(Players shown: Damon Gibson-MSUM, Jordan Hein-BSU, Nate Ricci-UMD)
(Image credits: Inforum, Beaver Radio Network-BSU Athletics, Duluth News Tribune)

Bemidji State
2016 Record: 9-3
Returning Starters: 6/8 (Offense/Defense)
Offense
BSU led the NSIC at 45.6ppg a season ago, and returns a good portion of the key playmakers from that group. Leader of the Beaver offense is Jordan Hein (SR), who returns after two very successful campaigns. Hein is a dual-threat signal-caller that gets rid of the football quickly, while spreading the wealth considerably. The running game loses the very athletic skill-set of Gena Adams, but returns brut-back Tahe Nomane (SR). Michael Washington (SR) should help share the load with Nomane. The offensive line does lose some key starters, but does return some all-league players as well.
Defense
The BSU defense returns 8 guys from a group that finished fourth in the league in scoring defense at 24ppg. The Beaver defense led the NSIC with 21 interceptions, and returns the top defensive back in the league in cornerback Gunner Olszewski (JR). BSU will have 6 players that were either First or Second team in the North a season ago, along with their top 3 tacklers.
Outlook
Certainly the Beavers have some spots to fill on the offensive line, and some starters to replace on defense, but overall no team brings back more star-power and key pieces from a successful 2016 season than BSU. If they can keep Jordan Hein healthy, the BSU offense should once again being near the top of the Northern Sun, all the while the Beaver defense could very well be the top overall unit in the conference. Brent Bolte led Bemidji State to a 9-3 record last fall. I think he and his team takes another step this year and makes the 2017 playoffs.
Prediction
10-1

Minnesota-Duluth
2016 Record: 10-2
Returning Starters: 5/7 (Offense/Defense)
OffenseDefense
While the UMD defense does return 7 starters, they do lose the heart and soul of their recent groups with the graduation of All-American linebacker Beau Bates. The linebacking position will be key for this 3-4 defense, and Zach Bassuener (SR, 11.5 sacks) will lead that bunch. The defensive line should be especially solid with all-league players returning, but the secondary will be the point of focus for betterment with this squad going forward. A season ago the UMD defense often brought blitzes upfront and tried to get the offense in the passing game before it got them. Teams like Bemidji State, SMSU, and others were able to expose a young secondary that struggled in man coverage. Maturation will be needed.
Outlooknd straight season. Mike Rybarczyk seems prepared to lead the Dogs offense, and has been afforded plenty of time to learn the offense. With playmakers like Ricci coming back, UMD should still be among the best offenses in the NSIC. Defensively I think UMD might find themselves with a similar identity to a season ago, but should be pretty good upfront and more seasoned in the back half.
Prediction
10-1

Minnesota State-Moorhead
2016 Record: 7-4
Returning Starters: 9/7 (Offense/Defense)
OffenseDefenseOutlookPrediction
8-3

St. Cloud State
2016 Record: 5-6
Returning Starters: 7/9 (Offense/Defense)
OffenseDefense
The SCSU defense was middle of the pack in 2016 and brings back 9 starters from that unit. Returning linebackers Brady Westart (SR) and Gary Koehring (SR) were among the top tacklers on the defense, and the secondary brings back their starting group.
OutlookPrediction
5-6

Northern State
2016 Record: 6-5
Returning Starters: 5/2 (Offense/Defense)
OffenseDefenseOutlookPrediction
4-7

Minot State
2016 Record: 3-8
Returning Starters: 8/7 (Offense/Defense)
OffenseDefenseOutlookPrediction
2-9

Mary
2016 Record: 1-10
Returning Starters: 7/5 (Offense/Defense)
OffenseDefenseOutlook
With only 4 Seniors on the roster, this is once again a very young football team. However, Mary should be a little better at running the Triple, and should have more success with it this season. The challenge will be getting their defense to keep them in games.
Prediction
1-10

Minnesota State-Crookston
2016 Record: 0-11
Returning Starters: 7/6 (Offense/Defense)
Offense
QB Taylor Spier (SO) will seemingly be the starter, but the athleticism of backup signal-caller Joseph Nava will likely land him in the starting lineup in some capacity. Do-everything wideout Adam Connette returns for his Senior season and already the programs all-time leading receiver. The problem is the offensive line is looking to fill some holes and has some question marks.
Defense
The defense returns top tacklers with linebackers Ali Alkhatib (JR) and Will Cross (SO), but will struggle upfront with a very inexperienced group.
Outlook
New Head Coach Mark Dufner will be looking to work on the process, with less emphasis on the results for Crookston this season. The group unfortunately has solidified itself as perennially the worst team in the conference, and will look to start to their move out of the cellar this season.
Prediction
0-11