RFC Summer Semester: Gulf South Conference Preview (NCAA Division II)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back: Despite finishing in second place in the Gulf South Conference (while splitting their first four games), Valdosta State (12-2 overall in 2012) did the impossible: win 10 straight games en route to taking home the Blazers third national championship in the last 10 years. Meanwhile, West Alabama (9-4 overall in 2012), finished unbeaten at 5-0 in GSC play to claim the conference crown.  The Tigers advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs before losing to the Blazers, 49-21.

Looking ahead: Can Valdosta State win a conference title en route to winning back-to-back national championships?  Or will West Alabama take home another league crown?  Or will another team step up, and challenge both teams?  Any or all of those questions could be answered in 2013.

In off-the-field news, Florida Tech will take the field for the first time this fall. The Panthers will join the GSC as associate members for football only.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Valdosta State (12-2):  The Blazers hope to become the first team since Grand Valley State (2005-2006) to win back-to-back national championships.  

2. West Alabama (9-4):  The Tigers return 13 starters for 2013, but lose 12 starters from 2012.

3. North Alabama (5-5):  The Lions look to have a better ending to 2013 after a 5-1 start fizzled to an 0-4 finish to end 2012.

4. Delta State (3-7):  The Statesmen hope to return to the form that landed them playoff appearances in 2010 and 2011 after a disappointing 2012 season.

5. West Georgia (3-7):  The Wolves hope to take the next step under fifth-year head coach Daryl Dickey.

6. Shorter (6-5):  The Hawks have a tough row to hoe in 2013.

7. Florida Tech (n/a):  Expect the Panthers to face a rough maiden voyage in their inaugural season on the gridiron.
 
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