RFC Small College Preview: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC)

2014 Standings

Looking back: The Chapman University Panthers notched their third straight winning season in finishing 8-2 overall, with both losses coming to eventual national semifinalist Linfield, as well as winning eight straight games in between both games against the Wildcats. In the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, Linfield cruised to a convincing 55-24 win over Chapman. In the 2014 season opener on September 13, the Wildcats outlasted the Panthers, 21-14. 

Looking ahead: Can Chapman claim yet another SCIAC championship this fall? Or will traditional mainstays such as Cal Lutheran, Occidental, or Redlands step up, and take the title? Either one of those questions could be answered as the 2015 season rolls on.

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

1. Chapman (8-2): The Panthers go into 2015 finding themselves in the rare position of being the favorites to win the SCIAC crown.

2. Redlands (6-3): The Bulldogs overcame an 0-2 start--in which they outscored 72-3 in losses to Mary Hardin-Baylor and Linfield--to finish 6-1 in SCIAC play last fall. They hope to make a serious ran at the SCIAC title this fall.

3. Occidental (5-4): The Tigers developed a knack for winning close games in 2014, winning four out of five games by seven points or less. A few more wins like that could help propel them into postseason play in 2015.

4. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (5-4): The Stags are hoping to build on one of the better seasons they've had in quite some time.

5. Cal Lutheran (4-5): The Kingsmen hope to reign supreme in the SCIAC after back-to-back losing seasons.

6. LaVerne (2-7): The Leopards to leap their way into their first winning season since 2005, when they finished 5-4 overall.

7. Whittier (2-7): The Poets drought of having a winning record has lasted even longer, with their last winning season coming in 1998 at 7-2 overall.

8. Pomona-Pitzer (1-8): The Sagehens face a tremendous uphill battle too after finishing in a three-way tie with Whittier and LaVerne for last place in the SCIAC at 1-6 last season.

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