Blue Bloods

[KPKCBC]

I will admit I don't know the history like some of you. I see some names on here that I have some questions about. Not that they aren't good football programs but I wonder why some consider them Blue Bloods.

1. Harding - Without another title they need 5-10 more years of playing top 10 football to be in the conversation. They are close but you have to draw a line somewhere. IMO if you only have 1 chapionship it's hard to call yourself a Blue Blood. They are a hell of a program though. Is that next title coming soon?

2. West Florida - They have 1 title and a crazy winning percentage. They also only have 9 years of history. I am willing to overlook the lack of history with their track record but not with just 1 title. Go on a run like Ferris State and you are in for sure. Which could happen.

3. IUP - Consitent.....for a long time. Maybe the best program to not be considered a Blue Blood by most...but man, you gotta have some hardware.

4. Carson-Newman - consistet winning program. Haven't won a championship since the NAIA days.

5. Texas A&M Kingsville - read Carson-Newman

6. West Chester - Another team with a great win percentage and long history. No titles, great program.
.

[Predatory Primates]

If Harding is in the convo, maybe Pueblo should be, too?

[Mulerider]

To me it means usually at least has a shot at the playoffs. Has natties, runner ups or at least super deep runs in multiple eras. (Or maybe has one dynastic run.)

Definites:
VSU, Pitt, NW, GV, Ferris

Maybes:
Harding, UWF, Duluth


To some it would be the schools with the support and resources that make it way more surprising if they have a bad year or 2 than if they make a run.

Under that definition, the field expands a little more.

I really like this take and agree with your definites and maybes. I'm really curious why GV, Pitt, and Ferris aren't looking at moving up to D1 FCS.

[Predatory Primates]

I really like this take and agree with your definites and maybes. I'm really curious why GV, Pitt, and Ferris aren't looking at moving up to D1 FCS.

Pitt is busy trying to quit shrinking instead of growing. They are also in a small town, 2 hours from any metro area, I would be shocked if they moved up, ever unless it was for a single minor sport like track.. I can't speak for the others.

[KPKCBC]

If Harding is in the convo, maybe Pueblo should be, too?

Yes I agree. But for now the conversation is as far as they get.

I think you have to have multiple titles at this point to be taken seriously as a blue blood.

Actually the Fighting Tony Annese scare my a little calling them a Blue Blood. They don't have the history but I think with 4 titles in 5 years they bully their way into the room.

[Thelakerman]

I really like this take and agree with your definites and maybes. I'm really curious why GV, Pitt, and Ferris aren't looking at moving up to D1 FCS.

It’s all about the money. Expanding stadiums, offering twice as many scholarships and NIL money and travel would add significant costs to the program. In GV and Ferris case, the nearest football playing FCS schools are 5 hours away and extend outward from there. IF, and that’s a big IF, GV and Ferris were to move up, the logical geographical move would be to the FBS MAC conference. Western, Central and Eastern Michigan and Toledo are within 2 hours drive with the remaining schools within 5 hours. GV consistently outdraws most MAC schools in attendance and Ferris is expanding their stadium and is close behind. But a move up would cost tens of millions of dollars.

[Eagle74]

Valdosta State
Pit State
MW Mo
Grand Valley
Ferris State
Minnesota Duluth
Harding
Carson -Newman
West Chester
Indiana (PA)
Texas A & M Kingsville


that's my list

Augie and Mankato have done quite well recently in the nSIC but are not blue bloods. Augie was the bottom of the old NCC with Morningside. Mankato has a chance to join the list if they stay D2

I wish we could claim Carson Newman as a Blue Blood, but having never won a Division 2 football championship, and not making it to the championship game in 27 years is unfortunately kinda a disqualifier. Hopefully soon.

[EastStroud13]

IUP and West Chester are "regional blue bloods" if such a thing could be considered. But not nationally, not by a long shot.

[KPKCBC]

IUP and West Chester are "regional blue bloods" if such a thing could be considered. But not nationally, not by a long shot.

That's a great way to look at it.