UNI picked to win Missouri Valley football crown

From UNI Sports Information

The University of Northern Iowa football team has been selected as the preseason favorite to claim the 2011 Missouri Valley Football Conference crown.

The Panthers received the top spot in a poll conducted by league coaches, media and sports information directors. UNI, which has been ranked in 81 straight regular-season polls, received 316 total points and 29 of 36 first-place votes. The Panthers were one of three league teams in the FCS playoffs last year and finished the 2010 league slate with a 6-2 mark and outright MVFC crown.

North Dakota State was second in the poll with 275 points and six first-place votes. Southern Illinois claimed the only remaining first-place vote and took third with 207 points.

South Dakota State claimed the No. 4 spot with 172 points, leading a pack consisting of Illinois State (169 points), Indiana State (168 points) and Western Illinois (151 points). Youngstown State and Missouri State rounded out the poll at No. 8 and No. 9, respectively.

On the individual side, the Panthers led the way with seven preseason All-MVFC selections and an additional four honorable mention picks.

Senior quarterback Tirrell Rennie, senior offensive lineman Jay Teply, senior defensive lineman Ben Boothby, senior linebacker L.J. Fort, junior defensive back J.J. Swain, junior punter Kyle Bernard and junior return specialist Carlos Anderson were preseason All-Valley selections.

Junior offensive lineman Brian Palangi, senior linebacker James Conley, junior defensive back Andre Martin and senior return specialist Jarred Herring earned honorable mention status.

The Panthers kick off the season Sept. 3 at Iowa State. UNI will set out to defend its MVFC title with the conference- and home-opener on Sept. 24 against Western Illinois.

2011 Valley Football Preseason Poll

Team (First-place votes)       Points

1. UNI (29)                              316

2. North Dakota State (6)         275

3. Southern Illinois (1)               207

4. South Dakota State              172

5. Illinois State                          169

6. Indiana State                        168

7. Western Illinois                     151

8. Youngstown State                88

9. Missouri State                      74