Where has the summer gone? It seems like just yesterday I was busy following spring practice and now I find myself scrambling to crank out my first column of the season a bit later than the boss would like.

This past off-season has actually been a very entertaining one to follow in Division II, with conference shakeups and a major schedule change being two of the top issues.

ENMU's Offensive Coordinator Recovering From Heart Surgery
Clovis Journal News

Two nights after his play-calling helped Eastern New Mexico open its season with an impressive win, longtime Greyhounds offensive coordinator Mike Howard was recovering from heart surgery Monday at a Lubbock hospital.

Howard underwent a triple bypass at Methodist Hospital, according to Greyhounds head coach Mark Ribaudo.

Top 25 Media Poll
D2Football.com

A limited schedule last week resulted in little shuffling in the D2Football.com top 25 Poll.  Minnesota-Duluth jumped three spots after its impressive win over Central Washington.  The Wildcats fell from #5 to #14.  Nebraska-Kearney also fell after suffering a week-one loss while Carson-Newman fell completely out of the poll, being replaced by Winona State, the team the downed the Eagles last week.

SFU's North Shore Crew
Andy Prest
North Shore News

Simon Fraser is heading into uncharted territory this year and four of the guys leading the way at the skill positions of running back and quarterback are North Shore products.

Running backs Gabe Ephard and Bo Palmer will be counted on to lead the attack while quarterbacks Ryan Schwartz and Jonathan Roney are both battling to earn the starting spot.

Ichabods Top Orediggers 34-29
Ken Corbitt
Topeka Capital Journal

Washburn's defense didn't show the blitz much Saturday, but it came strong to deliver a victory.

Clinging to a five-point lead with just more than two minutes to play, outside linebacker Jahmil Taylor had a sack and forced a fumble on a blind-side blitz to secure the No. 10 Ichabods' 34-29 season-opening win against Colorado School of Mines.