Editor's Note: Our series on independent programs in small college football wraps with a look at the teams competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The eight teams taking the field in 2011 have the following state breakdown; Florida (3), California (2), and Virginia, Kansas, and Oregon (1 each).
Looking back: Of the seven NAIA programs that weren't part of any conference in 2010, only Azusa Pacific from California advanced to postseason play. Not only that, APU was also one of only two squads to post winning records when the 2010 season ended, with Florida-based Webber International being the only other team to finish above .500. The Cougars were promptly ousted by eventual national champion Carroll (Mont.) in opening round playoff action, while the Warriors missed out on postseason play despite winning seven games.
Looking ahead: Ave Maria University, of Florida, will take the field for the first time in 2011. Meanwhile, the California-based Azusa Pacific University will spend one final season as an NAIA independent, before beginning the transition to the NCAA Division II ranks in 2012.
2010 overall record in parentheses (programs listed in alphabetical order)
Ave Maria (n/a): The Gyrenes will play against the following NCAA opponents during their inaugural season; Birmingham-Southern, Huntingdon, and LaGrange (Division III), as well as Notre Dame (Ohio)--(Division II).
Azusa Pacific (6-4): In their NAIA swansong, the Cougars will face the likes of San Diego from the FCS, as well as D-II foe Dixie State out of Utah, not to mention Chapman, LaVerne, and Whittier from the D-III ranks.
Edward Waters (1-10): Tigers hope to put a dismal 2010 campaign behind them.
Haskell Indian Nations (1-9): Lone win of last season was a 27-14 victory over Trinity Bible College on October 2.
Menlo (4-7): A dramatic 44-42 win over Pacific was the fitting end to an otherwise disappointing season for the Oaks, whose faithful hope to see a happier ending to the 2011 campaign.
Southern Oregon (3-7): The Raiders got off to a quick 2-0 start in 2010, but things quickly downhill for them down the stretch, losing seven of their last eight games. The 2011 schedule won't be any easier, as SOU opens the season with three straight road games, before finally playing their home opener on September 24.
Southern Virginia (4-7): The Knights scored at least 20 or more points in the four games they won last season.
Webber International (7-4): The Warriors will back-to-back trips to West Coast in consecutive weeks; a September 24 game at Southern Oregon, followed by a trip to California against Azusa Pacific the following weekend.
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