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.

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