RFC Originals--DEBUT EDITION

Well, here it is! The debut of the "RFC Originals", articles on small college and minor league professional football not available elsewhere. First up is the first-ever RFC "Dandy Dozen" poll. This is where we rate the top 12 small college football teams in the nation, whether it be the Football Championship Subdivision of NCAA Division (formerly NCAA Division I-AA), NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, or the NAIA. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started!

RFC Dandy Dozen Debut Poll--FCS

1. Richmond (13-3 in 2008): Despite a third-place finish in the Colonial Athletic Association South Division, the Spiders peaked at the right time, winning their first-ever national championship. Can they win back-to-back titles in 2009? An October visit to defending division champion and intra-state rival James Madison, and a home showdown against Villanova could decide if UR will even get that chance--to return to the playoffs at least.

2. Appalachian State (11-3): The Mountaineers quest to win an unpredecedented fourth straight FCS national championship was de-railed by this aforementioned Richmond squad in last year's quarterfinals. A healthy Armanti Edwards leading the way at quarterback could determine whether or not the Mountaineers win four FCS crowns in the five years.

3. Montana (14-2): After falling to Richmond in last year's title game, the Grizzlies will look to win--or share--the Big Sky Conference crown for the 11th straight season.

4. Northern Iowa (12-3): The Panthers hope to have a happy ending in 2009 after losing a heartbreaker to Richmond in last year's FCS semifinals. They'll find out quickly just how good they are when they pay a visit to Big Ten Conference foe Iowa to open the season on September 5.

5. James Madison (12-2): The Dukes are re-loading for 2009 after going unbeaten (8-0) in the CAA South Division in 2008, losing to Montana in the FCS national semifinals. Senior defensive end Sam Daniels is among three Sports Network preseason All-Americans hoping to lead JMU to its second national championship in six years.

6. Villanova (10-3): Despite a second place finish (7-1) in the CAA South, two of the Wildcats three losses last season came to James Madison, with the latter coming in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs, a season-ending 31-27 setback. 'Nova will be tested quite often this season, as the Wildcats must travel to New Hampshire (October 10), James Madison (October 17), and defending national champion Richmond (November 7).

The Other Six

7. Weber State (10-4): Shared Big Sky title with Montana last season.

8. Southern Illinois (9-3): Another conference co-champion, the Salukis shared the Missouri Valley Football Conference championship with Northern Iowa in 2008.

9. New Hampshire (10-3): Winners of the CAA North title a year ago, the Wildcats managed to outlast Southern Illinois, 29-20, before losing a heartbreaker to UNI, 36-34, in the FCS quarterfinals.

10. Wofford (9-3): A second place finisher in the Southern Conference last year, it'll be interesting to see if the Terriers can mount a serious challenge to Appalachian State's supremacy in that league this year.

11. Eastern Kentucky (8-4): The Colonels enter the 2009 season as the defending Ohio Valley Conference champions after a 7-1 finish in league play in 2008.

12. Maine (8-5): The Black Bears fell in the first round of the FCS playoffs to Northern Iowa, 40-15.

Questions or comments about the Dandy Dozen? Send them to realfootballcentral@gmail.com.