RFC Small College Preview: Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)


2014 ODAC Football Standings - ODAC


Looking back: It was yet another down-to-the-wire race for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference football championship, as four teams shared the title after finishing 5-2 in ODAC action last season. In the end, however, it was Hampden-Sydney (7-4 overall in 2014) that represented its league in the NCAA Division III playoffs. The Tigers postseason run was cut short in the first round by Wesley, as the Wolverines cruised to a convincing 52-7 win.


Looking ahead: The ODAC has been one of the most competitive conferences in all of D-III over the last 5-10 years. Don't expect 2015 to be any different.


Predicted order of finish (2014 overall record in parentheses):


1. Bridgewater (Va.)--(8-2): The Eagles found themselves a pair of back-to-back losses away from an unbeaten regular season in 2014, which were sandwiched in between a pair of four-game winning streaks.

2. Emory & Henry (8-2):  A season-ending loss to Guilford cost the Wasps their first outright ODAC title since 2000. 

3. Guilford (8-2): Speaking of the Quakers, their fans hope that the happy ending to the 2014 season will serve as a sign of things to come for the 2015 season.


4. Hampden-Sydney (7-4): The Tigers have either won or shared three ODAC championships in the last four years, as well as six dating back to 2007. They  hope to take home yet another title this fall.

5. Randolph-Macon (5-5): A season-ending upset win over ODAC archrival Hampden-Sydney in "The Game" was a fitting close to an otherwise disappointing season for the Yellow Jackets. 

6. Shenandoah (4-6): The Hornets enter the 2015 season hoping to reverse a season-ending four-game losing streak.

7. Catholic (3-7):  The Cardinals look to rebound after finishing last in the ODAC at 1-6 against conference foes.

8. Washington and Lee (2-8):  The Generals let a lot a close games get away from them in the closing seconds last season, going 1-4 games decided by five points or less.

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