RFC Small College Preview: Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC)--(NCAA Division II)

Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC)

2014 Standings

Looking back: Despite going 10-1 last season, the Azusa Pacific University Cougars found themselves on the outside looking in on Selection Sunday, as they were snubbed for a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Cougars lone loss of 2014 came in their second game of the season, a 30-10 setback at Humboldt State on September 13.

Speaking of the Lumberjacks, they finished the 2014 campaign at 8-2 overall, but like the Cougars, they also weren't invited to the D-II dance. In fact, all seven squads that currently make up the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) found themselves sitting at home once the postseason rolled around.

Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if the two California schools; Azusa Pacific and Humboldt State, do battle for the GNAC crown in 2015.

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

1. Azusa Pacific (10-1): The Cougars enter the 2015 season looking for their third straight GNAC championship. However, an early season test at West Texas A&M in the season opener on September 3 could determine if they're playoff-worthy come November.

2. Humboldt State (8-2): The Lumberjacks finished in a three-way tie for second place in the GNAC at 4-2 last year. They hope to dethrone APU this year.

3. Central Washington (7-4): The Wildcats hope to carry a season-ending three-game winning streak into 2015. But they'll face a tough test open the season on September 5. That's when they'll hit the road to face defending NCAA Division II national champion Colorado State-Pueblo.

4. Western Oregon (6-5):  The Wolves will open the 2015 season with four of their first five games on the road. They'll host perennial Gulf South Conference power and 2014 D-II playoff participant North Alabama on October 10.

5. Simon Fraser (2-9): The Clan has won at least five games (5-6 in 2012) only once since joining the NCAA in 2010. 

6. South Dakota Mines (2-9): The Hardrockers will play one final season in the GNAC, before joining the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) in 2016.

7. Dixie State (1-10): The Red Storm will also make the jump from the GNAC to the RMAC after this season.


Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.