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.