Everything is on the line.

No talking about next week or about the next opponent. Lose this game, and talk about next year. Period.

When the Winona State University football team (7-3) hosts the defending NCAA Division II national champion University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (9-1) on Saturday at Maxwell Field, it couldn't get any bigger for a number of Warriors.

Especially the seniors.

If WSU is able to knock off the Bulldogs, who are ranked sixth in the AFCA Division II national poll, they have an outside shot of making the 24-team playoff field. The playoff field will be announced on Sunday.

First things first, said quarterback Greg Preston, one of WSU's seniors.

"We have been talking about that (playoffs). The main thing is to give ourselves any sort of chance, we have to win this game. Then we can worry about what everybody else did.

"Coaches have been saying all week, win this game and give the NCAA (selection committee) something to think about."

The Warriors, with their big 23-21 road win over nationally ranked Augustana last week, moved into the Super Region Three Top 10 this week (WSU is 10th). They need to move into the top six to make the playoff field.

Beating Minnesota-Duluth, which is ranked second in the region, is a big mountain to climb, however.

"They are a talented football team, and they have proven that," said Preston, who has had an impressive season with 2,404 yards passing, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

"They are just a sound defensive team and are well-coached. They do things well and are a disciplined defense," Preston said. You are not going to get a busted coverage against them or anything."

Minnesota-Duluth, which has won eight straight games, has had some close NSIC games this season, including a 34-27 win over Southwest Minnesota State and a 35-34 win over Bemidji State.

WSU coach Tom Sawyer believes the Warriors match up well against Minnesota-Duluth, and he wasn't shy at Wednesday's practice in telling his team he expects to win on Saturday.

"Everybody is excited. We've got a big game. We are at home," Sawyer said. "Like I was telling the kids, we got a chance (at the playoffs). We've got a chance."

TRICKERY? WSU has a few things up its sleeve, so-to-speak, Sawyer said, but isn't going to go out and throw a lot of razzle-dazzle at Minnesota-Duluth.

"You have to try something at this point in the year," Sawyer said. "Plus, it gives kids something different to think about during practice.

"You find some things and you put in some things each week for who you are playing against. We see some holes and try to do some things with them. It is not trickery, but some fun plays."

OVERALL HEALTH: WSU has had its share of injuries this season, but entering the 11th - and final - game of the regular season the Warriors are as healthy as can be expected, Sawyer said.

"Everybody is dinged up a little at this time of year," Sawyer said.

SWAN BACK: Junior wide receiver Eric Swan, who has played in just four games this season because of an ankle sprain, then quadriceps muscle pull, is back at practice.

Swan, a speedster from Fennimore, Wis., has 10 receptions for 167 yards. He will definitely play against Minnesota-Duluth, Sawyer said.

"He is ready to go. He will help us big time," Sawyer said.