THE RFC MYC: Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)-(NCAA Division II)

2017 MIAA Final Standings (Courtesy of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association)

Overview: There was a tremendous changing of the guard in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for 2017, as the then two-time defending NCAA Division II national champion Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats (9-3 overall) stretched their 30-game winning streak into 38 games, only to lose three of their last four contests, which included the season-ending loss at Ashland in the first round of the D-II playoffs. 

Meanwhile, in Kansas, the Fort Hays State University Tigers (11-1 overall) had one of their best seasons in recent memory, as they cruised through MIAA play unbeaten, but were upset by Ferris State in the second round of the playoffs after receiving a first-round bye as the #1 seed out of Super Region 3. 

Aside from Fort Hays State and Northwest Missouri State, three other MIAA teams not only advanced to postseason play but also won all three of their respective bowl games, with Central Missouri (9-3) defeating Minnesota-Duluth in the Mineral Water Bowl, Central Missouri (8-4) outlasting Tarleton State in a 38-31 thriller to win the Corsicana Bowl in Texas, and Pittsburg State pummeling Arkansas Tech 48-31 to take the Agent Barry Live United Bowl at Texarkana, Arkansas.

With three of its teams-FHSU at #7, NWMSU at #9, and UCM at #23-in the College Football America preseason poll, expect more of the unexpected in the MIAA this fall. Who knows, Fort Hays State could not only return to the playoffs but make an even a deeper postseason run this time around. Or, Northwest Missouri State could bounce back to make it three national titles in four years. Or even the likes of a Central Oklahoma or Pittsburg State could sneak into the playoff conversation, and then some.

NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule is not highlighted, it means that the team has not submitted its schedule for the 2018 season. When the team's schedule is submitted, the link (s) will appear in each blog post. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for preseason previews, schedules, schedule updates, and much more.

Central Missouri

Central Oklahoma

Emporia State

Fort Hays State 

Lindenwood 

Missouri Southern State

Missouri Western State

Nebraska-Kearney

Northeastern State (Okla.)

Northwest Missouri State

Pittsburg State (Kan.)

Washburn

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