2. Northern Iowa: Another solid defensive effort, but a lackluster offensive performance against a SIU team that just surrendered 35 points to the leagues top offense, YSU.
3. Illinois State: The Redbirds appear to be on a roll as they have no margin for error. Huge win at home over Indiana State 17-14. A win over inner-state rival Southern Illinois would put the Redbirds at 6-3 on the year. They should be favored in two of their last three and could finish at 7-4 on the year. (Outside shot at playoffs)
4. Indiana State: Their playoff hopes took a hit in that loss to Illinois State on Saturday. Bell rushed for 123, but it was not enough in the loss in Normal. They should also be favorites in two of their last three and could finish at 7-4 on the year. (Outside shot at playoffs)
5. Youngstown State: Beat St. Francis 49-23. Score does not indicate too much as it was 42-3 at half. Bench got all the playing time in the second half. YSU has WIU this week and will likely be 5-3 heading into road games at UNI and NDSU. They have the offense to contend in each game and an upset in either one could setup a potential 7-4 record as well. (Remote shot at playoffs)
---Drop Off--
6. South Dakota State: Lost to NDSU 38-14. Offense has been shut down for just 28 points in previous two weeks, after the upset on the road in Youngstown.
7. Southern Illinois: Lost to UNI 17-10 in a close one. Their defense kept them in it, as it did vs. NDSU, but their offense is bad.
Tie-8. Western Illinois: Lost to Misery State 31-17. Awful loss vs. the awful Bears. Head to Youngstown next Saturday, could be another ugly one...
Tie-8. Missouri State: Got their first win, and probably last win, of the season. Congrats to the Bears!
However, at this point, it is hard for me to put them ahead of WIU, as I still believe they are THE worst team in the MVFC this year.P.S. The crap about NDSU being ahead of UNI will finally be able to be put to rest Saturday when they duke it out. I don't care who wins, although I expect NDSU to win, the winner will be #1 in my rankings next week.
