RFC Summer Semester: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preview (FCS)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back: Bethune-Cookman breezed through the MEAC schedule in 2012, with the Wildcats finishing conference play unbeaten at 8-0.  Their season ended with a 24-14 loss to Coastal Carolina in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

Looking ahead: Just about every team will chase Bethune-Cookman for the MEAC crown in 2013.  Every team, that is, except Savannah State, whose Tigers were recently banned from postseason play because of a poor APR (Academic Progress Rate).

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Bethune-Cookman (9-3):  With a solid roster dominated mostly by Floridians, the Wildcats should be the team to beat in the MEAC again this fall.

2. North Carolina A&T (7-4):  A four-game winning streak to end 2012 has the Aggies and their faithful cautiously optimistic for 2013.

3. Howard (7-4):  With their head coach, Gary Harrell, taking a leave of absence this season, it'll be interesting to see how the Bison will respond.

4. North Carolina Central (6-5):  Eagles face a tough slate in 2013, as they do battle with the likes of Duke, Towson, and newcomer Charlotte, as well as a late October trip to Bethune-Cookman.

5. Delaware State (6-5):  Hornets will spend the entire month of September on the road, including visits to Towson and two-time defending national champion North Dakota State.

6. South Carolina State (5-6):  Bulldogs look to bounce back after a down 2012 season.

7. Florida A&M (4-7):  Rattlers hope to improve on a 4-4 mark in MEAC play last year.

8. Hampton (3-7):  Pirates will make a voyage west to open the 2013 slate on August 29, as they face Western Illinois on the road.

9. Norfolk State (4-7):  Spartans 2013 schedule includes a September 7 visit to future Big Ten Conference member Rutgers.

10. Morgan State (3-8):  Bears won't play their first home game until September 28, when they take on Norfolk State.

Not eligible for MEAC title

Savannah State (1-10):  As if a banishment from postseason play wasn't enough, the Tigers must also serve that ban with a new head coach in Earnest J. Wilson.

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