RFC Summer Semester: Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back: In the inaugural season of Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) football, two teams won at least 10 games, with Indianapolis (9-2 overall during the regular season) claiming the league's first-ever championship, as the Greyhounds finished unbeaten in conference play at 7-0.

On the other hand, despite going 10-1 during the regular season, Missouri S&T found itself on the outside looking in come playoff time.  The Miners lone loss of last season came to UIndy.

In the NCAA Division II playoffs, the Greyhounds defeated Midwestern State, 31-14, for their first-ever postseason win.  Their season ended with a 28-7 loss to Colorado State-Pueblo in the second round.


Looking ahead: The 2013 season will start every team chasing Indianapolis, as well as to lesser extent, Missouri S&T.  Meanwhile, the membership of the GLVC will grow by one institution this fall, as Truman State University out of Kirksville, Missouri will join the conference. 

But the league also lost two members in Urbana, who joined the newly-formed Mountain East Conference, as well as Central State, whose Marauders will compete as an independent.  Those moves leave the GLVC with eight football-playing members for 2013.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Indianapolis (10-3):  With a tough season-opening schedule that includes games against defending GLIAC champion Ashland, perennial NAIA power St. Xavier,  and FCS Drake, the Greyhounds won't be sneaking up on anyone this season.

2. Missouri S&T (10-1):  If the Miners hope to win their first-ever GLVC title, as well as advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs this season, they must accomplish both tasks under new head coach Tyler Fenwick.

3. St. Joseph's (6-5):  After finishing in a tie for third place with former member Urbana, the Pumas will try to move up in the standings for 2013.

4. McKendree (3-7):  Having recently been granted full membership at the D-II level, the Bearcats look to become competitive right away.  They'll start that new era under new head coach Mike Babcock.

5. Quincy (3-8):  The Hawks will open the 2013 season with back-to-back games against FCS foes Western Illinois and Indiana State.  Ouch!

6. Truman State (4-7):  After more than 100 years as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), the Bulldogs look to start from scratch as the newest member of the GLVC.

7. William Jewell (2-9):  Cardinals enter the 2013 season trying to snap a seven-game skid that ended 2012. 

8. Kentucky Wesleyan (2-9):  Panthers will try to bounce back after going winless (0-8) in GLVC action last season.

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