That’s where I am, anyway. Obviously there are great games with automatic bids on the line all over the place but I’m at this one, where Widener (6-2, 5-0) can wrap up the Middle Atlantic Conference automatic bid with a win against Albright (7-1, 5-0). Albright, Delaware Valley and Widener are all still in play in this league’s race, and Albright has yet to play either of the other two.

Elsewhere, we’ll be keeping an eye on at least nine other games where an automatic bid could be awarded, and more of the 19 remaining bids could be determined if the conference leaders get some help.

Here, it’s a chilly early afternoon, about 50 minutes before game time and standing at about 52 degrees. Widener’s Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Stadium is in a bowl and surrounded on three sides by threes. The home stands are in an impressive permanent grandstand, making for a nice atmosphere when this place is full, or at least crowded.

My first national-type Division III football game was in this stadium in 1998, the year before we launched D3football.com, as Widener hosted Lycoming in a battle of ranked teams. Widener led 13-2 with 3:03 left and had pinned Lyco on its 1-yard line before the Warriors rallied for a 15-13 win. Last time I was here was in 2002, when Widener beat Lycoming in overtime 20-14, converting its own blocked field goal into a touchdown in an ending similar to the Central/Linfield Miracle in the Mud.

On with the show, folks. Games already underway in the East, including the Wash U/Case game that keys Pool B hopes for several teams.