RFC Summer Semester--Northeast Conference (NEC) Preview

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back:  Albany (N.Y.) and Wagner were the class teams in what was an otherwise weak Northeast Conference in 2012, as both squads finished 7-1 in league play.   But it was the Seahawks who advanced to the FCS playoffs after shutting out the Great Danes, 30-0, on November 3.  Wagner advanced to the second round before bowing to Eastern Washington.  The Seahawks and Great Danes were the only NEC teams to finish with winning records last season.

Looking ahead:  With Albany having left the NEC to join the CAA, Wagner could very well be the favorite to win the league crown, and maybe more, in 2013.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Wagner (9-4):  With a preseason national ranking of No. 24, according to Lindy's Sports magazine, expect the Seahawks to beat the team in the NEC this season.

2. Monmouth (N.J.)--(5-5):  The Blue Hawks will spend one final season in the NEC before heading to the Big South Conference in 2014.

3. St. Francis (Pa.)--(5-6):  Coming off one of the best seasons in recent memory, the Red Flash hope to take another step towards an NEC title, and more.

4. Bryant (4-7):  The Bulldogs will try to build on a 4-4 mark in NEC play a year ago.

5. Duquesne (5-6):  The Dukes will try to bounce back after a four game losing streak ended the 2012 season.

6. Robert Morris (4-7):  The Colonials struggled in close games last year, going 4-4 in contests decided by 10 points or less.

7. Central Connecticut State (2-8):  The Blue Devils head into 2013 fighting an uphill battle.

8. Sacred Heart (2-9):  The Pioneers welcome a new head coach in Mark Nofri, who held the role on an interim basis last season.

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