Ranking the Greatest North Dakota State Championship Teams: An In-Depth Analysis
North Dakota State University (NDSU) holds an unparalleled record of 10 FCS championships, making it the most successful program in the history of that subdivision. The question remains: if all ten championship-winning Bison teams were to compete against one another, which would emerge victorious?
In an effort to determine the rankings objectively and mitigate biases related to recent events or former players’ NFL careers, I developed a point-based evaluation system inspired by sports analyst Andy Wittry. This methodology assesses each NDSU championship season based on several key criteria.
Understanding the Evaluation Criteria
The point system is broken down as follows:
- Overall Win Percentage & Strength of Schedule: A maximum of 50 points.
- Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Success: Up to 25 points.
– Outright conference titles earn double points compared to shared ones.
- Playoff Seeding Points:
– Each playoff seed contributes varying points as follows:
– 1st Seed (10 points),
– 2nd Seed (8 points),
– 3rd Seed (6 points),
– 4th Seed (5 points),
– Down to unseeded teams earning just one point after reaching at least the quarterfinals.
Bonus Point Categories
Additional accomplishments can add depth to a team’s scoring:
- Wins against Power Five Conferences earn extra kudos with up to 10 additional points,
- Victories over Group of Five conferences garner up to eight,
- Recognition awards like Walter Payton or Buck Buchanan add five each,
- Ranked FCS victories yield five bonus points.
To delve deeper into specifics, feel free to access our comprehensive spreadsheet with complete calculations and rankings.
The North Dakota State Championship Teams Ranked
Top Team: The Legendary Bison from 2019
Record: 16 Wins, No Losses(8-0 MVFC)
Conference Title: Outright MVPF Champions
FCS Playoff Seed: No.1
It’s impossible not to highlight the remarkable North Dakota State team from 2019 which leads this ranking decisively. With more than a ten-point advantage over following teams in our systematically devised scoring method, they remain unmatched among past champions. Boasting an undefeated record—one of only three such instances—this squad capitalized on their prowess with standout quarterback Trey Lance playing a pivotal role as MVP during their championship victory against No.2 James Madison.
Second Place: Dominance in 2014
Record: 15 Wins, One Loss(7-1 MVFC)
Conference Title: Shared
FCS Playoff Seed: No.2
The Bison’s impressive string continued in this year where they captured their fourth consecutive title amidst fierce competition and high stakes throughout their campaign—a testament highlighted by overcoming ranked rivals including an FBS win over Iowa State.
Third Place: Historical Moment in Undefeated Glory — The Class of 2013
Record: 15 Wins, No Losses(8–0 MVFC)
Conference Title: Outright
FCS Playoff Seed: No.1
Engaging fans and developers alike, this undefeated champion was led under Coach Craig Bohl’s second award-winning tenure—culminating with solid performances but slightly lower overall rankings due mainly due challenges faced within its schedule versus rival seedings across other years.
Conclusion on Rankings Continues with Subsequent Seasons
Teams exemplifying resilience are next evaluated chronologically within subsequent sections…
Transitioning forward through additional celebrated seasons illustrates how closely contended these top spots remain relative despite varying strengths evidenced among competitive opponents faced across cyclical landscapes throughout collegiate football history—from breathtaking last-minute plays echoing memorable moments well into fan legacy lore surrounding every title earned therein.
By analyzing achievements backed by data-driven metrics while honoring historical accomplishments alongside emerging narratives each time rivalries collide—it invites enthusiasts both old new alike evolving discourse around future prospects bolstered through illustrious paths from legendary status borne out here evoking promising dialogue going forward!
