Augustana has been picked to finish seventh in both the 2005 North Central Conference Preseason Coaches and Media Polls which were released Wednesday.
In a poll conducted of the league’s seven head coaches, the Vikings garnered 7 points. In the media poll, Augustana collected 21 points. Points were awarded 7 for 1st, 6 for 2nd, etc.
Defending league champion Nebraska-Omaha was the coaches pick to win their second straight title. The Mavericks received 4 first-place votes and 46 total points. North Dakota, a national semfifinalist last season, was a close second. The Fighting Sioux collected 3 first-place votes and 45 total points.
Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota tied for the top spot in the media poll, with each team receiving 113 points.
Augustana went 3-8 in 2004 and had an 0-6 NCC record. The Vikings return 13 starters and 44 letterwinners from last season's team.
Augustana, under the direction of first-year head coach
Brad Salem, opens the season at Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday, August 27 at 7 p.m.
2005 North Central Conference Football Preseason Coaches PollTeam (1st place votes), PointsNebraska-Omaha (4), 46
North Dakota (3), 45
South Dakota, 31
St. Cloud State, 30
Minnesota State, 23
Minnesota-Duluth, 14
Augustana, 72005 North Central Conference Football Preseason Media PollTeam (1st place votes), PointsNebraska-Omaha (7), 113
North Dakota (10), 113
South Dakota (1), 87
St. Cloud State, 80
Minnesota State, 54
Minnesota-Duluth, 36
Augustana, 21
