Miller's Power Rankings: Week #2

Illinois State QB, Matt Brown, celebrates in a statement
win over Eastern Michigan on Saturday. Illinois State won
31-14.
(Photo: MichiganExposures)

#1 Youngstown State (2-0)

Youngstown State again proved why they should be #1; they pummeled Valparaiso 59-0 while being up 49-0 at halftime. Kurt Hess was barely in the game but still threw 2 TD passes. 

#2 Illinois State (2-0)

Illinois State pulled off an expected FBS win against Eastern Michigan 31-14. Matt Brown looked good, but Darrelynn Dunn looked better. Illinois State looks to be a very balanced team this year with a much better defense. 

#3 North Dakota State (2-0)

Quite literally, North Dakota State and Illinois State are neck-and-neck at #2 and #3, I believe the only reason Illinois State jumped them in the system was because the Redbird's opponent win % was 5 points higher. Bison are already on cruise control and look like they won't be stopped. 

#4 Northern Iowa (1-1)

As expected Northern Iowa rose in this weeks Power Ranking as they destroyed D-II Central State. I added the ranked FBS variable, but even without that variable Northern Iowa would have secured the #4 spot. Quarterback Sawyer Kollmorgen looks amazing; I know its only the 2nd week, but he is my choice for MVFC Freshman of the Year so far. 

#5 Indiana State (1-1)

The Sycamores took care of Quincy 44-0. Shakir Bell only had 69 yards rushing, albeit limited action. Quarterback Mike Perish looks like he is the real deal and a great replacement for Ronnie Fouch. Indiana State could be an upset away from contention for the MVFC crown this year. 

#6 South Dakota State (1-1)

South Dakota State has their running game back. RB Zach Zenner ran for 279 yards and a TD this week. The Jackrabbit passing game has been less spectacular, but when you have a back that runs for nearly 300 yards, you really don't have to pass. Still, QB Austin Sumner threw 2 TDs in a 31-14 win in Hammond, LA. 

#7 Western Illinois (2-0)

After playing their second sub-D1 opponent, and struggling against them, Western Illinois has dropped significantly. Caulton Ray and Nikko Watson are bright spots on the team, but many others will need to step up if they want more than two wins this year. Needless to say, in the next few weeks the Leathernecks could be at the bottom of these rankings.

#8 Missouri State (0-2)

Missouri State rose a bit in the Power Rankings; certainly, out of all the MVFC teams, the ranked FBS variable helped the Bears out the most. Next week we should know more about the Bears as they play a more comparable opponent, Murray State. 

#9 South Dakota (1-1)

Missouri State was the most positively effected MVFC from the ranked FBS variable; on the other hand, South Dakota was the most negatively effected. With a big loss against Montana last week, and a close victory this week against lesser-scholarship team Colgate, South Dakota sits at #9. 

#10 Southern Illinois (0-2)

Southern Illinois played better than last week, however, still the rankings peg Southern Illinois as the weakest MVFC team. Next week Southern Illinois plays Southeast Missouri State. They must win next week in order to save any remaining confidence.