Northwest Missouri State football landed in the first set of regional rankings released by the NCAA Monday afternoon.
The Bearcats (7-1, 6-0 MIAA) are among the 10 teams listed as contenders to reach the playoffs in Super Region Four. The teams are listed alphabetically during the initial release, and will be placed into a true rankings format in later editions.
The top eight team in Super Region Four will reach the postseason.
Northwest is riding a seven-game win streak, including a shutout win over Nebraska Kearney last Saturday. Since a season-opening loss on the road against Minnesota State, the Bearcats are outscoring their opponents by an average margin of 23.6 points. They've also climbed to the top of the MIAA standings as the only unbeaten team in conference play.
Pittsburg State is the only other MIAA team listed in the region rankings. The Bearcats and Gorillas meet in the regular season finale at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS.
Northwest will be on the road this week for a matchup against Emporia State.
Super Region Four Teams Under Consideration (listed in alphabetical order)
Central Washington
Chadron State
CSU Pueblo
Harding
Northwest Missouri State
Pittsburg State
Southern Arkansas
UT Permian Basin
Western Colorado
Western Oregon
