13th-ranked South Dakota Football Team Moves Up Two Spots in D-II Regional Rankings

VERMILLION, S.D. (Monday, October 23, 2006) — The 13th-ranked South Dakota Football Team (7-1, 5-0 NCC) moved up two spots and is ranked fourth in the NCAA Division II Northwest regional rankings, released for the third time by the NCAA on Monday.

The Coyotes, ranked sixth on Oct. 16, is fourth behind Grand Valley State (8-0), Nebraska-Omaha (6-1) and North Dakota (6-1).

USD remained unbeaten in NCC play (5-0) with a 38-14 win over Augustana on Oct. 21 at the DakotaDome. USD and UNO are tied for first in the NCC with 5-0 records. UND is second with a 4-1 NCC mark. At the end of the season, the top six teams in each of four national regions will advance to the national playoffs.

Northwest Region Rankings

1. Grand Valley State (8-0)

2. Nebraska-Omaha (6-1)

3. North Dakota (6-1)

4. South Dakota (7-1)

5. Northwood (6-1)

6. Winona State (6-2)

7. Ferris State (6-2)

8. Augustana (S.D.) (5-3)

9. Minnesota Duluth (5-3)

10. Bemidji State (6-2)

11. Central Washington (5-3)

12. Indianapolis (5-3)

South Dakota will travel to Minnesota State on Saturday, Oct. 28 for a 1 p.m. game at Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato, Minn.