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.
4 years ago
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