Here’s my first MIAC Power Rankings for the 2013-14
season:
1.
UST
2.
Bethel
3.
SMU
4.
Concordia
5.
St. Olaf
6.
GAC
7.
CSB
8.
Carleton
9.
Augsburg
10.
Hamline
11.
St. Kate’s
12.
Macalester
Tough to deviate from the standings too much here. We all know who’s number one but having
Bethel solidly at the number two position may take some getting used to. I think that this squad is capable of maintaining
the course they’re currently on instead of going into a Chicago Cub-like
January swoon that we’ve seen before.
SMU pulled off a shocking win over the Corn up in Moorhead yesterday and
that’s why I’ve got them where they are at the moment.
St. Olaf claimed an important home win yesterday over GAC
to up their record to 6-2 overall; 4-1 in the MIAC which is much better than
where they were last year at this time; even without Nikki Frogner helping to
anchor the front line. I’ll cut the
Gusties a break here and leave them solidly in the sixth spot. Still way too early to even think about
breaking out the panic button down in St. Peter just yet although you can bet
that they know where it is. The one team
that has to be thinking in those terms, however, is CSB which now suddenly
finds itself mired with a 1-4 conference record (and just 2-6 overall) with the
loss at Bethel. The hopes and
expectations were there for this squad and I’m at a loss to explain as to why
they’re suddenly circling the drain.
Even more worrisome for them is that – right now anyway – there’s
nothing to suggest that things are going to improve dramatically up in St. Joe
for this team. Carleton, I think, still
has a solid shot of making the MIAC playoffs as does Augsburg but the Auggies
MUST find a way to be consistent; i.e., win the ones they’re supposed to win
and steal a win or two where they’re supposed to lose. I’ll give Hamline a fighting chance yet as
well but they’re much more of a longshot than either Carleton or Augsburg.
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