RFC Summer Semester--University Athletic Association (UAA) Preview (NCAA Division III)

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.