RFC Small College Preview: USA South Athletic Conference (USAC)--(NCAA Division III)

USA South Athletic Conference (USAC)


2014 USA South Football Standings - USA South



Looking back: The Christopher Newport University Captains left the USA South Athletic Conference (USAC) last fall, as they advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the 10th time in their 14-year history, finishing 7-1 in league play. But the 2014 season didn't end there, with the Captains pulling off the upset over a nine-win Delaware Valley team in the first round, before bowing to Widener in the second round.

Looking ahead: The 2015 season will bring about tremendous changes for the USAC, as Christopher Newport leaves that conference to join the New Jersey Athletic Conference as an associate member for football. The Captains departure means it could be a wide-open race for the league crown this fall.

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

1. Huntingdon (7-3): The Hawks enter the 2015 season looking to win at least nine games for the first time in program history.

2. Methodist (6-4):  The Monarchs hope to become serious USAC title contenders under third-year head coach C.J. Goss.

3. Maryville (7-3):  The Scots must start from scratch under new head coach Shaun Hayes.

4. LaGrange (5-5):  The Panthers hope to build on their season-ending win over Ferrum from last year.

5. Greensboro (3-7): The Pride will look to move up in the USAC standings after finishing 3-5 in conference play last season.

6. North Carolina Wesleyan (5-5): The Battling Bishops will do battle against five teams that finished the 2014 season with a .500 or better record during the 2015 season.

7. Ferrum (1-9):  The Panthers hope to put a dismal 2014 campaign behind them.

8. Averett (2-8):  As do the Cougars under second-year head coach Cleive Adams. 

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