RFC Summer Semester--New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

New England Small Collegiate Athletic Conference (NESCAC)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back: Trinity (Conn.) completed an undefeated season in 2012 by finishing 8-0, making it the Bantams sixth outright NESCAC championship or co-championship dating back to 2002.

Looking ahead: Will Trinity stay on top in 2013? Or will another team step up to dethrone the Bantams?

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Trinity (Conn.)--(8-0):  With at least 15 seniors gone from last year's roster, the Bantams and Head Coach Jeff Devanney must find other players in hopes of taking home yet another NESCAC title in 2013.

2. Middlebury (7-1):  With their game against Trinity being played at home on October 26, the Panthers have a chance to avenge their lone loss of last season: a 45-7 rout in the Bantams favor on October 27, 2012.

3. Bates (5-3):  Coming off their first winning season since 1981, the Bobcats hope to take the next step, and seriously challenge for the NESCAC crown, instead of just the CBB title, which they won outright in 2012, thanks to wins over archrivals Colby and Bowdoin in back-to-back weekends.

4. Amherst (6-2):  The Lord Jeffs go into 2013 on a roll after knocking off archrival Williams, 23-20, to close out 2012.   Head Coach E.J. Mills must replace the 14 seniors who led them to a 28-4 overall record over the past four years.  Mills needs just six more wins to join the 100-win club, as his career coaching mark sits at 94-34 going into his 17th season on the sidelines.

5. Williams (4-4):  Coming off their worst record since 1987, when they also finished 4-4, the Ephs look to get back on the winning track in 2013.  But they face in getting there, as three of their first four games will be played on the road, including visits to Trinity and Middlebury.

6.  Wesleyan (5-3):  The Cardinals became one of the latest programs to join the 500-win club, clinching their first winning season since 2002, when they also finished 5-3.  They'll carry an all-time of 500-497-42 into 2013.

7. Colby (3-5):  The Mules look to start anew under new Head Coach Jonathan Michaeles.

8. Hamilton (1-7):  The Continentals also look to start over new Head Coach Andrew Cohen.

9. Bowdoin (1-7):  The Polar Bears look to rebound after their worst season since 2001, when they also finished 1-7.

10. Tufts (0-8):  The Jumbos are looking to win a game, any game, after a winless 2012 season.

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