If the playoff started today, No. 5 Pittsburg State would host No. 7 Northwest Missouri in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

That's awesome.

The rivalry returned to campus this season after a 12-year stint at Arrowhead Stadium and it looks like we could get a rematch in the postseason.

Both teams appear to be right where they want to be - all things considered - as we head into Week 10 of the D2 football season. Win, and you're in.

It's not going to be easy for either team, but for Pitt State, the challenge appears even more brutal. The Gorillas finish the season with two 7-2 teams - starting this week on Senior Day in Pittsburg with Central Missouri, winners of 6 straight, and ending the season in Edmond against Central Oklahoma, who just keeps winning football games - despite everyone's doubts about their MIAA legitimacy.

No problem for the mighty Gorillas? Not so fast. After breezing through their schedule in 2011 en route to a national title, Pittsburg has struggled to close out seasons in the past 2 years. A 5-0 start in 2012 fell by the wayside with losses in 3 of their lost 5 games and last year, they were a sure bet to make the playoffs, but fell by 2 touchdowns to rival Missouri Southern in the final game of the season.

We'll get back to Pitt's attempt to finish the season strong in a second. First, let's talk Regional Rankings. Here's a look at this week's Super Region 3 standings and some thoughts/notes on each team.

1. Minnesota State (9-0) - They have an easy road ahead, so they should finish undefeated and if so, they'd maintain the top spot in the region. If not, things could get hairy, judging by how far Sioux fell after MSU's win over them last week. The Mavs are the only team, in my opinion, that could lose and STILL be in contention for a playoff spot.

2. Ouachita Baptist (8-0) - OBU's only challe to an undefeated 2014 SHOULD be the season finale against their rival from across the street, Henderson State. If the Reddies can beat Ouachita though, it gets fun. Or annoying, depending on what lenses you're looking at the situation through. All of a sudden, 3 GAC teams could finish with just 1 loss, with no 1 team having beaten both of the others. I'd like to see all 3 of them fall out of the field, but with earned access, that isn't going to happen. One of them will finish in the Top 8 of SR3, thus earning themselves a bid. Either way, it's likely only 1 GAC team will find its way into the playoffs this year.

3. Minnesota Duluth (9-0) - And you thought Emporia State's 2012 & 2013 schedule was soft. Duluth has benefited from being in the weaker North Division of the NSIC and managed to avoid MSU and Sioux this year. If they win out, they're still a lock for a top-3 spot in the region, but a loss likely drops them out of the field. Their schedule isn't getting much harder, so don't count on that happening.

4. Pittsburg State (8-1) - With a tough road ahead of them, Pitt can't afford a slip-up. I don't think any Gorilla fans are 'scurred,' though I wouldn't mind seeing a loss from somebody above them so they can move up and get an easier first-round matchup in Pittsburg.

5. Northwest Missouri (8-1) - If that happens, and of course Northwest can win out as well, the Bearcats would see a first-round playoff game in Maryville.

6. Azusa Pacific (8-1) - Win and you're in? Looks like it, though Sioux's schedule is marginally harder down the stretch.

7. Sioux Falls (8-1) - Looks like Sioux needs some help, unless the Regional Committee likes USF's remaining opponents more than Azusa's.

8. Humboldt State (7-1) - Better start praying, Humboldt. Not a whole lot of ways you can sneak in, unless you get losses from Azusa AND 1 or 2 others ahead of you.

9. Harding (7-1) - Same deal here. Even in the 3-teams-with-1-loss-GAC scenario.

10. Henderson State (8-1) - Their win over FCS Nicholls State doesn't "officially" count in the numbers game of the Regional Rankings, but might come into play if the committee does indeed have to pick between 3 1-loss GAC teams. If it does, a win to close the season over Ouchita might bump them high enough to get in.

This week's MIAA action


Northeastern State (0-9) at Washburn (3-6)
Saturday, Nov. 8; 1 p.m.
Yager Stadium; Topeka, Kan.

It's a little late for a turnaround in Topeka, but a 2-game win streak heading into next week's finale with Northwest at Arrowhead Stadium would be nice. Northeastern State looks like just what the doctor ordered.

Prediction: Washburn 38 NSU 21

Central Oklahoma (7-2) at Lindenwood (1-8)
Saturday, Nov. 8; 1:30 p.m.
Harlan C. Hunter Stadium; St. Charles, Mo.

Don't get caught slipping, UCO. You may have your eyes set on Pittsburg State, but as bad as Lindenwood has been, they shouldn't be overlooked. There's no run game for the Lions, but the passing game remains a threat. But the Bronchos defend the pass with the best in the MIAA.

Prediction: Central Oklahoma 30 Lindenwood 20

Nebraska-Kearney (2-7) at Missouri Western (5-4)
Saturday, Nov. 8; 2 p.m.
Spratt Stadium; St. Joseph, Mo..

After Missouri Western lost to Pitt State in Week 4, I was told "We're just not very good" and "this is a 6 or 7 win team at best." The Griffons' defense helped them to a quiet 5-2 start, but after the last 2 weeks, it looks like the above predictions were right. Kearney's mini win-streak came against the only 2 teams below them in the standings and has turned into another losing streak that should continue.

Prediction: Missouri Western 21 UNK 14


Missouri Southern (4-5) at Fort Hays State (5-4)
Saturday, Nov. 8; 2 p.m.
Lewis Field; Hays, Kan.

Both of these teams have done a good job of climbing out of the basement of the MIAA, but are struggling to make a name for themselves besides as decent middle-of-the-pack teams. I like Hays in this game because of the homefield advantage and because I'm beginning to think the option attack has run its course for the Lions.

Prediction: Fort Hays 27 Missouri Southern 22


No. 7 Northwest Missouri (8-1) at Emporia State (4-5)
Saturday, Nov. 8; 2 p.m.
Welch Stadium; Emporia, Kan.

Much like a lot of the teams in the MIAA, Emporia has struggled mightily this year with consistency. Their only 2-game win streak came against Lindenwood and Northeastern State; They play up for a televised game at Missouri Western, then get pummeled against a down Washburn team. Even within games, they're up and down. A great start did nothing for them in a blowout loss to Pittsburg State. An amazing second-half turnaround wasn't enough in a close game with Hays.

That's not going to cut it against Northwest Missouri, the model of consistency in this league. Beating this team takes a "perfect storm" kind of approach - a mix of great defense, play-making offense and special plays from special teams. Pittsburg was able to do it a few weeks ago, but I don't see Emporia doing it this week.

Prediction: Northwest Missouri 42 Emporia State 14

Central Missouri (7-2) at No. 5 Pittsburg State (8-1)
Saturday, Nov. 8; 2 p.m.
Carnie Smith Stadium; Pittsburg, Kan.

Trap game? I don't think so. I think a trap game is when a team gets caught looking ahead and a team comes out of nowhere to beat them. Central Missouri isn't coming out of nowhere. They're as hot as it gets in this conference and is entirely capable of beating the Gorillas.

It hasn't been real often, but Pitt State's biggest struggles this year have been finishing long drives. It killed them against Hays, I saw it against Missouri Western and it nearly came up and bit them against Emporia. Part of that problem has been a largely-ineffective rushing attack. It's looked a little better in the past 2 weeks, but is still a far cry from what we're used to seeing in Pittsburg. Lucky for the Gorillas, QB Anthony Abenoja has been careful with the ball, not adding any additional problems; His only INTs all year were the 3 he threw in the win over Northwest.

Abenoja is facing his only challenger in the race to this year's MIAA Offensive Player of the Year - UCM running back LaVance Taylor. When he gets going, the Mules are hard to stop because QB Hayden Hawk is also a threat for some big plays.

But defensively, the Gorillas are so hard to penetrate, and I think both will be held in check on Saturday.

Prediction: Pittsburg State 34 Central Missouri 24