After posting a 7-3 record in conference play during the 2009 season, the Bemidji State University football team has been tabbed fifth (122 points) in the 2010 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Coaches’ Poll announced today by league officials. In addition, BSU senior quarterback Derek Edholm (Anoka, Minn.) and senior defensive end Jordan Lardinois (New Franken, Wis.) were recognized as preseason players to watch.

Defending conference champion University of Minnesota Duluth was selected first overall collecting 13 of 14 first-place votes and 169 points. UMD was also the preseason favorite in the North Division (36 points), while back-to-back NCAA Playoff participant Minnesota State University, Mankato earned the final first place vote and was predicted to finish second overall with 157 points and garnered top billing in the South Division (36 points).

The Beavers, who finished third in the North Division last season, were selected in the third spot in the division with 28 points and one first place vote. Bemidji State fell just a point behind St. Cloud State University (29) which finished 7-3 in divisional play last season, but owned the tiebreaker against BSU. Following the Beavers in the North Division were University of Mary (20), Northern State University (17), Minnesota State University Moorhead (11) and University of Minnesota, Crookston (6).