THE COUGARS ARE NO. 1.
The University of Saint Francis has moved up to No. 1 according to NAIA Top 25 ratings for the first time in the eight-plus year history of the program.
USF, 8-0 and winners of 49 consecutive regular season games, was the unanimous, choice by NAIA coaches with all 16 first-place votes. And what a test in their first game as NAIA Top 25 No. 1 – No. 3 Walsh University on ‘Senior Day’ at Bishop D’Arcy Stadium.
“We’re not putting any emphasis on it,” USF coach Kevin Donley said about the No. 1 ranking. “All it means is that now we’ve got a bigger target on our back. Our goal is to win the national championship. That’s when you can truly say you are No. 1.
“We’re concentrating on getting prepared to play Walsh, which may have the best team they have had in the eight years we’ve played. Our emphasis is on preparing for Walsh. They’ve got nine starters back on defense, so we really have to focus and concentrate on good practices this week.”
Walsh comes into Saturday’s game with a 9-0 record overall, the first time both teams collide with unbeaten seasons on the line as well as the MEL lead. Like the Cougars, the Cavaliers are 4-0 in Mid-States Football Association Mideast League play. And they no doubt have revenge on their mind. USF has won seven straight MSFA MEL championships including a 21-7 verdict in 2005 in Canton, Ohio.
The Cougars had held the No. 2 spot for 26 consecutive ratings, but was elevated to No. 1 in the eighth rating of the 2006 season after Carroll College (Helena, MT) dropped a 10-3 decision at Montana State-Northern on Saturday (Oct. 28). Carroll (8-1) has won the last four NAIA National Championship Games, the last two years against USF (15-13 in 2004, 27-10 in 2005). MSN’s win snapped CC’s 27-game winning streak.
The Cougars have 86 consecutive NAIA ratings dating back to October 12, 1999 when they made their first appearance after playing their 15th game in program history. USF appeared in the ‘others receiving votes’ category at No. 32. This is the second time a Donley-coached team has been No. 1. After his 1991 Georgetown team won the 1991 NAIA Division II championship, the Tigers were No. 1 in the 1992 NAIA pre-season rating.
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