Miller's Power Rankings: Week #4

Penguin recievers Andrew Williams (80) and Marcel
Caver (16) celebrate in the pouring rain during
Youngstown State's huge win over Northern Iowa.
(Photo: Dustin Livesay/The Jambar)

#1 Youngstown State (4-0), 263 (points)

Youngstown State finds themselves back on the top of the Power Rankings this week after a big win against Northern Iowa. So far, Youngstown State has gone undefeated against pretty stiff competition--excluding Valpo, of course. Youngstown State looks to be on track for a magical season. Youngstown State will travel to Fargo in another huge MVFC game.

#2 North Dakota State (3-0), 253

North Dakota State demolished Prairie View A&M 66-7 on Saturday. The starters were out very quickly and even the 2nd and 3rd stringers could not be stopped. After cleaning Prairie View's clock, North Dakota State turns their eyes to Northern Iowa in a game that could decide Northern Iowa's playoff fate. 

#3 Illinois State (4-0), 227

Illinois State won as expected against Western Illinois. However, give the Leathernecks some credit, they stayed with the Redbirds and kept it close... until you look at the stats. Illinois State passed for 210 and ran for 163 in a very balanced offensive attack---the Leathernecks had a grand total of 137 yards of offense. The Redbird will travel to Vermillion, South Dakota to take on the Coyotes. 

#4 Northern Iowa (1-3), 116

Again, Northern Iowa dropped another game and fell to 1-3. This team is easily the most powerful 1-3 team in probably FBS and FCS. After losses to Wisconsin, Iowa, and Youngstown State, Northern Iowa now gets the pleasure of hosting North Dakota State. Northern Iowa simply can not lose any other game for the rest of the season. 

#5 South Dakota State (3-1), 114

South Dakota State played very well against ranked Indiana State on Saturday and proved once again that their run game and defense is for real. If the Jackrabbits get their pass attack going again, this team could be very dangerous. South Dakota State has put them in good position for playoff contention, however, they will need to upset either Northern Iowa, North Dakota State, or Youngstown State to feel relatively comfortable for a playoff selection. 

#6 Southern Illinois (2-2), 77

Southern Illinois is on the rise. This week they came away victorious in a game versus Missouri State. Although their wins came from Southeast Missouri State and Missouri State, they jumped Indiana State this week as the Sycamores only wins came from a non-scholly and an NAIA school. Southern Illinois will get a chance to solidify its position above Indiana State this weekend as they take on the Sycs at home. 

#7 Indiana State (2-2), 59

Indiana State has a strong run game--thats always been known--but their defense was compromised this past weekend as South Dakota State ran all over the Sycamores. Also, Indiana State became inept after the Jackrabbits shut down Shakir Bell. Indiana State will need to find other ways to win games rather than by the run game--excuse me, Shakir Bell--alone. Indiana State needs to beat Southern Illinois to reclaim their spot as a middling MVFC school. 

#8 South Dakota (1-2), 43

The Coyotes went to Evanston, Illinois and played Northwestern well. Northwestern did run all over South Dakota, but they didn't put up 73 points like Nebraska did on Idaho State this past weekend. A respectably game was played by South Dakota. This week South Dakota will have a chance to prove itself worthy of respect as they welcome Illinois State to Vermillion. 

#9 Western Illinois (2-2), 13

Western Illinois started the MVFC play against Illinois State last weekend and it turned out as expected. Illinois State controlled the game and came out with the W. Western Illinois seems flat and not dynamic enough to compete in the Missouri Valley this year. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, they've got to find a solution to the poor quarterback performance. 

#10 Missouri State (0-4), 1

Missouri State just can not find a way into the win column. I thought they might have a chance to beat Southern Illinois, and they did! Honestly, they controlled the game on Saturday against Southern Illinois and there was no reason why they should have lost--well there is... here are the stats: Missouri State has 362 yards of total offense compared to the Salukis 198. The Bears also won the time-of-possession battle, the kicker in this game was poor coaching and turnovers. Missouri State racked up 100 yards of penalties and turned the ball over three times--that alone could lose any game, for any team. Missouri State has a long ways to go.