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Picking the best college football team in each state entering the 2017 season

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  • Picking the best college football team in each state entering 2017

    The 2017 college football season is less than a month away. To help kick off the year, we're picking the best Division I program in every (applicable) state, republic and commonwealth in the union. 

    Before getting to the actual selections, though, there are a couple of points to clarify. This is not a list of the programs that have had the most all-time success in each state, but rather a look at what teams we believe are playing the best right now. Records, head-to-head wins and other recent accomplishments were taken into consideration. 

    We evaluated Division I programs from the FBS and FCS to cover 48 of 50 states. Alaska and Vermont were the only two states without a college football program at either of those levels -- Alaska doesn't have one at any level -- so they are being withheld. All others have at least one FBS or FCS football program. Some, of course, were more difficult than others to decide.

    With that said, let's take a look at the best team from each state.

    Credit: USATSI

  • Alabama: Alabama

    Four national titles in eight years tends to resonate in the college football world, and that's exactly why the Crimson Tide reigns supreme in the state and enters 2017 at No. 1. Sure, Auburn had its moments -- a national title in 2010 and an SEC title on the heels of the Kick Six caught Alabama's attention. But coach Nick Saban weaved around the damage, hit the gas and pulled away from the pack. -- Barrett Sallee

    Credit: USATSI

  • Arizona: Arizona

    Tough call. Both programs are coming off losing seasons and have head coaches firmly entrenched in hot seat chatter. They've evenly split the last 10 games in their rivalry. Arizona State is coming off of better record and running back Kalen Ballage is terrific. However, Arizona has the more recent rivalry win -- and 511 rushing yards! -- and a recent Pac-12 South title in 2014. Meanwhile, no one knows the location of Todd Graham's boy band headset. Arizona it is. -- Ben Kercheval

    Credit: USATSI

  • Arkansas: Arkansas

    The Razorbacks are coming off a 7-6 season and coach Bret Bielema hasn't lost fewer than five games in his four seasons in Fayetteville. That's rather average, but that gets you the title in The Natural State. Sure, Arkansas State has been one of the better teams in the Sun Belt (one conference loss over the last two years), but that isn't enough to overshadow the SEC shadow the Razorbacks cast. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • California: USC

    This would have been a lot more interesting a year ago, but USC just couldn't help itself by winning eight straight games and the Rose Bowl. Quarterback Sam Darnold is back as a preseason Heisman frontrunner. I don't know if the Trojans will live up to the hype. I don't know if Darnold is truly No. 1 overall pick material. But there's a lot of talent on this team and they should be fun. Let's enjoy that.  -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Colorado: Colorado

    This is actually closer contest than it seems, considering Colorado is fresh off a Pac-12 South title and Colorado State is coming off a 7-6 season. But the Rams have a new stadium to show off, and up-and-coming coach in Mike Bobo and it's not like Colorado has proven that it has staying power over the last couple of decades. Mike MacIntyre had a tremendous year last year, but now it's time to prove it. If he doesn't, this spot will be up for grabs next year. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Connecticut: UConn

    In 2016, the Huskies went 3-9, lost 30-0 to Boston College and fired their coach. And they're still the best team in the state. Randy Edsall knows what it takes to win in Storrs, though. That road trip can be lethal for some conference opponents. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Delaware: Delaware

    The Fightin' Blue Hens (4-7) staved off stiff competition from winless Delaware State. That's not elite, but former Delaware star quarterback Joe Flacco is. Maybe. Possibly.  -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Florida: Florida State

    Well … Florida State has an outstanding coach (Jimbo Fisher), is predicted to win the ACC in 2017, could be a playoff contender, had a Heisman winner (Jameis Winston), and a national championship in the same season, and hasn't lost to Florida since 2012 and Miami since 2009. So, yeah, the Seminoles are the best in Florida. -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Georgia: Georgia Tech

    No, Georgia Tech doesn't have the street cred as big brother Georgia ... but it has two wins over the last three seasons -- both at Georgia -- and is fresh off a 9-4 season. That's enough to give the Yellow Jackets the edge over Kirby Smart's crew for now. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Hawaii: Hawaii

    Hawaii is home to beautiful beaches, "Lost" and the only best Division I team on the islands. Still, there's reason for optimism after a 7-7 season that led to the program's first bowl appearance since 2010. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Idaho: Boise State

    Let's see ... 15 straight bowl games, three Fiesta Bowl appearances, a perch high atop the Group of Five mountaintop as the most stable of the perennial underdogs. Yeah, this is a no-brainier. Whether it's Dan Hawkins, Chris Petersen or Bryan Harsin, the Broncos rule Idaho. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Illinois: Northwestern

    This should say something about the job Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald has done. Or maybe it says something about the competition in Illinois. Probably both. Anyway, the Wildcats are routinely bowl bound and Fitzgerald is one of the most respected coaches in the business. This team also has a couple of names to know, including running back Justin Jackson and defensive back Godwin Igwebuike. -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Indiana: Notre Dame

    OK, before the obvious "Notre Dame went 4-8 last year" comments, let's put this in proper perspective. Who else can you put? Indiana, a team that went 6-7 last year and just replaced its coach? Purdue, which went 3-9? A 4-8 Ball State team? Nah. Notre Dame was nationally relevant a couple of years ago when it went to the Fiesta Bowl, and that's good enough to take the "honor" of the best team in Indiana. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Iowa: Iowa

    A Big Ten Championship Game for the ages two years ago, an 8-5 record a year ago and a stalwart coach in Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes have everything going for them at the moment. -- BS

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  • Kansas: Kansas State

    Ten years ago, this would have been Kansas! … You guys! -- BK

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  • Kentucky: Louisville

    Yes, Kentucky shocked Louisville on rivalry weekend last year. But Louisville got the last laugh a couple of weeks later when Lamar Jackson hoisted the Heisman Trophy. That, coupled with a thrashing of Florida State and a close loss to eventual national champion Clemson, makes Louisville the best team in the Bluegrass State. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Louisiana: LSU

    Sorry, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana-Lafayette and any other directional school. Nobody's topping the Tigers. Even in a down year in which the program made a mid-season coaching change, they managed to go 5-3 in the SEC and win the Citrus Bowl. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Maine: Maine

    What else can be said about the [/checks Google] Black Bears? Maine went 6-5 in 2016, winning five in a row at one point and losing by only a field goal at UConn. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Maryland: Navy

    This could turn in a more competitive race between Maryland and Navy if Terps coach D.J. Durkin succeeds. For now, it's an easy call. The Midshipmen are the model of consistency under underrated coach Ken Niumatalolo. Navy is averaging about nine wins a year lately and played for an American Athletic Conference title in 2016. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Massachusetts: Boston College

    Dear Lord, Massachusetts. Get it together. Boston College went 7-6 last year is really the only option in a state that "features" UMass (ranked last in the preseason CBS 130) and Harvard. Coach Steve Addazio is all about "being a dude" in a state in which the other dudes aren't putting up much of a fight. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Michigan: Michigan

    Tougher choice than you might think with Michigan State coming off a 3-9 season. Spartans coach Mark Dantonio has done a lot for that program, and he's dominated his rival for the past decade. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh still has a little something to prove. You can only finish third in your own division so many times, no matter how deep that division is. But, man, the way Michigan State fell to 3-9 in a hurry was concerning.  -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Minnesota: Minnesota

    The Golden Gophers are the only Division I team in the state, so there wasn't much in the way of competition. First-year coach PJ Fleck is a breath of fresh air that might inflate this program enough to make a Big Ten Championship Game run. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Mississippi: Mississippi State

    Ole Miss is a mess, is in the midst of a seemingly never-ending NCAA investigation, just lost its head coach and got worked 55-20 by Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. This one's a no-brainer. Mississippi State owns state bragging rights, was ranked No. 1 in the country as recently as 2014 and has established itself as the most stable program in the state. -- BS 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Missouri: Missouri

    There aren't many options in the Show Me State, and while Missouri's 4-8 record last year was less-than-stellar, it has been relevant on the national scene recently. Consecutive SEC East titles in 2013 and 2014 put the program back on the map, and that's more than any other program in the state can say. Sorry, Southeast Missouri State. -- BS 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Montana: Montana

    The Grizzlies lost to Montana State last season, but they've owned that rivalry as of late. Plus, Montana is a consistent Division I playoffs contender. The 2009 Football Championship Subdivision Semifinal against Appalachian State, in the snow, remains one of the neatest college football games in recent years. -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Nebraska: Nebraska

    The Cornhuskers are undeniably, without a shadow of a doubt, indisputably the best Division I team in the state. The fact that they are the only Division I team in the state is pure coincidence. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Nevada: Nevada

    No joke, this is a depressing state to break down. Nevada is coming off a 5-7 season but did smoke intrastate rival UNLV 45-10 in the 2016 season finale to send the Rebels to a 4-8 record. That counts for something. Hey, at least there's gambling in Nevada. -- BS 

    Credit: USATSI

  • New Hampshire: New Hampshire

    We can be snarky with our comments on small states with few Division I options. Not New Hampshire. The Wildcats are perennial FCS playoff participants. Also, shout out to the pride of the Granite State, Chip Kelly. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • New Jersey: Princeton

    It's 1869 all over again, folks. The Tigers went 8-2 in 2016 and finished first in the Ivy League.  -- BK

    Credit: Getty

  • New Mexico: New Mexico

    Let's give Bob Davie a little love. The former Notre Dame coach notched nine wins a year ago, has gone to consecutive New Mexico Bowls and rival New Mexico State hasn't won more than four games in a season since 2004 -- one year before YouTube was founded. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • New York: Syracuse

    Army was in the mix, but coach Dino Babers and the Syracuse Orange take the top spot in New York. No, the 4-8 record last year wasn't great, but Babers' high-octane offense should help the program take a step forward in 2017 and the promise of some success in the ACC gives the Orange the edge. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • North Carolina: NC State

    This was a tough debate because North Carolina did go to an ACC Championship Game two seasons ago, and coach Larry Fedora has established the program as a Coastal power. But NC State is in the tougher division with Clemson, Florida State and Louisville, and topped North Carolina last year. That, coupled with a fierce defensive front and promise in 2017, gives the Wolfpack the edge for now. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • North Dakota: North Dakota State

    The Bison won five straight national championships before losing in the FCS playoffs last season. Still, though. Five. National. Championships. If this was Twitter, a clap emoji would have been used between each word instead of periods. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Ohio: Ohio State

    Ohio State could be the best team in the country next season. Urban Meyer is a top-flight coach and won a national championship just a few years ago. Surely the Buckeyes can hold their own against the numerous MAC schools around the state. -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Oklahoma: Oklahoma

    Oklahoma State has undeniably closed the gap. The Sooners and Cowboys are the top two picks to make this year's Big 12 championship. But … Oklahoma has the edge. It has 12 of the last 14 wins in the Bedlam series. It made the playoff two seasons ago. It has a more recent Big 12 championship. The Sooners are the best. -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Oregon: Oregon

    The two Pac-12 programs in the state struggled last year and finished 4-8 with Oregon State winning the Civil War. But Oregon has played for two national titles since 2010, has established a much higher ceiling and the right coach to bring the program back to national prominence in Willie Taggart. -- BS 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Pennsylvania: Penn State

    Pitt fans will be upset at this after beating the Nittany Lions 42-39. I get it, and to make up for it, we gave you a shout out in South Dakota (more on that later). On to Penn State: A Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl appearance are nice accomplishments. Plus, this team returns one of the best players in the country, running back Saquon Barkley. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Rhode Island: Bryant

    The Bulldogs went 5-6 last season. Not great, but wait until you get a load of Rhode Island. The Rams went 2-9 while losing 55-6 to Kansas and 84-7 to James Madison. Sheesh. -- BK

    Credit: Getty

  • South Carolina: Clemson

    Yeah, when your state boasts the defending national champs and two-time national finalists, it makes this a rather easy state to choose. Coach Dabo Swinney has made Clemson a destination program for top-tier players around the country, has won on the game's biggest stages and the program shows no signs of slowing down. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • South Dakota: South Dakota State

    Last year, the Jackrabbits gave TCU hell in a 59-41 loss and actually beat North Dakota State in Fargo. They're basically a more midwestern Pitt? -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Tennessee: Tennessee

    Oh man, it would have been fun to see meltdown had Vanderbilt been chosen here. After all, the Commodores topped Tennessee 45-34 to close the 2016 regular season. But Tennessee has won nine games in consecutive seasons, has been on the brink of division titles in those seasons and was an injured shell of itself at the time of the rivalry game a year ago. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Texas: TCU

    It was coach Gary Patterson who said Texas schools "should be embarrassed" that they were shut out at the end-of-year top 25 polls. To his point: How does that happen? That made this decision more difficult than you might think. TCU gets the nod over Texas A&M -- though Sam Houston State got a long look as well. (Seriously.) The Frogs have been in rebuilding mode, but Patterson is a program staple and won a share of the Big 12 title in 2014. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Utah: Utah

    We always get a sizable amount of #readerengagement from the Holy War crowd on this. It's what makes this particular state fun and stressful. Both teams are coming off 9-4 efforts, but Utah won the head-to-head and having Kyle Whittingham for a coach sprinkles on enough extra points. -- BK 

    Credit: USATSI

  • Virginia: Virginia Tech

    The Hokies won 10 games in Justin Fuente's first season at the helm, kept things marginally interesting in the ACC Championship Game against Clemson and orchestrated a massive comeback in the Belk Bowl. Sorry UVa, Old Dominion, James Madison and the rest, Virginia is for Hokies (and for lovers). -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Washington: Washington

    The Apple Cup mattered last year for the first time in what seems like a generation, and Washington took the biggest bite. The Huskies took state bragging rights and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. That'll play. -- BS 

    Credit: USATSI

  • West Virginia: West Virginia

    The Mountaineers are coming off their first 10-win season in five years with an extended contract for coach Dana Holgorsen and a shiny, new quarterback in Will Grier. Life ain't bad. -- BK

    Credit: USATSI

  • Wisconsin: Wisconsin

    Wisconsin isn't consistently elite, but it is consistently solid. Three straight 10-win seasons, division titles in two of the last three years and a reputation as one of the most hard-nosed and fundamentally sound teams in the country has established the Badgers as the undisputed top team in the state. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI

  • Wyoming: Wyoming

    Not only is Wyoming the reigning champions of the Mountain division of the Mountain West Conference and home to top-tier quarterback prospect Josh Allen, it's the only Division I program in the state. So congrats, Cowboys, on being good and on a landlocked football island. -- BS

    Credit: USATSI
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