RFC Originals--The Dandy Dozen of (NCAA) Division II

Our preseason previews continue with a look at the top 12 teams in NCAA Division II. So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

1. Minnesota-Duluth (15-0 in 2008): Of course, the most logical place to start this latest installment is with the defending national champions from Duluth, Minnesota. After an unlikely, yet remarkable season a year ago, can the Bulldogs repeat the feat in 2009? Team captains Tobias Lemke, Cole Strilzuk, and Brandon Wood could be the key as to whetherd UMD can bring home another national championship trophy home come December.

2. Northwest Missouri State (13-2): The Bearcats accomplished a "four-peat" last year, but not the one most people want: a fourth straight national runner-up finish. Still, that hasn't stopped both the coaches and media from picking Northwest to finish on top in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association for the fourth straight year. A season-opening contest at Abilene Christian on national television (CBS College Sports) August 27 could tell just how good the Bearcats may be in 2009, as they hope the fifth time will be the charm, at least in terms of winning their first national championship in 10 years, with back-to-back crowns being won in 1998 and 1999, respectively.

3. Grand Valley State (11-1): GVSU has won four NCAA Division II titles this decade (2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006). But despite not having lost a regular season game in five years, the one loss the Lakers did suffer ended their season the last two years. Can Grand Valley end this current decade with a "one for the thumb" national championship in 2009?

4. California (Pa.)--(12-2): The Vulcans have gone 25-3 over the last two seasons, but both ended with losses in the national semifinals. Can Cal U finally get over the hump, and punch a ticket to the title game in Florence, Alabama this December.

5. Bloomsburg (11-2): The Huskies return a solid nucleus for what could be another potential deep playoff run. Their first comes on August 27. That's when they'll face another playoff team from a year ago in Ashland.

6. North Alabama (12-2): The Lions may have a new head coach in Terry Bowden, who--of course--is the son of legendary Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden. But it will take more than a famous name for UNA to make another deep playoff run in 2009.

The Other Six

7. Abilene Christian (11-1)

8. Pittsburg State (11-2)

9. West Texas A&M (11-2)

10. Delta State (11-2)

11. Chadron State (11-2)

12. Central Washington (10-2)

Honorable Mention: Valdosta State (9-3), Albany State (Ga.)--(7-4), Tusculum (8-4), Seton Hill (10-3), Ashland (9-4), West Chester (9-4), Wayne State (Neb.)--(9-3), and American International (-2).