RFC Summer Semester: Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Preview (FCS)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back: North Dakota State won its second straight FCS national championship, as the Bison downed Sam Houston State for the second straight season in a 39-15 rout on January 5, 2013.  In addition to NDSU, two other MVFC teams advanced to the FCS playoffs, only to be eliminated.  South Dakota State crushed Eastern Illinois, 58-10, in the first round, but had the misfortune of running into the Bison in the second round, with the Jackrabbits season ending with a 28-3 loss. Illinois State outlasted Appalachian State, 38-37, in round two before falling to Eastern Washington, 51-35.


Looking ahead: The biggest question in the "Valley" heading into 2013 is this: Can anyone stop North Dakota State's quest for a "three-peat"?  Every team in what's considered to be one of the nation's toughest FCS conferences will be doing their best to dethrone the Bison, and knock them off of that lofty perch.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. North Dakota State (14-1):  Over the last two years, the Bison were a combined 28-2, including wins over FBS opponents such as Colorado State (Mountain West) and Minnesota (Big 10).  Barring any serious injuries or other mishaps, NDSU could very well be hoisting the trophy in the air come January 2014.


2. South Dakota State (9-4):  With four players being to the All-MVFC preseason team, the Jackrabbits could be in good position to rise to topple the Bison this season. 

3. Illinois State (9-4):  The Redbirds hope to reach the next level after finishing 2012 in a three-way tie for third place in the MVFC at 5-3.

4. Southern Illinois (6-5):  With a schedule that includes a season opener at Illinois, road trips to South Dakota State and Northern Iowa in successive weekends, as well as a home game against North Dakota State, the Salukis might be hard pressed to match last year's mark.

5. Indiana State (7-4):  The Sycamores will have a tough start to their 2013 season, as they square off against Big 10 foes Indiana and Purdue in the first two weeks.

6. Northern Iowa (5-6):  The Panthers look to bounce back after a down 2012 campaign that saw them finish 4-4 in conference play.  Veteran head coach Mark Farley welcomes back seven starters on offense, and six on defense for 2013.

7. Youngstown State (7-4):  A three-game winning streak to close out the 2012 season has Penguins fans looking for more in 2013.  As in returning to postseason play for the first time since 2006.

8. Missouri State (3-8):  As hard it might be to believe, the Bears are looking to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 1990.  But with a tough schedule that includes visits to Iowa and North Dakota State, accomplishing that task won't be easy.

9. Western Illinois (3-8):  The Leathernecks look to start from scratch under new head coach Bob Nielson.

10. South Dakota (1-10):  After a rough maiden voyage in the MVFC that saw the Coyotes go winless (0-8) in conference play in 2012, the Coyotes have nowhere to go but up in 2013.


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