Four of the five MIAA games this weekend hold playoff implications with the Missouri Southern-Truman game looming as the lone exception. I’m not sure who is going to win in Kirksville, but I do know it won’t be a thing of beauty.

But back to the meaningful. I promised not to pick against Pitt at Carnie Smith until Northwest returns there, and the Bearcats are automatic the next two weeks. Central Missouri will struggle to end its five-game losing streak with Western, but ultimately, the Mules’ talent at wideout should expose the Griffons’ secondary. And Omaha should roll over a Fort Hays team that peaked in Week 3.

As far as the playoffs go, Omaha seemingly controls its own destiny after this week’s big jump to No. 6 — something that surprised even some of the Mavericks. But that season-finale at Washburn will be no easy task. No. 7 Central should win out, waiting in the wings. I believe it will come down to those two, barring a huge upset out of the Lone Star. No. 8 Texas A&M Kingsville faces No. 1 Abilene Christian this week, while No. 9 Tarleton State travels to No. 4 West Texas A&M next week. If the favorites hold serve, the MIAA will get three teams in. I wouldn’t count on No. 5 Central Washington losing, though that would create the possibility of four MIAA teams making the playoffs.

Emporia State at Northwest Missouri — R.J.: Bearcats, 42-13; Rick: Bearcats, 34-10

Fort Hays State at Nebraska-Omaha — R.J.: Mavericks, 35-7; Rick: Mavericks, 41-7

Missouri Western at Central Missouri — R.J.: Mules, 38-24; Rick: Mules, 31-21

Missouri Southern at Truman State — R.J.: Lions 21-17; Rick: Bulldogs, 24-17

Washburn at Pittsburg State — R.J.: Gorillas, 35-14; Rick: Gorillas, 28-14

Last week — R.J.: 3-2; Rick: 2-3

Overall — R.J.: 38-15; Rick: 38-15