Wanna make MVFC predictions for 2009??

[TheBisonator]

Conference records only.

Here's my thinking:

1) Northern Iowa 7-1 (playoffs)
2) Southern Illinois 6-2 (playoffs)
3) North Dakota State 5-3
4) South Dakota State 5-3
5) Western Illinois 4-4
6) Youngstown State 4-4
7) Illinois State 2-6
8) Missouri State 2-6
9) Indiana State 1-7

My prediction may change as the summer goes on, though.

[BearsCountry]

The Bears will be the suprise team in the league this year.

[darell1976]

1. Southern Illinois
2. N. Iowa
3. Youngstown St.
4. SDSU
5. W. Illinois
6. NDSU
7. Missouri St.
8. Illinois St.
9. Indiana St.

[TheBisonator]

The Bears will be the suprise team in the league this year.

I could be flexible to switch YSU at 4-4 and MOSU at 2-6. I see YSU being on the downslope. I think INSU will win a conference game this year.

[BearsCountry]

1. UNI
2. NDSU
3. Missouri State
4. SIU
5. SDSU
6. Illinois State
7. Youngstown State
8. Western Illinois
9. Indiana State

[ValleyChamp]

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. SDSU
4. YSU
5. NDSU
6. WIU
7. MSU
8. ISUr
9. ISUb

As I have typed it, it will be so.

[skinny_uncle]

I will have to get back to this. Right now, I am just happy I survived the little "inland hurricane" that hit southern Illinois last Friday. I didn't get my power back until late Monday night and just got my internet back today. An experience like that can get you back in touch with reality.

[cowbellnation]

1. UNI
2. SDSU
3. SIU
4. NDSU
5. MSU
6. YSU
7. WIU
8. Ill. State
9. In. State

[Syntax Error]

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. SDSU
4. YSU
5. WIU
6. NDSU
7. MSU
8. ILS
9. INS

[FargoBison]

1.UNI
2.SIU
3.NDSU
4.SDSU
5.MSU
6.YSU
7.Ill St
8.Indiana State
9.WIU

[dlsiouxfan]

1. SIU
2. UNI
3. SDSU
4. WIU
5. MSU
6. YSU
7. Ill St
8. NDSU
9. Indiana State

[TheBisonator]

1. SIU
2. UNI
3. SDSU
4. WIU
5. MSU
6. YSU
7. Ill St
8. NDSU
9. Indiana State

"Pay no attention to the man behind the pink and green curtain..."xlolxxlolxxlolx

[NDB]

Conference records only.

Here's my thinking:

1) Northern Iowa 7-1 (playoffs)
2) Southern Illinois 6-2 (playoffs)
3) North Dakota State 5-3
4) South Dakota State 5-3
5) Western Illinois 4-4
6) Youngstown State 4-4
7) Illinois State 2-6
8) Missouri State 2-6
9) Indiana State 1-7

My prediction may change as the summer goes on, though.

When I first read this, I was thinking total fricken homer. But on further review I ended up with the same list.

As with any predictions, the first and the last are easy, the middle is tough. NDSU could just as easily be 5-3 or 3-5.

I'll be happy to provide updated predictions on November 10th.

[mmiller_34]

1. SIU
2. UNI
3. SDSU
4. NDSU
5. MSU
6. YSU
7. WIU
8. Indiana St.
9. Illinois St.

[89Hen]

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. SDSU
4. YSU
5. WIU
6. NDSU
7. MSU
8. ILS
9. INS
I think that's the one with which I agree most. xrulesx

[89Hen]

8. Indiana St.
9. Illinois St.
xeyebrowx xeyebrowx xeyebrowx

[leatherneck177]

1. UNI (7-1)
2. NDSU (5-3)
3. SIU (5-3)
4. SDSU (4-4)
5. WIU (4-4)
6. YSU (3-5)
7. MSU (3-5)
8. ISU Blue (2-6)
9. ISU Red (1-7)

[darell1976]

"Pay no attention to the man behind the pink and green curtain..."xlolxxlolxxlolx

Are you going to be laughing if his prediction comes true. Your team is not a favorite for the top spot in the conference you have Mertens at QB and look what he did last season.

[89Hen]

1. UNI (7-1)
2. NDSU (5-3)
3. SIU (5-3)
4. SDSU (4-4)
5. WIU (4-4)
6. YSU (3-5)
7. MSU (3-5)
8. ISU Blue (2-6)
9. ISU Red (1-7)
So unless there are a bunch of I-A wins you're saying one bid for the Gateway? xeyebrowx xeyebrowx xeyebrowx

[Gil Dobie]

SDSU has their toughest games at home, SIU and UNI, and should win the rest of the games after that, IMO.

1. South Dakota State 7-1
2. S. Illinois 6-2
UNI 6-2
4. NDSU 5-3
Youngstown St 5-3
6. W Illinois 4-4
7. Missouri 2-6
8. Illinois St 1-7
9. Indiana St 0-8

[Gil Dobie]

Are you going to be laughing if his prediction comes true. Your team is not a favorite for the top spot in the conference you have Mertens at QB and look what he did last season.

It doesn't look likely with Missouri St, Illinois St and Youngstown St at home.

[mmiller_34]

xeyebrowx xeyebrowx xeyebrowx

Haha, trust me. It's bound to happen sooner or later.

[89Hen]

Haha, trust me. It's bound to happen sooner or later.
Agreed, but I'm going with later. xsmiley_wix

[Sycamore51]

uni 8-0
siu 7-1
sdsu 6-2
ndsu 4-4
wiu 4-4
ysu 3-5
in st 2-6
mo st 1-7
Il st 1-7

[ISUMatt]

1. SIU
2. UNI
3. SDSU
4. NDSU
5. MSU
6. YSU
7. WIU
8. Indiana St.
9. Illinois St.

There is POSITIVELY NO WAY Indiana State finishes ahead of Illinois State!!!

2008: Red 57 Blue 6
2007: Red 69 Blue 17
2006: Red 42 Blue 20
2005: Red 70 Blue 28
2004: Blue 41 Red 38
2003: Red 38 Blue 3
2002: Red 20 Blue 12
2001: Red 31 Blue 17
2000: Red 21 Blue 0
1999: Red 20 Blue 17
1998: Red 24 Blue 20

We have had the Trees number for 10 years now and the last 4 games haven't been close!!! This tells me that unless the Swine Flu hits, the Trees will be winless yet again, cuz we arent that good either!

[TheBisonator]

Remember folks, for the prediction to be mathematically realistic, total up all wins in W column and all loses in L column and make sure they both equal 36. 36 total wins, 36 total losses in the conference.

[rjacks21]

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. SDSU
4. MSU
5. NDSU
6. YSU
7. WIU
8. Illinois State
9. Indiana State

[Rabbit74]

SDSU plays UNI, SIU and NDSU at home, therefore.

1. UNI
SDSU
3. SIU
4. YSU
5. NDSU
6. WIU
7. MSU
8. IlSU
9. InSU

[Gil Dobie]

SDSU plays UNI, SIU and NDSU at home, therefore.

1. UNI
SDSU
3. SIU
4. YSU
5. NDSU
6. WIU
7. MSU
8. IlSU
9. InSU

Exactly, home field is important, not and auto win, but important. Looking at the schedules of each team, SDSU could be on top at the end.

[Thunderstruck84]

1. UNI 6-2 (tie breaker)
2. SIU 6-2
3. SDSU 6-2
4. NDSU 5-3
5. YSU 4-4
6. MSU 4-4
7. WIU 3-5
8. IlSU 2-6
9. InSU 0-8

[TCisMYhero]

Exactly, home field is important, not and auto win, but important. Looking at the schedules of each team, SDSU could be on top at the end.

Haven't the Dakotas been given back to the Sioux yet? My predictions for top 3
1. UNI
2. SIU
3. Chief Wabahanna's Sioux-formerly SDSU (tomahawks and arrows get left behind on two away trips, but otherwise nobody wants to face them).xcoffeex

[ISUMatt]

1. UNI
2. NDSU
3. SIU
4. SDSU
5. WIU
6. MSU
7. ILS
8. YSU
9. INS

[JBB]

1. UNI - 2 losses
2. SIU - 2-3 losses
3. NDSU - probably 3 losses
4. SDSU - 4 losses
5. WIU - 4 losses
6. MSU - 4 losses
7. ILS - more than 4
8. YSU - more than 4
9. INS - more than 4

That might not get NDSU a playoff spot but a lot depends on how all the other teams do so who knows?

[TribeNomad]

I am no expert on the MVFC, but I was really impressed with UNI in the playoffs last year, and it looks like they are bringing a lot of folks back...........

[Sturgisjeff]

Haven't the Dakotas been given back to the Sioux yet? My predictions for top 3
1. UNI
2. SIU
3. Chief Wabahanna's Sioux-formerly SDSU (tomahawks and arrows get left behind on two away trips, but otherwise nobody wants to face them).xcoffeex

It's not Sioux, it's either Lakota, Dakota, or Nakota. The name will always be the Jackrabbits.

[skinny_uncle]

1. UNI
2. NDSU
3. SIU
4. SDSU
5. WIU
6. MSU
7. ILS
8. YSU
9. INS
I am almost shocked you pick the Bears ahead of your Redbirds. Not much of a "homer" are you, Matt?

[ValleyChamp]

Honestly, I think the standings are going to be really really similar to last season. I think that one team that could really move up is Youngstown. Other than that, I think it will be very similar to last seasons final standings.

[FargoBison]

Honestly, I think the standings are going to be really really similar to last season. I think that one team that could really move up is Youngstown. Other than that, I think it will be very similar to last seasons final standings.

I could see WIU taking a drop, Donaldson and Williams were both great players.

[BearsCountry]

I am almost shocked you pick the Bears ahead of your Redbirds. Not much of a "homer" are you, Matt?

Well we did kind of beat the Birds in Normal last year and the game is in the Ozarks this year.

[ValleyChamp]

I could see WIU taking a drop, Donaldson and Williams were both great players.

As I was typing my post, I was thinking the same thing. WIU is definitely going to drop.

[Big Cats]

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. SDSU
4. NDSU
5.YSU
6. WIU
7. MSU
8.ISU red
9.ISU blue

[achrist70]

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. SDSU
4. YSU
5. NDSU
6. MSU
7. WIU
8. ISU Red
9. ISU Blue

[footballer23]

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. YSU
4. WIU
5. NDSU
6. SDSU
7. MSU
8. ISU Red
9. ISU Blue

[matboz]

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. SDSU
4. NDSU
5. MSU
6. WIU
7. YSU
8. ISU Red
9. ISU Blue

[JayJ79]

crap, the consensus is for UNI to be on top.

That makes me worry that they might underachieve this year.
(it seems like they always have their best years when there is little preseason buzz)
Hopefully they prove me wrong.

[ISUMatt]

I am almost shocked you pick the Bears ahead of your Redbirds. Not much of a "homer" are you, Matt?

Well new coach, new QB, new system, and not the right players into that system yet...our WRs are not that good and we have a pass based offense now...plus our defense wasnt good last yr either...

As for being a homer, Ive just always tried to be honest and not let my feelings get in the way...I hope Im wrong but I dont think so

[UNI Pike]

I see all of these predictions ISU blue is going to be 1-7. Who do you think Indiana State is going to beat?

[JayJ79]

I see all of these predictions ISU blue is going to be 1-7. Who do you think Indiana State is going to beat?

I would be very surprised if InSU goes 0-fer for yet another season.
Their program was improving last year and should continue that improvement this year.

Though that win might come against Quincy or EIU. Still, I do think they could beat at least one conference foe.

[UNI Pike]

I am talking in the MVFC, to be specific.

[TheBisonator]

I would be very surprised if InSU goes 0-fer for yet another season.
Their program was improving last year and should continue that improvement this year.

Though that win might come against Quincy or EIU. Still, I do think they could beat at least one conference foe.

What are INSU's home conference games this year?? NDSU is at INSU, but I don't believe we'll lose that one.

[FargoBison]

They could maybe take Western Illinois, and maybe Youngstown.

[JayJ79]

What are INSU's home conference games this year?? NDSU is at INSU, but I don't believe we'll lose that one.

Sat, Sep 26 Youngstown State
Sat, Oct 24 Western Illinois
Sat, Oct 31 Southern Illinois
Sat, Nov 14 North Dakota State

[I-AA Fan]

They could maybe take Western Illinois, and maybe Youngstown.

Kind of like maybe WIU and Ytown could have taken NDSU last year? xthumbsupx

ps: it is only May, any prediction now could be nothing but gloating, insulting, or spam. Hard to believe you would have he nerve to make such a statement.

[FargoBison]

Kind of like maybe WIU and Ytown could have taken NDSU last year? xthumbsupx

ps: it is only May, any prediction now could be nothing but gloating, insulting, or spam. Hard to believe you would have he nerve to make such a statement.

You guys beat IND St. by 14 at home last year, I said maybe not that it was my stone cold lock of the year. WIU loses two great players that were a big part of what they did, and thus they were another maybe. If NDSU doesn't get things fixed on offense we could be a maybe as well. Indiana State is going to beat an MVFC team eventually and I was looking at the most probable teams.

[I-AA Fan]

You guys beat IND St. by 14 at home last year, I said maybe not that it was my stone cold lock of the year. WIU loses two great players that were a big part of what they did, and thus they were another maybe. If NDSU doesn't get things fixed on offense we could be a maybe as well. Indiana State is going to beat an MVFC team eventually and I was looking at the most probable teams.

You are making this far too complicated, and missing my point. The point is, that you assume NDSU to be to tops (or at least one of them) in the conference. WIU and and YSU has just as much ability to do that at this point in time. So would not the trees have just as much opportunity to beat NDSU, as WIU or YSU? In other words, just what makes you think NDSU is a better team than the Necks or Guins? All three are traveling to Memorial Stadium. Geezz ...a guy cannot even give a minor slam around here. xlolx

[NorCalJack]

OK I'll take a stab at it, here is my prediction.

1. UNI
2. So. Ill.
3. SDSU
4. Youngstown St.
5. Western Ill.
6. NDSU
7. Missouri St.
8. Ill. St.
9. Indiana St.

[dlsiouxfan]

I see all of these predictions ISU blue is going to be 1-7. Who do you think Indiana State is going to beat?

I wouldn't be surprised if they beat NDSU. They gave the Bison all they could handle in Fargo last year and this year's Bison team looks like it's already quit on their head coach and next season. In fact I wouldn't even call this one an upset if Indiana State were to pull off the W.

[Gil Dobie]

I wouldn't be surprised if they beat NDSU. They gave the Bison all they could handle in Fargo last year and this year's Bison team looks like it's already quit on their head coach and next season. In fact I wouldn't even call this one an upset if Indiana State were to pull off the W.

There is a smack thread, if you dare to tread in those waters. xcoffeex

[Houndawg]

crap, the consensus is for UNI to be on top.

That makes me worry that they might underachieve this year.
(it seems like they always have their best years when there is little preseason buzz)
Hopefully they prove me wrong.

I know what you mean, the 'dawgs have twice won the conference when they were picked in the middle of the pack.

SIU
UNI
SDSU
MSU (!)
NDSU
YSU
WIU
ISU (Red)
ISU (Blue)

SIU beats UNI at the dome, but stumbles against SDSU.

[FargoBison]

You are making this far too complicated, and missing my point. The point is, that you assume NDSU to be to tops (or at least one of them) in the conference. WIU and and YSU has just as much ability to do that at this point in time. So would not the trees have just as much opportunity to beat NDSU, as WIU or YSU? In other words, just what makes you think NDSU is a better team than the Necks or Guins? All three are traveling to Memorial Stadium. Geezz ...a guy cannot even give a minor slam around here. xlolx

I think NDSU and YSU should be pretty close, but WIU lost a lot, Williams and Donaldson were huge parts of what they did. Williams was a third round pick.

[Thundar]

I wouldn't be surprised if they beat NDSU. They gave the Bison all they could handle in Fargo last year and this year's Bison team looks like it's already quit on their head coach and next season. In fact I wouldn't even call this one an upset if Indiana State were to pull off the W.


xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx

[MSUBear42]

My stab...

1. UNI
2. SIU
3. NDSU
4. MSU
4. SDSU
6. YSU
7. ILSU
8. WIU
9. INSU

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

My take:

UNI
NDSU
SIU
SDSU
YSU
WIU
MSU
ILL St
In St

Bison will beat UNI in Fargo but will lose 2 on the road

[TCisMYhero]

My take:

UNI
NDSU
SIU
SDSU
YSU
WIU
MSU
ILL St
In St

Bison will beat UNI in Fargo but will lose 2 on the road

Did they legalize 'shrooms in MN, or what....?

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Did they legalize 'shrooms in MN, or what....?

Why, you looking???

We'll see come Oct, wont we......

I might have an extra seat...come and cheer for the panthers xthumbsupx

[strike00]

UNI
SIU
SDSU
NDSU
YSU
MSU
WIU
IlSU
InSU

I think Indiana State will win an OOC game this year, but not an MVFC game. Next year they will win one or two conference games.

[JacksFan06]

Not sure of the order but here is my opinion.

Top tier teams: UNI, SDSU, SIU
Middle of the Pack: MSU, YSU, NDSU
Trailers: WIU, ILSU, INSU

Suprise teams
I think MSU could end up in the top 3.
Youngstown should be much better if they can stay healthy. They are another year into their spread offense transition.
Indiana State will win a game against somebody.

[GeauxLions94]

1. Northern Iowa
2. Southern Illinois
3. South Dakota State
4. North Dakota State
5. Illinois State
6. Western Illinois
7. Missouri State
8. Youngstown State
9. Indiana State

[TCisMYhero]

Why, you looking???

We'll see come Oct, wont we......

I might have an extra seat...come and cheer for the panthers xthumbsupx

No, Johnny Gray is still around here, so we're set here.

I'd love to come out to Fargo, but I'm afraid people wouldn't like the gloating I'll be doing after the game wherever I am.

[I-AA Fan]

Real polls/rankings will be out after summer camp, when rosters are as real as the aches and pains in the body and classroom. There will be no "voting" either. Coaching staffs are complete & we have ...our first published depth charts. WHy this enormous love for UNI, other than CYA? Everyone is shocked because they picked SIU so low last year?

UNI returns a great deal of fire-power, but were not in the top half of the conference in terms of offensive production last year. They were a little more aggressive and opportunistic though. Furthermore, with the losses of Robertson, McMoore, Harris, Kirk, Roberts and Pedescleaux ...I think they will have a difficult time stopping anyone. Now let's factor in the loss of the best distance punter in the conference, Corey Lewis (UNI all-time best runner, and the only category where UNI ranked above #5 in the conference last year ..at #4) ...just what makes them #1 at this point? CYA, nothing more. The things to watch will be where they put Boothby and Eyman. If they keep Boothby at FB, then they are weak in the run game. If they move him back over the D-line ...they are weak there. Eyman is a senior they feel obligated to play, but he is a QB. Does he give Grace a run, or does he grab a few catches & a diploma next year? UNI's D is always very opportunistic, thus will always rank high in INT's and sacks ...+22 last year. I expect their red-zone defense to drop off, it will need to be seen if they find a way to score up close on the ground.

As to SIU, they return everyone. They have 7 starters granted a 5th year of eligibility. Those lost are some very key players though. Lockwood was probably the best lineman in the conference last year. They are w/o a replacement so far & are using a converted tackle for the other guard. Larry Warner is a big loss. He was so small, people could not even hope to tackle him. You have to wrap small guys up with your hands ...big guys with your arms. They also lose their top catching threat in Sherman, but they are not hurting for replacements ...Marc Cheatham may well be the best receiver in the conference next year. However, I suspect a Penguin may take that honor away from him. They do lose Young and Cloud off of the same side of the D ...OLB and DE. Could be an issue, but I do not think so. SIU is still going to have a heck of a defense in 2009. Teams that play them ealy may be able to exploit the weak side ...that will not last long. As people found out last year, a new coach does not mean anything, if he is smart enough to keep things the much the same.

I am thinking it is SDSU's to lose ...aka get a stronger running game. You have to be averaging at least 50-60 yards more in the GFC/MVFC. On D ...get some secondary. Getting more ground attack will keep your defense off the field and help with the secondary issue. So is Berry back or not? I know Harris is gone.


MSU and YSU will be conference dark horses. The keys are:

-MSU: how do they adapt to the spread? If they adapt well, they will be much improved in the red-zone on both sides of the ball ...and a possible force in the conference.
-YSU: Do they keep the spread, and is the TB stable healthy? Smith has the capability of being the best back in the conference. In HS he broke most all of teammate Reggie Bush's records, and he was quite good at the JUCO level. Dana Brown is a quality Big-10 transfer (Iowa), but has not gelled as hoped. Frosh Parish Wicks Jr. is the son of a former Penguin great ...he had a good spring game as well. Jabari Scott is the speedster from Taft, TX ...lots of speed though power is limited. He is a senior & will be looking to make his mark. Devanuel is new & Thornton will take his size to FB. They recruited two TB's this year, but one (Gibbs) should move to LB right away. YSU also recruited Torrian Pace ...Class AAA Mr. Football in Virginia. He broke most all of the records held by former Penguin (current Redskin) Marcus Mason. Same style of back. I would certainly expect a redshirt here.

[FargoBison]

Berry is indeed gone, that fact has me a little leery about SDSU. I did rank them in my AGS poll but that was only because I didn't really have any strong feelings towards MSU, YSU, or NDSU. One of those four teams will jump out, I believe SDSU hosts UNI, NDSU, and SIU so I gave them the slight edge.

[ValleyChamp]

Real polls/rankings will be out after summer camp, when rosters are as real as the aches and pains in the body and classroom. There will be no "voting" either. Coaching staffs are complete & we have ...our first published depth charts. WHy this enormous love for UNI, other than CYA? Everyone is shocked because they picked SIU so low last year?

UNI returns a great deal of fire-power, but were not in the top half of the conference in terms of offensive production last year. They were a little more aggressive and opportunistic though. Furthermore, with the losses of Robertson, McMoore, Harris, Kirk, Roberts and Pedescleaux ...I think they will have a difficult time stopping anyone. Now let's factor in the loss of the best distance punter in the conference, Corey Lewis (UNI all-time best runner, and the only category where UNI ranked above #5 in the conference last year ..at #4) ...just what makes them #1 at this point? CYA, nothing more. The things to watch will be where they put Boothby and Eyman. If they keep Boothby at FB, then they are weak in the run game. If they move him back over the D-line ...they are weak there. Eyman is a senior they feel obligated to play, but he is a QB. Does he give Grace a run, or does he grab a few catches & a diploma next year? UNI's D is always very opportunistic, thus will always rank high in INT's and sacks ...+22 last year. I expect their red-zone defense to drop off, it will need to be seen if they find a way to score up close on the ground.

As to SIU, they return everyone. They have 7 starters granted a 5th year of eligibility. Those lost are some very key players though. Lockwood was probably the best lineman in the conference last year. They are w/o a replacement so far & are using a converted tackle for the other guard. Larry Warner is a big loss. He was so small, people could not even hope to tackle him. You have to wrap small guys up with your hands ...big guys with your arms. They also lose their top catching threat in Sherman, but they are not hurting for replacements ...Marc Cheatham may well be the best receiver in the conference next year. However, I suspect a Penguin may take that honor away from him. They do lose Young and Cloud off of the same side of the D ...OLB and DE. Could be an issue, but I do not think so. SIU is still going to have a heck of a defense in 2009. Teams that play them ealy may be able to exploit the weak side ...that will not last long. As people found out last year, a new coach does not mean anything, if he is smart enough to keep things the much the same.

I am thinking it is SDSU's to lose ...aka get a stronger running game. You have to be averaging at least 50-60 yards more in the GFC/MVFC. On D ...get some secondary. Getting more ground attack will keep your defense off the field and help with the secondary issue. So is Berry back or not? I know Harris is gone.


MSU and YSU will be conference dark horses. The keys are:

-MSU: how do they adapt to the spread? If they adapt well, they will be much improved in the red-zone on both sides of the ball ...and a possible force in the conference.
-YSU: Do they keep the spread, and is the TB stable healthy? Smith has the capability of being the best back in the conference. In HS he broke most all of teammate Reggie Bush's records, and he was quite good at the JUCO level. Dana Brown is a quality Big-10 transfer (Iowa), but has not gelled as hoped. Frosh Parish Wicks Jr. is the son of a former Penguin great ...he had a good spring game as well. Jabari Scott is the speedster from Taft, TX ...lots of speed though power is limited. He is a senior & will be looking to make his mark. Devanuel is new & Thornton will take his size to FB. They recruited two TB's this year, but one (Gibbs) should move to LB right away. YSU also recruited Torrian Pace ...Class AAA Mr. Football in Virginia. He broke most all of the records held by former Penguin (current Redskin) Marcus Mason. Same style of back. I would certainly expect a redshirt here.

Why is everyone picking UNI? Why the hell wouldn't they? UNI has won 14 conference titles since the 80's. Its a pretty safe bet quite frankly.

As for your questions, Boothby is on the D-line, and Eyeman will be playing reciever and is also the 3rd QB. Its not as if the people stepping in are going to be slouches. It doesn't take UNI 4 years to reload. We lost all of the secondary guys, but lets face it, those guys have been the weak link for two years now, so that might not be such a bad thing. The loss of Lewis is tough, but UNI has some great young RBs that havent even played yet. I predict people in the MVFC will be very familiar with the name Carlos Anderson when this next season is over.

As far as SIU, they will be tough as always with all of their returning starters. They won alot of games last year, but pretty much all of them were by the hair of their chin. They barely beat some weak teams like MSU, and ISU. And they lost to NDSU. With the exception of SIU and YSU (with freshman QB playing first game), UNI won every conference game handily.

[Houndawg]

Why is everyone picking UNI? Why the hell wouldn't they? UNI has won 14 conference titles since the 80's. Its a pretty safe bet quite frankly.

As for your questions, Boothby is on the D-line, and Eyeman will be playing reciever and is also the 3rd QB. Its not as if the people stepping in are going to be slouches. It doesn't take UNI 4 years to reload. We lost all of the secondary guys, but lets face it, those guys have been the weak link for two years now, so that might not be such a bad thing. The loss of Lewis is tough, but UNI has some great young RBs that havent even played yet. I predict people in the MVFC will be very familiar with the name Carlos Anderson when this next season is over.

As far as SIU, they will be tough as always with all of their returning starters. They won alot of games last year, but pretty much all of them were by the hair of their chin. They barely beat some weak teams like MSU, and ISU. And they lost to NDSU. With the exception of SIU and YSU (with freshman QB playing first game), UNI won every conference game handily.

They were also picked to finish fifth in conference and they too were playing a new QB who was learning a new system from a new coaching staff. When you beat UNI in that situation with a limited playbook and stuck in your new base defense you must have some talent somewhere. I think SIU's early bye-week may be a big factor at the end of the year.

[ValleyChamp]

They were also picked to finish fifth in conference and they too were playing a new QB who was learning a new system from a new coaching staff. When you beat UNI in that situation with a limited playbook and stuck in your new base defense you must have some talent somewhere. I think SIU's early bye-week may be a big factor at the end of the year.

Who cares where teams were picked? That stuff doesn't matter once the season starts. UNI had a lot of new players too. We had to replace Eric Sanders, who did everything for us as a starter for 3 1/2 years. Also we had to replace the defensive player of the year, and lost two o-linemen to the NFL.

[Pete's Weekly]

Why is everyone picking UNI? Why the hell wouldn't they? UNI has won 14 conference titles since the 80's. Its a pretty safe bet quite frankly.

As for your questions, Boothby is on the D-line, and Eyeman will be playing reciever and is also the 3rd QB. Its not as if the people stepping in are going to be slouches. It doesn't take UNI 4 years to reload. We lost all of the secondary guys, but lets face it, those guys have been the weak link for two years now, so that might not be such a bad thing. The loss of Lewis is tough, but UNI has some great young RBs that havent even played yet. I predict people in the MVFC will be very familiar with the name Carlos Anderson when this next season is over.

As far as SIU, they will be tough as always with all of their returning starters. They won alot of games last year, but pretty much all of them were by the hair of their chin. They barely beat some weak teams like MSU, and ISU. And they lost to NDSU. With the exception of SIU and YSU (with freshman QB playing first game), UNI won every conference game handily.

You just made my point ...CYA. Everyone is afraid to say that UNI will have a down year. I picked them at #3 actually, so I would be covering mine as well. AS to your frosh QB, he is probably your best QB as well. SDSU or YSU will be dueling pop into #2 ...the other will be #6 because of their schedules this season. You will see WIU and MSU dueling as well. It is going to be an interesting year ..as usual. Again I am predicting base solely on last year & losses.

Thanks FargoBison for the info Berry ...wow top receiver, top QB, two top coverage guys gone ...although the latter will not hurt them. SDSU will be at the top or bottom ...they really seemed to be much more of a Big Sky team last year ...better size though.

[LakesBison]

1. NDSU
2. West Illinois
3. Youngstown
4. SIU
5. UNI
6. SDSU
7. Ill St
8. Missouri St.
9. Ind St.


Western Illinois will suprise a lot of you guys, Youngstown has a young team coming back. NDSU will THRIVE in this adversity and rally together and dominate with UNI and Youngstown in the Dome.

SDSU is a HOME GAME

SIU is overrated.

[JackTwice]

Did they legalize 'shrooms in MN, or what....?


1. NDSU
2. West Illinois
3. Youngstown
4. SIU
5. UNI
6. SDSU
7. Ill St
8. Missouri St.
9. Ind St.


Western Illinois will suprise a lot of you guys, Youngstown has a young team coming back. NDSU will THRIVE in this adversity and rally together and dominate with UNI and Youngstown in the Dome.

SDSU is a HOME GAME

SIU is overrated.

TC - we have located those Shrooms you were looking for. Except it appears Lakes has ingested them all already.

[Houndawg]

Who cares where teams were picked? That stuff doesn't matter once the season starts. UNI had a lot of new players too. We had to replace Eric Sanders, who did everything for us as a starter for 3 1/2 years. Also we had to replace the defensive player of the year, and lost two o-linemen to the NFL.

I don't know who cares where teams were picked, Valley Runner-up, but the coaches seem to enjoy doing it every year regardless of whether they know what they're doing or not. SIU has been over-achieving of late compared to expectations. UNI not so much.

[Houndawg]

1. NDSU
2. West Illinois
3. Youngstown
4. SIU
5. UNI
6. SDSU
7. Ill St
8. Missouri St.
9. Ind St.


Western Illinois will suprise a lot of you guys, Youngstown has a young team coming back. NDSU will THRIVE in this adversity and rally together and dominate with UNI and Youngstown in the Dome.

SDSU is a HOME GAME

SIU is overrated.

NDSU will be lucky to finish 4th.xcoffeex A textbook example of why they call it "dope".

[ValleyChamp]

I don't know who cares where teams were picked, Valley Runner-up, but the coaches seem to enjoy doing it every year regardless of whether they know what they're doing or not. SIU has been over-achieving of late compared to expectations. UNI not so much.

Huh? Its hard to overachieve when you are picked to win every year.

You always bring up the fact that SIU was picked 5th last year. Big deal.

[jackrabbit1979]

Thanks FargoBison for the info Berry ...wow top receiver, top QB, two top coverage guys gone ...although the latter will not hurt them. SDSU will be at the top or bottom ...they really seemed to be much more of a Big Sky team last year ...better size though.

SDSU's question mark is at QB with Berry graduating. If one of the younger QB's can come in and manage the game, avoid mistakes, and lead the team, the Rabbits have a good chance to win the league with the favorable home schedule.

We lost our top QB and WR, but didn't graduate any of our coverage guys and return all but two players from the defense. We also have Glen Fox returning at WR who was arguably a top 5 WR in the league last year and a burner coming back from injury in Saunders Montague. We should have the best RB in the league this year in Kyle Minnett, last year as a Soph. his stats were only behind Donaldson. Questions marks will be QB and O'Line depth. We did lose one of our starting lineman (Woody Orne, all newcomer last year as RS FR) this summer as he supposedly is transferring to Iowa.

[I-AA Fan]

SDSU's question mark is at QB with Berry graduating. If one of the younger QB's can come in and manage the game, avoid mistakes, and lead the team, the Rabbits have a good chance to win the league with the favorable home schedule.

We lost our top QB and WR, but didn't graduate any of our coverage guys and return all but two players from the defense. We also have Glen Fox returning at WR who was arguably a top 5 WR in the league last year and a burner coming back from injury in Saunders Montague. We should have the best RB in the league this year in Kyle Minnett, last year as a Soph. his stats were only behind Donaldson. Questions marks will be QB and O'Line depth. We did lose one of our starting lineman (Woody Orne, all newcomer last year as RS FR) this summer as he supposedly is transferring to Iowa.

Good info. I thought Orne decided that he was going to play basketball? It is a better move unless he develops hands & goes back to TE. I think he was only 258lbs. That is too small for the OL ..outside of special situation play. I am not trying to insult him, I am just saying I think the Jacks will be fine w/o him.

[jackrabbit1979]

Good info. I thought Orne decided that he was going to play basketball? It is a better move unless he develops hands & goes back to TE. I think he was only 258lbs. That is too small for the OL ..outside of special situation play. I am not trying to insult him, I am just saying I think the Jacks will be fine w/o him.

He was a little slender (listed at 6'5", 250 on the roster) but was a good player as a RS Freshman. He was very physical and had a mean streak that you want in your offensive line. He would have been a good offensive lineman in the Valley for the next three years, and losing him will hurt the Jacks on the offensive line.

One other aspect that could have an effect on SDSU's success this season: our bye week is basically week one. We open with Georgia Southern on Sept. 12 and play straight through until November with no bye week. If injuries start to mount, not having a week for guys to bet healed up will be huge.

[ValleyChamp]

SDSU's question mark is at QB with Berry graduating. If one of the younger QB's can come in and manage the game, avoid mistakes, and lead the team, the Rabbits have a good chance to win the league with the favorable home schedule.

We lost our top QB and WR, but didn't graduate any of our coverage guys and return all but two players from the defense. We also have Glen Fox returning at WR who was arguably a top 5 WR in the league last year and a burner coming back from injury in Saunders Montague. We should have the best RB in the league this year in Kyle Minnett, last year as a Soph. his stats were only behind Donaldson. Questions marks will be QB and O'Line depth. We did lose one of our starting lineman (Woody Orne, all newcomer last year as RS FR) this summer as he supposedly is transferring to Iowa.

See I think this could be the problem for SDSU though. I don't think they can have a young QB come in and just manage the game, and expect to win. IMO, I don't think the Jacks have the offensive firepower to carry a young QB. I think that they need a QB to come in and do alot, just as Berry did last year.

[jackrabbit1979]

See I think this could be the problem for SDSU though. I don't think they can have a young QB come in and just manage the game, and expect to win. IMO, I don't think the Jacks have the offensive firepower to carry a young QB. I think that they need a QB to come in and do alot, just as Berry did last year.

I think you could be right...the QB will have to be sharp at least. But with a top 3 WR in the league in Glen Fox, possibly the best RB in the league in Kyle Minett, and a defense that returns almost everybody, we might be able to do it. Colin Cochart should have a huge year at TE if somebody can get him the ball. I'm concerned about the QB, O-Line depth, and no bye week. O-line gave up a ton of sacks last year with a veteran QB, that could spell disaster with a rookie back there. Playing UNI, SIU, and NDSU at home will help though.

[Houndawg]

Huh? Its hard to overachieve when you are picked to win every year.

You always bring up the fact that SIU was picked 5th last year. Big deal.

Would beating UR have been over-achieving?


SIU was picked middle of the pack Kill's last year too. Not much respect from the MVC coaches.

[Houndawg]

See I think this could be the problem for SDSU though. I don't think they can have a young QB come in and just manage the game, and expect to win. IMO, I don't think the Jacks have the offensive firepower to carry a young QB. I think that they need a QB to come in and do alot, just as Berry did last year.

Agre that he has to do more than just manage the game, but he should have some help from the D, with 9 starters back. Some decent field position in the right games and they could be in the thick of it.

[ValleyChamp]

Would beating UR have been over-achieving?


SIU was picked middle of the pack Kill's last year too. Not much respect from the MVC coaches.

Like I said, its hard to overachieve when UNI is picked to win almost every game they play.

Lucky for you and SIU, you can always use that excuse when you lose. SIU loses in the first round of the playoffs..."well its pretty good for being picked 5th"....Thats weak houndawg.xnonox

[Gil Dobie]

I think you could be right...the QB will have to be sharp at least. But with a top 3 WR in the league in Glen Fox, possibly the best RB in the league in Kyle Minett, and a defense that returns almost everybody, we might be able to do it. Colin Cochart should have a huge year at TE if somebody can get him the ball. I'm concerned about the QB, O-Line depth, and no bye week. O-line gave up a ton of sacks last year with a veteran QB, that could spell disaster with a rookie back there. Playing UNI, SIU, and NDSU at home will help though.

I can see SDSU beating NDSU, SIU and/or UNI at home and winning the MVFC xthumbsupx

[JacksFan06]

Good info. I thought Orne decided that he was going to play basketball? It is a better move unless he develops hands & goes back to TE. I think he was only 258lbs. That is too small for the OL ..outside of special situation play. I am not trying to insult him, I am just saying I think the Jacks will be fine w/o him.
~
The roster had Orne's weight from his true freshman year, the media guides from last year list him at 285. SDSU will miss him, it's not too often you get a OL that starts as a freshman.

SDSU is strong at every position with good depth but has question marks with inexperience on the O-Line and at QB. Both areas of good prospects but who knows how they will turn out.

I think the biggest downfall will be the tough schedule and the fact that they don't have a bye week between any games. What killed us last year was losing half our defense to injuries.

[TCisMYhero]

Would beating UR have been over-achieving?


SIU was picked middle of the pack Kill's last year too. Not much respect from the MVC coaches.

I don't think I'd be complaining about that. That's what a quality program is all about.... Most preseason polls are based off of what you have returning. So with little returning, they don't expect you to do much, but you have enough talent within the program to step in and carry the load through graduation and even a coaching change. I give SIU a lot of hell during the season but I have a lot of respect for that program.

And take a jog over to the smack board for what preseason polls are worth if you're too worried about it...

[ndsubison]

1) SIU
2) UNI
3) NDSU
4) SDSU
5) YSU
6) WIU

7 and below) really don't care because it won't matter

Of course, road games will be crucial, and nobody really knows until you strap it onxcoffeex

[LakesBison]

Maybe PATTY VITERIO will keep her stupid ass mouth shut and not tell the media "yea. the gateway probably only deserves 1 team in the playoffs"

that was unbelieably STUPID of her, she should be campaigning for 3-4 teams from the gateway to make the playoffs every year.

Gateway is the #1 conference in the FCS, PERIOD.

[TCisMYhero]

Maybe PATTY VITERIO will keep her stupid ass mouth shut and not tell the media "yea. the gateway probably only deserves 1 team in the playoffs"

that was unbelieably STUPID of her, she should be campaigning for 3-4 teams from the gateway to make the playoffs every year.

Gateway is the #1 conference in the FCS, PERIOD.

Bison, that is me as TC in that picture. That was at Northwestern in '05 playing Mascot Red Rover.

[LakesBison]

ha ha.. sweet!