Stan Becton’s Week 3 Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll ballot

Every week, the top teams in the FCS are ranked nationally by both FCS coaches and FCS media. I, Stan Becton, am obviously not a coach, but I am a part of the FCS media and do have a vote in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll. I’ll be submitting my ballot weekly, ranking my top 25 FCS teams.

With the FCS Playoff Committee adding the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll to its selection criteria for the first time in 2023, the media poll is of even more importance moving forward. In an effort to be transparent with my readers, fans and more, I have decided that I will reveal my ballot, with explanations for selections, every week. 

Remember, this is my one ballot out of 56 total Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll voters — and just one ballot from the 23 national representatives that vote. That’s to say, yes, my ballot does impact the poll, but it’s in no way the end-all-be-all factor.

Nonetheless, here is my Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll ballot for this week.

Week 3: Stan Becton’s Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll ballot

1. Montana State (3-0) | Previous Ranking: 3 (Where I ranked them: 1)

Montana State was my top team last week. Three wins are better than one win, especially when one of those three wins is against an FBS opponent in New Mexico.

OFFICIAL RANKINGS: Click or tap here for the latest STATS Perform Rankings

2. South Dakota State (1-1) | Previous Ranking: 1 (Where I ranked them: 2)

South Dakota State beat a top-15 UIW squad. That win is impressive, but is that better than a win over FBS New Mexico? I don’t think so, so they stay at No. 2.

3. North Dakota State (1-1) | Previous Ranking: 2 (Where I ranked them: 3)

The Bison dominated Tennessee State 52-3, which is exactly how a top team in the FCS should dominate.

4. Idaho (1-1) | Previous Ranking: 7 (Where I ranked them: 8)

Idaho followed up a close call against a ranked FBS opponent with an FBS win over Wyoming. That…