Welcome to the new year and a new list of power rankings. We have our first weekend of conference play in the books and that has caused some major movement in the power rankings.
South Dakota State: 98 points (10) first-place votes
Last week: 1
The Jackrabbits only had one game this week, and after going into halftime in a close game against North Dakota, the Jackrabbits dominated the second half and started conference play 1-0, which keeps them in first place in the power rankings.
2. 
St. Thomas: 85 (1)
Last week: 4
The Tommies have been on the rise for a few weeks now. That continues as they jump two more spots this week after a fantastic start to conference play. The Tommies went on the road and shut down North Dakota and then used a big second half to pull away from Kansas City.
3. Oral Roberts: 68
Last week: 3
The Golden Eagles split their week. It should be pointed out that they are the only Summit League team to play two road games this week. Their week started with a lopsided loss at Kansas City, then finished with an overtime win at Denver in what was the Summit League game of the week in this writer’s opinion.
4. North Dakota State: 67
Last week: 2
The Bison played one game this week and it was a home loss to South Dakota. That led the voters to drop the Bison two spots in the rankings this week.
5. Denver: 59
Last week: 7
Denver started the week by going on the road and beating Omaha handily. They then came back from a deficit at home to force overtime at home against Oral Roberts. Oral Roberts eventually beat Denver, the voters moved the Pioneers up two spots this week.
6. South Dakota
Last week: 6
The Coyotes started the week with an impressive road win against North Dakota State, they followed up that victory by heading home and losing convincingly to Omaha. The voters decided to keep them at 6.
7. Kansas City: 35
Last week: 8
The Roos move up to the 7 spot this win after a convincing win at home against Oral Roberts before losing to St. Thomas on the road to end the week.
8. North Dakota: 24
Last week: 5
What does a 0-2 start in conference play with both losses being pretty convincing get you? A 3-spot drop in the power rankings. North Dakota’s offense was a no-show in the two-game start to the conference.
9. Omaha: 22
Last week:9
Omaha fans will argue the Mavericks should move up in the rankings. The Mavs started with a loss to Denver at home, however, they then went on the road and beat South Dakota to even up their conference record.