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

South Atlantic Conference (SAC)--(NCAA Division II)

Website

2013 Final Standings

Looking back: NCAA Division II national runner-up Lenoir-Rhyne was actually one of three teams from the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) to advance to the playoffs in 2013.  Out of that trio, the Bears advanced the farthest in the postseason, losing to Northwest Missouri State in the national championship game on December 21. As for the two teams from the SAC that advanced to the D-II playoffs, Carson-Newman downed fellow conference rival Newberry in the first round before falling to Lenoir-Rhyne in the second round.

Looking ahead: Lenoir-Rhyne will have the target on its back in 2014, as the Bears will try to capture their fourth South Atlantic Conference championship.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Lenoir-Rhyne (13-2):  The Bears face at least two challenges in their bid to return to the national title game this season: adjusting to a new head coach in Ian Shields, and dealing with the sudden death of running back Vince Njoku.

2. Carson-Newman (10-3):  But don't be surprised if the Eagles finish on top in the SAC this season.  

3.  Newberry (9-3):  The Wolves must the 2014 season on the road against FCS foe Charleston Southern, but do get Carson-Newman and Lenoir-Rhyne at home.  If that wasn't enough, they also have to pay a visit to 2013 NCAA Division II playoff participant UNC Pembroke on October 25.

4. Catawba (6-5):  Put this 2014 schedule in the "Ouch!" category if you're the Indians.  They open the season with three straight road games, against FCS foes Davidson and Western Carolina and Newberry, before opening SAC against, you guessed it, Newberry. By the way, the Indians will play just four home games this year.

5. Wingate (4-6):  After a disappointing 2013 season, the Bulldogs will try to right the ship in 2014.  They'll be tested sternly, as four of their first six games will be on the road.

6. Tusculum (4-7):  The Pioneers will also face an intense, uphill battle after finishing 2-5 in SAC play last season.

7. Mars Hill (3-8):  A challenging October will see the Lions play three of their four games on the road this season, including Carson-Newman and Lenoir-Rhyne, among other opponents.

8. Brevard (3-8):  The Tornados will take on back-to-back FCS opponents in Western Carolina and Liberty to open the 2014 season, followed by a tough home opener against Carson-Newman.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

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

USA South Athletic Conference (USAC)-- NCAA Division III

Website

2013 Final Standings

Looking back: After an intense regular season battle that resulted in all but one of the nine teams play seven conference games (LaGrange played eight league contests) in 2013, the Maryville Scots (8-3 overall) emerged as the automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Division III playoffs from the USA South Athletic Conference, finishing 6-1 in USAC action, tied with Methodist (8-2 overall).

But after starting 8-1, the Scots limped into postseason play with an upset loss to Huntingdon in their regular season finale on November 16, then fell to Hampden-Sydney, 42-34, in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs the following week. 


Looking ahead: With five teams separated winning at least five conference games last season, LaGrange's extra game in conference play not withstanding, expect a more intense race in the USAC this season.  Oh, and the 2014 campaign will be the final season for Christopher Newport, as the Captains will jump ship to join the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) title as an associate member for football in 2015.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Christopher Newport (8-2):  In their swansong as a member of the USAC, it's only fitting that the Captains should be at least favored to win no worse than a share of the league title.  Still, they must face a brutal non-conference schedule that includes the season opener against future NJAC associate member Salisbury, followed by another road trip to perennial D-III power Hampden-Sydney the following week.  By the way, should they win at least 10 games in 2014, the Captains will win 100 games in their 14-year history.

2. Methodist (8-2):  Coming off of their best finish since 2005, when they also finished 8-2 overall, the Monarchs hope to take the next step, and advance to the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time ever in 2014.  While they must pay a visit to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia to face Christopher Newport on September 27, they'll also finish up the regular season with a home game against Maryville on November 15.

3. Maryville (8-3):  After advancing to postseason play for the first time in school history last year, the Scots hope to make even more history, and win the program's first-ever playoff game this year.  They'll get their chance at payback against Huntingdon on September 27.  That's when the Hawks must travel to eastern Tennessee to take on the Scots.

4. Huntingdon (7-3):  Despite falling short of winning a share of the USAC title, their 45-38 upset win over this aforementioned Maryville squad on the final day of the regular season made what was a so-so 2013 season one to remember for the Hawks and their faithful.  Now they hope to take that next step, and win the program's first-ever league crown. But in order to get there, they must go through a stretch where they have to play three of their first four games on the road to start the 2014 season. That includes back-to-back road games against Methodist and Maryville, respectively.

5. LaGrange (5-5):  Despite a late-season coaching change, the Panthers finished 2013 on a high note, winning their final two games, both on the road, to finish USAC play at 5-3.  Now as he prepares to begin his first full season as head coach, Matt Mumme hopes to turn the soon-to-be nine-year old program into a perennial playoff contender on a yearly basis.  But with a tough 2014 schedule where the Panthers will play three of their first five games on the road, accomplishing that task will be anything but easy.

6. Ferrum (2-8):  The Panthers will face a long uphill battle after a disappointing 2013 season.

7. North Carolina Wesleyan (2-8):  The Battling Bishops have won just seven games combined over the last three years, after finishing 7-3 in 2010.  It's a trend they hope to turn around in 2014.

8. Greensboro (2-8):  A blocked punt that earned the USAC Play Of The Year was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable 2013 season for the Pride.  With five of their seven games being on the road, they must become "road warriors" if they have any chance for a winning record in 2014.

9. Averett (1-9):  The Cougars will start from scratch with a head coach in Cleive Adams.


Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

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

Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)--NCAA Division III

Website

2013 Final Standings

Looking back: Hampden-Sydney (9-3 overall in 2013) won yet another Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) football championship, as the Tigers won their eighth conference title with a thrilling 28-26 win over Randolph-Macon in the 119th edition of  "The Game" on November 16.

If that wasn't enough for the H-SC faithful, the Tigers managed to make some history at the NCAA Division III playoffs a week later, as they held off Maryville, 42-34, for the program's first-ever postseason win.  Their season ended in the second round the following week, as Linfield advanced with a hard-fought 31-21 victory.

Looking ahead: The Tigers will have more than enough competition to try to knock off of the throne throughout 2014. And if previous seasons are any indicator, expect the race for this year's ODAC crown to be a two, maybe a three-team race this fall.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Hampden-Sydney (9-3):  With 39 freshmen coming on board to support 14 returning starters, the Tigers must grow up fast if they're to see another trip to postseason play in 2014. That's because a tough early season schedule has them playing against the likes of Wabash and Christopher Newport, among other opponents.
 
2. Randolph-Macon (7-3):  The Yellow Jackets have formidable challengers for the ODAC title over the last several years, and this year appears to be no different. Still, they'll open the 2014 season against the always tough Johns Hopkins Blue Jays, and end it with their annual "Game" against the aforementioned H-SC squad, both on the road.

3. Washington and Lee (5-5): The Generals hope to return to the form that put them in the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2010 and 2012 after a disappointing 2013 season where they finished 3-4 in ODAC action.
'
4. Catholic (6-4): The Cardinals hope to soar on their way to the top of the ODAC after a 3-4 mark in league games last season.

5. Guilford (6-4):  After a surprise 5-2 finish in ODAC contests last season, don't expect the Quakers to sneak up on anyone this season.

6. Bridgewater (Va.)--(4-6): Coming off a dismal last place finish in the ODAC at 1-6 last year, the Eagles will be looking for redemption this year.   

7. Emory & Henry (5-5):  After multiple average seasons, the Wasps and new head coach Curt Newsome hope to start a new era of winning conference championships in 2014 and beyond.

8. Shenandoah (4-6):  Coming off of a surprising 3-4 record in ODAC play in 2013, the Hornets face a tough task in getting above the .500 mark in 2014. They open this season on the road against defending Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) champion Gallaudet.
 
Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

RFC Summer Semester--Mountain East Conference (MEC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

Mountain East Conference (MEC)--NCAA Division II

Website


2013 Final Standings

Looking back: The Mountain East Conference (MEC) made history in its inaugural season, with Shepherd cruising through the regular season undefeated. The Rams outlasted Winston-Salem State, 7-0, in the second round before being eliminated by West Chester, 28-7, in the quarterfinals.

Looking ahead: Look for Shepherd to be the team to beat in the Mountain East Conference heading into its second season.


Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Shepherd (11-1):  After a run to the quarterfinals last season, the Rams hope to go even deeper in the NCAA Division II playoffs this season. Barring any serious injuries, a slow start, or other problems, it just might happen.

2. Concord (8-3):  But with an overall mark of 22-11 since 2011, as well as finishing in a tie for second place with Urbana in 2013 (7-2 in the MEC), the Mountain Lions will surely give the Rams a run for their money in 2014.

3. Urbana (7-4):  The Blue Knights face just one non-conference foe in 2014, at home against Malone on November 1. By the way, two of their four losses in 2013 came by seven points or less.

4. Glenville State (6-5):  The Pioneers hope to rise to greater heights after finishing 5-4 in their inaugural MEC season a year ago.

5. Charleston (W. Va.)--(6-5):  The Golden Eagles look to soar even higher after a 6-3 MEC finish in 2013.

6. West Virginia Wesleyan (5-5): Cautious optimism abounds in Buckhannon after a season-ending three-game streak allowed the Bobcats to finish the 2013 campaign at 5-4 in the MEC. 

7. Notre Dame (5-6):  The Falcons hope to continue their move forward after finishing 2013 with a 30-13 win over West Liberty. In order to do that, though, they must improve on their 2-4 road record from last season.

8. Fairmont State (3-7):  Head Coach Jason Woodman hopes his second season at the Falcon helm is better than his first, as his team finished 2-7 in their initial MEC slate.

9. West Liberty (3-8):  The Hilltoppers face a long climb uphill after a disappointing 2013 season.  They're also looking to clinch their conference title/playoff berth since 2009.

10. Virginia-Wise (2-9):  The Cavaliers face a tough start to their 2014 schedule, playing four of their first six games at home.

11. West Virginia State (0-11):  The Yellow Jackets will enter 2014 trying to snap a 17-game skid that dates back to the middle of 2012.  Their last win came on September 29, 2012, when they defeated Seton Hill, 21-13.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

RFC Summer Semester: Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Preview (NCAA Division II)

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

Website

2013 Final Standings 

Looking back: The 2013 season for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) was marred by an incident where Winston-Salem State University starting quarterback Rudy Johnson was assaulted by multiple players from Virginia State University.  That incident resulted in the cancellation of the CIAA championship game, which was to have Trojans play against the Rams for last year's conference crown.

In the NCAA Division II playoffs, WSSU slipped past Slippery Rock, 27-20, in the first round, before falling to Shepherd in a 7-0 defensive struggle in the second round.


Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if both Virginia State and Winston-Salem State square off in the 2014 CIAA title game.  That is, if such a game is actually played.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

Northern Division

1. Virginia State (9-1):  The Trojans face a tough early non-conference slate that a visit to California (Pa.), as well as a home game against defending national runner-up Lenoir-Rhyne.


2. Bowie State (5-5):  With the return of 14 starters--seven on both sides of the football--the Bulldogs could surprise a lot of the critics in the CIAA this season.

3. Elizabeth City State (4-6):  The Vikings hope to build on a second place finish in the Northern Division, where they finished 4-3 in conference play last season. Head Coach Waverly Tillar also hopes to lead ECSU to five division championships dating back to 2006.

4. Chowan (4-6):  The Hawks will play three straight games on the road, after opening the 2014 season at home against Fayetteville State.

5. Virginia Union (3-7):  The Panthers enter a new era with a new head coach in Mark James.

6. Lincoln (Pa.)--(1-9):  The Lions have nowhere to go but up after a winless conference season (0-7 in the CIAA).

Southern Division

1. Winston-Salem State (10-2):  The Rams have compiled a combined overall record of 45-6 (.882 winning percentage) since the start of the 2010 season, when Connell Maynor became the head coach.  Still, they'll have one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the nation, as they'll face three teams that finished the 2013 campaign with a combined overall mark of 23-9 (.719) in UNC Pembroke, Valdosta State, and Tuskegee, with two of those teams advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs.  Oh, and the Rams will also get a new head coach, as Kienus Boulware replaces Maynor, who left to become the head coach at Hampton University last December.

2. Fayetteville State (6-4):  Lawrence Kershaw enters his second season at the Broncos helm looking to contend for the Southern Division title.  Like WSSU, FSU will also face UNC Pembroke, on September 13.

3. Shaw (6-4):  Continuing the theme of tough non-conference schedules among CIAA squads, the Bears will open their 2014 slate with back-to-back road games against Miles and West Alabama, before squaring off against--you guessed it--UNCP, in the home opener on September 20.

4. St. Augustine's (4-6):  Had it not been for a couple of close losses, the Falcons could have been finished the 2013 season with a winning record.  Even accomplishing that feat for the 2014 season might prove to be a tall order, as they take on the likes of Indiana (Pa.), Wingate, and Stillman, among other teams.  And that's just the non-conference portion of the schedule, as the Falcons must travel to Winston-Salem State on October 18.

5. Johnson C. Smith (5-5):  The Golden Bulls stormed right out of the gate at 3-0, before a tough 19-17 loss at Virginia State on September 28 sent them into a tailspin which resulted in a disappointing 2-5 mark in CIAA games.  The 2014 non-conference schedule has JCSU facing FCS UNC Charlotte, as well as D-II Kentucky State and West Georgia.

6. Livingstone (1-9):  The Blue Bears look to start anew, with Daryl Williams as their new head coach.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.













 

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

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

Website

2013 Final Standings

Looking back: Despite going 9-1 overall--and 7-1 in President's Athletic Conference (PAC) play during the regular season--the Thomas More College Saints found themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time.  

Instead--it was the Washington and Jefferson College Presidents--who handed the Saints their lone loss of 2013 in a 45-21 rout at home on October 12.  That win helped put W&J in the NCAA Division III playoffs, where they were defeated by eventual national runner-up Mount Union, 34-20, in the first round.

The only other team from the PAC to advance to postseason play last season was the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets.  They lost to Brockport, 19-12, in the ECAC Northwest Bowl.

Looking ahead: An already tough conference is about to get even tougher in 2014, when Carnegie Mellon and Case Western Reserve join the PAC as associate members.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Thomas More (9-1):  With two Top 20 preseason national rankings in two separate publications, don't be surprised if the Saints end up clinching yet another NCAA playoff berth after sitting out last season.


2. Washington and Jefferson (8-3): But don't expect the Presidents go away quite that easily. 

3. Waynesburg (7-4):  The Yellow Jackets will play host to Thomas More and W&J in back-to-back home games to close out the 2014 regular season.  Both games could turn out to be huge in the race for the PAC championship.

4. Geneva (5-5):  The Golden Tornados hope to build on last year's 5-3 mark in league games. With three of the last four games of the 2014 season being at home, they have a chance to do just that, despite losing their last two games of the 2013 campaign.

5. Grove City (5-5):  On the other hand, the Wolverines hope that a two-game winning streak to end 2013 will carry them into 2014 quite nicely.

6. Bethany (W. Va.)--(4-6):  The Bison will open the 2014 season at home against a tough opponent in 2013 national runner-up Mount Union.

7. Westminster (Pa.)--(4-6):  The Titans must start over with a new head coach in Scott Benzel.

8. Thiel (3-7):  The Tomcats never got on track in 2013, struggling to an 0-5 start. But they did end the season with back-to-back overtime games, knocking off an aforementioned Westminster squad, 45-37, in a quadruple overtime thriller.

9. Case Western Reserve (5-4):  Hey, Spartans! Welcome to the PAC!

10. Carnegie Mellon (3-7):  Same thing goes for you too, Tartans!

11. St. Vincent (0-10): After back-to-back winless seasons, the Bearcats have turned to new head coach Ron Dolciato to try and turn around their fortunes.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

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

Liberty League (LL)-- (NCAA Division III)

Website

2013 Final Standings

Looking back: The Hobart Statesmen were yet another team who breezed through the regular season undefeated, only to be ousted from postseason play after one or two games. The Statesmen fell to St. John Fisher, 27-6, in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.  That came after they also finished unbeaten in Liberty League play at 7-0.

Looking ahead: Expect Hobart to have the target back in the Liberty League once again going into 2014.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Hobart (10-1):  The Statesmen have won 22 games overall over the past two seasons, with their only losses coming in the NCAA Division III playoffs. Maintaining that lofty streak in 2014 will depend upon whether or not Head Coach Mike Cragg can overcome the loss of more than a dozen seniors, including running back Steven Webb, as well as linebacker Devin Worthington.

2. St. Lawrence (7-3):  The Saints developed a knack for playing close games in 2013, finishing 5-2 in contents decided by 10 points or less. They hope to get over the "Hobart" hump in 2014.

3. Springfield (7-3):  A four-game winning streak to close out 2013--including a dramatic 28-27 win over Norwich in the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl--could turn out to be the sign of bigger and better things to come for the Pride in 2014.

4. Rochester (5-4):  It was a bizarre 2013 season for the Yellowjackets, a campaign that included the cancellation of their October 12 contest against Merchant Marine, as well as winning three of their first five games, before losing their last two. A tough schedule awaits them in 2014, with six games against that had a .500 or better winning percentage last season. 

5. RPI (5-5):  A promising 3-0 start quickly turned into a nightmare for the Engineers in 2013, losing four games in a row. But a season-ending 31-28 win over archrival Union (N.Y.) in the annual "Dutchman Shoes" game gives fans a slight glimmer hope going into 2014.

6. Merchant Marine (4-4):  The Mariners also had an odd season of sorts, winning their first three games of last year by exactly seven points, before being blown out by Hobart on September 28.  If that wasn't enough, the next three weeks were a series of postponements and cancellations due to the government shutdown, ending with a three-game losing streak after a 4-1 start. Still, climbing up in the LL standings might prove to be a tall order this year.

7. WPI (3-7):  The Engineers face a tremendous task in trying the right the ship after suffering their fifth straight losing season. They've had just two winning seasons since 2000: 6-3 in 2005, and 7-3 in 2008.

8. Union (N.Y.)--(3-7):  The 2013 season was one that the Dutchmen and their faithful would rather soon forget about, as they lost four of their seven games by 10 or more points. The 2014 slate has them facing the likes of Ithaca, Springfield, St. Lawrence, and Hobart, among other opponents.
  
Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.

RFC Summer Semester: Centennial Conference (CC) Preview (NCAA Division III)

Centennial Conference (CC)--NCAA Division III

Website

2013 Final Standings

Looking back: The Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays cruised through the Centennial Conference undefeated to complete the regular season at 9-0 in conference games last year.  But it was a "one-and-done" run in the NCAA Division III playoffs, as Wesley pulled off the 29-24 upset win in the first round.

Three other CC squads advanced to postseason play in 2013 as well, with Franklin & Marshall crushing Delaware Valley to win the ECAC Southeast Bowl, Juniata falling short against Albright in the ECAC Southwest Bowl, and Muhlenberg losing a heartbreaker to Salisbury in the ECAC South Atlantic Bowl.


Looking ahead: Expect the Blue Jays to be the "hunted" in the Centennial Conference again this season.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Johns Hopkins (10-1):  With a Top 10 preseason ranking by one magazine, as well as a Top 20 ranking in another publication, it's really no surprise why the Blue Jays once again might be the team to beat in the Centennial Conference going into 2014. If they can stay healthy, there's no reason why they can't make yet another deep postseason run come November.

2. Muhlenberg (8-3):  The Mules could very well give the Blue Jays a run for their money in 2014.  Believe it or not, they also have the second highest winning percentage in the CC over the past 14 years, second only to, you guessed it, Johns Hopkins.

3. Franklin & Marshall (7-4):  The Diplomats hope that last year's blowout win over Delaware Valley in the ECAC Southeast Bowl to end 2013 will be a springboard to bigger and better things in 2014.

4. Ursinus (7-3):  The Bears need to finish what they start if they hope to advance to postseason play in 2014.  They started 2013 at 5-0, only to lose three of the final five games.

5. Juniata (7-4):  The Eagles enjoyed their best season in 15 years, advancing to the ECAC Southwest Bowl before falling to Albright.  Now, after 10 straight sub-.500 seasons from 2003-2012, it will be interesting to see if that program can continue to move forward.

6. Gettysburg (4-6):  The Bullets hope to put a disappointing 2013 season behind them, losing all six games by 10 points or more.

7. Dickinson (3-7):  Talk about a tough 2014 schedule.  The Red Devils will face six teams that finished the 2013 season with a winning record, including two 10-win NCAA playoff teams in Hobart and Johns Hopkins.

8. McDaniel (2-8):  Wins have been hard to come by for the Green Terror in recent years, as they've won just four games over the past three seasons.

9. Moravian (2-8):  The Greyhounds will look to reserve an alarming trend that has seen them post three straight two-win seasons, and four in the last five years.  Just to be fair, though, they did finish 8-3 in 2008 and 7-4 in 2010.

10. Susquehanna (1-9):  A once proud program struggled mightily in 2013, with the Crusaders only win coming against the aforementioned Moravian on October 19.  Turning things around in 2014 won't be easy, as they face six that had winning records last season.

Follow RFC on Twitter @realfootball.