Ohio State was not the only defending national champion to be picked by members of the media to win its conference this season. North Dakota State, entering the 2015 season as four-time defending national champions, have been tabbed the preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
The Bison are coming off a rare four-peat and look to stretch their streak of dominance to five this fall. North Dakota State received 32 of 40 possible first-place votes in the preseason MVFC poll, with the other eight going to Illinois State. These two conference foes did not play each other in the regular season last season, but did clash in the FCS national championship game. The two programs were named co-champions of the conference last year. Both should be strong forces again this season.
For those more interested in the big time programs of the FBS or with only limited interest in the world of the FCS, here is another reason to be interested in this poll. Former Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini is now coaching in the conference, at Youngstown State. Pelini’s Penguins have been picked fourth in the preseason poll of members of the media, sports information directors and coaches.
2015 Missouri Valley Football Conference Preseason Poll
1. North Dakota State (32)
2. Illinois State (8)
3. Northern Iowa
4. Youngstown State
5. South Dakota State
6. Indiana State
7. Southern Illinois
8. Western Illinois
9. Missouri State
10. South Dakota