New No. 1 team emerges, programs rise, reshuffling in latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll

The FCS football slate was relatively mild this week, not boasting a ton of upsets. That left the top ten pretty much intact but as always, there is some slight movement. The bulk of the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll did receive a makeover. It’s the depth of the group that keeps changing constantly. […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Montana State Bobcats quarterback Sean Chambers (10) runs between Oregon State Beavers linebacker Omar Speights (1, left) and defensive back Alex Austin (5) during the second half at Providence Park.
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The FCS football slate was relatively mild this week, not boasting a ton of upsets. That left the top ten pretty much intact but as always, there is some slight movement. The bulk of the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll did receive a makeover. It’s the depth of the group that keeps changing constantly.

After debating it over the last couple of weeks, I finally made the plunge and moved Montana State up to the top of my list. They obviously got a big FBS win over New Mexico earlier this season, and have continued to just take care of business each week. There were a couple of cupcake opponents included in there, but the Bobcats did exactly what they should in those games, dominate.

The battle at the top is going to be an exciting one. It’s as wide open as it has been in several years. You could make a legitimate argument for either Montana State, North Dakota State or South Dakota State as the top overall team, and I wouldn’t argue with you. Any order of those three is understandable.

Some people asked about the Delaware Blue Hens, and their absence in my poll. I made the decision before the season that they would not be included in my poll due to them not being eligible for the FCS playoffs due to being a transitioning program. If I did include them, they would be considerably high.

Here is my updated top 25 poll.

  1. Montana State (7-0)
  2. North Dakota State (6-1)
  3. South Dakota State (5-1)
  4. South Dakota (5-1)
  5. Villanova (5-1)
  6. UC Davis (6-1)
  7. Mercer (6-0)
  8. Idaho (4-3)
  9. North Dakota (4-2)
  10. Southeast Missouri State (6-1)
  11. Central Arkansas (5-2)
  12. Tarleton State (6-1)
  13. Montana (5-2)
  14. Abilene Christian (4-3)
  15. UIW (Incarnate Word) (4-2)
  16. William & Mary (4-2)
  17. Rhode Island (5-1)
  18. North Carolina Central (5-2)
  19. Richmond (4-2)
  20. Dartmouth (4-0)
  21. UT Martin (4-3)
  22. New Hampshire (4-2)
  23. Chattanooga (3-3)
  24. Tennessee State (5-2)
  25. Northern Arizona (3-4)

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