NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Mid-American Conference (MAC)

2014 Standings

2015 Media Predictions

2015 Preseason Notes

Quick Analysis: It was a tale of two divisions in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) for 2014, with the West being the best as Northern Illinois won that division, while Bowling Green barely finished above .500 in claiming the East crown. The Huskies then crushed the Falcons, 51-17, to claim the MAC crown. 

But the bowl games were a different story, with Marshall blasting NIU in the Boca Raton Bowl, while Bowling Green outlasted South Alabama in the inaugural Camellia Bowl. In all, the MAC finished 2-3 in bowl games last season, with Toledo earning the only other postseason win in a 63-44 rout of Arkansas State in GoDaddy Bowl.

Having said that, don't be surprised if either both division races of the MAC go down to the wire in 2015.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Northeast Conference (NEC)

All-Time Standings

2015 Coaches Predictions

2015 Preseason All-Conference Team  

Football History 

Postseason History

Quick Analysis: In a potential sign of things to come, Bryant received four out of seven first-place votes to win the favorite's role in the Northeast Conference (NEC). The Bulldogs 2015 schedule, however, won't be a cakewalk, as their non-conference slate includes back-to-back road trips to Brown and 2014 FCS playoff participant Coastal Carolina in September.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Conference USA

2014 Football Standings

2015 Media Guide

2015 Predictions (Courtesy of Athlon Sports)

2015 Predictions (Courtesy of Conference USA)


Quick Analysis: It'll be interesting to see how Marshall will adjust to the loss of quarterback Rakeem Cato, who's currently with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Meanwhile, expect Western Kentucky--whose Hilltoppers handed the Thundering Herd its lone loss in 2014--to be the team to beat going into 2015. Finally, there's good news for UAB fans, as their football program is expected to return in 2017 after a two-year hiatus.

 Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.


 

Northeast Conference - Sacred Heart and Saint Francis Have Highest Representation on Preseason All-NEC Team

Northeast Conference - Sacred Heart and Saint Francis Have Highest Representation on Preseason All-NEC Team

Southland Conference - Southland Announces Preseason All-Conference Football Teams

Southland Conference - Southland Announces Preseason All-Conference Football Teams

NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)

2014 Football Standings

2015 Predictions/All-Conference

2015 Media Guide

Quick Analysis: The University of New Hampshire Wildcats had perhaps their best season as a member of the NCAA Division I Football Championships Subdivision (FCS)--(formerly NCAA Division I-AA), as they advanced to the national semifinals for the second straight season, losing to eventual national runner-up, Illinois State, 21-18. Despite the deep postseason run, however, it's another team of Wildcats, the ones from Villanova University, who were picked to win the CAA crown this fall.


Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Southern Conference

2014 Standings

2015 Coaches Poll

2015 Media Poll

2015 Preseason All-Conference

Quick Analysis: Coming off of one of their best seasons in more than three decades, the University of Chattanooga Mocs were picked as favorites to win the Southern Conference championship by the coaches as well as the media. After Chattanooga, it's anyone's guess as to who could finished second behind the Mocs, whether it be Western Carolina or Samford.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Missouri Valley Football Conference

2014 Standings



2015 Preseason Release



2015 Predictions



Quick Analysis: To no one's surprise--outside of Fargo, North Dakota maybe--the four-time defending FCS national champion North Dakota State University Bison were picked to win the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) championship in 2015. But don't be shocked if Illinois State, whose Redbirds fell to the Bison in the national championship game last January, gives NDSU a run for its money.



Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

RFC Small College Preview: Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)--(NAIA)

Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)

2014 Football Standings

2014 Media Guide

Looking back: MidAmerica Nazarene and Missouri Valley both shared the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) championship, with both squads finishing at 8-1 in conference play last fall. The Pioneers fell to eventual national champion Southern Oregon in the first round of the NAIA playoffs, while the Vikings lost to Morningside in the quarterfinals.

Looking ahead: With the addition of 2013 NAIA national champion Grand View, as well as William Penn--both from Iowa, the HAAC will be split into North and South Divisions for the upcoming season.

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

North Division

1.  Grand View (10-2): Don't be surprised if the Vikings wind up on top of this division in their inaugural season of the HAAC.

2. William Penn (7-4): But the Statesmen also hope to make an immediate impact on the HAAC.

3.  Benedictine (Kan.)--(7-4): The Ravens are looking to improve on last year's 6-3 mark in HAAC action last season.

4. Culver-Stockton (6-5): With the return of three preseason All-Americans, the Wildcats not only hope to thrust themselves into conference championship contention this fall, but also advance to postseason play for the first time ever.

5. Peru State (3-8): Can anybody say "uphill battle" for the Bobcats?

6. Graceland (0-11): The same question can be asked of the Yellow Jackets after a winless season.

South Division

1. MidAmerica Nazarene (9-2): The defending HAAC co-champion Pioneers are looking to achieve more success under second-year head coach Brian Willmer. 

2. Missouri Valley (9-3): The Vikings hope to be in the mix as well.

3. Baker (8-3): Don't count the Wildcats out either.

4. Central Methodist (6-5): The Eagles are looking to build on one of their better seasons in program history. 

5. Evangel (6-5): The Crusaders hope to make it three winning seasons in four years this fall.

6. Avila (4-7): The Eagles must rely on the contributions of four USA College Football Pre-Season All-Americans if they're to improve on last year's 2-7 mark in HAAC action.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

1986 I-AA National Championship - Georgia Southern vs Arkansas State

Long before they joined the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-A), as well as the Sun Belt Conference, both Arkansas State and Georgia Southern did battle for the NCAA Division I-AA (now NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision [FCS]) National Championship. Now sit back and enjoy this classic battle from 1986!



Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Ohio Valley Conference

2014 Football Standings

2015 Media Guide

2015 Preseason All-Conference Team

2015 Preseason Media Poll

2015 Preseason Release

Quick Analysis: The Jacksonville State University Gamecocks were picked as the favorites to win the Ohio Valley Conference championship not only by the head coaches and sports information directors, but also by the media. Considering that they finished undefeated in OVC play at 8-0 last season, it's no wonder why the Gamecocks are favored once again this fall. That's especially with the return of preseason defensive player of the year Devauntae Sigler to anchor what's expected to be a strong defense.  Still, don't be surprised if OVC runner-up Eastern Kentucky makes a strong run at the OVC title this season.

As for the FCS playoffs, both teams were sent home early, with the Colonels losing to Indiana State in the first round, while the Gamecocks fell to Sam Houston State in a second round upset.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Big Sky Conference

2014 Big Sky Conference Standings

2014 Media Guide

2015 Preseason Polls

2015 Preseason All-Big Sky Conference Teams

Quick Analysis: If the contrasting results of both and media and coaches polls are any indication, look for another tight race in the Big Sky Conference this fall. It'll especially be interesting to see what impact former Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams will for Eastern Washington coming into 2015.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

RFC Small College Preview: Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)--(NAIA)

Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)

2014 Football Standings

Looking back: Morningside and Northwestern (Iowa) both shared the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) championship in 2014, with both squads finishing league play at 8-1. The Mustangs (11-2 overall in 2014) advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs after finishing the regular season at 10-1, losing to eventual national runner-up Marian. As for the Red Raiders, their postseason was cut short in the first round, falling to Missouri Valley, 20-17, in double overtime.

Looking ahead: The race for the 2015 GPAC crown could down to Morningside and Northwestern again, just like 2014.

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

1. Morningside (11-2): As the preseason No. 3 team in the NAIA following spring practice, the Mustangs hope to turn that lofty ranking into a deep run for a national championship this fall.

2. Northwestern (Iowa)--(9-2): After back-to-back playoff appearances over the last two years, the Red Raiders hope to take even bigger steps towards making an even deeper postseason run this season. 

3. Doane (7-3): The Tigers hope that a season-ending four-game winning streak will carry over into 2015.

4. Dakota Wesleyan (7-4): If they're to contend for the GPAC title this season, the Tigers must learn to how to win on the road, as they finished just 1-3 in away games, 6-1 at home.

5. Hastings (6-4): The Broncos will play only one home game during the season's first full month: the home opener against Doane on September 19. 

6. Concordia (Neb.)--(5-6): If their eight USA College Football Preseason All-Americans can be productive on the field, the Bulldogs could be in for a banner year in 2015. Oh, and if weren't for them losing five of their six games by five points or less, they could have finished 2014 with a winning record.

7. Nebraska Wesleyan (4-6): Having just been announced as the newest member of the NCAA Division III Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the Prairie Wolves hope to go out of the GPAC and NAIA with a bang. 

8. Midland (2-8): The Warriors will look to move up in the standings after losing eight straight games to end the 2014 season following a 2-0 start.

9. Briar Cliff (2-9): The Chargers have nowhere to go but up following a rough 2014 season.

10. Dordt (2-9): As do the Defenders.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

 

RFC Small College Preview: North Star Athletic Association (NSAA)--(NAIA)

North Star Athletic Association (NSAA)

2014 Football Standings

Looking back: The Valley City State University Vikings suffered one during the regular season--a 56-14 setback to Morningside--en route to nine wins and a North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) title in 2014. They were eliminated by Carroll (Mont.), 49-0, in the first round of the NAIA playoffs.

Looking ahead: Look for Valley City to reach the summit of the NSAA, as the fledgling league begins its third season of play.

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

1. Valley City State (9-2): As mentioned above, the Vikings will be the team every NSAA opponent will be chasing this fall. Enough said.

2. Dickinson State (7-4): The Blue Hawks were the only team in the NSAA to end the 2014 season with least two straight wins, as they won four straight games to close out the year. Hopefully, that streak will carry over into the 2015 campaign.

3. Presentation (6-4): The Saints got off to their best start in their brief four-year history at 6-1, only to lose their final three games of the 2014 season. The local faithful in Aberdeen, S.D. hope their team can finish strong at the end of the 2015 season. 

4. Dakota State (6-5): The Trojans will look to improve on a 2-4 mark in NSAA play from 2014.

5. Jamestown (5-5): The Jimmies hope to build on a third-place conference finish in which they finished 4-2 in NSAA action last season. 

6. Waldorf (3-7): The Warriors are in "uphill battle" mode after struggling to a 1-5 record in conference play a year ago.

7. Mayville State (2-9): Same situation applies for the Comets, who ended the 2014 campaign with seven straight setbacks.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

 

 

 

 

 

RFC Small College Preview: Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC)

2014 Football Standings

Looking back: While the St. Scholastica Saints won yet Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) championship, what was overlooked from the 2014 season was that five of the league's 10 football-playing schools finished the year with at least six wins or more. In the end, however, the Saints were stomped by Saint John's, 35-7, in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Looking ahead: St. Scholastica will be the team to beat in the UMAC again, but multiple other teams in the conference will be looking to at least close the gap in 2015.

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

1. St. Scholastica (12-1): The Saints have lost just one conference game dating back to 2011, while advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs four years in a row. They hope to make it five straight postseason appearances in 2015. Not only that, they also hope to win their first-ever playoff game, assuming they get there.

2. Northwestern (Minn.)--(8-2): The Eagles hope that this is the year that the St. Scholastica stranglehold will end.

3. Greenville (7-3): The Panthers will face CSS and UNW at home to close out the 2015 season.

4. Westminster (Mo.)--(6-4): The Blue Jays must overcome the loss of at least 10 seniors if they're to claim a UMAC championship this fall.

5. Iowa Wesleyan (6-4): The Tigers hope to take another step towards being serious UMAC title confenders after posting their first winning season since 1994, when they finished 8-3 overall.

6. Crown (4-6): The Storm will head into the 2015 campaign hoping to build on a four-game winning streak that ended the 2014 season.

7. MacMurray (3-7): The Highlanders will look to their first conference title since 2002.

8. Eureka (2-8): The Red Devils enter 2015 on a five-game losing streak that ended 2014.

9. Martin Luther (2-8): The Knights will look to move forward after going backward following back-to-back 4-6 seasons.

10. Minnesota-Morris (0-10): The Cougars last win came on November 9, 2013, when they crushed MacMurray.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

 

RFC Small College Preview: Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC)

2014 Football Standings 

Looking back: The Wartburg College Knights cruised through the regular season undefeated, finishing the 2014 campaign undefeated at 10-0 en route to a 12-1 overall record. The Knights swept a pair of opponents from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) foes in St. Thomas and Saint John's, respectively, before their season ended with a heartbreaking loss to eventual national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater, 37-33, in the quarterfinals.

Looking ahead: Look for Wartburg to be the team to beat once again in 2015, although the Central College Dutch might have a say as to who might come out on top in the IIAC by season's end.

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

1. Wartburg (12-1): With three separate preseason Top 10 national rankings: No. 9 by The Sporting News, as well as No. 6 in the both in the d3football.com and Lindy's Sports polls, expectations once again will be very high for the Knights this fall.

2. Central (8-2): While the Dutch return 45 letterwinners from last year's team, head coach Jeff McMartin must also replace 15 starters if they're to extend their streak of consecutive non-losing seasons to 56.   

3. Coe (5-5): The return of d3football.com All-American defensive lineman Matt Schmitz could be the key to the Kohawks conference championship hopes in 2015.

4. Buena Vista (5-5): The Beavers will have one of the toughest schedules in the nation this fall, as they travel to Wisconsin-Platteville, Saint John's, Wartburg, and Central. All four teams finished the 2014 season with winning records. 

5. Luther (5-5): The Norse hope to build on last year's 2-5 IIAC mark. 

6. Dubuque (4-6): The Spartans will face a tough task if they're to win their first IIAC title since 2011. 

7. Loras (3-7): The Duhawks must depend upon the contributions of preseason All-American linebacker Calvin Harridge, as well as another All-American in defensive back Maurice Young if they're to soar in the standings this season. Both were named third-team preseason All-Americans by USA College Football.

8. Simpson (3-7): The Storm stormed right out of the game at 3-0, but lost seven in a row--all IIAC games--to end the 2014 season. Fans hope that the 2015 season will bring about a much happier ending. 

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

 

NCAA Division I Quick Analysis Previews: Sun Belt Conference

Sun Belt Conference - Eagles Tabbed to Repeat as League Champions in 2015



Editor's Note: Unlike the RFC Small College Preview, Real Football Central will shorter, sweeter analyses on the NCAA Division I conferences outside of the "Power Five" (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, and SEC. To quickly review, these are the following conferences that RFC covers.



Group Of Five



American Athletic, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West, and Sun Belt.





Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)



Big Sky, Big South, CAA, Ivy League, MEAC, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Patriot League, Pioneer Football League, Southern, Southland, and SWAC.



With that said, let's get right to it!



Quick Analysis: Despite finishing unbeaten at 8-0 in their inaugural season in the Sun Belt Conference, the Georgia Southern Eagles were declared bowl-ineligible. Therefore, they were forced to sit out the 2014 bowl season, while Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama, and Arkansas State did go bowling. Of that trio, only Louisiana won its bowl game, as the Ragin Cajuns downed Nevada, 16-3, to win the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.



Still, the fact that Georgia Southern not only went undefeated in their first Sun Belt season, but also gave eventual Orange Bowl champion Georgia Tech all it could handle before losing, makes the Eagles the obvious to win back-to-back Sun Belt championships. The only difference in 2015 is that they hope to go bowling either in December or early January.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

 

RFC Small College Preview: Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC)--(NCAA Division II)

Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC)

2014 Football Standings (Overall)

2014 Football Standings (Divisional)

2015 NSIC Media Guide

Looking back: Three teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC): Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota State-Mankato, and Sioux Falls, all finished the 2014 season with a combined overall record of 38-3 (.927 winning percentage).  Of those three teams, Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota State-Mankato both advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs, with Bulldogs squaring off against the Mavericks in a quarterfinal clash. In the end, it was Mavericks blasting the Bulldogs, 44-17, in a battle of then undefeated teams en route to advancing to the national championship game, where they were shut out by Colorado State-Pueblo, 13-0.

Additionally, the University of Sioux Falls Cougars had its best season since moving up to Division II from the NAIA several years ago, as they finished 11-1 overall en route to routing Central Oklahoma, 42-10, at the 2014 Mineral Water Bowl. 

Looking ahead: Talk about a tough test right out of the gate for both Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota State-Mankato, as the Mavericks will play host to the Bulldogs not only in the 2015 season opener for both teams, but also a re-match of last year's quarterfinal playoff contest. That game will be played on Thursday, September 3. Both teams are expected to be serious contenders for the D-II national championship this year, with UMD ranked No. 1 in The Sporting News poll, while MSU-Mankato is tops in the Lindy's Sports preseason rankings.

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

North Division 

1. Minnesota-Duluth (13-1): With seven players, including rising junior quarterback Drew Bauer, coming back, the Bulldogs will be among the many teams to beat in the NSIC this fall.

2. Northern State (8-3): Coming off one of their best seasons in years, the Wolves hope to take that next step towards clinching a conference championship in 2015. But only if they can find a quality quarterback.

3. St. Cloud State (6-5): With nine players being named to the USA College Football Preseason All-America team, the Huskies hope to make some noise in the NSIC race as well. That's not to mention they won 12 games in 2013, and advanced to the D-II quarterfinals.

4. Mary (5-6): The Marauders look to make a move up in the NSIC standings under second-year head coach Josh Kotelnicki.

5. Minnesota State-Moorhead (4-7): Can the Dragons get over the four-win hump, after back-to-back seasons of winning exactly that many games the last two years? If a three-game winning streak to end the 2014 season is any indication, any thing is possible for the 2015 campaign.

6. Bemidji State (3-8): Head Coach Jeff Tesch hopes that the return of 47 letterwinners--including 21 returning starters--can turn around the fortunes of a Beavers program that has struggled to back-to-back three-win seasons over the last two years.

7. Minot State (1-10): The Beavers from North Dakota face an uphill battle, as they enter their second season under head coach Tyler Hughes. 

8. Minnesota-Crookston (0-11): The Golden Eagles will go into 2015 trying to snap a 15-game skid that dates back to October 2013.

South Division

1. Minnesota State-Mankato (14-1): If they can find a suitable replacement for now graduated center Josh Meeker, as well as a host of other seniors from 2014, the Mavericks might be tough to beat again in 2015. 

2. Sioux Falls (10-1): But with a pair of preseason Top 20 rankings--No. 20 in The Sporting News, as well as No. 11 in Lindy's Sports--the Cougars are a serious threat to topple the Mavericks, and more, this fall. Plus, they're starting just their fourth season at the D-II level.

3. Augustana (S.D.)--(6-5): The Vikings will look for significant improvement under third-year head coach Jerry Olszewski.

4. Concordia-St. Paul (Minn.)--(5-6): A season-ending four-game winning streak has Golden Bears fans cautiously optimistic for this fall.

5. Upper Iowa (6-5): The Peacocks are looking to crack the upper half of the South Division after finishing 2-5 in NSIC play last season.

6. Wayne State (Neb.)--(5-6): The Wildcats look to rebound after closing out the 2014 season with three straight losses. 

7. Southwest Minnesota State (3-8): The Mustangs took a big step back in 2014 following a 7-5 season in 2013. They haven't won more than eight games in any season since 1991, when they finished 9-1 overall.

8. Winona State (4-7): The Warriors find themselves trying to climb out of the South Division cellar following a four-game losing streak to end 2014.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

 

 

 

 

RFC Small College Preview: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)

2014 Football Standings

Archives

Looking back: In just their second season under head coach Gary Fasching, the St. John's University Johnnies won their first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football championship since 2009, finishing 7-1 in MIAC play en route to a 10-2 overall record. It also didn't hurt that the Johnnies won their 600th game of all-time during the 2014 season. SJU enters the 2015 season with an all-time record of 600-242-24, and a .707 winning percentage, which ranks first at the NCAA Division III level.

At the D-III playoffs, the Johnnies stomped St. Scholastica, 35-7, in the first round, before losing to Wartburg in the second round.

Looking ahead: Expect St. John's to be the team in the MIAC again this season.

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

1. St. John's (10-2): The Johnnies enter the 2015 season ranked No. 4 in the nation by Lindy's Sports, and No. 9 by d3football.com. They'll need quality contributions from players such wide receiver Evan Clark, and running back Sam Sura on offense, as well as lineman Matt Hobby and linebacker Carter Hanson on defense if they're to make a deep playoff run this fall.

2. St. Thomas (8-3): The Tommies hope to be in the MIAC title mix too after losing to Wartburg in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

3. Concordia-Moorhead (Minn.)--(8-2): The Cobbers will look to be in the MIAC title discussion as well after losing both of their games in 2014 by a combined 13 points.

4. Bethel (Minn.)--(7-3): With a preseason Top 20 ranking from d3football.com, don't count out the Royals either.

5. Gustavus Adolphus (6-4): The Golden Gusties go into 2015 looking to finish fourth place or higher finish in the MIAC since 2003, when they finished 4-4 in conference play, and 4-6 overall.

6. Hamline (4-6): The Pipers will face six teams with winning records for six weeks in a row in 2015, including 2014 playoff teams St. Thomas, St. John's, Macalester, and Bethel, as well as Concordia-Moorhead and Gustavus Adolphus.

7. Augsburg (4-6): The Auggies have had just four winning seasons since winning the MIAC title in 1997.

8. St. Olaf (1-9): The Oles look to rebuild after consecutive one-win seasons dating back to 2013.

9. Carleton (1-9): The Knights have had only one five-win season dating back to the start of the 2009 season.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.