ST. LOUIS - North Dakota State was picked to finish second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference according to a preseason poll of the league's media, head coaches and communications directors released Tuesday, Aug. 1.

South Dakota State was picked to win the conference with 44 of the 45 first-place votes, Northern Iowa was third, North Dakota fourth, Southern Illinois fifth and Youngstown State sixth.

Illinois State, Missouri State, South Dakota, Indiana State, Murray State and Western Illinois rounded out the poll in order.

NDSU had 14 players named to the MVFC Preseason Team, including four first-team picks in fullback Hunter Brozio, offensive lineman Jalen Sundell, defensive lineman Eli Mostaert and return specialist Jayden Price.

The Bison had eight second team picks: running back TaMerik Williams, tight end Joe Stoffel, offensive linemen Jake Kubas and Brandon Westberg, defensive lineman Will Mostaert, linebacker Cole Wisniewski, cornerback Jayden Price and kicker Griffin Crosa.

NDSU wide receiver Zach Mathis and linebacker Nick Kubitz were honorable mentions.

North Dakota State opens the season against Eastern Washington at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday, Sept. 2. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.