Missouri Valley Football Conference spring outlook
(STATS) - Other Missouri Valley Football Conference teams haven't backed down during North Dakota State's FCS dynasty this decade, but the 2018 season offers a distinct challenge.
They're likely going to have to do a little more - the extra lift, the additional sprint, anything imaginable - because the Bison return a veteran, star-studded lineup that is well positioned to win an eighth straight conference title and what would be a record seventh FCS title.
Unless the other teams from arguably the subdivision's deepest conference do something about it.
Following is a look across the MVFC with spring practices underway in college football:
---=
ILLINOIS STATE
HEAD COACH: Brock Spack (68-40, nine seasons)
2017 RECORDS: 6-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley (Tie/5th)
SPRING PRACTICES: March 24-April 21
WHAT TO KNOW: The Redbirds feel they underachieved last season. The offense returns eight starters and is more experienced than the defense, which has to replace three starters on the line and two key starters in the secondary. Kurt Beathard, the offensive coordinator in the 2014 FCS runner-up season, has returned in that role. He will try to help senior quarterback Jake Kolbe finally fulfill his early promise, although the Redbirds will first rely on the rushing of juniors James Robinson and Markel Smith. Up front, FBS transfer Gabe Megginson joins four returning starters.
---=
INDIANA STATE
HEAD COACH: Curt Mallory (0-11, one season)
2017 RECORDS: 0-11, 0-8 Missouri Valley (10th)
SPRING PRACTICES: TBA-April 28
WHAT TO KNOW: After basically bottoming out last season, the Sycamores seek progress in Mallory's second season. They transitioned to a more pro-style offense and a 4-3 defensive alignment, so they are counting on increased efficiency. Transfer Jalil Kilpatrick might become the starting quarterback after last year's pair, Isaac Harker and Cade Sparks, made early departures from the program. Veteran linebackers Jonas Griffith and Katrell Moss will anchor the defense. But the Sycamores probably need some of the younger players to grab key roles and lead them toward brighter days.
---=
MISSOURI STATE
HEAD COACH: Dave Steckel (8-25, three seasons)
2017 RECORDS: 3-8, 2-6 Missouri Valley (Tie/9th)
SPRING PRACTICES: April 7-May 5
WHAT TO KNOW: The Bears are candidates for a much-improved record in Steckel's fourth season. Junior dual-threat quarterback Peyton Huslig and senior running back Jason Randall are key returnees on offense and the defense brings back 10 starters, including linebacker and leading tackler Angelo Garbutt and cornerback Darius Joseph. To fortify the offensive line, the Bears brought in five junior college transfers this semester to join returnee Marquis Prophete. The defense has to improve on third downs and get the offense back on the field quicker.
---=
NORTH DAKOTA STATE
HEAD COACH: Chris Klieman (54-6, four seasons; 57-13 overall)
2017 RECORDS: 14-1, 7-1 Missouri Valley (1st)
SPRING PRACTICES: March 21-April 21
WHAT TO KNOW: The return of seven starters on each side of the ball helps to make NDSU an overwhelming favorite to continue its dominant ways - a 97-8 record since 2011. The spring is about filling a few holes and building the two-deep. Quarterback Easton Stick has a 34-3 career record as a starter and the running back combo of Bruce Anderson and Lance Dunn is lights-out. The defense is deep on the line with ends Caleb Butler, Derrek Tuszka and a returning Greg Menard from injury plus tackle Aaron Steidl, and in the secondary with cornerbacks Jalen Allison and Jaylaan Wimbush and strong safety Robbie Grimsley.
---=
NORTHERN IOWA
HEAD COACH: Mark Farley (142-72, 17 seasons)
2017 RECORDS: 8-5, 6-2 Missouri Valley (Tie/2nd)
SPRING PRACTICES: March 26-April 27
WHAT TO KNOW: Like so many recent years, UNI seeks to build on its late-season success. Its biggest losses are on defense, but a number of players on both sides of the ball made a decent portion of starts. The new leaders on defense will be end Rickey Neal, who led the Missouri Valley in sacks, and cornerback Xavior Williams. The offense found its identity in the second half of the season behind Marcus Weymiller running the ball. He returns alongside ever-improving quarterback Eli Dunne. But the Panthers have to stay healthy on the offensive line after that was a problem last year.
---=
SOUTH DAKOTA
HEAD COACH: Bob Nielson (12-12, two seasons; 198-92-1 overall)
2017 RECORDS: 8-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley (Tie/5th)
SPRING PRACTICES: March 17-April 20
WHAT TO KNOW: After a breakout season and playoff appearance, the overwhelming storyline is how do the Coyotes replace quarterback Chris Streveler, the conference's offensive player of the year? Fortunately for them, Austin Simmons has won two conference starts as Streveler's backup. Otherwise, the return of 16 starters, including nine on defense, is a positive. The defense needs improvement against the run, but it was excellent at pass rushing, led by defensive end Darin Greenfield. Standout cornerback Danny Rambo, who was suspended after seven games, is not expected to be back.
---=
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
HEAD COACH: John Stiegelmeier (148-97, 21 seasons)
2017 RECORDS: 11-3, 6-2 Missouri Valley (Tie/2nd)
SPRING PRACTICES: March 17-April 20
WHAT TO KNOW: Coming off their first appearance in the FCS semifinals, the Jackrabbits will remain among the nation's elite teams, but they'll be hard-pressed to overcome the losses of tight end Dallas Goedert and wide receiver Jake Wieneke. Senior quarterback Taryn Christion is the SDSU career leader in total offense and touchdown passes, and running backs Isaac Wallace and Mikey Daniel complement each other with speed and power. The defense will work to increase its pass rush. Linebacker Christian Rozeboom led the team in tackles in each of his first two seasons. The special teams should be outstanding.
---=
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
HEAD COACH: Nick Hill (8-14, two seasons)
2017 RECORDS: 4-7, 2-6 Missouri Valley (Tie/8th)
SPRING PRACTICES: March 1-April 10 (spring game is April 7)
WHAT TO KNOW: The Salukis sense a big jump in Hill's third season. They're returning eight starters on each side of the ball plus three key specialists. The offense is the strength as long as quarterback Sam Straub is healthy. The Salukis were 4-3 with him and 0-4 without him last year. Wide receiver Darrell James, running back Daquan Isom and all-purpose threat D.J. Davis are terrific weapons for Straub. The defense has made strides under coordinator Kraig Paulson and the pieces are in place for more improvement. Cornerback C.J. Jennings, a Wyoming transfer, was hurt last preseason and is a senior in 2018.
---=
WESTERN ILLINOIS
HEAD COACH: Jared Elliott (first season)
2017 RECORDS: 8-4, 5-3 Missouri Valley (4th)
SPRING PRACTICES: March 26-April 30
WHAT TO KNOW: Elliott, formerly the assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator, succeeded Charlie Fisher, who joined the staff at Arizona State. Recent Leathernecks teams have enjoyed quick starts, but the first half of the schedule is particularly tough and may cause a step backward. Senior quarterback Sean McGuire will lead the way again, but the offense might seek to run the ball more with senior Steve McShane and junior Max Norris. The defense can no longer rely on linebacker Brett Taylor, who led the FCS in tackles last season. Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is a handful for offenses and linebacker Quentin Moonis is well-rounded.
---=
YOUNGSTOWN STATE
HEAD COACH: Bo Pelini (23-15, three seasons, 90-42 overall)
2017 RECORDS: 6-5, 4-4 Missouri Valley (Tie/5th)
SPRING PRACTICES: Feb. 11-March 16
WHAT TO KNOW: A drop-off was expected following the Penguins' national runner-up finish in 2016, but it was more than expected in Pelini's third season. The benefit to last season is junior quarterback Nathan Mays is more seasoned to lead a team that returns only 10 starters (just four on offense). Senior running back Tevin McCaster will get plenty of touches and always seems to find the end zone. Senior linebacker Armand Dellovade is the defensive leader and a healthier Justus Reed will improve the pass rush and, the Penguins hope, help force more turnovers.