The 2005 football season is quickly approaching and according to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference coaches, the Oilers will finish sixth in the league. All 13 conference coaches voted in the poll, but were not allowed to vote for their own team.

Grand Valley State University was the overwhelming favorite to win the conference title, landing 11 first place votes while Northwood University and Saginaw Valley State University collected one first place vote apiece.

1. Grand Valley...143 points (11)
2. Northwood...129 (1)
3. Saginaw Valley...127 (1)
4. Michigan Tech...99
5. Ferris State...95
6. Findlay...87
7. Ashland...80
8. Hillsdale...62
9. Indianapolis...52
10. Mercyhurst...48
11. Gannon...34
12. Northern Michigan...31
13. Wayne State...24

Last season, Northwood and Michigan Tech tied for first place in the conference with 9-1 records. Grand Valley, Northwood and Michigan Tech all earned NCAA Division II playoff births last season.

The Oilers open their 2005 campaign at home against Tiffin University on Saturday, August 27th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Donnell Stadium.