MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Reigning NCAA Division II champion Minnesota Duluth starts the new season on the road this weekend.

The Bulldogs will play at Augustana College on Saturday in an NSIC game in Sioux Falls, S.D., a tough place to start that title defense. The Vikings are coming off their best finish in program history, with 11 wins and their first playoff appearance since 1989.

The Bulldogs are ranked first in the preseason national polls in Division II.

Small college football will be in full swing all around the region.

At the Division III level, defending MIAC champion St. Thomas will host St. Norbert in St. Paul on Saturday.

The Tommies are ranked between fourth and seventh in the preseason national polls in Division III.

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