– After appearing in the "others receiving votes" category multiple times over the past three seasons, Florida Tech finally got over the hump on Monday, cracking the American Football Coaches Association Coaches' Poll at No. 22.FIT is one of four Gulf South Conference members represented in the top-25 rankings, joining West Georgia (2), North Alabama (20) and Valdosta State (23). Defending national champion Northwest Missouri State tops the poll, garnering all 30 first-place votes.The Panthers nearly entered the rankings at the release of the preseason poll, receiving the most votes of any team outside the top 25.Florida Tech is coming off a 42-28 win at Newberry on Sept. 3. The Panthers open the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, hosting GSC foe Mississippi College at 7 p.m. ET at Florida Tech Panther Stadium. For ticket information, visit FloridaTechSports.com.Complete AFCA Coaches' Poll: http://www.afca.com/article/article.php?id=2792