Editor's Note: We're taking a brief break from our regular conference previews to take a short look at several small college football teams from Texas who are making the transition from one division to another. So, sit back and enjoy!
2012 overall record in parentheses
From NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II
McMurry (8-3): The Warhawks had a very successful transition from the NCAA Division III, to the NCAA Division II ranks in 2012. But it didn't come easy, as they were outscored 120-7 in their first two games, both losses. Still, they managed to go 8-1 the rest of the season, with their lone loss during that stretch coming against FCS Lamar University. The season ended with a dramatic come-from-behind win over Southern Arkansas, 36-35, in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl on December 1. Now, the Warhawks go into 2013 with a new head coach in Mason Miller, who replaces veteran coach Hal Mumme. Mumme left to become the offensive coordinator at SMU. The Warhawks will join the Lone Star Conference for football only in 2014.
From NCAA Division II to FCS
Abilene Christian (7-4): The Wildcats final season at the NCAA Division II had many ups-and-downs, as they finished Lone Star Conference action at 4-4, although they did finishing 2012 with three straight wins. The transition to the FCS means that ACU will be ineligible for posteason play in 2013, as well as the following three seasons. And it could be a very rough one at that, with the Wildcats facing the likes of New Mexico Highlands, Pittsburg State, and Tarleton State at the D-II level, Illinois State and Prairie View A&M at the FCS, and New Mexico State at the FBS level.
Incarnate Word (2-9): Since finishing 5-5 in their inaugural season (2009), the Cardinals win total has declined steadily over the last three seasons, finishing a dismal 1-7 in Lone Star Conference play. Now, as they begin the transition to the NCAA Division I (FCS) level, UIW face will much tougher competition in 2013. Among the teams they'll face this season are back-to-back FCS national runner-up Sam Houston State, fellow Texas transition program Abilene Christian, and gridiron newcomer Houston Baptist.
New for 2013
Houston Baptist (n/a): After many years of planning, the Huskies are finally ready to take the field in 2013. They'l play just seven games in their inaugural season, starting with their first-ever game at Sam Houston State on August 31. HBU hopes to play their first full season in the Southland Conference by 2014.
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4 years ago
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