Jeff's top 25: Illinois State makes its move

FARGO - After 10 weeks, Illinois State finally made a move. The Redbirds registered their first quality win of the season and because of the timing of it vaulted the 'Birds into the top five in my ballot for the STATS.com top 25 media poll.

The victory over South Dakota State was also good for Northern Iowa and gave the Missouri Valley Football Conference three of the top five spots on my list and four of the top six. It also further solidifies how top heavy the league is this season. The official poll comes out late Monday morning.

Southeastern Louisiana also resurfaced as a worthy team, shutting out Central Arkansas 34-0 in Conway, Ark. That loss was puzzling in that the Bears seemed to be primed for a top eight seed. With the season down to two weeks, there is a fight to playoff consideration with a boatload of teams with three or four losses.

1. North Dakota State (10-0)

2. James Madison (9-1)

3. Weber State (8-2)

4. Northern Iowa (7-3)

5. Illinois State (7-3)

6. South Dakota State (7-3)

7. Sacramento State (7-3)

8. Montana (8-2)

9. Furman (7-3)

10. Monmouth (8-2)

11. Montana State (7-3)

12. Southeast Missouri State (7-3)

13. Towson (6-4)

14. Southeastern Louisiana (6-3)

15. Wofford (6-3)

16. Villanova (7-3)

17. Southern Illinois (6-4)

18. North Dakota (5-4)

19. Central Arkansas (7-3)

20. Kennesaw State (8-2)

21. The Citadel (6-4)

22. Austin Peay (7-3)

23. Central Connecticut State (9-1)

24. New Hampshire (5-4)

25. Nicholls (6-4)