CEDAR FALLS (KWWL) -
The University of Northern Iowa football team has been picked to finish second in the Missouri Valley Football Conference for the 2012 season.
The Panthers, who were picked to win the conference last season, come in behind defending national champion North Dakota State in the poll. The Bison received 37 of 38 first-place votes in a poll conducted by league coaches, media and sports information directors.
UNI received 300 total points to get the No. 2 spot. The Panthers compiled a 10-3 overall record and 7-1 league slate to earn a share of the MVFC title during the 2011 season. UNI has been ranked in the top-25 in 94 consecutive polls.
Youngstown State is No. 3 in the poll with Illinois State and Indiana State rounding out the top-5. South Dakota State comes in at No. 6 with Southern Illinois grabbing the No. 7 spot. Newcomers South Dakota gains the No. 8 spot on the poll with Western Illinois and Missouri State coming in at No. 9 and 10.