THE WORD

The Missouri Valley playoff picture is tightening, and the margin for error is disappearing. South Dakota State and Youngstown State are building impressive résumés, but Illinois State, North Dakota and Northern Iowa still have plenty to prove. From pivotal Week 10 matchups to projected final records and postseason probabilities, we're breaking down who's positioned for a seed, who's fighting for an at-large bid and who's running out of time.

Tarleton State holds the top spot, but Week 9 delivers plenty of movement. South Dakota climbs into the Top 5, Lehigh suffers a 13-spot fall, and UAlbany and Chattanooga enter the rankings as the FCS playoff race heats up.

Idaho’s stunning 35-34 win over No. 1 Montana State delivered a “Miracle in Moscow” and another reminder that nothing is guaranteed in the FCS this season. Plus, Youngstown State keeps rolling, South Dakota State takes over No. 1 and two huge top-15 matchups loom.

No. 4 South Dakota visits No. 12 Youngstown State in a matchup with early playoff résumé implications, while No. 7 North Dakota looks to bounce back at Indiana State, No. 3 Illinois State takes its unbeaten record to Northern Iowa and No. 2 South Dakota State turns to its quarterback depth against Eastern Illinois.

The MVFC’s top teams are beginning to show both their strengths and their flaws. We recap Week 1 and preview a Week 2 slate headlined by #8 Illinois State’s FBS opportunity at Northern Illinois.

A new era is underway in the Missouri Valley Football Conference , with four new head coaches stepping into high-profile roles ahead of...