(Photo credit: NSU Athletics, UIU Athletics, SMSU Athletics)

Minnesota State-Mankato (6-0) at Concordia-St. Paul (1-5), Noonndrd in the NSIC. Halverson has been a hard-nosed run stopper for the Bears for the last few years, but he simply does not have enough weapons around him for the defense to slow down the strong offenses of the South Division.

This game should be one-sided, with the Mavs ironing out things before they get into the difficult part of their schedule.
MSU 48-7

Minot State (1-5) at St. Cloud State (3-3), 1pmndNorthern State (2-4) at Minnesota-Crookston (0-6), 1pmWayne State (3-3) at Augustana (4-2), 1pmUpper Iowa (4-2) at Winona State (3-3), 1pmrdrdndnd in total defense, allowing only 289ypg and 18ppg. Linebackers Alex Wahl and Stephen Cole lead UIU with 50 stops, while Wahl is 3rd in the NSIC with 10.5 tackles for loss.

Jack Nelson should test the UIU defense quite a bit, however the Peacocks are strong against the pass and have 9 interceptions to show for it. Dimitri Morales should have success through the air against a Warrior defense that has been challenged against good passing teams so far this season. WSU has won all 11 games between the programs, but I see that changing this week. The last few years Winona State has lost its starch after being eliminated from the playoff hunt. With a highly motivated Peacock squad coming into Winona, I like the Peacocks playing good enough defense and having enough playmakers on offense to win the day.
UIU 41-30

Bemidji State (3-3) at Minnesota State-Moorhead (3-3), 2pmndrd in points allowed at 18ppg and 4th in yards allowed at 324ypg. The Beavers are 2nd in sacks in the NSIC with 16. The BSU offense is middle of the road in pretty much all categories. Jordan Hein is 7thMinnesota-Duluth (4-2) at Mary (0-6), 2:30pmSioux Falls (6-0) at Southwest Minnesota State (5-1), 6pmrd best ledger in the NSIC. The Mustangs once again have a very good offense that has fantastic balance and leads the league in first downs. Davontay Stevens tops the NSIC in rushing at 110ypg and his backfield mate Ashanti Payne is also in the top 10 at 76ypg. Blake Gimbel continues to be an efficient leader for SMSU with 256ypg in the air, 14 scores and just 2 interceptions. This group combines for 35ppg and an average of 495ypg (2ndndWitt's record (2015): 39-9 (81%)
Game of the Week: 5-1