RFC Summer Semester--Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)--(NCAA Division II)

Looking back: Albany State (Ga.) breezed through the regular season undefeated, going 10-0 overall, and 9-0 in SIAC play in winning the league title last year.  In the NCAA Division II playoffs, the Golden Rams struggled past Wingate before being upset by eventual national runner-up Delta State.

Looking ahead: The SIAC will split into two divisions for 2011: East and West.  The East Division will consist of Albany State, Benedict, Clark-Atlanta, Fort Valley State, and Morehouse, while Kentucky State, Lane, Miles, Stillman, and Tuskegee will make up the West Division. The two division winners will play against each other in the first-ever SIAC championship game on November 12.

Website: http://www.thesiac.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

East Division

1. Albany State (Ga.)--(11-1):  The Golden Rams will have a tough row to hoe in not only defending their SIAC title, but also in making a return trip to the D-II playoffs, as they jump head first into strong non-conference schedule that includes a playoff re-match against Wingate, as well as the first meeting against Valdosta State since 2007.

2. Fort Valley State (8-3):  The Wildcats look to make a return trip to postseason play after losing to St. Augustine's, 20-9, in Pioneer Bowl XII.

3. Clark-Atlanta (4-6):  The Panthers were held to 19 points or less in all six of their losses last season.

4. Morehouse (8-3):  The Maroon Tigers might be hard-pressed to match the mark of a year ago, which ended in the program's first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance, a 63-41 setback to Wingate.

5. Benedict (5-6):  A flourishing finish that followed a sluggish start could carry the momentum into 2011 for the Tigers, who ended 2010 on a three-game winning streak.

West Division

1. Tuskegee (9-2):  Despite yet another season of at least nine wins, the Golden Tigers were snubbed for a Pioneer Bowl berth.  They'll look to at least advance to their first-ever SIAC title game in 2011.  Heading into this season, Tuskegee has an all-time record of 630-340-21.

2. Stillman (3-8):  Back-to-back wins to close out 2010 were the lone bright spots in an otherwise miserable season for the Tigers from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  

3. Kentucky State (3-8):  The Thorobreds will play six of their 10 games in their home state of Kentucky this year.  They hope to put a four-game losing streak that ended last year behind them.

4. Miles (3-8): The Golden Bears also struggled down the stretch, ending last season with three straight losses.  Their last conference championship came in 1985.

5. Lane (0-10):  In going winless in 2010, the Dragons played their best game of the season on October 23, a 26-25 setback to Stillman.

RFC Summer Semester--South Atlantic Conference (SAC)--(NCAA Division II)

Looking back: An incredible regular season race in the South Atlantic Conference led to Wingate coming out on top with a 6-1 record in league games in 2010.  The Bulldogs advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, where they fell to Albany State (Ga.), 30-28. 

Looking ahead: Wingate should once again be the favorite to win the SAC going into 2011, barring any serious injuries to key players.

Website: http://www.thesac.com

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Wingate (9-3): A tough non-conference slate awaits to open the season for the Bulldogs, who face the likes of Valdosta State, Albany State (in a playoff re-match), and UNC Pembroke, before opening SAC play at home against Brevard on September 24.

2. Carson-Newman (7-4):  The Eagles have reached postseason play 23 times, while winning 21 SAC titles, and five national championships, all under head coach Ken Sparks, who enters his 32nd season at C-N. He needs just six more wins for his 300th career coaching victory.  In order to reach that milestone, though, Sparks returns 18 starters, while losing nine of them.

3. Lenoir-Rhyne (7-4):  The Bears enjoyed their first winning season since 1994, finishing in a tie for third place with Catawba at 4-3 in conference games.  If L-R is make it back-to-back winning seasons, they must do it with new head coach in Mike Houston.  He replaces Fred Goldsmith, who announced his retirement from coaching in May.

4. Tusculum (6-5):  A dream start of 4-0 start turned into a nightmarish finish for the Pioneers, as an upset loss to Mars Hill started them on a slide where they lost five of their last seven games.

5. Catawba (6-4):  The Indians play three of their first four games of 2011 on the road, including an early season contest at defending FCS Big South Conference on September 10.

6. Newberry (4-6):  Lost four of last five games after starting 3-2 last season.

7. Mars Hill (5-6):  Lions look to restore the roar after suffering their first losing season since 2006 (4-7).

8. Brevard (4-7):  The Tornados will try to climb their way out of the SAC cellar after finishing last at 1-6 in conference play.   

RFC Summer Semester--Southern Conference (FCS)

Looking back: Although Appalachian State and Wofford shared the Southern Conference title in 2010, with the Mountaineers crushing the Terriers to win the league's automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, it was Georgia Southern that made the deepest postseason run, as the Eagles reached the national semifinals before losing to eventual national runner-up Delaware.

Looking ahead: Expect App State to make a run for a record seven straight SoCon title in 2011.  But don't count out Wofford or Georgia Southern, either.

Website: http://www.soconsports.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Appalachian State (10-3):  The Mountaineers are still to team to beat in the SoCon going into 2011.  Head Coach Jerry Moore welcomes back 42 letterwinners, including 20 starters.  Together, they hope to add a fourth national championship trophy this season (2005, 2006, 2007), after coming up empty the last three years.

2. Georgia Southern (10-5):  After making a surprise run to the national semifinals of the FCS playoffs last year, the Eagles to hope to restore the winning tradition that brought them six national championships (1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1999, 2000).  Head Coach Jeff Monken has an excellent chance to do just that, as he returns 23 starters from that 2010 squad.  Still, the Eagles face tough road trips to Appalachian State and Wofford during 2011.

3. Wofford (10-3):  The Terriers have built a consistent winner under head coach Mike Ayers, who has an overall career record of 165-128-2 in 26 years.  He's starting his 24th season at Wofford.  The Terriers must overcome the loss of 11 starters, including six on defense.

4. Elon (6-5):  After starting the 2010 season at 2-5, the Phoenix caught fire down the stretch, winning their last four games to finish in 5-3 in SoCon action.  The program is looking for its first double-digit win season in 30 years, when it finished 11-1-1 in winning the second of back-to-back NAIA national championships in 1981.


5. Furman (5-6):  The Paladins are looking to restore some former glory, after struggling to a 3-5 mark in conference play.


6. Chattanooga (6-5):  The Mocs have enjoyed a rare streak of back-to-back winning seasons under head coach Russ Huesman.


7. Samford (4-7):  After splitting their first eight games, the Bulldogs lost what little bite they down the stretch, losing their final three games of the 2010 season.


8. Western Carolina (2-9):  The Catamounts imploded after a 2-3 start, closing out the 2010 campaign on a six-game skid.

9. The Citadel (3-8):  The Bulldogs from South Carolina also hope to move forward after sharing the SoCon basement with Western Carolina, at 1-7 in league play a year ago.

RFC Summer Semester--Big South Conference (FCS)

Looking back: A competitive season in the Big South Conference resulted in a three-way tie for first place.  When the dust finally settled, Coastal Carolina emerged with the league first-ever automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division (I-AA) playoffs.  The Chanticleers beat out Liberty and Stony Brook in the three-way tiebreaker by winning four straight games to close out the regular season.  If that wasn't enough, Coastal gave Western Illinois all it could handle, before losing to the Leathernecks in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

Looking ahead: Can Coastal Carolina take that next step?  Can Liberty finally break through after multiple near-misses.  Or, can Stony Brook finally seal the deal?  Lots of questions, the answers are still to come, as the 2011 season approaches.

Website: http://www.bigsouthsports.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Liberty (8-3):  Tough non-conference losses to James Madison, and Robert Morris, as well as costly in-conference loss to Coastal Carolina down the stretch, doomed the Flames chances of landing their first-ever FCS playoff berth.  The 2011 non-league slate isn't any easier, as they face the likes of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-A)-- (BCS) North Carolina State from the ACC, as well as contests against JMU, Robert Morris, and Lehigh.  Having said that, LU will be shooting for a fifth straight season of trying to win eight or more games. That's not to mention the Flames will play for at least a share of a fifth straight Big South title.

2. Stony Brook (6-5):  The Seawolves also fell short of reaching postseason play, as a loss to Liberty kept them on the outside looking in.  They face non-BCS FBS squads, UTEP and Buffalo, on the road, to open up 2011.

3. Coastal Carolina (6-6):  The Chanticleers advanced to the FCS playoffs for just the second time in their eight-year history.  As a new season approaches, Coastal won't be sneaking up on anyone, especially with road trips to Liberty and Stony Brook looming.


4. Gardner-Webb (4-7):  The Running Bulldogs were recognized by the FCS Athletic Directors Association (FCS ADA) for having top academic progress rate (APR) in the Big South Conference.  Now, if only that success in the classroom could translate into success on the field.

5. Charleston Southern (3-8):  The Buccaneers have played the most opponents in the FBS among current Big South Conference members since 2005, according to their website.  And this year appears to be no exception, as they open the season on the road against defending Conference USA and Liberty Bowl champion UCF, as well as Florida State from the ACC, respectively, on the road.

6.  VMI (3-8):  The Keydets suffered through yet another miserable season, closing out the 2010 campaign with four straight losses after starting a respectable 3-4.

7. Presbyterian (2-9):  The Blue Hose hope the momentum from a season-ending win over Davidson will carry over into 2011.

RFC Summer Semester--USA South Athletic Conference (NCAA Division III)

Looking back: After a tight race that came down to the final weeks of the regular season, Christopher Newport came out on top in the USAC at 6-1 (6-4 overall, regular season), winning not only a tiebreaker over North Carolina Wesleyan, but also the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs.  The Captains season ended in round one, with Mary Hardin-Baylor winning big, 59-7.

Looking ahead: The USAC welcomes two new members into their fold in 2012: LaGrange College from Georgia, as well as Maryville College from Tennessee. However, Shenandoah will leave the USAC for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference after this season.

Website: http://www.usasouth.net/


Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Christopher Newport (6-5):  The Captains have built a decent tradition in the 10-year history of their program, having had just one non-winning record (5-5 in 2009) during that span.  Additionally, CNU has reached the D-III playoffs seven times during over those 10 years.  It's something the Captains hope to continue in 2011.


2. North Carolina Wesleyan (7-3):  The Battling Bishops finished 6-1 in USAC play, but a loss to Christopher Newport put them on the outside looking in come playoff time.  A tough non-conference schedule has NCWC facing Ohio Northern, Hampden-Sydney, and future USAC member LaGrange to start the 2011 season.


3. Ferrum (4-6):  The Panthers may have a new head coach, but Dave Harper is no stranger to them.  The longtime assistant coach replaces Dave Davis, who retired at the end of last season.


4. Averett (5-5): After a promising start to 2010 at 5-2, the Cougars faded down the stretch with a season-ending three-game skid.


5. Shenandoah (4-6):  After finishing USAC play at 4-3, the Hornets hope that 2011 will be the year that they finally reach the top, before heading off to the ODAC in 2012.


6. Maryville (4-6):  The Scots will have one more season of associate membership in the USAC, before coming on board full-time in 2012.


7. Methodist (2-8):  A heartbreaking, triple-overtime loss to Ferrum sent the Monarchs into a season-ending six-game slide.  Four of those losses came by six points or less.


8. Greensboro (2-8):  A season-opening 17-15 win over crosstown archrival Guilford in the Gate City Soup Bowl was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable season for the Pride.

RFC Summer Semester--Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)--(NCAA Division III)

Looking back: The ODAC sent two teams to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2010, as Washington & Lee finished unbeaten in conference play at 6-0 win the automatic bid, while Hampden-Sydney finished second at 5-1, earning an at-large bid.  Both teams, however, were ousted in the first round, as W&L was crushed by Thomas More, 42-14, while H-SC fell in a heartbreaker at home at Montclair State, 16-14.  In all, four teams (W&L, H-SC, Bridgewater, and Randolph-Macon) won at least seven or more games overall last season.

Looking ahead:  The ODAC will add an eighth member in 2012: Shenandoah.

Website: http://www.odaconline.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Hampden-Sydney (9-2):  The Tigers only ODAC loss last year came against Washington & Lee.  Head Coach Marty Favret enters his 12th season at the H-SC helm with a career record of 81-32 (.717).

2. Washington & Lee (8-3):  The Generals won seven straight games to punch their playoff ticket after starting last season 1-2.   They accomplished that feat despite playing just seven games on the road.  It'll be interesting to see if W&L match last year's accolades in 2011.

3. Bridgewater (Va.)--(8-2):  The Eagles hope to soar higher in 2011 after ending the 2010 season with a four-game winning streak.


4. Randolph-Macon (7-3):  The Yellow Jackets started fast out of the gate at 6-0, but lost three of their last four games down the stretch, losing all three contests by 14 points or less.

5. Catholic (4-6):  The Cardinals face a tough road, literally, in 2011, as they hit road for six of their 10 regular season games. 

6. Emory and Henry (5-5):  Only a season-ending 27-3 win over Guilford kept the Wasps from not only finishing below .500 overall, but also from going winless in ODAC play last season.

7. Guilford (0-10):  The Quakers look to start over with new head coach Chris Rusiewicz. 

RFC Summer Semester--Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division II)

Looking back: The Shaw Bears finished unbeaten in CIAA Southern Division play, at 7-0, en route to the overall league championship in 2010, holding off Virginia State, 14-7.  The Bears advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs, only to be crushed by eventual national semifinalist, Shepherd, 40-6, in the first round.  On the other hand, the news was much better for the CIAA's other postseason representative: St. Augustine's.  The Falcons defeated Fort Valley State, to win Pioneer Bowl XII in Columbus, Ga., on Dec. 4, 2010.

Looking ahead: The CIAA saw its membership drop from 13 schools to 12, as St. Paul's will close its entire athletic department due to financial issues.   The move takes effect on July 1.  As a result, there will be six teams in both of the league's two divisions: North and South.


Website: http://www.theciaa.com/


Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

Northern Division


1. Virginia State (8-3):  The Trojans shared the division crown with Bowie State, beating the Bulldogs, 16-15, on October 2.  They'll look to 2011 hoping to take that next step towards postseason play.


2. Bowie State (6-4): The Bulldogs overcame a sluggish 2-4 start to win their last four games of last season.   Hopefully, such a late season surge can help them be contenders this season.  Head Coach Damon Wilson welcomes back 15 starters from that squad.


3. Elizabeth City State (6-4):  The Vikings finished 5-2 in CIAA action in 2010.


4. Virginia Union (3-7):  The Panthers have struggled since a 9-3 finish in 2007, compiling a combined record of 14-16 the last three years.


5. Chowan (3-7):  The Hawks were outscored 413-187 in its 10 games last season.


6. Lincoln (Pa.)--(1-9):  The Lions will look ahead to 2011 after going winless in CIAA play at 0-7 in 2010.


Southern Division

1. Shaw (9-3):  In winning the CIAA championship a year ago, the Bears passed for more than 200 yards total, while scoring 344 points overall.  If they're to defend their title, they must survive an opening stretch where they must play their first three games on the road.  

2. St. Augustine's (9-2):  The Falcons also have a tough early-season schedule awaiting them, hosting Catawba to open the season on September 3, followed by a visit to New Haven the following week.


3. Winston Salem State (8-2):  The Rams first season back in the CIAA saw them get off to a 6-0 start, but a split of their last four games (2-2) put them out of the postseason hunt. 


4. Fayetteville State (5-5):  The Broncos bring back 51 letterwinners from a squad that ended 2010 on a three-game winning streak after starting 2-5.


5. Johnson C. Smith (2-8):  The Golden Bulls hope to put a miserable 2010 campaign behind them.


6. Livingstone (0-11):  The Blue Bears have lost 21 straight games spanning two full seasons.

RFC Summer Semester--Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)--(FCS)

Looking back: Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, and South Carolina State finished in a three-way tie for first place to finish the 2010 season, at 7-1 in MEAC play.  Out of that trio, only B-CU and S.C. State advanced to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) playoffs.  Both teams lost in early round action, as the Bulldogs were blasted by Georgia Southern in round one, while the Wildcats were trounced by New Hampshire in round two.

Looking ahead: Savannah State joins the MEAC mix in 2011, giving the HBCU conference at least one member school from Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  Also, North Carolina Central plays its full season of conference action in the upcoming season, giving the league 11 schools that play football.


Website: http://www.meacsports.com/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Florida A&M (8-3): Despite finishing the 2010 with six straight wins, a 2-3 start kept the Rattlers out of the FCS playoffs.  They hope to change that in 2011. Still, FAMU faces tough road trips to Football Bowl Subdivision (BCS) South Florida, and South Carolina State, as well as the season-ending rivalry against Bethune-Cookman.


2. South Carolina State (9-3):  The Bulldogs will be shooting for their fourth straight trip to the FCS playoffs.  Like FAMU, S.C. State also has two non-conference games against FBS opponents; Central Michigan from the non-AQ BCS Mid-American Conference, as well as Indiana from the BCS Big 10 Conference.  Additionally, the Bulldogs will travel to Daytona Beach, Fla. for a key early-season in-conference test against Bethune-Cookman.


3. Bethune-Cookman (10-2):  The Wildcats started 10-0 in 2010, before losing back-to-back games to close it out.  With an early season slate that includes games against the likes of S.C. State, FBS (BCS) Miami (Fla.), and FAMU, B-CU might be hard pressed to match that lofty mark from last year.


4. Norfolk State (6-5):  The Spartans look to take another step up the MEAC ladder after closing out last season with four straight wins.  With 14 returning starters, including eight on defense, don't count them out.


5. Hampton (6-5):  The Pirates had an up and down 2010 season, finishing 5-3 in MEAC action.


6. Morgan State (4-7):  The Bears lost their roar down the stretch, losing four in a row after a 4-3 start.


7. North Carolina Central (3-8):  The Eagles are finally ready to take the field for the first time as a full MEAC member in 2011, after struggling mightily as an independent in 2010.


8. Delaware State (3-8):  The Hornets hope to bring their sting back after struggling to a mark of 2-6 in MEAC play.


9. North Carolina A&T (1-10):  The Aggies are starting over with a new head coach in Rod Broadway.


10.  Howard (1-10):  The Bison hope to start fresh as well, with new coach Gary Harrell.


11. Savannah State (1-10):  At least the Tigers finally have a conference to call home.

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.