RFC Small College Preview: American Southwest Conference (ASC)--(NCAA Division III)

American Southwest Conference (ASC)

2014 Standings 

All-Time Standings

All-Time Postseason Results 

Looking back: The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders added yet another American Southwest Conference (ASC) championship to their trophy case in 2014, winning their fifth straight outright conference crown, and their ninth dating back to 2005.  The "Cru" advanced to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III, losing to Linfield in a 31-28 heartbreaker.

Looking ahead: The ASC will grow by at least two members for 2015 and beyond. Well, sort of. The Belhaven University Blazers from Jackson, Mississippi will join the conference as a provisional member from the NAIA, while McMurry University out of Abilene, Texas rejoins the D-III after abandoning plans to move up to the NCAA Division II ranks.  Neither team will be eligible for the ASC title.

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

1. Mary Hardin-Baylor (11-1): The Crusaders will go into 2015 trying to extend their 54-game regular season winning streak, as well as a streak of 37 straight ASC wins dating back to 2009.

2. Hardin-Simmons (6-3): The Cowboys hope to win their first ASC crown since 2004, as well as advance to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time since 2008. All-Time Results

3. Louisiana College (6-4): The Wildcats will open the 2015 season with three straight road games, as well as pay a visit to NCAA Division II Kentucky Wesleyan in a last-minute addition to this year's schedule. 

4. East Texas Baptist (4-6): While the Tigers found themselves on the winning side of several high-scoring games in 2014, they also gave up 50 or more points in five or their six losses; including 98 to D-II Texas A&M-Commerce in the season opener, as well as 83 points to Mary Hardin-Baylor in the season finale.  It's a situation that head coach Joshua Eargle hopes will be corrected in 2015.  

5. Howard Payne (4-6): The Yellow Jackets will look to soar in the ASC standings after a dismal 1-4 finish in conference play last fall. 

6. Sul Ross State (2-8): The Lobos hope to put yet another rough season behind them as well.

Not eligible for ASC title

Belhaven (2-9): The 2015 schedule for the Blazers includes a home game against two-time defending D-III national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater on September 12, as well as a home contest against Mary Hardin-Baylor on October 3, and a road game against future ASC member McMurry on October 31.

McMurry (2-8): The Warhawks will try to improve on a miserable showing in which they surrendered 40 or more points in all eight losses last season. 

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