RFC Summer Semester--Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Preview (NCAA Division II)--(REVISED)

Website

2012 Final Standings

Looking back:  Another competitive season came and went for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), as three teams won at least 10 or more games in 2012.  Out of that trio, Indiana (Pa.) advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs, where the Crimson Hawks fell to eventual national runner-up, Winston-Salem State, 21-17.  

Also, Shippensburg finished unbeaten in PSAC play in winning the Eastern Division crown, at 7-0.  The Red Raiders reached round two of the D-II playoffs, only to lose to same Winston-Salem squad, 37-14.

Looking ahead:  Don't be surprised to see more intense races in the PSAC for 2013. But LIU-C.W. Post won't be a part of the action, as the Pioneers returned to the Northeast 10 Conference during the offseason.

But the changes don't end there, as the PSAC realigned its divisions during the offseason.  Lock Haven will move from the Western to the Eastern Division, while former West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) member Seton Hill will replace Lock Haven in the Western Division.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

Eastern Division

1. Bloomsburg (10-2):  After an early first round exit to fellow PSAC East rival Shippensburg, the Huskies look to reload for another postseason run.  But they must do that under an interim  head coach in Paul Darragh, who replaced the recently retired Danny Hale.


2. Shippensburg (11-2):  Speaking of the Red Raiders, they won't be sneaking up on anybody in 2013.

3. Kutztown (7-4):  The Golden Bears look to regroup after a 3-4 start, only to end 2012 with a four-game winning streak.  They face a tough early season test against Bloomsburg at home, however.

4. West Chester (7-4):  A season ending win over Clarion to close out 2012 has the Golden Rams faithful cautiously optimistic for 2013.  They open on September 7 against defending Northeast 10 Conference champion New Haven.

5. East Stroudsburg (5-5):  The Warriors finished in a three-way tie for third place in the PSAC East with the aforementioned West Chester and Kutztown squads.  But moving up in the standings in 2013 will be anything but an easy task. 

6. Millersville (2-9):  The Marauders face an uphill battle after yet another dismal season.

7. Cheyney (1-10):  The Wolves managed to pull out a win over archrival Lincoln (Pa.) to open 2012, but lost 10 straight games after that.  They'll look to move forward under Head Coach Ken Lockard.


8. Lock Haven (1-10):  The Eagles finally won a game, which was the last game of 2012: a 15-7 win over Cheyney.  After 52 straight losses, they hope to begin 2013 with a two straight wins.


Western Division

1. Indiana (Pa.)--(12-2):  After a season that saw them advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs, the Crimson Hawks and Head Coach Curt Cignetti hope to take that next step, and win it all in 2013.  With 17 starters coming back from that 2012 squad, don't be surprised if IUP makes another deep postseason run.


2. Mercyhurst (9-2):  The Lakers found themselves on the outside looking in when postseason play rolled around, despite a season-ending three game winning streak.  They hope to use that snub as motivation for 2013.

3. California (Pa.)--(8-3):  After making five straight D-II playoffs appearances from 2007-2011, the Vulcans also found themselves sitting at home come playoff time. They hope to bounce back in 2013.

4. Slippery Rock (6-5):  After a 5-2 finish in PSAC West play last season, the Rock hopes to be in contention again this season.

5. Edinboro (4-6):  The Fighting Scots lost four of their six games by 10 or more points in 2012.  That's a stat they hope to change in 2013.

6. Clarion (4-7):  The Golden Eagles also struggled in blowout losses last year, losing five of their seven contests by 10 or more points as well.

7. Gannon (3-8):  A blowout win over LIU-C.W. Post ended what was an otherwise disappointing 2012 season for the Golden Knights, who enter their second year under Head Coach Brad Rzyczycki.

8. Seton Hill (0-11):  Griffins look to start over in the always tough PSAC.


Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.