BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The University of Sioux Falls Football Team, which put together an 11-1 record with top-20 recognition (#16 D2football.com and #18 by AFCA) in 2014, has been ranked #11 in NCAA DII by Lindy's Sports Magazine in 2015 college football preseason rankings.
The Cougars, which open the season against U-Mary on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Bob Young Field in Sioux Falls, are among three NSIC teams ranked in the top 11. The magazine annually releases its preseason rankings in NCAA DI (FBS), FCS and NCAA DII every summer.
While USF is picked #11 in DII, national runner-up Minnesota State is picked #1 and Minnesota-Duluth is #3. The Cougars will bring back a wealth of experience, including reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Year Luke Papilion and All-American defensive back Solomon St. Pierre. In total,USF will return 45 letter winners, including nine starters on offense and seven on defense.
National semifinalist West Georgia is picked to finish second after losing to national champion Colorado-Pueblo in the national semifinals. Colorado-Pueblo is ranked #15 in the preseason poll.
Lindy's Sports Magazine – DII Preseason Football Poll
1. Minnesota State, Mankato
2. West Georgia
3. Minnesota-Duluth
4. Bloomsburg
5. North Alabama
6. Pittsburg State
7. Concord
8. Valdosta State
9. Delta State
10. Ferris State
11. Sioux Falls
12. Ohio Dominican
13. Northwest Missouri State
14. Lenoir-Rhyne
15. CSU-Pueblo
16. West Chester
17. Angelo State
18. Michigan Tech
19. Ouachita Baptist
20. Grand Valley State
21. Colorado Mines
22. Tuskegree
23. Ashland (Ohio)
24. Azusa Pacific
25. Slippery Rock
St. Pierre, who was named to six All-American teams in 2014 after leading the national with 10 interceptions, was picked to Lindy's Sports Magazine preseason first-team defense.
A year ago, USF compiled its best record at the NCAA DII level, bettering the mark of 9-2 in 2012. The Cougars lost only to DII runner-up and NSIC champion Minnesota State-Mankato on the road in a game USF led in the 4th quarter. For the 21st straight season, including a fourth straight at the DII level, USF recorded a winning season. During that incredible run, the Cougars won four NAIA national titles, and compiled a 36-12 record in the playoffs. Since transitioning to DII in 2011, they have a 30-12 mark, including 25-8 in the NSIC.
In 2014, the Cougars not only accumulated wins in bunches but they also had numerous players earn awards. Eight players were named NSIC All-League with 14 honored overall. Quarterback Luke Papilion became the first Cougar named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Year and a fourth team All-American while St. Pierre garnered six All-American honors, also a first by a Cougar individual at the DII level. Junior cornerback John Tidwell was named Academic All-District, Daktronics All-Region squad and honorable mention All-American.
