Morningside is expected to return to the NAIA football playoffs this season despite having a brand new offense. The Mustangs are ranked fifth nationally despite losing nine players from last year’s offense that averaged more than 45 points per game.
Morningside coach Steve Ryan says they are looking for some young guys to step up and make contributions. An experienced defense will be counted on to lead the way early in the season. They return eight starters on defense and he says they’ve had a good fall camp and the defense looks to be faster than last year.
Ryan says their national ranking is based on reputation as he says the preseason polls are interesting in that they look at the way you ended up last year. He says they are used to filling in the holes after graduation and they are not concerned about matching up with the expectations.
Ryan says the Mustangs have high expectations for themselves, and says it’s fun to be with a group that expects to have success and has experienced it before and are waiting to show what they can do. Ryan says the confidence level is high and he believes the offense can follow through and play well.
The Mustangs open at home on September fourth against Doane.