News/Commentary

AFCA Coaches' Poll: Rhode Island Moves Up To No. 10

November 4, 2024 by AFCA.com

Trailing 28-17 late in the third quarter against Monmouth (N.J.), Rhode Island scored the game’s final three touchdowns to come from behind and win, 37-28. This was the Rams’ fifth win this season when they trailed in the fourth quarter. Rhode Island moves to No. 10 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, presented by Hudl. They are 8-1 on the season and in a tie with No. 9 Richmond for the top spot in the Coastal Athletic Association with identical 5-0 conference marks.

The top six remained unchanged this week with North Dakota State, Montana State, South Dakota State and UC Davis recording commanding victories while South Dakota and Southeast Missouri State were idle. Montana moves up to No. 7 this week as they prepare to host No. 4 UC Davis in a pivotal Big Sky Conference contest.

Three new schools enter the top 25 this week with UT Martin at 22, Duquesne at 24 and Harvard at 25. The Skyhawks are second in the Big South/OVC standings while Duquesne and Harvard are in a tie for the top spot in their respective conferences, the NEC and the Ivy League.

See: Congrove Computer Rankings (Top 129)

Learn more at AFCA.com.

Rank School (1st votes) W-L Points LW
1 North Dakota St. (24) 9-1 648 1
2 Montana St. (2) 9-0 622 2
3 South Dakota St. 7-2 599 3
4 UC Davis 8-1 568 4
5 South Dakota 6-2 523 5
6 Southeast Missouri St. 8-1 493 6
7 Montana 7-2 484 8
8 UIW 7-2 452 10
9 Richmond 7-2 411 12
10 Rhode Island 8-1 372 14
11 Villanova 7-2 368 13
12 Idaho 6-3 357 11
13 Mercer 8-1 348 16
14 Tarleton St. 7-2 320 7
15 Missouri St. 7-2 274 17
16 ACU 6-3 249 18
17 Illinois St. 6-3 224 19
18 Stony Brook 7-2 202 20
19 Central Arkansas 6-3 201 9
20 Jackson St. 7-2 144 23
21 William & Mary 6-3 134 24
22 UT Martin 6-3 99 NR
23 North Dakota 5-4 83 15
24 Duquesne 6-2 71 NR
25 Harvard 6-1 27 NR

Dropped Out: North Carolina Central (21), Dartmouth (22), Chattanooga (25)

Others Receiving Votes: South Carolina St., 23; North Carolina Central, 22; Dartmouth, 18; Butler, 16; Stephen F. Austin, 15; Florida A&M, 14; Austin Peay, 11; Drake, 11; Columbia, 9; Western Carolina, 9; Chattanooga, 7; Northern Arizona, 7; Robert Morris, 6; Tennessee St., 4; Indiana St., 3; Lamar, 1; Southeastern Louisiana, 1.