RFC Summer Semester--Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)--NCAA Division III

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2013 Final Standings

Looking back: Hampden-Sydney (9-3 overall in 2013) won yet another Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) football championship, as the Tigers won their eighth conference title with a thrilling 28-26 win over Randolph-Macon in the 119th edition of  "The Game" on November 16.

If that wasn't enough for the H-SC faithful, the Tigers managed to make some history at the NCAA Division III playoffs a week later, as they held off Maryville, 42-34, for the program's first-ever postseason win.  Their season ended in the second round the following week, as Linfield advanced with a hard-fought 31-21 victory.

Looking ahead: The Tigers will have more than enough competition to try to knock off of the throne throughout 2014. And if previous seasons are any indicator, expect the race for this year's ODAC crown to be a two, maybe a three-team race this fall.

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

1. Hampden-Sydney (9-3):  With 39 freshmen coming on board to support 14 returning starters, the Tigers must grow up fast if they're to see another trip to postseason play in 2014. That's because a tough early season schedule has them playing against the likes of Wabash and Christopher Newport, among other opponents.
 
2. Randolph-Macon (7-3):  The Yellow Jackets have formidable challengers for the ODAC title over the last several years, and this year appears to be no different. Still, they'll open the 2014 season against the always tough Johns Hopkins Blue Jays, and end it with their annual "Game" against the aforementioned H-SC squad, both on the road.

3. Washington and Lee (5-5): The Generals hope to return to the form that put them in the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2010 and 2012 after a disappointing 2013 season where they finished 3-4 in ODAC action.
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4. Catholic (6-4): The Cardinals hope to soar on their way to the top of the ODAC after a 3-4 mark in league games last season.

5. Guilford (6-4):  After a surprise 5-2 finish in ODAC contests last season, don't expect the Quakers to sneak up on anyone this season.

6. Bridgewater (Va.)--(4-6): Coming off a dismal last place finish in the ODAC at 1-6 last year, the Eagles will be looking for redemption this year.   

7. Emory & Henry (5-5):  After multiple average seasons, the Wasps and new head coach Curt Newsome hope to start a new era of winning conference championships in 2014 and beyond.

8. Shenandoah (4-6):  Coming off of a surprising 3-4 record in ODAC play in 2013, the Hornets face a tough task in getting above the .500 mark in 2014. They open this season on the road against defending Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) champion Gallaudet.
 
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