NAIA football preview

Headlines

Defending champion: Carroll (Mont.) defeated Sioux Falls (S.D.) 17-9 for its fifth title in six years. The Fighting Saints were 15-0, their third undefeated campaign in five years. Coach Mike Van Diest (104-18) enters his 10th season without QB John Barnett. However, the return of RB Gabe Le, WR Travis Browne and LB Owen Koeppen helped Carroll be a unanimous No. 1 in the preseason coaches' poll.

Contenders: Sioux Falls had the nation's longest winning streak (27 games) before losing to Carroll. Like the Saints, the Cougars must replace their starting quarterback. ... Missouri Valley was 10-3, reaching the semifinals, last season. The Vikings look strong on defense again with DL Larry Wentzel and LB Soane Sevelo. ... St.Francis (Ind.) has been to five consecutive semifinals. The school starts its 11th season of football this fall. ... Ohio Dominican returns 18 starters, including QB Cris ...