I didn't want to start off the 2008 season with a MIAA sweep. It seemed too easy, too egocentric, giving the conference you cover the automatic nod over the competition. So I scoured the preseason polls, projections and outlooks to find a MIAA loser for Week 1.

Six of the 10 games are borderline in my mind – Mankato at Central, Highlands at Hays, Rolla at Truman, Western State at Emporia, Abilene at Northwest and Harding at Southern. But the opposition doesn't hold a clear-cut advantage in any case. And as is usually my mantra, when in doubt, take the home team. It just so happens every MIAA school except Western and Pitt are home this weekend, and I think the Griffs and Gorillas will win handily.

With Truman's home game against Missouri S&T moved to Fayette, Mo., because of turf issues, I was tempted to take the Miners. But the Bulldogs return 20 starters from last year, including Matt Ticich. The last time he played, I was in attendance, watching him shred a Western defense that had no answers. And let's not forget, Missouri S&T is still Rolla.

So with some embarrassment, I submit my Week 1 picks – a MIAA sweep.

Missouri Western at Northern State – R.J.: Griffons, 34-21; Rick: Griffons 28-17

Colorado Mines at Washburn – R.J.: Ichabods, 24-7; Rick: Ichabods, 24-14

Minnesota State-Mankato at Central Missouri – R.J.: Mules, 24-21; Rick: Mules, 27-7

New Mexico Highlands at Fort Hays State – R.J.: Tigers, 17-6; Rick: Tigers, 28-7

Missouri S&T at Truman State – R.J.: Bulldogs, 28-21; Rick: Bulldogs, 31-21

Western State at Emporia State – R.J.: Hornets, 10—7; Rick: Hornets, 17-14

Abilene Christian at Northwest Missouri State – R.J.: Bearcats, 31-28; Rick: Bearcats, 34-28

Harding at Missouri Southern – R.J.: Lions, 41-28; Rick: Lions, 28-10

Pittsburg State at Central Oklahoma – R.J.: Gorillas, 41-24; Rick: Gorillas, 31-17

On a closing note, I picked up a copy of the Aberdeen American News in the hotel lobby this morning. And lo and behold, sports editor John Papendick picked Northern State over Western and Mankato over Central Missouri. So apparently I'm not alone in struggling with conference bias.