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2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Benedictine (Ill.) crushed Concordia (Chicago), 43-21, on October 1, 2011, en route to capturing the automatic NCAA Division III playoff bid out of the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC). The ending to last season, however, was anything but happy for the Eagles, as they lost back-to-back games to close it out. Following a season-ending loss to Wisconsin Lutheran, the Eagles were crushed in the first round of the D-III playoffs by eventual national runner-up, Mount Union, 47-7.
Looking ahead: Can Benedictine take home another NAC title in 2012? Or, will Concordia (Chicago) finally step up, and grab that elusive bid to the NCAA playoffs? Or, will another team step up and take charge? Those are among the many questions that will be answered in the NAC this season.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Benedictine (Ill.)--(7-4): The Eagles enter the 2012 season looking their third straight Northern Athletics Conference title, and NCAA playoff berth in the process. They'll be tested in two early-season non-conference games, though, as they travel to Wheaton to open their campaign against the Thunder on August 30, followed by their home opener against defending Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) champion Albion on September 15.
2. Concordia (Chicago)--(8-2): Despite going a combined 24-6--all eight-win seasons--over the last three years, the Cougars have found themselves sitting at home during the playoffs. They hope to finally get there this season. But in order to get there, they must do something they've never done in their program's history: beat Benedictine. Oh, and they've also had a combined record of 17-4 in conference play dating back to 2009. Want to guess which beat them in the three games they lost in NAC action over the last three years? None other than Benedictine.
3. Wisconsin Lutheran (6-4): After recording their highest finish in NAC play (5-2) last season, the Warriors hope to take that next step, and win their first-ever league title this season.
4. Lakeland (4-6): The Muskies will look to improve on last year's 4-3 NAC record.
5. Concordia (Wis.)--(4-6): The Falcons finished 4-3 in conference play as well last season, but ended it on a winning note, as they knocked off Lakeland, 28-23.
6. Aurora (3-7): The Spartans look to move forward after a disappointing 2011 season in which they finished just 2-5 in NAC games.
7. Maranatha Baptist (3-7): The Crusaders ended an otherwise dismal season with their lone conference win: a 24-20 triumph over Rockford.
8. Rockford (0-10): The Regents hope to put a winless 2011 season behind them.
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2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Monmouth (Ill.) finished undefeated (9-0) in Midwest Conference play in 2011, and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoff berth in the process. The Scots advanced to the second round before being bounced by eventual national semifinalist St. Thomas, 38-10. The MWC's only other playoff participant, Illinois College, finished 8-1 in conference play en route to earning an at-large berth. The Blueboys were eliminated in the first round after a 38-20 loss to Wabash.
Looking ahead: The MWC's membership will grow from 10 to 11 schools in 2012, as the league welcomes back one of its original members in Cornell College from Iowa.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Monmouth (Ill.)--(10-2): The Scots enter the 2012 season as the team to beat in the MWC. Their last league loss came on October 27, 2010, a 34-27 setback to Beloit.
2. Illinois College (9-2): After advancing to the NCAA playoffs for the first time ever last season, the Blueboys hope to get that same taste of postseason play this season. The only difference, of course, is that they'll try to get their first-ever postseason win.
3. St. Norbert (7-3): The Green Knights will open the 2012 season in Ireland, against John Carroll, on August 31. And no, it's not a misprint either.
4. Carroll (Wis.)--(7-3): The Pioneers will to improve on last year's 6-3 record in conference play.
5. Ripon (6-4): The Red Hawks look to soar higher after finishing 5-4 in the MWC last season. They hope to earn their first-ever NCAA playoff berth in 2012.
6. Grinnell (5-5): The Pioneers are hoping for a strong finish to 2012 after losing three straight games to end 2011. That late season skid came after a 5-2 start.
7. Lake Forest (3-7): The Foresters hope to notch their first winning season since 2004, when they finished 8-2 overall.
8. Cornell (Iowa)--(3-7): The Rams hope to have a triumphant return to the MWC in 2012, after finishing their final season in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference at 1-7.
9. Beloit (2-8): The Buccaneers will get a stiff test right out of the gate to start MWC play on September 8, against defending champion Monmouth.
10. Lawrence (1-9): The Vikings enter the 2012 season trying to snap an eight-game skid.
11. Knox (0-10): Speaking of losing streaks, the Prairie Fire will be looking for its first win since October 9, 2010: a 31-21 triumph over Grinnell.
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2011 Final Standings
Looking back: The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) sent two representatives to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2011. North Central captured the automatic bid from the CCIW, with the Cardinals advancing to the second round before losing to Wabash in a heartbreaker, 29-28. Meanwhile, Illinois Wesleyan advanced to the D-III dance as an at-large team, with the Titans being eliminated in the first round by Monmouth (Ill.), 33-27, in overtime.
Looking ahead: Don't be surprised if Illinois Wesleyan and North Central do battle for the CCIW crown in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. North Central (10-2): The Cardinals hope to win at least a share of their seventh straight CCIW crown in 2012. Head Coach John Thorne needs just two wins for 90th career win at North Central, as he has a career record of 88-24. Additionally, he's 12 wins away from joining the 100-win club. To accomplish the latter, the Cardinals must do something they've only once in program history: win at least 12 games in 2012. A September 8 home game against NCAA playoff participant Redlands could provide some insight as to just how good a team they might be.
2. Illinois Wesleyan (9-2): If there's any team in the CCIW that could dethrone the Cardinals, the Titans could be that team. They'll look to earn their third playoff berth in four seasons. If they hope to get there, though, they'll likely to have go on the road, and beat North Central on October 27.
3. Wheaton (8-2): Both of the Thunder losses in 2011 came to Illinois Wesleyan and North Central. The road to the CCIW title in 2012 will likely have to go through one or both teams.
4. Elmhurst (6-4): The Bluejays hope to improve on last year's 4-3 record in CCIW action last year.
5. Millikin (4-6): The Big Blue were one of three CCIW teams to finish 2-5 in conference play a year ago.
6. Carthage (5-5): Just like in 2010, the Red Men started 2011 at 3-0, only to stumble down the stretch to finish 2-5 in conference play. They must learn to win those critical conference contests if they're to be contender for the CCIW crown in 2012.
7. Augustana (Ill.)--(2-8): After suffering their worst finish since 1956, the Vikings will try to begin the long climb back toward respectability in 2012.
8. North Park (3-7): The Vikings from Chicago will look to win their first CCIW contest in a very long time, as they finished winless (0-7) in conference play after a 3-0 start.
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2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Franklin won its second straight Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) crown, and fourth in the last five years last year, finished unbeaten in conference play at 8-0. Also, the Grizzlies have won at least nine games in a season for the fifth time in the last six years, dating back to 2006. The only season within that span where they have won eight games of fewer was in 2008, when they finished 7-3.
Looking ahead: The Grizzlies will be gunning for their third straight conference title in 2012. Meanwhile, the rest of the HCAC will be gunning for them in a big way this season. Don't be surprised if that happens.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Franklin (10-2): The Grizzlies advanced to the second round of the 2011 NCAA Division III playoffs, where they eliminated by eventual three-time national championship Wisconsin-Whitewater, 41-14. In fact, the Warhawks handed them their lone losses, as UWW pitched a 45-0 shutout at Franklin on September 10. Now, fast forward to 2012, as the Grizzlies will open the season at home against the very team Warhawks have beaten for the national championship the last three years: Mount Union, on September 1. That's followed by a visit to FCS Butler on September 8. Their HCAC opener follows the following week against Manchester, also on the road. So, it'll be interesting to see if the Grizzlies can continue to lead the pack in the HCAC.
2. Hanover (5-5): The Panthers finished in a four-way tie for second place in 2011 at 5-3 in the HCAC, a two-win regression from 2010, when they finished 7-3 overall in 6-2 in conference play. If they're to break the two-year stranglehold Franklin has on the HCAC, they must do it under new head coach Steve Baudendistel.
3. Mount St. Joseph (6-4): The Lions had a "Jekyll and Hyde" season in 2011, winning three games in a row, then losing three games in a row, followed by another three-game winning streak, then losing their season to Thomas More. If they're to win their first HCAC title since 2009, the Lions must learn to win the games that count: the conference games. Not only that, it doesn't hurt to get hot at the right time too.
4. Rose-Hulman (5-5): Another team in the quartet of teams that finished 5-3 in HCAC play last season, the Engineers failed to crack the 25-point mark in each of the five games that they lost in 2011. They'll be tested tremendously in the second game of 2012: a visit to NCAA playoff participant Centre on September 8.
5. Bluffton (5-5): How's this for a "Jekyll and Hyde" season? The Beavers stumbled to an 0-4 start right out of the gate, only to win to five out of their final six games, including a 46-27 rout of Defiance in the season finale, to end 2011 on a high note. Now, it'll be interesting to see if they can that next step in 2012: winning a conference crown.
6. Defiance (4-6): The Yellow Jackets will try to get back on the winning track in 2012 after their third four-win season in the last four years. An 0-4 start, along with a dismal 1-5 record at home, proved to be their undoing last season. They finished 6-4 in 2010. Oh, and they'll play against seven teams that posted .500 or better records in 2011. The Yellow Jackets will open up this season against two foes from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), in defending champion Albion, followed by a visit to Adrian (8-2 overall in 2011).
7. Manchester (4-6): The Spartans will also open the 2012 schedule against MIAA foes on consecutive weekends in Trine and Kalamazoo, before opening HCAC play at home against Franklin on September 15. Ouch!
8. Anderson (1-9): The Ravens will look to soar under new head coach Bobby Ladner.
9. Earlham (0-10): The Quakers enter their third season in the HCAC looking to snap a 20-game skid. Their last win came as a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), as they defeated Denison, 21-17, on November 14, 2009.
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2012 Composite Schedule (courtesy of Great Lakes Valley Conference)
Overview: 2012 marks the first full season of competition for the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). The football league will consist of nine teams in five states: Ohio (Central State, Urbana), Indiana (Indianapolis, St. Joseph's), Illinois (McKendree, Quincy), Kentucky (Kentucky Wesleyan), and Missouri (Missouri S&T, William Jewell). Both Central State and Urbana will join the GLVC as associate members for football.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Indianapolis (7-4): With 16 starters coming back, the Greyhounds hope to rule the roost in the GLVC in 2012. They finished 6-4 in their final season as an associate member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
2. Urbana (8-3): Fresh off a Great Lakes Football Conference championship in 2011, the Blue Knights look to be serious challengers for the inaugural GLVC crown in 2012.
3. Missouri S&T (6-5): The Miners will look to build on their first winning season since 2008.
4. Quincy (4-6): The Hawks will face a tough non-conference slate before jumping into the GLVC fray: a visit to Northwood on August 31, followed by a game against FCS Indiana State the following week. Their first-ever conference game is at home against Indianapolis on September 15.
5. William Jewell (4-6): The Cardinals have a tough row to hoe in their first full season at the NCAA Division II level. Their non-conference schedule for 2012 includes to Colorado Mines and Missouri Western State.
6. St. Joseph's (2-8): The Pumas have to nowhere to go but up in 2012.
7. McKendree (2-8): The Bearcats are also looking forward to the challenge of competing in a new conference after a rough 2011 season.
8. Central State (1-10): The Marauders are looking to move up as well after winning only one game last season: a 36-0 shutout win over Kentucky Wesleyan.
9. Kentucky Wesleyan (1-10): Speaking of the Panthers, their lone win of last season came in the next-to-last week of the regular season; a 38-13 rout of Notre Dame College on November 6, 2011.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Although Hillsdale won the outright Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) title in 2011, it was Wayne State (Mich.) and Saginaw Valley State that advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Warriors reached their first-ever national championship before losing to Pittsburg State (Kan.). As for the Cardinals, they lost a heartbreaker to Minnesota-Duluth, 30-27, in overtime, in the first round of the D-II playoffs.
Looking ahead: Two schools from the Canton, Ohio area: Malone and Walsh, as well as Notre Dame (Ohio), will join the GLIAC this season. That brings the total number of teams in the conference to 16, while losing longtime associate member Indianapolis to the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Meanwhile, on the field, it's a crapshoot as to who will win the conference crown in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Wayne State (Mich.)--(12-4): Fresh off of their improbable run to the NCAA Division II championship game, the Warriors hope to take that next step in 2012. They come into this season ranked No. 5 in the nation by Lindy's Sports magazine. Still, even getting back to the playoffs, never mind to the title game, will be easier said than done for the Warriors, who must pay a late season visit to Grand Valley State.
2. Grand Valley State (8-3): Despite a season-ending seven-game winning streak, it was a 1-3 start to the 2011 season that kept the Lakers out of the playoffs for the first time since 2000. They hope to return to prominence in 2012.
3. Hillsdale (8-3): The Chargers will not only look to defend their GLIAC title from last season, they also hope to get to the playoffs this season. Something they failed to accomplish last season, in spite of winning a conference championship.
4. Saginaw Valley State (7-4): With a season opening game at home against Valdosta State on September 1, followed by an always brutal GLIAC slate, the Cardinals will have their work cut out for them in 2012.
5. Michigan Tech (7-4): The Huskies will play an all-GLIAC schedule in 2012.
6. Ashland (6-5): The Golden Eagles will open the 2012 season against former GLIAC member Indianapolis on August 30, before opening conference play against Wayne State on September 8.
7. Findlay (6-5): The Oilers look to move up in the standings after making a five-win improvement from 2010.
8. Ohio Dominican (7-4): The Panthers face a tremendous task in trying to win their first-ever GLIAC title this season.
9. Ferris State (6-5): The Bulldogs will be tested quickly to start 2012, as they open the season at NAIA playoff participant St. Francis (Ill.) on August 30.
10. Northern Michigan (4-7): The Wildcats will look ahead to 2012 after a disappointing 2011 season.
11. Lake Erie (3-8): The Storm won back-to-back games to end the 2011 season after a 1-8 start.
12. Notre Dame (5-6): The Falcons will enter their first full season in the D-II ranks in 2012.
13. Malone (4-7): The Pioneers will also enter their first season in the GLIAC this fall.
14. Walsh (5-6): As will the Cavaliers.
15. Northwood (2-9): The Timberwolves have nowhere to go but up in 2012.
16. Tiffin (0-11): The Dragons will try to snap a 21-game losing streak that dates back to the second game of the 2010 season.
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2011 Final Standings (Mideast League)
2011 Final Standings (Midwest League)
Looking back: 2011 proved to be a banner season for the Mid-States Football Association, with St. Xavier winning its first-ever NAIA national championship. Additionally, by season's end, the MSFA had at least seven teams that were nationally ranked.
Looking ahead: Can St. Xavier repeat as national champions? Or will some other squad rise to the challenge? Those are the multiple questions still yet to be answered in 2012. With seven teams ranked in the NAIA Preseason Top 25, any of them are more than capable of making a deep postseason run this season.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
Mideast League
1. St. Xavier (14-1): As the defending NAIA national champions, the target will be on the Cougars backs from day one to start 2012. In fact, they'll have a tough test right away, at home against St. Francis (Ill.) on September 8. If that wasn't enough, the Cougars will play host to that other St. Francis, from Indiana, three weeks after doing battle with the team of the same name from Illinois.
2. Marian (12-1): The Knights finished 5-0 in MSFA play to win the Mideast League title in 2011. However, that one setback of last season came in the NAIA national semifinals, where they fell to eventual national champion St. Xavier, 30-27. MU will get its chance at revenge on November 3, when they to Chicago to face SXU on the final day of the 2012 regular season.
3. St. Francis (Ind.)--(9-3): The Cougars from Fort Wayne, Indiana face a stiff challenge before even taking the plunge into their conference schedule, as they take on the likes of NCAA Division III Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and St. Ambrose, among other foes.
4. Taylor (5-5): How's this for a tough schedule in 2012? The Trojans will take on four teams ranked in the NAIA Preseason Top 25. Additionally, they'll open the season on the road against NCAA Division III Anderson on September 1.
5. Siena Heights (n/a): With an 8-1 record against mostly junior varsity and obscure opponents in 2011, the Saints will play their first full varsity season in 2012.
6. Concordia (Mich.)--(0-11): The Cardinals enter the 2012 season looking to get their first-ever win in program history.
Midwest League
1. St. Francis (Ill.)--(10-3): With a preseason national ranking of No. 7, the Saints will be the team in the Midwest League coming into 2012. After an appearance in the NAIA national quarterfinals last season, the expectations will be even higher this season. They'll get a tough test on September 8, when they pay a visit to defending NAIA national champion St. Xavier.
2. William Penn (9-2): The Statesmen lost just two games in 2011. But it was that second loss, a 14-13 setback to Grand View, on the final day of the regular season, that put them on the outside looking in come playoff time. Will 2012 be the year that the Statesmen break through, and advance to postseason play?
3. Grand View (8-4): While that improbable one-point win over William Penn lifted the Vikings to the NAIA playoffs, their stay in postseason play was cut short in the first round, as Marian cruised to a 31-0 shutout win in the first round. An early highlight of their 2012 schedule includes a visit to NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Drake on August 30.
4. Saint Ambrose (7-3): While they begin the 2012 campaign ranked No. 20 in the nation, the Bees might be hard pressed to maintain that ranking this season, as they'll take on the likes of Grand View, St. Francis (Ill.), St. Francis (Ind.), and William Penn.
5. Olivet Nazarene (5-6): Can anybody say "uphill battle" for the Tigers, as they'll look to improve on last season's 3-4 mark in Midwest League action last season?
6. Trinity International (2-8): The Trojans will try to put the misery of 2011 behind them.
7. Waldorf (2-9): The Warriors also will look for a fresh start in 2012, under new head coach Kent Anderson.
8. Robert Morris (Ill.)--(4-4): Compiling a. 500 record against non-conference competition in 2011, the Eagles will jump right into the MSFA fray in 2012.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: In yet another of those so-called "silly seasons"--in which a team that won eight games or fewer overall--only to win their way to postseason play, the Albion College Britons overcame an 0-5 mark in non-conference games to go unbeaten in conference play, and win the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) title in 2011. Still, the Britons were quickly bounced from the NCAA Division III playoffs, as eventual national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater whitewashed them out of postseason play with a 59-0 rout.
Looking ahead: Despite a combined regular season record of 22-8, the trio that finished behind Albion in the final MIAA standings for 2011; Hope, Adrian, and Trine,
all found themselves on the outside looking in come playoff time. Looks like the Britons might not be sneaking up on anyone in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Adrian (8-2): With a 7-0 start to last season, everything seemed to be in place for the Bulldogs to go unbeaten in MIAA play. Then, the unthinkable happened. Back-to-back losses late in the 2011 season not only cost them an unbeaten season, it also cost them an automatic bid to the playoffs. Now, with 2012 just around the corner, the Bulldogs will get their chance at redemption, with Hope--one of the two teams to beat them last season--coming to Adrian on September 29, while paying a visit to Albion on November 3.
2. Albion (6-5): The Britons overcame an 0-3 start to 2011 to win their 34th MIAA title overall. But defending that crown won't be easy, as they must travel to Trine on October 6, although they do play host to Albion and Hope in the final two weeks of the regular season. If that wasn't enough, the 2012 schedule also will include the likes of Benedictine (Ill.), Central, and Wheaton, among other opponents. That trio combined to go 22-9 last season, with Benedictine (7-4 overall) advancing to the D-III playoffs as the automatic qualifier from the Northern Athletics Conference.
3. Hope (7-3): The Flying Dutch finished 5-1 in MIAA action last season. But that lone loss--a 12-3 setback to eventual champion Albion on October 15--forced them to settle for second place to close out 2011. The 2012 schedule, ironically, has Hope traveling to Albion for the final game of the regular season on November 10.
4. Trine (7-3): After a three-year stretch (2008, 2009, 2010) in which it compiled an overall record of 31-4, while winning 18 straight MIAA contests, the Thunder was stolen from the Trine program in 2011, going 3-3 in conference play last season. Key games in 2012 include a home game against Albion on October 6, followed by back-to-back road games against Adrian and Hope over the following two weeks.
5. Kalamazoo (4-6): A fast 3-1 start for the Hornets was wasted by a four-game freefall that led to a three-way tie for last place in the MIAA at 1-5 in 2011. A better start to conference play is a must if they're to win a conference crown in 2012. A visit to NCAA playoff participant Centre on September 22 highlights this year's slate.
6. Alma (2-8): The Scots will try to start from scratch under new head coach Greg Pscodna.
7. Olivet (1-9): The Comets will start over under a new head coach as well, as Dan Pifer takes over the reins in 2012, replacing Rich Hulkow.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Wabash was one of just two teams from the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) to finish the 2011 season with an overall winning record. The Little Giants finished unbeaten (6-0) in conference play en route to winning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs, losing to eventual national runner-up Mount Union in the quarterfinals. The only other NCAC team finish last season above .500 was Wittenberg, whose Tigers became the first team in D-III history to win 700 games en route to a second place finish (5-1) in conference play.
Looking ahead: DePauw University from Greencastle, Indiana officially joins the NCAC for the 2012 season. That means future battles for the Monon Bell could be for more than just bragging rights.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Wabash (12-1): The Little Giants face a tremendous challenge in defending their NCAC title, as they open the 2012 season with back-to-back road games, against Hanover and Denison, respectively, before playing host to Allegheny in their home opener on September 22. If that wasn't enough, they must also pay a visit to Wittenberg two weeks after that contest.
2. Wittenberg (8-2): Going into the 2012 campaign, the Tigers all-time record stands at 707-349-32, for a winning percentage of .665. If they want to win their 708th game of all-time, and beyond, they must overcome a stretch where they'll play three of their first four contests on the road.
3. Allegheny (5-5): The Gators will begin their 11th season under head coach Mark Matlak. They'll try to finish at or above. 500 for the 30th time in 33 years this season.
4. Denison (5-5): The Big Red won their final two games of 2011 to finish NCAC play at 4-2. Hopefully, the momentum from that fantastic finish will carry over into 2012.
5. Ohio Wesleyan (4-6): The Battling Bishops also finished strong after a slow start last season, winning three straight games to end it after starting 1-6. If they're to move up in the standings this season, they must do it under new head coach Tom Watts.
6. Wooster (4-6): Mike Schmitz sits just four wins away from joining the 80-win club as the Scots head coach. He has a career record of 76-46 heading into his 13th season.
7. Oberlin (3-7): A 14-13 season-ending upset win over Allegheny was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Yeomen, who had lost six straight games prior to that victory. It will be interesting to see if better times ahead for them in 2012.
8. DePauw (4-5): After three straight winning seasons, including back-to-back NCAA playoff appearances, the Tigers struggled as an independent last season, finishing one game below .500. They face a tremendous task in terms of being competitive in their first NCAC season.
9. Hiram (1-9): The Terriers only win of 2011 came in their second game; a 16-13 victory over Kenyon. They have nowhere to go but up in 2012.
10. Kenyon (0-10): The Lords will look to win their first game since October 17, 2009; a 21-9 triumph over Oberlin. They hope to snap that 23-game skid under new head coach Chris Monfiletto.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: Mount Union took home an unprecedented 22nd Ohio Athletic Conference championship in 2011. That amazing run also included a 20th straight conference title last season. Oh, and about all of that success the Purple Raiders have had in postseason play over the last 20 years and change? They've won an unprecedented 10 national championships dating back to the 1993 season, although they've come up empty over the last three years, thanks to Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Looking ahead: Will the "purple reign" continue at Mount Union? Or will another team finally step up, and put an end to it? One of those two questions will be answered in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Mount Union (14-1): The record speaks for itself for the Purple Raiders program. Since 1990, they've lost just 14 games overall. That includes the losses in the last three Stagg Bowls. In the last dozen years alone, the Purple Raiders have lost only seven games. Additionally, their last regular season loss came on October 22, 2005, a 21-14 setback to Ohio Northern at home. Larry Kehres will enter his 27th season looking to add to that legacy. With six road games to be played in 2012, it will be interesting to see if the "Mount" can continue to do just that.
2. Baldwin-Wallace (8-2): Head Coach John Snell begins his 12th season at the Yellow Jackets helm. He needs just six wins for his 70th career win in 2012. Their schedule includes a home game against Mount Union on November 10.
3. Ohio Northern (6-4): The Polar Bears look to bounce back after struggling to a 5-4 record in OAC play last season. They'll get a chance to avenge of those losses from 2011 when they host Heidelberg in their home opener on September 15.
4. Heidelberg (8-2): Fresh off of their best season since 1993, the Student Princes hope to take that next step, and win their first OAC title since 1972.
5. John Carroll (5-5): With a career record of 98-88, head coach Regis Scafe needs just two wins to join the 100-win club. He's also eight wins away from winning his 90th career game at JCU. In order to get there, though, the Blue Streaks need to post their first season of at least eight wins since 2002, when they advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs, losing to eventual national champion Mount Union in the national semifinals that year, to finish 12-2.
6. Capital (5-5): If the Crusaders hope to be serious contenders in the OAC in 2012, they must learn to how to play catch-up once they fall behind, as they lost all five games by a combined total of 120 points in 2011.
7. Muskingum (4-6): The Muskies fast start at 4-0 was wiped out with a six-game skid to end the 2011 season. They hope to erase that memory during the 2012 season.
8. Marietta (3-7): The Pioneers are hoping to notch their first winning season since 1998, when they finished 6-4.
9. Otterbein (3-7): After three straight winning seasons, the Cardinals fell back to earth in 2011, finishing a dismal 2-7 in OAC action. They'll face a long, uphill battle back to the top in 2012. If they hope to get back to the winning ways of 2008, 2009, and 2010, the Cards must learn how to win the close games that got away from them last season, as they lost five games by six points or less.
10. Wilmington (0-10): The Quakers enter the 2012 season hoping to snap a 26-game losing streak dating back to October 10, 2009. Their last win came one week earlier, on October 3, 2009, when they defeated John Carroll, 24-16.
Editor's Note: Our
series on independent small college football programs wraps up with a
look at the NAIA independent programs in the states of Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, and California.
2011 Final Standings (Courtesy of DakStats.com)
2012 Profiles (2011 overall record in parentheses)
Dakota State (1-10): Can anybody say "nowhere to go but up" for the Trojans?
Haskell Indian Nations (0-11): The Indians are also in the same situation after a winless 2011 season.
Jamestown (3-7): The Jimmies must adjust to being an independent after many years as a member of the Dakota Athletic Conference.
Mayville State (5-6): The Comets were 4-2 at home, but a dismal 1-4 on the road in 2011. The latter numbers must change if they hope to post a winning record in 2012.
Menlo (5-5): The Oaks challenging 2012 schedule includes games against perennial NCAA Division III powers Linfield and Wesley.
Valley City State (9-2): The only team in the group to post a winning record last season, the Vikings advanced to the NAIA playoffs before being clobbered by eventual national runner-up Carroll (Mont.), 47-0, in the first round.
Editor's Note: Our series on independent small college football programs continues, with a look at the NAIA independent programs in the states of Florida, Georgia, and Virginia.
2011 Final Standings (Courtesy of DakStats.com)
2012 Profiles (2011 overall record in parentheses)
Ave Maria (0-9): The Gyrenes enter their second season of varsity football looking for their program's first-ever win. They gave up 40 or more points in six of their games last season. An interesting note about the 2012 schedule is that the Gyrenes will play three exhibition games this season.
Edward Waters (4-6): The Tigers hope to finish 2012 with a winning record. But with a schedule games against FCS and NCAA Division II, getting there might not be an easy task.
Point (2-5): The Skyhawks from West Point, Georgia, will play their first full varsity schedule in 2012. In all, they'll play 11 games, three against D-II schools, and one against NCAA Division III Millsaps.
Southern Virginia (2-7): As their program hopes to begin transition to the D-III level by 2013, the Knights hope that 2012 will mark the beginning of great things to come for them. The season will open for them on August 30, at FCS Morehead State.
Webber International (4-6): The Warriors overcame a dismal 1-6 start to the 2011 season, ending it with three straight wins. Hopefully, that encouraging finish can carry over into the 2012 season.
Editor's Note: Our preview of independent football programs continues with the teams competing as independents at the NCAA Division III level in 2012.
2011 Final Standings
2012 Profiles (2011 overall record in parentheses)
Huntingdon (7-3): Believe it or not, the Hawks have had four straight winning seasons, including an appearance in the 2009 NCAA Division III playoffs. The Montgomery, Alabama-based squad will spent one final season as an independent before joining the USA South Athletic Conference in 2013. But, for 2012, the Hawks will face a tough road towards notching a fifth straight winning season, as 2011 D-III playoff participants Hampden-Sydney and Wesley are on the schedule.
Macalester (4-5): After posting a 6-3 mark in 2010, the Scots fell back to earth slightly in 2011. It will be interesting to see if 2012 will mark the second winning season in three years for them.
Wesley (12-2): Despite their recent independent status, the Wolverines have compiled a record few programs have been able to match over the years, having notched six double-digit win seasons over the last seven years. That run includes five trips to the national semifinals during that span, including three straight trips in the last three years alone. During that span, they've lost either to the eventual national runner-up (Mount Union, 2009) or the eventual national champion (Wisconsin-Whitewater, 2010-2011). With a preseason national ranking of No. 2 by Lindy's Sports magazine, expectations will once again be high for the Wolverines going into the 2012 season. Which leads to the question: Will this finally be the year they get over the hump, and into the Stagg Bowl?
Editor's Note: With this being Independence Day in the United States, here's a brief preview of the teams that are independent, which are institutions whose football programs currently don't belong to any conference. So, without further ado, here we go.
NCAA Division II
2012 Profiles (2011 overall record in parentheses)
North Greenville (11-3): In the last two years, the Crusaders have compiled a combined overall record of 20-6. That mark includes winning the 2010 NCCAA Victory Bowl, followed by an unlikely appearance in the quarterfinals of the 2011 NCAA Division II playoffs. If they hope to return to postseason play, the Crusaders must do so under new head coach Carroll McCray. He replaced Jamey Chadwell, who resigned to become the head coach at Delta State. NGU opens the 2012 season with three straight road games, including a trip to Tennessee Tech of the FCS Ohio Valley Conference on September 6.
Oklahoma Panhandle State (3-7): The Aggies look ahead to 2012 after a disappointing 2011 season.
South Dakota Mines (1-10): Aside from a trip to Missouri Southern on October 6, the Hardrockers will play all of their 2012 contests in either North or South Dakota.
UNC Pembroke (8-3): Despite posting a winning record in 2011, the Braves were snubbed for a D-II playoff berth. The season opener at national semifinalist, Winston-Salem State, could decide if they're playoff worthy in 2012.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: In yet another "silly season", this time in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the race for the Ohio Valley Conference championship ended in a three-way tie for first place, with three teams; Tennessee Tech, Jacksonville State, and Eastern Kentucky, all finishing 6-2 in conference play, while a fourth team, Murray State, finished one game behind that trio at 5-3.
In the end, it was Tennessee Tech that took the automatic bid to the FCS playoffs out of the OVC. The Golden Eagles fell in the first round to Central Arkansas, 34-14. The league's only other playoff representative, Eastern Kentucky, was also one-and-done, as the Colonels were eliminated by James Madison in a close game, 20-17.
Looking ahead: The OVC title, as well as the subsequent automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, could be up for grabs again in 2012.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Jacksonville State (7-4): Despite earning a share of their third-ever Ohio Valley Conference title in 2011, the Gamecocks found themselves on the outside looking in when Selection Sunday rolled around. Head Coach Jack Crowe welcomes back 53 letterwinners, but only 13 of them are starters. JSU will face two SEC teams to both open and end the 2012 season, respectively. The Gamecocks open the campaign at Arkansas, a school where Crowe was once the head coach, on September 1, and finish it at Florida on November 17.
2. Eastern Kentucky (7-5): The Colonels look to make a return trip to the FCS playoffs in 2012, after that tough season-ending first round loss to end 2011. After opening the season with games at Purdue, the home opener against Morehead State, and another away game at Coastal Carolina, EKU will open OVC play at home against JSU on September 22, in a game that could likely decide at least a share of the league title this season.
3. Murray State (7-4): A three-game winning streak to end the 2011 season has Racers fans feeling cautiously optimistic heading into the 2012 season. Still, Head Coach Chris Hatcher and his charges face a brutal start to the year, starting on September 1 at Florida State, followed by a home game against FCS playoff participant Central Arkansas.
4. Tennessee Tech (7-4): The Golden Eagles might be hard-pressed to repeat last year's success. The main highlight of the 2012 schedule is a September 15 visit to Oregon.
5. Tennessee State (5-6): Despite an all-time overall record of 519-261-33 in the almost 100 year history of their program, the Tigers are just 79-92 in OVC games since joining the league in 1988, with their last conference title coming in 1999. That's a drought they hope to end in 2012. Head Coach Rod Reed welcomes back nine offensive and five defensive starters from 2011.
6. Tennessee-Martin (5-6): The Skyhawks will open the 2012 season against two teams from non-BCS conferences in Memphis and Northern Illinois, respectively, on the road.
7. Southeast Missouri State (3-8): The Redhawks struggled on the road in 2011, going 0-5 in away games. Head Coach Tony Samuel welcomes back 46 letterwinners--including 16 starters--in hopes of helping the program earn its second OVC title in three years.
8. Austin Peay (3-8): The Governors also struggled in road games last season, going winless at 0-6.
9. Eastern Illinois (2-9): Head Coach Dino Babers was hired from Hawaii in hopes of turning the Panthers fortunes around in 2012.
Website
2011 Final Standings
Looking back: The Gulf South Conference had just five teams taking to the football field last season, with three of them, Delta State, North Alabama, and West Alabama, advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs. Out of that trio, DSU advanced the farthest, losing to eventual national champion Pittsburg State (Kan.), 49-23, in the national semifinals. In an ironic twist to the postseason, UNA ended UWA's season in the first round, before the Lions lost to the Statesmen in the second round.
Looking ahead: The GSC will add a sixth school, Shorter University out of Rome, Georgia, to the mix in 2012. Florida Tech will follow suit in 2013. Also, UNA was scheduled to begin the transition to the NCAA Division I level by 2013, but the Ohio Valley Conference's refusal to admit the Lions for membership has forced school officials to put those plans put on hold indefinitely. Also, there were several changes in the GSC head coaching ranks during the offseason. Otherwise, if the preseason rankings are any indication, expect a competitive race in the GSC again this season.
2012 Predicted
Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)
1. Delta State (11-3): In the last two years, the Statesmen have a combined record of 22-7, losing to the eventual national champion to end their season both times. That included an unlikely trip to the national championship game in 2010, where DSU took Minnesota-Duluth to the limit before losing on a last second field goal. If the Statesmen hope to make yet another deep playoff run in 2012, they must do it under a new head coach in Jamey Chadwell, who, ironically, was the head coach of the North Greenville team DSU eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2011.
2. Valdosta State (6-4): The Blazers hope to rekindle the flame that burned out late last season, when they finished 1-3 in GSC play. Still, they have a tough non-conference schedule that awaits them this season. Among the opponents they'll play in 2012 include the likes of Saginaw Valley State, Angelo State, and Texas A&M-Kingsville, among others.
3. North Alabama (9-3): Like Delta State, the Lions will have a new head coach in 2012. But it will be a familiar face in Bobby Wallace, who led UNA to three straight national championships from 1993-1995. Wallace has the tremendous task of replacing 35 lettermen, including 19 starters.
4. West Georgia (6-4): A season-ending upset win over then top-ranked Delta State was the highlight of the Wolves 2011 season, which ended with a winning season for the first time in a long time. It will be interesting to see if they carry over some of that spark from last season into this season.
5. West Alabama (8-4): The Tigers hope to make another playoff run under second year head coach Will Hall. Among the non-conference contests they'll have in 2012 include games against Clark Atlanta, FCS Samford, NCAA Division III Mississippi College, and Abilene Christian, as well as tough late season games against Delta State and North Alabama.
6. Shorter (6-4): The Hawks have a tough row to hoe in their inaugural GSC season, including three straight road games to start off 2012.
