RFC Small College Preview: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)

2015 Football Standings--Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Looking back: It was a history-making moment in more ways than one for the Tuskegee University Golden Tigers in 2015, as they pulled off back-to-back upset wins on the road in the NCAA Division II playoffs. After knocking off Catawba on the road for their first-ever playoff win, the Tigers stunned perennial Gulf South Conference power North Alabama the following week for their second-ever playoff win. Tuskegee's season finally ended in the quarterfinals, falling at West Georgia, 35-6.

Looking ahead: Don't be surprised to see Tuskegee as the favorite to win the SIAC title, or if the Golden Tigers make an even deeper playoff run for matter, in 2016.

Predicted order of finish (2015 overall record in parentheses):

East Division

1. Albany State (Ga.)--(6-4): With Dan Land being named the permanent head coach after spending last season as the interim head coach, don't be surprised if the Golden Rams end up in the SIAC title discussion again this season.

2. Fort Valley State (5-4): Coming off of a 3-1 finish in SIAC action in 2015, the Wildcats hope to mount a serious challenge for the conference crown again in 2016.  But they must rise to that occasion under new head coach Kevin Porter.

3. Morehouse (5-5): The Maroon Tigers hope that the signing of 13 recruits will help them get over the hump this fall.

4. Clark Atlanta (1-8): The Panthers struggled to score points in 2015, as they were held to 14 points or less in each of their losses. Scoring more points must be a priority if the Panthers are to win more games in 2016.

5. Benedict (0-10): The Tigers hope to get win number one...and then some...under second year head coach Mike White.

West Division

1. Tuskegee (10-3): With two Top 15 preseason rankings; No. 13 in The Sporting News, and No. 10 in Lindy's Sports, the key to the Golden Tigers success in 2016 could ride of the performance of rising junior defensive back Jonah McCutcheon.

2. Miles (7-5): But in coming off an upset win over Tuskegee that led to an eventual SIAC championship, as well as the signing of 28 players on National Signing Day, don't count out the Golden Bears for not only a potential return to the league title game, but also a repeat league title this year.

3. Central State (5-5): Fresh off of a two-win season just two years ago, the Marauders hope to shake up the SIAC in a big way this fall.

4. Kentucky State (3-7): Can anyone say "uphill battle" for the Thorobreds, after finishing 2-3 in SIAC play last season.

5. Lane (3-7): The Dragons find themselves in a similar situation after finishing 1-4 in the SIAC last year.

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