NDSCS Receiving Votes in Week 8 NJCAA Poll

Following their fifth straight win, North Dakota State College of Science continues to receive votes in the Week 8 NJCAA Top 20 Poll.

The Wildcats are unofficially ranked No. 28 nationally, earning the same four points as they did in last week’s poll.

NDSCS defeated Minnesota West on Saturday, 31-6, clinching the MCAC Western Division title and assuring the Cats homefield advantage throughout the MCAC playoffs. Freshman phenom Desean Phillips rushed for a season-high 209 yards and three touchdowns, while sophomore Nate Seward recorded his fifth interception of the season and also forced a fumble.

Phillips leads the nation in rushing yards per game (126) and second in rushing touchdowns (11). The NDSCS offensive line has paved the way for the Cats to have one of the best ground attacks in the country, ranking fourth in yards per game, seventh in rushing touchdowns and ninth in yards per rush. Seward is tied for second nationally in interceptions and also ranks 17^th nationally in pass break-ups (7).

Mississippi Gulf Coast retained its No. 1 ranking, picking up 15 of 16 first-place votes. Northwest Mississippi, Lackawanna (PA), Hutchinson (KS) and Kilgore (TX) round out the top five.

The only MCAC team in the top 20 is No. 16 and currently undefeated Mesabi Range (MN). Range won the MCAC Eastern Division. NDSCS will host Mesabi Range at Frank Vertin Field this Saturday, Oct. 19.

It could also be a preview of the MCAC Championship game.

FULL NJCAA POLL: http://njcaa.org/sports/fball/polls