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2013 Final Standings
Looking back: The Franklin College Grizzlies advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs as automatic qualifiers for the fourth straight season in 2013, becoming the first program in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) history to do so. They eliminated Washington (Mo.), 17-10, in the first round, only to be crushed by eventual national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater, 33-3, in the second round.
Looking ahead: Look for the Grizzlies to get a stiff challenge from Rose-Hulman for the 2014 HCAC championship, as the Engineers shared the 2013 crown with Franklin, with both teams finishing conference play at 7-1.
Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):
1. Franklin (8-4): If the Grizzlies are to advance to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the fifth straight season, they must replace the 18 seniors that led them to a combined 36-11 overall mark dating back to 2010. That record includes suffering just one conference loss over that four-year period. If that wasn't enough, they also must face 2013 D-III playoff participant Illinois Wesleyan, as well as defending national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater in succession starting on September 6. Oh, and they'll begin the 2014 season ranked No. 12 in the nation by Lindy's Sports.
2. Rose-Hulman (7-3): The Engineers had a season to remember in 2013, winning their final three games to claim a share of the HCAC title, which was their first conference championship since 1988. Now going into 2014, they hope to not only win back-to-back league titles, but also snag that coveted automatic bid to the D-III playoffs with it.
3. Mount St. Joseph (6-4): The Lions look to thrust themselves in the HCAC title discussion after finishing 5-2 in HCAC action last season.
4. Hanover (5-5): The Panthers overcame an 0-4 start to finish the 2013 season at 5-3 in HCAC play. Hopefully, that momentum will carry over into the 2014 campaign.
5. Bluffton (4-6): After finishing the 2013 season with three straight wins--including a stunning upset win over Franklin--following a 1-6 start, the Beavers are moving forward into the 2014 season with a new head coach in Denny Dorrel.
6. Defiance (3-7): The Yellow Jackets are also looking to put 2013 behind them after finishing 3-5 in league games last season.
7. Manchester (3-7): The Spartans will begin the 2014 season with three straight home games. Hopefully, that will give them the spark they need to contend for the HCAC title this season.
8. Earlham (2-8): After winning only three games combined over the last four years, the Quakers hope to continue their climb upward in 2014.
9. Anderson (0-10): Can anyone say "nowhere to go but up" for the Ravens?
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