FBS vs FCS: What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions in college football is the difference between the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). While both are part of NCAA Division I football, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
What is FCS in College Football?
The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) is one of the two tiers of NCAA Division I college football, the other being the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). While both are part of the NCAA's Division I, they operate under different sets of rules and have different championship structures.
FCS schools often have smaller athletic budgets and fewer athletic scholarships available compared to their FBS counterparts. This leads to some common questions:
- What Does FCS Stand For? - FCS stands for Football Championship Subdivision.
- Is FCS Division 1? - Yes, FCS schools are part of NCAA Division I but compete in a separate championship.
- How Many Scholarships Do FCS Schools Offer? - FCS programs can offer up to 63 scholarships, which can be divided among players.
- Do FCS Schools Play in Bowl Games? - No, FCS schools compete in a playoff system for the national championship, unlike FBS schools that participate in bowl games.
- Can FCS Schools Move to FBS? - Yes, but the transition involves meeting specific criteria, including facility upgrades and financial commitments.
The FCS provides an opportunity for schools that may not have the resources to compete at the FBS level to still participate in competitive college football. It also offers players more opportunities for playing time and development.
Is FCS Division 1?
Yes, FCS schools are part of NCAA Division I. However, they compete in a separate championship and have different recruiting rules and scholarship limits.
What Does FBS Stand For?
FBS stands for Football Bowl Subdivision, which is one of the two subdivisions of NCAA Division I college football. FBS schools are generally larger and have more resources compared to FCS schools. They also have the opportunity to compete in prestigious bowl games, including the College Football Playoff for the national championship.
This leads to several frequently asked questions:
- How Many Scholarships Do FBS Schools Offer? - FBS programs can offer up to 85 full-ride scholarships, which cannot be divided among players.
- What is the College Football Playoff? - The College Football Playoff is an annual postseason tournament in the FBS, determining the national champion.
- Can FBS Schools Move to FCS? - Yes, but such a transition is rare and involves meeting specific NCAA criteria.
- How Many Teams are in the FBS? - As of 2023, there are 130 FBS schools.
- What Conferences Make Up the FBS? - The FBS is made up of 10 conferences, including the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Pac-12, and Big 12.
The FBS offers a higher level of competition and exposure, making it a more attractive option for top-tier athletes. The schools often have larger stadiums, more advanced facilities, and more extensive athletic budgets.
FBS and FCS Upsets: David vs. Goliath Moments
While FBS schools are generally considered stronger and more resource-rich, FCS schools have been known to upset their FBS rivals. These moments are some of the most exciting in college football and serve as a testament to the competitive nature of the sport.
Here are some notable examples of FCS over FBS upsets:
- Appalachian State vs. Michigan (2007) - In one of the most famous upsets in college football history, Appalachian State defeated Michigan 34-32.
- James Madison vs. Virginia Tech (2010) - James Madison pulled off a stunning 21-16 win over Virginia Tech, marking one of the biggest upsets of the decade.
- North Dakota State vs. Kansas State (2013) - North Dakota State defeated Kansas State 24-21, showcasing the strength of FCS programs.
- South Dakota State vs. Kansas (2015) - South Dakota State managed to defeat Kansas 41-38 in a thrilling match.
These upsets serve as a reminder that in college football, anything is possible. They also provide FCS schools with a platform to showcase their talent and make a statement on the national stage.
Is Alabama FBS or FCS?
For those wondering, schools like Alabama are part of the FBS, which is generally considered the more competitive subdivision in NCAA Division I football.
