Centennial Conference preseason poll football 1. Johns Hopkins (3) 61 2. Franklin & Marshall (6) 60 3. MUHLENBERG (4) 56 4. McDaniel (1) 50 5. Dickinson 32 6. Ursinus 19 7. Gettysburg 16

The Muhlenberg football team is ranked third in this year’s Centennial Conference preseason poll of coach and sports information directors. The Mules, who received four first-place votes, have captured a share of the conference title each of the previous four years.

Muhlenberg received 56 total points, putting it just behind Johns Hopkins’ 61 and Franklin & Marshall’s 60. The three schools, along with McDaniel and Dickinson, were a part of a five-way tie for the conference title in 2004.

In the national Division III preseason poll published by Street and Smith, Muhlenberg football is ranked 19th, the highest of any Centennial Conference team. Muhlenberg also received 13 points in the D3football.com preseason poll.

Last year Muhlenberg compiled an 8-3 overall record (4-2 conference) and earned its third consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The team is coming off a year in which it led all of college football in overall defense by allowing only 195.5 yards per game. The Mules also ranked in the top five in Division III in scoring defense, rushing defense and pass efficiency defense.

Muhlenberg opens its season Friday, September 2, at The College of New Jersey.

Click here for the CC football prospectus.