A few notes on every MIAA game this week and my pick of the winners
Thursday New Mexico Highlands at Fort Hays
Let it be known that Fort Hays ran over its RMAC competition as an improved team last season. If the Tigers are as improved as they say they are, there should be no doubt Thursday’s game will yield the same result. At least with their impressive wins last season, the Tigers did what MIAA teams should do to the near-the-bottom or middle-of-the-road teams in the RMAC. This year should be no different, as Fort Hays will run by Highlands. Pick — Fort Hays 40-7.
Minnesota-Mankato at Central Missouri
Central Missouri will be introducing a new offensive scheme that features eight starters back from a 7-4 run last season. That included a 6-3 mark in the MIAA. Look for the Mules to struggle early, but find their rhythm. Minnesota-Mankato will introduce a new coach as part of a new conference, the NSIC. Pick — Central Missouri 30-10.
Missouri Western at Northern State
This will be the first meeting between the two programs. The Griffons are coming off a 9-3 season (6-3 MIAA) and had a successful trip to the Mineral Water Bowl, representing the MIAA against NSIC member Wayne State (Neb.) College. The Wolves went 5-4 in the NSIC last season. Pick — Missouri Western 35-15.
Missouri S&T at Truman State
Though home-field advantage is not a true home-field advantage for Truman State, it shouldn’t slow down quarterback Matt Ticich and Truman’s high-flying offense. The game will be played at Central Methodist (Mo.) University due to a delay in installation of Truman State’s new field turf at Stokes Stadium. Missouri S&T (formerly MIssouri-Rolla) hasn’t defeated Truman in the last 22 tries. Pick — Truman 40-28.
Colorado Mines at Washburn
The Orediggers were no match last season on their own turf, so don’t look for much more against Washburn in Topeka. Last time out, Washburn forced four turnovers en route to a 27-7 victory. On their home field in a season opener, Washburn rolls again. Pick — Washburn 21-0.
Saturday
Western State at Emporia State
Just like at Fort Hays last year, a win over Western State could build some confidence for a program that has struggled in recent seasons — Emporia State. The Hornets are picked to finish last in the MIAA, but that’s still better than sixth in the RMAC. Emporia State has limited returning players, but some youngsters will shine. Pick — Emporia State 24-21.
Harding (Ark.) at Missouri Southern
This game had the makings of a close one, but only if it was played at Harding. Missouri Southern quarterback Adam Hinspeter is chasing several records and climbing the charts in the MIAA. He will be solid in the opener at home. Pick — Missouri Southern 40-20.
Abilene Christian at Northwest Missouri State
This is the the first top 10 college clash at any level in 2008. It would be tempting to give Abilene Christian an upset edge over a Bearcat squad without the services of Xavier Omon, but it’s not going to happen — not in Maryville. The Bearcats are riding an impressive 17-game home winning streak. Pick — Northwest Missouri 35-21.
Pittsburg State at Central Oklahoma
This is a matchup of two of the winningest teams in Div. II. Pittsburg State leads Div. II with 621 wins all time, while the Bronchos are fourth on the list with 578. Both recently celebrated the century mark as college football programs, as the Gorillas enter their 101st season and the Bronchos enter their 103rd. Pittsburg State will play two road non-conference games, but return two of the best offensive threats in the MIAA — Mark Smith and Caleb Farabi. Pick — Pittsburg State 40-10.