The GPAC picture is starting to become clear. Sioux Falls is still better than everyone else, and looks like they are going to leave the conference having not been beat since Nam (or 2006). Morningside and Northwestern are both very good, but are a long way from the level of Sioux Falls. Midland is showing themselves as the clear favorite to be the best of the second tier teams, and could vault up to the top tier (and the playoffs) with a win over Northwestern. Hastings has been disappointing and Dakota Wesleyan’s hot start has shown to be a bit of a mirage. The other teams simply aren’t very good. Onto the power rankings!
1) #1 Sioux Falls (7-0) The more things change, the more things stay the same. USF beat down a very good Morningside College team, and barring a major let down, will run the table through the GPAC on their way out the door to DII.
2) #8 Morningside (6-1) Take their annual conference loss to USF, but they should be in excellent position to win a playoff game if they run the table against Concordia, Hastings, and Dakota Wesleyan. No easy task, but definitely doable.
3) #15 Northwestern (4-2) Lost close games to the two best teams in the conference and beat down everyone else. They are also in good shape to make the playoffs if they win out, but they do face tough opponents in Midland and Dakota Wesleyan in that span.
4) (receiving votes) Midland University 5-2 (4-2) Wins over Hastings and Dakota Wesleyan puts the Warriors squarely as the best team in the GPAC second tier. They could have an outside shot at making the playoffs if they run the table to end the year, which would include a win at home against Northwestern.
5) Dakota Wesleyan (4-2) Bounce back after two consecutive losses with a nice win over Hastings. Their reward? Sioux Falls comes into town!
6) Hastings (3-4) A bit of a disappointing season for the Broncos. They get a week off to get ready for Morningside.
7) Nebraska Wesleyan (2-4) Three of their four losses come against the top teams in the conference. There is potential for the P-Wolves to have a winning season if their offense can start helping out their defense a bit more.
8 ) Concordia 3-4 (2-4) They beat Briar Cliff after losing four straight games. Their defense better come to play against an angry Morningside squad this week!
9) Doane (2-3) Will get beat by Northwestern this week, before participating in the oldest and most bitter rivalry game in the GPAC against Nebraska Wesleyan.
10) Briar Cliff 2-5 (1-5) They need to beat someone besides Dordt or Waldorf to get the respect they are looking for.
11) Dordt (0-7) Looks like it’s going to be their second straight year without a conference win.