THE RFC MYC: Mountain East Conference (MEC)-(NCAA Division II)

Mountain East Conference (MEC)-(NCAA Division II)

Overview: The 2023 season for the Mountain East Conference (MEC) started in an inauspicious way, as Alderson-Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia permanently closed its' doors due to ongoing financial problems. The Battlers finished their final official season without winning a single game, finishing winless at 0-11 overall.

Additionally, Alderson-Broaddus's last-ever win came on October 23, 2021. That was when the Battlers crushed West Virginia Wesleyan 49-20 on the road. A-B finished the season at 1-10 overall.

Also, Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio closed its doors at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year due to the same problems that caused Alderson-Broaddus's closure. But the  Falcons football team gave the NDC faithful one last thing to cheer about in 2023, as they finished 7-3 overall and 6-3 in MEC play. NDC's curtain call came on November 4, with the Falcons beating Concord University 24-14 on the road. 

As for the remaining 10 schools that will take the field in 2024, the University of Charleston Golden Eagles hope to defend the Mountain East Conference championship after finishing the regular season at 8-1 in MEC action, and 9-1 overall. 

In the NCAA Division II playoffs, UC outlasted New Haven 52-44 in the first round, before succumbing to eventual national semifinalist Kutztown in the second round at home. The tough 32-31 loss to Kutztown ended the Golden Eagles season at 10-2. Both losses came by a combined four points, with their only other setback coming in a 33-30 loss at Fairmont State on October 21.

Other teams that could take the MEC crown this fall include Fairmont State (8-3), Frostburg State (7-3), UNC Pembroke (7-3), and Glenville State (6-4). All three teams finished MEC play at 6-3, while the Pioneers settled for a 5-4 finish in league action. 

Speaking of UNCP, the North Carolina-based institution will eventually become the latest program to leave the MEC, as the Braves will join Conference Carolinas for football in 2025. 

2024 Schedules (Teams listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to find the schedules)

NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule is unavailable, the team still needs to submit its schedule for the 2024 season. The link (s) will appear in each blog post when the team's schedule is submitted. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.

Final 2023 Mountain East Conference Football Standings

2024 Composite Schedule (Courtesy of the Mountain East Conference)

Charleston (W. Va.)

Concord

Fairmont State

Frostburg State

Glenville State

UNC Pembroke 

West Liberty

West Virginia State

West Virginia Wesleyan

Wheeling

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THE RFC MYC: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)-(NCAA Division II)

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)-(NCAA Division II)

Predicted Order Of Finish (courtesy of the SIAC)

Overview: After back-to-back double-digit win seasons, and NCAA Division II playoff appearances, can the Benedict College Tigers make it three straight SIAC championships this fall? 

If the preseason polls are any indication, the Tigers from Columbia, South Carolina will have a huge task in even advancing to the conference championship game, much less accomplishing the "three-peat". 

That's because the Albany State University Golden Rams begin the 2024 season as the favorites to win the SIAC crown. ASU will look to improve on its 6-5 overall record, and a 6-2 mark in SIAC play, to end their 2023 season. Albany State lost to Benedict 47-10 in last year's title game. 

Should Benedict advance to postseason play for the third straight season, the Tigers hope to finally get that elusive first-ever playoff win, losing to Wingate in 2022 and Lenoir-Rhyne in 2023 both in the second round. Benedict has finished 11-1 overall in both of those seasons.

Other teams expected to be in the conversation for the SIAC championship this season include Fort Valley State (8-3, 6-2), Miles (7-3, 6-2), Tuskegee (7-4, 6-2), Allen (6-3, 5-3), and Edward Waters (6-4, 5-3). 

2023 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Final Standings

2024 Schedules (Teams listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to access the schedules)

NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule is unavailable, the team still needs to submit its schedule for the 2024 season, the link (s) will appear in each post when the team's schedule is submitted. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.


Albany State (Ga.)

Allen

Benedict

Central State

Clark Atlanta

Edward Waters

Fort Valley State

Kentucky State

Lane

Miles

Morehouse

Savannah State

Tuskegee

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THE RFC MYC: Big Sky Conference (FCS)

Big Sky Conference (FCS) 

Overview: The Big Sky Conference had another big year in 2023, as eight of the league's 12 teams finished conference play with a record of .500 or better, while six of those squads finished with a winning overall record.

Of those six teams, the University of Montana Grizzlies exceeded the expectations of most "experts", advancing to the FCS national championship on January 7, 2024. However, the Grizzlies' chances of winning their first title since 2001 fell short, as South Dakota State cruised to a 23-3 win in Frisco, Texas. Montana finished the 2023 season at 13-2 overall.

Other Big Sky squads also found their way into postseason play last fall, with Montana State's season coming to a shocking, early close after North Dakota State ousted the then #6-seeded Bobcats in the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Bobcats finished their campaign at 8-4 after falling 35-34 to the Bison in overtime. 

The University of Idaho Vandals also had their best seasons since returning to the FCS in 2018, advancing to the postseason for the second straight season. After rallying to stun Southern Illinois 20-17 in the second round of the playoffs, the Vandals saw their season end in the quarterfinals, as they fell to UAlbany 30-22 to finish their 2023 campaign at 9-4 overall.

Finally, despite finishing 4-4 in Big Sky action, the Sacramento State University Hornets also managed to advance to the FCS playoffs last fall. They knocked off North Dakota on the road in the first round before falling to another Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) squad in South Dakota in the second round to finish the 2023 season at 8-5 overall. 

Expect another big race for the Big Sky Conference title going into the 2024 season, with Montana favored to win back-to-back conference crowns. Montana State and Idaho are expected to provide serious challenges to the Grizzlies' title. At the same time, UC Davis (7-4, 8-3) Weber State (6-5, 4-4), Portland State (5-6, 4-4), and Northern Arizona (5-6, 4-4) hope to disrupt things with a few upset wins here and there. Don't count out Sacramento State either.  

 

2024 Schedules (Teams listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to find the schedules)

NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule is unavailable, the team still needs to submit its schedule for the 2024 season. The link (s) will appear in each blog post when the team's schedule is submitted. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.

Final 2023 Big Sky Conference Football Standings

Cal Poly

Eastern Washington

Idaho

Idaho State

Montana

Montana State

Northern Arizona

Northern Colorado

Portland State

Sacramento State

UC Davis

Weber State

THE RFC MYC: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)-(NCAA Division II)

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)-(NCAA Division II)

Overview: The Virginia Union University Panthers won their first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship since 2001 after defeating Fayetteville State 21-10 on November 11. But VUU's season ended in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs after falling to Kutztown 38-14 the following week. The Panthers season ended at 10-2 overall following the loss to the Golden Bears. Those 10 wins were the most that a VUU program had since 1990.

Moving ahead to 2024, the Panthers will have a serious challenge in defending their CIAA crown, with longtime rival Virginia State recently being selected to finish first in the preseason poll. The Trojans finished the 2023 season at 8-2 after starting at 7-0, only to lose two of their final three games, including the season-ending loss to the Panthers. 

Other CIAA squads to watch going into this season include Bowie State (6-4, 5-3), Fayetteville State (8-3, 8-0) and Johnson C. Smith (7-3, 6-2).

Finally, one team will be missing from the football field this fall, as the St. Augustine's University Falcons canceled their 2024 season amid ongoing accreditation and financial problems within the Raleigh, North Carolina-based institution. The departure of St. Augustine's will give the CIAA 11 teams that will be taking the field this season.    

2023 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Final Standings

2024 Schedules (Teams listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to find the schedules)

NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule is unavailable, the team didn't release its schedule for the 2024 season. Once the team's schedule is available, 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 more.

Bluefield State

Bowie State

Elizabeth City State

Fayetteville State

Johnson C. Smith

Lincoln (Pa.)

Livingstone

Shaw 

Virginia State

Virginia Union

Winston Salem State

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THE RFC MYC: United Athletic Conference (UAC)-(FCS)

United Athletic Conference (UAC)-(FCS)

Overview: The inaugural season of the United Athletic Conference (UAC) proved to be a memorable one for the Austin Peay Governors, as they overcame a 0-2 start to their 2023 season by winning nine straight games, and the first-ever conference crown after finishing unbeaten in league play at 6-0.

In the FCS playoffs, Chattanooga heartbreakingly ended Austin Peay's season, as the Mocs shocked the Governors on a last-second field goal at 24-21. Austin Peay's season ended at 9-3 after losing to Chattanooga at home. 

Going into the 2024 season, there will be tremendous changes in the UAC's membership, with Stephen F. Austin announcing that it was returning to the Southland Conference after spending the last several seasons in what was previously known as the Atlantic Sun-WAC Alliance. 

Also, the University of West Georgia Wolves will begin their transition to the FCS ranks after spending more than four decades playing at the NCAA Division II level this fall. The Carrollton, Georgia-based institution had been a member of the Gulf South Conference since 1983, advancing to postseason play nine times during their D-II tenure.

In the meantime, expect Austin Peay to defend their UAC title, with Central Arkansas (7-4, 4-2) and Tarleton State (8-3, 4-2) being among the challengers for this year's crown. Don't count out Eastern Kentucky (5-6, 4-2) or Southern (6-5, 4-2) either. 

  

2024 Schedules (Teams listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to find the schedules)

2023 United Athletic Conference Final Standings 


NOTE: If the team is unavailable, it must submit its schedule for the 2024 season. The link (s) will appear in each blog post when the team's schedule is submitted. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.

Abilene Christian

Austin Peay

Central Arkansas

Eastern Kentucky

Lamar 

North Alabama

Southern Utah

Tarleton State

Utah Tech 

West Georgia*

*-West Georgia is starting the transition process from the NCAA Division II to the NCAA Division I (FCS) level and is ineligible for postseason play during the next four seasons. 

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THE RFC MYC: Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)-(FCS)

Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)-(FCS)

Overview: The South Dakota State University Jackrabbits made it back-to-back national championships for the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), as they downed the University of Montana Grizzlies for their second straight national championship.

On January 7, 2024, the Jackrabbits captured their second straight title after rolling past the Grizzlies 23-3. SDSU finished the 2023 season unbeaten at 15-0 overall, extending the nation's longest winning streak among current NCAA Division I football programs, FCS or FBS, to 29 straight games.

Going into 2024, South Dakota State hopes to join a select company at the FCS level, as the Jackrabbits look to become one of the few programs to win three straight national championships. But they must survive what will likely be a tough opening weekend contest at Oklahoma State on August 31. 

If that wasn't enough, there will be multiple challengers that will try to dethrone SDSU this fall, with North Dakota State, South Dakota, Southern Illinois, Youngstown State, and Illinois State being among the potential contenders. Of the five aforementioned squads, only Illinois State didn't advance to the FCS playoffs. 

Also, don't count out Northern Iowa, as the Panthers managed to put together another respectable campaign after finishing at 5-3 in the MVFC, and 6-5 overall. Three of UNI's six wins came by seven points last fall, with the Panthers knocking off eventual FCS playoff participant Youngstown State 44-41, Indiana State 27-20, and Illinois State 24-21. 

Finally, the biggest changes within the MVFC will happen off the field within the next two seasons, as Western Illinois is now a member of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference alliance, while Missouri State will start its final season in the league before beginning the transition to the FBS level and Conference USA in 2025. 

2024 Schedules (Teams are listed in alphabetical order, click the links below t to find the schedules)

NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule needs to be highlighted, the team still needs to submit its schedule for the 2024 season. The link (s) will appear in each blog post when the team's schedule is submitted.  Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.

Final 2023 MVFC Football Standings

Illinois State

Indiana State

Missouri State

North Dakota

North Dakota State

Northern Iowa

South Dakota 

South Dakota State

Southern Illinois

Youngstown State

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THE RFC MYC: Southland Conference (FCS)

Southland Conference (FCS)

Overview: The 2023 season for the Southland Conference (SLC) was bizarre, to say the least.

Starting on the tragic side of things, the Northwestern State University Demons canceled the remainder of their season due to the shooting death of Ronnie Caldwell on October 12. The cancelation led to the resignation of then-head coach Brad Laird, as well as a wrongful death lawsuit against the university, Laird, and the apartment complex where Caldwell was killed. The Demons finished their abbreviated campaign winless at 0-6 overall.

As a result of this tragedy, the Nicholls Colonels finished SLC action undefeated at 7-0, despite finishing the regular season at 6-5 overall, primarily due to the cancelation of their contest against Northwestern State. 

One of those wins came shockingly, as the Colonels pulled off the upset over a then heavily-favored and fourth-ranked UIW squad 45-32 on November 4. That win helped Nicholls clinch the SLC's automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, while the Cardinals were snubbed for postseason play despite finishing the regular season at 8-2 overall, and 6-1 in SLC action. Nicholls' season ended in the first round of the playoffs after losing at Southern Illinois, 35-0.

Heading into 2024, the Southland Conference's membership will increase by one member this fall, with the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks returning to the league after spending the last three seasons in the United Athletic Conference (UAC). The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros will join the Lumberjacks when that Texas-based institution starts its inaugural season in 2025, bringing the SLC's total number of football programs to 10 by then.

In the meantime, however, Nicholls will look to defend its SLC crown this year, while UIW hopes to bounce back after being left out of the FCS playoff field last fall.    

2024 Schedules (Teams listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to find the schedules)

NOTE: If a team's schedule is unavailable, it must submit its schedule for the 2024 season. The link (s) will appear in each blog post when the team's schedule is submitted. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.

Final 2023 Southland Conference Football Standings

Houston Christian

Lamar

McNeese State

Nicholls 

Northwestern State

Southeastern Louisiana

Stephen F. Austin

Texas A&M-Commerce*

UIW

*-Ineligible for the conference title, transitioning from the NCAA Division II level.

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THE RFC MYC: Pioneer Football League (FCS)

Overview: After struggling to an 0-3 start, the Drake University Bulldogs completed an unlikely run through their Pioneer Football League (PFL) schedule, finishing undefeated in conference play at 8-0. The Bulldogs finished their 2023 season at 8-3 overall after losing at North Dakota State in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

As for what the 2024 season might hold, Drake hopes to win back-to-back PFL titles while building on their program's first-ever FCS playoff appearance. But the Bulldogs from Des Moines, Iowa must replace the 21 players that graduated at the end of the 2023 season.

Also, despite still being ineligible for postseason play due to their ongoing transition from the NCAA Division III, expect the University of St. Thomas Tommies to be in the conversation for the PFL crown this fall. The Tommies overcame a slow start at 1-2 to finish league play at 7-1, and 8-3 overall. 

2024 Schedules (Teams are listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to access the schedules)


NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule is unavailable, the team still needs to submit its schedule for the 2024 season. Once 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 more.

Final 2023 Pioneer Football League Football Standings

Butler

Davidson

Dayton

Drake

Marist

Morehead State

Presbyterian

San Diego

St. Thomas (Minn.)

Stetson

Valparaiso

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THE RFC MYC: Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)-(FCS)

Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)-(FCS)

Overview: Fans of Florida A&M University had many reasons to celebrate in 2023. 

That was because their Rattlers won their first-ever Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship after defeating Prairie View A&M 35-14 on December 2 and the mythical HBCU national championship with a 30-26 win over Howard in the Celebration Bowl on December 16. FAMU finished the season at 12-1 overall, losing only to South Florida 38-24 on September 9. 

The Rattlers will enter the 2024 season looking to defend the two titles they won at the end of the 2023 season. But to do that, they must do it under new head coach James Colzie, who replaces Willie Simmons as FAMU's head coach. Simmons left FAMU during the offseason to become the running backs coach at Duke. 

There will be multiple challengers looking to dethrone FAMU from the top of the SWAC this fall, with Alcorn State (7-4, 6-2), Alabama State (7-4, 5-3), Jackson State (7-4, 5-3), Prairie View (6-6, 6-2) and Southern (6-5, 5-3) expected to be among the contenders.    

2024 Schedules (Teams are listed in alphabetical order, click the links below to access the schedules)


NOTE: If the link to the team's schedule is unavailable, the team still needs to submit its schedule for the 2024 season. The link (s) will appear in each blog post when the team's schedule is submitted. Also, please visit the RFC blog at realfootballcentral.blogspot.com for schedules, schedule updates, preseason previews, and more.

Final 2023 SWAC Football Standings (courtesy of Google)

East Division

Alabama A&M

Alabama State

Bethune-Cookman

Florida A&M

Jackson State

Mississippi Valley State

West Division

Alcorn State

Grambling State

Prairie View A&M

Southern

Texas Southern

UAPB

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