Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)
2014 Standings
Looking back: For most of the past 20-25 years, the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats and the Pittsburg State University (Kan.) Gorillas have set the standard for excellence in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), combining for six national championships dating back to 1991. And the 2014 campaign proved to be no different, with both the Bearcats and Gorillas winning a share of the MIAA title.
Both teams advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs, with Pitt State falling to eventual national runner-up Minnesota State-Mankato in the second round, while Northwest Missouri's season ended in the first round, losing to Minnesota-Duluth.
In other postseason action, the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos lost to Sioux Falls, 42-10, at the 2014 Mineral Water Bowl, while the University of Central Missouri Mules downed Southeastern Oklahoma State, 48-21, at the 2014 Texarkana Bowl.
Looking ahead: Will Northwest Missouri and Pitt State continue their dominance of the MIAA? Or will the likes of Central Missouri, Central Oklahoma, or some other team step up and rule the roost this fall?
Predicted order of finish (2014 overall record in parentheses):
1. Pittsburg State (11-2): The Gorillas must depend upon the contributions of up to six team captains if they're to have another banner season.
2. Northwest Missouri State (10-2): Head Coach Adam Dorrel welcomes back 55 letterwinners--including 12 starters--in hopes that the Bearcats can win their 27th MIAA championship overall, while also advancing to postseason play for the 12th straight season.
3. Central Missouri (8-4): Head Coach Jim Svoboda brings back 51 letterwinners and 15 starters for the Mules, as they look to land another trip to postseason play this fall, the only difference being that they hope it's a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs.
4. Central Oklahoma (8-4): The Bronchos also have their minds set on a D-II playoff berth after their blowout loss to Sioux Falls in the Mineral Water Bowl last season. Their last trip to the playoffs was in 2003, losing to Texas A&M-Kingsville in the second round that season.
5. Missouri Western State (7-4): While the Griffons hope to make it 11 straight winning seasons under 19th year head coach Jerry Partridge, they're also looking to earn their first playoff berth since 2012, when they finished 12-2 overall, losing to Minnesota State-Mankato.
6. Fort Hays State (7-4): Fifth-year head coach Chris Brown and the Tigers hope to build on their first season of seven or more wins in nearly two decades.
7. Emporia State (4-7): The Hornets hope to right their ship after a disappointing 2014 season.That followed a 9-2 campaign in 2013.
8. Missouri Southern State (4-7): The Lions are also looking to move in the right direction after ending their 2014 campaign with three straight losses.
9. Washburn (4-7): Head Coach Craig Schurig hopes that the return of 16 starters will help the Ichabods improve in the MIAA standings this season. They had won at least eight or more games dating back to 2009 prior to last season's struggles.
10. Nebraska-Kearney (3-8): The Lopers are looking to start from scratch under new head coach Josh Lamberson.
11. Lindenwood (2-9): Can anybody say uphill battle for the Lions?
12. Northeastern State (0-11): The River Hawks enter the 2015 season looking for their first win since the end of the 2013 campaign. They knocked off Central Oklahoma, 45-38, on November 16, 2013 to end that season.
Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.
4 years ago
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