Just how good could the top of the FCS be as a super group?

Let’s play a little game this week. A hypothetical if you will.

There are some teams in the states of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota that seem to be pretty good. In fact, through three weeks, they’ve been outstanding.

But just how good would they be together? Hypothetically of course.

Think of it. A conference made up of Montana State, South Dakota State, Montana, the top three teams in our Top 25 this week, North Dakota and South Dakota. Let’s even add in regional foes Illinois State and Idaho State just to get the numbers up.

That’s seven teams in the top 13 of our rankings, one combined loss and a trio of wins over FBS teams. So where would this FCS super conference finish amongst the FBS ranks?

No one is questioning the P4 conferences here, so the Big 10, Big 12, SEC and ACC are still out of reach. But I don’t think any of the remaining Group of 6 conferences are out of the discussion.

Top-ranked Montana State had no issues with Nevada last week in a 20-7 win, fifth-ranked Illinois State stormed out to a two-score lead over Northern Illinois before coming back in the final two minutes to get a 28-24 victory. That’s a pair of wins against middle-of-the-road Mountain West teams. 

Then looking to this week, third-ranked Montana gets its FBS shot with a trip to Pac-12 foe Oregon State, who open as a 9.5-point favorite against the Griz. A win there would be a second against the Pac for our super group after Idaho State toppled Utah State in Week 1. 

What’s even more impressive about these FBS victories though, is that Montana State and Illinois State not only won but were favored going into the game. It’s a statement that the top-end of the FCS belongs when they step on the field against G6 teams and are happy to take both the wins and paychecks attached.

It may be a dream world, but it sure has been fun watching FCS teams beat up on their “big brothers” week in and out.

Texans almost take a step back: There was nearly an emotional-calibration issue over the weekend for fourth-ranked Tarleton State. 

Coming off the high of a Week 1 victory at FBS Bowling Green, Tarleton State needed a pair of fourth-quarter field goals to outlast McNeese 27-24 on the road Saturday night. 

Running back Tylan Hines was again fantastic for the Texans (3-0), carrying the ball 17 times for 141 yards and two scores. But McNeese (1-2) hung tough for the second time this season against a ranked opponent, the Cowboys fell to 15th-ranked Stephen F. Austin 38-27 in Week 0. Look for the Cowboys to continue making noise in the Southland with games to go against teams like Incarnate Word, Nicholls and No. 16 Lamar.

Furman with a marquee win over Mercer: It was just three years ago that Furman was battling for a top-four seed into the FCS playoffs. One year later, and the Paladins were a three-win team.

That’s just the reality of roster retention in college football. But after this weekend, Furman might be back on track.

The Paladins (2-1) went to Mercer and handed the Bears a 20-13 victory and earn the final spot in this week’s Top 25 rankings. Running backs Ben Croadsdale, CJ Nettles and Isaiah Davis are each over 100 yards this season, with Croadsdale finding the endzone three times already. But it’s the Furman defense that has been most impressive. Outside of a thumping at the hands of FBS No. 20 Tennessee, the Paladins have only allowed 16 points in two other games this season.

That number will be put to the test this week though, as Furman hosts No. 17 South Carolina State and a Bulldogs’ offense that has scored 87, 31 and 66 points in their first three contests. Furman will follow up that contest with a nonconference game against Richmond and Southern Conference showdowns against No. 23 Wofford and No. 11 Tennessee Tech.

Other Top 25 movement: A little movement in the top-half of this week’s rankings as No. 5 Illinois State jumps three spots after beating Northern Illinois, dropping UC Davis from No. 5 to No. 7 and slipping Youngstown State down one spot to No. 8. 

Lamar and South Carolina State each move up a spot to Nos. 16 and 17 respectively, as No. 18 Yale drops two spots ahead of their season-opener Saturday at Holy Cross.

Finally, William & Mary is out of the rankings and Furman is in, with the final six spots going to West Florida, Cal Poly, who hung close at FBS San Jose State over the weekend, Northern Arizona, Wofford, Campbell and finally the Paladins.

Looking ahead: Three ranked FCS matchups are on the slate for this weekend, headlined by No. 8 Youngstown State traveling to No. 2 South Dakota State for a Missouri Valley Conference thriller (Saturday at 6 p.m. CDT, ESPN+).

13th-ranked Austin Peay will travel to No. 20 West Florida (Saturday at 7 p.m. EDT, ESPN+) in a showdown at the top of the UAC, while No. 17 SC State at No. 25 Furman (Saturday at 7 p.m. EDT, ESPN+) rounds out the ranked-on-ranked slate.

Three ranked teams will also take shots at FBS squads this weekend, headlined by No. 3 Montana at Oregon State (Saturday at 8 p.m. PDT, USA Network). Also, sixth-ranked North Dakota will travel to Nebraska (Saturday at 6:15 p.m. CDT, BTN) and No. 12 South Dakota will hit the blue turf against Boise State (Saturday at 8 p.m. MDT, CBS Sports Network).