RFC Summer Semester: Southland Conference Preview (FCS)

Website

2012 Final Standings


Looking back: Central Arkansas and Sam Houston State both shared the Southland Conference title after finishing 6-1 in SLC play last season.  The Bears actually won the automatic bid to the FCS after beating the Bearkats, 24-20, on September 22.  Still, SHSU found a way to advance to its second straight FCS national championship game, knocking off the likes of Cal Poly, Montana State, and Eastern Washington, before bowing to North Dakota State for the second straight season, 39-13, on January 5, 2013.  As for UCA, the Bears waged a hard-fought battle against Georgia Southern in the second round of the FCS playoffs before falling, 24-16.

Looking ahead: Will the third time be the charm for Sam Houston State not only getting back to the national championship game, but also winning it all this time around?  Or can Central Arkansas step up, and make a deep postseason run.  Stay tuned.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Sam Houston State (11-4):  If the Bearkats are to not only return to the national title game for the third straight season, but also win it all, they must overcome the loss of 14 starters due to graduation.  Additionally, there are some issues to be addressed up front offensively.


2. Central Arkansas (9-3):  The Bears hope to build on last year's FCS playoff appearance.  Their 2013 schedule includes a visit to Colorado on September 7.   

3. McNeese State (7-4):  Head Coach Matt Viator hopes the return of 62 letterwinners, 16 of them starters, will help propel the Cowboys into contention for the Southland Conference crown in 2013.

4. Southeastern Louisiana (5-6):  The Lions surprised many of the so-called "experts" by finishing the 2012 season in sole possession of third place in the SLC at 5-2.  They hope to take the next step for the 2013 season, and earn a postseason berth for the first time ever.  But that means overcoming a tough early season schedule that includes TCU, Samford, Sam Houston State, Southeast Missouri State, and Central Arkansas, among others.

5. Stephen F. Austin (5-6):  Head Coach J.C. Harper welcomes back 49 letterwinners to a Lumberjacks squad that finished 4-3 in SLC action last season.

6. Northwestern State (4-7):  Demons look to rebuild under new head coach Jay Thomas.

7. Lamar (4-8):  If the Cardinals hope to post a winning record in 2013, they must learn how to win  games on the road.  In 2012, they were winless in six away games.

8. Nicholls State (1-10):  Colonels enter the 2013 campaign looking to snap a season-ending eight-game losing streak.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.