RFC Summer Semester: Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Preview (NCAA Division II)

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA)--NCAA Division II

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2013 Final Standings

Looking back: The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats added yet another national championship to their trophy case in 2013, as they downed Lenoir-Rhyne, 43-28, to win their fourth national title (1998, 1999, 2009).  

Two other teams advanced to postseason play last year, with Emporia State getting crushed by Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, while Pittsburg State responded to being snubbed for a playoff berth by stomping Southwest Minnesota State, 90-28, at the Mineral Water Bowl.

Looking ahead: The MIAA will have two fewer teams competing in conference play football going into 2014, as both Lincoln (Mo.) and Southwest Baptist will join the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) in a four-year scheduling arrangement that goes into effect this season.  Meanwhile, expect the rest of the league to take aim at Northwest Missouri State this fall.

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

1. Northwest Missouri State (15-0):  If the Bearcats are to add a fifth national championship to their trophy case, they must overcome heavy losses due to graduation, which include quarterback Trevor Adams, who won the MIAA Offensive Player Of The Year award en route to the national crown last season.

2. Pittsburg State (10-2):  The Gorillas will come into the 2014 season hoping to prove that they're playoff worthy come November.

3. Emporia State (9-2):  Which is something the Hornets are trying to prove as well.

4. Missouri Western State (8-3):  The Griffons hope to have a say in the MIAA title race too, after finishing 7-3 in conference play last season. They started the 2013 campaign at 7-0 before losing three of their last four games.

5. Washburn (8-3):  Speaking of late-season slumps, the Ichabods are hoping for a happier ending to 2014, after ending 2013 with three straight losses, following an 8-0 start.

6. Missouri Southern State (7-3):  An upset win over Pittsburg State to close out 2013 could be a sign of better days to come for the Lions in 2014.

7. Central Missouri (6-4):  The Mules hope to thrust themselves into the MIAA title discussion after finishing last season with four straight wins.

8. Fort Hays State (6-5):  The Tigers hope to build on their first winning season since 2009.

9. Nebraska-Kearney (3-8):  The Lopers have found the going rough since moving to the MIAA in 2012, going just 6-16 over the last two years. They'll face a tough, early season test at home to open the 2014 season against defending NCAA Division II national champion Northwest Missouri State on September 4.

10. Lindenwood (3-6):  Head Coach Patrick Ross (99-39 overall career record) needs just one win to join the 100-win club.

11. Central Oklahoma (2-8):  The Bronchos hope that the third time under third-year head coach Nick Bobeck will be the charm, as they've been stuck on exactly two wins over the last two seasons.

12. Northeastern State (2-9):  The River Hawks will begin what's likely to be a long building process under new head coach Rob Robinson.  Having 19 starters coming back could really speed things along for a program that last advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2000.

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