2013 Final Standings
Archives (Courtesy of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
Looking back: The Bethel University Royals cruised to an unbeaten season in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play last season, finishing 8-0 to claim the conference title. They advanced to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs, losing to North Central in a battle of unbeaten teams, 41-17.
Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if the Royals find themselves making another deep playoff run this fall.
Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):
1. Bethel (Minn.)--(12-1): The Royals enter the 2014 season in very select company, ranked fourth in the Lindy's Sports preseason poll behind NCAA playoff semifinalist Linfield, national runner-up Mount Union, and national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater, respectively. If that wasn't enough, offensive lineman Bubba Friedlund was not only named a first team All-American by Sporting News, his Royals will also begin the season ranked sixth in the nation by that same publication. Additionally, Friedlund will have a solid quarterback to protect in Erik Peterson. He passed for more than 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. With that said, if they can avoid any serious injuries, there's no reason why the Royals can't duplicate last year's success, and then some.
2. St. Thomas (8-2): After reaching the national championship game in 2012, two costly losses cost the Tommies a chance to return to the playoffs in 2013. Both close calls could give them the motivation they need to get back on top of the MIAC in 2014.
3. St. John's (Minn.)--(7-3): Johnnies Head Coach Gary Fasching hopes that Year Two after John Gagliardi will result in a return to the top of the heap in the MIAC this season.
4. Concordia (Moorhead)--(8-2): The Cobbers might be hard-pressed to match last year's record, with road trips to Bethel and St. Thomas looming this year.
5. Gustavus Adolphus (6-4): After winning just nine games combined between 2010 and 2012, the Gusties finally posted a winning record in 2013, finishing 4-4 in MIAC play. It'll be interesting to see if they can build on that success in 2014.
6. Carleton (5-5): The Knights hope that a season-ending win will be a sign of things to come this fall.
7. Augsburg (5-5): Were it not for four close losses, all by four points or less--and by a 12 combined 12 points to boot, the Auggies could have easily advanced to the playoffs, instead of finishing 3-5 in MIAC play last season. Winning those close games is a must if they have any chance at advancing to postseason play this season.
8. Hamline (2-8): The Pipers face a long climb upward under second year head coach Chad Rogosheske.
9. St. Olaf (1-9): After three straight winning seasons, the Oles struggled under first-year head coach Craig Stern, losing nine straight games after winning their opener over Northwestern (Minn.) on September 7. Who knows, 2014 might turn out to be a much better year for the faithful in Northfield.
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