Sunday, June 29, 2014

RFC Summer Semester: Great Lakes Valley Cofnerence (GLVC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)--(NCAA Division II)

Website

2013 Final Standings 

Looking back: The University of Indianapolis Greyhounds advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second straight season, finishing unbeaten in Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) at 7-0 to win the conference title.  The Greyhounds were ousted by West Texas A&M in the first round to finish the 2013 season at 10-2 overall.

Looking ahead: The GLVC will field nine teams for football, thanks to an unusual scheduling alliance with the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), for the 2014 season. In are Lincoln and Southwest Baptist from Missouri, out is Kentucky Wesleyan as an associate member.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Indianapolis (10-2):  With an overall record of 20-5--and two NCAA Division II playoff appearances over the past two years, the Greyhounds have established themselves as the premier program in the GLVC.  But in order to make it three straight postseason trips in 2014, they must replace a 16-member senior class that compiled a program-record 33 wins over the past four years.  Not only that, they also face a tough early non-conference schedule that includes three straight road games to open the season: at fellow D-II playoff participant Saginaw Valley State, perennial NAIA power St. Xavier, and Southwest Baptist in their GLVC opener.

2. St. Joseph's (8-3):  After having their best season since 2006, the Pumas hope to take that giant step towards winning their first-ever GLVC title. But that would mean having to dethrone UIndy in 2014. The Pumas and Greyhounds will square off in Indianapolis on October 30. It's a game that will be nationally televised on the CBS Sports Network.

3. Truman State (7-4):  Had it not been for back-to-back close losses to St. Joseph's and UIndy, respectively, to close out the 2013 season, the Bulldogs not only would have finished 9-2, but also could have put themselves in the postseason discussion, as well as taken home at least a share of the GLVC crown. It's something they hope to rectify in 2014.

4. Missouri S&T (6-5):  After a 10-win season in 2012, the Miners fell back to earth in 2013, finishing in a three-way tie for second place in the GLVC at 5-2. New head coach Tyler Fenwick must replace 14 seniors who helped them force that tie with Truman State and St. Joseph's, respectively, in order to contend in 2014.

5. McKendree (4-6):  Head Coach Mike Babcock hopes that the signing of 31 players will help his Bearcats get over the hump this season. They finished 3-4 in conference games last season.

6. William Jewell (3-8):  The Cardinals 2014 slate includes five teams that finished 2013 with a winning record.

7. Quincy (2-9):  Hawks face a tough task after suffering their fifth straight losing season.

8. Lincoln (Mo.)--(3-8):  The Blue Tigers hope that back-to-back wins to close out 2013 will carry over into 2014.  

9. Southwest Baptist (1-10):  Can anyone say "nowhere to go but up" for the Bearcats?


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