I will get to the predictions in just a couple of moments, but with the end of the regular season quickly approaching, I am going to run through the NSIC's Top 5 Power Rankings according to me, and why.


5. Wayne State - With Spencer Ohm back last week, it was a clear signal that the Wildcats were in trouble, now this week though they find themselves in a must win situation, if they want to make the playoffs. The win over Duluth was impressive, but there is nothing easy about the way their schedule finishes. The Wildcats play against the Mavericks Saturday, then Upper Iowa (who they lost to last year), Augustana and Winona State. Not an easy finish, its must wins here on out for the Wildcats.

4. Minnesota State - Jon Daniels has given the Mavericks more balance than they have had in the past. Last week he completed 11 of 12 passes in the first half against Upper Iowa. So far though against the upper level competition though the Mavericks have been exposed, and with games against Augustana, Minnesota Duluth, and Wayne State left on the schedule making the playoffs is going to be very tough. That road will end for either Wayne State or Minnesota State on Saturday.

3. Bemidji State - There is no argument to what Jeff Tesch has done with this year's Beaver team, I think they are one of the better stories in the Northern Sun this year, and in my mind, still have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. The next three weeks are very key for the Beavers, games on the road at Mary and at Northern are both very dangerous, before hosting St. Cloud State. Never count the Beavers out, with their strong defense, and Lance Rongstad at quarterback. All Rongstad knows is championships, he led his high school team to back-to-back state title games, and back-to-back basketball state tournaments, the guy is a great athelte, and a leader, the big question will be can he do those same things at Division II?

2. Minnesota Duluth - There is no question that a 10/29 road game for the Bulldogs looms pretty large on the schedule as they try to win another NSIC title, however, last week the Bulldogs put a hurting on the University of Mary 42-28. Austin Sikorski, who ran for 185 yards last week leads what is the Northern Sun's Deepest backfield, and the Bulldogs have experience at quarterback in Chace Vogler, but the Bulldogs haven't been as dominant defensively. Either way, the Northern Sun title may be decided in about nine days.

1. St. Cloud State - Despite nearly getting beat in Marshall last week, the Huskies still have the best all around team in the league. When quarterback Phillip Klaphake is healthy their offense has better balance than any team in league. Klaphake along with runningbacks Dante Steward, Mike Walker, and Brandon Geiss are a all explosive. The offensive line is huge, and they open big holes, and defensively the Huskies are one of the top defense's in the conference. They are still my number one team in the league, however its not over yet and Duluth and Bemidji State loom on the schedule in back-to-back weeks just around the corner.