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 MVFCÂ 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.
NDSUÂ 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.
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