Griffons remain No. 3 in region, Northwest No. 2

Although a 35-34 loss to Missouri Southern on Saturday topped Missouri Western from No. 12 to No. 26 in the AFCA national poll, the Griffons are still sitting in the No. 3 spot in the Super Region Four rankings.

Northwest Missouri State, meanwhile, moved up one spot to No. 3 in the nation by virtue of its 22-19 overtime win against nationally ranked Washburn. The Bearcats maintained their status as the No. 2 team in Super Region Four, right behind undefeated Central Washington, which is ranked No. 2 nationally.

The top six teams in the region at the end of Week 11 will earn a playoff spot, with the first round to be held on Nov. 14. The top two teams in the region will earn a first-round bye.

Western (7-2, 5-2 MIAA) will play Emporia State (2-7, 1-6) at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Emporia, Kan., while Northwest (8-1, 7-0) plays Saturday at Fort Hays State.