After finishing the 2011 season with a seven-game winning streak and a second place finish in the GLIAC, the Grand Valley State University football team will enter 2012 season with another top-ten ranking.

The Lakers will open the season with a No. 7 ranking in the American Football Coaches Association Preseason Division II Coaches’ Poll, released on Tuesday. GVSU, who finished last season 8-3 (7-3 GLIAC), returns to the top 10 after spending much of last season out of the rankings after a 1-3 start.

Wayne State University — who didn’t play GVSU last season — comes in at No. 5 in the rankings while Hillsdale College — who defeated GVSU on a last-second field goal — ranks as the No. 17 team.

Other GLIAC teams receiving consideration were Saginaw Valley State University, Ashland University and Michigan Technological University.

GVSU will open their season on September 1 at Western Oregon University before christening the newly-renovated Lubbers Stadium on September 8 against Notre Dame College (Ohio).

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