Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Preview (NCAA Division II)

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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.