Looking back: In the final season (2010) of divisional play in the Lone Star Conference (LSC), it was business as usual, as the mostly Texas-dominated South Division ruled the roost, with Abilene Christian, Texas A&M-Kingsville, and West Texas A&M all advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs. None of them, though, could get past the second round.
Looking ahead: With all five Oklahoma schools now in different conferences, the LSC returns to its mostly all-Texas roots in 2011, as it will compete with nine teams. Of course, Eastern New Mexico is the odd squad out in a conference filled with institutions based in the Lone Star State.
Website: http://www.lonestarconference.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Abilene Christian (11-1): The Wildcats rolled their way to yet another LSC crown in 2010, but were stunned by Central Missouri in the D-II playoffs. They hope to get over that elusive hump in 2011, with a non-conference schedule that includes opponents such as North Alabama at Cowboys Stadium on September 17, as well as a contest against Western Oregon at home on October 1.
2. Texas A&M-Kingsville (10-2): After notching their first 10-win regular season since 1989, the Javelinas hope that 2011 will be the year they make a much deeper postseason run. They'll get a tough test to open the season, though, as they travel to the Northwest to face Central Washington on September 2.
3. West Texas A&M (8-4): The third team to the LSC to reach the D-II playoffs, the Buffaloes bowed to Central Missouri in round one. They'll get a stern test in their second game of the 2011 season, as they must face Texas A&M-Kingsville at Cowboys Stadium on September 17.
4. Midwestern State (8-4): Coming off an upset loss to Washburn in the 2010 Kanza Bowl, the Mustangs to win their first-ever outright LSC title in 2011.
5. Angelo State (5-5): Rams struggled to a 1-5 finish in LSC South Division play last year.
6. Eastern New Mexico (5-6): The Greyhounds struggled in close games last season, losing three of their six contests by a combined total nine points, or three field goals.
7. Tarleton State (3-8): The Texans hope to return to both LSC title, and D-II playoff contention, after a disappointing 2010 season. They advanced to postseason play in 2009, finishing with a 10-3 record.
8. Texas A&M-Commerce (3-8): The Lions must adjust to being in a single division after finishing 2-4 in LSC North Division action last season.
9. Incarnate Word (3-8): The Cardinals face an uphill climb as they enter their second season in the LSC.
5 years ago
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