RFC Summer Semester: Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

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2012 Final Standings

Looking back: Mount Union added yet another NCAA Division III national championship to its trophy case, their 11th title over the last 20 years.  The Purple Raiders defeated St. Thomas, 28-10, to take home their most recent crown.

Looking ahead: For the first time in nearly three decades, Mount Union will have a new head coach roaming the sidelines. Longtime head coach Larry Kehres retired in June, handing the reins over to his son Vince.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Mount Union (15-0):  Even with a new head coach, the Purple Raiders are still the team to beat in the OAC, as well as the rest of the nation.  Of course, until another team proves otherwise.

2. Otterbein (8-2): One team that might put an end to the "purple reign" of Mount Union could be the Cardinals, who lost both games in blowout fashion last year.

3. Heidelberg (9-2):  Coming off their most successful season in at least 40 years, which included an NCAA Division III playoff appearance last season, the Student Princes won't be sneaking up on anyone this season.

4. Baldwin Wallace (7-3):  Yellow Jackets must pay visits to Mount Union and Otterbein during the 2013 season.

5. John Carroll (6-4):  Blue Streaks will open the 2013 season against perennial Midwest Conference power St. Norbert on September 7, in suburban Chicago of all places.

6. Ohio Northern (4-6): Polar Bears look to bounce back after a disappointing 2012 season.

7. Capital (2-8):  Crusaders look to rebuild under new head coach Craig Candeto.

8. Muskingum (3-7):  Muskies must square off against six teams that finished above .500 last year.

9. Wilmington (1-9):  The Quakers start a new era under new head coach Stacey Hairston.

10. Marietta (0-10):  Winless Pioneers will also start fresh under a new head coach in Andy Waddle.

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