fufanatic wrote: ↑Thu May 28, 2020 4:28 pm
That paragraph on NDSU brings a wave of nausea over me. I have no clue how anyone will beat them this year. Or even come close. Except Oregon. Maybe.
It is my argument that NDSU, while extremely good, has benefitted from massive changes to the college football landscape.
The Bison became playoff eligible (2011) at roughly the same time Georgia Southern and App State departed the division (2013). NDSU never played App State. They did play Georgia Southern, but did so only as the Eagles were transitioning back to the option under Jeff Monken.
At the same time, the FCS Playoffs expanded to eventually 24 teams from 16. The post season now became a great deal more watered down, formerly undeserving teams were now granted at large bids, and the overall level of competition dropped (my opinion).
NDSU also plays in a conference where they simply are the best team. No one can consistently beat them, almost guaranteeing that they will get a top seed in a watered down playoff system without two former top 5 programs to deal with.
Now, would NDSU win multiple national titles under different facts? Probably. Would they be
as dominant under the prior system with prior teams still prowling the FCS? Arguably not.
Admittedly, Trey Lance is a beast. He may end up the single most impressive player the FCS has produced in a while. Odds are they will keep winning.