Here are some scores from select NCAA Division II games played last weekend, courtesy of d2football.com.
Thursday, August 25
Saturday, August 27
4 years ago
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
THE LIGHTNING ROUND--2011 DEBUT
Editor's Note: Welcome to the 2011 edition of the "Lightning Round", on RFC. Each week during the small college football season, the "Lightning Round" will make predictions on small college football games of interest across the United States, as well as one institution in Canada.
Before proceeding, here are a few ground rules. The following games are eligible for inclusion in each week's installment of TLR:
*--FCS vs. FCS (formerly NCAA Division I-AA)
*--FCS vs. NCAA Division II
*--NCAA Division II vs. NCAA Division III
*--NCAA Division II vs. NAIA
*--Any other game that features teams currently in the four lower or small college divisions of the NCAA, as well as the entire NAIA.
The following games are ineligible for inclusion on TLR:
*--FCS vs. FBS (formerly NCAA Division I-A)
(Example: Eastern Washington [FCS] at Washington [FBS])
Key: Featured games are listed in BOLD type.
Projected winners are marked in RED.
Other games of interest are listed in normal type.
FCS
Schedule of games for week of September 3, 2011
Thursday, September 1
Tennessee-Martin at Jacksonville State
(Season opener for the Sports Network No. 9 Gamecocks!)
Western Illinois at Sam Houston State
(Leathernecks head to Texas for a battle with the Bearkats!)
Illinois State at Eastern Illinois
NCAA Division II
Schedule for week of September 3, 2011
Thursday, September 1
St. Cloud State at California (Pa.)
(Vulcans play host to the Huskies in non-conference battle between Super Region 1 and Super Region 3!)
Colorado State-Pueblo at West Texas A&M
(Thunderwolves travel to Texas to take on the AFCA No. 19 Buffaloes!)
Washburn at Sioux Falls
(Cougars make their "transitional" D-II debut against the Ichabods!)
Western Oregon at Grand Valley State
Friday, September 2
Texas A&M-Kingsville at Central Washington
Before proceeding, here are a few ground rules. The following games are eligible for inclusion in each week's installment of TLR:
*--FCS vs. FCS (formerly NCAA Division I-AA)
*--FCS vs. NCAA Division II
*--NCAA Division II vs. NCAA Division III
*--NCAA Division II vs. NAIA
*--Any other game that features teams currently in the four lower or small college divisions of the NCAA, as well as the entire NAIA.
The following games are ineligible for inclusion on TLR:
*--FCS vs. FBS (formerly NCAA Division I-A)
(Example: Eastern Washington [FCS] at Washington [FBS])
Key: Featured games are listed in BOLD type.
Projected winners are marked in RED.
Other games of interest are listed in normal type.
FCS
Schedule of games for week of September 3, 2011
Thursday, September 1
Tennessee-Martin at Jacksonville State
(Season opener for the Sports Network No. 9 Gamecocks!)
Western Illinois at Sam Houston State
(Leathernecks head to Texas for a battle with the Bearkats!)
Illinois State at Eastern Illinois
NCAA Division II
Schedule for week of September 3, 2011
Thursday, September 1
St. Cloud State at California (Pa.)
(Vulcans play host to the Huskies in non-conference battle between Super Region 1 and Super Region 3!)
Colorado State-Pueblo at West Texas A&M
(Thunderwolves travel to Texas to take on the AFCA No. 19 Buffaloes!)
Washburn at Sioux Falls
(Cougars make their "transitional" D-II debut against the Ichabods!)
Western Oregon at Grand Valley State
Friday, September 2
Texas A&M-Kingsville at Central Washington
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: West Coast
Editor's Note: This is it, the final installment of the "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" series. It includes the teams and conferences located on the West Coast, which consists primarily of Washington State, Oregon, and California.
Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC)--(NCAA Division II): Central Washington might be the team to beat in the GNAC again, but expect a tight conference race throughout the 2011 season. Which means any game is fair game in terms of deciding this year's league champion.
Great West Conference (GWC)--(FCS): Cal Poly at UC Davis (November 5): Although Southern Utah enters the 2011 season as the defending conference champions, this early November contest could factor into which team ultimately comes out on top.
Northwest Conference (NWC)--(NCAA Division III): Linfield at Willamette (October 1): The Wildcats must travel to Salem to face the Bearcats in this battle or Oregon rivals.
Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC)--(NCAA Division III): Redlands at Cal Lutheran (October 1): The Kingsmen play host to the Bulldogs in a big SCIAC showdown.
Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC)--(NCAA Division II): Central Washington might be the team to beat in the GNAC again, but expect a tight conference race throughout the 2011 season. Which means any game is fair game in terms of deciding this year's league champion.
Great West Conference (GWC)--(FCS): Cal Poly at UC Davis (November 5): Although Southern Utah enters the 2011 season as the defending conference champions, this early November contest could factor into which team ultimately comes out on top.
Northwest Conference (NWC)--(NCAA Division III): Linfield at Willamette (October 1): The Wildcats must travel to Salem to face the Bearcats in this battle or Oregon rivals.
Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC)--(NCAA Division III): Redlands at Cal Lutheran (October 1): The Kingsmen play host to the Bulldogs in a big SCIAC showdown.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: Rocky Mountains/Desert Southwest
Editor's Note: Our series on the "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" continues with a look at the teams in the Rocky Mountain/Desert Southwest region, which roughly stretches from Idaho and Montana in the north, to Arizona and New Mexico in the south.
Big Sky Conference (FCS): Montana State at Eastern Washington (September 24): Defending national champion Eagles play host to the Bobcats in a key conference match-up.
Frontier Conference (NAIA): Carroll (Mont.) vs. everyone else: Defending NAIA national champion Saints are the team to beat, and not just in their own conference, entering the 2011 season.
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)--(NCAA Division II): Colorado Mines at Nebraska-Kearney (November 12): Lopers play host to the Orediggers in what's sure to be an emotional showdown, in more ways than one. That's because not only could at least a share of the RMAC title be on the line, but it's also the last-ever regular season game for UNK as a member of the RMAC, as it makes the move to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 2012.
Big Sky Conference (FCS): Montana State at Eastern Washington (September 24): Defending national champion Eagles play host to the Bobcats in a key conference match-up.
Frontier Conference (NAIA): Carroll (Mont.) vs. everyone else: Defending NAIA national champion Saints are the team to beat, and not just in their own conference, entering the 2011 season.
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)--(NCAA Division II): Colorado Mines at Nebraska-Kearney (November 12): Lopers play host to the Orediggers in what's sure to be an emotional showdown, in more ways than one. That's because not only could at least a share of the RMAC title be on the line, but it's also the last-ever regular season game for UNK as a member of the RMAC, as it makes the move to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 2012.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: South Central (Southwest)
Editor's Note: Our "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" series rolls on, with a look at the potential big games in the South Central (Southwest) region, which includes the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, with portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and even New Mexico thrown in good measure.
American Southwest Conference (ASC)--(NCAA Division III): Mary Hardin-Baylor at Hardin-Simmons (September 24): Preseason favorite Crusaders must travel to Abilene to face the Cowboys in this late September clash.
Central States Football League (CSFL)--(NAIA): Southern Nazarene at Northwestern Oklahoma State (October 8): All eyes will be on Alva, Oklahoma, as the Crimson Storm take aim against the Rangers.
Great American Conference (NCAA Division II): Henderson State at Harding (September 10): Former Gulf South Conference foes square off in their first-ever game as members of the Great American Conference.
Lone Star Conference (LSC)--(NCAA Division II): Abilene Christian at Texas A&M-Kingsville (November 5): Wildcats travel to South Texas to take on the Javelinas.
Southland Conference (SLC)--(FCS): McNeese State at Stephen F. Austin (October 29): Cowboys go west, to East Texas, to face the defending SLC champion Lumberjacks.
Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)--(FCS): SWAC Championship Game (December 10--at Birmingham, Ala.): With Jackson State and Southern both ineligible for this year's title clash due to poor academic performance, the race to get there should be very interesting.
American Southwest Conference (ASC)--(NCAA Division III): Mary Hardin-Baylor at Hardin-Simmons (September 24): Preseason favorite Crusaders must travel to Abilene to face the Cowboys in this late September clash.
Central States Football League (CSFL)--(NAIA): Southern Nazarene at Northwestern Oklahoma State (October 8): All eyes will be on Alva, Oklahoma, as the Crimson Storm take aim against the Rangers.
Great American Conference (NCAA Division II): Henderson State at Harding (September 10): Former Gulf South Conference foes square off in their first-ever game as members of the Great American Conference.
Lone Star Conference (LSC)--(NCAA Division II): Abilene Christian at Texas A&M-Kingsville (November 5): Wildcats travel to South Texas to take on the Javelinas.
Southland Conference (SLC)--(FCS): McNeese State at Stephen F. Austin (October 29): Cowboys go west, to East Texas, to face the defending SLC champion Lumberjacks.
Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)--(FCS): SWAC Championship Game (December 10--at Birmingham, Ala.): With Jackson State and Southern both ineligible for this year's title clash due to poor academic performance, the race to get there should be very interesting.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: Central (Midwest)
Editor's Note: Here's the next installment of the "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011", as we profile the teams in the Central (Midwest) region. It includes the states of Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas, as well as portions of Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW)--(NCAA Division III): Wheaton at North Central (November 5): The annual battle for the Little Brass Bell could once again decide who walks off the field with the automatic bid to the D-III playoffs.
Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)--(NAIA): MidAmerica Nazarene at Missouri Valley (September 10): Pioneers will get an early test against the Vikings in their second game of the season.
Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC)--(NAIA): Ottawa at McPherson (October 15): Mid-October showdown against the Bulldogs is just one of many tough tests that the Braves must pass if they're to punch their ticket postseason play. They open the 2011 season with back-to-back games against NAIA preseason Top 25 teams in No. 23 Baker and No. 9 Georgetown (Ky.).
Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)--(NCAA Division II): Northwest Missouri State at Central Missouri (October 8): With the retirement of legendary head coach Mel Tjeerdsma, followed by the sudden death of replacement Scott Bostwick, the Bearcats character will be tested in this road game against the Mules.
Mid-States Football Association (Midwest League)--(NAIA): William Penn at St. Francis (Ill.)--(October 8): The Statesmen hope to prove their worthiness for postseason play against the Fighting Saints.
Midwest Conference (MWC)--(NCAA Division III): With St. Norbert barely pulling out the outright MWC title in 2010, it's anybody's race to win in 2011.
Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)--(FCS): It'll likely be a tight race here, too, as Northern Iowa (6-2 in MVFC in 2010), barely edging out Western Illinois (5-3) for the title, while North Dakota State (4-4), advanced to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs, despite finishing in a six-way tie for third place. Yes, a six-way tie!
University Athletic Association (UAA)--(NCAA Division III): Chicago at Washington (Mo.)--(November 12): Season-ending showdown in St. Louis could decide UAA title.
College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW)--(NCAA Division III): Wheaton at North Central (November 5): The annual battle for the Little Brass Bell could once again decide who walks off the field with the automatic bid to the D-III playoffs.
Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)--(NAIA): MidAmerica Nazarene at Missouri Valley (September 10): Pioneers will get an early test against the Vikings in their second game of the season.
Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC)--(NAIA): Ottawa at McPherson (October 15): Mid-October showdown against the Bulldogs is just one of many tough tests that the Braves must pass if they're to punch their ticket postseason play. They open the 2011 season with back-to-back games against NAIA preseason Top 25 teams in No. 23 Baker and No. 9 Georgetown (Ky.).
Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)--(NCAA Division II): Northwest Missouri State at Central Missouri (October 8): With the retirement of legendary head coach Mel Tjeerdsma, followed by the sudden death of replacement Scott Bostwick, the Bearcats character will be tested in this road game against the Mules.
Mid-States Football Association (Midwest League)--(NAIA): William Penn at St. Francis (Ill.)--(October 8): The Statesmen hope to prove their worthiness for postseason play against the Fighting Saints.
Midwest Conference (MWC)--(NCAA Division III): With St. Norbert barely pulling out the outright MWC title in 2010, it's anybody's race to win in 2011.
Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)--(FCS): It'll likely be a tight race here, too, as Northern Iowa (6-2 in MVFC in 2010), barely edging out Western Illinois (5-3) for the title, while North Dakota State (4-4), advanced to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs, despite finishing in a six-way tie for third place. Yes, a six-way tie!
University Athletic Association (UAA)--(NCAA Division III): Chicago at Washington (Mo.)--(November 12): Season-ending showdown in St. Louis could decide UAA title.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: North Central (Upper Midwest)
Editor's Note: Our "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" series rolls on with a look at the squads in the North Central (or Upper Midwest) region. It includes all and/or part of the following states: Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC)--(NAIA): Dickinson State at Jamestown (September 17): If you're looking for a potential "Game Of The Year" in the decimated DAC, it's the contest between the Blue Hawks and the Jimmies. While the Blue Hawks cruised to a first place finish last year, the Jimmies finished a distant fifth in league play.
Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)--(NAIA): Morningside at Northwestern (Iowa)--(September 10): With Sioux Falls now making the transition to the NCAA Division II ranks, this aforementioned contest will serve as the signature game in the GPAC for 2011.
Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC)--(NCAA Division III): Coe at Wartburg (September 24): Knights play host to the Kohawks in a contest that could decide the IIAC title early.
Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)--(NCAA Division III): St. Thomas at Bethel (Minn.)--(October 22): Tommies hit the road to take on the Royals in potential MIAC championship showdown.
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC)--(NCAA Division II): Minnesota-Duluth at Augustana (S.D.)--(September 3): How's this to begin a defense of a national championship? The defending NCAA Division II national champion Bulldogs hitting the road to face a Vikings that finished last season at 11-2, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the D-II playoffs. Guess which team ended Augustana's season: Yes, UMD. That alone should be enough motivation for the 2011 season opener, if you're a Vikings fan.
Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC)--(NCAA Division III): St. Scholastica at Greenville (Ill.)--(September 17): Defending UMAC champion Panthers play host to the upstart Saints.
Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)--(NCAA Division III): Any conference game against the defending D-III national champion Warhawks will be the biggest game of the year in the WIAC, for the other seven teams in the WIAC, that is.
Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC)--(NAIA): Dickinson State at Jamestown (September 17): If you're looking for a potential "Game Of The Year" in the decimated DAC, it's the contest between the Blue Hawks and the Jimmies. While the Blue Hawks cruised to a first place finish last year, the Jimmies finished a distant fifth in league play.
Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)--(NAIA): Morningside at Northwestern (Iowa)--(September 10): With Sioux Falls now making the transition to the NCAA Division II ranks, this aforementioned contest will serve as the signature game in the GPAC for 2011.
Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC)--(NCAA Division III): Coe at Wartburg (September 24): Knights play host to the Kohawks in a contest that could decide the IIAC title early.
Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)--(NCAA Division III): St. Thomas at Bethel (Minn.)--(October 22): Tommies hit the road to take on the Royals in potential MIAC championship showdown.
Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC)--(NCAA Division II): Minnesota-Duluth at Augustana (S.D.)--(September 3): How's this to begin a defense of a national championship? The defending NCAA Division II national champion Bulldogs hitting the road to face a Vikings that finished last season at 11-2, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the D-II playoffs. Guess which team ended Augustana's season: Yes, UMD. That alone should be enough motivation for the 2011 season opener, if you're a Vikings fan.
Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC)--(NCAA Division III): St. Scholastica at Greenville (Ill.)--(September 17): Defending UMAC champion Panthers play host to the upstart Saints.
Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)--(NCAA Division III): Any conference game against the defending D-III national champion Warhawks will be the biggest game of the year in the WIAC, for the other seven teams in the WIAC, that is.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: Great Lakes/Indiana
Editor's Note: Our next installment of the "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" focuses on the teams in the Great Lakes Region, which includes the whole states of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, as well as western Pennsylvania and northern Kentucky.
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC)--(NCAA Division II): Wayne State (Mich.) at Hillsdale (October 22): Warriors must make trip west to face the Chargers in key GLIAC game with possible playoff implications.
Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC)--(NCAA Division III): Hanover at Defiance (September 17): Winner of this early-season contest could possibly challenge defending champion Franklin for HCAC title later in 2011. The Yellow Jackets travel to Franklin the following week, September 24, while the Panthers will play host to the Grizzlies on the final day of the regular season: November 12.
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA)--(NCAA Division III): Albion at Adrian (October 29): By the time the Britons and Bulldogs meet, Adrian will have already paid a visit to preseason favorite Trine (October 1): The Britons, however, will play host to the Thunder on November 12, which is the last week of the regular season. As for last year's meeting, the Britons beat the Bulldogs, 38-21, to break a second place tie in the MIAA at 4-2. Both teams finished the 2010 campaign with identical 5-5 overall records.
Mid-States Football Association (Mideast Division)--(NAIA): With three teams (St. Francis [Ind.], St. Xavier, and Marian) highly ranked to start the 2011 season, expect any games between these teams to be competitive. SXU comes to SFU on October 1, SFU plays host to Marian on October 15, and Marian welcomes SXU to its campus on November 5.
North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC)--(NCAA Division III): Wittenberg at Wabash (November 12): The Tigers outlasted the Little Giants, 34-17, en route to winning the NCAC title in 2010. Expect the 2011 contest to have just as much impact.
Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC)--(NCAA Division III): Mount Union at Ohio Northern (October 1): If any team is going to end the Purple Raiders lengthy reign in the OAC, the Polar Bears just might be that team. By the way, the last time a Mount Union team didn't win the OAC was in 1991, when the Purple Raiders finished 8-1-1 overall, and 7-1-1 in conference play.
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (Western Division)--(NCAA Division II): Mercyhurst at California (Pa.)--(October 22): PSAC West crown could be decided in this battle between the Lakers and the Vulcans.
President's Athletic Conference (PAC)--(NCAA Division III): Thomas More at Washington & Jefferson (September 24): Road game against the Presidents could be the one contest that stands between the Saints and a fourth straight conference championship.
West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC)--(NCAA Division II): West Liberty at Shepherd (October 15): The winner of this game could not only have the inside track on a WVIAC title, but also a potential playoff berth.
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC)--(NCAA Division II): Wayne State (Mich.) at Hillsdale (October 22): Warriors must make trip west to face the Chargers in key GLIAC game with possible playoff implications.
Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC)--(NCAA Division III): Hanover at Defiance (September 17): Winner of this early-season contest could possibly challenge defending champion Franklin for HCAC title later in 2011. The Yellow Jackets travel to Franklin the following week, September 24, while the Panthers will play host to the Grizzlies on the final day of the regular season: November 12.
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA)--(NCAA Division III): Albion at Adrian (October 29): By the time the Britons and Bulldogs meet, Adrian will have already paid a visit to preseason favorite Trine (October 1): The Britons, however, will play host to the Thunder on November 12, which is the last week of the regular season. As for last year's meeting, the Britons beat the Bulldogs, 38-21, to break a second place tie in the MIAA at 4-2. Both teams finished the 2010 campaign with identical 5-5 overall records.
Mid-States Football Association (Mideast Division)--(NAIA): With three teams (St. Francis [Ind.], St. Xavier, and Marian) highly ranked to start the 2011 season, expect any games between these teams to be competitive. SXU comes to SFU on October 1, SFU plays host to Marian on October 15, and Marian welcomes SXU to its campus on November 5.
North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC)--(NCAA Division III): Wittenberg at Wabash (November 12): The Tigers outlasted the Little Giants, 34-17, en route to winning the NCAC title in 2010. Expect the 2011 contest to have just as much impact.
Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC)--(NCAA Division III): Mount Union at Ohio Northern (October 1): If any team is going to end the Purple Raiders lengthy reign in the OAC, the Polar Bears just might be that team. By the way, the last time a Mount Union team didn't win the OAC was in 1991, when the Purple Raiders finished 8-1-1 overall, and 7-1-1 in conference play.
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (Western Division)--(NCAA Division II): Mercyhurst at California (Pa.)--(October 22): PSAC West crown could be decided in this battle between the Lakers and the Vulcans.
President's Athletic Conference (PAC)--(NCAA Division III): Thomas More at Washington & Jefferson (September 24): Road game against the Presidents could be the one contest that stands between the Saints and a fourth straight conference championship.
West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC)--(NCAA Division II): West Liberty at Shepherd (October 15): The winner of this game could not only have the inside track on a WVIAC title, but also a potential playoff berth.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: South
Editor's Note: Our latest installment of the "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" series focuses on the teams in the South, which includes the remainder of the Carolinas, as well as Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi.
Gulf South Conference (GSC)--(NCAA Division II): With just five teams taking to the gridiron in 2011, even the non-conference games they play will take on added meaning. As far as conference games are concerned, these three will likely decide who will finish on top in the GSC: Delta State at North Alabama (October 13), Valdosta State at Delta State (October 22), and North Alabama at Valdosta State (November 12).
Mid-South Conference (NAIA): Although there are sure to be a lot of key games along the way throughout 2011, our pick here is the so-called "Battle of the Cumberlands" on the last day of the regular season, November 12, as Cumberland University (Tenn.) plays host to the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.). The Patriots from Kentucky crushed the Bulldogs from Tennessee, 52-27, to win the MSC West Division title with a 5-1 conference record.
Ohio Valley Conference (OVC)--(FCS): Jacksonville State at Southeast Missouri State (November 12): Showdown in Cape Girardeau, Missouri could determine OVC autobid to FCS playoffs.
South Atlantic Conference (SAC)--(NCAA Division II): Carson-Newman at Wingate (October 1): This showdown in North Carolina could have early implications not only on the SAC championship race, but ultimately, the NCAA Division II playoff race as well.
Southern Conference (FCS): Georgia Southern at Appalachian State (October 29): Thanks to a stunning upset win in overtime, over the then top-ranked Mountaineers in last year's game, this long-standing, long-storied rivalry is relevant again this year.
Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC)--(NCAA Division III): Centre at Millsaps (October 29): Majors play host to the Colonels in the potential "de-facto" SCAC championship game.
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC): SIAC Championship Game (at Atlanta)--(November 12): The inaugural conference title game pits the winner of the East Division against the winner of the West Division. Don't be surprised if Albany State (Ga.) and Tuskegee end up playing for all of the SIAC marbles.
Gulf South Conference (GSC)--(NCAA Division II): With just five teams taking to the gridiron in 2011, even the non-conference games they play will take on added meaning. As far as conference games are concerned, these three will likely decide who will finish on top in the GSC: Delta State at North Alabama (October 13), Valdosta State at Delta State (October 22), and North Alabama at Valdosta State (November 12).
Mid-South Conference (NAIA): Although there are sure to be a lot of key games along the way throughout 2011, our pick here is the so-called "Battle of the Cumberlands" on the last day of the regular season, November 12, as Cumberland University (Tenn.) plays host to the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.). The Patriots from Kentucky crushed the Bulldogs from Tennessee, 52-27, to win the MSC West Division title with a 5-1 conference record.
Ohio Valley Conference (OVC)--(FCS): Jacksonville State at Southeast Missouri State (November 12): Showdown in Cape Girardeau, Missouri could determine OVC autobid to FCS playoffs.
South Atlantic Conference (SAC)--(NCAA Division II): Carson-Newman at Wingate (October 1): This showdown in North Carolina could have early implications not only on the SAC championship race, but ultimately, the NCAA Division II playoff race as well.
Southern Conference (FCS): Georgia Southern at Appalachian State (October 29): Thanks to a stunning upset win in overtime, over the then top-ranked Mountaineers in last year's game, this long-standing, long-storied rivalry is relevant again this year.
Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC)--(NCAA Division III): Centre at Millsaps (October 29): Majors play host to the Colonels in the potential "de-facto" SCAC championship game.
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC): SIAC Championship Game (at Atlanta)--(November 12): The inaugural conference title game pits the winner of the East Division against the winner of the West Division. Don't be surprised if Albany State (Ga.) and Tuskegee end up playing for all of the SIAC marbles.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: Mid-Atlantic/Carolinas
Editor's Note: Our "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" series continues with a look at the teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas region, which stretches roughly from near the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area, and Delaware, to Virginia, and parts of the Carolinas.
Big South Conference (FCS): Liberty at Stony Brook (November 19): Regular season finale on Long Island could decide Big South autobid to FCS playoffs.
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)--(NCAA Division II): Shaw at Winston-Salem State (October 29): North Carolina showdown will likely decide the Southern Division champion.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)--(FCS): South Carolina State at Bethune-Cookman (September 10): Bulldogs head south to Florida to face the Wildcats in the conference opener for both teams.
Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)--(NCAA Division III): Washington and Lee at Hampden-Sydney (November 5): Defending champion Generals must hit the road for the potential "de-facto" ODAC championship game against the Tigers.
USA South Athletic Conference (USAC)--(NCAA Division III): North Carolina Wesleyan at Christopher Newport (October 22): Captains stunned the Battling Bishops, 23-15, on the road, to win the USAC automatic bid to the D-III playoffs last year.
Big South Conference (FCS): Liberty at Stony Brook (November 19): Regular season finale on Long Island could decide Big South autobid to FCS playoffs.
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)--(NCAA Division II): Shaw at Winston-Salem State (October 29): North Carolina showdown will likely decide the Southern Division champion.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)--(FCS): South Carolina State at Bethune-Cookman (September 10): Bulldogs head south to Florida to face the Wildcats in the conference opener for both teams.
Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)--(NCAA Division III): Washington and Lee at Hampden-Sydney (November 5): Defending champion Generals must hit the road for the potential "de-facto" ODAC championship game against the Tigers.
USA South Athletic Conference (USAC)--(NCAA Division III): North Carolina Wesleyan at Christopher Newport (October 22): Captains stunned the Battling Bishops, 23-15, on the road, to win the USAC automatic bid to the D-III playoffs last year.
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: Bonus Coverage
Editor's Note: Here's some bonus coverage from the following FCS conferences: Colonial Athletic Association, Northeast Conference, Patriot League, and the Pioneer Football League.
Colonial Athletic Association: William & Mary at Delaware (October 8): In a top-heavy CAA where seven of its 11 teams will start the 2011 season nationally ranked, the contest between the Tribe and the Blue Hens could be one of those showdowns that could decide this year's champion.
Northeast Conference: Robert Morris (Pa.) at Central Connecticut State (November 5): The Blue Devils play host to the Colonials with a potential NEC title at stake. RMU knocked off CCSU, 42-24, to win the league's first-ever automatic bid to the FCS playoffs.
Patriot League: Holy Cross at Lehigh (November 5): If any team can knock the Mountain Hawks off the Patriot League perch, it likely could be the Crusaders.
Pioneer Football League: Dayton at Jacksonville (October 8): Neither team played each other in 2010, despite going undefeated in conference play. That will change in 2011, though.
Colonial Athletic Association: William & Mary at Delaware (October 8): In a top-heavy CAA where seven of its 11 teams will start the 2011 season nationally ranked, the contest between the Tribe and the Blue Hens could be one of those showdowns that could decide this year's champion.
Northeast Conference: Robert Morris (Pa.) at Central Connecticut State (November 5): The Blue Devils play host to the Colonials with a potential NEC title at stake. RMU knocked off CCSU, 42-24, to win the league's first-ever automatic bid to the FCS playoffs.
Patriot League: Holy Cross at Lehigh (November 5): If any team can knock the Mountain Hawks off the Patriot League perch, it likely could be the Crusaders.
Pioneer Football League: Dayton at Jacksonville (October 8): Neither team played each other in 2010, despite going undefeated in conference play. That will change in 2011, though.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: East
Editor's Note: The "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011" series rolls on with a look at the teams in the East, which includes the states of New Jersey, and New York, as well as eastern Pennsylvania, and parts of Delaware and Maryland.
Centennial Conference (NCAA Division III): Three teams tied for the title last season, with Muhlenberg advancing to the playoffs as an automatic qualifier in 2010. That means the 2011 race could be just as tight, with no clear favorite.
Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)--(FCS): Delaware at Villanova (November 19): With both teams entering the 2011 season nationally ranked, this late season contest could have some playoff implications.
Empire 8 Conference (NCAA Division III): St. John Fisher at Springfield (October 22): With both teams coming off identical nine-win seasons, as well as wins in ECAC bowls last season, this season's contest could very well play a role into whether either reaches postseason play.
Liberty League (NCAA Division III): St. Lawrence at RPI (October 22): The Engineers will look to avenge last year's 14-3 loss to the Saints, who went on to represent the LL in the D-III playoffs.
Middle Atlantic Conference (NCAA Division III): Lebanon Valley at Delaware Valley (September 17): The Aggies begin their quest to win what they hope will be their fourth straight MAC championship against the Dutchmen at home.
New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC)--(NCAA Division III): Any game involving the three tri-champions of 2010; Cortland State, Montclair State, and Rowan, could be the one that decides the 2011 championship.
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (Eastern Division)--(NCAA Division II): Bloomsburg at Kutztown (November 5): Early November showdown could decide the PSAC East title.
Centennial Conference (NCAA Division III): Three teams tied for the title last season, with Muhlenberg advancing to the playoffs as an automatic qualifier in 2010. That means the 2011 race could be just as tight, with no clear favorite.
Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)--(FCS): Delaware at Villanova (November 19): With both teams entering the 2011 season nationally ranked, this late season contest could have some playoff implications.
Empire 8 Conference (NCAA Division III): St. John Fisher at Springfield (October 22): With both teams coming off identical nine-win seasons, as well as wins in ECAC bowls last season, this season's contest could very well play a role into whether either reaches postseason play.
Liberty League (NCAA Division III): St. Lawrence at RPI (October 22): The Engineers will look to avenge last year's 14-3 loss to the Saints, who went on to represent the LL in the D-III playoffs.
Middle Atlantic Conference (NCAA Division III): Lebanon Valley at Delaware Valley (September 17): The Aggies begin their quest to win what they hope will be their fourth straight MAC championship against the Dutchmen at home.
New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC)--(NCAA Division III): Any game involving the three tri-champions of 2010; Cortland State, Montclair State, and Rowan, could be the one that decides the 2011 championship.
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (Eastern Division)--(NCAA Division II): Bloomsburg at Kutztown (November 5): Early November showdown could decide the PSAC East title.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011: New England
Editor's Note: This post marks the first of the multiple posts on the "Most Pivotal Match-ups of 2011. The first installment will cover the teams in the New England region.
Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (NCAA Division III): Norwich at Maritime (N.Y.)--(November 5). Defending ECFC champion Privateers play host to the Cadets the next-to-last week of the regular season.
Ivy League (FCS): Harvard at Yale (November 19). The 128th edition of "The Game" could have more than just bragging rights at stake, as the Crimson held off the Bulldogs, 28-21, in last year's contest at Harvard. The Crimson finished in a second place tie in the Ivy League with the Bulldogs as a result.
New England Football Conference (NCAA Division III): Can anybody say "toss-up", in what's sure to be a tight race in the NEFC for 2011?
New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC)--(NCAA Division III): Williams at Trinity (Conn.)--(October 1). Week 2 showdown at Hartford could decide the early bragging rights in the NESCAC.
Northeast 10 Conference (NCAA Division II): With four teams finishing in a four-way tie for the conference title in 2010 (New Haven won the tiebreaker), the race for the 2011 title can also be put in the "toss-up" category.
Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (NCAA Division III): Norwich at Maritime (N.Y.)--(November 5). Defending ECFC champion Privateers play host to the Cadets the next-to-last week of the regular season.
Ivy League (FCS): Harvard at Yale (November 19). The 128th edition of "The Game" could have more than just bragging rights at stake, as the Crimson held off the Bulldogs, 28-21, in last year's contest at Harvard. The Crimson finished in a second place tie in the Ivy League with the Bulldogs as a result.
New England Football Conference (NCAA Division III): Can anybody say "toss-up", in what's sure to be a tight race in the NEFC for 2011?
New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC)--(NCAA Division III): Williams at Trinity (Conn.)--(October 1). Week 2 showdown at Hartford could decide the early bragging rights in the NESCAC.
Northeast 10 Conference (NCAA Division II): With four teams finishing in a four-way tie for the conference title in 2010 (New Haven won the tiebreaker), the race for the 2011 title can also be put in the "toss-up" category.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Northwest Conference (NWC)--(NCAA Division III)
Editor's Note: This post wraps up the "RFC Summer Semester" series for 2011. Hope you enjoyed reading the previews so far this summer.
Looking back: Linfield continued its collegiate record streak of consecutive winning seasons in 2010, as the Wildcats stretched it to 55 in a row, while advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs. They reached the second round of the playoffs before bowing to St. Thomas, 24-17, in double overtime.
Looking ahead: Linfield will enter the 2011 season looking to extend its record streak of consecutive winning seasons to 56. Not only that, the Wildcats also hope to win a third straight Northwest Conference crown.
Website: http://www.nwcsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Linfield (9-2): In the irony department, the Wildcats will open the 2011 season not only playing host to the one team that defeated them in the 2010 season opener, but also the same squad they eliminated in the first round of the D-III playoffs in Cal Lutheran, on September 3.
2. Pacific Lutheran (8-1): Despite losing just one game during the regular season, the Lutes found themselves on the outside looking in when the playoffs rolled around. They hope to be in the postseason hunt this time around, but not without being forced to replace 15 starters lost due to graduation.
3. Willamette (7-3): The Bearcats are looking to win their first NWC crown since 2008.
4. Whitworth (5-5): The Pirates will play only one game outside of the Northwest in 2011: the September 3 season opener against Chapman in southern California.
5. Lewis & Clark (4-5): The Pioneers had their best finish since 1995, when they had their last winning season at 5-4.
6. Puget Sound (2-7): The Loggers surrendered at least 50 or more points in four of the seven games they lost in 2010.
7. Pacific (Ore.)--(0-9): The Boxers enter the 2011 season looking for their first win since resuming their program in 2010 after an 18-year absence.
Looking back: Linfield continued its collegiate record streak of consecutive winning seasons in 2010, as the Wildcats stretched it to 55 in a row, while advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs. They reached the second round of the playoffs before bowing to St. Thomas, 24-17, in double overtime.
Looking ahead: Linfield will enter the 2011 season looking to extend its record streak of consecutive winning seasons to 56. Not only that, the Wildcats also hope to win a third straight Northwest Conference crown.
Website: http://www.nwcsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Linfield (9-2): In the irony department, the Wildcats will open the 2011 season not only playing host to the one team that defeated them in the 2010 season opener, but also the same squad they eliminated in the first round of the D-III playoffs in Cal Lutheran, on September 3.
2. Pacific Lutheran (8-1): Despite losing just one game during the regular season, the Lutes found themselves on the outside looking in when the playoffs rolled around. They hope to be in the postseason hunt this time around, but not without being forced to replace 15 starters lost due to graduation.
3. Willamette (7-3): The Bearcats are looking to win their first NWC crown since 2008.
4. Whitworth (5-5): The Pirates will play only one game outside of the Northwest in 2011: the September 3 season opener against Chapman in southern California.
5. Lewis & Clark (4-5): The Pioneers had their best finish since 1995, when they had their last winning season at 5-4.
6. Puget Sound (2-7): The Loggers surrendered at least 50 or more points in four of the seven games they lost in 2010.
7. Pacific (Ore.)--(0-9): The Boxers enter the 2011 season looking for their first win since resuming their program in 2010 after an 18-year absence.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC)--(NCAA Division II)
Looking back: Despite winning a third straight Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) championship in 2010, Central Washington was snubbed for an NCAA Division II playoff invite. In fact, none of the teams in the GNAC advanced to postseason play last year.
Looking ahead: The GNAC will add an additional team for football in 2012, as California's Azusa Pacific University will join the conference as an associate member.
Website: http://www.gnacsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Central Washington (8-3): From 2007-2009, the Wildcats compiled a combined 32-6 record, advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs in each of those last three years. But 2010 found CWU on the outside looking in when playoff selection time came around, as losses to defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth, as well as to GNAC foe Humboldt State, spelled doom for the Wildcats postseason hopes. They'll face another tough non-conference slate in 2011, as they face the likes of Texas A&M-Kingsville and West Texas A&M, both out of the rugged Lone Star Conference. Head Coach Blaine Bennett returns plenty of talented players from last year's squad, with 30 lettermen; 11 of them starters. It'll be interesting to see if those returnees can help get CWU back in the playoff hunt.
2. Western Oregon (7-4): The Wolves face a tough non-conference schedule that includes visits to perennial D-II powers Grand Valley State and Abilene Christian, as well as to Montana out of the FCS Big Sky Conference.
3. Humboldt State (8-3): The Lumberjacks and head coach Rob Smith return 37 letterwinners, almost half of them starters, in hopes of winning not only their first-ever GNAC title, but their 10th conference championship all-time, with their last league crown coming back in 1995. That was when they took home the title of the now-defunct Northern California Athletic Conference.
4. Dixie State (2-8): The Red Storm were held to 14 points or less in six of their eight losses last season. Additionally, they were outscored 122-10 in three of their last four games of last year, all losses. The lone win in that four-game span came on October 23, a narrow 18-15 triumph over Simon Fraser.
5. Simon Fraser (1-9): As the only Canadian institution competing in the NCAA, the Clan will focus on winning their first-ever GNAC game in 2011, after finishing winless in their inaugural conference season at 0-8.
Looking ahead: The GNAC will add an additional team for football in 2012, as California's Azusa Pacific University will join the conference as an associate member.
Website: http://www.gnacsports.com/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Central Washington (8-3): From 2007-2009, the Wildcats compiled a combined 32-6 record, advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs in each of those last three years. But 2010 found CWU on the outside looking in when playoff selection time came around, as losses to defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth, as well as to GNAC foe Humboldt State, spelled doom for the Wildcats postseason hopes. They'll face another tough non-conference slate in 2011, as they face the likes of Texas A&M-Kingsville and West Texas A&M, both out of the rugged Lone Star Conference. Head Coach Blaine Bennett returns plenty of talented players from last year's squad, with 30 lettermen; 11 of them starters. It'll be interesting to see if those returnees can help get CWU back in the playoff hunt.
2. Western Oregon (7-4): The Wolves face a tough non-conference schedule that includes visits to perennial D-II powers Grand Valley State and Abilene Christian, as well as to Montana out of the FCS Big Sky Conference.
3. Humboldt State (8-3): The Lumberjacks and head coach Rob Smith return 37 letterwinners, almost half of them starters, in hopes of winning not only their first-ever GNAC title, but their 10th conference championship all-time, with their last league crown coming back in 1995. That was when they took home the title of the now-defunct Northern California Athletic Conference.
4. Dixie State (2-8): The Red Storm were held to 14 points or less in six of their eight losses last season. Additionally, they were outscored 122-10 in three of their last four games of last year, all losses. The lone win in that four-game span came on October 23, a narrow 18-15 triumph over Simon Fraser.
5. Simon Fraser (1-9): As the only Canadian institution competing in the NCAA, the Clan will focus on winning their first-ever GNAC game in 2011, after finishing winless in their inaugural conference season at 0-8.
Monday, August 08, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC)--(NCAA Division III)
Looking back: Cal Lutheran breezed through the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) schedule undefeated in 2010, finishing 6-0 in league play en route to earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. The Kingsmen lost to Linfield, 42-26, in the first round.
Looking ahead: With a preseason ranking of No. 17 by d3football.com, as well as another ranking of 17th by the Sporting News, and a top 10 preseason ranking by Lindy's Sports, expect Cal Lutheran to be favored to win a third straight SCIAC title. Additionally, the SCIAC will welcome a ninth school into its mix, as Chapman University from Orange County, California joins the conference in time for the 2011-12 academic year, but will not play a full conference schedule.
Website: http://www.thesciac.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Cal Lutheran (8-2): The Kingsmen enter the 2011 season, their 50th, needing just 10 wins to reach the magic number of 300 victories in program history. That, of course, would mean they would have to potentially go through the entire regular season undefeated, (SCIAC play just nine regular season games), as well as win an NCAA Division III playoff game, something that hasn't been done in CLU history, at least not at the D-III level. In fact, the last time a Kingsmen squad has played 11 games in a season was in 1982, when, ironically, they lost to Linfield in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Division II playoffs.
2. Redlands (8-1): The Bulldogs won six straight games to close out the 2010 campaign. But that one loss, to Cal Lutheran, in the third game of the season, forced them to sit on the sidelines come playoff time.
3. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (7-2): The Stags had their best finish in nine years, winning their 2010 finale in dramatic fashion. Now the question for 2011 is this: Can C-M-S take that next step, and win the SCIAC championship? In order to win the title, they must beat Redlands at home on October 15, followed by a victory at Cal Lutheran two weeks later.
4. Occidental (4-5): A crushing mid-season loss to Redlands sent the Tigers on a season-ending four-game tailspin which led to a 3-3 finish in SCIAC games last year. They hope that their fortunes will turn around this year.
5. La Verne (1-8): The Leopards lone win of last season came in the final game of 2010: an easy 49-23 rout over Whittier on the road.
6. Whittier (2-7): The Poets look to rebound after another long season.
7. Pomona-Pitzer (1-8): The Sagehens won their only game of 2010, as they edged La Verne, 28-26, in overtime.
Looking ahead: With a preseason ranking of No. 17 by d3football.com, as well as another ranking of 17th by the Sporting News, and a top 10 preseason ranking by Lindy's Sports, expect Cal Lutheran to be favored to win a third straight SCIAC title. Additionally, the SCIAC will welcome a ninth school into its mix, as Chapman University from Orange County, California joins the conference in time for the 2011-12 academic year, but will not play a full conference schedule.
Website: http://www.thesciac.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Cal Lutheran (8-2): The Kingsmen enter the 2011 season, their 50th, needing just 10 wins to reach the magic number of 300 victories in program history. That, of course, would mean they would have to potentially go through the entire regular season undefeated, (SCIAC play just nine regular season games), as well as win an NCAA Division III playoff game, something that hasn't been done in CLU history, at least not at the D-III level. In fact, the last time a Kingsmen squad has played 11 games in a season was in 1982, when, ironically, they lost to Linfield in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Division II playoffs.
2. Redlands (8-1): The Bulldogs won six straight games to close out the 2010 campaign. But that one loss, to Cal Lutheran, in the third game of the season, forced them to sit on the sidelines come playoff time.
3. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (7-2): The Stags had their best finish in nine years, winning their 2010 finale in dramatic fashion. Now the question for 2011 is this: Can C-M-S take that next step, and win the SCIAC championship? In order to win the title, they must beat Redlands at home on October 15, followed by a victory at Cal Lutheran two weeks later.
4. Occidental (4-5): A crushing mid-season loss to Redlands sent the Tigers on a season-ending four-game tailspin which led to a 3-3 finish in SCIAC games last year. They hope that their fortunes will turn around this year.
5. La Verne (1-8): The Leopards lone win of last season came in the final game of 2010: an easy 49-23 rout over Whittier on the road.
6. Whittier (2-7): The Poets look to rebound after another long season.
7. Pomona-Pitzer (1-8): The Sagehens won their only game of 2010, as they edged La Verne, 28-26, in overtime.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Arena Football: Rattlers home for Arena Bowl XXIV
The Arizona Rattlers will be home for Arena Bowl XXIV. They earned the right to host the Arena Football League championship game with a 54-48 win over the Chicago Rush Saturday night. The Rattlers will face winner of Monday's American Conference championship game between the Georgia Force and Jacksonville Sharks in Jacksonville, Fla. on Monday night.
Click here for the full story, courtesy of arenafootball.com.
Click here for the full story, courtesy of arenafootball.com.
Friday, August 05, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Frontier Conference (NAIA)
Looking back: Carroll (Mont.) took home its sixth national championship in nine years last year, as the Saints sent Sioux Falls out of the NAIA on a losing note with a 10-7 win in the championship game.
Looking ahead: With Sioux Falls now beginning the transition to the NCAA Division II ranks, Carroll should be favored to win an unprecedented seventh national championship in 10 years. Effective in 2012, Dickinson State out of North Dakota will join the Frontier Conference in all sports, while Southern Oregon makes the move to the FC for football only.
Website: http://www.frontierconference.com
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Carroll (Mont.)--(14-0): Can the Saints add another national championship to their trophy case in 2011? Well, they're the team to beat until another squad proves otherwise.
2. Rocky Mountain (6-5): The Bears overcame a 2-5 start to win their last four games of 2010. That was good enough for them to finish second in the FC at 6-4.
3. Montana Tech (5-6): The Orediggers will get plenty of home cooking early and often to start the 2011 season, playing four of their first five games at home, including a contest against Carroll on September 24.
4. Eastern Oregon (5-6): The Mountaineers struggled in close games last season, going 3-3 in games decided by seven points or less.
5. Montana State-Northern (3-7): The Lights look to move forward after a disappointing 2010 season.
6. Montana Western (1-10): The Bulldogs lone win of 2010 came in the next-to-last game of the season: a 27-20 triumph over Eastern Oregon.
Looking ahead: With Sioux Falls now beginning the transition to the NCAA Division II ranks, Carroll should be favored to win an unprecedented seventh national championship in 10 years. Effective in 2012, Dickinson State out of North Dakota will join the Frontier Conference in all sports, while Southern Oregon makes the move to the FC for football only.
Website: http://www.frontierconference.com
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Carroll (Mont.)--(14-0): Can the Saints add another national championship to their trophy case in 2011? Well, they're the team to beat until another squad proves otherwise.
2. Rocky Mountain (6-5): The Bears overcame a 2-5 start to win their last four games of 2010. That was good enough for them to finish second in the FC at 6-4.
3. Montana Tech (5-6): The Orediggers will get plenty of home cooking early and often to start the 2011 season, playing four of their first five games at home, including a contest against Carroll on September 24.
4. Eastern Oregon (5-6): The Mountaineers struggled in close games last season, going 3-3 in games decided by seven points or less.
5. Montana State-Northern (3-7): The Lights look to move forward after a disappointing 2010 season.
6. Montana Western (1-10): The Bulldogs lone win of 2010 came in the next-to-last game of the season: a 27-20 triumph over Eastern Oregon.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Big Sky Conference (FCS)
Looking back: Eastern Washington went on one of the most unlikely postseason runs in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA history, winning the program's first-ever national championship, as the Eagles knocked off Delaware in the title game, 20-19. But EWU wasn't alone as far as teams in the Big Sky Conference advancing to postseason play. Montana State was the only other Big Sky squad to move on to the FCS playoffs, losing to North Dakota State in a rout, 42-17.
Looking ahead: As the 2011 season quickly approaches, Eastern Washington should not only be favored to remain among one of the top teams in the FCS--if not repeat as national champions--but also a favorite to finish on top in the Big Sky Conference once again. In 2012, the nine-team Big Sky circuit will grow by four members, as North Dakota and Southern Utah will enter the conference as full members, while Cal Poly and UC Davis will join as associate members for football only.
Website: http://www.bigskyconf.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Eastern Washington (13-2): Despite winning a national championship last season, EWU begins the season ranked No. 5 in the nation by College Sporting News. That alone could motivate the Eagles towards a potential repeat.
2. Montana State (9-3): As the co-champions of the Big Sky last year, finishing tied with EWU at 7-1 in conference play last season, expect the Bobcats to give the Eagles their stiffest challenge in 2011. They'll open this season against new Pacific 12 Conference member Utah on September 1.
3. Montana (7-4): The Grizzlies will look to return to the FCS playoffs after missing out on the postseason for the first time since 1992, when they also finished 7-4. They had made 17 straight playoff appearances prior to 2010.
4. Sacramento State (6-5): The Hornets finished the 2010 season with their first winning record in 10 years, which included a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play. Before last year, their last winning season came in 2000 (7-4).
5. Weber State (6-5): The Wildcats play back-to-back road games against teams from non-automatic qualifying BCS (FBS) conferences to open the 2011 season: Wyoming from the Mountain West Conference on September 3, followed by a contest against Utah State from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) the following weekend.
6. Northern Arizona (6-5): If not for three close losses in conference games last season, by a combined 11 points, the Lumberjacks very easily could have gotten at least a share of the Big Sky title. It's something they hope to change this season.
7. Northern Colorado (3-8): A dramatic season-ending win at Portland State give the Bears faithful a glimmer of hope for 2011.
8. Portland State (2-9): The Vikings hope to put a dismal 2010 season behind them.
9. Idaho State (1-10): The Bengals only win of 2010 came against NAIA Montana Western, by 29 points.
Looking ahead: As the 2011 season quickly approaches, Eastern Washington should not only be favored to remain among one of the top teams in the FCS--if not repeat as national champions--but also a favorite to finish on top in the Big Sky Conference once again. In 2012, the nine-team Big Sky circuit will grow by four members, as North Dakota and Southern Utah will enter the conference as full members, while Cal Poly and UC Davis will join as associate members for football only.
Website: http://www.bigskyconf.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Eastern Washington (13-2): Despite winning a national championship last season, EWU begins the season ranked No. 5 in the nation by College Sporting News. That alone could motivate the Eagles towards a potential repeat.
2. Montana State (9-3): As the co-champions of the Big Sky last year, finishing tied with EWU at 7-1 in conference play last season, expect the Bobcats to give the Eagles their stiffest challenge in 2011. They'll open this season against new Pacific 12 Conference member Utah on September 1.
3. Montana (7-4): The Grizzlies will look to return to the FCS playoffs after missing out on the postseason for the first time since 1992, when they also finished 7-4. They had made 17 straight playoff appearances prior to 2010.
4. Sacramento State (6-5): The Hornets finished the 2010 season with their first winning record in 10 years, which included a 5-3 mark in Big Sky Conference play. Before last year, their last winning season came in 2000 (7-4).
5. Weber State (6-5): The Wildcats play back-to-back road games against teams from non-automatic qualifying BCS (FBS) conferences to open the 2011 season: Wyoming from the Mountain West Conference on September 3, followed by a contest against Utah State from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) the following weekend.
6. Northern Arizona (6-5): If not for three close losses in conference games last season, by a combined 11 points, the Lumberjacks very easily could have gotten at least a share of the Big Sky title. It's something they hope to change this season.
7. Northern Colorado (3-8): A dramatic season-ending win at Portland State give the Bears faithful a glimmer of hope for 2011.
8. Portland State (2-9): The Vikings hope to put a dismal 2010 season behind them.
9. Idaho State (1-10): The Bengals only win of 2010 came against NAIA Montana Western, by 29 points.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Great West Conference (FCS)
Looking back: Despite a dismal 2-5 record in non-conference games, the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds won when it counted, as they finished unbeaten in conference play at 4-0 to win the 2010 Great West Conference championship.
Looking ahead: 2011 will be the last season for the GWC, at least for football, as North Dakota and Southern Utah will join the Big Sky Conference as full members in 2012, while Cal Poly and UC Davis will join the same league as football-only members, also in 2012. On the hand, South Dakota will join the Missouri Valley Football Conference, which will become effective next season as well.
Website: http://www.greatwestconference.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Cal Poly (7-4): The Mustangs hope to advance to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2008, after finishing 2-2 in GWC play in 2010.
2. UC Davis (6-5): The Aggies face a tough non-conference slate in 2011. It includes games against Arizona State from the newly-renamed Pacific 12 Conference, non-BCS FBS Hawaii, not to mention a game against future Big Sky Conference foe Montana State.
3. Southern Utah (6-5): The Thunderbirds hope to go out of the Great West on a winning note, by winning back-to-back conference titles.
4. South Dakota (4-7): The Coyotes hope to return to respectability after their first finish under .500 since 2003, when they finished 5-6.
5. North Dakota (3-8): The Fighting Sioux finished winless in GWC play at 0-4 a year ago.
Looking ahead: 2011 will be the last season for the GWC, at least for football, as North Dakota and Southern Utah will join the Big Sky Conference as full members in 2012, while Cal Poly and UC Davis will join the same league as football-only members, also in 2012. On the hand, South Dakota will join the Missouri Valley Football Conference, which will become effective next season as well.
Website: http://www.greatwestconference.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Cal Poly (7-4): The Mustangs hope to advance to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2008, after finishing 2-2 in GWC play in 2010.
2. UC Davis (6-5): The Aggies face a tough non-conference slate in 2011. It includes games against Arizona State from the newly-renamed Pacific 12 Conference, non-BCS FBS Hawaii, not to mention a game against future Big Sky Conference foe Montana State.
3. Southern Utah (6-5): The Thunderbirds hope to go out of the Great West on a winning note, by winning back-to-back conference titles.
4. South Dakota (4-7): The Coyotes hope to return to respectability after their first finish under .500 since 2003, when they finished 5-6.
5. North Dakota (3-8): The Fighting Sioux finished winless in GWC play at 0-4 a year ago.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)--(NCAA Division II)
Looking back: The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference produced three teams that won at least nine games in 2010: Nebraska-Kearney, Colorado School of Mines, and Colorado State-Pueblo. A fourth team, Chadron State, won eight games, but missed the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Colorado Mines won a triple-overtime thriller over Nebraska-Kearney to win the RMAC title, and advance to the D-II playoffs. They won the tiebreak over the Lopers, as both teams finished conference play at 8-1. The Orediggers fell to Grand Valley State, 35-13, in the first round.
Looking ahead: Expect another tight race in the RMAC for 2011. In 2012, Black Hills State University out of Spearfish, South Dakota will join the conference.
Website: http://www.rmacsports.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Nebraska-Kearney (9-2): The Lopers will make the move from the RMAC to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) in 2012. They hope to leave the RMAC on top after the tough season-ending loss to Colorado Mines kept them out of the playoffs. Also, UNK gets a chance at revenge on November 12, when the Lopers play host to CSM in their final RMAC game ever.
2. Colorado Mines (9-3): The Orediggers hope to not only match last year's success, but also make a deeper playoff run this season. But they'll have to do it with just 13 starters (eight on offense, five on defense) returning.
3. Chadron State (8-3): The Eagles ended the 2010 season with five straight wins after starting 3-3. They hope to carry the momentum from that season-ending streak into 2011.
4. Colorado State-Pueblo (9-2): The Thunderwolves will quickly find out how good they are when they open the 2011 season at West Texas A&M on September 1.
5. Adams State (5-6): The Grizzlies won back-to-back games to finish fifth in the RMAC at 4-5 in 2010.
6. Western New Mexico (4-7): The Mustangs have had just four winning seasons since 1986: 5-3 in 1989, 9-2 in 1990, 7-3 in 1993, and 5-4 in 1994.
7. Fort Lewis (3-7): The Skyhawks found themselves on the wrong end of blowouts far too often in 2010, losing six of their seven games by double digits.
8. Colorado Mesa (3-7): Formerly Mesa State College, the Mavericks hope to start over in 2011.
9. Western State (1-10): Wins have been hard to come by for the Mountaineers in recent years, combining for seven of them dating back to the beginning of the 2007 season, when they also finished 1-10.
10. New Mexico Highlands (1-10): The Cowboys look to build from the ground up under new head coach Eric Young.
Colorado Mines won a triple-overtime thriller over Nebraska-Kearney to win the RMAC title, and advance to the D-II playoffs. They won the tiebreak over the Lopers, as both teams finished conference play at 8-1. The Orediggers fell to Grand Valley State, 35-13, in the first round.
Looking ahead: Expect another tight race in the RMAC for 2011. In 2012, Black Hills State University out of Spearfish, South Dakota will join the conference.
Website: http://www.rmacsports.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
1. Nebraska-Kearney (9-2): The Lopers will make the move from the RMAC to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) in 2012. They hope to leave the RMAC on top after the tough season-ending loss to Colorado Mines kept them out of the playoffs. Also, UNK gets a chance at revenge on November 12, when the Lopers play host to CSM in their final RMAC game ever.
2. Colorado Mines (9-3): The Orediggers hope to not only match last year's success, but also make a deeper playoff run this season. But they'll have to do it with just 13 starters (eight on offense, five on defense) returning.
3. Chadron State (8-3): The Eagles ended the 2010 season with five straight wins after starting 3-3. They hope to carry the momentum from that season-ending streak into 2011.
4. Colorado State-Pueblo (9-2): The Thunderwolves will quickly find out how good they are when they open the 2011 season at West Texas A&M on September 1.
5. Adams State (5-6): The Grizzlies won back-to-back games to finish fifth in the RMAC at 4-5 in 2010.
6. Western New Mexico (4-7): The Mustangs have had just four winning seasons since 1986: 5-3 in 1989, 9-2 in 1990, 7-3 in 1993, and 5-4 in 1994.
7. Fort Lewis (3-7): The Skyhawks found themselves on the wrong end of blowouts far too often in 2010, losing six of their seven games by double digits.
8. Colorado Mesa (3-7): Formerly Mesa State College, the Mavericks hope to start over in 2011.
9. Western State (1-10): Wins have been hard to come by for the Mountaineers in recent years, combining for seven of them dating back to the beginning of the 2007 season, when they also finished 1-10.
10. New Mexico Highlands (1-10): The Cowboys look to build from the ground up under new head coach Eric Young.
Monday, August 01, 2011
RFC Summer Semester--Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)--(FCS)
Looking back: Texas Southern took home the SWAC title for 2010, holding off Alabama State, 11-6, to win the crown, in the championship game.
Looking ahead: The upcoming 2011 season will be watered down somewhat by events off the field, as both Jackson State and Southern were banned from this year's title game because of poor academic performance.
Website: http://www.swac.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
East Division
1. Alabama State (7-5): With Jackson State ineligible to compete for the SWAC title this season, expect the Hornets to at least to be in the hunt to repeat as East Division champs.
2. Alcorn State (5-6): The Braves started the 2010 season at 3-0, but lost six of eight games coming down the stretch.
3. Alabama A&M (3-8): The Bulldogs hope to bounce back after a dismal 2010 campaign.
4. Mississippi Valley State (0-10): The Delta Devils enter the 2011 season with 15 straight losses. Their last win came on October 3, 2009, when they crushed Texas College, 61-6.
West Division
1. Grambling State (9-2): The Tigers shared the West Division title with Texas Southern after both teams finished 8-1 in SWAC play. But that one loss, which came to TSU in the next-to-last game of the regular season, cost the team from Louisiana a shot to play in the SWAC title game. Hopefully, that will change for them in 2011.
2. Texas Southern (9-3): The Tigers from Houston overcame a 1-3 start in 2010, winning eight straight games to win the SWAC title. It'll be interesting to see if they can keep the momentum going in 2011.
3. Prairie View A&M (7-4): The Panthers have a new head coach in Heisma Northern.
4. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-6): The Golden Lions were anything but golden in close games last season, losing three of them by 10 points or less.
Not eligible for SWAC title in 2011
Jackson State (8-3): With playing in the SWAC title game out of the question, the Tigers from Mississippi will be playing for pride, and not much more, in 2011.
Southern (2-9): The Jaguars had their struggles on, as well as off the field last season, as they ended it on a six-game skid.
Looking ahead: The upcoming 2011 season will be watered down somewhat by events off the field, as both Jackson State and Southern were banned from this year's title game because of poor academic performance.
Website: http://www.swac.org/
Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)
East Division
1. Alabama State (7-5): With Jackson State ineligible to compete for the SWAC title this season, expect the Hornets to at least to be in the hunt to repeat as East Division champs.
2. Alcorn State (5-6): The Braves started the 2010 season at 3-0, but lost six of eight games coming down the stretch.
3. Alabama A&M (3-8): The Bulldogs hope to bounce back after a dismal 2010 campaign.
4. Mississippi Valley State (0-10): The Delta Devils enter the 2011 season with 15 straight losses. Their last win came on October 3, 2009, when they crushed Texas College, 61-6.
West Division
1. Grambling State (9-2): The Tigers shared the West Division title with Texas Southern after both teams finished 8-1 in SWAC play. But that one loss, which came to TSU in the next-to-last game of the regular season, cost the team from Louisiana a shot to play in the SWAC title game. Hopefully, that will change for them in 2011.
2. Texas Southern (9-3): The Tigers from Houston overcame a 1-3 start in 2010, winning eight straight games to win the SWAC title. It'll be interesting to see if they can keep the momentum going in 2011.
3. Prairie View A&M (7-4): The Panthers have a new head coach in Heisma Northern.
4. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-6): The Golden Lions were anything but golden in close games last season, losing three of them by 10 points or less.
Not eligible for SWAC title in 2011
Jackson State (8-3): With playing in the SWAC title game out of the question, the Tigers from Mississippi will be playing for pride, and not much more, in 2011.
Southern (2-9): The Jaguars had their struggles on, as well as off the field last season, as they ended it on a six-game skid.
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