Wednesday, July 15, 2015

RFC Small College Preview: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)

2014 Football Standings 

All-Time Standings 

Looking back: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks won their fifth NCAA Division III national championship in six years, defeating the University of Mount Union Purple Raiders, 43-34, to win the 2014 crown. The victory marked the end of an era at UWW, as Lance Leipold left to become the head coach at FBS Division I Buffalo. Leipold finished his Warhawks at an astounding 119 wins against just six losses. That's a gaudy .948 winning percentage, for those people doing the math at home.

Looking ahead: Now that Leipold has left Whitewater, the Warhawks have turned the reins over to longtime assistant coach Kevin Bullis in hopes of continuing their long run of dominance. Still, the other seven WIAC teams, especially Oshkosh and Platteville, hope to grind the "Whitewater Express" to a screeching halt.

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

1. Wisconsin-Whitewater (15-0):  Even with Bullis now in charge, the Warhawks are still the beat in the WIAC, as well as the rest of NCAA Division III. That is, of course, until another team can prove otherwise.

2. Wisconsin-Oshkosh (6-4): But with a combined record of 23-5 in WIAC games dating back to 2011, as well as national semifinal appearance in 2012, and a second place finish at 6-1 in conference play last season, don't be surprised if the Titans stop the stranglehold the Warhawks have had on the league over the last 10 years this season.

3. Wisconsin-Platteville (7-3): The Pioneers have been equally as impressive over the past four years, going 21-7 in WIAC action during that span. They'll be shooting for their second NCAA playoff appearance in three years.

4. Wisconsin-Stevens Point (7-3): After going from two to five to seven wins over the last three years, the Pointers will look to take the step towards a conference championship--and then some--under fourth year head coach Tom Journell.

5. Wisconsin-LaCrosse (3-7): Had it not been for losing four games by seven points or less, the Eagles very well could have finished 2014 with a winning record. Who knows, 2015 could be the year that they finally could get over the hump.

6. Wisconsin-River Falls (3-7): The Falcons will be looking to soar to their first winning season since 2000, when they finished 6-4 overall.

7. Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1-9): The Blugolds find themselves in uphill battle mode going into 2015.

8. Wisconsin-Stout (2-8): Same thing for the Blue Devils.

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