FHSU Sports Information Department
Fort Hays State was tabbed sixth in both MIAA Football Preseason Polls (Coaches and Media) on Tuesday (Aug. 4) at MIAA Football Media Day in Kansas City.
The Tigers finished in a three-way tie for fourth place in 2014 at 7-4, their best-ever finish in the MIAA since joining the conference in 2006. FHSU tied with Missouri Western and Central Missouri, although among the three teams, MWSU defeated both FHSU and UCM, FHSU defeated UCM, and UCM lost to both. However, both MWSU and UCM were picked in front of FHSU in this year’s preseason polls.
Holding strong to the top two spots once again were Northwest Missouri State and Pittsburg State. NWMSU was picked first in both polls, while PSU was second in both. The pair represented the MIAA in the NCAA Playoffs and shared the conference title in 2014.
Third through fifth is where there was a difference of opinion between the two groups. The coaches picked Central Missouri third, while the media picked Central Oklahoma third. Central Oklahoma finished third in last year’s standings at 8-3 with a huge turnaround season. UCO was tabbed fourth and Missouri Western was fifth in the coaches poll, while Missouri Western was fourth and Central Missouri was fifth in the media poll.
The Tigers were a firm pick at sixth in each poll with sizable gap of votes between fifth and seventh. Rivals Emporia State, Washburn, and Nebraska-Kearney held the seventh through ninth positions in both polls.
Fort Hays State has seen steady improvement each season under head coach Chris Brown. The Tigers took a huge leap in 2014, winning three more games than they ever had before in MIAA play. FHSU plays all conference games once again in 2015, since the MIAA has 12 members in football allowing for the complete 11-game schedule of conference opponents for all teams.
2015 Tiger Football Season Preview
Below are the preseason polls for 2015…
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