RFC Small College Preview: The 2015 Debut--Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC)

Editor's Note: Welcome to the debut of the "RFC Small College Preview", which will replace the "RFC Summer Semester" installments that ran on the Real Football Central blog for the past five years. Hopefully, from now until the start of the 2015 season in late August/early September, Real Football Central will preview the seasons for conferences competing at the NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels.
So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC)

2014 Football Standings - MASCAC

Looking back: For the second straight season, the Framingham State University Rams finished MASCAC play unbeaten at 8-0. But because it's a relatively new conference playing football at the NCAA Division III level, the Rams were unable to advance to the playoffs. However, they did end the 2014 campaign on a winning note, as they won a 42-36 thriller in overtime to capture the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl title.

Looking ahead: Expect Framingham State to be the favorite to win the MASCAC crown again in 2015.

Predicted order of finish (2014 overall record in parentheses):

1. Framingham State (10-1):  Had it not been for an early season loss to Rowan, the Rams not only could have the finished the 2014 regular season undefeated, but also an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs. But with the MASCAC grabbing an automatic bid to the D-III dance in 2015, don't be surprised if their name is called on Selection Sunday this November.

2. Western Connecticut State (7-4):  Here's an example of a program that has experienced a tremendous turnaround over the last two years. The Colonials won just five games combined--including back-to-back 0-10 seasons--from 2008-2012, only to win 15 contests combined the last two years-including winning the 2013 ECAC Northeast Bowl championship.  Now, as they enter their fourth season under head coach Joe Loth, the Western Connecticut State program hopes to reach even greater heights in 2015.  

3. Worcester State (7-3):  Coming off of a third place finish in 2014, the Lancers will look to thrust themselves into serious contention for the MASCAC title in 2015.

4. Fitchburg State (6-4):  A four-game stretch in October where they'll play three of them on the road could make or break the 2015 season for the Falcons.  Oh, and they must pay an early season visit to Framingham State.

5. Bridgewater State (4-6):  The Bears will try to bounce back after giving up at least 30 points in five of the six games they lost last season.

6. UMass-Dartmouth (4-6):  The Corsairs found themselves on the short end of multiple close games in 2014, finishing 2-3 in contests decided by seven points or less. Winning a few more of those "barnburners" could propel them in contention in 2015.

7. Westfield State (5-5):  The Owls finished the 2014 campaign with their fourth season with exactly five wins in--you guessed it--the last years. It'll be interesting to see if they can finally get over that hump in 2015.

8. Massachusetts Maritime (4-6):  The Buccaneers will look to improve on last year's 3-5 mark in MASCAC games.

9. Plymouth State (1-9):  Talk about a huge fall from grace. The Panthers went from having a 10-win season in 2008, to only one win--none in MASCAC action--in 2014.  Looks like a long rebuilding effort in store for 2015.


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