What it is: Starting as the Gateway Football Conference in 1985, the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) has established itself as one of the toughest conferences in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA). In 2008, the name was changed to the MVFC.
Southern Illinois won its lone national championship in 1983, two years prior to joining what is now the MVFC. Youngstown State took home four FCS titles in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997. Northern Iowa reached the national championship game in 2005, losing to Appalachian State, while North Dakota State won four NCAA Division II national championships in 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1990.
In terms of conference titles, Northern Iowa has the most trophies in the MVFC with 14 all-time. Southern Illinois and Western Illinois are tied for a distant second with five.
Website: http://www.mvc-sports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)
1. Southern Illinois (11-2): SIU hopes another strong non-conference schedule will lead them to first national title in 27 years. That early season slate includes a September 11 contest at Illinois.
2. Northern Iowa (7-4): The Panthers hope to bounce back after a "down" season where they missed out on postseason play. Their early season schedule includes a non-conference test against Stephen F. Austin on September 18, followed by visit to Big 12 Iowa State a week later.
3. South Dakota State (8-4): After making their first-ever FCS playoff appearance a year ago, the Jackrabbits hope to prove that 2009 was no fluke.
4. Illinois State (6-5): Key games for the Redbirds in 2010 include a home contest against Southern Illinois, as well as visits to South Dakota State and Northern Iowa.
5. Youngstown State (6-5): The Penguins scored at least 30 or more points in their six wins last season.
6. Missouri State (6-5): The Bears hope to make a move up in the MVFC after posting a 4-4 in conference games a year ago.
7. North Dakota State (3-8): The Bison found out just how tough the MVFC is after a disappointing 2-6 showing in league action last year. They open the season with back-to-back road visits to Kansas (September 4), and Northern Iowa (September 11).
8. Indiana State (1-10): The Sycamores face a tough climb up the league ladder after another miserable season.
9. Western Illinois (1-10): The Leathernecks hope to leave the misery of 2009 behind them, as they enter 2010. They finished last season with 10 straight losses, after defeating Sam Houston State, 35-28, in the opener.
5 years ago
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