The UNK football team is ranked 16th in the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) preseason Top 25 poll. The poll, released on Monday, August 15th, is voted on by a panel of head coaches from around the nation. This is the “main” national poll for Division II football. The complete poll is available at www.afca.com. UNK received 242 points and is the only RMAC team to be ranked. Colorado School of Mines, which shared the 2010 RMAC title with the Lopers, is the highest team among others receiving votes (87 points).  Last season, UNK ended the year ranked 23rd. This marks just the fourth time the Lopers have been ranked in the preseason poll (2000, 25th; 2002, 25th; 2010, 13th). Defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth is No. 1 as they Bulldogs received 724 points and 28 of the 29 first place votes.  Both UNK and UMD are in Super Regional Three. Two years ago, Duluth beat the Lopers in the second round of the playoffs. Other regional teams ranked include Grand Valley State of Michigan (5th), Augustana (8th), St. Cloud State (13th), Wayne State of Michigan (21st) and Hillsdale of Michigan (tied for 25th). UNK begins the season Thursday, September 1st, at Wayne State.