RFC Original--The NAIA Dandy Dozen

Editor's Note: Our preseason rankings wrap up with a look at which made the Top 12 in the NAIA.

1. Sioux Falls (14-0 in 2008): The Cougars won their second national championship in the last three years after knocking off then defending national champion Carroll (Mont.) in last year's title game. With 18 starters coming back this year, USF is the obvious favorite to repeat as NAIA champs. That is, unless another team proves otherwise.

2. Carroll (Mont.)--(13-1): The Saints from the northern Rocky Mountains just may be that aforementioned team to stop the "Sioux Falls Express", as their quest to win an unprecedented sixth national championship in seven years was derailed by these similarly aforementioned Cougars from South Dakota. Obviously, don't be surprised if the 2009 edition of the Saints make another deep playoff run.

3. St. Francis (Ind.)--(12-1): The Cougars from Indiana have made a serious run at a national championship the last several years, only to fall short each time. The big question mark is on defense. That's where USF only returns four starters from a year ago.

4. Lindenwood (Mo.)--(11-2): The Lions look to not only defend the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship they won last year, but also take that next step, and advance to the NAIA championship game in Rome, Ga. They hope to do just that, with 15 starters returning from 2008.

5. Morningside (10-2): The Iowa-based Mustangs hope to make a deeper playoff run after a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to Lindenwood in last year's quarterfinals.

6. University of the Cumberlands (Ky.)--(10-2): The Patriots advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NAIA playoffs for the first time ever last season, only to lose to St. Francis (Ind.), 31-20. Can the two-time defending Mid South Conference East Division champions take that step, and go deeper into postseason play? If this early season ranking is any indication, those chances could be very good for the Cumberlands faithful.

The Other Six

7. Mid American Nazare (Kan.)--(10-1)

8. Langston (Okla.)--(10-3)

9. Friends (Kan.)--(10-1)

10. Shorter (Ga.)--(9-3)

11. Union (Ky.)--(9-3)

12. Virginia-Wise (8-3)

Honorable Mention: Lambuth (Tenn.)--(8-4), St. Ambrose (Iowa)--(8-4), Ottawa (Kan.)--(8-2), St. Xavier (Ill.)--(7-4), Montana State-Northern (7-3), and Dickinson State (N.D.)--(7-4).

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