UCM Mules Picked Third By Coaches, Sixth by Media

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Central Missouri Mules were picked to finish third by the league coaches and sixth by the media in the MIAA Preseason Football Polls released on Tuesday morning at MIAA Football Media Day at Sporting Park.

The Mules tallied 94 points in the coaches poll to come in third behind defending national champion Northwest Missouri, who received 11 first place votes and 121 points, and Pittsburg State, who garnered 106 points and one first place vote. Emporia State was fourth with 88 points and Missouri Western rounded out the top five with 82 points.

UCM totaled 285 points in the media poll to come in sixth. Northwest Missouri received 37 out of 39 first place votes and totaled 466 points to claim the top spot. Pittsburg State garnered one first place vote and 422 points to come in second. Emporia State also had a first place vote and tallied 353 points to come in third. Missouri Western was fourth with 348 points and Washburn rounded out the top five with 306 points.

Central Missouri returns 56 letterwinners and 20 starters from last season's squad that finished 6-4 overall, including a four-game winning streak to end the season.

The Mules kick off the 2014 season on Thursday, Sept. 4 when they travel to St. Joseph, Missouri to take on Missouri Western at 7 p.m. at Spratt Stadium. The Mules' home opener is set for Thursday, Sept. 11 when they host Emporia State at 7 p.m. at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field.
2014 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Northwest Missouri (11) - 121

2. Pittsburg State (1) - 106

3. Central Missouri - 94

4. Emporia State - 88

5. Missouri Western - 82

6. Washburn - 79

7. Missouri Southern - 67

8. Fort Hays State - 50

9. Lindenwood - 39

10. Central Oklahoma - 26

11. Nebraska-Kearney - 23

12. Northeastern State - 17