For the third time in school history, the Northwest Missouri State University football team opens the season as the American Football Coaches Association’s (AFCA) preseason favorite to win a national title. The Bearcats earned 31 of the 32 possible first place votes in the first AFCA poll of the season and held a 799-725 edge in points over No. 2 ranked Grand Valley State.

The MIAA had two other teams represented in the poll as Pittsburg State checked in at No. 9 and Emporia State was tied for No. 22. Central Missouri, Missouri Western and Washburn all received votes. Northwest begins the season on Thursday, Sept. 4, against Nebraska-Kearney at 7 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium. Single game tickets are now on sale for the season opener and the 2014 Fall Classic on Nov. 15 against Washburn at Arrowhead Stadium.

Click here to view the entire AFCA Top 25 release.

— Northwest Sports Information —