RFC Summer Semester--Northeast Conference (FCS)

Looking back: The NEC went 0-1 in its first-ever FCS playoff appearance, as Robert Morris lost to North Dakota State, 27-13, on November 27, 2010.

Looking ahead: Bryant officially joins the NEC as a full member in 2012.

Website: http://www.northeastconference.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Robert Morris (8-3):  The Colonials welcome nine starters from the NEC's first-ever automatic FCS playoff qualifier.  But the first several weeks on the schedule are brutal, as three straight road games follow their home opener against Dayton on September 3.

2. Central Connecticut State (8-3):  Although they won a share of the NEC title with a 7-1 league mark, a late season loss to Robert Morris cost the Blue Devils a playoff berth.  They'll look for payback against the Colonials on November 5.

3. Duquesne (7-4):  The Dukes return 14 starters in hopes of contending for a conference championship in 2011.

4. Albany (6-5):  A season-ending three-game winning streak gives the Great Danes momentum heading into 2011.

5. Wagner (5-6):  The Seahawks will try to bounce back after a rare sub-.500 campaign.  Head Coach Walt Hameline is one of a select few coaches that's a member of the 200-win club.

6. Bryant (7-4):  The Bulldogs will find out quickly just where they stand when they open the 2011 season against Maine on September 3.

7. Monmouth (3-8):  The Hawks look to put a disappointing 2010 season behind, as they finished NEC play a dismal 3-5.


8. Sacred Heart (4-7):  The Pioneers have three home games to kick off 2011. 

9. St. Francis (Pa.)--(1-10):  It seems like the 2011 season can't come soon enough for the Red Flash, as they ended the 2010 season with eight straight losses.