Defending Champ UMD Starts D2 Playoffs At Home

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- Yes, winning football has been witnessed in Minnesota this season.

There are a handful of championship contenders at the small college level, even if the Vikings and Gophers are struggling again.

Defending NCAA Division II champion Minnesota Duluth hosts Saginaw Valley State of Michigan on Saturday afternoon in a first-round playoff game. UMD rival St. Cloud State also begins the playoffs at home, against Wayne State of Michigan.

UMD is 9-2 and ranked ninth in the latest national poll. St. Cloud State is 9-2 and ranked 14th.

In Division III, MIAC champion St. Thomas opens the playoffs at home against upstart St. Scholastica. Both teams are 10-0.

The Tommies are ranked fourth in this week's national poll.

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