The D1A playoffs are quickly approaching, with some crucial games to be played April 7 and brackets to be finalized that night.

But this week three independent teams have already played games that are hugely important for their own playoff chances.

Watch Cal at Saint Mary's LIVE on FloRugby

Date: April 7 | Time: 7 PM CDT | Where: Moraga, CA

As reported earlier, Grand Canyon (ranked No. 14 by FloRugby) beat No. 24 UC Davis 45-14 on Wednesday. While GCU has been inching up the standings, this result should boost the 'Lopes even further. 

This is partly because D1A has UC Davis ranked at No. 19.

.@gcurugby made a big statement on Wednesday night. https://t.co/O4bAjZmbZ9

— FloRugby (@FloRugby) March 15, 2018

And then Thursday night, Utah Valley University (not in D1A's top 20 but ranked a conservative 34th by FloRugby) beat Central Washington (No. 13 by D1A, No. 25 by FloRugby) 40-24.

We didn't make picks on those games—just as well, we'd probably have been wrong.

Last week, by the way, our predictions went 17-3. We got San Francisco State vs. San Jose State wrong (we said pick 'em, and it wasn't especially close). We also thought Colorado State would beat Utah Valley and Oregon would beat Boise State—we were wrong.

But 85 percent isn't bad and we were fairly close with the winning margins.

Good for us. Now on to this week.

KEY GAMES

#29 Cal Poly at #1 Saint Mary's

The Gaels should win this, but if Cal Poly can score some tries and make it fairly close, the Mustangs might well put their hand up for a playoff spot. (On April 7, San Diego State at Cal Poly is one of those all-important playoff-deciding games.)

LIVE On FloRugby's Facebook Page at 2:45p PT March 17

#34 Texas at #23 LSU

Actually, not. This should be part of a climactic two weeks to decide who wins the Red River North. However, according to the numbers on the official standings, Texas A&M has already locked up the division even if the Aggies lose to Texas next week and UT or LSU wins big this weekend. So never mind.  

#3 Cal at #21 Utah

Is Utah good? That is, top 15 good? It's hard to be sure. A strong, competitive showing against Cal might let us know.

#11 (D1AA) Chico State at #30 (D1AA) Nevada

Now we're talking. Chico State needs this game to secure first place. Nevada could get by the Wildcats for first place in the Pacific Western Conference with a win.