Well, Liberty and their massive resources would have to be #1. And not even close.
After that, it's tough, because, really, how many of us know what facilites are like? I do think we can look at things like budget to get an idea and recruiting territory as well.
But after Liberty, i'd probably rank them.
2. MT - historically, we have some money relative to peers, great location for recruits, we're finally investing in facilities and running the program like it should. If we can get some fans back, the sky's the limit (or at least till we bump into Liberty).
3. FIU - should be better than they are and I could have ranked them #2, but they have terrible history. Most fertile recruiting area in the conference. No support. Good academics.
4. WKU - good facilities, good history, well run program with support, but recruiting is always going to be tougher here than places above.
5. SHSU: No idea, but they had some success as a FCSer, Texas schools always have potential. But at some point, are there too many Texas schools?
6. Delaware: Good Success at FCS, good fan base, good academics. Tough to recruit to Delaware.
7. Kennesaw - great location, but just getting off the ground. Potential here though as sort of MTSU's suburban Atlanta counterpart.
8. Jacksonville State: Solid program with some support, should have good recruiting base, not sure how much money is around for another Alabama football program.
9. La Tech - good recruiting area, school has history, but Louisiana schools not named LSU are broke.
10. UTEP: EL Paso's got probs, Texas school, but too far away from the recruits, what does it have?
11. NMSU: All credit to Jerry Kill for what they did this year, but this has got to be one of the 5 toughest jobs in college football?