ST. LOUIS -- North Dakota State hasn't made its first tackle as an active member of the newly christened Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Nonetheless, Corey Lewis took a minor hit here Tuesday, thanks to the Bison.

Lewis, Northern Iowa's star running back, was not named to the MVFC's preseason all-league team. A year ago, Lewis earned a first-team spot for the Gateway Conference.

The difference? North Dakota State's Tyler Roehl is officially part of Valley Football. Roehl rolled for 1,431 yards during the Bison's final year as a Great West Conference member, including 263 in a victory at Minnesota.

So Roehl and Western Illinois standout Herb Donaldson -- the 2007 Gateway rushing champion -- became the preseason choices in the MVFC poll. Lewis, who set a UNI single-season rushing record in 2007 with 1,513 yards, is out in the cold.

Yet, during the league's media day, he didn't sound particularly hot over the issue.

The Panther senior noted that polls don't win games or move the chains.

"It's like other people have said here -- that's more for fans and media and stuff," said Lewis. "Not too many players take that into consideration. You use that for fuel, of course, but there should be a lot of stuff motivating you. That's just motivation, stuff like that."

Panther head coach Mark Farley took a similar angle when asked about the preseason team vote. Northern Iowa, the 2007 Gateway champion, finished second. NDSU had fewer first-place votes, but settled into the top spot after going 10-1 a year ago. While completing its transition from Division II to the Football Championship Subdivision, North Dakota State could not compete in postseason play.

Smiling, Farley said the vote represented an extended hand of sorts to the Bison and head coach Craig Bohl.

"We're just trying to be good neighbors," said Farley. "That's how we welcome them to the league."

Later, Farley said NDSU's pre-2008 rise to prominence reflected its strength and the depth of the MVFC.

"I don't want to say I was surprised," said Farley, "but to be picked No. 1 as a new team in the league shows a lot of respect (for NDSU). It shows you the kind of team they have, making the jump and at the same time being picked No. 1 in this room."

At the same time, you see Illinois State second from the bottom. I've always felt they had the best talent in the league. You see that, and you see parity."

As for North Dakota State, the Bison painted themselves in a relatively modest light.

"I was kind of shocked when I first heard about that," said free safety Nick Schommer of the preseason team vote. "We haven't done too much. We've gotten a taste of this league, but it's an honor and a privilege. It shows that NDSU has a lot of respect around the country and especially in this conference."

Added Roehl, "It's humbling, and it's appreciated. But we've gotta go out and earn it."

South Dakota State is the second addition to the 2008 Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Jackrabbits settled into sixth in the preseason poll of league coaches, media and sports information directors.

Wryly, head coach John Stiegelmeier noted that SDSU fans have faced rapid-fire adjustments. After all, the Jackrabbits left the Great West for the Gateway, which is now the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

"They're not sure what league we're in," said Stiegelmeier. "They'll get caught up. We're excited about the competition."

COMING BACK ï½ Farley confirmed Tuesday that defensive backs Adam Roberts and Darrell Lloyd will be reinstated.

Both Panthers, plus former UNI offensive lineman Brandon Keith, were involved in an incident at a local nightclub last March. Lloyd pleaded guilty to a simple misdemeanor charge of interference with official acts. Roberts took his case to court and was found not guilty of a more serious charge, but guilty of interference with official acts.

EXPANSION ï½ Missouri Valley Football Conference commissioner Patty Viverito announced Tuesday that the FCS playoffs will be expanded to 20 teams beginning in 2010. Viverito said there are hopes for a 24-team format in the future.

UNI TUBE ï½ UNI's Oct. 18 game with North Dakota State will be televised by the Missouri Valley Football TV Network. Kickoff is 4 p.m. at the UNI-Dome.

Contact Jim Sullivan at (319) 291-1434 or jim.sullivan@wcfcourier.com