The Gateway Football Conference announced its preseason poll Tuesday and Illinois State was slated to finish fifth after tallying 110 points in a poll conducted by league coaches, media representatives and sports information directors.
In addition, four Redbirds were named to the 2004 Gateway Preseason Team, including linebacker Boomer Grigsby, fullback Mike Larson, offensive lineman Stafford Davis and kicker Stephen Carroll. Four other Redbirds earned honorable mention accolades, including offensive linemen Jeremy Melville and Mike Stegeman, defensive back Antwan Oliver and punter Ryan Hoffman.
Southern Illinois, picked No. 1 nationally in a couple of preseason polls, are the favorite to win this years crown, receiving 25 of 32 first-place tallies and 244 total points.
Northern Iowa, a Gateway co-champion in 2003, is slated for second place after receiving six first-place votes and 212 points in the poll.
Western Kentucky is picked third in the rankings with 186 points, while Western Illinois is close behind with 174 points. All four of the top four preseason picks (UNI, Southern Illinois, Western Illinois, Western Kentucky) represented the Gateway in the NCAA I-AA 16-team playoffs a year ago.
Youngstown State (102) is predicted to finish sixth, while SMS (81), and Indiana State (43) round out the poll.
