BURNSVILLE, Minn. --- The Minnesota State football team has been picked to finish first in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Mavericks received 11 first-place votes and 167 points to secure the top spot in the rankings. Augustana followed in second place with three first-place votes and 153 points. Minnesota Duluth came in third with 139 points, with Bemidji State following in fourth with 130 points.

MSU also topped the south division poll with six first-place votes and 36 points. Augustana followed the Mavericks in second place with one first-place vote and 30 points, with Sioux Falls trailing in third with 26 points.

Senior wide receiver TreShawn Watson and senior defensive lineman Abe Hestdalen were named Minnesota State's Players to Watch.

Watson was named to the All-NSIC First Team last season as he led the Maverick receiving corps with 53 catches for 808 yards and nine touchdowns. Hestdalen played in all 15 games for the Mavericks last season as he recorded 39 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and 1.0 sacks.

Minnesota State opens its season on Thursday, August 28, as it hosts the Northwest Missouri Bearcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Blakeslee Stadium.