RFC Summer Semester--American Southwest Conference (ASC)--(NCAA Division III)

Looking back: The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders won their sixth straight American Southwest Conference title in 2010, going unbeaten in ASC play at 8-0, while also finishing the regular season undefeated at 10-0.  They reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs, where they lost to Wesley, on the road, 19-9.

Looking ahead: Can UMHB continue its dominance of the ASC?  Or will upstarts like Louisiana College and Hardin-Simmons break that stranglehold this season?  Meanwhile, McMurry University in Abilene, Texas enters its final season as a D-III member.  The newly renamed Warhawks will begin the transition to the NCAA Division II level starting in 2012.

Website: http://www.ascsports.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Mary Hardin-Baylor (12-1):  The Crusaders enter their 14th season on the gridiron looking to not only win their seventh straight ASC title, but also an unprecedented 12th straight winning season.  Ironically, though, the year that the "Cru" reached the Stagg Bowl, 'aka' the NCAA Division III national championship game in 2004, they actually finished second in the ASC at the end of the regular season.

2. Hardin-Simmons (8-2):  The Cowboys embark on a new era in 2011, as Jesse Burleson replaces the retired Jimmie Keeling as their head coach on an interim basis.  Burleson's task will be to keep the winning tradition at HSU going.


3. Louisiana College (7-3):  The Wildcats overcame a 1-3 start to notch a second place finish in ASC play at 6-1. They hope to take that next step, and win their first-ever ASC championship.


4. McMurry (6-4):  After finishing 4-4 in ASC play last season, the newly resurrected Warhawks hope their final D-III season will result in a conference title, as well as a playoff berth.


5. East Texas Baptist (5-5):  Tigers face a tough test to open the 2011 season, as they travel all the way to Dover, Del., to face Wesley, on September 3.


6. Texas Lutheran (4-6):  Danny Padron enters his second season as the Bulldogs head coach.


7. Mississippi College (4-6):  Choctaws fell from being an ASC co-champion, and NCAA playoff team in 2009, to an ASC also-ran after finishing 2-6 in conference play in 2010.  They hope to return to serious contention in 2011.


8. Howard Payne (2-8):  The Yellow Jackets hope to snap a streak of four straight losing seasons this season.


9. Sul Ross State (2-8):  Lobos enter 2011 campaign fighting an uphill battle after a dismal 2010 season.