Toucanbird's Week 7 NSIC Power Rankings

It's that time of the week again.

1. #1 UM-Duluth 6-0 (5-0 NSIC) (-)
PG - W @ MSU-Moorhead 56-7
LG - W vs. Winona State 59-17
UG - vs. U-Mary (1-5)
Note - Well, let's just face it...I don't think there is any team in the NSIC that can take UMD down. In six games, they have outscored their opponents by 36 PPG. Want to hear something scarier? Four of those six teams have winning records. The Bulldogs had an unfathomable 371 yards rushing against Winona State, thanks to another masterful game by Issac Odim, rushing 23 times for 165 yards and 2 TDs. The more I see the Bulldogs play, the more I believe they will win an a national championship. Even when I look at their upcoming schedule, I don't see any games that they should lose. If there is one, it is probably at home against St. Cloud State...but I'd have to say St. Cloud needs to play their best game and UMD would have to play their worst. They've got Mary at home this week...anyone want to do an over/under 50 point win on this one?

2. #16 Augustana 6-0 (5-0 NSIC) (-)
PG - W @ Concordia-St. Paul 22-16
LG - W vs. Northern State 31-15
UG - @ Winona State (3-2)
Note - The Vikings might be the only other undefeated team in the NSIC, but I tell you what, they do not jump off the page at me like the Bulldogs do. This team has had some less than spectacular wins the last two weeks against competition that I'd say isn't quite "top tier." Sure, the win against Concordia-St. Paul is looking decent considering what the Golden Bears are doing, however, Northern State has looked DREADFUL the last several weeks and still didn't lose that badly to Augustana. However, I will give Augie the benefit of the doubt...they have been playing without a healthy Tyler Schulte the past few weeks and considering the monster numbers he was putting up before he got hurt, you'd have to think that is part of the reason why they struggled a bit. From the reports I'm hearing, he should be healthy in the upcoming game against Winona State...and for the Vikings sake, they better hope so because I can imagine WSU will be hungry for a win.

3. #24 St. Cloud State 5-1 (5-0 NSIC) (-)
PG - W @ Northern State 42-10
LG - W @ MSU-Mankato 31-17
UG - vs. SW Minnesota State (3-3)
Note - I don't know how they've done it but the Huskies went from a passing team early on in the season to a running team. Granted, MSU-Mankato is a horrible team against the run. Nevertheless, the Huskies rushed for 262 yards. I have to give some props to St. Cloud for how they played. The first quarter was an ugly one as their defense gave up 14 points in the first nine minutes, however, the defense locked down from that point on, only allowing 3 points the next 51 minutes. The defense was quite opportunistic as well, forcing 5 Maverick turnovers. I thought this was a very good win for the Huskies because MSU-Mankato was in a must-win situation at home and St. Cloud made sure that they never had a chance. They'll return home this week to take on SW Minnesota State. It could be an interesting game considering the Mustangs are still looking to get a big upset victory in the NSIC and they always seem to be in the mix for at least one upset a year.

4. #23 Wayne State 5-1 (4-1 NSIC) (+1)
PG - @ SW Minnesota State 38-20
LG - W @ U-Mary 33-28
UG - vs. Concordia-St. Paul (3-2)
Note - I know this might be a ridiculous comment to make, but I am starting to wonder if Wayne State is a fraud. I'm sure you might be wondering, "if you think that, why did they jump up a spot in your rankings?" Well, they won...I won't take that way from them. However, the fact is they had to pull out a last minute win to Mary...who is far from a good team. I did say that if there was one game that had me puzzled, it would be the WSC/Mary game because I thought Mary...could have a chance but I doubted myself. It looks like I was more right than I could've believed. Certainly, Wayne could not fault Evan Johnson. He was an absolute beast completing 29-of-38 passes for 387 yards and 4 TDs, including a 34 yarder with 45 seconds left to win the game. I was a harsh critic of his the last few weeks so he did sort of shut me up with this performance. However, I'm starting to believe Wayne has some weaknesses on defense if they allowed an offense like Mary's to score 28 points on them. Heck, UM-Crookston's defense didn't even allow that much to Mary. Even though the Wildcats are home this week, they have a lot to worry about considering it's a much improved Concordia-St. Paul team.

5. Winona State 3-2 (2-2 NSIC) (-1)
PG - W vs. MSU-Mankato 43-21
LG - L @ #1 UM-Duluth 59-17
UG - vs. #16 Augustana (6-0)
Note - There's about a million things I could say about Winona State's performance in Duluth but I'll just say it with one...sad. This was a team riding a high. They were coming off a big win at home against MSU-Mankato in a game that they probably played about as well as they could've played. They followed it up with perhaps the worst game they could've possibly played. Consistency has been the Warriors problem all season long and one thing I've noticed about WSU the last few weeks is their run defense can be exposed. They gave up 371 yards rushing to UM-Duluth...it is kind of funny that you're expecting them to run and you still can't stop it. Evan Aber continues to puzzle me as well. He will have a game where he looks absolutely phenomenal and then he'll have a game where he looks like absolute gutter trash. He was 12-of-34 for 97 yards and 2 TDs against UMD. I know some UMD fans will say it's because of their lockdown defense...uh...no. He missed wide open receivers all over the field and perhaps the most memorable play for me was when he had a receiver wide open on a slant pattern and he threw the ball 3 yards behind the receiver and over his head. He better be doing a lot of passing drills in practice this week because if WSU is going to beat Augie at home this week, they'll need Aber hitting on all cylinders.

6. Concordia-St. Paul 3-2 (2-2 NSIC) (+1)
PG - L vs. #16 Augustana 22-16
LG - W vs. Bemidji State 20-14
UG - @ #23 Wayne State (5-1)
Note - I tell you what, if people were doubting the Golden Bears before, they certainly aren't now. They had two very solid performances the last two weeks at home. Sure, one was a loss but it was a single possession loss to Augustana. Their win against Bemidji State was huge. Despite being at home, a lot of people thought Bemidji State had the better team and would win. I had a good feeling Concordia would win that game and they did. They've solidified themselves as the sixth best team in the conference and who knows...they could jump as high as four if a few things play out. They travel to Wayne, Nebraska in what will be a statement game for the Golden Bears. A win and a Winona State loss could put them in a favorable situation...however, the health of quarterback Spencer Ohm will be huge if the Golden Bears want to go into Wayne and spring the upset.

7. Bemidji State 3-3 (2-3 NSIC) (-1)
PG - W vs. Upper Iowa 51-12
LG - L @ Concordia-St. Paul 20-14
UG - @ MSU-Moorhead (2-4)
Note - The first six weeks were not a great indicator for Bemidji State. Before last Saturday, they were 3-2 and their only two losses were against UM-Duluth and Augustana. Considering neither had lost a game and the Beavers were at least somewhat competitive in those games, you might think that a win in Concordia was expected...well, in contrast to Denny Green, the Beavers are not who we thought they were. They couldn't beat a Concordia-St. Paul team that was without their starting quarterback in the second half. This loss was absolutely devastating for Bemidji State. Granted, they do play in the weak NSIC North, the problem is 3 losses in the NSIC is tough to overcome, especially when they still need to travel to St. Cloud State later in the year. I guess if there's any good news, Bemidji State's remaining schedule outside of the St. Cloud game consists of four teams with four combined wins. They draw MSU-Moorhead this week on the road...seems winnable enough.

8. MSU-Mankato 3-3 (2-3 NSIC) (-)
PG - L @ Winona State 43-21
LG - L vs. #24 St. Cloud State 31-17
UG - vs. Upper Iowa (1-5)
Note - It's been a rough three weeks for MSU-Mankato...very rough. Granted, the three losses were to three pretty solid teams, but the bad news is, two of those losses came at home. If there's one thing that can be said about playing in the NSIC, it's a MUST that you win your home games. One thing I sort of laughed at with MSU-Mankato's play was at quarterback. I'd say Will Brogan has some potential...21-of-29 for 336 yards and a TD...perhaps someone should tell him not to throw to the other team because the 3 interceptions were absolutely devastating. There was an even funnier stat or situation that really should be a slap in the face for Taylor Brookins. In the second quarter, he fumbled on the first play of the drive and luckily for him, a teammate fell on him. You'd think this would be a wake-up call for him to hold onto the ball. I guess not...two plays later, he fumbled again, giving the ball back to St. Cloud. This has been MSU-Mankato's season in a nutshell. I guess if there is any good news, MSU-Mankato should be able to end their three game losing streak with a home game against Upper Iowa this week...I know...that's not much of a bright side.

9. SW Minnesota State 3-3 (2-3 NSIC) (-)
PG - L vs. #23 Wayne State 38-20
LG - W vs. MSU-Moorhead 49-14
UG - @ #24 St. Cloud State (5-1)
Note - Thinking about nine and down in the NSIC makes my head hurt because the top eight are pretty clear cut. Despite MSU's struggles, I still think they are far better than the Mustangs. However, I gotta give a lot of props to SMSU this week...they sure took the Dragons to the woodshed. What's impressive about SMSU and unimpressive about MSU-Moorhead is the Mustangs rushed for 350 yards. I hate to break this to you SMSU but MSU-Moorhead is BY FAR the worst rushing defense in the NSIC, giving up 285 yards a game. It was also impressive to see SMSU have two running backs with over 100 yards rushing. Warren Matthews rushed for 149 yards on 14 carries, scoring 3 TDs as well as Gannon Moore rushing for 123 yards on 7 carries. I'm sure Ryan Ratekin is glad to see his running backs step up because it will certainly help that passing game if those two can get going. At this point, it's a put up or shut up season for SMSU because they have three wins against teams with three combined wins and three losses against teams with 14 combined wins. They go to St. Cloud this week which could provide an opportunity for the Mustangs to spring an upset...highly doubtful though.

10. U-Mary 1-5 (1-4 NSIC) (+1)
PG - W vs. UM-Crookston 48-0
LG - L vs. #23 Wayne State 33-28
UG - @ #1 UM-Duluth (6-0)
Note - I know it sounds funny for Mary to lose and jump up a spot, but the Marauders have certainly turned a corner the last few weeks. They were so dominant against UM-Crookston and the offense certainly seems to be improving as they scored 28 points against a solid Wayne State defense. It was just a shame for Mary that their defense just couldn't quite provide the spark they needed to spring an upset. I find it funny that Mary has looked solid the last two weeks and considering Jamal Lomax has been back, you'd think that would be the reason, but it's not. Lomax only had 12 carries for 51 yards. I think the improved play from Bagnell certainly helps as he completed 24-of-35 for 260 yards with a TD and an interception. I know this might be a little obnoxious to say, but Mary just might be the best 1-5 and soon to be 1-6 football team I've seen play this year. They could've easily been 3-3 this year. Mary has been the unfortunate benefactor of bad breaks.

11. MSU-Moorhead 2-4 (2-3 NSIC) (-1)
PG - L vs. #1 UM-Duluth 56-7
LG - L @ SW Minnesota State 49-14
UG - vs. Bemidji State (3-3)
Note - I thought that their road game in Marshall would've been a decent test to see if MSU-Moorhead is an improving team...obviously not. Their rush defense is so bad that it makes me bleed through the eyeballs trying to watch them chase a running back or try and tackle for that matter. Here's what you have to know...AFTER this past weekend, SW Minnesota State is the third worst rushing team in the NSIC. They had 350 yards rushing against the Dragons. What does that say about the Dragons? What's ironic about all this is the only thing keeping the Dragons rush defense from giving up over 300 yards per game were their two games against UM-Crookston and Upper Iowa. This week, they are playing a Bemidji State team that is 4th in the NSIC in rush offense. Don't worry, I'm already starting to duck and cover...

12. Northern State 0-6 (0-5 NSIC) (-)
PG - L vs. #24 St. Cloud State 42-14
LG - L @ #16 Augustana 31-15
UG - @ UM-Crookston (1-5)
Note - Well, I guess I can give some credit to Northern State...they did not play nearly as bad against Augustana as I thought they would. I was expecting something along the lines of a 35-40 point blowout. Although, they were down 31-7 going into the 4th quarter. Without Montel Richardson at running back, I didn't think they'd compete at all against Augie but they still managed to make somewhat of an effort. Sure, the rushing game was absolutely dreadful, only rushing for seven yards on the day...but the quarterback play was much improved and give some props to receiver Mark Hanley, catching 6 passes for 126 yards and 2 TDs...with Northern State's offense, that's NSIC POTW type numbers...if he played for a better team. I guess if there is any good news in all this, it's that Northern State will PROBABLY get their first win of the season this weekend. UM-Crookston hasn't really played a close game at all this season.

13. Upper Iowa 1-5 (1-4 NSIC) (-)
PG - L @ Bemidji State 51-12
LG - W vs. UM-Crookston 56-19
UG - @ MSU-Mankato (3-3)
Note - Well, congratulations Peacocks...you finally got that elusive first win. Now, you're probably wondering, "why am I still ranking you guys below Northern State?" Beating UM-Crookston does NOTHING for you. The "not so" Golden Eagles have been everyone's punching bag in the NSIC. You'll have to do more than beat them to get my attention...even if it's by 37. I tell you what...you draw MSU-Mankato this week. This has been a team that has been struggling mightily. If you stay competitive against this team or better yet, upset them...I will certainly consider moving you up a spot...maybe even two. However, until you actually play a competitive game against a solid NSIC football team like Northern State has, you'll be sitting here at the bottom with UM-Crookston...look at the bright side, at least you definitely WON'T be the worst team in the conference no matter what happens the remainder of the season.

14. UM-Crookston 1-5 (0-5 NSIC) (-)
PG - L @ U-Mary 48-0
LG - L @ Upper Iowa 56-19
UG - vs. Northern State (0-6)
Note - Get ready to laugh at this. In the past three games, UM-Crookston has played three of the five worst teams in the NSIC. In those three games, they've been outscored 152-37. Considering this is against the worst teams in the NSIC, what does that say about UM-Crookston? I will certainly roll on the floor and laugh if they lose badly to Northern State because that's my 10, 11, 12 and 13 ranked teams in the NSIC that they wouldn't even be able to compete against. Really, why do I even bother writing a review for UM-Crookston? Perhaps I should just do 1-13 because I think we all know how bad UM-Crookston is. They are so bad that they should change their names from the Golden Eagles to the spray-on $1 store gold paint Eagles.