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Post your 'power rankings' for the MVFC after the first three weeks of the season. I am interested in hearing your take.

1. Northern Iowa (2-1) - They were not one, but two field goals away from beating Iowa. Only time I ever cheered for them. They are clearly the top team in this league, ranked in the Top 5 of every single poll . If only they could do a little better come playoff time!

2. South Dakota State (2-0) - Their blowout win over SoCon foe Georgia Southern should tell you how good this SDSU team is. They travel to Normal, IL to take on the Redbirds this week before hitting the 'Left Coast' for a huge non-conference battle against Cal-Poly.

3. Southern Illinois (1-1) - They gave Marshall on they could handle in a hard fought 31-28 loss. When is this team ever NOT in the thick of things? Nothing changes this year. They have a solid program going for them.

4. Youngstown State (2-1) - Most of you will have them lower, but this team is legit. We stunk last year because we had about 24 players out due to injuries. So far, we have remained healthy, which is key if the Penguins return to the playoffs. Watch for Brandon Summers, he has had 8 TD's in the past two games, 5 through the air and 3 on the ground. Bledsoe, TCU Transfer, is a force on defense with 23 solo tackles/30 total.

5. North Dakota State (1-2) - Played Iowa State tough and lost in a shoot out to Sam Houston State, but their defense does not look good early on, giving up 37 points per game. They even gave up 24 to Wagner... Their game this weekend against SIU should tell you if this team will be in the hunt or if they will be a mid-tier MVFC team.

6. Missouri State (2-1) - MSU looks to have a solid core of athletes back and they are off to a good 2-1 start. QB Kirby is an excellent quarterback and can make things happen. Will he be able to make enough happen this weekend against UNI? Not likely.

7. Western Illinois (1-2) - Began the year with a fabulous shoot out win over Sam Houston State, but they've followed with back to back losses to Northern Illinois and Stephen F. Austin. No more Donaldson, but they should be able to give the top tier of the MVFC some hell this year.

8. Illinois State (1-2) - They looked ugly starting the year off, but they came back with an impressive 38-7 home opener win over OVC Austin Peay. They will struggle this year, but like WIU, they have the playmakers to upset a top tier MVFC team.

9. Indiana State (0-4) - Not much to say. They got some serious speed, but they have no defense. 30 straight losses for the Sycamores. It doesn't get any easier against Youngstown St. this week, who is 9-0 in Terre Haute, IN.

Post your rankings.

I've been following the MVC a little more closely than usual for this simple fact. Whoever wins the BSC will see a MVC team in the first or 2nd round this year. Mark my words. The only thing I'd change with these would be to flip-flop Missouri State and Western Illinois. They have similar characteristics and both will win some games, but I think the Leathernecks are a stronger team through and through. Illinois State may end up surprising some people as well. I look forward to Oct. 3 in the FargoDome when I watch them and NDSU play. And I'll most likely be at the NDSU vs Youngstown State game as well. Damn shame that I have to have an away game the day UNI comes to town. I'd give my left nut to see that game this year (ok I wouldn't but you get the idea).

So graphically, this is what I'm seeing:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Pretty much agree with both of you guys. I really think that NDSU, YSU, MSU, and WIU are all kind of interchangeable at this point, and I can see any of those teams knocking off one of the top three to really spoil someones season. I think that overall this year the MVC is looking a lot better than last year top to bottom.

Shocking. One great team, two above average teams, 4 average teams and two really crappy teams. Sounds like every other conference in America (except the bloated CAA).

I agree with Willie's rankings.

AZGrizFan wrote:Shocking. One great team, two above average teams, 4 average teams and two really crappy teams. Sounds like every other conference in America (except the bloated CAA).

I agree with Willie's rankings.

I don't think some of those middle 4 teams are average, I think they are very good, they are just forced to beat up on each other during the course of the regular season.

Is SIU that overrated? SDSU that underrated? Some of both?

clenz wrote:Is SIU that overrated? SDSU that underrated? Some of both?

I think a little of both. If you looke at all of SIU's games last year, they were lucky to get wins against some bad teams last year. Including a miracle play to beat a terrible MSU team. Not to mention blowing so many big leads, including losing to NDSU.

And for SDSU, I still have doubts about their ability on offense without Berry at QB. Its tough to break in a new QB, and we will see what happens when they start playing some tough teams.

I'm looking forward to the SIU NDSU matchup. The top two running backs in the FCS (Paschall of NDSU @ 163 yds/game and Karim of SIU @ 138.5 yds/game) meet up in this one.

running backs

As a team, SIU ranks #1 in rushing and NDSU is #5 nationally.

team rushing

Willie, what is your reasoning of why you think the MVFC will play the big sky champ?

DJH wrote:Willie, what is your reasoning of why you think the MVFC will play the big sky champ?

Just a hunch

one thing is certain, UNI is heads above the rest! The only thing that will beat them is the jersey chasers . As for SDSU.. I am suprised they are doing this well this early, in the past they have slow starts and finish strong. They could be scary good late in the season. NDSU, my bison, have moments that tell me they could be great, and even more moments that ensure they are far from it. I do agree that past UNI and SDSU it is a toss up of average teams and we will see how things shake out!

bison95 wrote:one thing is certain, UNI is heads above the rest! The only thing that will beat them is the jersey chasers . As for SDSU.. I am suprised they are doing this well this early, in the past they have slow starts and finish strong. They could be scary good late in the season. NDSU, my bison, have moments that tell me they could be great, and even more moments that ensure they are far from it. I do agree that past UNI and SDSU it is a toss up of average teams and we will see how things shake out!

If everything works out as planned, I hope, we will have a huge Halloween battle here in Youngstown between the Rabbits and the Penguins. I believe they are broadcasting that game on the MVFC TV Network...

DJH wrote:Willie, what is your reasoning of why you think the MVFC will play the big sky champ?

It could possibly be because the thinks that SDSU has a shot at the at large, and if they get that its almost a lock that they end up in Montana when they win the Big Sky......again .

Thumper 76 wrote:

DJH wrote:Willie, what is your reasoning of why you think the MVFC will play the big sky champ?

It could possibly be because the thinks that SDSU has a shot at the at large, and if they get that its almost a lock that they end up in Montana when they win the Big Sky......again .

Figured it wouldn't take long for someone to get it.

Doesn't Montana normally get the SLC champ first round?

I could't tell ya but i think its because SDSU is the closest to Montana thats not a conference foe.

throw these rankings out the MO FO window after NDSU beats SIU and then wins the easy HOMECOMING game and shows up at the Fargodome at 10/10 for UNI in the game of the year in the MVFC!!!

Thumper 76 wrote:I could't tell ya but i think its because SDSU is the closest to Montana thats not a conference foe.

......and SDSU Will be the MVFC champ this year.

loooooooong season to go before that happens! Heres hoping though!

Anyone going to any games this weekend?

Willie wrote:I've been following the MVC a little more closely than usual for this simple fact. Whoever wins the BSC will see a MVC team in the first or 2nd round this year. Mark my words. The only thing I'd change with these would be to flip-flop Missouri State and Western Illinois. They have similar characteristics and both will win some games, but I think the Leathernecks are a stronger team through and through. Illinois State may end up surprising some people as well. I look forward to Oct. 3 in the FargoDome when I watch them and NDSU play. And I'll most likely be at the NDSU vs Youngstown State game as well. Damn shame that I have to have an away game the day UNI comes to town. I'd give my left nut to see that game this year (ok I wouldn't but you get the idea).

My prediction is beginning to look very good. I could easily see SDSU making a trip to Zoo Town. And if it's for the first round...I'll shit my pants because I'll more than likely be there.

hopefully you'll change your pants before going to the game.

JayJ79 wrote:hopefully you'll change your pants before going to the game.

Haha yeah. SDSU is a team I've wanted to see in person for a while, and it could potentially finally happen.

Willie wrote:

Willie wrote:I've been following the MVC a little more closely than usual for this simple fact. Whoever wins the BSC will see a MVC team in the first or 2nd round this year. Mark my words. The only thing I'd change with these would be to flip-flop Missouri State and Western Illinois. They have similar characteristics and both will win some games, but I think the Leathernecks are a stronger team through and through. Illinois State may end up surprising some people as well. I look forward to Oct. 3 in the FargoDome when I watch them and NDSU play. And I'll most likely be at the NDSU vs Youngstown State game as well. Damn shame that I have to have an away game the day UNI comes to town. I'd give my left nut to see that game this year (ok I wouldn't but you get the idea).

My prediction is beginning to look very good. I could easily see SDSU making a trip to Zoo Town. And if it's for the first round...I'll shit my pants because I'll more than likely be there.

Well...?