Looking back: Two of the eight football playing schools in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) combined to finish the 2015 season at 19-2 overall. Those two teams were Washington and Lee (10-1) and Guilford (9-1). Only the Generals, however, advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs last fall. While W&L's season ended with a loss to Thomas More in the first round, a one-loss regular season (their only loss came to the Generals) was not enough for the Quakers to advance to postseason play.
Looking ahead: Will it be a two-team race in the ODAC this fall? Or will traditional mainstays like Hampden-Sydney and Randolph-Macon step up and steal a playoff berth in 2016? It's a question that's sure to get a serious answer this fall.
Predicted order of finish (2015 overall record in parentheses):
1. Washington and Lee (10-1): With a No. 9 preseason ranking by the Lindy's Sports College Football Preview magazine, don't be surprised if the Generals lead the way in the ODAC again this year.
2. Guilford (9-1): With 20 new players coming on board for preseason camp, the Quakers hope to use last year's loss to the Generals as motivation for the 2016 season.
3. Hampden-Sydney (6-4): After their worst finish since 2012, the Tigers hope to bounce back in a big way in 2016.
4. Emory and Henry (6-4): With the loss of at least 16 seniors from the 2015 squad, the Wasps must reload quickly, and grow up fast, if they hope to hear their name called on Selection Sunday in November.
5. Randolph-Macon (4-6): Despite having their first losing season since 2006, when they finished 2-8 overall, the Yellow Jackets did end their 2015 campaign on a high note, winning their final three games. That included a season-ending win over archival Hampden-Sydney in "The Game" on November 14.
6. Bridgewater (Va.)--(4-6): The Eagles will have their work cut out for them after finishing 2-5 in ODAC action last season.
7. Shenandoah (4-6): The Hornets had a deflating end to their season too, losing four straight games to close out 2015.
8. Catholic (1-9): The Cardinals recently named Bill Bachman as their interim head coach following the sudden departure of Dave Dunn.
Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.
No comments:
Post a Comment