THE RFC MYC: Northeast Conference (NEC)-(FCS)

Northeast Conference (NEC)-(FCS)

Overview: The Saint Francis University Red Flash was one of only two teams from the Northeast Conference (NEC) to post an overall winning record at the end of the 2022 football season. After starting the season with back-to-back losses at Akron and Richmond, respectively, the Red Flash reeled off nine straight wins, including a perfect 7-0 mark in NEC play, to win their program's first-ever outright conference championship. SFU fell to Delaware, 56-17, in the first round of the FCS playoffs, to finish its season at 9-3 overall.

The only other NEC team to post a winning record in 2022 was the Merrimack College Warriors. Despite being declared ineligible for postseason play last season, the Warriors still managed to finish second in the NEC at 6-1 in conference play, while also finishing at 8-3 overall. Two of Merrimack's three losses came by two touchdowns or less, with the Warriors losing to eventual FCS playoff participant Holy Cross 31-17 on September 2, as well as to Harvard 31-28 in overtime on September 16.

So, what's in store for the NEC in 2023? While St. Francis will try to win back-to-back NEC titles for the first time this ever this season, Merrimack also hopes to earn its first-ever FCS playoff appearance this fall, with the Warriors becoming full members of the NCAA Division I ranks. As far as any potential dark horse candidates to win the NEC crown are concerned, look to LIU. The Sharks finished the 2022 season with four straight wins at 4-7 overall after an 0-7 start. 

2023 Schedules (Teams listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to access to find the schedules)

NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule is not highlighted, it means that the team has not submitted its schedule for the 2023 season. When the team's schedule is submitted, the link (s) will appear in each blog post. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and much more.

Final 2022 Northeast Conference Football Standings


Central Connecticut State

Duquesne

LIU

Merrimack

Sacred Heart

St. Francis (Pa.)

Stonehill*

Wagner

*-Transitioning from the NCAA Division II level.

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