MSSU Football picked to finish 10th

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

- The Missouri Southern football team was picked to finish 10th by the media and 11th by the coaches as the MIAA announced its Preseason Poll today at Media Day inside Sporting Park. 

The Lions return 13 starters (five offense, four defense, five specialists) from last season's 4-7 team, but Southern brings in a new coach, a new offense and plenty of new faces. 

Denver Johnson was hired as the new head football coach on April 1 and he hit the ground running establishing a coaching staff and quickly arranging spring practice just two weeks after he was hired. 

The Lions return four All-MIAA athletes to help anchor this year's squad. Ty'Quan Hayes was a second-team All-MIAA return specialist in 2014, while Giresse Forchu was a third-team running back. Johnquavious McBride was a third team defensive back and Brock Renken was an honorable mention pick at place kicker. 

Northwest Missouri was the pick by both the coaches and the media to repeat as league champions. The coaches picked Pittsburg State number two, while Central Missouri was third, followed by Central Oklahoma, Missouri Western, Fort Hays, Emporia State, Washburn, Nebraska-Kearney, Lindenwood, Missouri Southern and Northeastern State. 

The media had both Northwest and Pitt 1-2 in its poll, as well, while Central Oklahoma, Missouri Western and Central Missouri round out the top five. Fort Hays was sixth, followed by Emporia State, Washburn, Nebraska-Kearney, Missouri Southern, Lindenwood and Northeastern State. 

The Lions report to campus this Saturday and the first practice will be Monday, August 10. Southern's first game is September 3 as the Lions play host to Emporia State at 7 pm inside Fred G. Hughes Stadium. 

2015 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (8)        118
2. Pittsburg State (4)               114
3. Central Missouri                    92
4. Central Oklahoma                 91
5. Missouri Western                  82
6. Fort Hays State                     71
T7. Emporia State                     59
T7. Washburn                            59
9. Nebraska-Kearney                39
10. Lindenwood                        34
11. Missouri Southern               17
12. Northeastern State              16

2015 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (28)        478
2.  Pittsburg State (13)              455
3. Central Oklahoma                 382
4. Missouri Western                  350
5. Central Missouri                    344
6. Fort Hays State                     284
7. Emporia State                       226
8. Washburn                              213
9. Nebraska-Kearney               153
10. Missouri Southern              144
11. Lindenwood                        122
12. Northeastern State               47