Tarleton begins its road as a Division I program this week

The FCS begins this week with Tarleton finally having an opportunity to play its first game as a Division I program when the Texans host McNeese at 6 p.m. Saturday. The Texans have an ambitious eight-game schedule this spring without a bye week. Only two of Tarleton’s games are on the road. The Texans are not eligible for the playoffs this season as they transition to FCS.

The FCS is the only division playing a national championship game this spring with the final slated for mid-May. The exact date is still to be determined but is expected to fall within May 14-16 time frame. The playoff field has been reduced to 16 teams with 11 of the bids being automatic qualifiers. The battle for the five at-large spots will be intense.