RFC Small College Preview: Great American Conference (GAC)--(NCAA Division II)

Great American Conference (GAC)

2014 Standings

Looking back: The Ouachita Baptist University Tigers cruised to an undefeated regular season in 2014, finishing at 10-0 overall. But in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, their season came to a stunning end, as they fell to Minnesota-Duluth at home, 48-45. The GAC's other playoff representative, Harding, didn't fare much better, with the Bisons falling to Pittsburg State, 59-42, in the first round. A third team, Henderson State, was snubbed for postseason play despite finishing 9-2 overall.

Looking ahead: Expect a three-way battle between Ouachita Baptist, Harding, and Henderson State for the GAC title in 2015.

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

1. Ouachita Baptist (10-1): Head Coach Todd Knight returns 14 starters from last year's playoff team,as the Tigers hope to return to postseason play this year.

2. Harding (9-2): The Bisons must rely on the contributions of defensive lineman Trevon Bigelow and linebacker Daylan Skidmore if they're to dethrone OBU in the GAC.

3. Henderson State (9-2): Home games against Harding and Ouachita Baptist could make or break the 2015 season for the Reddies.

4. Southeastern Oklahoma State (7-5): Coming off an appearance in the 2014 Texarkana Bowl, the Savage Storm hope to take the next step--not only towards their program's first-ever GAC championship, but also a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2015.

5. East Central (6-5): The Tigers must open the 2015 campaign at home against Ouachita Baptist--followed by a trip to Henderson State--as well as a pay a visit to Harding later this season.

6. Southern Arkansas (5-5): The Muleriders hope to be the beneficiaries of playing six home games this fall.

7. Southwestern Oklahoma State (3-7): The Bulldogs hope to move forward in 2015 after taking a step back in 2014.

8. Northwestern Oklahoma State (3-7): The Rangers will open the 2015 season with three of their first five games on the road.

9. Arkansas Tech (3-8): The Wonder Boys face a long, uphill battle after a season-ending six-game skid.

10. Arkansas-Monticello (2-8):  The Boll Weevils find themselves in a similar situation entering 2015.

11. Southern Nazarene (0-11): The Crimson Storm have lost 22 straight games over two full seasons, dating back to the start of the 2013 season.

Not eligible for GAC title/NCAA Division II playoffs

Oklahoma Baptist (8-3): The Bison begin their third year of football merely playing for pride, after moving up from the NAIA ranks.


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