Top 10 current FCS programs?

The recent thread on preseason ranking got me thinking, "what are the top 10 FCS programs out there". I mean in terms of past success, current success, fan support, name recognition, facilities, ect. Obviously every homer here will place their school at 1 so objectivity would be nice, though I don't expect much of it. This is in order although I admit I'm not as familiar with those who may fall at the end of the list.

1. App State!
2. Georgia Southern
3. Montana
4. JMU
5. Delaware
6. Furman
7. W&M
8. Montana State
9. Jacksonville State
10. Richmond

I see you put your school at #1.... So much for objectivity.


Montana should be in the top 5...not sure where.

Of course you're not sure where. Make a list anyway.

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Originally Posted by Apphole

Of course you're not sure where. Make a list anyway.

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I see you are new. I am a dummy. I don't know anything. I hang out in the Lounge and usually try and just stir the pot.

1. Montana!
2. Delaware
3. Georgia Southern
4. App State
5. Montana State
6. JMU
7. Furman
8. Youngstown State
9. UNI
10. SIU

Current? I take that as the best programs over the last decade.

1. App State
2. Montana
3. Delaware
4. GSU
5. JMU
6. UNI
7. UNH
8. Wofford
9. Montana State
10. Villanova

I think Mountaineer and/or OL FU have a spreadsheet to settle these types of disputes.

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Originally Posted by Skjellyfetti

I think Mountaineer and/or OL FU have a spreadsheet to settle these types of disputes.

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They do but I haven't seen it posted in a while and I think Montana was at the top over App by a smidge.

Interesting that everyone to date have left off the current national champion.

Why would Richmond, Villanova, UNI, SIU, Wofford or Furman be in there, but not EWU?

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Originally Posted by dbackjon

Interesting that everyone to date have left off the current national champion.

Why would Richmond, Villanova, UNI, SIU, Wofford or Furman be in there, but not EWU?

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EWU does not have the tradition and name recognition as the above mentioned schools imo.

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Originally Posted by Go Lehigh TU owl

EWU does not have the tradition and name recognition as the above mentioned schools imo.

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What tradition does Villanova have? Or Richmond for that matter?

EWU has as much tradition and name recognition, especially in the last 10 years, as those schools. Any name recognition that Villanova has has nothing to do with FCS Football.

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Originally Posted by dbackjon

What tradition does Villanova have? Or Richmond for that matter?

EWU has as much tradition and name recognition, especially in the last 10 years, as those schools. Any name recognition that Villanova has has nothing to do with FCS Football.

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EWU put in the red turf to help brand its self. If nothing else, the school felt it needed a way to help get Eagle football on the map.

BTW, I bet most football fans know that Brian Westbrook went to Villanova. People know Villanova football is a quality product despite playing at a lower level.

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Originally Posted by Go Lehigh TU owl

EWU put in the red turf to help brand its self. If nothing else, the school felt it needed a way to help get Eagle football on the map.

BTW, I bet most football fans know that Brian Westbrook went to Villanova. People know Villanova football is a quality product despite playing at a lower level.

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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.

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Originally Posted by ursus arctos horribilis

They do but I haven't seen it posted in a while and I think Montana was at the top over App by a smidge.

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POST EDIT: IT would kill the topic.

Even more curious is Montana State - while good fan support, 4 playoffs and only one win since 2000 seems to not be a top 10 program

Fewest playoff appearances of all those mentioned so far is Youngstown, with two. JMU has three. Jax State has three as well, with ZERO wins.


Another missing for consideration is McNeese State - 7 playoff appearances this decade

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Originally Posted by dbackjon

Even more curious is Montana State - while good fan support, 4 playoffs and only one win since 2000 seems to not be a top 10 program

Fewest playoff appearances of all those mentioned so far is Youngstown, with two. JMU has three. Jax State has three as well, with ZERO wins.


Another missing for consideration is McNeese State - 7 playoff appearances this decade

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Gotta agree, Montana State has one playoff win in the past 25 years. Yet EWU who has a NC and 6 playoffs wins since 2000 doesn't deserve mention talk about bizarre.

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Originally Posted by dbackjon

Even more curious is Montana State - while good fan support, 4 playoffs and only one win since 2000 seems to not be a top 10 program

Fewest playoff appearances of all those mentioned so far is Youngstown, with two. JMU has three. Jax State has three as well, with ZERO wins.


Another missing for consideration is McNeese State - 7 playoff appearances this decade

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JMU has 4 playoff appearances since 2004

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Originally Posted by FargoBison

Gotta agree, Montana State has one playoff win in the past 25 years. Yet EWU who has a NC and 6 playoffs wins since 2000 doesn't deserve mention talk about bizarre.

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I think their rivalry with Montana really elavates them in the D1 football community. They also have (will have) great facilities and fan support.

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.

I believe intangibles means a lot. Despite winning 2 national titles in the last 10 years there's a lot of people that wouldn't list Florida as one of the current Top 10 bball programs. Look at the varying opinions of Maryland.

I'm just saying one playoff win in 25 years doesn't exactly scream top 10 program(somebody has them top 5). That is like an FBS team winning one New Years Day/BCS bowl in 25 years and being called a top 10 program.

I understand they have nice facilities and decent support but at some point you gotta win playoffs games at least that is what I've been told over and over again by many people(some of whom have even posted in this thread and ranked MSU in the top 10).

GSU is and always will be number one until anyone comes close to our titles. We had a bad run with inbred rubes like Van Gorder and Hatcher, but that is all over now. Hopefully Sammy Baker is on his way out, but all he is now is a figurehead. Not allowed to make any decisions.

Wins agains BCS opponents weigh heavily for me.

This really depends on how you define what "top" means (as many other posters have suggested). To illustrate this, let's take a look at the OP's top ten and look at each team in terms of last decade vs. last year:

1. App State! - No one in their right mind denies ASU place here in either criteria
2. Georgia Southern - I wouldn't have them at #2, but definitely in the top 10. Lots of success.
3. Montana - last decade? Absolutely. Last year? OK, Griz apologists can say it was a fluke. But I could see the Griz being on either side, depending on how you want to define "current FCS programs". Still, can't imagine many in FCS would discount the Griz entirely
4. JMU - Similar to the Griz, but in a stronger conference. They haven't had as many wins, but they've stayed very competitive in the CAA, easily the best conference the last two or three years. Last year a bit of a fluke, but also a couple of plays away from staying in the playoffs. Three home losses last year is probably a fluke for the Dukes.
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.
6. Furman - here I'll disagree with the OP. A huge fan base and some good seasons, yes - but top ten overall? I think there are some teams from other conferences that might have a stronger claim here. 5-6 last year; 6-5 the year before; 7-5 in '08; 6-5 in '07. I think in terms of last decade or last year, you can't include Furman in a top ten.
7. W&M - I'd have them higher; they've been solid the last couple of years. The Tribe seems a bit quixotic, too - good fan base, but seem to be overshadowed. They're a team that quietly wins a lot and doesn't get upset all that often. If they were in another conference, they'd probably seem like a juggernaut. With either criteria, they're at least solidly in the conversation.
8. Montana State - I'm a Griz fan, just to be fair. But the Cats have an incredible QB and great momentum going into next season. Top ten over last decade I'd say no, but I'd put them at #1 or #2 in terms of teams that are really finding their stride. And that pains me to say. :)
9. Jacksonville State - I had an incredibly hard time ranking this team all last year. Yes, they had the great UMiss win last year. But then there was the rest of the season - OK wins over the OVC, which is generally denigrated by the rest of the FCS fanbase. For me, the Gamecocks are the proverbial wildcard - I still have no idea how to rank them. They should be in the conversation here, but probably more subjective than other teams.
10. Richmond - Look, you can't really leave any team that's won a recent national championship off the list, right? Over the last decade, the Spiders are definitely in the conversation; recent history, though, not sure they'd make a top ten.

So, who else would I at least consider in either decade/year "top 10"? In no particular order: Villanova (how'd they not make the list?); Wofford (I just love the Terriers and their fans); McNeese (more for history); Northern Iowa (more last decade than last year); SIU; EWU (again, a national championship thing); NDSU (still waiting for a breakout season); and UMass (surging) and UNH (last ten years). I'm sure I'm missing a few, but mainly wanted to illustrate how you define "top" teams will greatly influence how you anoint your favorites.

Edit: "annount" changed to "anoint". My God, where was my mind?

Even the Montanans have ecb now.xcoffeex

Seven straight playoff seasons from '03 - '09, FBS wins over Indiana and NIU, FBS losses to Marshall and NIU by a total of 4 pts., and conference victories last year over 2/3 MVC playoff teams. I think SIU has a case for inclusion even if most of you couldn't find it on a map.

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Originally Posted by Houndawg

Even the Montanans have ecb now.xcoffeex

Seven straight playoff seasons from '03 - '09, FBS wins over Indiana and NIU, FBS losses to Marshall and NIU by a total of 4 pts., and conference victories last year over 2/3 MVC playoff teams. I think SIU has a case for inclusion even if most of you couldn't find it on a map.

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I can find it on a map, although I definitely needed one to get there. Last year was a big disappointment for the Salukis, but they have been worthy of consideration over the past decade. With the new stadium I expect they'll be back soon.

My list based on long term thoughts not just current or past:
1) Montana
2) Delaware
3) North Dakota St
4) Northern Iowa
5) Ga Southern
6) Eastern Washington
7) William & Mary
8) Montana State
9) Harvard
10) South Dakota St

Past and present success, fan support, name recognition, facilities.

1. Montana - I still put them at number one, because they've been the most consistent over the last 10 years.
2. App State - A newcomer in terms of facilities and fan support has doubled in the second half of the last decade, but they're at the top now.
3. Georgia Southern - Facilities upgrades are over due, but on the way. Southern has to be in the top 5 in the other categories.
4. Delaware - Facilities upgrades are definitely needed, but they top most in the other categories.
5. JMU - A couple more flags and playoff runs could move JMU further up the list because the fan support has increased and the facilities are being built.
6. NDSU - Haven't been in FCS long, but their facilities, fan support, and name recognition put them on my list.
7. Jax St. - The Gamecocks, like the Bison, need some playoff wins to solidify their place in the Top 10.
8. Youngstown St. - May be falling off the list, but history and attendance have them hanging on for me.
9. Liberty - Facilities, support, name recognition are there - need some playoff wins.
10. SC St - Has everything in place, but needs to get out of the MEAC.

Honorable Mention: McNeese St., Montana St., Northern Iowa, Chattanooga

*Excluded Ivy and SWAC conferences

**Signs point to Old Dominion being on this list as soon as they meet the "10 years" part of the conversation.

***Eastern US bias (ignorance of Western) acknowledged.

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

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Originally Posted by Skjellyfetti

I think Mountaineer and/or OL FU have a spreadsheet to settle these types of disputes.

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

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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

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Can't argue with any of that... I just wish they could draw some fans beause gameday atmospehere and support is definitely a factor.

Which brings me to a subject totally off subject... what would happen to UNH's program if Sean McConnell left? Cou8ld it thrive the way GSU has with 3 different coaches winning NC's?

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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

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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.

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Originally Posted by dbackjon

What tradition does Villanova have?

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While I wouldnt put us in the Top 10 (if were talking through the history of the program) I would say we are strong honorable mention, probably around a 12 or 13.

Before dropping football we won the Sun Bowl and Harbor Bowl, and tied the Bacardi Bowl. During that era we had alumni in the pros like Mike Siani and Hall of Famer Howie Long. Since starting in FCS, or then IAA Andy Talley has won the Robinson Award, and Westbrook and Finneran have won the Payton. In that time we've had 16 All Americans, posted a 188-107 record(63.7%), 10-9 playoff record. We won the National Championship in 2009 and have beaten 3 FBS teams (Rutgers and Temple twice).

I know this doesnt stack up to the Montana's, App States, Georgia Southerns, or any of them, but its still pretty impressive and should atleast be up for alittle consideration. From the orginal list posted by Apphole, I would have to argue that Youngstown, UNI, and McNeese should be up there.

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Originally Posted by Cocky

My list based on long term thoughts not just current or past:
1) Montana
2) Delaware
3) North Dakota St
4) Northern Iowa
5) Ga Southern
6) Eastern Washington
7) William & Mary
8) Montana State
9) Harvard
10) South Dakota St

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Think long and hard, but I believe you missed an obvious one...

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Originally Posted by Saint3333

Think long and hard, but I believe you missed an obvious one...

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SUU?

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Originally Posted by Saint3333

Think long and hard, but I believe you missed an obvious one...

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More than one
I said long term, so a few present FCS schools are left off. They will be FBS ASAP.

1. Cal Poly
2. App State
3. Georgia Southern
4. Montana
5. JMU
6. Delaware
7. Furman
8. W&M
9. Montana State
10. Jacksonville State

Dback as usual makes some real good points in his argument. I put Youngstown in mine because the were dominant when they were there and I wasn't specifically thinking about just the last 10 yrs.

I wanted to put EWU in because they are a way better program than they should be. They do so much with recruiting and coaching in spite of not being the cherry as far as facilities and fans go. The fans they have are rabid and great supporters but they just don't have the numbers right now. The NC and dramatic playoff wins resonates with me a lot and had me wanting to put them in the top 10.

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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.

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I don't think facilities should really factor into the discussion, but I agree that UNH is not worthy of being considered a top 10 program since 1AA began (I assume we're talking about since 1978) because we've never made it past the quarters and we're mediocre prior to 2004. The last 10 years, we're definitely top 10 because of consistency, but overall, no.

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Originally Posted by UNH Fanboi

I don't think facilities should really factor into the discussion, but I agree that UNH is not worthy of being considered a top 10 program since 1AA began (I assume we're talking about since 1978) because we've never made it past the quarters and we're mediocre prior to 2004. The last 10 years, we're definitely top 10 because of consistency, but overall, no.

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Everybody has differing opinions on what should factor in and the weight it should carry. I definitely factor in facilities & fans and so forth. They matter to a program.

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Originally Posted by manbearpig

Can't argue with any of that... I just wish they could draw some fans beause gameday atmospehere and support is definitely a factor.

Which brings me to a subject totally off subject... what would happen to UNH's program if Sean McConnell left? Cou8ld it thrive the way GSU has with 3 different coaches winning NC's?

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Based on those NCAA attendance figures that I've seen, UNH has been near capacity or over capacity for the past few seasons. Some really nasty monsoon games have been the only really poorly attended games during that time. We've got a small stadium so the numbers don't look impressive, but we do about as well as possible considering. You know what, at least half of that 32.8K that attended the game at Gillette Stadium were UNH fans.

It's funny how ever body says you can't draw in the payoffs yet UNH was over capacity for both its home playoff games. And IMHO the attendance was the usual under reporting so famous in the playoffs. And one of those games was during snow flurries and the other on a cold, crisp NH December day.

BTW, it's Sean McDonnell. And he's only the second head coach we've had since the early 70's so coaching changes aren't something we're accustomed to. If three head coaches bought into the New Hampshire way like Sean and Bill Bowes did, then UNH would be fine. xtwocentsx

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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.

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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.