NEW ULM, Minn. – After finishing tied for third in the UMAC last season, MLC football has been picked to finish in that spot once again by the conference's coaches.

The Knights went 3-4 in the conference last season led by their potent offense, which led the UMAC in scoring (26.1 ppg), passing yards per game (231.8) and total yards per game (347.6).

MLC returns a large portion of that offensive production, led by junior quarterback Brady Turriff, junior running back Arthur Robinson and senior wide receiver Jude Pederson. Those three, as well as senior offensive lineman R.J. Perry were All-UMAC first team performers last season.

Turriff led the UMAC with 2,312 yards and 19 TDs passing. Pederson was the top receiver with 675 yards and 6 scores. Robinson was third in the conference with his 1,126 yards and nine TDs. 

Also back offensively are sophomore receivers Benjamin Vasold and Noah Huebner. That pair combined for 55 receptions, 767 yards and seven touchdowns as freshmen.

On the defensive side, the Knights lose a lot of experience, particularly in the defensive backfield. Among key returners on that side of the ball are senior linebacker Ethan Melso and senior defensive tackle Daniel Biermann. Melso made 63 tackles and recorded three interceptions last year. Biermann made six-and-a-half tackles for loss, including two sacks.

MLC gets its season underway Sept. 5 at home against Macalester.