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2012 Final Standings
Looking back: The 2012 season for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) can be best summed up with three teams: Missouri Western State, Emporia State, and Northwest Missouri State. That trio of teams won at least 10 games last season, with all of them advancing to postseason play of some kind.
In the NCAA Division II playoffs, Missouri Western State advanced to the quarterfinals, only to see the Griffons season end with a heartbreaking 17-10 loss to Minnesota State-Mankato. Meanwhile, Northwest Missouri State advanced to the second round before being crushed by that same Minnesota State squad, 35-0.
Two other teams advanced to postseason play as well, with Emporia State outlasting Texas A&M-Kingsville, 45-38, in the Kanza Bowl, while Lindenwood lost to Winona State, 41-21, in the Mineral Water Bowl.
Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if the race for the 2013 MIAA crown comes right down to the wire.
Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)
1. Missouri Western State (12-2): Defending MIAA champion Griffons appear to be primed for another potential postseason run in 2013.
2. Northwest Missouri State (10-3): But every defending champion has its share of challengers, and, barring any serious injuries or other mishaps, the Bearcats could be right in the thick of the MIAA title race this fall.
3. Emporia State (10-2): Ending a season with a win is nice. But what would be even better for the Hornets and their faithful is a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs this season. Their last trip there was in 2003.
4. Pittsburg State (7-3): After taking home a D-II national championship in 2011, the Gorillas had a disappointing showing by their standards in 2012. With all three of last year's losses coming by double digits, the Gorillas must learn how to stay competitive in the season's most important games if they're to have a shot at postseason play in 2013.
5. Lindenwood (8-4): Coming off an eight-win season, as well as an appearance in the Mineral Water Bowl, the Lions have even loftier aspirations going into 2013. Even better is that they'll become officially active D-II members on September 1.
6. Washburn (7-4): The Ichabods were 7-1 going into their final three games of 2012. But a three-game skid (all against teams that ultimately did advance to postseason play of some kind) ended all hopes of back-to-back D-II playoff berths. Instead, they'll try to shoot for their second playoff appearance in three years going into 2013.
7. Central Missouri (6-4): Despite an upset win over then No. 3 ranked Northwest Missouri State, the Mules missed postseason play for the first time under head coach Jim Svoboda last season. They'll face a tough task to try get back there this season.
8. Missouri Southern State (6-5): The Lions won their share of close games in 2012, winning four of those contests by seven points or less.
9. Fort Hays State (5-6): The Tigers face a brutal start to the 2013 season, playing their first four games against teams that posted winning records at the end of the 2012 campaign.
10. Northeastern State (4-6): The River Hawks have a tough row to hoe to open the 2013 season, taking on the likes of Pittsburg State, Missouri Southern State, Washburn, Emporia State, Northwest Missouri State, and Missouri Western State, all within the first six games.
11. Southwest Baptist (3-8): The Bearcats will get a fresh start under new head coach Craig Schuler.
12. Nebraska-Kearney (3-8): The Lopers had a rough maiden voyage in their inaugural MIAA season, finishing 2-8 in conference games last year. They'll face an uphill battle to even move up in the standings, much less contend for a postseason berth this year.
13. Central Oklahoma (2-8): Bronchos also face a lot of long odds under second year head coach Nick Bobeck.
14. Lincoln (Mo.)--(1-10): The Blue Tigers have won just four games overall dating back to 2009. That's a stat they hope to change in 2013.
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4 years ago
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