RFC Summer Semester--Pioneer Football League Preview (FCS)

What it is: As the only non-scholarship conference in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Pioneer Football League (PFL) is unique in that while all of it current members compete at the NCAA Division I level for basketball and other sports, the football programs award limited or no scholarships.



The PFL is also unique in terms of the location of its member institutions. With members located on the East Coast (Marist), the Southeast (Campbell, Davidson, Jacksonville, Morehead State), the Midwest (Butler, Dayton, Drake, Valparaiso), and on the West Coast (San Diego), the PFL is perhaps the most far-flung of all conferences in terms of geography.



The circumstances that led to the formation of the PFL came in early 1991, when the NCAA passed legislation requiring all current Division I members to have every sport compete exclusively at the D-I level by 1993. That meant perennial NCAA Division III football power Dayton, which won two D-III titles during the 1980's, had to move their gridiron to D-I. In addition to Dayton; Butler, Drake, Evansville, and Valparaiso also helped form what is now the PFL. Evansville dropped football in 1997.



The PFL grew beyond its mostly Midwestern roots over the last decade, as Southerrn-based schools such as Davidson, Jacksonville, and Morehead State joined the conference in 2001. Campbell followed in 2008, and Marist from New York State came on board in 2009 after the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference dropped its sponsorship of football.



Website: http://www.pioneer-football.org/



Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)



1. Dayton (9-2): The Flyers suffered only one losing season in the last 10 years: a 4-6 mark in 2006. While they shared the PFL crown with Butler a year ago, a 31-28 loss to Bulldogs cost the Flyers a chance to advance to the now-defunct Gridiron Classic. Also, UD welcomes back 15 starters for the 2010 season, while losing nine, with eight of those losses coming on defense.



2. Butler (11-1): It's been a banner year for Butler athletics, with the men's basketball team coming within inches of a winning a national championship, while the football program is coming off its best season ever, notching a school record 11 wins in 2009. The crowning achievement came in the season-ending Gridiron Classic, which BU won, 28-23. The big question for the football Bulldogs in 2010 is this: What can they do for an encore?

3. Drake (8-3): The Bulldogs from Des Moines, Iowa raced to an 8-1 start before losing their final two games of 2009. They've had only two 10-win seasons in program history: 1981 (10-1) and 2004 (10-2).

4. Jacksonville (7-4): The Dolphins finished tied with Drake for third place in the PFL at 6-2 last season. They won four of their last five games of 2009 along the way. A tough non-conference schedule in 2010 includes visits to Old Dominion and perennial FCS power Appalachian State.

5. Marist (7-4): The Red Foxes compiled a modest 5-3 conference record in their inaugural season of PFL play.

6. San Diego (4-7): The Toreros have advanced to postseason play just once in their football program's history: 1973.

7. Davidson (3-7): The Wildcats last double digit win season came in 2000, when they finished undefeated at 10-0.

8. Campbell (3-8): The Fighting Camels are a combined 4-12 since re-starting football as an NCAA program in 2008.

9. Morehead State (3-8): The Eagles will add new meaning to the term "frequent flyer miles", figuratively, as well as literally, in 2010, as they'll play five of their first seven games on the road.

10. Valparaiso (1-10): New head coach Dale Carlson will try to reverse the fortunes of a Crusaders program that has fallen on hard times in recent years. Valpo hasn't had a winning season since 2003. That's when the Crusaders finished 8-4 and won the PFL championship, defeating Morehead State, 54-42, in the league title game.

RFC Summer Semester--Southland Conference Preview (FCS)

What it is: The Southland Conference (SLC) has established itself as one as the strongest conferences in all divisions of college football since it started in 1963.


Over the years, the SLC has competed in six different divisions, starting with the NAIA in 1963, the former NCAA College Division in 1968, NCAA Division II in 1973, NCAA Division I in 1975, NCAA Division I-A in 1978, and NCAA Division I-AA (now the Football Championship Subdivision) since 1982. As far as the FCS playoffs go, McNeese State has made the most appearances of any current member, with 13 league titles and 14 trips to the FCS playoffs entering the 2010 season. Also, as hard as it may be to believe, the SLC helped lay the foundation for the modern-day Independence Bowl in 1976, as the conference champion played in the Shreveport, Louisiana-based game until 1980.


In addition, numerous national championships in multiple divisions have been won over at least the last 40 years, but they've mainly been won by former members such as Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, and Northeast Louisiana (now Louisiana-Monroe), all of whom currently compete in the FBS Sun Belt Conference. No current SLC member has ever won an FCS national championship.


Looking forward to 2010, the SLC will earn the right to host a national championship game in January 2011, as this season's title contest will be played at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. Additionally, the league will welcome former NAIA and NCAA Division II power Central Arkansas into the fold, as the Bears spent the past four years playing under provisional status for the NCAA Division I level. Non-football playing Lamar returns to the gridiron fold in 2010, with the expectations of playing a full SLC schedule by 2011.



The SLC has also had its share of former players go on to the NFL, with former defensive end Fred Dean, ex-quarterback Bubby Brister, and running back Larry Centers, just to name a few.

Website: http://www.southland.org/


Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. McNeese State (9-3): The Cowboys bring back all 11 starters on defense in hopes of bringing home that elusive national championship.

2. Stephen F. Austin (10-3): With 12 players landing on the preseason all-SLC squads, expect the defending co-champion Lumberjacks to be serious contenders for the conference crown again in 2010.

3. Texas State (7-4): The Bobcats tough non-conference schedule includes games against FBS Houston from Conference USA, as well as contests against Cal Poly and Southern Utah from the FCS Great West Conference.

4. Southeastern Louisiana (6-5): The Lions last conference championship came back in 1961. That was the year they won the now-defunct Gulf States Conference crown.

5. Sam Houston State (5-6): The Bearkats hope a new head coach in Willie Fritz will help lead them to their first FCS playoff appearance since 2004.

6. Nicholls (3-8): The Colonels also welcome a new head coach for 2010 in Charlie Stubbs.

7. Central Arkansas (5-7): The Bears enter first full season of eligibility in the FCS ranks with key early non-conference tests against FCS playoff participant Eastern Illinois, as well as Tulsa from FBS Conference USA.

8. Northwestern State (0-11): The Demons last win came in the final game of the 2008 season, as they defeated Stephen F. Austin, 34-24, on November 22 of that year.

RFC Summer Semester--Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preview (FCS)

What it is: Founded in 1920, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has a history that dates back nine decades. The SWAC currently consists of 10 historically black college & university (HBCU) institutions in five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas).



Any discussion of SWAC football has to begin, and end, with Grambling State University, and its legendary head coach, Eddie Robinson. In his 57 years as the Tigers head coach, Robinson won 408 games during his career. Those victories rank second all-time behind. Only John Gagliardi of NCAA Division III St. John's (Minn.), with 471 wins, has more than Robinson entering the 2010 season.



The SWAC has also had its share of former players go on to illustrious careers in the NFL. Notable alumni have included Hall of Fame linebacker Buck Buchanan (Grambling), running back Walter Payton (Jackson State), Super Bowl XXII MVP quarterback Doug Williams (Grambling), and wide receiver Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State).



The SWAC has one of the greatest end of season traditions in college football as well, as current members Grambling and Southern compete in the annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, which has been played since 1974. The Tigers have won four of their last six meetings against their archrivals from Baton Rouge. Both teams have won 18 games apiece in the series. The game itself is usually played on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.



Currently, the SWAC is one of just two conferences that does not send their teams to the FCS playoffs, the other being the Ivy League. Since 1999, it has played a championship game at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, pitting the two division champions, East and West, against each other. Grambling has won the conference title via the championship game five of the last 11 years.



Website: http://www.swac.org/



Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record of finish, projected champion in BOLD type)



East Division



1. Alabama A&M (7-5): The Bulldogs were the lone team in the division to finish 2009 with a winning record.



2. Alcorn State (3-6): The Braves finished tied for second in the SWAC East last season.



3. Alabama State (4-7): The Hornets are on an even keel in terms of starters returning lost: 11 a piece.

4. Jackson State (3-7): The Tigers are hoping to advance to the SWAC title game for the second time in three games.

5. Mississippi Valley State (3-8): The Delta Devils 2010 schedule takes them as far away as Chicago.

West Division

1. Prairie View A&M (9-1): The defending SWAC champion Panthers hope 10 all-conference honorees will help them pull off an encore in 2010.

2. Grambling State (7-4): FBS Louisiana Tech and NAIA Concordia (Ala.) are the only non-conference opponents the Tigers face this year.

3. Texas Southern (7-4): The Tigers make the long flight north to face U Conn of the Big East on September 11.

4. Southern (6-5): The Jaguars finished 2009 tied for last in the SWAC West at 3-4.

5. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-5): The Golden Lions will play in seven different cities this season.

RFC Summer Semester--American Southwest Conference Preview (NCAA Division III)

What it is: The American Southwest Conference (ASC) has competed at the NCAA Division III level since its inception in 1996. The ASC traces its roots to the now-defunct Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association, which competed in the NAIA ranks. The conference currently has nine football-playing members, seven in Texas, one in Louisiana, and one in Mississippi. The ASC begins its 15th season of play in 2010.

In just 12 seasons, one current member has risen from fledgling start-up to national powerhouse in the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. In the last 10 years alone, the Crusaders have won at least eight games during the season, reaching the D-III playoffs nine years in a row. That run includes a national runner-up finish in 2004, as UMHB fell to Linfield (Ore.) in Stagg Bowl XXII that season.

Website: http://www.ascsports.org/



Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)



1. Mary Hardin-Baylor (10-2): The Crusaders have averaged 11 wins per season dating back to 2006, winning 44 games overall during that span. In order to continue that impressive, the "Cru" must navigate its way through a schedule that includes just four home games.



2. Mississippi College (9-3): The Choctaws return six starters on offense, and seven on defense in hopes of making another run at the D-III playoffs. They reached round two in 2009, losing to eventual national semifinalist Wesley (Del.)



3. Hardin-Simmons (6-4): The Cowboys have won 10 conference titles, and advanced to postseason play 12 times since the football program restarted in 1990. Still, 2009 proved to be a down year for the H-S faithful, as the program ended the season with five straight wins after starting 1-4. The Cowboys hope that momentum will carry them into 2010.

4. Louisiana College (7-3): Like Hardin-Simmons, the Wildcats also ended last season on a five-game winning streak after a slow start. With a combined overall record of 14-6 the last two seasons, both of which include back-to-back seven-win campaigns, LC hopes to take the next step towards a playoff berth.

5. McMurry (4-6): The "Maroon and White" return 16 starters from a team that had a four-win improvement from a winless season in 2008.

6. Howard Payne (4-6): The 2009 season was "Payne-ful" to watch for the Yellow Jacket faithful, finishing 2-6 in the ASC.

7. East Texas Baptist (3-7): A 42-7 rout of Howard Payne to end the 2009 season gives Tigers fans something to hope for coming into the 2010 campaign.

8. Sul Ross State (2-8): A mid-season injury to one of their top running backs spelled doom for the Lobos, as they ended last season on a five-game skid.

9. Texas Lutheran (0-10): The Bulldogs have lost 13 straight games dating back to November 1, 2008.

Enjoy reading the previews?

E-mail: realfootballcentral@gmail.com

Facebook: Click the "Like" button at http://realfootballcentral.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/realfootball (To send a direct message)

RFC Summer Semester--Lone Star Conference Preview (NCAA Division II)

What it is: The Lone Star Conference (LSC) is an NCAA Division II league whose history dates back to the early 1930's. Current members are located in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.


The LSC has had a strong tradition of winning football during its history, as Texas A&I (now Texas A&M-Kingsville) has won seven NAIA Division I national championships (1959, 1969, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1979). Other current members that have won NAIA national championships are Abilene Christian (1973, 1977), and East Texas State (now Texas A&M Commerce)--(1972). Prior to joining the LSC, another current member, Central Oklahoma, won NAIA crowns in 1962 and 1982. Angelo State took home an NAIA Division I title in 1978, while East Central captured a national championship as well, knocking off Glenville State, 49-35, to win it all in 1993.

In 1980, the LSC officially became an NCAA Division II conference. Over the last 30 years, however, only former member Southwest Texas State (now FCS Texas State) has won any national championships, as the Bobcats won back-to-back titles in 1981 and 1982. Additionally, the only current member to have played for a D-II national championship is Texas A&M-Kingsville, whose Javelinas lost to North Alabama in the 1994 title game.

The LSC has had more than share of players go on to great careers in the NFL. Among those former players who played their college football in the conference include Washington Redskins Super Bowl XVII hero Alvin Garrett (Angelo State), Dominic Rhodes (Midwestern State), Redskin Hall of Famer Darrell Green (Texas A&M-Kingsville), and Oakland Raider great Gene Upshaw (TAMUK).

Looking to the future of the LSC, two of the league's Oklahoma members, Central Oklahoma and Northeastern State, are considering a move to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

Meanwhile, the remaining members from that state: East Central, Southeastern Oklahoma State, and Southwestern Oklahoma State are in the early stages of forming a yet to be named conference consisting of the six Arkansas schools that are currently members of the Gulf South Conference, as well as the three aforementioned Oklahoma members of the LSC. Also, the University of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio is starting its second season of football, and first in the LSC.

Website: http://www.lonestarconference.org/

Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses,

North Division

1. Southeastern Oklahoma State (7-4): The Savage Storm welcome back 12 starters from the squad that finished second in the LSC North at 4-1.

2. Texas A&M-Commerce (5-5): TAMUC ranks second in all-time LSC championships with 20. The Lions last overall LSC title, though, came in 1990. Still, the 2009 squad managed to win all five games within the North Division, good enough for a division crown.

3. Central Oklahoma (4-7): The Bronchos have advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs just four times in the last 20 years (1996, 1998, 1999, 2003).

4. Northeastern State (2-9): The Riverhawks hope to put the misery of 2009 behind them.

5. Southwestern Oklahoma State (1-10): The Bulldogs were outscored 398-141 last season.

6. Eastern New Mexico (3-8): The Greyhounds get some much welcome relief in 2010, sort of, as they move to the North Division. But they'll still take on three teams (Abilene Christian, Midwestern State, and Tarleton State) that made the D-II playoffs in 2009.

7. East Central (0-11): The Tigers hope to find the win column this season after going winless last season.

South Division

1. Midwestern State (9-3): The Mustangs will take aim at their fourth ever D-II playoff appearance behind the arm of 2009 Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Zack Eskridge at quarterback.

2. West Texas A&M (7-5): The Buffaloes hope the momentum of winning the Kanza Bowl last season will carry over into this season.

3. Texas A&M-Kingsville (9-3): The Javelinas face a stiff early season test at defending D-II national champion Northwest Missouri State in their season opener on September 2.

4. Tarleton State (10-3): The Texans reached round two of the D-II playoffs in 2009, losing to Central Washington, 27-6.

5. Abilene Christian (9-3): If the preseason national polls are any indication, expect the Wildcats to be in the thick of the LSC championship race this season.

6. Angelo State (6-5): The Rams find themselves playing in the tougher of the divisions of the LSC in the South Division.

7. Incarnate Word (5-5): The Cardinals have a tough task on their hands, as they enter their rookie season in the LSC.

RFC Summer Semester--Central States Football League Preview (NAIA)

What it is: The Central States Football League (CSFL) begins its 11th season of play in the NAIA, having started just 10 years ago, in 2000. Current members are located in Oklahoma and Texas, although there have been former members from as far away as Missouri (Lincoln University) and Nebraska (Peru State) that have competed in the CSFL.

There are currently six full members, as well as an "alliance" member in NCAA Division II Oklahoma Panhandle State, whose games don't count in the CSFL standings.

Website: http://ranger3.nwosu.edu/csfl/index.htm

Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. Langston (8-4): The Lions look to return to the NAIA playoffs after losing in the first round last year.

2. Northwestern Oklahoma State (7-3): Despite finishing unbeaten at 5-0 in CSFL play last season, the Rangers were declared ineligible for the league title.

3. Southern Nazarene (6-5): The Crimson Storm finished third in the CSFL at 3-2 in 2009.

4. Southwestern Assemblies of God (3-7): The Lions non-conference schedule includes games against NCAA Division III Howard Payne and Austin College.

5. Bacone (1-8): The Warriors hope to put the misery of 2009 behind them, and move forward in 2010.

6. Texas College (0-11): After a winless season in 2009, the Steers have nowhere to go but up in 2010.

RFC Summer Semester--Mid America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Preview (NCAA Division II)

What it is: Founded in 1912, the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) got its start as the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The MIAA has been one of the strongest small college conferences in the nation, with its current members winning a combined four NCAA Division II national championships in football (Pittsburg State in 1991, and Northwest Missouri State in 1998, 1999, and 2009).


Although it currently has 11 members, spread mainly throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, the MIAA may not be done with expansion yet. While Lincoln (Mo.) has rejoined the league after reviving its dormant football program, and Southwest Baptist plans to rejoin the conference for gridiron play by the 2013 season, the MIAA is considering up to four schools for membership to join those schools in the years to come.


The institutions targeted for membership are Central Oklahoma from the Lone Star Conference, perennial NAIA power Lindenwood (Mo.), Nebraska-Kearney from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, and Northeastern State (Okla.), also from the LSC. If approved for membership, the MIAA would have 16 schools, therefore necessitating divisional play.


Website: http://www.themiaa.com/


Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)


1. Northwest Missouri State (14-1): The defending D-II national champion Bearcats reloaded for a possible repeat in 2010, signing 18 players to national letters of intent during the offseason. They finally won that elusive third title after losing four straight title games. It'll be interesting to see if they can win back-to-back crowns for the second time in program history.


2. Nebraska-Omaha (7-5): The Mavericks have had modest success in their two years in the MIAA, going 14-9 overall, as well as a combined 12-6 in conference play.


3. Missouri Western State (9-3): After ending the 2009 season with a 34-21 win over Augustana (S.D.), in the Mineral Water Bowl, the Griffons enter 2010 in hopes of taking that next step: a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs.


4. Central Missouri (8-3): The Mules have advanced to the D-II playoffs just once in program history: 2002. The UCM faithful hope 2010 will be the year their team gets another postseason berth. To earn that second-ever playoff appearance, though, they must do it under new head coach Jim Svoboda.


5. Pittsburg State (5-6): The Gorillas hope to begin their journey back to being among both the MIAA and national elite, respectively, after suffering their worst finish since 1972. Longtime offensive coordinator Tim Beck takes over as Pitt State's head coach, replacing Chuck Broyles, who retired after spending the last 20 seasons at the Gorilla helm. As for Beck, he inherits a program that returns 33 letterwinners from last season.


6. Washburn (8-3): The Ichabods bring back 20 starters from last year's team in hopes of advancing to the D-II playoffs for the third time in the last six years. WU enters the 2010 season with an all-time record of 497-549-44 (.476). The Ichabods need just three wins to reach the 500-win mark in the history of their football program.


7. Fort Hays State (6-5): The Tigers finished with their first winning season since 2004. They hope to take another step towards reaching the next level this season.


8. Missouri Southern State (3-7): The Lions struggled to a 3-6 mark in MIAA play a year ago.

9. Truman State (2-9): The 1990 NCAA Division II playoff team will be honored at halftime of their home opener on September 4. Two decades later, the Bulldog faithful hope history will repeat itself.

10. Emporia State (2-9): ESU first started playing football in 1893, but have made just eight appearances in postseason play all-time, including bowl games. The Hornets lone NCAA playoff appearance came in 2003, a 10-3 loss to Winona State (Minn.).

Enjoy reading the previews?

Send e-mail to realfootballcentral@gmail.com

or send a direct message via Twitter at http://twitter.com/realfootball

RFC Summer Semester--Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Preview (NAIA)

What it is: Founded in 1890, the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is one of the oldest athletic conferences in the nation. Only the NCAA Division III Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), founded in 1888, is older than the KCAC. As the name implies, all of that league's current members are based in the state of Kansas, and compete at the NAIA level. Currently, the KCAC has 10 members going into the 2010 season.

Website: http://www.kcacsports.com/

Projected order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. McPherson (9-2): With 16 signees coming on board, the Bulldogs hope to advance past the first round of the NAIA playoffs in 2010.

2. Ottawa (11-1): Coming off the best season in program history, the Braves hope to take another step towards bringing home their first-ever national championship.

3. Friends (8-2): Lady luck was anything but "friendly" to the Falcons last season, as losses to both McPherson and Ottawa cost them a playoff berth. They hope to be in the hunt for another postseason berth this year.

4. Sterling (6-4): The Warriors play four straight games against teams with winning records in 2009: Peru State (7-4), Ottawa (11-1), McPherson (9-2), and Friends (8-2). Those games will be played between September 18 and October 9.

5. Kansas Wesleyan (5-5): The Coyotes were 3-1 in games decided by six points or less in 2009.

6. Bethany (Kan.)--(4-6): The Swedes saw a fast 4-0 start fizzle to an 0-6 finish last year.

7. Bethel (Kan.)--(3-7): The Threshers averaged more than 200 yards in the air offensively in 2009, but that wasn't enough to prevent them from suffering their first losing season since 2005. They also have a new head coach in Travis Graber.

8. Southwestern (3-7): The Moundbuilders struggled to a 3-6 mark in KCAC play last season.

9. St. Mary (3-7): The Spires play KCAC frontrunners Ottawa and McPherson on the road, on October 9 and 23, respectively.

10. Tabor (0-10): The 2005 campaign seems to be a distant memory for the Blue Jay faithful. That was the last time their program earned a playoff berth, losing to Sioux Falls in the quarterfinals.

RFC Contacts

E-mail: realfootballcentral@gmail.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/realfootball

RFC Summer Semester--Heart of America Athletic Conference Preview (NAIA)

What it is: Founded in 1971, the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) traces its roots to the old Missouri College Athletic Union of the mid-1920's. A decision to accept schools outside of the state of Missouri led the eventual formation of the HAAC. Currently, the HAAC competes at the NAIA level, with member schools located in Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.

Website: http://www.haacsports.com/index.php

Predicted order of finish (2009 record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. Lindenwood (13-1): With a move into the NCAA Division II ranks looming by 2012, the Lions will look to add another HAAC title, as well as a shot at that elusive national championship, in 2010. They reached the NAIA championship game last season, losing to Sioux Falls in a heartbreaker, 25-22.

2. Mid-America Nazarene (10-2): Perhaps no one will be glad to eventually see Lindenwood leave the HAAC, and NAIA, more than the Pioneers. The Lions handed MNU their lone regular season defeat in a 55-14 rout on September 26, 2009. They reached the NAIA playoffs last season, losing to eventual national runner-up, Carroll (Mont.), 34-13, in the first round.

3. Baker (7-3): The Wildcats overcame a slow start to the 2009 season to finish fast with five straight wins.

4. Missouri Valley (8-3): The Vikings will play five home games in 2010. But perhaps their biggest games of the season might be on the road at Lindenwood (September 18) and at Mid-America Nazarene (November 6).

5. Central Methodist (6-5): The Eagles look forward to a new campaign after finishing 6-4 in the HAAC in 2009.

6. Benedictine (6-5): The Ravens finished 5-5 in the HAAC last season.

7. Graceland (3-7): The Yellow Jackets last winning season, and playoff appearance, was in 2006.

8. Avila (4-7): Former Kansas City Chiefs standout Kevin Porter assumes the duties as head coach of the Eagles in time for the 2010 season.

9. Evangel (3-7): The Crusaders face an uphill battle in trying to win their first HAAC title since 2005.

10. William Jewell (1-9): The Cardinals will look to move forward after a dismal 2009. They'll play four of their first six games of the 2010 season on the road.

11. Culver-Stockton (0-10): Cameron Keller became the school's 28th head coach last December. He inherits a Wildcats program that went winless last season.

RFC Summer Semester--Great Plains Athletic Conference Preview (NAIA)

What it is: The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) started in 1969 as the Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The addition of Northwestern (Iowa) in the early 1990's led to the league's name being to the Nebraska-Iowa Athletic Conference. The GPAC adopted its current name in 2000. It enters the 2010 season with 11 members, including outgoing Sioux Falls, whose football program has won three NAIA national championships in the last four years. USF has plans to begin the transition to the NCAA Division II ranks by at least 2011. Current member schools are located in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. One member school, Dana College of Nebraska, closed its doors during the offseason, leading to immediate changes to the 2010 schedule.

Website: http://www.gpacsports.com

Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses)

1. Sioux Falls (15-0): The Cougars hope to end their run in the NAIA with their fourth national championship in the last five years, including a potential "three-peat". If USF is to win another title, they must do so under a new head coach in Jed Stugart, who replaces Kalen DeBoer.

2. Morningside (10-2): The Mustangs begin the 2010 season ranked fifth in the NAIA spring poll. They hope to reach the playoffs for the seventh year in a row.

3. Hastings (9-3): The Broncos are coming off an appearance in the NAIA playoffs as well. They enter the 2010 campaign ranked No. 13 in the spring poll.

4. Northwestern (Iowa)--(7-3): The Red Raiders hope to make a return trip to postseason play after missing out last year. They start a new season ranked 23rd.

5. Nebraska Wesleyan (5-5): The Prairie Wolves hope to take that next step in the GPAC after a .500 finish last season.

6. Midland Lutheran (6-5): The Warriors have won 14 conference titles all-time, but none since 1990. They'll be looking for their first playoff appearance since 1994.

7. Dakota Wesleyan (4-6): The Tigers have had only one winning season in the last 10 years, a 7-3 mark in 2008.

8. Briar Cliff (4-7): The Chargers struggled to a 4-6 mark in GPAC action last season.

9. Concordia (Neb.)--(3-7): The Bulldogs best season in the last 11 years was in 2001, when they reached round two of the NAIA playoffs, and won a share of the GPAC title.

10. Dordt (1-10): The Defenders enter third season of football having won just two games over the last two years.

RFC Summer Semester--Dakota Athletic Conference Preview (NAIA)

What it is: The Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC) enters its second decade of competition at the NAIA level, as it was formed in 2000. The DAC came about a result of a merger between the North Dakota Collegiate Athletic Conference, and the South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference. The current version of the merged league has eight schools from both Dakotas as members heading into the 2010 season.

Two former members have already left the DAC, as the University of Mary in North Dakota left in 2006 to join the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, while Si-Tanka-Huron of South Dakota closed its doors just one year earlier, in 2005. A current DAC member, Minot State, has its sights set on the NCAA, as officials at the institution applied for D-II membership in 2009. MSU was recently granted second-year status by the NCAA.

Website: http://www.dakotaac.org/

Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. Dickinson State (7-4): The Blue Hawks enter the 2010 season aiming for the program's 22 conference title, as well as their 15th playoff berth, both all-time.

2. Minot State (8-3): With a preseason ranking of No. 11 by the College Fanz Sports Network, the Beavers have non-conference against NCAA Division II Bemidji State and Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.), respectively, to begin the 2010 campaign.

3. Black Hills State (6-4): Another recent acceptee into the NCAA Division II ranks, the Yellow Jackets 2010 schedule includes a contest against NCAA Division III Wisconsin-Stout on September 3.

4. Jamestown (5-5): The Jimmies hope to win their first conference title since 2007, and second in the last four seasons.

5. South Dakota Mines (5-5): The Hardrockers have fallen on hard times, at least when it comes to winning conference championships, as their last league title came in 1991.

6. Valley City State (3-7): The Vikings have won 25 conference titles all-time, with their last crown coming in 2005. But it has been a lot longer since the VCSU faithful has experienced postseason play, with the program's last playoff appearance happening in 2001.

7. Dakota State (2-7): The Trojans will do battle against defending NCAA Division III national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater on September 11.

8. Mayville State (1-9): The Comets have won only 10 games over the last eight years.

RFC Contacts

E-mail: realfootballcentral@gmail.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/realfootball

RFC Summer Semester--Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

What it is: The Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) is a league whose teams currently compete at the NCAA Division III level. It was founded in late 1922. The IIAC currently has nine member schools, all within the state of Iowa. All of them are private institutions with church affiliations.

Central College has the strongest program among all of the current members, winning an IIAC-best 30 conference titles, advancing to the NCAA D-III playoffs 20 times, finishing the regular season unbeaten on 17 occasions, and taking home a national championship in 1974. In all, the Dutch have had 49 straight non-losing seasons dating back to 1961. The program has won 25 conference titles during that span.

Finally, if that wasn't enough, Central is in select company among being the winningest programs in the NCAA over the last 35 years. Since 1975, the Dutch have compiled an overall record of 290-62-1 (.825 winning percentage). Only fellow D-III power Mount Union (.855), with an overall record of 333-56-1 since over the last three and a half decades, has had a better winning percentage over that span.

Website: http://www.iowaconference.com/

Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. Central (10-1): With 15 starters, including 11 all-conference honorees, coming back, the Dutch hope to win their fifth IIAC title in seven years under head coach Jeff McMartin. Still, Central hopes to get past the first round of the D-III playoffs, as its season ended with a 42-40 upset loss to Mary Hardin-Baylor last year.

2. Coe (10-2): The Kohawks welcome back 17 starters from the squad that reached round two of the D-III playoffs.

3. Wartburg (6-4): Despite finishing a distant third in the IIAC last season at 5-3, the Knights enter this season ranked 22nd in the nation by Lindy's Sports magazine.

4. Luther (5-5): The Norse have had three consecutive 5-5 seasons since 2007. The program's last eight-win season was in 1987 (8-2).

5. Dubuque (5-5): The Spartans finished in a tie for fourth place in the IIAC at 4-4 in 2009.

6. Buena Vista (4-6): The Beavers have four IIAC titles in their football history, the last coming in 1978.

7. Loras (2-8): The Duhawks face a three-game road trip after their season opener at home against Elmhurst on September 4.

8. Simpson (3-7): The Storm are looking forward to 2010 after struggling to a 2-6 finish in IIAC play a year ago.

9. Cornell (Iowa)--(2-8): The Rams have had only one winning season in last 10 years, finishing 7-3 in 2001.

RFC Summer Semester--Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

What it is: The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) was formed in 1932, tracing its origins to the Northern Teachers Athletic Conference. A merger between the Northern Sun Conference and the Northern Intercollegiate Conference in 1992 led to the formation of the NSIC as its known currently.

Member schools are currently in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota. The University of Minnesota-Duluth won the league's only national championship in football, winning an NCAA Division II title in 2008. The NSIC reached its current membership of 14 institutions when Augustana (S.D.), Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota State-Mankato, and St. Cloud State left the now-defunct North Central Conference in 2008.

While the D-II playoffs are currently open to any team that's postseason-eligible, NSIC members who don't get selected for the playoffs can compete in the Mineral Bowl in Missouri against a representative from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

Website: http://www.northernsun.org/

Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. Minnesota-Duluth (11-2): The Bulldogs welcome back 12 starters from the team that reached the NCAA D-II quarterfinals in 2009, losing to eventual national runner-up Grand Valley State. UMD hopes to earn not only its third straight trip to postseason play, but also win its second national championship in three years.

2. Minnesota State-Mankato (10-2): The Mavericks, though, might be the team that could dethrone the Bulldogs in the NSIC in 2010, as defensive back Jesse Hamilton returns for his junior season as a Preseason All-American. Like UMD, Mankato hopes to advance to the NCAA playoffs for the third straight year. The Mavs also hope to put the bad taste of how the 2009 season ended out of their mouths, as they lost back-to-back games to close it out after a 10-0 start.

3. St. Cloud State (7-4): The Huskies were one of four teams to finish in a four-way tie for third place overall in the NSIC at 7-3 last season. They also finished second in the NSIC South at 5-1 in divisional play. Their 2010 schedule includes visits to Minnesota State and Minnesota-Duluth.

4. Bemidji State (8-3): The Beavers play three of their first four games of 2010 on the road, as well as three of their last four games at home.

5. Wayne State (Neb.)--(8-3): The Wildcats hope to reach the D-II playoffs for the second time in three years, as well as to postseason play for the third time in four years, counting their 2007 appearance in the Mineral Water Bowl.

6. Augustana (S.D.)--(8-3): After a 34-21 loss to Missouri Western State in the Mineral Water Bowl last year, the Vikings hope to make run at the NSIC title in 2010.

7. Winona State (7-4): The Warriors will get a stiff early season test on the road to start 2010, as they travel to Carson-Newman on August 28. Winona, though, pulled off the upset over C-N, 17-12, to open 2009.

8. Mary (5-6): The Marauders finished 5-5 in NSIC play, and 3-3 in North Division action last year.

9. Southwest Minnesota State (5-6): The Mustangs have had just two winning seasons since 1993, going 6-5 in 1999 and 2008.

10. Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.)--(3-8): The Golden Bears turn their focus to 2010 after a disappointing 2009 season which included a heartbreaking double overtime loss to Upper Iowa.

11. Upper Iowa (3-8): The Peacocks are looking forward to a new season as well after a dismal campaign of their own a year ago. A fierce 2010 schedule includes games against the likes of Bemidji State, Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota State, Texas A&M Commerce, and Winona State.

12. MSU Moorhead (2-9): The Dragons won both games in 2009 by a combined 21 points.

13. Northern State (2-9): The Wolves didn't have much to howl about on the gridiron in 2009.

14. Minnesota-Crookston (1-10): The Golden Eagles program has been anything but golden over the last six seasons, winning just eight games since 2004.

Enjoy reading the previews?

E-mail: realfootballcentral@gmail.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/realfootball

RFC Summer Semester--Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Preview (NCAA Division III)

What it is: Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2010, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) was founded in 1920. All of the MIAC's current members are private institutions, with just one not having a religious affiliation of any kind. Additionally, the MIAC has nine schools that currently play football.

St. John's has the richest tradition among current MIAC members, as the Johnnies have won or shared 31 league titles since 1932, with the most recent crown coming in 2009. SJU also is the home of the winningest active coach in college football history in John Gagliardi (pronounced Guh-LAHR-dee). Through the end of the 2009 season, Gagliardi has 471 career wins, needing 29 more victories to reach the 500-win total. 2010 will mark the 58th season at St. John's, as well as 62nd overall, for Gagliardi. He started his collegiate coaching career at Carroll (Mont.), going 24-6-1 overall in his four seasons there (1949-1952).

SJU also holds four national championships all-time, winning two NAIA crowns in 1963 and 1965, followed by two NCAA Division III titles in 1976 and 2003. The Johnnies also enter their 100th season as the winningest program of all-time at the D-III level, going 565-225-24 (.709) over the previous 99 campaigns.

Website: http://www.miac-online.org/

Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. St. John's (10-1): With preseason Top 10 national rankings in several polls, expect the Johnnies to make yet another postseason run in 2010. Gagliardi begins that season with a career record of 447-120-10 (.783) at SJU.

2. St. Thomas (11-2): With five different players named to a preseason All-America squad, the Tommies just must give the Johnnies a run for their money in the MIAC this season. That's especially the case after reaching the NCAA quarterfinals last season.

3. Bethel (Minn.)--(7-3): All three of the Royals losses in 2009 came by nine points or less.

4. St. Olaf (5-5): The Oles last MIAC title came in 1979.

5. Augsburg (4-6): The Auggies play their first four games of 2010 at home.

6. Concordia (Moorhead)--(5-5): The Cobbers face a brutal start to their 2010 season, playing three of their first four games on the road, including two games against D-III playoff teams St. John's and St. Thomas in consecutive weeks.

7. Gustavus Adolphus (4-6): The Golden Gusties have the second most MIAC titles all-time behind SJU with 22, but haven't won a championship since 1987.

8. Hamline (4-6): The Pipers hope to move forward after finishing 2-6 in the MIAC in 2009.

9. Carleton (3-7): The Knights hope to climb their way out of the MIAC basement after going 1-7 in league action last year.

RFC Summer Semester--Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (NCAA Division III)

What it is: In operation since 1972, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) began as the Twin Rivers Conference, assuming its current name in 1983. The UMAC currently has nine schools playing football, with full and associate members playing in Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Four of the UMAC's associate members, Eureka, Greenville, MacMurray, and Westminster (Mo.), found their way into the conference after the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference dropped its sponsorship of football prior to the start of the 2008 season. Also, Presentation College (S.D.) is set to take the field for the first time starting in 2011.

Website: http://www.umacathletics.com/

Predicted order of finish (2009 overall record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

North Division

1. Martin Luther (7-3): The Knights went finish unbeaten in their division at 4-0 last season. Do they have what it takes to do it again in 2010?

2. Northwestern (Minn.)--(5-5): The Eagles will be tested early to start the 2010 season, as they face perennial D-III power St. John's (Minn.) on September 4.

3. St. Scholastica (4-6): The Saints hope that their third season of football will be a winning one, as they have a combined record of 5-13 in the first two seasons.

4. Crown (4-6): The Storm struggled a to a 1-3 record in the UMAC in 2009.

5. Minnesota-Morris (4-6): The Cougars have had just one winning season since 1990, when the 2006 squad won seven games, all in UMAC play, en route to winning the conference championship that season.

South Division

1. Greenville (7-3): The defending UMAC South Division champion Panthers start the 2010 season against three opponents whose names start with the letter "A": Augustana (Ill), Anderson (Ind.), and Albion.

2. Westminster (Mo.)--(5-5): The Blue Jays return nine starters on offense, as well as eight on defense, for the upcoming season.

3. Eureka (4-6): The Red Devils were in 2-3 in games decided by seven points or less in 2009.

4. MacMurray (1-9): The Highlanders hope to put their misery of 2009 behind them in 2010.

Enjoy reading the previews?

E-mail: realfootballcentral@gmail.com

Twitter: twitter.com/realfootball