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Super Region One
Great Midwest
Predicted Champion: Hillsdale
In their first season of GMAC play, the Chargers will have to adjust to their new foes — and some familiar. But 20 starters return from 2016, include the entire offensive line. Experience will be the difference in the season for Hillsdale.
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Mountain East
Predicted Champion: Shepherd
While a lot of talent is gone from a 2016 national semifinal run, the Rams have plenty of backups ready to jump into starting roles, including Connor Jessup who holds the school's single-game passing mark set last year in a spot start.
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Northeast 10
Predicted Champion: Assumption
The Greyhounds lost out on last year's NE10 title, but should be good enough to get it back. With returning starters at QB, WR and the O-Line, Assumption has the tools to be successful in a conference that can sometimes throw some tricks out.
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PSAC
Predicted Champion: California (PA)
Cal U enters year two of coach Gary Dunn's tenure, and should be well-positioned to advance past the regional final from a year ago. Some important pieces were lost, but there is enough talent to replace it. The defense will be the key to success, trying to hold true to one of the top-ten units of 2016.
