RFC Summer Semester--Northeast Conference (NEC) Preview (FCS)

Website

2011 Final Standings

Looking back: Despite a 1-2 record in non-conference games, Albany (N.Y.) won the one game that counted in earning its first-ever trip to the FCS playoffs: a 38-10 rout of Duquesne on October 8, to win the Northeast Conference's autobid to the 2011 dance.  Unfortunately, however, the Great Danes postseason run ended in heartbreaking fashion, as they fell to Stony Brook, 31-28, in the first round of the playoffs on November 26.

Looking ahead: Can the Great Danes repeat as NEC champs, and make a return to the FCS playoffs.  Or will Duquesne, or someone else, for that matter, step up to the top in this competitive conference, as it enters its third season as an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division I Football Championships?  Both questions will be answered throughout the 2012 season, one way or another.  In off the field news, Rhode Island will join the NEC as an associate member for football in 2013.

2012 Predicted Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)

1. Albany (N.Y.)--(8-4):  The Great Danes have a tough non-conference schedule on their agenda, starting on September 1, when they play host to a Colgate squad that beat them, 37-34, in last year's season opener.  They'll also take tough trips to Youngstown State and Maine along the way.  As for their NEC opener, UAlbany will pay a visit to Robert Morris on September 8.

2. Duquesne (9-2):  Despite going 7-1 in NEC play, as well as earning a share of the conference title in 2011, that one loss in league play, that blowout loss to UAlbany, cost the Dukes a trip to postseason play.  That's something they hope to accomplish in 2012.  A season opening visit to 2011 FCS playoff participant Old Dominion could provide insight as to whether the Dukes are indeed postseason ready.  Oh, and they must replace 13 starters from last season, too.


3. Bryant (7-4):  The Bulldogs begin their first full season as a full member of the NEC looking to earn their first-ever FCS playoff appearance.  In order to get there, though, they must overcome the loss of 14 starters from last season, including two on special teams.


4. Wagner (4-7):  The Seahawks overcame a dismal 1-7 start to finish strong in 2011, winning their final three games of the season.  That was good enough to finish tied for fourth place in the NEC at 4-4.  The highlights of the 2012 season include non-conference visits to FBS Florida Atlantic, and Georgetown (D.C.), as well as a late season visit to UAlbany, and the season finale at home against Duquesne.

5. Monmouth (N.J.)--(5-6):  The Hawks were undefeated on the road (5-0), but couldn't get off the ground at home, going winless (0-6) in their own backyard last  season.  If they're to contend for a conference championship in 2012, they must learn how to defend their home turf.


6. Sacred Heart (5-6):  The Pioneers begin the 2012 campaign looking to bounce back after a season-ending three-game skid.  They open it with three straight road games (Morgan State, Colgate, and Monmouth), before their home opener against Central Connecticut State on September 29.


7. Central Connecticut State (4-7):  The Blue Devils also finished strong after a sluggish start in 2011, winning their last two games of the season.  That included a 42-21 rout of Bryant to close out the campaign.


8. Robert Morris (2-9):  The Colonials have nowhere to go but up after ending the 2011 season with six straight losses.


9. St. Francis (Pa.)--(2-9):  The Red Flash weren't exactly a flash in the pan in 2011, with their lone NEC win coming in a 27-13 victory over Central Connecticut State on October 29.