RFC Summer Semester--Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

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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.