What does Campbellsville University football head coach Perry Thomas have in common with Arkansas' Bobby Petrino and Mississippi State's Dan Mullen? Each coached one of the Top 50 Most Improved Teams of all college football in 2009, according to the California-based sports information company Somis Sports. Only Thomas' Fighting Tigers scored much higher than the two Southeastern Conference schools, ranking at No. 20 overall.

"Wow...that is a nice compliment to the work and efforts of the team and staff," Thomas said, "and also a great endorsement for the commitment that the university has made to the CU student-athletes and programs."

Campbellsville (7-4) improved its record by four wins from 3-8 in 2008, good for a 17.83 rating. Arkansas was 42nd with a 13.94 rating and Mississippi State is No. 50.

"It is a real honor for our football program, coaches and players, to be recognized for their commitment to Tiger football," CU athletic director Rusty Hollingsworth said. "We were able to witness the progress made each Saturday, but now it is nice that others around the country have noticed. Congratulations to coach Perry Thomas and his staff for this recognition."

The Tigers' rating is also the sixth-best in the NAIA and second in the Mid-South Conference, right behind Lambuth University. NCAA Division III school Wittenburg improved its record by six wins for a 29.43 rating to lead all levels. NAIA school McPherson ranked second overall and topped the NAIA with a 25.64 rating and five win improval.

Campbellsville finished the season ranked No. 28 in the NAIA coaches poll.