Oct. 8, 2008

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State moved into the top spot in the American Football Coaches Association DII national poll released Tuesday. GVSU claimed 19 of 27 first place votes for a total of 641 points, followed by North Alabama's total of 627. Abilene Christian is third, West Texas A&M fourth and NW Missouri State fifth. In addition, GVSU is first in the initial NCAA Division II Super Regional rankings released Tuesday.

Grand Valley State has been ranked number one in the country in 67-of-the-last-89 AFCA polls since the opening game of the 2002 season. GVSU has also been ranked in the AFCA top 25 in 102 straight polls.

Grand Valley State is one of four Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference teams ranked in Super Regional Three, formerly known as the Northwest Region. Ashland is third (4-2), Michigan Tech fourth (4-2) and Ferris State is 10th (4-2). Minnesota-Duluth (second) leads four Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference school in the regional rankings, while the Rock Mountain Athletic Conference occupies two spots.

The region rankings determine the NCAA Playoff field, which is comprised of six teams from each of the nation's four regions. Earned access to the NCAA Division II football playoffs can be gained by a conference if a conference representative finishes in the top eight of the final super regional rankings. All other teams are selected at-large.

NCAA Division II Football Super Regional Three Weekly Poll

1. Grand Valley State 5-0 (GLIAC)

2. Minnesota Duluth 6-0 (NSIC)

3. Ashland 4-2 (GLIAC)

4. Michigan Tech 4-2 (GLIAC)

5. Augstana 4-2 (NSIC)

6. MSU-Mankato 4-2 (NSIC)

7. Chadron St. 5-1 (RMAC)

8. Mesa St. 4-2 (RMAC)

9. Wayne St. (Neb.) 4-2 (NSIC)

10. Ferris State 4-2 (GLIAC)