4 years ago
Thursday, June 30, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Canadian football season underway
The NFL might still be locked out, but north of the border in Canada, the Canadian Football League has kicked off its 2011 season. Click here and here to see how things could turn out in the CFL this year. Also, click here to find out what Canadian football is all about.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC)--(NCAA Division II)
Looking back: Grand Valley State has ruled not only the GLIAC, but also the NCAA Division II roost, over the previous decade, as the Lakers won four national championships during that span (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006).
Looking ahead: 2011 will mark the final season for Indianapolis as an associate member of the GLIAC in football, as the Greyhounds will join the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2012.
Website: http://www.gliac.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Grand Valley State (13-2): Is there room for another national championship trophy at GVSU? Hopefully, that will be the case in 2011, as the Lakers lost to Northwest Missouri State in the 2009 title game. One interesting note about this year's schedule is that GVSU will play just two games outside the state of Michigan, the September 17 game at Indianapolis, as well as the October 15 contest against Lake Erie in Ohio.
2. Wayne State (Mich.)--(9-2): With a preseason national Top 10 ranking by the Sporting News, expectations will be very high for the Warriors, who hope to fight their way to the top of the GLIAC standings this season. Of course, a four-game winning streak to end 2010 will do just that: raise those expectations.
3. Hillsdale (9-3): The Chargers will look to advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the third year in a row. In 2010, they were one and done, as St. Cloud State eliminated them, 42-28, in the first round. They also reached round two of the 2009 playoffs, before bowing to eventual national runner-up Grand Valley State.
4. Michigan Tech (8-2): Despite a four-game winning streak to end 2010, the Huskies found themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time. It's something that they hope to change in 2011, as their last playoff appearance came in 2004.
5. Ashland (8-3): The Golden Eagles overcame a 1-3 start to finish with a flourish, winning seven straight games. Hopefully, that momentum will propel head coach Lee Owens and his charges to another high finish in the GLIAC. Owens needs only one win to reach 50 career victories as a head coach. If that wasn't enough, the Golden Eagles will be tested sternly in their season opener at Bloomsburg on September 1.
6. Indianapolis (6-5): The Greyhounds hope that their "goodbye tour" of the GLIAC will result in a conference championship, which they haven't done since 1981.
7. Ferris State (5-6): A 5-1 start disintegrated into a season-ending five-game debacle for the Bulldogs. They hope 2011 will result in a different outcome.
8. Northern Michigan (5-6): The Huskies won their lone national championship in 1975, but haven't advanced to postseason play since 1987.
9. Saginaw Valley State (4-7): A 2009 D-II playoff appearance fizzled into a dismal 2010 season for the Cardinals, who hope to bounce back under third-year head coach Jim Collins.
10. Northwood (5-6): The Timberwolves hope to improve on last season's 5-5 finish in GLIAC action.
11. Findlay (1-10): The Oilers will try put the misery of 2010 behind them.
12. Lake Erie (3-7): The Storm hopes to see improvement in their second season in the GLIAC.
13. Ohio Dominican (2-8): The Panthers also hope to move up in the standings in year two.
14. Tiffin (1-10): The Dragons won their opener, but lost 10 straight games, all in GLIAC play, to end 2010.
Looking ahead: 2011 will mark the final season for Indianapolis as an associate member of the GLIAC in football, as the Greyhounds will join the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2012.
Website: http://www.gliac.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Grand Valley State (13-2): Is there room for another national championship trophy at GVSU? Hopefully, that will be the case in 2011, as the Lakers lost to Northwest Missouri State in the 2009 title game. One interesting note about this year's schedule is that GVSU will play just two games outside the state of Michigan, the September 17 game at Indianapolis, as well as the October 15 contest against Lake Erie in Ohio.
2. Wayne State (Mich.)--(9-2): With a preseason national Top 10 ranking by the Sporting News, expectations will be very high for the Warriors, who hope to fight their way to the top of the GLIAC standings this season. Of course, a four-game winning streak to end 2010 will do just that: raise those expectations.
3. Hillsdale (9-3): The Chargers will look to advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the third year in a row. In 2010, they were one and done, as St. Cloud State eliminated them, 42-28, in the first round. They also reached round two of the 2009 playoffs, before bowing to eventual national runner-up Grand Valley State.
4. Michigan Tech (8-2): Despite a four-game winning streak to end 2010, the Huskies found themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time. It's something that they hope to change in 2011, as their last playoff appearance came in 2004.
5. Ashland (8-3): The Golden Eagles overcame a 1-3 start to finish with a flourish, winning seven straight games. Hopefully, that momentum will propel head coach Lee Owens and his charges to another high finish in the GLIAC. Owens needs only one win to reach 50 career victories as a head coach. If that wasn't enough, the Golden Eagles will be tested sternly in their season opener at Bloomsburg on September 1.
6. Indianapolis (6-5): The Greyhounds hope that their "goodbye tour" of the GLIAC will result in a conference championship, which they haven't done since 1981.
7. Ferris State (5-6): A 5-1 start disintegrated into a season-ending five-game debacle for the Bulldogs. They hope 2011 will result in a different outcome.
8. Northern Michigan (5-6): The Huskies won their lone national championship in 1975, but haven't advanced to postseason play since 1987.
9. Saginaw Valley State (4-7): A 2009 D-II playoff appearance fizzled into a dismal 2010 season for the Cardinals, who hope to bounce back under third-year head coach Jim Collins.
10. Northwood (5-6): The Timberwolves hope to improve on last season's 5-5 finish in GLIAC action.
11. Findlay (1-10): The Oilers will try put the misery of 2010 behind them.
12. Lake Erie (3-7): The Storm hopes to see improvement in their second season in the GLIAC.
13. Ohio Dominican (2-8): The Panthers also hope to move up in the standings in year two.
14. Tiffin (1-10): The Dragons won their opener, but lost 10 straight games, all in GLIAC play, to end 2010.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC)--(NCAA Division III)
Looking back: Wittenberg posted an undefeated record in NCAC play in 2010, going 6-0 (10-0 overall) en route to winning their conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. The Tigers were ousted after just one round of postseason play, though, as Ohio Northern won big, 37-14.
Looking ahead: DePauw University from Indiana officially joins the NCAC fold in 2011, although the Tigers won't play a full conference schedule in football until 2012.
Website: http://www.northcoast.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Wittenberg (10-1): Tigers need just one more win to join a rare but elite club: the 700-win club. They're also looking for an unprecedented 20th regular season in program history. Still, they hope to go deeper in the postseason, should they get there, in 2011.
2. Wabash (8-2): The Little Giants road schedule includes games against defending University Athletic Association (UAA) Chicago, as well as a season-ending road game against DePauw in the annual Monon Bell game, on November 12. The week before that, Wabash plays host to Wittenberg in a game that could decide the NCAC title.
3. Wooster (5-5): In their six NCAC games last season, the Scots scored at least 30 points in three of the four such contests they won.
4. Allegheny (7-3): Had it not been for two close losses, the Gators could have least finished the regular season with a mark of 9-1.
5. Denison (4-6): The Big Red hope to turn the corner under second year head coach Jack Hatem.
6. Oberlin (4-6): The Yeomen hope to get off to a rare 3-0 start, as their first three games of 2011 will all be played at home.
7. Ohio Wesleyan (2-8): The Battling Bishops hope to put another season of misery of behind them.
8. Hiram (1-9): The Terriers surrendered at least 30 or more points in eight of nine games, all losses, last season.
9. Kenyon (0-10): The Lords last win came on October 17, 2009, when they defeated Oberlin, 21-9. They've lost 13 straight games since then. It's a streak they finally hope to end in 2011.
Looking ahead: DePauw University from Indiana officially joins the NCAC fold in 2011, although the Tigers won't play a full conference schedule in football until 2012.
Website: http://www.northcoast.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Wittenberg (10-1): Tigers need just one more win to join a rare but elite club: the 700-win club. They're also looking for an unprecedented 20th regular season in program history. Still, they hope to go deeper in the postseason, should they get there, in 2011.
2. Wabash (8-2): The Little Giants road schedule includes games against defending University Athletic Association (UAA) Chicago, as well as a season-ending road game against DePauw in the annual Monon Bell game, on November 12. The week before that, Wabash plays host to Wittenberg in a game that could decide the NCAC title.
3. Wooster (5-5): In their six NCAC games last season, the Scots scored at least 30 points in three of the four such contests they won.
4. Allegheny (7-3): Had it not been for two close losses, the Gators could have least finished the regular season with a mark of 9-1.
5. Denison (4-6): The Big Red hope to turn the corner under second year head coach Jack Hatem.
6. Oberlin (4-6): The Yeomen hope to get off to a rare 3-0 start, as their first three games of 2011 will all be played at home.
7. Ohio Wesleyan (2-8): The Battling Bishops hope to put another season of misery of behind them.
8. Hiram (1-9): The Terriers surrendered at least 30 or more points in eight of nine games, all losses, last season.
9. Kenyon (0-10): The Lords last win came on October 17, 2009, when they defeated Oberlin, 21-9. They've lost 13 straight games since then. It's a streak they finally hope to end in 2011.
Monday, June 27, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Ohio Athletic Conference (NCAA Division III)
Looking back: Once again, Mount Union ruled the roost in the OAC, as the Purple Raiders won an unprecedented 19th straight conference title in 2010. Still, the season ended in heartbreak for the "purple people eaters" from Alliance, Ohio, as they lost to Wisconsin-Whitewater in the NCAA Division III national championship game, 'aka' the "Stagg Bowl," 31-21.
Looking ahead: Mount Union should be favored to not only win an unprecedented 20th straight OAC title, but also its 11th national championship dating back to 1993. The other titles came in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2008.
Website: http://www.oac.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Mount Union (14-1): Until another team can prove otherwise, the Purple Raiders are still to team to beat in the OAC. Heading into the 2011 season, they boast an all-time record of 670-383-37.
2. Ohio Northern (10-2): If there's any team that could finally end the "purple reign" of the Purple Raiders in the OAC, it's the Polar Bears. ONU has had only three non-winning records dating back to 1999. Oh, and they also advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, only to lose to North Central, 28-9.
3. Baldwin-Wallace (7-3): With a preseason Top 15 national ranking by two national magazines, don't be surprised if the Yellow Jackets make a postseason run in 2011.
4. Capital (5-5): The Crusaders hope to make their first NCAA playoff appearance since 2007.
5. John Carroll (5-5): The Blue Streaks had their share of close calls in 2010, going 4-1 in games decided by eight points or less.
6. Otterbein (6-4): After going a combined 17-4 in 2008 and 2009, respectively, the Cardinals fell back to earth in 2010, finishing 5-4 in OAC action.
7. Heidelberg (5-5): 2010 saw one of the better seasons fans in the "Berg" had seen in quite some time, as the Student Princes finished a respectable 4-5 in conference play.
8. Muskingum (3-7): The Fighting Muskies fought to the finish mightily in five games decided by eight points or less, going 3-2 in those contests last season. Problem was, they lost six straight games after to end the season after a 3-1 start.
9. Marietta (2-8): What does the No. 28 have in common for the Pioneers? Well, they defeated Thiel in the 2010 season opener, 28-7, lost to Mount Union, 28-14, on October 16, then held off Wilmington the following week, by the final score of, you guessed it, 31-28.
10. Wilmington (0-10): After going winless a year ago, the Quakers hope to win a game. Any game, this year.
Looking ahead: Mount Union should be favored to not only win an unprecedented 20th straight OAC title, but also its 11th national championship dating back to 1993. The other titles came in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2008.
Website: http://www.oac.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Mount Union (14-1): Until another team can prove otherwise, the Purple Raiders are still to team to beat in the OAC. Heading into the 2011 season, they boast an all-time record of 670-383-37.
2. Ohio Northern (10-2): If there's any team that could finally end the "purple reign" of the Purple Raiders in the OAC, it's the Polar Bears. ONU has had only three non-winning records dating back to 1999. Oh, and they also advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, only to lose to North Central, 28-9.
3. Baldwin-Wallace (7-3): With a preseason Top 15 national ranking by two national magazines, don't be surprised if the Yellow Jackets make a postseason run in 2011.
4. Capital (5-5): The Crusaders hope to make their first NCAA playoff appearance since 2007.
5. John Carroll (5-5): The Blue Streaks had their share of close calls in 2010, going 4-1 in games decided by eight points or less.
6. Otterbein (6-4): After going a combined 17-4 in 2008 and 2009, respectively, the Cardinals fell back to earth in 2010, finishing 5-4 in OAC action.
7. Heidelberg (5-5): 2010 saw one of the better seasons fans in the "Berg" had seen in quite some time, as the Student Princes finished a respectable 4-5 in conference play.
8. Muskingum (3-7): The Fighting Muskies fought to the finish mightily in five games decided by eight points or less, going 3-2 in those contests last season. Problem was, they lost six straight games after to end the season after a 3-1 start.
9. Marietta (2-8): What does the No. 28 have in common for the Pioneers? Well, they defeated Thiel in the 2010 season opener, 28-7, lost to Mount Union, 28-14, on October 16, then held off Wilmington the following week, by the final score of, you guessed it, 31-28.
10. Wilmington (0-10): After going winless a year ago, the Quakers hope to win a game. Any game, this year.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Ohio Valley Conference (FCS)
Looking back: Southeast Missouri State made history in 2010, as the Redhawks not only clinched their first-ever Ohio Valley Conference title, but also clinched their first-ever trip to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoff berth. Southeast's run in the postseason play, was brief, as the Redhawks fell to eventual national champion Eastern Washington, 37-17, in the second round of the playoffs.
The other OVC playoff representative, Jacksonville State, also was "one and done" in the postseason, as the Gamecocks lost a heartbreaker to Wofford, 17-14, also in round two of the FCS playoffs.
Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if the November 12 games between JSU and Southeast, at Cape Girardeau, Mo. decides the OVC title in 2011.
Website: http://www.ovcsports.com
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Jacksonville State (9-3): Thanks to that early season upset win over Mississippi from the BCS Southeastern Conference, head coach Jack Crowe was rewarded with a contract extension through the 2014 season. With 51 letterwinners, including 16 starters, returning for 2011, expect the Gamecocks to contend for the OVC title once again.
2. Southeast Missouri State (9-3): Head Coach Tony Samuel must replace 14 starters lost due to graduation. If that wasn't enough, the Redhawks face a brutal non-conference schedule that includes a trip to Purdue from the BCS Big Ten Conference.
3. Eastern Kentucky (6-5): With four straight wins, including an upset win over then No. 2 ranked Jacksonville State, to end the 2010 season, don't count out the Colonels among the list of OVC championship contenders in 2011.
4. Murray State (6-5): The Racers also ended 2010 on a high note, winning three straight games to close it out.
5. UT-Martin (6-5): The Skyhawks are looking to soar as well after winning back-to-back games to end last season.
6. Tennessee Tech (5-6): The Golden Eagles scored at least 30 points in four of the five games that they won last season, while being held to less than 30 points in all six losses.
7. Eastern Illinois (2-9): Back-to-back wins late in the 2010 season kept the Panthers from going winless.
8. Austin Peay (2-9): The Governors will play two teams from the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)--(formerly NCAA Division I-A) to open the 2011 season; against Cincinnati from the BCS Big East Conference, as well as Memphis from the BCS non-AQ Conference USA.
9. Tennessee State (3-8): The Tigers hope to turn things around after going winless in OVC play at 0-7 last season.
The other OVC playoff representative, Jacksonville State, also was "one and done" in the postseason, as the Gamecocks lost a heartbreaker to Wofford, 17-14, also in round two of the FCS playoffs.
Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if the November 12 games between JSU and Southeast, at Cape Girardeau, Mo. decides the OVC title in 2011.
Website: http://www.ovcsports.com
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Jacksonville State (9-3): Thanks to that early season upset win over Mississippi from the BCS Southeastern Conference, head coach Jack Crowe was rewarded with a contract extension through the 2014 season. With 51 letterwinners, including 16 starters, returning for 2011, expect the Gamecocks to contend for the OVC title once again.
2. Southeast Missouri State (9-3): Head Coach Tony Samuel must replace 14 starters lost due to graduation. If that wasn't enough, the Redhawks face a brutal non-conference schedule that includes a trip to Purdue from the BCS Big Ten Conference.
3. Eastern Kentucky (6-5): With four straight wins, including an upset win over then No. 2 ranked Jacksonville State, to end the 2010 season, don't count out the Colonels among the list of OVC championship contenders in 2011.
4. Murray State (6-5): The Racers also ended 2010 on a high note, winning three straight games to close it out.
5. UT-Martin (6-5): The Skyhawks are looking to soar as well after winning back-to-back games to end last season.
6. Tennessee Tech (5-6): The Golden Eagles scored at least 30 points in four of the five games that they won last season, while being held to less than 30 points in all six losses.
7. Eastern Illinois (2-9): Back-to-back wins late in the 2010 season kept the Panthers from going winless.
8. Austin Peay (2-9): The Governors will play two teams from the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)--(formerly NCAA Division I-A) to open the 2011 season; against Cincinnati from the BCS Big East Conference, as well as Memphis from the BCS non-AQ Conference USA.
9. Tennessee State (3-8): The Tigers hope to turn things around after going winless in OVC play at 0-7 last season.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Mid-South Conference (NAIA)
Looking back: Three teams from the MSC reached postseason play in 2010; Campbellsville, Cumberlands, and Georgetown, all from the state of Kentucky. None of those three teams, though, emerged victorious, as Cumberlands and Georgetown were both ousted in the opening round of the NAIA playoffs, while Campbellsville was crushed by North Greenville in the NCCAA Victory Bowl.
Looking ahead: With current members such as Georgetown, Shorter, and maybe others, considering a move to the NCAA in the years to come, 2011 could likely be the last season the MSC will stay in its current form. Having said that, it's anybody's race in both the East and West Divisions, respectively, this season.
Website: http://www.mid-southconference.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
East Division
1. Georgetown (Ky.)--(8-3): The Tigers will have two All-Americans returning for 2011. Speaking of which, they'll get a stern early-season test to open the season, as they travel to Kansas to face Ottawa.
2. Campbellsville (7-5): The other pack of Tigers from Kentucky have something to prove, as their schedule includes a September 17 contest against two-time defending NCAA Division III national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater.
3. Lindsey Wilson (5-6): With a third place finish in the MSC East at 4-2, the Blue Raiders hope to avoid a "sophomore jinx" in year two of their football program.
4. Pikeville (2-8): The Bears won back-to-back games to finish the 2010 season, after losing their first eight contests. Hopefully, that momentum will propel PC into the 2011 campaign.
5. UVA-Wise (3-8): It was a rough season for the Cavaliers in 2010, losing their first five games, followed by a three-game winning streak, and ending with a three-game skid.
6. West Virginia U. Tech (2-9): The Bears are also trying to put 2010 behind them.
7. Kentucky Christian (0-11): The Knights were outscored 527-199 in all 11 games last season. They gave an up an average of almost 48 points per game.
West Division
1. Cumberland (Tenn.)--(8-3): The Bulldogs look to take the next step towards the NAIA playoffs after finishing in a second place tie with Union (Ky.) in the MSC West (4-2) last year. They'll have to take the long road, literally, to get there though, as they start off the 2011 season playing four of their first five games on the road.
2. Cumberlands (Ky.)--(7-4): The Patriots finished first in MSC West action (5-1) en route to an NAIA playoff berth, only to be stomped by St. Xavier, 66-19, in the first round. Unlike their namesake rivals from Tennessee, the Cumberlands squad from Kentucky will have the home field advantage on its side, opening 2011 with three of four home games.
3. Union (Ky.)--(7-4): The Bulldogs will try to advance to the NAIA playoffs for the first time since 2008. Their last conference championship came in 1992.
4. Bethel (Tenn.)--(5-5): A three-game winning streak to end 2010 after starting 2-5 has the Wildcat faithful looking for more in 2011.
5. Shorter (5-6): The Hawks will play six games on the road this season, including a stretch of three straight contests in late October/early November.
6. Belhaven (4-7): The Blazers have had only one winning record in the last five years; a 6-5 mark in 2006.
7. Faulkner (3-7): The Eagles look to turn their fortunes around after ending 2010 on a four-game losing streak.
Looking ahead: With current members such as Georgetown, Shorter, and maybe others, considering a move to the NCAA in the years to come, 2011 could likely be the last season the MSC will stay in its current form. Having said that, it's anybody's race in both the East and West Divisions, respectively, this season.
Website: http://www.mid-southconference.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
East Division
1. Georgetown (Ky.)--(8-3): The Tigers will have two All-Americans returning for 2011. Speaking of which, they'll get a stern early-season test to open the season, as they travel to Kansas to face Ottawa.
2. Campbellsville (7-5): The other pack of Tigers from Kentucky have something to prove, as their schedule includes a September 17 contest against two-time defending NCAA Division III national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater.
3. Lindsey Wilson (5-6): With a third place finish in the MSC East at 4-2, the Blue Raiders hope to avoid a "sophomore jinx" in year two of their football program.
4. Pikeville (2-8): The Bears won back-to-back games to finish the 2010 season, after losing their first eight contests. Hopefully, that momentum will propel PC into the 2011 campaign.
5. UVA-Wise (3-8): It was a rough season for the Cavaliers in 2010, losing their first five games, followed by a three-game winning streak, and ending with a three-game skid.
6. West Virginia U. Tech (2-9): The Bears are also trying to put 2010 behind them.
7. Kentucky Christian (0-11): The Knights were outscored 527-199 in all 11 games last season. They gave an up an average of almost 48 points per game.
West Division
1. Cumberland (Tenn.)--(8-3): The Bulldogs look to take the next step towards the NAIA playoffs after finishing in a second place tie with Union (Ky.) in the MSC West (4-2) last year. They'll have to take the long road, literally, to get there though, as they start off the 2011 season playing four of their first five games on the road.
2. Cumberlands (Ky.)--(7-4): The Patriots finished first in MSC West action (5-1) en route to an NAIA playoff berth, only to be stomped by St. Xavier, 66-19, in the first round. Unlike their namesake rivals from Tennessee, the Cumberlands squad from Kentucky will have the home field advantage on its side, opening 2011 with three of four home games.
3. Union (Ky.)--(7-4): The Bulldogs will try to advance to the NAIA playoffs for the first time since 2008. Their last conference championship came in 1992.
4. Bethel (Tenn.)--(5-5): A three-game winning streak to end 2010 after starting 2-5 has the Wildcat faithful looking for more in 2011.
5. Shorter (5-6): The Hawks will play six games on the road this season, including a stretch of three straight contests in late October/early November.
6. Belhaven (4-7): The Blazers have had only one winning record in the last five years; a 6-5 mark in 2006.
7. Faulkner (3-7): The Eagles look to turn their fortunes around after ending 2010 on a four-game losing streak.
Friday, June 24, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC)--(NCAA Division III)
Looking back: DePauw left the SCAC on a high note, as the Tigers cruised to an unbeaten record in conference play in 2010. Aside from Millsaps, whose Majors finished second in league play at 5-1, every other current conference member lost at least three games in SCAC action.
Looking ahead: The seven remaining members of the SCAC should be breathing a big sigh of relief in 2011, as DePauw has left that conference, and will compete as an independent this year, while completing the transition to the North Coast Athletic Conference in 2012. Also, Birmingham-Southern from Alabama will play its first full season in the SCAC after playing the last three seasons being ineligible for the conference crown.
But wait, there's more! The presidents of five of the current seven SCAC football playing schools announced in early June that they would withdraw from the SCAC to form a new conference, effective in 2012. That move might force the two Texas-based schools in that league, Austin and Trinity, to find a new conference for their respective athletics departments.
Also, Hendrix College of Conway, Ark., will bring back its football program by 2013, after an absence of more than 50 years. Even with the addition of Hendrix, the "new" SCAC, or whatever other name is suggested for the new conference, would still be one school shy of the seven schools needed to seek an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. Don't be surprised if schools such as Huntingdon and Mississippi College are approached by the new "SCAC" for future membership.
Website: http://www.scacsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Millsaps (7-3): The Majors could be the biggest beneficiaries of DePauw's departure from the SCAC, as they look to reload after ending the season with five straight wins following a 2-3 start. If the Majors hope to earn their third NCAA Division III playoff appearance since 2006, they'll have to put in the frequent rider miles, as they play just four games at home in 2011.
2. Centre (6-4): The Colonels look ahead to a new season, with Andy Frye beginning his 14th campaign as their head coach. With a career record of 78-51, Frye needs just two wins for his 80th career victory.
3. Birmingham-Southern (6-4): Now that they're fully eligible to win the SCAC title, the Panthers will look to be on the "prowl" in 2011. Like Millsaps, however, B-SC will be at home for just four games this season.
4. Rhodes (4-6): The Lynx program welcomes a new head coach in Dan Gritti.
5. Trinity (Tex.)--(4-6): The Tigers look to bounce back after suffering a rare losing season. Head Coach Steve Mohr enters his 22nd season at the Trinity helm, with more than 160 wins already under his belt.
6. Austin (4-5): The Kangaroos will have their 1981 NAIA national championship team inducted into its institution's "Hall of Honor", 30 years later. As for the 2011 squad, they hope to improve on a 2-4 finish in SCAC play from a year ago.
7. Sewanee (University of the South)--(1-9): These Tigers from Tennessee are in the "nowhere to go but up" department after a winless conference season in 2010. Their longest road trip of the 2011 season will take them to Tacoma, Wash., where they'll face Puget Sound on September 17.
Looking ahead: The seven remaining members of the SCAC should be breathing a big sigh of relief in 2011, as DePauw has left that conference, and will compete as an independent this year, while completing the transition to the North Coast Athletic Conference in 2012. Also, Birmingham-Southern from Alabama will play its first full season in the SCAC after playing the last three seasons being ineligible for the conference crown.
But wait, there's more! The presidents of five of the current seven SCAC football playing schools announced in early June that they would withdraw from the SCAC to form a new conference, effective in 2012. That move might force the two Texas-based schools in that league, Austin and Trinity, to find a new conference for their respective athletics departments.
Also, Hendrix College of Conway, Ark., will bring back its football program by 2013, after an absence of more than 50 years. Even with the addition of Hendrix, the "new" SCAC, or whatever other name is suggested for the new conference, would still be one school shy of the seven schools needed to seek an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. Don't be surprised if schools such as Huntingdon and Mississippi College are approached by the new "SCAC" for future membership.
Website: http://www.scacsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Millsaps (7-3): The Majors could be the biggest beneficiaries of DePauw's departure from the SCAC, as they look to reload after ending the season with five straight wins following a 2-3 start. If the Majors hope to earn their third NCAA Division III playoff appearance since 2006, they'll have to put in the frequent rider miles, as they play just four games at home in 2011.
2. Centre (6-4): The Colonels look ahead to a new season, with Andy Frye beginning his 14th campaign as their head coach. With a career record of 78-51, Frye needs just two wins for his 80th career victory.
3. Birmingham-Southern (6-4): Now that they're fully eligible to win the SCAC title, the Panthers will look to be on the "prowl" in 2011. Like Millsaps, however, B-SC will be at home for just four games this season.
4. Rhodes (4-6): The Lynx program welcomes a new head coach in Dan Gritti.
5. Trinity (Tex.)--(4-6): The Tigers look to bounce back after suffering a rare losing season. Head Coach Steve Mohr enters his 22nd season at the Trinity helm, with more than 160 wins already under his belt.
6. Austin (4-5): The Kangaroos will have their 1981 NAIA national championship team inducted into its institution's "Hall of Honor", 30 years later. As for the 2011 squad, they hope to improve on a 2-4 finish in SCAC play from a year ago.
7. Sewanee (University of the South)--(1-9): These Tigers from Tennessee are in the "nowhere to go but up" department after a winless conference season in 2010. Their longest road trip of the 2011 season will take them to Tacoma, Wash., where they'll face Puget Sound on September 17.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Gulf South Conference (NCAA Division II)
Looking back: In the final season with the so-called "Arkansas Six", Delta State, Valdosta State, and Henderson State, all shared the Gulf South Conference title with identical 6-2 marks in conference play. Additionally, North Alabama received a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs along with DSU and VSU, despite finishing one game behind that trio at 5-3.
In the D-II playoffs, Delta State reached the national championship game at Florence, Ala. for the first time in a decade (DSU won a national title in 2000). The Statesmen gave Minnesota-Duluth all it could handle before losing on a last second field goal.
Looking ahead: The GSC lost the six Arkansas schools (Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, and Southern Arkansas) to an all-new league; the Great American Conference, during the offseason. If that wasn't enough, the University of North Alabama recently announced its intentions to pursue NCAA Division I status. That move will leave the league with just four football playing schools (Delta State, Valdosta State, West Alabama, and West Georgia). Still, don't count out the GSC just yet, as the conference's board of presidents recently gave the final OK to allow the University of New Orleans to jump on board. UNO is expected to add football by 2015. But for 2011, at least, expect the current crop of "fab five" football playing schools to be very competitive, as there likely will be no margin for error for any GSC team that wants to reach postseason play.
Website: http://www.gscsports.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record of parentheses)
1. Delta State (11-4): The non-conference schedule for the Statesmen includes a season-opening contest against FCS Southland Conference foe Northwestern State (La.), as well as games against three of the "Arkansas Six." Head Coach Ron Roberts welcomes back 17 starters from last year's runner-up team/
2. Valdosta State (8-3): The Blazers had a chance to win the 2010 GSC title outright, before being knocked off by West Alabama in the regular season finale, followed by a loss to North Alabama in the opening round of the D-II playoffs. Head Coach David Dean and his charges also face a challenging non-league schedule, as VSU will clash against two teams that advanced to postseason play, Wingate and Albany State (Ga.), both on the road.
3. North Alabama (9-4): With the move to NCAA Division I looming, it'll be interesting to see how head coach Terry Bowden and his Lions respond in their final season in the GSC. One of the key early-season tests for UNA will take place on September 17, when they face perennial Lone Star Conference powerhouse Abilene Christian at Cowboys Stadium.
4. West Alabama (7-4): After landing back-to-back winning seasons, including a D-II playoff berth in 2009, the Tigers hope to make it a trifecta under new head coach Will Hall.
5. West Georgia (3-7): As the only current remaining GSC football playing member that suffered a losing season, the Wolves lost five straight games to close out 2010 after a 3-2 start. They hope to turn around things around in a big way in 2011.
In the D-II playoffs, Delta State reached the national championship game at Florence, Ala. for the first time in a decade (DSU won a national title in 2000). The Statesmen gave Minnesota-Duluth all it could handle before losing on a last second field goal.
Looking ahead: The GSC lost the six Arkansas schools (Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, and Southern Arkansas) to an all-new league; the Great American Conference, during the offseason. If that wasn't enough, the University of North Alabama recently announced its intentions to pursue NCAA Division I status. That move will leave the league with just four football playing schools (Delta State, Valdosta State, West Alabama, and West Georgia). Still, don't count out the GSC just yet, as the conference's board of presidents recently gave the final OK to allow the University of New Orleans to jump on board. UNO is expected to add football by 2015. But for 2011, at least, expect the current crop of "fab five" football playing schools to be very competitive, as there likely will be no margin for error for any GSC team that wants to reach postseason play.
Website: http://www.gscsports.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record of parentheses)
1. Delta State (11-4): The non-conference schedule for the Statesmen includes a season-opening contest against FCS Southland Conference foe Northwestern State (La.), as well as games against three of the "Arkansas Six." Head Coach Ron Roberts welcomes back 17 starters from last year's runner-up team/
2. Valdosta State (8-3): The Blazers had a chance to win the 2010 GSC title outright, before being knocked off by West Alabama in the regular season finale, followed by a loss to North Alabama in the opening round of the D-II playoffs. Head Coach David Dean and his charges also face a challenging non-league schedule, as VSU will clash against two teams that advanced to postseason play, Wingate and Albany State (Ga.), both on the road.
3. North Alabama (9-4): With the move to NCAA Division I looming, it'll be interesting to see how head coach Terry Bowden and his Lions respond in their final season in the GSC. One of the key early-season tests for UNA will take place on September 17, when they face perennial Lone Star Conference powerhouse Abilene Christian at Cowboys Stadium.
4. West Alabama (7-4): After landing back-to-back winning seasons, including a D-II playoff berth in 2009, the Tigers hope to make it a trifecta under new head coach Will Hall.
5. West Georgia (3-7): As the only current remaining GSC football playing member that suffered a losing season, the Wolves lost five straight games to close out 2010 after a 3-2 start. They hope to turn around things around in a big way in 2011.
RFC Summer Semester--Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)--(NCAA Division II)
Looking back: Albany State (Ga.) breezed through the regular season undefeated, going 10-0 overall, and 9-0 in SIAC play in winning the league title last year. In the NCAA Division II playoffs, the Golden Rams struggled past Wingate before being upset by eventual national runner-up Delta State.
Looking ahead: The SIAC will split into two divisions for 2011: East and West. The East Division will consist of Albany State, Benedict, Clark-Atlanta, Fort Valley State, and Morehouse, while Kentucky State, Lane, Miles, Stillman, and Tuskegee will make up the West Division. The two division winners will play against each other in the first-ever SIAC championship game on November 12.
Website: http://www.thesiac.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
East Division
1. Albany State (Ga.)--(11-1): The Golden Rams will have a tough row to hoe in not only defending their SIAC title, but also in making a return trip to the D-II playoffs, as they jump head first into strong non-conference schedule that includes a playoff re-match against Wingate, as well as the first meeting against Valdosta State since 2007.
2. Fort Valley State (8-3): The Wildcats look to make a return trip to postseason play after losing to St. Augustine's, 20-9, in Pioneer Bowl XII.
3. Clark-Atlanta (4-6): The Panthers were held to 19 points or less in all six of their losses last season.
4. Morehouse (8-3): The Maroon Tigers might be hard-pressed to match the mark of a year ago, which ended in the program's first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance, a 63-41 setback to Wingate.
5. Benedict (5-6): A flourishing finish that followed a sluggish start could carry the momentum into 2011 for the Tigers, who ended 2010 on a three-game winning streak.
West Division
1. Tuskegee (9-2): Despite yet another season of at least nine wins, the Golden Tigers were snubbed for a Pioneer Bowl berth. They'll look to at least advance to their first-ever SIAC title game in 2011. Heading into this season, Tuskegee has an all-time record of 630-340-21.
2. Stillman (3-8): Back-to-back wins to close out 2010 were the lone bright spots in an otherwise miserable season for the Tigers from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
3. Kentucky State (3-8): The Thorobreds will play six of their 10 games in their home state of Kentucky this year. They hope to put a four-game losing streak that ended last year behind them.
4. Miles (3-8): The Golden Bears also struggled down the stretch, ending last season with three straight losses. Their last conference championship came in 1985.
5. Lane (0-10): In going winless in 2010, the Dragons played their best game of the season on October 23, a 26-25 setback to Stillman.
Looking ahead: The SIAC will split into two divisions for 2011: East and West. The East Division will consist of Albany State, Benedict, Clark-Atlanta, Fort Valley State, and Morehouse, while Kentucky State, Lane, Miles, Stillman, and Tuskegee will make up the West Division. The two division winners will play against each other in the first-ever SIAC championship game on November 12.
Website: http://www.thesiac.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
East Division
1. Albany State (Ga.)--(11-1): The Golden Rams will have a tough row to hoe in not only defending their SIAC title, but also in making a return trip to the D-II playoffs, as they jump head first into strong non-conference schedule that includes a playoff re-match against Wingate, as well as the first meeting against Valdosta State since 2007.
2. Fort Valley State (8-3): The Wildcats look to make a return trip to postseason play after losing to St. Augustine's, 20-9, in Pioneer Bowl XII.
3. Clark-Atlanta (4-6): The Panthers were held to 19 points or less in all six of their losses last season.
4. Morehouse (8-3): The Maroon Tigers might be hard-pressed to match the mark of a year ago, which ended in the program's first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance, a 63-41 setback to Wingate.
5. Benedict (5-6): A flourishing finish that followed a sluggish start could carry the momentum into 2011 for the Tigers, who ended 2010 on a three-game winning streak.
West Division
1. Tuskegee (9-2): Despite yet another season of at least nine wins, the Golden Tigers were snubbed for a Pioneer Bowl berth. They'll look to at least advance to their first-ever SIAC title game in 2011. Heading into this season, Tuskegee has an all-time record of 630-340-21.
2. Stillman (3-8): Back-to-back wins to close out 2010 were the lone bright spots in an otherwise miserable season for the Tigers from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
3. Kentucky State (3-8): The Thorobreds will play six of their 10 games in their home state of Kentucky this year. They hope to put a four-game losing streak that ended last year behind them.
4. Miles (3-8): The Golden Bears also struggled down the stretch, ending last season with three straight losses. Their last conference championship came in 1985.
5. Lane (0-10): In going winless in 2010, the Dragons played their best game of the season on October 23, a 26-25 setback to Stillman.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--South Atlantic Conference (SAC)--(NCAA Division II)
Looking back: An incredible regular season race in the South Atlantic Conference led to Wingate coming out on top with a 6-1 record in league games in 2010. The Bulldogs advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, where they fell to Albany State (Ga.), 30-28.
Looking ahead: Wingate should once again be the favorite to win the SAC going into 2011, barring any serious injuries to key players.
Website: http://www.thesac.com
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Wingate (9-3): A tough non-conference slate awaits to open the season for the Bulldogs, who face the likes of Valdosta State, Albany State (in a playoff re-match), and UNC Pembroke, before opening SAC play at home against Brevard on September 24.
2. Carson-Newman (7-4): The Eagles have reached postseason play 23 times, while winning 21 SAC titles, and five national championships, all under head coach Ken Sparks, who enters his 32nd season at C-N. He needs just six more wins for his 300th career coaching victory. In order to reach that milestone, though, Sparks returns 18 starters, while losing nine of them.
3. Lenoir-Rhyne (7-4): The Bears enjoyed their first winning season since 1994, finishing in a tie for third place with Catawba at 4-3 in conference games. If L-R is make it back-to-back winning seasons, they must do it with new head coach in Mike Houston. He replaces Fred Goldsmith, who announced his retirement from coaching in May.
4. Tusculum (6-5): A dream start of 4-0 start turned into a nightmarish finish for the Pioneers, as an upset loss to Mars Hill started them on a slide where they lost five of their last seven games.
5. Catawba (6-4): The Indians play three of their first four games of 2011 on the road, including an early season contest at defending FCS Big South Conference on September 10.
6. Newberry (4-6): Lost four of last five games after starting 3-2 last season.
7. Mars Hill (5-6): Lions look to restore the roar after suffering their first losing season since 2006 (4-7).
8. Brevard (4-7): The Tornados will try to climb their way out of the SAC cellar after finishing last at 1-6 in conference play.
Looking ahead: Wingate should once again be the favorite to win the SAC going into 2011, barring any serious injuries to key players.
Website: http://www.thesac.com
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Wingate (9-3): A tough non-conference slate awaits to open the season for the Bulldogs, who face the likes of Valdosta State, Albany State (in a playoff re-match), and UNC Pembroke, before opening SAC play at home against Brevard on September 24.
2. Carson-Newman (7-4): The Eagles have reached postseason play 23 times, while winning 21 SAC titles, and five national championships, all under head coach Ken Sparks, who enters his 32nd season at C-N. He needs just six more wins for his 300th career coaching victory. In order to reach that milestone, though, Sparks returns 18 starters, while losing nine of them.
3. Lenoir-Rhyne (7-4): The Bears enjoyed their first winning season since 1994, finishing in a tie for third place with Catawba at 4-3 in conference games. If L-R is make it back-to-back winning seasons, they must do it with new head coach in Mike Houston. He replaces Fred Goldsmith, who announced his retirement from coaching in May.
4. Tusculum (6-5): A dream start of 4-0 start turned into a nightmarish finish for the Pioneers, as an upset loss to Mars Hill started them on a slide where they lost five of their last seven games.
5. Catawba (6-4): The Indians play three of their first four games of 2011 on the road, including an early season contest at defending FCS Big South Conference on September 10.
6. Newberry (4-6): Lost four of last five games after starting 3-2 last season.
7. Mars Hill (5-6): Lions look to restore the roar after suffering their first losing season since 2006 (4-7).
8. Brevard (4-7): The Tornados will try to climb their way out of the SAC cellar after finishing last at 1-6 in conference play.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Southern Conference (FCS)
Looking back: Although Appalachian State and Wofford shared the Southern Conference title in 2010, with the Mountaineers crushing the Terriers to win the league's automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, it was Georgia Southern that made the deepest postseason run, as the Eagles reached the national semifinals before losing to eventual national runner-up Delaware.
Looking ahead: Expect App State to make a run for a record seven straight SoCon title in 2011. But don't count out Wofford or Georgia Southern, either.
Website: http://www.soconsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Appalachian State (10-3): The Mountaineers are still to team to beat in the SoCon going into 2011. Head Coach Jerry Moore welcomes back 42 letterwinners, including 20 starters. Together, they hope to add a fourth national championship trophy this season (2005, 2006, 2007), after coming up empty the last three years.
2. Georgia Southern (10-5): After making a surprise run to the national semifinals of the FCS playoffs last year, the Eagles to hope to restore the winning tradition that brought them six national championships (1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1999, 2000). Head Coach Jeff Monken has an excellent chance to do just that, as he returns 23 starters from that 2010 squad. Still, the Eagles face tough road trips to Appalachian State and Wofford during 2011.
3. Wofford (10-3): The Terriers have built a consistent winner under head coach Mike Ayers, who has an overall career record of 165-128-2 in 26 years. He's starting his 24th season at Wofford. The Terriers must overcome the loss of 11 starters, including six on defense.
4. Elon (6-5): After starting the 2010 season at 2-5, the Phoenix caught fire down the stretch, winning their last four games to finish in 5-3 in SoCon action. The program is looking for its first double-digit win season in 30 years, when it finished 11-1-1 in winning the second of back-to-back NAIA national championships in 1981.
5. Furman (5-6): The Paladins are looking to restore some former glory, after struggling to a 3-5 mark in conference play.
6. Chattanooga (6-5): The Mocs have enjoyed a rare streak of back-to-back winning seasons under head coach Russ Huesman.
7. Samford (4-7): After splitting their first eight games, the Bulldogs lost what little bite they down the stretch, losing their final three games of the 2010 season.
8. Western Carolina (2-9): The Catamounts imploded after a 2-3 start, closing out the 2010 campaign on a six-game skid.
9. The Citadel (3-8): The Bulldogs from South Carolina also hope to move forward after sharing the SoCon basement with Western Carolina, at 1-7 in league play a year ago.
Looking ahead: Expect App State to make a run for a record seven straight SoCon title in 2011. But don't count out Wofford or Georgia Southern, either.
Website: http://www.soconsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Appalachian State (10-3): The Mountaineers are still to team to beat in the SoCon going into 2011. Head Coach Jerry Moore welcomes back 42 letterwinners, including 20 starters. Together, they hope to add a fourth national championship trophy this season (2005, 2006, 2007), after coming up empty the last three years.
2. Georgia Southern (10-5): After making a surprise run to the national semifinals of the FCS playoffs last year, the Eagles to hope to restore the winning tradition that brought them six national championships (1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1999, 2000). Head Coach Jeff Monken has an excellent chance to do just that, as he returns 23 starters from that 2010 squad. Still, the Eagles face tough road trips to Appalachian State and Wofford during 2011.
3. Wofford (10-3): The Terriers have built a consistent winner under head coach Mike Ayers, who has an overall career record of 165-128-2 in 26 years. He's starting his 24th season at Wofford. The Terriers must overcome the loss of 11 starters, including six on defense.
4. Elon (6-5): After starting the 2010 season at 2-5, the Phoenix caught fire down the stretch, winning their last four games to finish in 5-3 in SoCon action. The program is looking for its first double-digit win season in 30 years, when it finished 11-1-1 in winning the second of back-to-back NAIA national championships in 1981.
5. Furman (5-6): The Paladins are looking to restore some former glory, after struggling to a 3-5 mark in conference play.
6. Chattanooga (6-5): The Mocs have enjoyed a rare streak of back-to-back winning seasons under head coach Russ Huesman.
7. Samford (4-7): After splitting their first eight games, the Bulldogs lost what little bite they down the stretch, losing their final three games of the 2010 season.
8. Western Carolina (2-9): The Catamounts imploded after a 2-3 start, closing out the 2010 campaign on a six-game skid.
9. The Citadel (3-8): The Bulldogs from South Carolina also hope to move forward after sharing the SoCon basement with Western Carolina, at 1-7 in league play a year ago.
Monday, June 20, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Big South Conference (FCS)
Looking back: A competitive season in the Big South Conference resulted in a three-way tie for first place. When the dust finally settled, Coastal Carolina emerged with the league first-ever automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division (I-AA) playoffs. The Chanticleers beat out Liberty and Stony Brook in the three-way tiebreaker by winning four straight games to close out the regular season. If that wasn't enough, Coastal gave Western Illinois all it could handle, before losing to the Leathernecks in the first round of the FCS playoffs.
Looking ahead: Can Coastal Carolina take that next step? Can Liberty finally break through after multiple near-misses. Or, can Stony Brook finally seal the deal? Lots of questions, the answers are still to come, as the 2011 season approaches.
Website: http://www.bigsouthsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Liberty (8-3): Tough non-conference losses to James Madison, and Robert Morris, as well as costly in-conference loss to Coastal Carolina down the stretch, doomed the Flames chances of landing their first-ever FCS playoff berth. The 2011 non-league slate isn't any easier, as they face the likes of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-A)-- (BCS) North Carolina State from the ACC, as well as contests against JMU, Robert Morris, and Lehigh. Having said that, LU will be shooting for a fifth straight season of trying to win eight or more games. That's not to mention the Flames will play for at least a share of a fifth straight Big South title.
2. Stony Brook (6-5): The Seawolves also fell short of reaching postseason play, as a loss to Liberty kept them on the outside looking in. They face non-BCS FBS squads, UTEP and Buffalo, on the road, to open up 2011.
3. Coastal Carolina (6-6): The Chanticleers advanced to the FCS playoffs for just the second time in their eight-year history. As a new season approaches, Coastal won't be sneaking up on anyone, especially with road trips to Liberty and Stony Brook looming.
4. Gardner-Webb (4-7): The Running Bulldogs were recognized by the FCS Athletic Directors Association (FCS ADA) for having top academic progress rate (APR) in the Big South Conference. Now, if only that success in the classroom could translate into success on the field.
5. Charleston Southern (3-8): The Buccaneers have played the most opponents in the FBS among current Big South Conference members since 2005, according to their website. And this year appears to be no exception, as they open the season on the road against defending Conference USA and Liberty Bowl champion UCF, as well as Florida State from the ACC, respectively, on the road.
6. VMI (3-8): The Keydets suffered through yet another miserable season, closing out the 2010 campaign with four straight losses after starting a respectable 3-4.
7. Presbyterian (2-9): The Blue Hose hope the momentum from a season-ending win over Davidson will carry over into 2011.
Looking ahead: Can Coastal Carolina take that next step? Can Liberty finally break through after multiple near-misses. Or, can Stony Brook finally seal the deal? Lots of questions, the answers are still to come, as the 2011 season approaches.
Website: http://www.bigsouthsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Liberty (8-3): Tough non-conference losses to James Madison, and Robert Morris, as well as costly in-conference loss to Coastal Carolina down the stretch, doomed the Flames chances of landing their first-ever FCS playoff berth. The 2011 non-league slate isn't any easier, as they face the likes of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-A)-- (BCS) North Carolina State from the ACC, as well as contests against JMU, Robert Morris, and Lehigh. Having said that, LU will be shooting for a fifth straight season of trying to win eight or more games. That's not to mention the Flames will play for at least a share of a fifth straight Big South title.
2. Stony Brook (6-5): The Seawolves also fell short of reaching postseason play, as a loss to Liberty kept them on the outside looking in. They face non-BCS FBS squads, UTEP and Buffalo, on the road, to open up 2011.
3. Coastal Carolina (6-6): The Chanticleers advanced to the FCS playoffs for just the second time in their eight-year history. As a new season approaches, Coastal won't be sneaking up on anyone, especially with road trips to Liberty and Stony Brook looming.
4. Gardner-Webb (4-7): The Running Bulldogs were recognized by the FCS Athletic Directors Association (FCS ADA) for having top academic progress rate (APR) in the Big South Conference. Now, if only that success in the classroom could translate into success on the field.
5. Charleston Southern (3-8): The Buccaneers have played the most opponents in the FBS among current Big South Conference members since 2005, according to their website. And this year appears to be no exception, as they open the season on the road against defending Conference USA and Liberty Bowl champion UCF, as well as Florida State from the ACC, respectively, on the road.
6. VMI (3-8): The Keydets suffered through yet another miserable season, closing out the 2010 campaign with four straight losses after starting a respectable 3-4.
7. Presbyterian (2-9): The Blue Hose hope the momentum from a season-ending win over Davidson will carry over into 2011.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--USA South Athletic Conference (NCAA Division III)
Looking back: After a tight race that came down to the final weeks of the regular season, Christopher Newport came out on top in the USAC at 6-1 (6-4 overall, regular season), winning not only a tiebreaker over North Carolina Wesleyan, but also the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. The Captains season ended in round one, with Mary Hardin-Baylor winning big, 59-7.
Looking ahead: The USAC welcomes two new members into their fold in 2012: LaGrange College from Georgia, as well as Maryville College from Tennessee. However, Shenandoah will leave the USAC for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference after this season.
Website: http://www.usasouth.net/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Christopher Newport (6-5): The Captains have built a decent tradition in the 10-year history of their program, having had just one non-winning record (5-5 in 2009) during that span. Additionally, CNU has reached the D-III playoffs seven times during over those 10 years. It's something the Captains hope to continue in 2011.
2. North Carolina Wesleyan (7-3): The Battling Bishops finished 6-1 in USAC play, but a loss to Christopher Newport put them on the outside looking in come playoff time. A tough non-conference schedule has NCWC facing Ohio Northern, Hampden-Sydney, and future USAC member LaGrange to start the 2011 season.
3. Ferrum (4-6): The Panthers may have a new head coach, but Dave Harper is no stranger to them. The longtime assistant coach replaces Dave Davis, who retired at the end of last season.
4. Averett (5-5): After a promising start to 2010 at 5-2, the Cougars faded down the stretch with a season-ending three-game skid.
5. Shenandoah (4-6): After finishing USAC play at 4-3, the Hornets hope that 2011 will be the year that they finally reach the top, before heading off to the ODAC in 2012.
6. Maryville (4-6): The Scots will have one more season of associate membership in the USAC, before coming on board full-time in 2012.
7. Methodist (2-8): A heartbreaking, triple-overtime loss to Ferrum sent the Monarchs into a season-ending six-game slide. Four of those losses came by six points or less.
8. Greensboro (2-8): A season-opening 17-15 win over crosstown archrival Guilford in the Gate City Soup Bowl was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable season for the Pride.
Looking ahead: The USAC welcomes two new members into their fold in 2012: LaGrange College from Georgia, as well as Maryville College from Tennessee. However, Shenandoah will leave the USAC for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference after this season.
Website: http://www.usasouth.net/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Christopher Newport (6-5): The Captains have built a decent tradition in the 10-year history of their program, having had just one non-winning record (5-5 in 2009) during that span. Additionally, CNU has reached the D-III playoffs seven times during over those 10 years. It's something the Captains hope to continue in 2011.
2. North Carolina Wesleyan (7-3): The Battling Bishops finished 6-1 in USAC play, but a loss to Christopher Newport put them on the outside looking in come playoff time. A tough non-conference schedule has NCWC facing Ohio Northern, Hampden-Sydney, and future USAC member LaGrange to start the 2011 season.
3. Ferrum (4-6): The Panthers may have a new head coach, but Dave Harper is no stranger to them. The longtime assistant coach replaces Dave Davis, who retired at the end of last season.
4. Averett (5-5): After a promising start to 2010 at 5-2, the Cougars faded down the stretch with a season-ending three-game skid.
5. Shenandoah (4-6): After finishing USAC play at 4-3, the Hornets hope that 2011 will be the year that they finally reach the top, before heading off to the ODAC in 2012.
6. Maryville (4-6): The Scots will have one more season of associate membership in the USAC, before coming on board full-time in 2012.
7. Methodist (2-8): A heartbreaking, triple-overtime loss to Ferrum sent the Monarchs into a season-ending six-game slide. Four of those losses came by six points or less.
8. Greensboro (2-8): A season-opening 17-15 win over crosstown archrival Guilford in the Gate City Soup Bowl was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable season for the Pride.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)--(NCAA Division III)
Looking back: The ODAC sent two teams to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2010, as Washington & Lee finished unbeaten in conference play at 6-0 win the automatic bid, while Hampden-Sydney finished second at 5-1, earning an at-large bid. Both teams, however, were ousted in the first round, as W&L was crushed by Thomas More, 42-14, while H-SC fell in a heartbreaker at home at Montclair State, 16-14. In all, four teams (W&L, H-SC, Bridgewater, and Randolph-Macon) won at least seven or more games overall last season.
Looking ahead: The ODAC will add an eighth member in 2012: Shenandoah.
Website: http://www.odaconline.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Hampden-Sydney (9-2): The Tigers only ODAC loss last year came against Washington & Lee. Head Coach Marty Favret enters his 12th season at the H-SC helm with a career record of 81-32 (.717).
2. Washington & Lee (8-3): The Generals won seven straight games to punch their playoff ticket after starting last season 1-2. They accomplished that feat despite playing just seven games on the road. It'll be interesting to see if W&L match last year's accolades in 2011.
3. Bridgewater (Va.)--(8-2): The Eagles hope to soar higher in 2011 after ending the 2010 season with a four-game winning streak.
4. Randolph-Macon (7-3): The Yellow Jackets started fast out of the gate at 6-0, but lost three of their last four games down the stretch, losing all three contests by 14 points or less.
5. Catholic (4-6): The Cardinals face a tough road, literally, in 2011, as they hit road for six of their 10 regular season games.
6. Emory and Henry (5-5): Only a season-ending 27-3 win over Guilford kept the Wasps from not only finishing below .500 overall, but also from going winless in ODAC play last season.
7. Guilford (0-10): The Quakers look to start over with new head coach Chris Rusiewicz.
Looking ahead: The ODAC will add an eighth member in 2012: Shenandoah.
Website: http://www.odaconline.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Hampden-Sydney (9-2): The Tigers only ODAC loss last year came against Washington & Lee. Head Coach Marty Favret enters his 12th season at the H-SC helm with a career record of 81-32 (.717).
2. Washington & Lee (8-3): The Generals won seven straight games to punch their playoff ticket after starting last season 1-2. They accomplished that feat despite playing just seven games on the road. It'll be interesting to see if W&L match last year's accolades in 2011.
3. Bridgewater (Va.)--(8-2): The Eagles hope to soar higher in 2011 after ending the 2010 season with a four-game winning streak.
4. Randolph-Macon (7-3): The Yellow Jackets started fast out of the gate at 6-0, but lost three of their last four games down the stretch, losing all three contests by 14 points or less.
5. Catholic (4-6): The Cardinals face a tough road, literally, in 2011, as they hit road for six of their 10 regular season games.
6. Emory and Henry (5-5): Only a season-ending 27-3 win over Guilford kept the Wasps from not only finishing below .500 overall, but also from going winless in ODAC play last season.
7. Guilford (0-10): The Quakers look to start over with new head coach Chris Rusiewicz.
Friday, June 17, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division II)
Looking back: The Shaw Bears finished unbeaten in CIAA Southern Division play, at 7-0, en route to the overall league championship in 2010, holding off Virginia State, 14-7. The Bears advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs, only to be crushed by eventual national semifinalist, Shepherd, 40-6, in the first round. On the other hand, the news was much better for the CIAA's other postseason representative: St. Augustine's. The Falcons defeated Fort Valley State, to win Pioneer Bowl XII in Columbus, Ga., on Dec. 4, 2010.
Looking ahead: The CIAA saw its membership drop from 13 schools to 12, as St. Paul's will close its entire athletic department due to financial issues. The move takes effect on July 1. As a result, there will be six teams in both of the league's two divisions: North and South.
Website: http://www.theciaa.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
Northern Division
1. Virginia State (8-3): The Trojans shared the division crown with Bowie State, beating the Bulldogs, 16-15, on October 2. They'll look to 2011 hoping to take that next step towards postseason play.
2. Bowie State (6-4): The Bulldogs overcame a sluggish 2-4 start to win their last four games of last season. Hopefully, such a late season surge can help them be contenders this season. Head Coach Damon Wilson welcomes back 15 starters from that squad.
3. Elizabeth City State (6-4): The Vikings finished 5-2 in CIAA action in 2010.
4. Virginia Union (3-7): The Panthers have struggled since a 9-3 finish in 2007, compiling a combined record of 14-16 the last three years.
5. Chowan (3-7): The Hawks were outscored 413-187 in its 10 games last season.
6. Lincoln (Pa.)--(1-9): The Lions will look ahead to 2011 after going winless in CIAA play at 0-7 in 2010.
Southern Division
1. Shaw (9-3): In winning the CIAA championship a year ago, the Bears passed for more than 200 yards total, while scoring 344 points overall. If they're to defend their title, they must survive an opening stretch where they must play their first three games on the road.
2. St. Augustine's (9-2): The Falcons also have a tough early-season schedule awaiting them, hosting Catawba to open the season on September 3, followed by a visit to New Haven the following week.
3. Winston Salem State (8-2): The Rams first season back in the CIAA saw them get off to a 6-0 start, but a split of their last four games (2-2) put them out of the postseason hunt.
4. Fayetteville State (5-5): The Broncos bring back 51 letterwinners from a squad that ended 2010 on a three-game winning streak after starting 2-5.
5. Johnson C. Smith (2-8): The Golden Bulls hope to put a miserable 2010 campaign behind them.
6. Livingstone (0-11): The Blue Bears have lost 21 straight games spanning two full seasons.
Looking ahead: The CIAA saw its membership drop from 13 schools to 12, as St. Paul's will close its entire athletic department due to financial issues. The move takes effect on July 1. As a result, there will be six teams in both of the league's two divisions: North and South.
Website: http://www.theciaa.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
Northern Division
1. Virginia State (8-3): The Trojans shared the division crown with Bowie State, beating the Bulldogs, 16-15, on October 2. They'll look to 2011 hoping to take that next step towards postseason play.
2. Bowie State (6-4): The Bulldogs overcame a sluggish 2-4 start to win their last four games of last season. Hopefully, such a late season surge can help them be contenders this season. Head Coach Damon Wilson welcomes back 15 starters from that squad.
3. Elizabeth City State (6-4): The Vikings finished 5-2 in CIAA action in 2010.
4. Virginia Union (3-7): The Panthers have struggled since a 9-3 finish in 2007, compiling a combined record of 14-16 the last three years.
5. Chowan (3-7): The Hawks were outscored 413-187 in its 10 games last season.
6. Lincoln (Pa.)--(1-9): The Lions will look ahead to 2011 after going winless in CIAA play at 0-7 in 2010.
Southern Division
1. Shaw (9-3): In winning the CIAA championship a year ago, the Bears passed for more than 200 yards total, while scoring 344 points overall. If they're to defend their title, they must survive an opening stretch where they must play their first three games on the road.
2. St. Augustine's (9-2): The Falcons also have a tough early-season schedule awaiting them, hosting Catawba to open the season on September 3, followed by a visit to New Haven the following week.
3. Winston Salem State (8-2): The Rams first season back in the CIAA saw them get off to a 6-0 start, but a split of their last four games (2-2) put them out of the postseason hunt.
4. Fayetteville State (5-5): The Broncos bring back 51 letterwinners from a squad that ended 2010 on a three-game winning streak after starting 2-5.
5. Johnson C. Smith (2-8): The Golden Bulls hope to put a miserable 2010 campaign behind them.
6. Livingstone (0-11): The Blue Bears have lost 21 straight games spanning two full seasons.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)--(FCS)
Looking back: Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, and South Carolina State finished in a three-way tie for first place to finish the 2010 season, at 7-1 in MEAC play. Out of that trio, only B-CU and S.C. State advanced to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) playoffs. Both teams lost in early round action, as the Bulldogs were blasted by Georgia Southern in round one, while the Wildcats were trounced by New Hampshire in round two.
Looking ahead: Savannah State joins the MEAC mix in 2011, giving the HBCU conference at least one member school from Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Also, North Carolina Central plays its full season of conference action in the upcoming season, giving the league 11 schools that play football.
Website: http://www.meacsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Florida A&M (8-3): Despite finishing the 2010 with six straight wins, a 2-3 start kept the Rattlers out of the FCS playoffs. They hope to change that in 2011. Still, FAMU faces tough road trips to Football Bowl Subdivision (BCS) South Florida, and South Carolina State, as well as the season-ending rivalry against Bethune-Cookman.
2. South Carolina State (9-3): The Bulldogs will be shooting for their fourth straight trip to the FCS playoffs. Like FAMU, S.C. State also has two non-conference games against FBS opponents; Central Michigan from the non-AQ BCS Mid-American Conference, as well as Indiana from the BCS Big 10 Conference. Additionally, the Bulldogs will travel to Daytona Beach, Fla. for a key early-season in-conference test against Bethune-Cookman.
3. Bethune-Cookman (10-2): The Wildcats started 10-0 in 2010, before losing back-to-back games to close it out. With an early season slate that includes games against the likes of S.C. State, FBS (BCS) Miami (Fla.), and FAMU, B-CU might be hard pressed to match that lofty mark from last year.
4. Norfolk State (6-5): The Spartans look to take another step up the MEAC ladder after closing out last season with four straight wins. With 14 returning starters, including eight on defense, don't count them out.
5. Hampton (6-5): The Pirates had an up and down 2010 season, finishing 5-3 in MEAC action.
6. Morgan State (4-7): The Bears lost their roar down the stretch, losing four in a row after a 4-3 start.
7. North Carolina Central (3-8): The Eagles are finally ready to take the field for the first time as a full MEAC member in 2011, after struggling mightily as an independent in 2010.
8. Delaware State (3-8): The Hornets hope to bring their sting back after struggling to a mark of 2-6 in MEAC play.
9. North Carolina A&T (1-10): The Aggies are starting over with a new head coach in Rod Broadway.
10. Howard (1-10): The Bison hope to start fresh as well, with new coach Gary Harrell.
11. Savannah State (1-10): At least the Tigers finally have a conference to call home.
Looking ahead: Savannah State joins the MEAC mix in 2011, giving the HBCU conference at least one member school from Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Also, North Carolina Central plays its full season of conference action in the upcoming season, giving the league 11 schools that play football.
Website: http://www.meacsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Florida A&M (8-3): Despite finishing the 2010 with six straight wins, a 2-3 start kept the Rattlers out of the FCS playoffs. They hope to change that in 2011. Still, FAMU faces tough road trips to Football Bowl Subdivision (BCS) South Florida, and South Carolina State, as well as the season-ending rivalry against Bethune-Cookman.
2. South Carolina State (9-3): The Bulldogs will be shooting for their fourth straight trip to the FCS playoffs. Like FAMU, S.C. State also has two non-conference games against FBS opponents; Central Michigan from the non-AQ BCS Mid-American Conference, as well as Indiana from the BCS Big 10 Conference. Additionally, the Bulldogs will travel to Daytona Beach, Fla. for a key early-season in-conference test against Bethune-Cookman.
3. Bethune-Cookman (10-2): The Wildcats started 10-0 in 2010, before losing back-to-back games to close it out. With an early season slate that includes games against the likes of S.C. State, FBS (BCS) Miami (Fla.), and FAMU, B-CU might be hard pressed to match that lofty mark from last year.
4. Norfolk State (6-5): The Spartans look to take another step up the MEAC ladder after closing out last season with four straight wins. With 14 returning starters, including eight on defense, don't count them out.
5. Hampton (6-5): The Pirates had an up and down 2010 season, finishing 5-3 in MEAC action.
6. Morgan State (4-7): The Bears lost their roar down the stretch, losing four in a row after a 4-3 start.
7. North Carolina Central (3-8): The Eagles are finally ready to take the field for the first time as a full MEAC member in 2011, after struggling mightily as an independent in 2010.
8. Delaware State (3-8): The Hornets hope to bring their sting back after struggling to a mark of 2-6 in MEAC play.
9. North Carolina A&T (1-10): The Aggies are starting over with a new head coach in Rod Broadway.
10. Howard (1-10): The Bison hope to start fresh as well, with new coach Gary Harrell.
11. Savannah State (1-10): At least the Tigers finally have a conference to call home.
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