RFC Summer Semester--South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

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2011 Final Standings

Looking back: Mars Hill and Lenoir-Rhyne were the only South Atlantic Conference (SAC) squads to post overall winning records in 2011.  Only Mars Hill managed to advance to postseason play a year ago, losing to North Greenville, 58-32, in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. By the way, it was the Lions first-ever trip to postseason play of any kind last season.

Looking ahead: Expect the SAC to be much improved on the field in 2012.  That means Mars Hill and Lenoir-Rhyne will both be looking over its shoulders a lot this season.

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

1. Mars Hill (8-3):  With a tough 2012 schedule that opens up with visits to FCS foes Western Carolina and Southeast Missouri State on back-to-back weekends, as well as a September 22 visit to North Greenville, it might be tough for the Lions to even reach that eight win plateau of 2011, let alone make a deep postseason run, should they get there.


2. Lenoir-Rhyne (7-3):  The Bears managed to gain a share of the SAC title by routing Mars Hill, 51-21, on October 22.  But a tough loss at Tusculum the week before proved costly, as two their two non-conference losses, with one of those coming against, ironically, North Greenville, that kept them from earning their first postseason appearance since 1962.  The opening act of 2012 won't do the Bears any favors either, as they must pay a visit to West Virginia to face defending WVIAC champion Concord on September 1.


3. Wingate (5-6):  Tough losses to a pair of Georgia teams (Valdosta State and Albany State) set the tone for a disappointing 2011 season by Bulldog standards.  While the Golden Rams will remain on the schedule for 2012, they'll open the season at St. Augustine's on September 1.


4. Carson-Newman (5-6):  The Eagles are also looking to get back to their winning ways after a down year, finishing 3-4 in SAC action last year.  Head Coach Ken Sparks enters the 2012 season needing just one win to become the latest active coach to win at least 300 games in his career.  He has a career record of 299-80-2 going into his 33rd season.


5.  Newberry (4-6):   A 24-3 rout of Carson-Newman was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing 2011 season for the Wolves.  While they begin the 2012 season with four straight home games, they must open on September 1 with a tough test against D-II playoff participant Elizabeth City State.


6. Catawba (3-8):  The Indians will look ahead to 2012 after finishing a dismal 2-5 in SAC play in 2011.


7. Tusculum (3-8):  The Pioneers are also looking to put 2011 behind them.  They also finished 2-5 in the SAC a year ago.


8. Brevard (3-8):  After finishing last in the SAC at 1-6 last season, the Tornados have nowhere to go but up this season.