A one-point loss to MIAA-leading Fort Hays State on Saturday afternoon in Maryville, one week after a streak-shattering loss to rival Pittsburg State, has dropped the two-time defending national champion Northwest Missouri State Bearcats from #1 to #18 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) poll.
The new #1 ranked team, out of Mankato, Minnesota, are the Mavericks of Minnesota State University, with 829 points and 21 out of a possible 34 first-place votes. Fort Hays State, at a perfect 10-0, is ranked fifth, with four first-place votes. In second place is Shepherd University, with seven first-place votes and 799 points.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania holds the #3 spot, with 761 points and two first-place votes. Despite not owning a first-place vote, Midwestern State University, with 702 total points, is ranked fourth.
With their playoff hopes flickering and needing a boost of momentum, Northwest Missouri State will host archrival Missouri Western this Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock in “Senior Day” from Bearcat Stadium in Maryville.
