SIOUX FALLS. -- The University of Sioux Falls Football Team, which was 11-1 in 2014 and return 18 starters, has been ranked #10 in the D2Football.com Preseason NCAA Division II Top-25 Poll, according to an announcement today by D2Football.com.
It is the first time since transitioning to NCAA DII in 2011 that USF has been ranked in the D2Football.com's preseason top-10. USF began the 2014 season unranked and moved into the D2football.com poll at #23 on Sept. 30.The Cougars were ranked as high as #14 (Oct. 28) in the D2football.com poll and finished the regular season at #16.
The Cougars, directed by six-year USF head coach Jed Stugart (44-13), are among three NSIC teams ranked in the top 10. Picked third in the NSIC (2nd in the South), USF will bring back a wealth of experience, including reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Year and Harlon Hill candidate Luke Papilion (quarterback) and All-American defensive back Solomon St. Pierre, who was named to D2Football's first team All-American defense as a cornerback. The D2Football.com honor was St. Pierre's fifth preseason All-American honor to go with six All-American honors from 2014.
USF, which was ranked #11 by Lindy's Magazine and #17 in the AFCA coaches poll earlier this summer, brings back 45 letter winners, including nine starters on offense, seven on defense and two on special teams. Last December 6, USF defeated the MIAA's Central Oklahoma, 42-10 in the Mineral Water Bowl. It was USF's first ever postseason game at the NCAA DII level.
Minnesota State-Mankato (14-1), which travels to Bob Young Field on Nov. 7 to play USF, was ranked #1 by D2Football.com, edging past last year's champion Colorado St. Pueblo (14-1). West Georgia (12-3), a national semifinalist last year, was third followed by Ferris State (11-1), and Ohio Dominican (11-2) in the top five. Pittsburg State (11-2), Minnesota-Duluth (13-1), which visits Bob Young Field on Sept. 19, Northwest Missouri State (10-2) Lenoir-Rhyne (11-1) and USF round out the top-10. Five teams in the top 10 represent Super Region 3.
A year ago, USF compiled its best record at the NCAA DII level, bettering the mark of 9-2 in 2012. With 11 wins, the Cougars recorded its 15th 10-win or better season since 1988. Last year, USF lost only to DII runner-up and NSIC champion Minnesota State-Mankato on the road.
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 postseason play. With the Mineral Water Bowl win last December, USF is 1-0 in postseason football at the DII level.
Since transitioning to DII in 2011, the Cougars have a 30-12 mark, including 25-8 (.758 winning pct.) in the NSIC. The Cougars, which open the season at home (Bob Young Field) against U-Mary on Sept. 5, have won 276 games since the 1988 season. The game vs. U-Mary will be the Cougar's first on its new Astroturf installed this summer. At Bob Young Field, USF owns a 51-3 mark (since 2006).
2015 D2Football.com – Preseason DII Poll
1. Minnesota State-Mankato, 14-1
2. Colorado State-Pueblo, 14-1
3. West Georgia, 12-3
4. Ferris State (Mich.), 11-1
5. Ohio Dominican, 11-2
6. Pittsburg State (Kan.), 11-2
7. Minnesota-Duluth, 13-1
8. Northwest Missouri State, 10-2
9. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.), 11-1
10. Sioux Falls, 11-1
11. Delta State (Miss.), 9-2
12. Angelo State (Texas), 9-3
13. North Alabama, 9-2
14. Bloomsburg (Pa.), 11-2
15. Valdosta State, 10-3
16. Concord (W. Va.), 13-1
17. Colorado Mines, 10-2
18. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.), 10-1
19. Harding (Ark.), 9-2
20. Central Missouri (8-4)
21. Texas A&M Commerce, 9-3
22. West Chester (Pa), 11-2
23. Azusa Pacific (Calif.), 10-1
24. Winston-Salem State (N.C.), 9-2
25. Grand Valley State (Mich.), 6-5
