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.
4 years ago
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