RFC Summer Semester: Gulf South Conference (GSC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

Gulf South Conference (GSC)--NCAA Division II

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2013 Final Standings

Looking back: The University of North Alabama Lions (10-3 overall) advanced to the semifinals of the 2013 NCAA Division II playoffs, holding off Tuskegee, 30-27, in the first round, knocking off UNC Pembroke, 37-13, and then giving eventual national runner-up Lenoir-Rhyne all it could handle before losing, 42-39.

Looking ahead: In 2010, the future of the Gulf South Conference (GSC) appeared to be bleak, as the six Arkansas schools (Arkansas-Monticello, Arkansas Tech, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, and Southern Arkansas) joined forces with three Oklahoma schools to form the Great American Conference by 2011.  At the time, that move left the GSC with just five schools for football.

But now, going into 2014, it's a much different story for this always tough NCAA Division II circuit, as Shorter University of Rome, Ga., becomes a full member of the GSC, Florida Tech enters its second season of football, and Mississippi College rejoins the conference after a nearly 20-year absence.  Additionally, the University of West Florida is expected to start a football program by 2016.  Those moves alone will give the GSC nine football-playing schools by then.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. North Alabama (10-3):  With 15 starters (nine defense, six offense) lost due to graduation, the Lions and head coach Bobby Wallace will have to fill those holes in a hurry if they're to defend their GSC title.  Additionally, UNA will travel to UNC-Pembroke in a potential NCAA Division II playoff preview on October 11.

2. Valdosta State (6-4):  Blazers face a tough 2014 slate that includes games against Winston-Salem State in a re-match of the 2012 D-II national title game, as well as road dates against UNA and UNCP.

3. West Georgia (6-5):  A new era will begin for the Wolves in 2014, as Will Hall takes over as their head coach after three years at West Alabama.

4. West Alabama (8-3):  Speaking of which, Brett Gilliland faces a tremendous challenge in filling Hall's shoes, as he becomes the Tigers head coach.

5. Delta State (7-3):  The Statesmen will be tested early in 2014, as they begin the season with back-to-back road games in Georgia, against Fort Valley State and Valdosta State, respectively.

6. Shorter (2-9):  The Hawks will enter their 10th season as a full-fledged member of the GSC, as well as NCAA Division II. But with road trips to Delta State, North Alabama, and Valdosta State, as well as a neutral site game against West Texas A&M (AT&T Stadium--Arlington, Tex.), wins might be hard to come by for head coach Phil Jones and his charges.

7. Florida Tech (5-7):  The Panthers will face a tough second season schedule, with road games against West Alabama and West Georgia, as well as a contest against Tarleton State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.

Not eligible for Gulf South Conference title

Mississippi College (4-6):  Not only will the Choctaws have a tough "re-transition" back into the NCAA Division II ranks--as well as back into the Gulf South Conference--they'll also have a new head coach leading them onto the field in John Bland, who spent the last eight years building the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) program into an NAIA powerhouse.

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