FALL IN THE AIR

The area college football season begins Thursday, Aug. 30 with four NSIC games; most area teams open on Saturday, Sept. 1. A look ahead:

• League coaches picked Minnesota Duluth and St. Cloud State as the top two teams in the 16-team NSIC, and both schools compete in the North Division. Minnesota State Mankato is the South Division favorite.

• Concordia (St. Paul) opens its season Sept. 1 against visiting University of Mary of Bismarck, N.D.

• MIAC favorite St. Thomas opens Sept. 1 at Wisconsin-Eau Claire. UMAC member Northwestern (Roseville) travels to St. John's in a nonconference opener Sept. 1.