My 2$:
1. NDSU
2. Youngstown State
3. UNI
4. Illinois State
5. Indiana State
6. Southern Illinois
7. SDSU
8. WIU
9. USD
10. Missouri State
NDSU-YSU-UNI are the early favorites in my opinion. YSU is young and very talented....again. I think the Bison beat them in Fargo this year.
UNI - is always tough and consistently puts a good team on the field. There 2nd QB played pretty well in Fargo this year so IMO, he is a better thrower than Rennie. UNI loses a lot on defense but they always seem to reload. UNI/NDSU in CF is going to be a good one.
NDSU - has a lot returning from last year's NC team. Defense has the potential to be even better in 12. Areas of concern are WR and replacing 2 very good OL. If Vraa (WR) can stay healthy, he could be better than Holloway.
Illinois State and Indiana State could also be right there in the mix. The Redbirds have a very good defense that will keep them in every game. Even SIU could come on and make some noise this year. SDSU has the QB but needs a running game to compliment him and their defense needs to improve.
IMO, USD-MSU-WIU will not be in the mix this coming year.
NDSU just needs to find another home game....















