RFC Summer Semester--Mountain East Conference (MEC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

Mountain East Conference (MEC)--NCAA Division II

Website


2013 Final Standings

Looking back: The Mountain East Conference (MEC) made history in its inaugural season, with Shepherd cruising through the regular season undefeated. The Rams outlasted Winston-Salem State, 7-0, in the second round before being eliminated by West Chester, 28-7, in the quarterfinals.

Looking ahead: Look for Shepherd to be the team to beat in the Mountain East Conference heading into its second season.


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

1. Shepherd (11-1):  After a run to the quarterfinals last season, the Rams hope to go even deeper in the NCAA Division II playoffs this season. Barring any serious injuries, a slow start, or other problems, it just might happen.

2. Concord (8-3):  But with an overall mark of 22-11 since 2011, as well as finishing in a tie for second place with Urbana in 2013 (7-2 in the MEC), the Mountain Lions will surely give the Rams a run for their money in 2014.

3. Urbana (7-4):  The Blue Knights face just one non-conference foe in 2014, at home against Malone on November 1. By the way, two of their four losses in 2013 came by seven points or less.

4. Glenville State (6-5):  The Pioneers hope to rise to greater heights after finishing 5-4 in their inaugural MEC season a year ago.

5. Charleston (W. Va.)--(6-5):  The Golden Eagles look to soar even higher after a 6-3 MEC finish in 2013.

6. West Virginia Wesleyan (5-5): Cautious optimism abounds in Buckhannon after a season-ending three-game streak allowed the Bobcats to finish the 2013 campaign at 5-4 in the MEC. 

7. Notre Dame (5-6):  The Falcons hope to continue their move forward after finishing 2013 with a 30-13 win over West Liberty. In order to do that, though, they must improve on their 2-4 road record from last season.

8. Fairmont State (3-7):  Head Coach Jason Woodman hopes his second season at the Falcon helm is better than his first, as his team finished 2-7 in their initial MEC slate.

9. West Liberty (3-8):  The Hilltoppers face a long climb uphill after a disappointing 2013 season.  They're also looking to clinch their conference title/playoff berth since 2009.

10. Virginia-Wise (2-9):  The Cavaliers face a tough start to their 2014 schedule, playing four of their first six games at home.

11. West Virginia State (0-11):  The Yellow Jackets will enter 2014 trying to snap a 17-game skid that dates back to the middle of 2012.  Their last win came on September 29, 2012, when they defeated Seton Hill, 21-13.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.