It's way too early for football predictions. You know it, I know it, anyone looking at it objectively knows it. There are too many things that will change between now and August (and mostly unknown outside of the inner circles of the coaching staffs). But that doesn't stop the prognosticators from going ahead with their outlook on the upcoming season.
First out of the chutes is Lindy's magazine. And like most publications, their focus is primarily on division I schools - more specifically BCS schools. But they do devote two pages to Division II, with a top 25, All American Teams and games to look for in the fall. The LSC is represented by West Texas A&M at number 10 and Abilene Christian at number 12. Other Southwest Region teams include 3-time national runner-up Northwest Missouri at number 2, Central Washington at number 5, Nebraska-Omaha at number 8, Washburn at number 23, and Pittsburg State at number 24.
Nebraska-Omaha and Central Washington are new to the SW region, having spent last season in the now-defunct NCC in the NE Region. CWU is returning to the GNAC conference, but the GNAC will not have earned access for the playoffs, as the conference does not have the requisite number of teams. UNO joins the MIAA conference, along with NWMSU, Washburn and Pitt State. Missouri Western, Missouri Southern, Truman State and Central Missouri are other MIAA teams that should be considered as darkhorse teams for the playoffs.
Individually, Bernad Scott (ACU) received recognition for pre-season All-American and Player of the Year. Brandon Swain and Jared Brock (both WTAM) were named first team All-Americans, while Keith Null (WTAM) and Sam Collins (ACU) were named to the second team.
The ACU-NWMSU season opening game on August 30 is listed as one of five "The Big Ones" to see in the fall. Other games mentioned are the ACU-WTAM matchup and the MSU-WTAM game.
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