RFC Summer Semester--USA South Athletic Conference (USAC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

USA South Athletic Conference (USAC)-- NCAA Division III

Website

2013 Final Standings

Looking back: After an intense regular season battle that resulted in all but one of the nine teams play seven conference games (LaGrange played eight league contests) in 2013, the Maryville Scots (8-3 overall) emerged as the automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Division III playoffs from the USA South Athletic Conference, finishing 6-1 in USAC action, tied with Methodist (8-2 overall).

But after starting 8-1, the Scots limped into postseason play with an upset loss to Huntingdon in their regular season finale on November 16, then fell to Hampden-Sydney, 42-34, in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs the following week. 


Looking ahead: With five teams separated winning at least five conference games last season, LaGrange's extra game in conference play not withstanding, expect a more intense race in the USAC this season.  Oh, and the 2014 campaign will be the final season for Christopher Newport, as the Captains will jump ship to join the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) title as an associate member for football in 2015.

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

1. Christopher Newport (8-2):  In their swansong as a member of the USAC, it's only fitting that the Captains should be at least favored to win no worse than a share of the league title.  Still, they must face a brutal non-conference schedule that includes the season opener against future NJAC associate member Salisbury, followed by another road trip to perennial D-III power Hampden-Sydney the following week.  By the way, should they win at least 10 games in 2014, the Captains will win 100 games in their 14-year history.

2. Methodist (8-2):  Coming off of their best finish since 2005, when they also finished 8-2 overall, the Monarchs hope to take the next step, and advance to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time ever in 2014.  While they must pay a visit to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia to face Christopher Newport on September 27, they'll also finish up the regular season with a home game against Maryville on November 15.

3. Maryville (8-3):  After advancing to postseason play for the first time in school history last year, the Scots hope to make even more history, and win the program's first-ever playoff game this year.  They'll get their chance at payback against Huntingdon on September 27.  That's when the Hawks must travel to eastern Tennessee to take on the Scots.

4. Huntingdon (7-3):  Despite falling short of winning a share of the USAC title, their 45-38 upset win over this aforementioned Maryville squad on the final day of the regular season made what was a so-so 2013 season one to remember for the Hawks and their faithful.  Now they hope to take that next step, and win the program's first-ever league crown. But in order to get there, they must go through a stretch where they have to play three of their first four games on the road to start the 2014 season. That includes back-to-back road games against Methodist and Maryville, respectively.

5. LaGrange (5-5):  Despite a late-season coaching change, the Panthers finished 2013 on a high note, winning their final two games, both on the road, to finish USAC play at 5-3.  Now as he prepares to begin his first full season as head coach, Matt Mumme hopes to turn the soon-to-be nine-year old program into a perennial playoff contender on a yearly basis.  But with a tough 2014 schedule where the Panthers will play three of their first five games on the road, accomplishing that task will be anything but easy.

6. Ferrum (2-8):  The Panthers will face a long uphill battle after a disappointing 2013 season.

7. North Carolina Wesleyan (2-8):  The Battling Bishops have won just seven games combined over the last three years, after finishing 7-3 in 2010.  It's a trend they hope to turn around in 2014.

8. Greensboro (2-8):  A blocked punt that earned the USAC Play Of The Year was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable 2013 season for the Pride.  With five of their seven games being on the road, they must become "road warriors" if they have any chance for a winning record in 2014.

9. Averett (1-9):  The Cougars will start from scratch with a head coach in Cleive Adams.


Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.