WACO, Texas -- Following a 52-0 win over Delta State, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) placed Northeastern State at No. 24 in this week's DII Poll.

The RiverHawks were receiving votes in the AFCA poll in the preseason and limited Delta State to four first downs in Friday's opener.  NSU also held DSU to just 69 yards of total offense, the fewest surrendered to a Division II foe since 1999 and the fifth-fewest in program history, while the team's 52 points scored marked the most in a season opener since 1981. Additionally, NSU's 33 first downs set a new program record.

Northeastern State is now ranked in three different publications, with D2Football.com putting the program at No. 18, and FloFootball has NSU at No.16.  The AFCA last ranked NSU during the 2001 season. 

The RiverHawks turn their sights to Saturday when they will travel to Rolla for a 6 p.m. kickoff with Missouri S&T.