Top 10 current FCS programs?

Where is Mountaineer with the spreadsheet. Current success ( if that means recent) Furman goes out.history of !-AA/FCS Furman is in.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UNH_Alum_In_CT

Yes, I'd love to see what their spreadsheet says!!

---

Mountaineer is now the keeper. we need to find him. It breaks down playoff success so those that don't participate too bad. He breaks it down for lots of different time periods. Haven't seen the one after this year. He may still be trying to determine how to count the expanded playoffs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OL FU

Mountaineer is now the keeper. we need to find him. It breaks down playoff success so those that don't participate too bad. He breaks it down for lots of different time periods. Haven't seen the one after this year. He may still be trying to determine how to count the expanded playoffs.

---

Sent him a pm just to make sure he sees this. He's been on here lately so I think he'll see it and respond.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ursus arctos horribilis

Sent him a pm just to make sure he sees this. He's been on here lately so I think he'll see it and respond.

---

good, he made me one promise. If he ever got tired of being the keeper of the spreadsheet, he would give it back to me.




But he does a much better job than I ever did.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UNH_Alum_In_CT

Football isn't a religion up here, but UNH gets their fair share of fans.

---

The original poster set the parameters for ranking. I think UNH has been a Top 25 team since Santos showed up on campus and your school gets props for that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Eagle's Cliff

The key word for me is "program". UNH and others have had a good decade in terms of wins and playoff appearances, but facilities and fan support are way below what they should be, especially for "The" University of New Hampshire. Maybe the folks in New England should realize there is football on Friday night and Saturday and not put all their support behind a bunch of millionaires playing on Sunday.

---

The fan support is there as the UNh average game attendance is higher than the capacity of the stadium. Also you could say that UNH is doing all of this with some of the worst facilities. They have a handicap that no other top program has to overcome

I hate to say it, but whatever the criteria are, you'd be hard pressed to say that neither Harvard nor Yale (and probably some of the other Ivies) aren't amoungst the Top FCS programs today.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UNH_Alum_In_CT

If the topic is CURRENT, how does the program with the longest current playoff streak (seven seasons) with six quarterfinal appearances and five FBS wins during that stretch not get slotted somewhere 7-10? xconfusedx xconfusedx xconfusedx xconfusedx

---

Well stated. And throw a couple of Walter Payton Award winners Azumah '98 and Santos '06 and a 21-4 FCS out of conference record since '02, counting playoffs.

UNI is an absolute must on anybody's top 10 for all time, or the last 10 years. UNI is one of the more successful FCS programs of all time.

Great facilities, good fan support, great long standing tradition. Tons of conference titles, tons of playoff appearances and wins, many NFL players, etc.

if we SC.State could win a few play off games and upgrade facilities i would def put us in the top 10

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NuJerzBullDog

if we SC.State could win a few play off games and upgrade facilities i would def put us in the top 10

---

One thing that hurts SCSU is geograghy. Being within 300 miles of most all the SoCon teams means a tough first-round matchup everytime.

The 2009 SCSU team could compete to win against any team in the nation. They could run the ball, play defense and dominate in the trenches. We got lucky that we won that game.

Montana
ASU
Delaware
GSU
YSU
UNI
McNeese
JMU
Nova
EWU

Bubble: UNH, W&M, Richmond, UMASS, Montana State, Furman, SIU

Lots of love for Jacksonville State... a team that has never won a playoff game.

Based on team, support, facilities, improvements, etc...

1. Montana
1a. AppSt
3. Delaware
4. JMU
5. UNI
6. Georgia Southern
7. Montana State
8. NDSU
9. Cal Poly
10. McNeese

Put ODU on the watch list for a few years.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Squealofthepig

5. Delaware - the Hens are back! After a few disappointing years (at least for Hens fans) Delaware has reasserted itself. Top ten for last decade? Maybe (just barely). Top ten currently? Absolutely.

---

"Maybe"? "Just barely"? I know there were two bad years in there, but the Hens did win a title, made three national championship games, and made the semis in '00. I think they have the most playoff wins of any CAA school in that time. And the attendance has never averaged below 20k for a regular season in that time as well. If that just "barely" makes the top ten then I really need to see who's beating that. xeyebrowx

I'm surprised there are a few people on this thread willing to put NDSU on their lists. I like the respect given out to NDSU football on here. Contrary to the posts on the "other" FCS board - Over there, NDSU football is the worst thing to ever happen to this planet, and all its fans are worse than Hitler.

Over on that board, if someone asked the question of what are the 10 most pathetic programs in FCS, I'm sure NDSU would be on most of those lists.

Sounds like my kind of thread.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Go Lehigh TU owl

McNeese State is interesting. For whatever reason, despite solid success on the field, they've fallen out of the FCS thought process as proven by this thread.

---

Probably because even though we have made the playoffs more than a few times in the last 10 years, we haven't won a playoff game since our NC game appearance in 2002.

Very understandable.

The one and done thing is getting old.


Doc

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UNH_Alum_In_CT

Sorry, I thought the evaluation was based on what happened on the actual gridiron in the past ten years or so. Yep, our facilities suck and we're located in the Snow Belt. And our attendance has been near or over capacity for the past few seasons. Sorry, the NH State Legislature is trying to cut funding for the academic side of UNH, they sure aren't going to pop for a stadium enhancement in this economy.

FWIW, Friday night football isn't the norm in New England, just as many HS games are played on Saturday afternoon. Add in all the colleges in the region that also play football and you'll see there is quite a bit of competition outsides those millionaires you mentioned. People in New England also tend to be active folks who are just as likely to be out hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, fruit picking, attending county fairs, etc. on beautiful Fall days. Football isn't a religion up here, but UNH gets their fair share of fans.

---

Is making excuses a valid major at UNH? You're just not there yet, every dog has their day though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 89Hen

Lots of love for Jacksonville State... a team that has never won a playoff game.

Based on team, support, facilities, improvements, etc...

1. Montana
1a. AppSt
3. Delaware
4. JMU
5. UNI
6. Georgia Southern
7. Montana State
8. NDSU
9. Cal Poly
10. McNeese

Put ODU on the watch list for a few years.

---

But you put Montana State on your list, who have only one won game in past 25 years ;)

App State
Delaware
Georgia Southern
James Madison
McNeese State
Montana
New Hampshire
North Dakota State
Northern Iowa
Youngstown State

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheBisonator

I'm surprised there are a few people on this thread willing to put NDSU on their lists. I like the respect given out to NDSU football on here. Contrary to the posts on the "other" FCS board - Over there, NDSU football is the worst thing to ever happen to this planet, and all its fans are worse than Hitler.

Over on that board, if someone asked the question of what are the 10 most pathetic programs in FCS, I'm sure NDSU would be on most of those lists.

---

Retaliation against certain fans of yours...

TwinsBisonFan (sic) will tell you, the level-headed/good humored Bison fans are treated well

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dbackjon

But you put Montana State on your list, who have only one won game in past 5 years ;)

---

FIFY Who cares about 25 years ago?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Silenoz

McNeese State
Youngstown State

---

A couple programs living on past glory right now. I too have McNeese on my list, but both of these better start winning playoff games again soon if they want to stay in the top 10.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by T-Dog

One thing that hurts SCSU is geograghy. Being within 300 miles of most all the SoCon teams means a tough first-round matchup everytime.

The 2009 SCSU team could compete to win against any team in the nation. They could run the ball, play defense and dominate in the trenches. We got lucky that we won that game.

---

im glad someone else can see that...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 89Hen

A couple programs living on past glory right now. I too have McNeese on my list, but both of these better start winning playoff games again soon if they want to stay in the top 10.

---

Yeah, just not sure anyone else has built a body-of-work to compete with them yet

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 89Hen

Lots of love for Jacksonville State...

---

And there ain't a dang thing wrong with it either :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheBisonator

I'm surprised there are a few people on this thread willing to put NDSU on their lists. I like the respect given out to NDSU football on here. Contrary to the posts on the "other" FCS board - Over there, NDSU football is the worst thing to ever happen to this planet, and all its fans are worse than Hitler.

Over on that board, if someone asked the question of what are the 10 most pathetic programs in FCS, I'm sure NDSU would be on most of those lists.

---

No, a good handful (generally the most vocal) of NDSU fans are the worse thing to ever happen to the planet/FCS football. The product you put on the field is generally pretty good, but the overzealous fans who believe that one good season and a handful of wins over bottom of the barrel FBS squads (since joining D-I) makes NDSU god's gift to football ruin it for everyone else. I respect the NDSU football team, I don't respect a large majority of your fans.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dbackjon

This decade, EWU has had three draft picks, one Pro-Bowler, first team all pro
This decade, VU has had one draft pick, one Pro-Bowler, first team all pro


You are letting your ECB shine through.

EWU certainly belongs in the conversation with the schools I mentioned.

App State, Montana and Delaware are the big three of the decade. No other schools have multiple NC appearances since 2000.

---

xthumbsupx

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kalm

Montana
ASU
Delaware
GSU
YSU
UNI
McNeese
JMU
Nova
EWU

Bubble: UNH, W&M, Richmond, UMASS, Montana State, Furman, SIU

---

Based on CURRENT (last decade) success and recognition...

ASU
Montana
Delaware
GSU
UNI
JMU
UNH
Nova
EWU
Wofford/McNeese/SIU

With UMass, Furman, W&M, Montana State, Richmond, Cal Poly and NDSU on the bubble.

Montana State was a top ten FCS/1AA program from inception to about 1985. We've got a long way to go before we can be considered top ten again.

But I think we're gaining on it.

- Major facility improvements upcoming
- Routinely in the top 10 in attendance
- Haven't had a losing season in 10 years


The glaring omissions are playoff appearances, and more importantly, playoff wins

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 89Hen

Lots of love for Jacksonville State... a team that has never won a playoff game.

Based on team, support, facilities, improvements, etc...

1. Montana
1a. AppSt
3. Delaware
4. JMU
5. UNI
6. Georgia Southern
7. Montana State
8. NDSU
9. Cal Poly
10. McNeese

Put ODU on the watch list for a few years.

---

We havent won a playoff game but the other areas JSU would be in the top 10 easily.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Walkon79

Montana State was a top ten FCS/1AA program from inception to about 1985. We've got a long way to go before we can be considered top ten again.

But I think we're gaining on it.

- Major facility improvements upcoming
- Routinely in the top 10 in attendance
- Haven't had a losing season in 10 years


The glaring omissions are playoff appearances, and more importantly, playoff wins

---

Agreed completely.I have EWU right around the bubble area too, but for the opposite reasons. We have the playoff appearances, wins, winning seasons and all that. We even have pretty good locker rooms, and despite the color, a great field and good pressbox. The fan attendance and stadium seating overall really brings us down.

When I think of the top FCS (1AA) programs, I have to pull from personal experiences. In no way does my list reflect current ranking as of today but of all time and is strictly my opinion.

My list:

1. Georgia Southern
2. App State
3. Delaware
4. Youngstown State
5. Montana
6. UNI
7. W&M
8. Furman
9. FAMU
10. McNeese State or Northern Arizona

I may have some that could change positions, but as far as the top 10 programs, this is it to me. EWU and Richmond more recently and Lehigh always stands out in my head as well as does Jax State.

FWIW...

Top Attendance 2011
1. AppSt
2. Montana
3. Jackson St
4. ODU
5. Delaware
6. GSU
7. Jacksonville St
8. Harvard
9. JMU
10. NDSU
11. FAMU
12. YSU
13. SCSt
14. Tennessee St
15. Liberty
16. Yale
17. Montana St
18. McNeese St
19. NCA&T
20. UMass

Playoff wins in last 10 years (more than 2, champions *)
AppSt - 17 ***
Montana - 16 *
Delaware - 11 *
Villanova - 9 *
UNI - 9
Richmond - 8 *
GSU - 7
EWU - 6 *
Furman - 6
JMU - 6 *
UNH - 6
SIU - 5
UMass - 4
Wofford - 4
W&M - 4
Colgate - 3
McNeese - 3
WIU - 3

Hopefully I got everyone

I agree that "What have you done for me lately" counts a lot on McNeese. That said, I fail to see where schools like Liberty, Montana State, and Jax State have done more recently. No offense intended to them. Bottom line is McNeese needs to get in the playoffs and win some games, or we don't deserve to be included in the Top 10.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dbackjon

This decade, EWU has had three draft picks, one Pro-Bowler, first team all pro
This decade, VU has had one draft pick, one Pro-Bowler, first team all pro


You are letting your ECB shine through.

EWU certainly belongs in the conversation with the schools I mentioned.

App State, Montana and Delaware are the big three of the decade. No other schools have multiple NC appearances since 2000.

---

Also, since 2004, EWU has 2 Buck Buchanan Award Winners and 1 Payton Award Winner.

Playoff appearances 5 of the last 7 years, National Championship.

I'd think we'd deserve to at least be in the discussion.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Red & Black

Also, since 2004, EWU has 2 Buck Buchanan Award Winners and 1 Payton Award Winner.

Playoff appearances 5 of the last 7 years, National Championship.

I'd think we'd deserve to at least be in the discussion.

---

I think you are in the discussion, but the discussion was also "past success, current success, fan support, name recognition, facilities, etc". EWU is still lacking in fan support (6400 per game puts you on par with Cornell, Murray State, Prairie View, VMI, etc) and facilities. The red rug may have gotten you some recognition, but when that overshadows your national championship for your casual fan, that's not good name recognition IMO. Another good year or two however will make it impossible to not have you in the top 10.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Red & Black

Also, since 2004, EWU has 2 Buck Buchanan Award Winners and 1 Payton Award Winner.

Playoff appearances 5 of the last 7 years, National Championship.

I'd think we'd deserve to at least be in the discussion.

---

But to be honest, I've not been a member of this board very long and I hadn't even thought about EWU until they got the ugly field and I'm a pretty decent FCS fan. I'd suggest not many people outside the normal FCS faithful knew who they were until they got the field.

I'm in no way discounting their recent success, but to say they are a top program in the nation from a perspective point of view isn't justifiable to me.

Notre Dame hasn't done jack squat in forever, but they are still a prestigeous program in FBS.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pike51

But to be honest, I've not been a member of this board very long and I hadn't even thought about EWU until they got the ugly field and I'm a pretty decent FCS fan. I'd suggest not many people outside the normal FCS faithful knew who they were until they got the field.

I'm in no way discounting their recent success, but to say they are a top program in the nation from a perspective point of view isn't justifiable to me.

Notre Dame hasn't done jack squat in forever, but they are still a prestigeous program in FBS.

---

And I would say that it depends on the perspective you're looking from. All-time, vs recent (last decade). Former, no way. Latter, probably so.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 89Hen

I think you are in the discussion, but the discussion was also "past success, current success, fan support, name recognition, facilities, etc". EWU is still lacking in fan support (6400 per game puts you on par with Cornell, Murray State, Prairie View, VMI, etc) and facilities. The red rug may have gotten you some recognition, but when that overshadows your national championship for your casual fan, that's not good name recognition IMO. Another good year or two however will make it impossible to not have you in the top 10.

---

I agree with most of what you said, but the title of the thread is Top 10 current FCS programs. Yeah, the attendance and facilities should factor into it, but I would think that what the team has accomplished on the field would have more weight. Only a handful of schools have the sort of accolades I listed above.

I think we'll see some improvements in attendance this season as well as some facility improvements coming up but it's just going to take time.