alabamagrizzly
Well-known member
Do to the recent success of Georgia Southern and Appalaichian State with their jump to the FBS, the talk of the Griz moving up has started another thread that is currently going pretty well despite the Griz being in the middle of a season(these threads are usually reserved for the off season). Since the FCS(technically 1-AA though most at the 1-A level see it as D-2) started 38 years ago, 28 teams have made the jump to the FBS. Some like Boise State and Marshall have had pretty good success and some like Idaho and Massachusetts have struggled pretty mightily. I, for the most part, have been mostly pro jump to the right situation(namely the Mountain West. I don't see the PAC-12, Big-10, or the Big-12 calling anytime soon). Anything else I think honestly would be a step back in what our program strives for. I decided to analyze those 28 teams with what kind of team they were at the FCS level and what kind of team they have become at the FBS level. I only considered what they have done on the feild. No financial or attendence was taken into consideration here though most should understand that these are also major things to consider when wanting to make a move.
There are two types of teams that have decided to make the jump. Some teams have had a long history of football at their school before their move and others started in the FCS specifically to move up to the FBS level. I have divided the teams into these two groups and then separated those by level of success. First with the quick starts.
Ok, here's the ugly.
The Charlotte 49ers started in 2013 in the FCS and moved up this year. In two years in the FCS they recorded back to back 5-6 records and now in their 1st year in Con-USA they are 2-5 with one of their wins against a bad Prespetyirian team. They are still a ways from determining how successful they are going to become but it dosn't look good at the moment. I certainly don't see any bowl games let alone conference titles in their near future.
Georgia State started their program in 2010 and although they finished the year 6-5, it was against some very poor competition. They finished the next two years a combined 4-18 before they moved into the Sun Belt in 2013. Since then they are 3-27 but they did get their first con win this year against New Mexico State and then lost the next week to FCS Liberty. Please don't bring up attendence with them either. In their 74,000 seat stadium(they play in the Georgia Dome) they get about 10,000-13,000 ticket sales. That's counting the ticket holders that don't show up. Still looking for their first bowl game but eventually the way the NCAA is creating new games every year, mabey they can reach 6-6 and get into the Georgia Express Oil Bed Bath and Beyond Bowl some day.
South Alabama is a team that hasn't done it yet, but is on the cusp of becoming an avg to good team. Starting their team in 2010 they had decent success going 18-15 with a 10-0 record in '10 against mostly even competition. Since a joining the Sun Belt in '12 they have yet to complete a winning season and have a combined record of 17-28 but did get to go to a bowl after finishing 6-5 but then lost to Bowling Green in the Camellia Bowl. To their credit though, they really step up their play in competition. They have played seven power 5 schools including four games against SEC foes. At the rate they're going, they should be challenging for the Sun Belt championship very soon.
Florida International started their program in '02 and played in the FCS for three years going 10-23 befor moving up. In eight years in the Sun Belt they had two winning seasons going a combined 34-63 and played in two bowl games against mostly even competion winning one and losing one. In '13 they jumped to Con-USA and started slowly with a record of 9-23 but that includes this years start of 4-4. Look out Little Ceasers Bowl, here they come. Although it took them six years to get their first winning season in the Sun Belt, they seem to be moving a little quicker in C-USA.
Florida Atlantic started football in '01 and had a little more success then FIU winning 55% of their games befor moving up for the '05 season but since then has basicly had the same success, or lack of. They're a combined 45-83 with two winning seasons and one con title while in the Sun Belt(they are currently in C-USA after FIU and they moved together). They are 2-0 in their two bowl games but neither was against a big name opponent. This year isn't helping either starting 1-6 with their only win against previously discussed Charlotte. It's not too soon to say better luck next year, is it?
UAB is the best of the worst starting their team in '91 and moving to the FBS in '96 while going 32-18-2 at the lower level. Since then they have gone a combined 87-134 winning 39% of their games. In 19 years they have had three winning seasons, winning two C-USA titles and playing in one bowl game losing to Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl. Oh, and their program was discontinued only to be voted back by the out cry of the fans who I guess felt sorry for the players. Alabama does love their football. They will start back up in '16 as an Independent for two years befor rejoining C-USA but the future does not look bright in B-ham.
Now on to the teams that it's too early to call them winners or losers.
Old Dominion brought back their program in '09 after not fielding a team since 1941. They had a lot of success in the FCS winning 77% of their games through the 2013 season making them the 3rd winningest program in the history of the FCS by winning percentage without a minimum games played restriction. In their two years in the FBS though they have yet to translate that success going 9-10. With a 6-6 record their first year and 3-4 so far this year. Playing in C-USA, they can have a chance to compete if they can begin to rebuild from their FCS success but time will tell.
UT-San Antonio only played one year of football before moving to the FBS in '12 going 4-6 in 2011. They showed early signs of success in the now defunct WAC winning the con in their one and only year going 8-4 but we're bowl ineligible. The next year they moved to C-USA and have steadily gone down hill posting consecutive records of 7-5, 4-8, and now currently 1-6. They did share the con title their first year in C-USA but again were ineligible to play in the championship game. Playing in Texas, they have a chance to turn it around with all the great athletes in the region but they have some work to do.
Now the one team that could be called a success after their jump to FBS with a quick start program.
South Florida started football in '97 and after going 27-17 in four years, they jumped up to the FBS. Since then in 14 years they have had eight winning seasons and are currently on pace for another, barely. They are a combined 94-82 with the bulk of their success coming in the Big East/AAC. They had a five year run from '06-'10 winning or sharing 5 BEC titles and going 42-23 and 4-1 in bowl games though none of them were BCS games. Overall they've won 6 con titles(one from C-USA) and are 4-2 in bowl games. In recent years they have began to slide though going a combined 18-37 since 2011. Hopefully their 4-3 start is a small sign of righting the ship.
Now for the teams that had an established football history before making the move up.
This first group of teams are pretty bad.
Massachusetts started their team back in 1879 and played in the FCS from '78-'11 winning one natty and 58% of their games while in the FCS. Since their move up into the MAC in '12 though, it has been abismal. A combined 6-37 is not what they envisioned when wanting to jump into the big pond and it's not showing any signs of getting better. 1-6 this year and their signature FBS win against Eastern Michigan in '13 has not been pretty. At least they don't have to drive 90 miles to ALL their home games any more. Only half of them tell 2017. Ugh.
Louisianna-Monroe started playing football back in 1931 and joined the FCS in 1982. Winning 64% of their games while in the FCS, they decided to move up in 1994. Since then, they have not fared so well. They are 92-159 at the FBS level with a 1-6 record this year and their only win vs FCS Nichols State. In 21 years, they have one winning season where they won the Sun Belt and then lost the only bowl game they've been invited too. If your counting, that's 19 years in the FBS to get their 1st winning season for a team that is 17th all time in the FCS in winning percentage. Not a good move.
Buffalo is a team that probably should still be in D-2. First fielding a team in 1898, they belonged in D-2 tell '92 and played in the FCS from '93-'98 winning 33% of their games. Since the move up, it's been even worse going 53-141 with two winning seasons in 16 years. They've won the MAC twice but lost both bowl games. Unfortunately it's always snowing in Buffalo.
Idaho is everybody's favorite dog to kick when they're down and unfortunately for them, they're always down. First fielding a team in 1893, they where kinda forced into the FCS in '78 when the rest of the Big Sky joined. Deciding to move up in '96 after tying for 12th in FCS playoff appearance and 22nd in all time FCS winning percentage, things have been bleak in Moscow. In 19 years, they have posted 4 winning seasons and won three conferences in four different cons(Big West, WAC, and joining the Sun Belt for a second time next year). On the bright side they are 2-0 in bowl games, both in Boise. At 71-159, they need a lot of work to be average let alone match Boise State, which has always been their goal. Not to mention they are 1-4 against us since their move up.
Akron first put together a team in 1937. They joined the FCS in '80 and after relatively average success, they became the first FCS team to make the jump in '87. Mabey They should have stayed. In 28 years, they have won 37% of their games with only seven winning seasons and shared 3 MAC championships. They have also only played in one bowl game losing to Memphis. In 2010-12, they were absolutely miserable only winning three games, two of them to FCS opponents. I wonder if they've ever considered a move back down.
North Texas fielded there first team in 1913 and moved to the FCS in 1983. With only a 47% winning percentage in the FCS, they decided to move up in '95. After 20 years in three conferences(currently in the C-USA after starting in the Big West and moving to the Sun Belt), they have completed 4 winning seasons taking 8 years to get their first with all 4 ending in con championships. They have a 36% winning percentage and are 2-3 in their bowl games. This year they are currently 0-7 and things are not looking up.
Arkansas State first started football in 1937 and joined the FCS in '82. After winning 50% of their games in the FCS, they moved up in '92. It had been a long road for them, winning only 37% of their games in the last 23 years but they are currently en rout for their fifth winning season in a row including 2 10 win seasons. They've only won three conferences and are currently 2-3 in bowls, but they are the first team in this list that I can say things are lookin up for them. Hopefully they can keep it up.
These two teams aren't awful, but they aren't great either.
Texas State started playing football on 1904 played in the FCS from '84-'11 winning only 45% of their games while in the league. Now in their fourth year in the FBS, they are a combined 19-26 but were showing promise with their first winning season last year and a share of the Sun Belt title although no bowl game in it came. Once again, being in Texas, there's enough talent to go around but they can probably only hope for above average and shouldn't expect greatness.
Middle Tennesse St started playing football in 1911 and joined the FCS in '78. After leaving in '98 they finished FCS play with a respectable 58% winning percentage. Now in their 16th season at the FBS level, they have won 48% of their games with six winning seasons. The bulk of their time was spent in the Sun Belt where they won three con titles but they moved to C-USA in '13 and shared the title their first year. This year isn't going so well with a 3-5 record currently but all in all the move hasn't been a failure. They could have a better bowl record going 1-3 in the four bowls they've played but beggars can't be choosers.
Now to the teams that have the success in their move ups that we would hope for.
Western Kentucky first started playing football in 1908 and joined the FCS when it first formed in '78. In '09 they moved up after winning 54% of their games. By '11 they had their first winning season and they haven't looked back yet starting 6-2 this year. They've won three conferences and are only 1-1 in their two bowl games but they are deffenetly moving in the right direction.
Connecticut first fielded in team in 1893 and joined the FCS in 1978. After winning an average 51% of their games, the moved to the FBS in 2000. After 16 years, they have won 48% of their games which isn't good but that is mostly due to a recent decline. They did win 5 Big East titles and have gone 3-2 in bowl games including a BCS game they lost to eventually #6 ranked Oklahoma. In total, they've had 6 winning seasons but they are currently on a 5 season skid without a winning season and this year isn't helping starting out 3-5. They're past success shows that they can turn it around though and mabey build a solid program again.
Louisiana Tech first formed a team in 1915 and joined the FCS in '82. In the seven years they were in the league, they won 54% of their games and then moved up in '89. Since joining the FBS, they enjoyed moderate success winning 50% of their games. They have also won 6 con titles, 5 of them from the WAC, and one more in C-USA which holds their current membership. Of their 26 full seasons in the FBS, they have had 11 winning seasons and are 2-2-1 in bowl games. For the most part, not too bad.
Troy first started playing football in 1909 and joined the FCS in '93. In the next nine years they made seven playoff appearances and won an amazing 76% of their games ranking them 4th all time in FCS winning percentage. Since joining the FCS, their winning percentage has dropped to 52% and they only have 6 winning seasons in the last 13 years. Those have led to 6 conference titles, all in the Sun Belt and are 2-3 in bowl games. Theses are not great numbers but it could be a lot worse.
Central Florida didn't start playing football until 1979 and didn't join the FCS until '90 but had decent success winning 64% of their games until they moved up in '96. Since then they've had real good success winning 55% of their games with 13 winning seasons in the last 19 years including 8 conference championships. They are 3-4 in their bowl games but that includes 1-0 in BCS games with a win over Baylor in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl. As of late, they had been really good with 3 10+ win seasons from'10 to '13 and a 9 win season in '14 but this year they have yet to win a game starting 0-8 and their long time coach that has built their FBS success is resigning. Hopefully this season is an anomaly and they can make a good hire and continue their success they've come to know.
Nevada first formed a football team in 1896 and joined the FCS in '78. After jumping to the FBS in '92, they finished Their FCS run with a 72% winning percentage, good for 6th all time and winning nine playoff games in seven appearances. Since the jump they have won 54% of their games and completed 14 of 23 seasons with a winning record. Winning or sharing 9 conference titles, they have played in 9 bowl games but only won 3 of them. Although Boise St has stole a lot of their thunder(except for Colin Kapernik, that SOB!) that have mostly been pretty successful as far as FCS move ups go.
Now for the teams that have been or seem on their way for great success. These teams success is what every FCS team hopes to duplicate when they make the move to the FBS level.
Appalachian State first fielded a team in 1931 and joined the FCS in '78. While there they won 3 natty's, 20 playoff appearances with a 24-17 record(good for third all time), and an overall record of 286-149-4 good for a 65% winning percentage which is the 13th best of all time. After they moved up in '14, their first year finished 7-5 but this year is looking more like the App St we all know. Starting out 6-1 with their one loss to currently #3 ranked Clemson and already beating Georgia Southern, their only tuff game left is currently 6-2 Arkasas State. They are in the works of continuing their dominance and looking to be that non power 5 school that is always trying to crack the BCS games. Their could be exciting things happening in Boone once the FBS playoffs come their way.
Georgia Southern is about in the same shoes as App St. They started their program in 1924 but quit football in '41 and didn't field another team until joining the FCS in '84. There they only became the greatest team in the history of the FCS. 1st in natty's with six winning their first in their second year in the FCS. 4th in playoff appearances with an amazing 45 victories, 21 more the second place AppSt. Also the 5th best winning percentage at 73% and 4th in wins with 282 even though they played 8 seasons less then a lot of teams. Last year, their first in the FBS, they finished 9-3 but we're bowl inelegable. This year they've started 5-2 so App St has the inside track but both of these are set up to have a bright future at the FBS level, at least of the non power 5 schools.
Marshall really only joined the FCS because of an infamous plane crash. Fielding their first team in 1895, they joined the FCS in its inaugural season in '78 due to a severe rebuilding process starting starting in 1971. After building their team into a dominant FCS champion, winning 58% of their FCS games, they decided '97 would be the time to make their move. Since then they have won 64% of their games with winning seasons in 11 of 18 completed seasons. They own 9 conference championships and really turn it on in the post season going 9-2 in bowl games. This year they are on their way to their 12th winning season and third consecutive 10+ win season including last years 13-1 season where they lost a heart breaker and BCS buster to Western Kentucky 66-67 in the regular season finale. They can easily be considered a success and a model to follow for future move ups.
Boise State is the crown jewell of successful move ups. Starting their team in 1933, they've moved from NAIA to NJCAA to college level( the D-2 equivalent) to FCS in 1978 and the FBS in '96. Winning 64% of their games in the FCS(good for 18th all time) they won a natty in '80 after being the best team in '79 but we're banned from post season play for recruiting violations. They also lost to Youngstown State in '94. They have deffenetly carried over their success to the FBS. It took them three years to complete a winning season but have not had a losing season since then, currently working on their 18th year in a row winning more games then they've lost. They have won 79% of their games since '96. They have won 16 conference titles, are 10-5 in bowl games, including 3-0 in three Fiesta Bowls against Arizona, TCU, and of course the awesome Oklahoma game. If not for back to back one loss seasons in '10(Nevada) and '11(TCU), they would have 5 BCS games and possibly a shot at a natty. Ohh the what ifs. They are deffenetly the quintessential picture of what we would hope for in a move up but to say anyone can duplicate their success is crazy. They, if it's possible, have had the stars line up for them to have the right coaches and the right situations at the right time. I do believe the next step in their evolution is a move to the Big 12. The PAC 12 is a better fit logistically but I don't see them becoming the PAC 13 or 14 any time soon and the Big 12 needs 12 members and is currently two short. Of course Notre Dame(if they can lower themselves to joining a conference) and Marshall(long time West Virginia rivals) are viable options also. We'll see.
To wrap up, I think if the Griz got into the Mtn West, we could mostly continue our success and contend for con championships and with the new playoff system, especially after it expands to 8 teams, who knows, anything is possible.
Oh, sorry for starting another move up thread.
There are two types of teams that have decided to make the jump. Some teams have had a long history of football at their school before their move and others started in the FCS specifically to move up to the FBS level. I have divided the teams into these two groups and then separated those by level of success. First with the quick starts.
Ok, here's the ugly.
The Charlotte 49ers started in 2013 in the FCS and moved up this year. In two years in the FCS they recorded back to back 5-6 records and now in their 1st year in Con-USA they are 2-5 with one of their wins against a bad Prespetyirian team. They are still a ways from determining how successful they are going to become but it dosn't look good at the moment. I certainly don't see any bowl games let alone conference titles in their near future.
Georgia State started their program in 2010 and although they finished the year 6-5, it was against some very poor competition. They finished the next two years a combined 4-18 before they moved into the Sun Belt in 2013. Since then they are 3-27 but they did get their first con win this year against New Mexico State and then lost the next week to FCS Liberty. Please don't bring up attendence with them either. In their 74,000 seat stadium(they play in the Georgia Dome) they get about 10,000-13,000 ticket sales. That's counting the ticket holders that don't show up. Still looking for their first bowl game but eventually the way the NCAA is creating new games every year, mabey they can reach 6-6 and get into the Georgia Express Oil Bed Bath and Beyond Bowl some day.
South Alabama is a team that hasn't done it yet, but is on the cusp of becoming an avg to good team. Starting their team in 2010 they had decent success going 18-15 with a 10-0 record in '10 against mostly even competition. Since a joining the Sun Belt in '12 they have yet to complete a winning season and have a combined record of 17-28 but did get to go to a bowl after finishing 6-5 but then lost to Bowling Green in the Camellia Bowl. To their credit though, they really step up their play in competition. They have played seven power 5 schools including four games against SEC foes. At the rate they're going, they should be challenging for the Sun Belt championship very soon.
Florida International started their program in '02 and played in the FCS for three years going 10-23 befor moving up. In eight years in the Sun Belt they had two winning seasons going a combined 34-63 and played in two bowl games against mostly even competion winning one and losing one. In '13 they jumped to Con-USA and started slowly with a record of 9-23 but that includes this years start of 4-4. Look out Little Ceasers Bowl, here they come. Although it took them six years to get their first winning season in the Sun Belt, they seem to be moving a little quicker in C-USA.
Florida Atlantic started football in '01 and had a little more success then FIU winning 55% of their games befor moving up for the '05 season but since then has basicly had the same success, or lack of. They're a combined 45-83 with two winning seasons and one con title while in the Sun Belt(they are currently in C-USA after FIU and they moved together). They are 2-0 in their two bowl games but neither was against a big name opponent. This year isn't helping either starting 1-6 with their only win against previously discussed Charlotte. It's not too soon to say better luck next year, is it?
UAB is the best of the worst starting their team in '91 and moving to the FBS in '96 while going 32-18-2 at the lower level. Since then they have gone a combined 87-134 winning 39% of their games. In 19 years they have had three winning seasons, winning two C-USA titles and playing in one bowl game losing to Hawaii in the Hawaii Bowl. Oh, and their program was discontinued only to be voted back by the out cry of the fans who I guess felt sorry for the players. Alabama does love their football. They will start back up in '16 as an Independent for two years befor rejoining C-USA but the future does not look bright in B-ham.
Now on to the teams that it's too early to call them winners or losers.
Old Dominion brought back their program in '09 after not fielding a team since 1941. They had a lot of success in the FCS winning 77% of their games through the 2013 season making them the 3rd winningest program in the history of the FCS by winning percentage without a minimum games played restriction. In their two years in the FBS though they have yet to translate that success going 9-10. With a 6-6 record their first year and 3-4 so far this year. Playing in C-USA, they can have a chance to compete if they can begin to rebuild from their FCS success but time will tell.
UT-San Antonio only played one year of football before moving to the FBS in '12 going 4-6 in 2011. They showed early signs of success in the now defunct WAC winning the con in their one and only year going 8-4 but we're bowl ineligible. The next year they moved to C-USA and have steadily gone down hill posting consecutive records of 7-5, 4-8, and now currently 1-6. They did share the con title their first year in C-USA but again were ineligible to play in the championship game. Playing in Texas, they have a chance to turn it around with all the great athletes in the region but they have some work to do.
Now the one team that could be called a success after their jump to FBS with a quick start program.
South Florida started football in '97 and after going 27-17 in four years, they jumped up to the FBS. Since then in 14 years they have had eight winning seasons and are currently on pace for another, barely. They are a combined 94-82 with the bulk of their success coming in the Big East/AAC. They had a five year run from '06-'10 winning or sharing 5 BEC titles and going 42-23 and 4-1 in bowl games though none of them were BCS games. Overall they've won 6 con titles(one from C-USA) and are 4-2 in bowl games. In recent years they have began to slide though going a combined 18-37 since 2011. Hopefully their 4-3 start is a small sign of righting the ship.
Now for the teams that had an established football history before making the move up.
This first group of teams are pretty bad.
Massachusetts started their team back in 1879 and played in the FCS from '78-'11 winning one natty and 58% of their games while in the FCS. Since their move up into the MAC in '12 though, it has been abismal. A combined 6-37 is not what they envisioned when wanting to jump into the big pond and it's not showing any signs of getting better. 1-6 this year and their signature FBS win against Eastern Michigan in '13 has not been pretty. At least they don't have to drive 90 miles to ALL their home games any more. Only half of them tell 2017. Ugh.
Louisianna-Monroe started playing football back in 1931 and joined the FCS in 1982. Winning 64% of their games while in the FCS, they decided to move up in 1994. Since then, they have not fared so well. They are 92-159 at the FBS level with a 1-6 record this year and their only win vs FCS Nichols State. In 21 years, they have one winning season where they won the Sun Belt and then lost the only bowl game they've been invited too. If your counting, that's 19 years in the FBS to get their 1st winning season for a team that is 17th all time in the FCS in winning percentage. Not a good move.
Buffalo is a team that probably should still be in D-2. First fielding a team in 1898, they belonged in D-2 tell '92 and played in the FCS from '93-'98 winning 33% of their games. Since the move up, it's been even worse going 53-141 with two winning seasons in 16 years. They've won the MAC twice but lost both bowl games. Unfortunately it's always snowing in Buffalo.
Idaho is everybody's favorite dog to kick when they're down and unfortunately for them, they're always down. First fielding a team in 1893, they where kinda forced into the FCS in '78 when the rest of the Big Sky joined. Deciding to move up in '96 after tying for 12th in FCS playoff appearance and 22nd in all time FCS winning percentage, things have been bleak in Moscow. In 19 years, they have posted 4 winning seasons and won three conferences in four different cons(Big West, WAC, and joining the Sun Belt for a second time next year). On the bright side they are 2-0 in bowl games, both in Boise. At 71-159, they need a lot of work to be average let alone match Boise State, which has always been their goal. Not to mention they are 1-4 against us since their move up.
Akron first put together a team in 1937. They joined the FCS in '80 and after relatively average success, they became the first FCS team to make the jump in '87. Mabey They should have stayed. In 28 years, they have won 37% of their games with only seven winning seasons and shared 3 MAC championships. They have also only played in one bowl game losing to Memphis. In 2010-12, they were absolutely miserable only winning three games, two of them to FCS opponents. I wonder if they've ever considered a move back down.
North Texas fielded there first team in 1913 and moved to the FCS in 1983. With only a 47% winning percentage in the FCS, they decided to move up in '95. After 20 years in three conferences(currently in the C-USA after starting in the Big West and moving to the Sun Belt), they have completed 4 winning seasons taking 8 years to get their first with all 4 ending in con championships. They have a 36% winning percentage and are 2-3 in their bowl games. This year they are currently 0-7 and things are not looking up.
Arkansas State first started football in 1937 and joined the FCS in '82. After winning 50% of their games in the FCS, they moved up in '92. It had been a long road for them, winning only 37% of their games in the last 23 years but they are currently en rout for their fifth winning season in a row including 2 10 win seasons. They've only won three conferences and are currently 2-3 in bowls, but they are the first team in this list that I can say things are lookin up for them. Hopefully they can keep it up.
These two teams aren't awful, but they aren't great either.
Texas State started playing football on 1904 played in the FCS from '84-'11 winning only 45% of their games while in the league. Now in their fourth year in the FBS, they are a combined 19-26 but were showing promise with their first winning season last year and a share of the Sun Belt title although no bowl game in it came. Once again, being in Texas, there's enough talent to go around but they can probably only hope for above average and shouldn't expect greatness.
Middle Tennesse St started playing football in 1911 and joined the FCS in '78. After leaving in '98 they finished FCS play with a respectable 58% winning percentage. Now in their 16th season at the FBS level, they have won 48% of their games with six winning seasons. The bulk of their time was spent in the Sun Belt where they won three con titles but they moved to C-USA in '13 and shared the title their first year. This year isn't going so well with a 3-5 record currently but all in all the move hasn't been a failure. They could have a better bowl record going 1-3 in the four bowls they've played but beggars can't be choosers.
Now to the teams that have the success in their move ups that we would hope for.
Western Kentucky first started playing football in 1908 and joined the FCS when it first formed in '78. In '09 they moved up after winning 54% of their games. By '11 they had their first winning season and they haven't looked back yet starting 6-2 this year. They've won three conferences and are only 1-1 in their two bowl games but they are deffenetly moving in the right direction.
Connecticut first fielded in team in 1893 and joined the FCS in 1978. After winning an average 51% of their games, the moved to the FBS in 2000. After 16 years, they have won 48% of their games which isn't good but that is mostly due to a recent decline. They did win 5 Big East titles and have gone 3-2 in bowl games including a BCS game they lost to eventually #6 ranked Oklahoma. In total, they've had 6 winning seasons but they are currently on a 5 season skid without a winning season and this year isn't helping starting out 3-5. They're past success shows that they can turn it around though and mabey build a solid program again.
Louisiana Tech first formed a team in 1915 and joined the FCS in '82. In the seven years they were in the league, they won 54% of their games and then moved up in '89. Since joining the FBS, they enjoyed moderate success winning 50% of their games. They have also won 6 con titles, 5 of them from the WAC, and one more in C-USA which holds their current membership. Of their 26 full seasons in the FBS, they have had 11 winning seasons and are 2-2-1 in bowl games. For the most part, not too bad.
Troy first started playing football in 1909 and joined the FCS in '93. In the next nine years they made seven playoff appearances and won an amazing 76% of their games ranking them 4th all time in FCS winning percentage. Since joining the FCS, their winning percentage has dropped to 52% and they only have 6 winning seasons in the last 13 years. Those have led to 6 conference titles, all in the Sun Belt and are 2-3 in bowl games. Theses are not great numbers but it could be a lot worse.
Central Florida didn't start playing football until 1979 and didn't join the FCS until '90 but had decent success winning 64% of their games until they moved up in '96. Since then they've had real good success winning 55% of their games with 13 winning seasons in the last 19 years including 8 conference championships. They are 3-4 in their bowl games but that includes 1-0 in BCS games with a win over Baylor in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl. As of late, they had been really good with 3 10+ win seasons from'10 to '13 and a 9 win season in '14 but this year they have yet to win a game starting 0-8 and their long time coach that has built their FBS success is resigning. Hopefully this season is an anomaly and they can make a good hire and continue their success they've come to know.
Nevada first formed a football team in 1896 and joined the FCS in '78. After jumping to the FBS in '92, they finished Their FCS run with a 72% winning percentage, good for 6th all time and winning nine playoff games in seven appearances. Since the jump they have won 54% of their games and completed 14 of 23 seasons with a winning record. Winning or sharing 9 conference titles, they have played in 9 bowl games but only won 3 of them. Although Boise St has stole a lot of their thunder(except for Colin Kapernik, that SOB!) that have mostly been pretty successful as far as FCS move ups go.
Now for the teams that have been or seem on their way for great success. These teams success is what every FCS team hopes to duplicate when they make the move to the FBS level.
Appalachian State first fielded a team in 1931 and joined the FCS in '78. While there they won 3 natty's, 20 playoff appearances with a 24-17 record(good for third all time), and an overall record of 286-149-4 good for a 65% winning percentage which is the 13th best of all time. After they moved up in '14, their first year finished 7-5 but this year is looking more like the App St we all know. Starting out 6-1 with their one loss to currently #3 ranked Clemson and already beating Georgia Southern, their only tuff game left is currently 6-2 Arkasas State. They are in the works of continuing their dominance and looking to be that non power 5 school that is always trying to crack the BCS games. Their could be exciting things happening in Boone once the FBS playoffs come their way.
Georgia Southern is about in the same shoes as App St. They started their program in 1924 but quit football in '41 and didn't field another team until joining the FCS in '84. There they only became the greatest team in the history of the FCS. 1st in natty's with six winning their first in their second year in the FCS. 4th in playoff appearances with an amazing 45 victories, 21 more the second place AppSt. Also the 5th best winning percentage at 73% and 4th in wins with 282 even though they played 8 seasons less then a lot of teams. Last year, their first in the FBS, they finished 9-3 but we're bowl inelegable. This year they've started 5-2 so App St has the inside track but both of these are set up to have a bright future at the FBS level, at least of the non power 5 schools.
Marshall really only joined the FCS because of an infamous plane crash. Fielding their first team in 1895, they joined the FCS in its inaugural season in '78 due to a severe rebuilding process starting starting in 1971. After building their team into a dominant FCS champion, winning 58% of their FCS games, they decided '97 would be the time to make their move. Since then they have won 64% of their games with winning seasons in 11 of 18 completed seasons. They own 9 conference championships and really turn it on in the post season going 9-2 in bowl games. This year they are on their way to their 12th winning season and third consecutive 10+ win season including last years 13-1 season where they lost a heart breaker and BCS buster to Western Kentucky 66-67 in the regular season finale. They can easily be considered a success and a model to follow for future move ups.
Boise State is the crown jewell of successful move ups. Starting their team in 1933, they've moved from NAIA to NJCAA to college level( the D-2 equivalent) to FCS in 1978 and the FBS in '96. Winning 64% of their games in the FCS(good for 18th all time) they won a natty in '80 after being the best team in '79 but we're banned from post season play for recruiting violations. They also lost to Youngstown State in '94. They have deffenetly carried over their success to the FBS. It took them three years to complete a winning season but have not had a losing season since then, currently working on their 18th year in a row winning more games then they've lost. They have won 79% of their games since '96. They have won 16 conference titles, are 10-5 in bowl games, including 3-0 in three Fiesta Bowls against Arizona, TCU, and of course the awesome Oklahoma game. If not for back to back one loss seasons in '10(Nevada) and '11(TCU), they would have 5 BCS games and possibly a shot at a natty. Ohh the what ifs. They are deffenetly the quintessential picture of what we would hope for in a move up but to say anyone can duplicate their success is crazy. They, if it's possible, have had the stars line up for them to have the right coaches and the right situations at the right time. I do believe the next step in their evolution is a move to the Big 12. The PAC 12 is a better fit logistically but I don't see them becoming the PAC 13 or 14 any time soon and the Big 12 needs 12 members and is currently two short. Of course Notre Dame(if they can lower themselves to joining a conference) and Marshall(long time West Virginia rivals) are viable options also. We'll see.
To wrap up, I think if the Griz got into the Mtn West, we could mostly continue our success and contend for con championships and with the new playoff system, especially after it expands to 8 teams, who knows, anything is possible.
Oh, sorry for starting another move up thread.
