Last season was bittersweet for the Washburn Ichabods as they had some huge wins and some hard-fought losses. Going down in three tough contests on the road, with the last being a heart-breaking overtime loss to the eventual national champion, seemed to overshadow the final two blowout victories that culminated a successful 8-3 record. In other regions, they would have been rewarded with a post-season birth, but Super Regional 3 was loaded with deserving teams and WU was left out. They won’t be this season, but it will remain the toughest region.

The Ichabod Defense will be led by All-MIAA DB Pierre Desir, who led the conference with seven interceptions, and All-MIAA second team selection safety Casey Curran. Quarterback Dane Simoneau, who set school single-season records for passing yards (2,955), passing completions (186), total offense (2,923) and passing percentage (60.4), was named to All-MIAA second team along with offensive tackle Brian Folkerts and center Ty Lewis with all returning as key starters for the Washburn Offense.

WU will start the season again with Colorado – Mines from the RMAC before hosting Abilene Christian from the LSC. That contest, along with with hosting MoWest the next week with a chance to avenge one of the last season’s losses will set the tone for the season. The Ichabods will also have a tough homecoming opponent as the National Champion Bearcats visit town.

D2 Sports Network predicts that the WU Ichabods will finish the season with a 10-2 record in the first round of the NCAA Playoffs.