GRAND FORKS, N.D.--The Fighting Sioux football team is ranked third in the nation according to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches' Poll, released today.

The Sioux, who received one first-place vote, were ranked behind only top-ranked and defending national champion Grand Valley State and 2006 national runner-up Northwest Missouri State.

UND, which finished 11-2 overall in 2006 and captured a share of its second straight North Central Conference title, is entering its final season of Division II and NCC competition. The Sioux also advanced to the NCAA postseason for the fourth consecutive season.

The Sioux are one of three NCC teams ranked among the top 10 nationally, joining 10th-ranked South Dakota and 13th-ranked Nebraska-Omaha.

UND opens the 2007 season on Thursday, Aug. 23 at home against non-conference opponent Humboldt State. The Lumberjacks are unranked in the AFCA preseason poll but did receive 20 total votes.

Click here to view the complete AFCA Division II preseason poll.

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