Herald Missouri Valley Football Conference power poll Oct. 3, 2022
Oct. 10—GRAND FORKS — The sixth week of the college football season provided some clarity to the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Here's a quick lap around the league.
1. North Dakota State: You can take NDSU's narrow win at Indiana State a couple of ways. On one hand, the Bison appeared vulnerable for their standards and coughed up three fumbles. On the other hand, NDSU ran all over the Sycamores, led by TaMerik Williams' 145 yards and three touchdowns.
2. South Dakota State: The Jackrabbits' defense is special, holding South Dakota's Carson Camp to 44 passing yards and two interceptions. If the Bison didn't have a decade-plus of dominance in their corner, the Jacks would be at the top here.
3. Southern Illinois: After falling behind 14-0 at Missouri State, the Salukis scored the next 38 points to solidify No. 3 here. SIU didn't have running back Ro Elliott in Springfield but it didn't matter. The Cox twins both had 100-yard receiving games and true freshman Shaun Lester ran for 81 yards in his first real action of his career.
4. North Dakota: The road woes narrative is slowly being put to rest after a 35-30 win at Youngstown State. Tommy Schuster has found a new gear and his ability to extend plays is making the Hawks' passing game a legit threat.
5. Illinois State: Illinois State finally got a win worth taking a look at by beating Northern Iowa. Illinois State QB Zack Annexstad threw for 257 yards and a touchdown. The Redbirds also sacked Theo Day four times.
6. Youngstown State: If Youngstown State would've utilized Jaleel McLaughlin better against UND, it might have picked off the Hawks. New quarterback Mitch Davidson also gave reason to believe the Penguins might be balanced moving forward.
7. Missouri State: What can we make of the Bears now? It's not just losing in Grand Forks and at home to Southern Illinois, it's the matter in which they're doing it. The pass defense isn't good enough, and they're not protecting Jason Shelley nearly enough to handle the better pass rushes in the league.
8. South Dakota: Yes, South Dakota State has a great defense. Still, you can't let Carson Camp be sacked seven times. The Yotes have a tough schedule the rest of the way, and they have to be worried about sinking on this list fast.
9. Northern Iowa: The Panthers have to do a better job protecting Theo Day.
10. Indiana State: The Sycamores might deserve better than a No. 10 ranking after taking the Bison to the limits but we need to see Indiana State pull one of these off. Redshirt freshman quarterback Cade Chambers in his first start against NDSU was certainly intriguing with 162 yards and two touchdowns.
11. Western Illinois: The Leathernecks had a bye this week.
