RFC Summer Semester--West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC)--(NCAA Division II)

Looking back: It was a banner season for Shepherd, as the Rams became the first-ever team from the WVIAC to advance to the national semifinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2010.  Prior to that, no current league member had ever advanced past the quarterfinal round, at least not at the NCAA level.  In fact, the last time any WVIAC squad even a reached a national championship game was in 1993.  Glenville State fell to East Central (Okla.), 49-35, in an NAIA title game that season.

Looking ahead: Shepherd once again should be the team to beat in the WVIAC.  But programs like West Virginia Wesleyan, West Liberty, and Concord could have a say as to which team ultimately comes out on top.

Website: http://www.wviac.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Shepherd (12-2):  One of the winningest small college programs in the nation, the Rams won their first WVIAC title since 2007.  Head Coach Monte Cater begins his 25th season in Shepherdstown as the nation's No. 4 team.  That's according to the Lindy's Sports preseason poll for D-II teams.

2. West Liberty (7-3):  After a D-II playoff quarterfinals appearance in 2009, the Hilltoppers fell back to earth slightly in 2010, as three losses cost them a return trip to postseason play.


3. West Virginia Wesleyan (9-2):  The Bobcats enjoyed a seven-win improvement from 2009, finishing in a tie for second place with West Liberty.  Now, the next steps are to not only win their first WVIAC title since 2003, but also advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs.


4. Concord (8-3):  Garin Justice takes over the reins of the Mountain Lions program as its' 18th head coach.  He replaces Mike Kellar, who resigned to take a job at California (Pa.).


5. Glenville State (5-6):  The Pioneers also underwent a coaching change during the offseason.  They named Dave Hutchison as their head coach, replacing Alan Fiddler.


6. Charleston (6-5): The Golden Eagles have a brand new head coach as well, in Pat Kirkland.


7. Fairmont State (5-6):  The Fighting Falcons struggled to a 3-5 mark in WVIAC play last season.


8. Seton Hill (2-9):  The Griffin faithful hope that seven home games will turn their team's luck around in 2011.


9. West Virginia State (0-10):  The Yellow Jackets find themselves in the "nowhere to go up" department after a winless season.

RFC Summer Semester--President's Athletic Conference (PAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Looking back: Although most of its membership calls Pennsylvania home, one program from Kentucky has ruled the roost in the PAC over the last three years, as Thomas More has won three straight league titles, as well as three straight trips to the NCAA Division III playoffs.  The Saints have also compiled a record of 30-5 overall during that span, including a 20-game regular season winning streak along the way.

Looking ahead: TMC will enter the 2011 season looking for an unprecedented fourth straight PAC title.

Website: http://www.pacathletics.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Thomas More (11-1): Until another team knocks them off, the Saints are the team to beat.  The big question TMC fans should have is this: Can they get past round two of the D-III playoffs?

2. Washington & Jefferson (9-2):  Should the Saints fall short of winning a fourth straight conference title, the Presidents are more than ready and willing to step up to the top in this "PAC".  A challenging non-conference game against D-III playoff participant Delaware Valley on September 10 could give W&J the measuring stick it needs to be a serious contender down the stretch.  Oh, and the Presidents play host to TMC two weeks after the game vs. Del Val. 


3. Bethany (W.Va.)--(5-5):  The Bison had a better season than even the most casual fan anticipated, finishing a respectable 4-3 in PAC play.  They had a two-win improvement from 2009, when they finished 3-7 overall.


4. Waynesburg (6-4):  The Yellow Jackets also made a slight improvement in the win column, while also finishing 4-3 in PAC action.


5. Grove City (5-5):  Winning the 27th annual Mercer County (Pa.) Cup over Thiel was the big highlight of an otherwise so-so season for the Wolverines, whose last season of least eight wins or more came in 1997.  They finished 9-2 that year.  


6. St. Vincent (3-7):  The Bearcat faithful actually had something to cheer about in 2010, as they not only snapped a 20-game losing streak that spanned portions of the last three seasons, but also won two more games after that. Still, they struggled in close games, losing five of them by seven points or less.

7.  Geneva (5-5):  The Golden Tornadoes are finally eligible to compete for the PAC title, as well as the automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs that goes with it.  However, they must pay a visit to both Thomas More and Washington & Jefferson during their first full season in the conference.


8. Westminster (Pa.)--(2-8):  If the Titans hope to move up in the standings in 2011, they must learn to win the close games that slipped away from them in 2010.  Four of those losses came by eight points or less.


9. Thiel (0-10):  The Tomcats enter 2011 trying to snap a 12-game losing streak.  Their last win came against St. Vincent, on October 31, 2009.

RFC Summer Semester--Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)--(NCAA Division II)

Looking back: Although the PSAC produced four teams that won 10 games a piece--which translates into 40 wins between them, the conference failed a place a team in the national semifinals for the first time since 2003.  Off the field, though, the PSAC accomplished a rare feat in that a former player from a current league member was represented in the Super Bowl for the third straight season.  Former Shippensburg standout John Kuhn played for the Green Bay Packers as they won Super Bowl XLV last February.

Looking ahead: Don't be surprised to see tight in both the East and West Divisions of the PSAC this season.

Website: http://www.psacsports.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

Eastern Division

1. Bloomsburg (10-3):  The Huskies will begin the 2011 season ranked 10th in the nation by the Sporting News. But living up to that ranking will be another matter.

2. Kutztown (10-2):  Fresh off an NCAA playoff appearance in 2010, the Golden Bears hope to take the next step, and make a much deeper postseason run.  At least they'll get Bloomsburg at home on November 5.

3. C.W. Post (7-4):  The Pioneers will play six games at home this fall.  But they must play Bloomsburg and Kutztown in consecutive weeks to end October.


4. Shippensburg (5-6):  The Raiders struggled mightily in close games last season, losing four contests by nine points or less.  Still, Ship fans hope that a season-ending four-game winning streak will carry over into 2011.


5. West Chester (4-7):  The Golden Rams had a not so golden 2010 season, losing four of their first five games, and three of their last four.  That included a pair of bitter overtime losses along the way.


6. East Stroudsburg (3-8):  The Warriors hope to bounce back with 33 letterwinners, including 14 starters, coming back.


7. Cheyney (1-10):  They may have lost eight straight games to close out last season, but the Wolves did manage to notch a win, in PSAC play, against Millersville.


8. Millersville (2-9):  Speaking of the Marauders, they face an uphill battle in 2011, after going winless in PSAC East play in 2010.

Western Division 

1. California (Pa.)--(10-2):  The Vulcans look to get back on track after being booted out of the NCAA Division II playoffs by Bloomsburg in the first round.  But Head Coach John Luckhardt must replace 11 starters lost due to graduation, including six on offense.

2. Mercyhurst (10-3):  The Lakers notched their best season in program history, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA playoffs before losing to Shepherd.  With the tough competition in the PSAC, though, getting back to postseason play could be easier said than done.

3. Gannon (6-5): The Golden Knights will enjoy a stretch of playing four straight games in their hometown of Erie, Pa.  But that last game will be played across town against Mercyhurst, on October 1.


4. Slippery Rock (6-5):  The "Rock" slipped into a four-way tie for fourth place in the PSAC West at 3-4 in conference play after starting last season at 6-2 overall.  


5. Edinboro (7-4):  It was a "Jekyll and Hyde" season for the Fighting Scots in 2010, as they started it at 4-0, then lost three games, only to fight back by winning three of their final four games.


6. Clarion (4-7): A season that started with high expectations instead turned into a nightmare for the Golden Eagles, as it ended with a five-game tailspin.


7. Indiana (Pa.)--(6-5):  The Crimson Hawks were yet another team that found itself in that four-way logjam for fourth place in the PSAC West to end the 2010 season.


8. Lock Haven (0-11):  The Bald Eagles hope to snap a 32-game losing streak that dates back to the start of the 2008 season.  Their last win came at the end of the 2007 campaign.  Believe it or not, there was even talk about dropping the football program during the offseason, only to get a reprieve from the adminstration.






  

RFC Summer Semester--Centennial Conference (NCAA Division III)

Looking back: In a tight, competitive Centennial Conference race, three teams; Johns Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and Ursinus shared the league title, finishing 7-2 in conference play.  Muhlenberg won a three-way tiebreaker to take the automatic bid from the CC, and advance to the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Looking ahead: Expect at least one of the three teams mentioned above to emerge as this year's automatic qualifier to the D-III playoffs.

Website: http://www.centennial.org/


Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Johns Hopkins (8-3):  The Blue Jays look to return to the NCAA playoffs after crushing Lebanon Valley, 44-14, in the ECAC South Atlantic Bowl last season.

2. Muhlenberg (7-4): The Mules bewildered the so-called "experts" in 2010, as they won the CC's automatic bid to the D-III playoffs after being picked to finish sixth in the preseason poll.  The question for 2011 is this: Can they do it again?


3. Moravian (7-4): The Greyhounds have made five appearances in ECAC bowl games dating back to 2002, but have advanced to the NCAA playoffs just twice (1988, 1993), while winning just two conference titles (1970, 1988).  They hope to change that this season.


4. Ursinus (8-2):  Despite an eight-win season, and a three-way share of the CC title, the Bears were snubbed for postseason play in 2010.  They hope to get over the hump in 2011.  They were unbeaten at home (5-0), but struggled on the road (3-2).


5. Franklin & Marshall (6-5):  The Diplomats hope to return to being a serious contender in the CC after struggling to a 5-4 finish in conference play last year, which ended with a 54-41 loss to Washington & Jefferson in the ECAC Southwest Bowl.  Also, they're still chasing that seemingly elusive first-ever D-III playoff berth, despite winning multiple conference championships, as well as more than 500 games, over the years.


6. Gettysburg (6-4):  Barry Streeter begins his 33rd season as the Bullets head coach.  Hopefully, it will end with the program's first NCAA Division III playoff appearance since 1985.


7. McDaniel (5-5):  The Green Terror got off to a 4-1 start, but faltered towards a 1-4 finish down the stretch.


8. Dickinson (3-7):  The Red Devils were held to under 20 points in four games last season.  They were 0-4 in those contests.


9. Susquehanna (2-8): The Crusaders hope their second season in the CC is better than the first, as they struggled to a disappointing 1-8 finish.  However, they did end 2010 on a winning note, as they downed WPI, 14-7, in the season finale.

10. Juniata (0-10):  The Eagles have lost 12 straight games dating back to October 24, 2009.  They defeated Moravian, 10-3, that day.





 

RFC Summer Semester--Middle Atlantic Conference (NCAA Division III)

Looking back: Delaware Valley was the class of the MAC in 2010, as the Aggies advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs, before bowing to eventual national runner-up Mount Union, 31-3.  Del Val was the lone team in the conference to win at least eight games last season.

Looking ahead: The MAC's membership increases by one program in 2011, as Stevenson University from Maryland begins its inaugural season.


Website: http://www.gomacsports.com

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Delaware Valley (9-3):  The Aggies begin the 2011 season as one of the nation's premier programs, as they have been mentioned by multiple national preseason magazines in terms of national rankings.  The biggest question mark, though, is on the offensive side of the football, as Del Val must replace nine starters lost due to graduation, according to the Sporting News.  

2. Lebanon Valley (6-5):  The Flying Dutchmen overcame a 1-4 start to finish in a two-way tie for second place with Wilkes at 5-2 in MAC play last season, which ended with a loss to Johns Hopkins in the ECAC South Atlantic Bowl.  Although they'll welcome 14 starters, they also lose 15 of them.


3. Wilkes (6-5):  The Colonels also played in an ECAC postseason game, losing 26-14 to Moravian in the Southeast Bowl.


4. Lycoming (5-5):  The Warriors face two teams that won at least nine games last season: Rowan (9-1) and Delaware Valley (9-3).  Both games will be at home this season.


5. Widener (5-5):  The Pride won back-to-back games finish the 2010 season on a high note. They not only avoided a sub-.500 season by winning their final two games, it also gave them a winning record in conference play at 4-3.


6. Albright (5-5):  The Lions followed up a 2009 quarterfinal playoff appearance with a so-so showing in 2010, finishing 3-4 in MAC action.  Lion fans hope that 2011 will mark a return to the top.


7. King's (1-9):  The Monarchs may have won just one game in 2010, but it was a big one, as they crushed FDU-Florham, 45-14, in the next-to-last game of last season.  


8. FDU-Florham (3-7):  Bob Surace replaces the retired Rich Mosca as the Devils head coach.  Surace inherits a program that lost seven straight games after a 3-0 start last season.

9. Stevenson (n/a):  Ed Hottle was named the Mustangs first head coach prior to the start of this season.  He'll try to build a fledgling football program from scratch.









 

RFC Summer Semester--New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Looking back: It was a three-team race in the NJAC in 2010, as three teams; Cortland State, Montclair State, and Rowan, shared the league title, with that trio finishing conference play at 8-1.  Cortland won the tiebreaker to take the automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs, while Montclair took an at-large bid.  Rowan was on the outside looking in for postseason play despite a 9-1 finish, as the Profs were passed over for an ECAC bowl bid. 

Looking ahead: It'll be interesting to see if any of the other seven teams in the NJAC can break the three-team stranglehold of Cortland State, Montclair State, and Rowan in 2011.

Website: http://www.njacsports.com

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Cortland State (10-2):  Head Coach Dan MacNeill enters his 15th season at the Red Dragons helm with a career record of 97-52 (.651).  He needs just three wins to join the 100-win club.  His 2010 squad reached the second round of the D-III playoffs, losing to Alfred, 34-20.

2. Montclair State (10-2):  The Red Hawks also advanced to round two of the D-III playoffs, falling to eventual national semifinalist Wesley, 44-7.  Head Coach Rick Giancola, who is beginning his 29th season as Montclair's head coach, joined the 200-win club during the 2010 season, as he has a career record of 201-89-2 (.691) entering the 2011 season. 


3. Rowan (9-1): Had it not been for an early-season loss to Montclair, the Profs not only would have gone undefeated, they also could have won the NJAC title outright.  Don't be surprised if they use that lone loss as motivation for the 2011 season, as they play host to Montclair on November 5.  Oh, and the Profs also play host to Cortland on September 24.


4. Kean (5-5):  After finishing 9-2 in 2009, the Cougars hope to bounce back after slipping back into the middle of the pack in 2010.


5. New Jersey (5-5):  Head Coach Eric Hamilton is another member of the 200-win club, joining Montclair State head coach Rick Giancola.  He begins his 35th season at TCNJ with a career record of 201-135-6. 


6. Buffalo State (4-6):  The Bengals haven't had a winning season since 2000 (7-4).


7. William Paterson (4-6):  The Pioneers were 4-1 coming out of the gate to start 2010, but an upset loss to Brockport State started a season-ending five-game freefall.  They were held to under 10 points in their three of those final five games.


8. Brockport State (2-8):  The win over William Paterson was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for the Golden Eagles.  Head Coach Rocco Salomone is just six wins away from joining the 100-win club.  His career record coming into the 2011 season is 94-69-1.


9.  Morrisville State (2-8):  The Mustangs are also put 2010 in the rear-view mirror.


10. Western Connecticut State (0-10):  The Colonials last win came on November 7, 2009, the last game of that season.









 

RFC Summer Semester--Liberty League Preview (NCAA Division III)

Looking back: A "down season" in the Liberty League resulted in an unlikely champion: St. Lawrence.  The Saints advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs as that conference's automatic qualifier despite finishing the regular season at .500 (5-5).  But they finished LL play at 5-1, good enough for a first place finish. They were quickly ushered out of postseason play by Mount Union, 49-0, in the first round.  Additionally, no team won more than six games overall in 2010.


Looking ahead: Expect the LL to fare much better on the field in 2011.  That means the Saints won't be sneaking up on anyone. 

Website: http://www.libertyleaguesports.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Rensselaer (RPI)--(6-4):  The Engineers finished 4-2 in Liberty League action last season.  They hope to finish on top this season with a new head coach in Tim Landis. 


2. St. Lawrence (5-6):  With a tough non-conference schedule that includes games against an ECAC bowl team (Norwich), as well as a D-III playoff team (Alfred), the Saints will have a rocky road to travel to get back to the D-III playoffs.


3. Merchant Marine (4-6):  The Mariners finished a respectable 3-3 in LL play last season.  They'll face a Johns Hopkins squad that crushed Lebanon Valley, 44-14, in the ECAC South Atlantic Bowl last season.


4. Rochester (4-5):  A season-ending, 35-34, double overtime win over Hobart gives the Yellow Jackets faithful a little bit of hope heading into 2011.


5. Hobart (5-4):  The Statesmen look to rebound after missing out on postseason play the last two years (6-3 in 2009).


6. WPI (3-7):  A promising 3-1 start disintegrated into a disappointing finish for the Engineers, as they ended the 2010 season with six straight losses.


7. Union (N.Y.)--(2-7):  The Dutch will also try to put a dismal 2010 campaign behind them, as they ended last season on a six-game skid as well.  Ironically, their last win of last year came against WPI.

RFC Summer Semester--Empire 8 Conference (NCAA Division III)

Looking back: Alfred ruled the roost in the E8 last season, going unbeaten in conference play at 5-0.  The Saxons advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs before bowing to Mount Union, 37-7.

Looking ahead: The E8 adds a little Maryland flavor to its mix for 2011, as Frostburg State and Salisbury join the conference as associate members for football.

Website: http://www.empire8.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Alfred (10-3):  The Saxons will enjoy home-field advantage early, playing five of their first six games in their own backyard.

2. St. John Fisher (9-2):  The Cardinals, who rolled past RPI, 56-13, in the ECAC Northwest Bowl a year ago, will play four of their first six games at home. 

3. Springfield (10-2):  After outlasting Mount Ida, 26-17, in last year's ECAC North Atlantic Bowl, the Pride hope to take a giant step towards an NCAA playoff berth this year.

4. Ithaca (6-4):  The Bombers had their fewest wins since 1995 (5-4).

5. Hartwick (4-5):  A two-game win streak to end the 2010 season gives the Hawks some much-needed momentum going into the 2011 season. 

6. Utica (5-5):  The Bombers finished E8 play winless at 0-5 in 2010.

7. Salisbury (7-3):  The Sea Gulls reached the NCAA playoffs as an at-large team in 2010, losing to Delaware Valley, 23-12, in the first round.  They must adjust to being in the much-tougher Empire 8 Conference in 2011.

8. Frostburg State (2-8):  The Bobcats will join their Maryland archrivals in the E8 as well.

RFC Summer Semester--Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (NCAA Division III)

Looking back: SUNY-Maritime breezed through the 2010 regular season, going unbeaten at 7-0 in ECFC play, as well as earning its first-ever NCAA Division III playoff berth, before being crushed by Alfred, 60-0, in the first round.

Looking ahead: As the ECFC begins its third season of competition at the D-III level, look for Maritime to be the favorite to finish on top in 2011.  Additionally, multiple schools throughout the league are breaking in new head coaches for the upcoming season.

Website: http://www.easterncollegiatefootball.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. SUNY-Maritime (10-1):  The Privateers have had just one other winning season in their program's history: a 6-4 mark in 2009. 

2. Norwich (8-3):  The Cadets 2010 season ended with a 27-21 overtime setback to Framingham State in the ECAC Northeast Bowl.  If they're to make a run at a conference title, and/or a possible playoff berth in 2011, they must do it under a new head coach in Mark Murnyack.

3. Mount Ida (6-5):  The Mustangs advanced to the 2010 ECAC North Atlantic Bowl, losing 26-17 to Springfield.

4. Castleton State (5-4):  The Spartans enter the 2011 season with just their second head coach in their program's brief history in Marc Klatt.

5. Becker (2-8):  The Hawks also have a new head coach in Michael Lichten. 


6. Gallaudet (3-5):  The Bison finished a respectable 3-4 in ECFC play last season.


7. Husson (1-9):  The Eagles look to put a dismal 2010 season behind them, with, you guessed it, a new head coach in Sean Murphy.


8. Anna Maria (0-10):  The Amcats are still looking for their first-ever win.

RFC Summer Semester--New England Small College Athletic Conference (NCAA Division III)

Looking back: Williams won its third outright NESCAC title in the last decade in 2010, while also notching its seventh undefeated season in the last 22 years.

Looking ahead: With postseason play out of the question for this 10-school, NCAA Division III conference, expect Williams to be the team to beat when the 2011 season starts on September 24.  The season lasts just eight weeks.

Website: http://www.nescac.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Williams (8-0):  The Ephs have an all-time record of 623-345-47 in 125 seasons.

2. Trinity (Conn.)--(7-1):  A week two loss to Williams cost the Bantams (10/02/2010) a chance at a NESCAC title.

3. Amherst (6-2):  The Lord Jeffs started last season 6-0 before losing the final two games to Trinity, and Williams, respectively.

4. Colby (4-4):  The Mules finished in a three-way for fourth place with Middlebury and Wesleyan.

5. Wesleyan (4-4):  The Cardinals last winning season was in 2002, when they finished 5-3.

6. Middlebury (4-4):  The Panthers were 2-3 in games decided by 13 points or less last season.

7. Bowdoin (3-5):  A season-ending 26-21 win over archrival Colby was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 2010 season for the Polar Bears, as that victory resulted in the program's 19th C-B-B (Colby-Bowdoin-Bates) title.


8. Bates (2-6):  The Bobcats struggled in close games last year, finishing 1-3 in games decided by seven points or less.

9. Tufts (1-7):  The Jumbos face an uphill battle after a rough 2010 season.

10. Hamilton (1-7):  The Continentals played in only one game decided by single digits: a 30-26 loss to Middlebury.

RFC Summer Semester--New England Football Conference (NCAA Division III)

Looking back: A tight, competitive regular season in both the Bogan, and Boyd Divisions, respectively, resulted in Endicott advancing to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2010.

Looking ahead: Expect another tight race in the NEFC for 2011.

Website: http://www.newenglandfootballconference.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

Boyd Division

1. Western New England (9-2):  The Golden Bears lost their chance to advance to the NEFC title game with a 23-15 loss to Endicott late last season.

2. Endicott (9-3):  The Gulls enter their ninth season of football looking to defend their first-ever conference championship.  The nine games they won in 2010 is a program record.

3. Salve Regina (6-4):  The Seahawks started 1-4, but finished with a five-game winning streak.

4. Curry (6-4):  The Colonels will look to win their first conference title since 2007, as well as advance to the D-III playoffs for the first time since 2008.

5. Plymouth State (6-4):  The Panthers went from having a 10-win playoff team in 2008, to no postseason play in 2010.  The locals hope that 2011 will mark a return to prominence under Paul Castonia, who's entering his ninth season in New Hampshire.


6. Nichols (1-9):  The Bison faithful hope the hiring of new head coach Kevin Loney will turn around the fortunes of their struggling football program.


7. UMass Dartmouth (3-7):  The Corsairs will play six home games in 2011.


8. MIT (1-8):  The wins have been few and far between for the Engineers, who have had just one season of at least five wins (5-5 in 2008) in the last years.


Bogan Division

1. Maine Maritime (8-3):  The Mariners enter 2011 hoping to earn their second NCAA playoff appearance in three years, as they reached postseason play in 2009.

2. Framingham State (9-2):  After capping off a record-setting 2010 season with a 27-21 overtime win over Norwich in the ECAC Northeast Bowl, the Rams hope to take the next step, and advance to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time in program history.


3. Westfield State (5-5):  The Owls finished tied for third in the Bogan Division at 4-3.


4. Worcester State (5-5):  The Lancers placed nine players on the All-NEFC academic team in 2010.


5. Bridgewater State (5-5):  The Bears open the 2011 season with three straight road games.


6. Massachusetts Maritime (5-5):  The Buccaneers five wins in 2010 were four shy of the nine game they had won over the previous four years (2006-2009) combined.


7. Coast Guard (2-7):  They may not have been winners on the field, but the Bears were winners in the classroom, as they placed 22 players on the All-NEFC academic team.


8. Fitchburg State (1-9):  After a dismal 2010 season, the Falcons find themselves in the "nowhere to go but up" category for the 2011 campaign.

RFC Summer Semester--Northeast 10 Conference (NCAA Division II)

Looking back: For the second straight season, no team from the Northeast 10 Conference received an invitation to the NCAA Division II football playoffs.  In 2009, as well as 2010, there has been at least a three-way tie for the conference title.

Looking ahead: Can any team in the NE-10 break through to postseason play in 2011?  That question will be answered soon enough, starting on Labor Day weekend.

Website: http://www.northeast10.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. American International (6-4):  The Yellow Jackets were one of four teams to finish in a four-way tie for first place in 2010, as they finished with a 6-2 mark in NE-10 action.  They'll look to earn their second-ever NCAA playoff appearance in 2011, advancing to postseason play just one other season (2008).

2. Southern Connecticut State (6-4): The Owls overcame a 3-4 start to finish 2010 above .500 with wins in their final three games.  They're shooting for an 18th straight season of being .500 or better in 2011.


3. New Haven (8-2):  A unique tie-breaking procedure gave the Northeast 10 Conference title to the Chargers, who are entering their third year of their resurrected football program.  UNH didn't field any teams from 2004-2008.


4. Bentley (5-4): The Falcons bounced back from a slow start at 1-4 to finish with a flourish, winning four straight games to finish the 2010 season.


5. Assumption (6-5):  The Greyhounds have had only one season with at least seven wins since starting varsity play in 1988, a 7-3 mark in 1994.


6. Stonehill (5-5):  The Skyhawks were held to 30 points or less in four of their five losses last season.


7. Merrimack (4-6):  The Warriors scored at least 40 points in their four wins last season.


8. Saint Anselm (2-8):  The Hawks hope to soar in 2011, while putting a miserable 2010 campaign behind them.


9. Pace (0-9):  The Setters hope to snap a 10-game skid dating back to the final game of the 2009 season.





 

RFC Summer Semester--Patriot League (FCS)

Looking back: Lehigh was the lone Patriot League team to win at least 10 games in 2010, as the Mountain Hawks advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs, losing to eventual national runner-up Delaware, 42-20.

Looking ahead: The PL will celebrate its 25th anniversary of football sponsorship with the first-ever night home game for Holy Cross against Massachusetts on September 1.

Website: http://www.patriotleague.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Lehigh (10-3):  The Mountain Hawks play five straight non-conference games, three of those at home, before beginning defense of their Patriot League at Bucknell on October 8.  Head Coach Andy Coen returns 13 starters, while losing nine.


2. Colgate (7-4):  The Raiders will play six games on the road, five at home, in 2011.


3. Holy Cross (6-5):  The Crusaders defense allowed just under 380 yards, and barely over 23 points per game last season.

4. Georgetown (4-7):  The Hoyas signed 30 freshmen for 2011.  They'll have to grow up fast, as Georgetown hopes to improve on a 2-3 record in conference play in 2010.  

5. Fordham (5-6): The Rams have had just one winning season under Head Coach Tom Masella, finishing 8-4 in 2007, with a Patriot League title.

6. Lafayette (2-9):  The Leopards open the 2011 season on the road at 2010 FCS playoff qualifier North Dakota State.


7. Bucknell (1-10):  The Bison surrendered at least 30 points in seven games, including the final five contests, of last season.


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RFC Summer Semester--Northeast Conference (FCS)

Looking back: The NEC went 0-1 in its first-ever FCS playoff appearance, as Robert Morris lost to North Dakota State, 27-13, on November 27, 2010.

Looking ahead: Bryant officially joins the NEC as a full member in 2012.

Website: http://www.northeastconference.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Robert Morris (8-3):  The Colonials welcome nine starters from the NEC's first-ever automatic FCS playoff qualifier.  But the first several weeks on the schedule are brutal, as three straight road games follow their home opener against Dayton on September 3.

2. Central Connecticut State (8-3):  Although they won a share of the NEC title with a 7-1 league mark, a late season loss to Robert Morris cost the Blue Devils a playoff berth.  They'll look for payback against the Colonials on November 5.

3. Duquesne (7-4):  The Dukes return 14 starters in hopes of contending for a conference championship in 2011.

4. Albany (6-5):  A season-ending three-game winning streak gives the Great Danes momentum heading into 2011.

5. Wagner (5-6):  The Seahawks will try to bounce back after a rare sub-.500 campaign.  Head Coach Walt Hameline is one of a select few coaches that's a member of the 200-win club.

6. Bryant (7-4):  The Bulldogs will find out quickly just where they stand when they open the 2011 season against Maine on September 3.

7. Monmouth (3-8):  The Hawks look to put a disappointing 2010 season behind, as they finished NEC play a dismal 3-5.


8. Sacred Heart (4-7):  The Pioneers have three home games to kick off 2011. 

9. St. Francis (Pa.)--(1-10):  It seems like the 2011 season can't come soon enough for the Red Flash, as they ended the 2010 season with eight straight losses.

RFC Summer Semester--Ivy League (FCS)

Looking back: 2010 was the year the Quakers, the Penn Quakers.  Going undefeated in conference play at 7-0 a year ago, Penn won its 15th Ivy League championship all time, and 14th dating back to 1982.

Looking ahead: Unlike most conferences around the nation, the Ivy League won't be adding any new members anytime soon, or any current members leaving for that matter.  Nor will any of the so-called "Ancient Eight" be making a serious postseason run, as they have chosen not to participate in the FCS (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) playoffs.

Website: http://www.ivyleaguesports.com/

2011 Predictions (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Penn (9-1):  The Quakers hope to add another Ivy League title in 2011: their 16th. Their non-conference schedule includes a contest against 2009 FCS champion Villanova. 


2. Yale (7-3): The Bulldogs hope to recover from the sting brought about by last year's season-ending loss to Harvard in "The Game."


3. Harvard (7-3):  The Crimson play three of their first four games on the road to open the 2011 season.


4. Brown (6-4):  The highlight of the Bears schedule is a night game against archrival Rhode Island on October 1. 


5. Dartmouth (6-4):  Coming off their first winning season since 1997 (8-2), the Big Green hope to win their first Ivy League title since 1996 (10-0, 7-0).


6. Columbia (4-6):  The Lions will play six home games this season.


7. Cornell (2-8):  26 players signed to suit up for the Big Red in 2011.  The program has never won an Ivy League title outright (co-champions 1971, 1988, 1990) despite winning five mythical national championships, the most recent coming in 1939. 

8. Princeton (1-9):  The Tigers enter the 2011 season trying to snap an eight game losing streak.







 

RFC Summer Semester 2011 Debut--Colonial Athletic Association (FCS)

Editor's Note: This marks the first of what (hopefully) will be multiple posts on previews leading up to the start of the 2011 small college football season, on Real Football Central.  Additionally, there will also be posts on some key games in indoor and arena football, as well as a brief look ahead to the upcoming Canadian Football League.  So, sit back and enjoy, as summer draws near!


Colonial Athletic Association


Website: http://www.caasports.com/


Looking back: The CAA once again proved why it's one of the toughest conferences in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS--formerly NCAA Division I-AA), as the Delaware Blue Hens reached the championship game in 2010, only to lose to Eastern Washington.  Since 2003, when Delaware won a national title, current CAA squads have advanced to the title game six times, with James Madison winning it all in 2004, Richmond taking home the 2008 crown, and Villanova capturing the 2009 championship.  In all, the CAA has combined to win four FCS national championships in the last eight years.


Looking ahead: The CAA is suddenly preparing for a future without Massachusetts.  Athletic officials at UMass recently announced their intentions to move their football programs to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) at the end of the 2011 season.


Predicted order of finish (2010 record in parentheses)


Projected champion listed in BOLD type


1. Delaware (12-3):  After falling short in last year's title game, the Blue Hens look to begin their road to the 2011 national championship.  But Head Coach K.C. Keeler must replace eight defensive starters.


2. Villanova (9-5): The Wildcats have a tough roe to how in trying to win their second national championship in three years, as they lose six starters each on both sides of the football.


3. William & Mary (8-4): After reaching round two of the FCS playoffs last year, don't expect the Tribe to sneak up on anyone this year.


4. New Hampshire (8-5): Head Coach Sean McDonnell enters the 2011 season needing just 12 wins to reach 100-win mark for his coaching career.  Of course, though, that means the Wildcats from northern New England would need to make a deep playoff run.


5. Richmond (6-5): The Spider faithful hope the addition of former Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes tight end Andrew Tallman will lead to a return to prominence for a program that hopes bounce back from a disappointing 2010 campaign.


6. Massachusetts (6-5): The Minutemen hope their final FCS--and CAA--season will lead to another postseason berth.


7. James Madison (6-5):  The Dukes struggled to a 3-5 mark in CAA play last season.  However, head coach Mickey Matthews does welcome back eight starters on offense, and 10 on defense.


8. Rhode Island (5-6): The Rams face a tough start to their season, playing four of their first six games on the road.  They open the season at Syracuse on September 10.


9. Maine (4-7):  Head Coach Jack Cosgrove enters his 19th season with an overall record of 97-108.  He needs just three wins to join the 100-win club.


10. Towson (1-10):  After nine straight losses to close out the 2010 season, the Tigers have nowhere to go but up for the 2011 season.

11. Old Dominion (8-3):  The third-year Monarchs begin their inaugural season in the CAA. 

UMass says goodbye to CAA: The impact on the FCS

In April, the University of Massachusetts football program announced its plans to leave the Colonial Athletic Association, and the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision, for the Mid-American Conference and the Football Bowl Subdivision, at the end of the 2011 season.  College Sporting News discusses the impact of the UMass move here.

GSC extends membership to University of New Orleans

The Gulf South Conference extended an invitation to the University of New Orleans on Thursday.  Additionally, officials with the soon-to-be former NCAA Division I athletic department announced plans to add a football program by 2015.

Click here for more details, courtesy of unoprivateers.com.