CSJ Missouri Valley Football Conference Power Rankings — Week 8

On By Kent Schmidt

And there was one. North Dakota State is the last undefeated team both overall and within league play after last week after South Dakota lost to Illinois State. The toughest FCS league gets even more top till games this week.

Here are my power rankings for this week with last week’s rankings in parenthesis.

1. (1) North Dakota State (7-0 overall, 4-0 MVFC)

Last week: Beat Western Illinois 24-12 at home

This week: vs. Northern Iowa

The Bison defense continues its normal high level. Last week, the Bison held the high-powered Western Illinois offense without a touchdown. Another tough home game against UNI this week awaits NDSU.

2. (2) South Dakota (6-1, 3-1)

Last week: Lost to Illinois State 37-21 on the road

This week: vs. Southern Illinois

The Coyotes were bound to get a blip after starting the season undefeated through six games and last week was the week for USD. They get to right the ship at home against SIU this week.

3. (3) South Dakota State (5-2, 2-2)

Last week: Beat Missouri State 62-30 on the road

This week: at Western Illinois

SDSU got its powerful offense going against the Bears last week. Can the Jacks continue that at Western this week?

4. (4) Northern Iowa (4-3, 3-1)

Last week: Beat Youngstown State 19-14 at home

This week: at North Dakota State

The Panthers have used the running game on offense and stopping the run on defense that past two wins. That game plan, however, is right in the strengths against NDSU so UNI will need to overcome those odds to pull off the upset.

(6) Western Illinois (5-2, 2-2)

Last week: Lost to North Dakota State 24-12 on the road

This week: vs. South Dakota State

The Leathernecks defense played well at NDSU last week but the offense couldn’t get it in gear. That defense will be tested again this week and the offense should be able to find itself again too.

6. (5) Youngstown State (3-4, 1-3)

Last week: Lost to Northern Iowa 19-14 on the road

This week: vs. Illinois State

The Penguins after two straight losses to NDSU and UNI now are likely in must win mode to make the playoffs but this week’s home game against IL State should be the toughest remaining game thankfully for YSU fans.

7. (7) Illinois State (5-2, 3-1)

Last week: Beat South Dakota 37-21 at home

This week: at Youngstown State

The Redbirds righted the ship at home last week against the previously undefeated Coyotes to get a big win in its push for a postseason bid. A trip to Youngstown this week against a very hungry Penguins team will be tough.

8. (8) Southern Illinois (4-3, 2-2)

Last week: Beat Indiana State 45-24 at home

This week: at South Dakota

The Salukis whipped Indiana State last week but this week’s test at South Dakota will be tough but a upset there and SIU will be in the postseason mix.

9. (9) Missouri State – 1-6 (0-4)

Last week: Lost to South Dakota State 62-30 at home

This week: vs. Indiana State

The Bears finally get a game they likely are favorites to win with this week’s game in Springfield against Indiana State. This will truly show who is the worst in the league.

10. (10) Indiana State (0-7, 0-4)

Last week: Lost to Southern Illinois 45-24 at home

This week: at Missouri State

The Sycamores best chance to avoid a winless season comes this week’s road contest at Missouri State. It does not look pretty for IN State this season in a true rebuilding squad.

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