Fargo, North Dakota – The excitement is palpable in Fargo as the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison have just claimed the FCS Championship title once again. This victory adds to the Bison’s already impressive legacy in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), showcasing their dominance in college football.
In the FCS playoffs, 24 teams compete every year, but only eight receive a seed, ensuring a first-round bye. Having a top-two seed isn’t just a badge of honor; it comes with significant benefits, including guaranteed home-field advantage. This means that teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 will host their second-round games, as well as any subsequent games leading up to the championship, except for the final, which is held at a neutral site. Interestingly, recent history indicates that teams holding these top seeds excel in the playoffs, as evidenced by the fact that 15 out of the last 16 championship participants played all their playoff games at home through the semifinals.
When looking back since the playoffs expanded in 2013, it’s clear that having a home-field advantage can make all the difference. A team that plays all its playoff games at home has won 11 out of 12 FCS Championships, with the majority being No. 1 or No. 2 seeds. The statistical trend continues to favor these seeds, as they have made up 13 of the possible 18 championship participants in the last eight years.
This year, we witnessed the Bison, despite being a No. 3 seed, showcase their prowess by advancing through the playoffs, including their championship run. They joined a unique club, as only a few No. 3 seeds have managed to reach the semifinals in the past. Eastern Washington and NDSU have also carved their names into history as No. 3 seeds to play exclusively at home in the playoffs, thanks to some unexpected upsets.
With such a strong performance, it’s evident how crucial a top-two seed can be in shaping the playoff journey for a team. While win-loss records will always be decided on the field, the clear correlation between seeding and success suggests that the Bison’s strong playoff performance will only serve to enhance their illustrious program.
