Week eight is in the books for Iowa’s twelve NAIA/D2/ FCS football programs that we cover. There are 7 teams in Iowa still with a shot at the postseason in their divisions NAIA, D2, and FCS (Pioneer League). That clearly shows the quality of the programs in the state.
We have a new number one team and some movement in our rankings this week. Legitimate arguments can be made for us “misplacing” teams for sure, but that is what makes doing the rankings fun.
Yesterday’s Game results
FCS Drake traveled to Marist on the Hudson River in New York and won 31-17
D2 Upper Iowa traveled to William Jewell (MO) and won 28 -10 to get to six big wins.
NAIA Scores
#1 Grandview on the road at Mid-American Nazarene came back to win 32-28
#21 William Penn beat Clarke in Dubuque 45-21
#11 Morningside blitzed #21 Concordia NE 59-21
Briar Cliff won a big game at home against Doane (NE) 28-21
#7 Dordt had a close one but beat Midland (NE) 17-14
Waldorf fell to Dakota Wesleyan (SD) 33 -14
1. Drake (5-2) – Drake went to New York State and came out with a big victory against Marist. The Bulldogs lead the Pioneer Football League standings and have a huge game with weekend In Indianapolis against a strong Butler team. It is the Battle of the Bulldogs – Blue vs. Griff (Drake), who are both great Bulldog Instagram follows.
2. Grand View (7-0) – Grandview was down 14-0 with about 3 minutes gone in the first quarter after they turned the ball over twice. Then they, as champs do, just clawed back for the win.
3. Upper Iowa (6-2) – Iowa’s Favorite D2 team traveled the Kansas City area and got their 6th win on the year. The Peacocks have never won more than 8 games in the history of their football program (over 100 years) with three big games left they can have historic year in Fayette. They sit second in the GLVC overall.
4. Dordt (7-0) – It was business as usual for the undefeated Defenders over the weekend, but a struggle as they beat Midland (NE) in a close game.
5. Morningside (6-2) – The Mustangs just overpowered the ranked Concordia squad 59-21 impressively this weekend.
6. William Penn (7-1) – The Statesmen went to Clarke and kept their great season on track. It’s coach rat poison to say playoffs but….the Statesmen if they continue to take care of business will be able to say the word this fall.
7. Northwestern College (4-3) – Had the week off and have to keep their momentum going from the big win against Morningside last week and then win out…the playoffs may require some help to make but the Raiders have to take care of business first.
Our SGI top seven teams all remain in the race for the playoffs in FCS, D2, and NAIA
This is likely the first time this late in the season we have ever had 7 teams (of the 12 we cover) still alive for the playoffs.
8. Briar Cliff (5-4) – The Chargers got a big home win to get to 5 Wins. The Chargers are building under Coach Shane LaDage and staff impressively for a program that has had one winning season in the last 20 years.
9. St. Ambrose (3-5) – … the Bees are rolling with back-to-back wins and building some strong program building momentum to close the year.
10. Graceland (3-4) – Graceland had a big win on the road against Peru State (NE) a quality team. They have overcome some key injuries and are building momentum to close the year out.
11. Clarke (1-7) – The Pride were founded as first-time football program in the school’s history in 2019 (Covid) which was a very tough time to get started, and program building takes time when you join one of the best NAIA conferences in the US.
Waldorf (0-8) – Waldorf was more competitive this Saturday as they work to build momentum for 2026.
The postseason will soon be here. How many Iowa teams will make it to promised land?
As always, we appreciate your comments and support.
