RFC Summer Semester--Great American Conference (GAC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

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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.