How North Dakota State Stacks up in FCS Playoff History | The Analyst
How North Dakota State Stacks up in FCS Playoff History
FCS

How North Dakota State Stacks up in FCS Playoff History

North Dakota State’s return to the NCAA Division I FCS championship game on Jan. 8 is continuing what is the greatest dynasty run in college football history.

The Bison have captured nine national titles in an 11-season span since 2011 – a first on the NCAA, NAIA and JUCO levels – and will seek to make it (a perfect) 10 against rival South Dakota State in a highly anticipated showdown.

“Never in millions of years when the Bison were going through the Division I transition and were not eligible for the playoffs did anybody think this was even remotely possible. How did they do it? A perfect combination of recruiting the right guys, coaching, some top programs leaving for the FBS and a physical style of play that nobody else could match,” said Jeff Kolpack, a long-time NDSU media member who wrote the definitive book, “Horns Up: Inside the Greatest College Football Dynasty.”

The dynasty was set up in 2010 with two victories and a run to the national quarterfinals in the Bison’s first-ever FCS playoff appearance.

Following is how North Dakota State’s 13 playoff teams stack up with other schools in the 45-year history of the FCS playoffs:

Most FCS Championships

9 – North Dakota State
6 – Georgia Southern
4 – Youngstown State
3 – Appalachian State
2 – Eastern Kentucky, James Madison, Marshall and Montana

Most FCS Championship Game Appearances

10 – North Dakota State (9-0 to date)
8 – Georgia Southern (6-2)
7 – Youngstown State (4-3) and Montana (2-5)
6 – Marshall (2-4)
4 – Eastern Kentucky (2-2), James Madison (2-2) and Delaware (1-3)

Most FCS Playoff Wins

45 – Georgia Southern
44 – North Dakota State
35 – Montana
28 – Youngstown State
26 – Northern Iowa
25 – Delaware

Highest FCS Playoff Winning Percentages

.936 – North Dakota State (44-3)
.793 – Marshall (23-6)
.777 – Youngstown State (28-8)
.776 – Georgia Southern (45-13)
.667 – Sam Houston (24-12) and Boise State (8-4)

Most Consecutive FCS Playoff Appearances

17 – Montana (1993-2009)
14 – New Hampshire (2004-2017)
13 – North Dakota State (2010-Present)
11 – South Dakota State (2012-Present)
10 – Eastern Kentucky (1986-1995)
8 – Appalachian State (2005-12) and James Madison (2014-Present)