Roth's Power Rankings: Week 7

1. North Dakota State
Can anyone in the country stop the Bison after their 48-7 rampage over YSU? With the toughest part of their schedule behind them, NDSU is looking to coast through the rest of their Valley schedule.

2. Youngstown State
Still the second-best team in the conference despite the collapse on Saturday, though partially due to Illinois State laying an egg. South Dakota State is threatening their position. They need a big bounce-back from Kurt Hess to retain their hold on #2.

3. South Dakota State
Much-needed bye week for do-it-all back Zach Zenner to heal up. He cannot continue to average 26 carries a game in a Valley schedule and be expected to continue to carrying this team. 

4. Northern Iowa
Can the Panthers use the week off to refocus and salvage some pride from what is effectively a shot season? Great opportunity for freshman QB Kollmorgen to demonstrate some leadership and get his lumps out of the way as the team is playing for respect only from here on out.

5. Indiana State
The Sycamores had a surprisingly tough time fending off a feisty Missouri State team, but a fourth-quarter Bell touchdown provided the icing. Still not sold on their passing game and a trip to North Dakota State this weekend could get ugly.

6. Southern Illinois
The Salukis have suddenly found an identity on defense, and if their offense can do the same this could be a team that surprises some people. Shutting Illinois State out is a tall task for even NDSU's defense. 

7. Illinois State
No idea what to think of them going from arguably the second-best team in the conference to getting shut out at home in the span of three weeks. Starting with their struggle over South Dakota and ending at this past weekend, the Redbirds have slipped into a dangerous slump that could threaten what was once a likely playoff berth. Need to rally and perform better fast.

8. Western Illinois
Nice little win at South Dakota this weekend, but still don't have much else to look forward to. Even with a new QB, this offense can't effectively move the ball against the upper half of the Valley.

9. South Dakota
After playing Illinois State tough two weeks ago, Western Illinois at home should have been a win on a silver platter but the Coyotes couldn't deliver. This was one of the few games where they might have been nearly favored, and the schedule from here out doesn't look pretty.

10. Missouri State
I was mildly impressed with how the Bears hung with Indiana State, but they simply couldn't stop Shakir Bell in the second half.