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2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Langston (7-3 overall) shared the Central States Football League with former member Southern Nazarene (9-3), with both teams finishing conference play at 4-1. But the Crimson Storm defeated the Lions, 38-34, on November 12, 2011, to earn the CSFL's automatic bid to the NAIA playoffs. SNU fell to MidAmerica Nazarene, 40-28, the first round.
Looking ahead: While it loses both Northwestern Oklahoma State and Southern Nazarene to the NCAA Division II ranks, the CSFL will add two new schools to the mix in Oklahoma Baptist and Wayland Baptist out of Texas. The Pioneers make their football debut this season, while the Bison won't take the field until 2013.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Langston (7-3): The Lions will look to make a run not only at an outright CSFL title, but also an elusive trip to the NAIA playoffs.
2. Bacone (5-6): The Warriors overcame a 1-5 start to win four of their final five games of 2011, and finish in a tie for third place in the CSFL at 3-2 in league games. Now, if they can just take that next step for 2012.
3. Southwestern Assemblies of God (4-6): The Lions are also looking to forward to after a 3-2 finish in CSFL play last season.
4. Texas College (0-11): The Steers hope to win a game, any game, in 2012.
5. Wayland Baptist (n/a): The Pioneers face an uphill battle in their first season on the gridiron.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Ouachita Baptist (7-3 overall) won the inaugural Great American Conference (GAC) football championship in bizarre fashion last season, finishing 6-1 in conference play. The team finished second--Henderson State (6-4)--finished 4-1 in GAC play, while the third place team--East Central (8-3)--was 6-2 in league contests.
Looking ahead: In a league that has six schools located in Arkansas, as well as three in Oklahoma, the GAC will grow by two more institutions in 2012: both in Oklahoma. Northwestern Oklahoma State and Southern Nazarene Universities will play their first full seasons in the GAC this fall. Neither team will be eligible for the conference title.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. East Central (8-3): The Tigers will be tested quickly on their 2012 season opener on August 30, when they travel to perennial NCAA Division II powerhouse Northwest Missouri State.
2. Ouachita Baptist (7-3): Despite winning the inaugural GAC title last season, a loss to Henderson State in the 2011 season finale prevented the Tigers from going unbeaten in conference play. That's something they hope to accomplish in 2012.
3. Henderson State (6-4): The Reddies found themselves in multiple close games last season, going 3-2 in games decided by six points or less.
4. Harding (4-7): The Bisons will play five true road games, as well as one game at a neutral site, for 2012.
5. Arkansas-Monticello (5-6): Had it not been for a heartbreaking one-point loss to Northeastern State (Okla.), the Boll Weevils not only would have finished unbeaten at home, but also would have a winning season for the first time since 2008, when they finished 7-4.
6. Southwestern Oklahoma State (5-6): The Bulldogs also played in their share of close games in 2011, going 5-1 in games decided by nine points or less, but 0-5 in contests decided by 10 points or more.
7. Southern Arkansas (3-7): The Muleriders hope to improve on last year's 3-4 mark in GAC games.
8. Arkansas Tech (2-8): The Wonder Boys hope to begin the long climb back to respectability after a dismal inaugural season in the GAC.
9. Southeastern Oklahoma State (2-8): The Savage Storm is turning its focus to 2012 after struggling to a 1-7 GAC mark in 2011.
Not eligible for GAC title
Northwestern Oklahoma State (5-6): After many years in the NAIA, the Rangers will begin the transition to the NCAA Division II ranks in 2012.
Southern Nazarene (9-3): The Crimson Storm advanced to the 2011 NAIA playoffs, only to be ousted by MidAmerica Nazarene, 40-28, in the first round. But now that they're a provisional member of D-II, the only thing the 2012 squad will be playing for is pride.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: In only its fourth full season of eligibility, North Dakota State won its first-ever NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title in 2011. The Bison downed Sam Houston State, 17-6, in the FCS title game at Frisco, Texas, on January 7, 2012. Northern Iowa was the only other MVFC team to advance to postseason play last year. The Panthers reached the quarterfinals, only to be crushed by Montana, 48-10.
Looking ahead: NDSU will try to accomplish something that hasn't done since Appalachian State won three straight national championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007: win back-to-back crowns in 2012. Meanwhile, the MVFC will add one additional program in the University of South Dakota Coyotes.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. North Dakota State (14-1): After a remarkable 2011 season that ended with their first-ever FCS national championship, the Bison will enter the 2012 season looking for a repeat performance. Their non-conference schedule includes a September 8 contest at FBS (non-BCS automatic qualifier) Colorado State, followed by their MVFC opener at Northern Iowa three weeks later. It'll be interesting to see if the Bison will have the same hunger they had in winning it all last season.
2. Northern Iowa (10-3): If there's any team that challenge North Dakota State for the MVFC crown, it's the Panthers. Whether they'll able to make a deep playoff run in 2012, though, is another matter altogether. They'll face two opponents from the Big Ten Conference(Wisconsin, Iowa) within the first three weeks of the season.
3. Illinois State (7-4): The Redbirds hope to improve on last season's 5-3 mark in MVFC play.
4. Indiana State (6-5): The Sycamores return 39 letterwinners and 19 starters in hopes of becoming serious contenders in the MVFC for 2012.
5. Youngstown State (6-5): The Penguins handed North Dakota State their lone loss of 2011 with a 27-24 upset win at the Fargo Dome on November 12. It was the big highlight of an otherwise up-and-down season for them.
6. South Dakota State (5-6): While they finished in a three-way tie with Youngstown State and Indiana State for fourth place at 4-4 in MVFC match-ups last season, the Jackrabbits fell one win short of finishing above .500, had it not been for a four-game during September and October. But they did finish strong at the end, winning their final three contests of 2011. Hopefully, that will carry over into 2012.
7. South Dakota (6-5): The Coyotes should fit right in with the mix that is the MVFC, as they enter their inaugural season in the league.
8. Southern Illinois (4-7): After seven straight playoff appearances from 2003-2009, the Salukis will face an uphill battle in trying to return to being among the elite teams in the MVFC going into 2012.
9. Missouri State (2-9): If you're a Bears fan, you probably can't wait for 2012 to get here. Especially after a rough 2011.
10. Western Illinois (2-9): The Leathernecks find themselves in the same boat as the Bears.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: San Diego and Drake shared the Pioneer Football League (PFL) title in 2011, as both teams finished with identical 7-1 records in conference play. However, the Toreros outlasted the Bulldogs, 31-24, in the lone meeting between the two teams, on October 15.
Looking ahead: Expect another tight race for the PFL crown in 2012. In 2013, the league will expand into Georgia, as it welcomes Mercer University out of Macon into the fold. Stetson University from Deland, Florida, will also join the PFL fold in 2013, with the return of its football program.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. San Diego (9-2): Despite an all-time record of 246-207-7 over a 47-year period, the Toreros haven't advanced to postseason play of any kind since 1973. The longest road trip of the season for them will be on September 15, when they make the cross country trip to Cambridge, Massachusetts to face defending Ivy League champion Harvard. Still, with 47 players coming back, including 29 on defense, not to mention 12 starters overall, don't be surprised if USD finds itself on top of the PFL heap again in 2012.
2. Drake (9-2): Head Coach Chris Creighton has compiled a 30-14 overall record in four seasons at the Bulldog helm. He must overcome the loss of 16 starters if they have any shot of even winning a share of the PFL title, let alone winning it outright.
3. Jacksonville (7-4): The Dolphins look to improve on last season's 6-2 mark in PFL play. They find themselves just six wins away from their 70th all-time win in program history, as JU begins the 15th season of its football program.
4. Campbell (6-5): The Fighting Camels are coming off of their best season as a varsity program, finishing with a winning record for the first time ever in 2011. They hope to take that next step towards their first-ever conference title in 2012, although that won't be an easy task.
5. Dayton (6-5): The Flyers will look to bounce back after slumping to a 4-4 mark in PFL action last season. That followed a 10-1 overall, as well as unbeaten (8-0) mark in conference play just two years ago.
6. Butler (5-6): With the loss of 15 starters, as well as 25 letterwinners, from last season, the Bulldogs face an uphill battle in contending for the 2012 PFL title.
7. Davidson (4-7): The Wildcats will look to post their first winning season since 2007, when they finished 6-4.
8. Marist (4-7): The Red Foxes look to get back on the winning track after a disappointing 2011 campaign in which six of their seven losses came by 10 points or more.
9. Morehead State (3-8): The Eagles will face six teams that had winning records in 2011, in 2012.
10. Valparaiso (1-10): The Crusaders have nowhere to go but up after yet another rough season.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Ottawa overcame an 0-2 start to the 2011 season, winning nine straight games to win the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championship. The Braves were quickly eliminated from the NAIA playoffs, however, as Azusa Pacific ended their season with a 49-26 rout in round one.
Looking ahead: Ottawa enters the 2012 season as the likely team to beat in the KCAC.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Ottawa (9-2): The Braves are among a handful of teams that will open the 2012 season on August 25, at home against Baker. Maybe they'll be able to start it at 2-0, instead of 0-2, like in the 2011 season.
2. Bethany (Kan.)--(8-3): The Swedes are coming off a third place in the KCAC at 6-3. A 38-30 loss to Southwestern likely cost them a shot at postseason play. That's something they hope to change in 2012.
3. St. Mary (7-4): After finishing 7-2 in KCAC action last season, the Spires hope that 2012 will be the year that they take that next step, and win a conference title.
4. Kansas Wesleyan (5-6): The Coyotes are looking ahead to 2012 after an up and down 2011 season that nearly ended with a winning record, had it not been for a close loss to St. Mary in the season finale.
5. Friends (5-5): The Falcons also had a "Jekyll and Hyde" 2011 season in which they lost four of their games by 10 points or more. The fifth loss came by forfeit, to St. Mary, of all teams.
6. Southwestern (5-6): The Moundbuilders hope that a season-ending 38-30 upset win over Bethany will be a sign of things to come in 2012.
7. McPherson (4-7): After back-to-back NAIA playoff appearances the last two years, the Bulldogs fell back to earth last season with a disappointing 4-5 mark in KCAC matches. Still, 2011 ended on a winning note for them, as they defeated Sterling, 24-17, for the program's 300th win all-time. Oh, and the Bulldogs have a new head coach as well in Pete Sterbick.
8. Tabor (3-7): The Bluejays hope to soar high in 2012.
9. Bethel (Kan.)--(2-9): The Threshers must find an interim head coach after the head coach they hired, Travis Graber, suddenly resigned recently.
10. Sterling (1-10): An award-winning media guide was likely the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal season for the Warriors, who hope to finish a winning record again in 2012 under ninth-year head coach Andy Lambert.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: MidAmerica Nazarene (10-2 overall) and Missouri Valley (9-2) both shared the Heart of America Conference (HAAC) championship in 2011, as both squads finished 8-1 conference play. A third team, Benedictine (Kan.), finished third in the HAAC at 7-2. All three teams advanced to the NAIA playoffs, but none of them advanced past the quarterfinal round.
Looking ahead: Expect another close race for top honors in the HAAC for 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Missouri Valley (9-2): The Vikings were ousted in the first round of the 2011 NAIA playoffs by St. Francis (Ind.), 28-14. Hopefully, 2012 will provide a different ending for the program donning the purple and orange out of Marshall, Missouri. As in a much deeper postseason run, perhaps even ending in a national championship. Maybe. Just maybe.
2. MidAmerica Nazarene (10-2): The Pioneers were the lone HAAC team to win a postseason game in 2011, defeating and eliminating Southern Nazarene, 40-28, before being eliminated themselves by eventual national champion St. Xavier, 29-14, in round two. They'll play host to Missouri Valley in the second game of 2012 on September 8.
3. Benedictine (Kan.)--(9-3): The Ravens saw their 2011 season end in the first round of the NAIA playoffs as well, as they fell to Georgetown (Ky.), 21-7. They'll be one of the few teams in the U.S. to open the 2012 season on Saturday, August 25, as they'll travel to Nebraska to face the Concordia Bulldogs.
4. Baker (7-3): Although a season-ending four-game winning streak ended gave them the Wildcats a winning record for 2011, they finished a distant fourth in the HAAC at 6-3.
5. Central Methodist (5-5): The Eagles will be tested quickly in their 2012 season opener, at home against MidAmerica Nazarene on September 1.
6. Avila (4-6): The Eagles will open the 2012 season on the road, against one of college football's newest programs in Lindenwood University-Belleville (Ill.), on September 1.
7. Evangel (3-7): The Crusaders are coming off of their fourth straight losing season, and fifth in the last six years. They face an uphill battle in trying to earn their first NAIA playoff appearance since 2005.
8. Peru State (2-8): The Bobcats will also open the 2012 season on August 25, with a road game at Dakota State.
9. Culver-Stockton (1-10): The good news for the Wildcats? They're just 10 wins away from 300 wins in program history. The bad news? They enter the 2012 season with an all-time record of 290-550-31.
10. Graceland (1-9): The Yellow Jackets hope to put 2011 behind them.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Morningside took the 2011 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) football crown. The Mustangs were ousted in the opening round of the NAIA playoffs by St. Francis (Ill.), 21-17.
Looking ahead: The Mustangs will be challenged by the likes of Doane and Northwestern (Iowa) for the 2012 GPAC title.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Morningside (9-2): As the lone team from the GPAC to advance to postseason play last season, the Mustangs are a slight favorite to repeat as conference champions this season. Hopefully, they'll play beyond the first round this time around.
2. Northwestern (Iowa)--(9-2): Despite winning eight straight games to end the 2011 season, the Red Raiders found themselves on the outside looking in when the postseason selections were made. They hope to find their way back to the playoffs in 2012. Their last postseason appearance, believe it or not, was back in 2006.
3. Doane (8-2): After coming off of a season where there was a five-win improvement from 2010 in 2011, the Tigers hope to take that next step in 2012, and take home a GPAC title.
4. Dakota Wesleyan (6-4): The Tigers were one of three teams to finish in a three-way tie for fourth place in the GPAC in 2011. If they're to contend for a conference crown in 2012, they must finish better than they started, as they lost four of their final five games after starting 5-0.
5. Hastings (6-4): The Broncos finished 2011 unbeaten at home (5-0), but struggled on the road (1-4). Winning on the road must become a priority if they hope to be serious contenders for the GPAC crown in 2012.
6. Midland (6-4): A three-game winning streak to end last season gives the Warriors and their faithful hope for this season.
7. Nebraska Wesleyan (5-5): The Prairie Wolves will look to start over in 2012 after ending 2011 with back-to-back losses.
8. Concordia (Neb.)--(4-7): The Bulldogs ended the 2011 season with five straight losses after a 4-2 start. They were held to 13 points or less in each of those losses.
9. Briar Cliff (2-9): The Chargers hope to put the misery of 2011 behind them in 2012.
10. Dordt (2-9): The Defenders won two games in a single season for the first time in the four-year history of their football program last year. That was the good news. The bad news? They finished winless (0-9) in GPAC play. They hope to win their first conference game since October 11, 2008. The Defenders downed Concordia, 17-14, on that day.
Website
Looking back: Pittsburg State won its second-ever national championship in 2011, as the Gorillas outlasted Wayne State (Mich.), 35-21, in the NCAA Division II title game at Florence, Alabama.
Looking ahead: Can the Gorillas do something that hasn't been done since 2006, which is win back-to-back national championships? Or, will some other team step up in 2012? Also, the MIAA officially welcomes four new members in Central Oklahoma, Lindenwood, Nebraska-Kearney, and Northeastern State (Okla.), as well as a returnee in Southwest Baptist. That brings the total number of schools in the conference to 15.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Pittsburg State (13-1): The Gorillas suffered just one loss during the 2011 season: a 43-25 setback to Washburn, only to avenge that defeat during the NCAA Division II playoffs, en route to winning their first national championship since 1991. Now, as they enter the 2012 season, Pitt State faces the challenge of trying to repeat last year's success.
2. Northwest Missouri State (11-3): The Bearcats overcame the sudden loss of their head coach during the 2011 offseason, and reached the quarterfinals of the D-II playoffs, only to lose to eventual national champion Pittsburg State. It'll be interesting to see if they can make another deep postseason run in 2012.
3. Washburn (10-3): The Ichabods finished 7-2 in MIAA play en route to reaching round two of the D-II playoffs, where they also fell to Pitt State. They hope to be a serious contender for the MIAA crown, and more, in 2012.
4. Missouri Western State (9-3): Another team that's looking to compete for a conference crown this season is the Griffons. They were the fourth MIAA team to advance to the D-II playoffs last season. Northwest Missouri State ended their run in round one with a 35-29 win.
5. Central Missouri (8-4): The Mules were the fifth team from the MIAA to advance to postseason play in 2011. But they had to settle for a trip to the Kanza Bowl, where they lost to West Texas A&M, 26-7. They'll have their work cut out for them if they hope to make themselves part of the playoff discussion in 2012.
6. Nebraska-Kearney (10-2): After being a perennial playoff contender as a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the Lopers must adjust to playing in the much tougher MIAA.
7. Fort Hays State (4-7): The Tigers have to tough row to hoe in trying to improve on last year's 3-6 MIAA mark.
8. Truman State (4-7): The Bulldogs hope that their last run in the MIAA is a successful one, before bolting for the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2013.
9. Southwest Baptist (6-5): The Bearcats hope for a successful return to the MIAA in 2012 after many years away.
10. Northeastern State (7-5): The Riverhawks will face a rocky road in their rookie season in the MIAA. They fell to Minnesota State, 28-14, in the 2011 Mineral Water Bowl.
11. Missouri Southern State (3-7): The Lions look to move forward a disappointing 2011 season.
12. Central Oklahoma (2-9): The Bronchos will face an uphill battle in their inaugural MIAA season as well.
13. Lindenwood (8-3): Former NAIA powerhouse Lions must also adjust to life in the MIAA.
14. Emporia State (4-7): Can anybody say "uphill battle" for the Hornets?
15. Lincoln (Mo.)--(2-9): The Blue Tigers hope to not sing the blues in 2012.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Despite splitting their first two games, followed by a season-ending eight-game winning streak, the Case Western Reserve University Spartans found themselves on the outside looking in when the selections for the 2011 NCAA Division III playoffs were announced. But at least they did take home yet another University Athletic Association (UAA) championship last season.
Looking ahead: The UAA will enter into a unique partnership with two other D-III conferences in 2014. Carnegie Mellon and Case Western Reserve will join the President's Athletic Conference, while the University of Chicago and Washington University of St. Louis, Missouri will join the new Southern Athletic Association in 2015. All four schools will be associate members of both leagues.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Case Western Reserve (9-1): The Spartans only loss of 2011 came on September 10, a 17-7 setback to Rochester on September 10. Still, that one loss proved to be costly for Case's case of advancing to the D-III playoffs, despite ending last season with eight straight wins. The Spartans pre-UAA schedule for 2012 includes a September 29 home game against Wittenberg, another squad that, like Case, sat out the postseason party after finishing 8-2 a year ago. Oh, and just one other thing: the Spartans will not only shoot for their fifth UAA title in six years this season, they'll also try to advance to the D-III dance for the first time since 2009.
2. Washington (Mo.)--(6-4): The Bears will have work cut out for them in 2012, as they'll not only open the season at home against three-time defending NCAA Division III national championship Wisconsin-Whitewater on August 31, they'll also play host to defending North Coast Athletic Conference champion Wabash on September 29. If that wasn't enough, the Bears must also travel to Cleveland to clash with Case in the next-to-last game of the regular season on November 3.
3. Carnegie Mellon (5-5): Despite becoming one of the latest college football programs to join the 500-win club: a 28-13 win over Chicago on November 5, the 2011 season was mostly one of disappointment for the Tartans, as they finished 1-2 in UAA play. They'll have to work hard get win No. 501 and beyond in 2012, as their non-conference schedule also includes a contest against Wabash on September 29, as well as a season-ending visit to Case on November 10.
4. Chicago (5-5): The Maroons entered UAA action with a 5-2 overall record. But three straight losses, all in conference play, ruined what could have been a promising 2011 season for them. Their 2012 league opener is at home against Case on October 27.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: In only its fourth season of football, St. Scholastica advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first-time ever. The Saints were stomped by eventual national semifinalist St. Thomas, 48-2, in the first round.
Looking ahead: Expect the target to be on St. Scholastica's back all season long.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. St. Scholastica (10-1): The Saints look forward to the challenge of not only repeating as UMAC champions, but also making a return trip to the NCAA Division III playoffs, in season five.
2. Westminster (Mo.)--(8-2): The Blue Jays bounced back from a 1-2 beginning to end the 2011 season with seven straight wins, good enough for a share of second place in the UMAC at 7-2. It'll be interesting to see if that seven-game winning streak will carry over the 2012 season.
3. Greenville (7-4): The Panthers also overcome a rough start to the 2011 season, carrying a seven-game winning streak into the NCCAA Victory Bowl, where they lost to Campbellsville, 21-7. They hope the 2012 season will be the beginning of another extended winning streak.
4. Northwestern (Minn.)--(6-4): The Eagles will look to improve on last season's 6-3 mark in UMAC play.
5. Minnesota-Morris (5-5): The Cougars have had back-to-back seasons of at least five wins. It'll be interesting if they get over that hump in 2012.
6. Eureka (4-6): The Red Devils ended the 2011 season with five straight losses after a 4-1 start.
7. Presentation (3-7): The Saints look to march up in the UMAC standings in 2012, after finishing 3-6 in conference play in 2011.
8. MacMurray (2-8): The Highlanders hope to put the misery of 2011 behind them.
9. Martin Luther (2-8): The Knights are in that same boat heading into 2012.
10. Crown (0-10): The Storm look to bounce back after a winless season.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: In one of the most unusual seasons in recent memory, an unlikely squad emerged as the champions of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) in 2011: the University of Dubuque Spartans. Their run in the NCAA Division III playoffs didn't last long, however, as North Central ended their season with a convincing 59-13 rout in round one.
Looking ahead: The IIAC will have one less member in 2012, as Cornell left to re-join the Midwest Conference after a lengthy absence from that league. Cornell's departure leaves the IIAC with eight schools.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Wartburg (8-2): The Knights were one of three teams to finish in a three-way tie for second place in the IIAC last season, at 6-2 in conference play. Unfortunately, both of those losses came against Coe, which also finished IIAC action at 6-2, and Simpson, which finished 5-3 in league games. Both defeats came by a combined total of only four points. Were it not for those close losses, the Knights very well could advanced to the D-III playoffs instead of Dubuque. Even when they won, even the most faithful fans that followed the Orange and Black bit their nails until time ran out, as their Knights won six of their eight games by nine points or less last year. They'll have a chance for redemption, as well as that elusive playoff berth, this season.
2. Central (7-3): Although they managed to continue their amazing streak of non-losing seasons, which dates all the way back to 1961, the 2011 season was disappointing for the Dutch, at least by that program's standards, as they were yet another team shared second place in the IIAC at 6-2. They hope to win an unpredecented 31st Iowa Conference title in 2012.
3. Dubuque (9-2): The Spartans won't be sneaking up on anyone this season. Especially after winning their first conference title in 31 years last season. It'll be interesting to see if they have the hunger to repeat as IIAC champs in 2012.
4. Coe (6-4): The Kohawks overcame an 0-2 overall start to win six of their final eight games of 2011, with three of their four losses coming by seven points or less. If they can win more of those close games, don't be surprised if they emerge as the IIAC champions in 2012. Their first real test comes in the season opener on September 1, when they play to defending Midwest Conference champion Monmouth (Ill.).
5. Simpson (5-5): Usually, finishing a season at .500 is not something to cheer about. Not at Simpson, however. The Storm had its best finish in IIAC play in a long time, finishing at 5-3. Still, a bitter, season-ending loss to Central will give this year's the motivation to win their first IIAC title since 1997.
6. Luther (3-7): The Norse hope to put a rough 2011 season behind them.
7. Buena Vista (2-8): A season-ending 28-0 win over Loras was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable season for the Beavers.
8. Loras (1-9): The Duhawks look to begin their uphill battle after going winless (0-8) in IIAC play last season.
Website
2011 Final Standings (Overall)
2011 Final Standings (Divisional)
Looking back: Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota State, and St. Cloud State all shared the overall championship of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) for 2011. All three teams finished in 8-2 in conference games last season. In the divisional races, Minnesota State won the South Division title with an undefeated mark of 6-0, while UMD and St. Cloud finished as co-champions of the North Division after finishing 5-1.
In the NCAA Division II playoffs, UMD advanced the farthest of any NSIC team, reaching the quarterfinals before being eliminated by eventual national runner-up Wayne State (Mich.), 31-25. SCSU also advanced to the D-II playoffs, only to be ousted in the first round by that same Wayne State squad, 48-38. Minnesota State also earned a trip to postseason play, defeating Northeastern State (Okla.), 28-14, in the Mineral Water Bowl, at Excelsior Springs, Mo., on December 3, 2011.
Looking ahead: The NSIC expands from 14 to 16 teams in 2012, with the additions of Minot State University from North Dakota, and former NAIA powerhouse, the University of Sioux Falls, out of South Dakota. Neither team will be eligible for postseason play this year.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Minnesota-Duluth (11-3): The Bulldogs are beginning their 80th season of football in 2012. Hopefully, it will end with their third national championship in five years.
2. Minnesota State (9-3): After winning the 2011 Mineral Water Bowl, the Mavericks hope to make a move toward the 2012 NCAA Division II playoffs.
3. St. Cloud State (9-3): The Huskies must replace 22 letterwinners lost due to graduation if they want make another playoff run in 2012.
4. Wayne State (Neb.)--(7-4): The Wildcats will look to improve on last year's 7-3 finish in NSIC play.
5. Winona State (7-4): The Warriors will travel to Duluth to face UMD in their second game of 2012 on September 8.
6. Bemidji State (8-3): The Beavers will play six home games in 2012.
7. Augustana (S.D.)--(6-5): The Vikings overcame an 0-3 start to finish the 2011 season above .500. Hopefully, that flourishing finish will carry over into the 2012 season.
8. Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.)--(6-5): The Golden Bears also overcame some early struggles to finish 2011 with a winning record, winning their four of their final five games, and three straight games to end the season.
9. U Mary (5-6): The Marauders must learn how to win the close games in 2012. If they want to finish with a winning record this fall, that is. In 2011, they lost five games by 13 points or less.
10. Southwest Minnesota State (3-8): The Mustangs will be tested right away to start 2012, as they play host to Minnesota-Duluth on August 30.
11. Minot State (2-8): The Beavers will play host to Minnesota State in their first-ever NSIC contest, also on August 30.
12. Sioux Falls (5-4): Just two years ago (2010), the Cougars were playing for, and winning, NAIA national championships. Now, they're facing the challenge of competing in the toughest conferences in all of NCAA Division II.
13. Upper Iowa (3-8): The Peacocks struggled to a 2-8 mark in NSIC play last season.
14. Minnesota State-Moorhead (2-9): Steve Laqua hopes to get the Dragons going in his second season as head coach.
15. Northern State (5-6): The Wolves hope that a season-ending three-game winning streak that ended 2011 will carry over into 2012.
16. Minnesota-Crookston (0-10): The Golden Eagles have lost 20 of their last 22 games dating back to the 2010 season.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: St. Thomas had its best season ever in 2011, advancing to the national semifinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs, only to lose to eventual three-time national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater, 20-0. They were the only team from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) to advance to postseason play.
Looking ahead: Will the Tommies finally reach the top of the D-III summit in 2012? Or will the likes of St. Olaf and Bethel (Minn.) provide a stiff challenge? And what about St. John's? Can the Johnnies return to prominence under legendary head coach John Gagliardi? Those are among the multiple questions that will be answered going into this season.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. St. Thomas (13-1): The Tommies have had back-to-back unbeaten regular seasons within the last two years. Additionally, since the start of the 2009 season, UST has compiled a combined overall record of 36-4 (.900), advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs each time. The Tommies last regular season loss came on October 17, 2009, a 20-17 loss to St. John's. Additionally, their last loss to a MIAC came in the national quarterfinals, a 12-7 setback to Bethel (Minn.). After seeing their postseason run derailed by Wisconsin-Whitewater in last year's national semifinal round, the Tommies hope to finally get over the hump in 2012.
2. St. Olaf (8-2): Since 2005, the Oles have fluctuated between 8-2 and 6-4 seasons, with a 5-5 mark from 2009 thrown in just for good measure. They'll look to have their first nine-win season since 1970, when the Oles finished 9-0.
3. St. John's (6-4): Head Coach John Gagliardi will enter his 60th season at SJU, as well as his 64th overall as a head coach. Coming into the 2012 season, Gagliardi has a career record of 484-133-11 (.779). Believe it or not, he's just 16 wins away from becoming the first coach in college football history to win 500 games. In order to move closer to that milestone, however, the Johnnies would have to finish 15-0. That would put him at 499 career wins, one win shy of his 500th. It would also mean that SJU would have to overcome its worst finish since 1997, when the Johnnies also finished 6-4.
4. Bethel (Minn.)--(8-2): After a run to the national semifinals in 2010, the Royals missed out on another D-III playoff appearance in 2011, despite winning their final three games of the season. They'll open the 2012 season against another squad that won exactly eight games all of last season in Wartburg, on September 8.
5. Concordia-Moorhead (Minn.)--(6-4): The Cobbers hope to have a better ending to 2012 than they did to 2011, when they lost back-to-back games.
6. Augsburg (6-4): The Auggies will look to improve on their 4-4 record in MIAC play from last season. They started the 2011 campaign with four straight wins, before stumbling down the stretch, losing four of their final six games.
7. Gustavus Adolphus (2-8): The Golden Gusties look to get back on the winning track after a dismal 2011 campaign.
8. Carleton (2-8): The Knights were held to 14 points or less in the eight games they lost last season. Oh, they did win one game in overtime, a 23-17 triumph over Macalester, on October 22.
9. Hamline (0-10): As if losing 16 straight games overall going into the 2012 season wasn't enough, the Pipers have also lost 16 MIAC games in a row. They've also won just two conference games in the last four years. That's a record that second-year head coach John Pate hopes to turn in his second season at the Pipers helm.
9.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Wisconsin-Whitewater secured its place in NCAA football history in 2011, with the Warhawks winning their third straight Division III national championship, as well as their fourth title in the last five years. UWW was the lone team from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) to advance to postseason play last season.
Looking ahead: UWW will have yet another chance to add to its trophy case in 2012, as the Warhawks will look to become only the second team ever to win four straight national championships at the D-III level. Augustana (Ill.) is the only team to win four straight D-III national titles, from 1983-1986. The only other program to claim four straight national championships was Carroll (Mont.). The Saints won four straight NAIA crowns from 2002-2005.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Wisconsin-Whitewater (15-0): Over the last seven years alone, the record really speaks for itself when starting a discussion about the Warhawks football program. Seven straight trips to the Stagg Bowl, four national championships in the last five years, not to mention back-to-back-to-back national championships. Oh, and under current head coach Lance Leipold, UWW, amazingly, has lost just three games dating back to the 2007 season. It'll be interesting to see if the Warhawks can continue that unprecedented run of excellence in 2012.
2. Wisconsin-Platteville (7-3): If there's any program that could end Whitewater's amazing run, it could be the Pioneers. A season-ending four-game winning streak after splitting the first six games gives the UWP faithful a faint glimmer of hope for 2012. By the way, Platteville will play host to Whitewater in the WIAC opener on September 29.
3. Wisconsin-Oshkosh (7-3): The Titans had their third seven-win season in the last years, winning their final two contests of 2011 to finish in a second place tie with Wisconsin-Platteville, which was their best-ever. They hope to finally get over that seven-win hump in 2012.
4. Wisconsin-Eau Claire (5-5): The Blugolds hope to advance to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time since 2007. Their first true test for 2012 will come in the season opener on September 1, when they play host to national semifinalist St. Thomas.
5. Wisconsin-Stout (5-5): The Blue Devils will a have tough test of their own on September 15, as they play to another NCAA playoff participant from 2011 in North Central.
6. Wisconsin-Stevens Point (4-6): The Pointers hope to point their way back to respectability in the WIAC after losing three straight games to end 2011.
7. Wisconsin-LaCrosse (3-7): The Eagles will also look to get back on the winning track after third three-win season in the last four years.
8. Wisconsin-River Falls (1-9): The Falcons last had a winning season in 2000, when they finished 6-4 overall.
