RFC Summer Semester--FCS Independents Preview

Editor's Note: In honor of the Independence Day holiday weekend in the United States, RFC will cover the programs who are the "independents" of small college football. The first installment focuses the independents and start-ups of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. The definition of "independent" is that of a college or university whose sports programs do not compete in a conference.

Correction (07/03/2010): In the MEAC preview for June 15, 2010, it was erroneously reported that North Carolina Central would play a full conference schedule in football this season. Instead, although NCCU officially a member of the MEAC as of July 1, 2010, the Eagles will play as an independent in football this year.

2009 overall record in parentheses.

Fordham (5-6): The Rams enter the 2010 season offering athletic scholarships. As a result, they'll be ineligible for the Patriot League title despite playing six games against PL opponents.

Georgia State (n/a): The Panthers inaugural season on the gridiron starts with their first-ever game against NAIA Shorter on September 2, to the season finale at defending FBS/BCS national champion Alabama on November 18.

Lamar (n/a): The Cardinals will play their first season of football. Their schedule includes road visits to McNeese State, Stephen F. Austin, North Dakota, and Georgia State.

North Carolina Central (4-7): Although now officially a member of the MEAC, the Eagles will only play against four current conference members (North Carolina A&T, Hampton, Bethune-Cookman, and Delaware State). They'll face perennial Southern Conference power Appalachian State on September 18.

Old Dominion (9-2): After a succesful inaugural season at the FCS level, it'll be interesting to see if the Monarchs can match that success in 2010.

Savannah State (2-8): The Tigers look forward to the 2010 season after a dismal 2009 campaign in which they suffered six losses by 15 or more points.

South Alabama (n/a): The Jaguars prepare for their first full FCS season, with games against Nicholls State, Lamar, UC Davis, and Georgia State on the 2010 slate.