Sioux Falls (8-2) at Upper Iowa (6-4), NoonndWinona State (5-5) at Southwest Minnesota State (7-3), 1pm
So there you have it. We can add this game to the list of trophy games in the conference. Considering these 2 programs have both been in the playoff and bowl game conversation the last 3-4 years, this game should make for one of the better trophy contests in the league.

Last week the Warriors were able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against the Augies, losing on a last second shot-put into the end zone. Considering how the WSU defense has struggled for the better part of the last handful of seasons, I was a bit surprised to see WSU kick a FG with 4th and 2 yards to go with 90 seconds left in the game in Augie territory. A first down pretty much ends the contest. Anyway, they get a FG to push the lead to 6 and Augie marches for the winning score and the Warriors pick up their 5thBemidji State (6-4) at Northern State (6-4), 1pmSt. Cloud State (5-5) at Mary (1-9), 1pmMinnesota State-Moorhead (5-5) at Minnesota-Crookston (1-9), 1pmMinot State (1-9) at Minnesota-Duluth (7-3), 1pm
The Beavers are really struggled coming down the stretch. Last week Minot was blown out by Crookston as they are looking challenged on both sides of the ball. UMD might not play with either of their marquee stars (Lauters and Bauer) and should still be able to win comfortably. Considering a bowl game is seemingly in their future, I could see the Bulldogs resting their stars and letting Nate Ricci take the controls for another week.
UMD 38-14

Wayne State (4-6) at Minnesota State-Mankato (9-1), 1pmConcordia-St. Paul (1-9) at Augustana (8-2), 1pmrdWitt's record (2015): 63-17 (79%)
Game of the Week: 7-3



1-NWMSU-Expect an easy win over Washburn. The Bearcats be at home throughout the playoffs.
2-Mankato-The Mavs likely stay in this spot with a win, but see Humboldt State and USF for more information.
3-Humboldt State4-Henderson State5-Augustana-the Vikings look solid on paper and could move up a spot if either #3 or #4 slips. Considering Augie had 2 losses a month ago, the idea the Vikings could be hosting a playoff game sounded like a pipe dream. Augie has the tie-breaker over USF, so unless the committee moves away from that criteria the Vikes will stay ahead of the Coo in the rankings.
6-Emporia State-the Hornets play a winless Kearney squad. However, that game will bring their SOS to .500 and could risk ESU a spot in the rankings as a result. Emporia has the tie-breaker on UCM, so they will stay as the 2nd MIAA team in the mix with a win.
7-USF8-Central Missouri-tough game against Fort Hayes, who beat Emporia. If UCM wins they will be in the 2 loss pool, but will compare poorly to USF when looking at the core criteria provided by the NCAA before the start of the season.
9-SMSU-the Mustangs have gotten back into the mix again. Southwest will need a win over Winona and a lot of help to get in the dance. USF with 3 losses would still have the tie-breaker over the Mustangs, as would Augie.
10-Western Oregon