Another new year for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, but not a lot seems like it will change. I will just flat out tell you Nebraska-Kearney is the team to beat, so there is no reason to beat around the bush. They return a heap of talent, and are ranked 10th nationally by d2football.com. Nebraska-Kearney may look good on paper, but I have a few shaken but not stirred predictions this year.
A feeling I felt a few weeks ago got to me. After reading through everyone's file and seeing who is coming back, one thing stuck out for me; Colorado St-Pueblo, A team that can run the ball this season with running back Jesse Lewis. Other than that the conference should stay pretty intact from last season.
Week one in the conference should see a full slate of satisfying football.
Game of the Week:
Wayne State (Nebr.) at Nebraska-Kearney
Nebraska-Kearney pulled off a stellar season by winning the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and finding a playoff spot with an 11-2 record. However, one of the two losses came from Wayne State, twice in the past two seasons.
I am taking Wayne State in the first week again. They seem to have Nebraska-Kearney's number and are looking to making history by beating them three times in a row. However down the road, towards November, I see a second meeting between the in-state rivals.
Game Prediction: Wayne State 24 - Nebraska-Kearney 17
Washburn at Colorado School of Mines
391 total victories for Colorado School of Mines is getting up there in the "W" column. Only 72 of those victories come against an opponent whose school starts with the letter W. If Colorado School of Mines is looking for a W this weekend they may be disappointed. Washburn has won five straight and looking for a six.
If they can score quickly and keep Washburn limited do not be surprised if Colorado School of Mines pulls this one out as a close victory starting the 2010 campaign.
Prediction: Washburn 27 - Colorado School of Mines 21
Dixie State at Adams State
A team that likes to be picked on. Well that was the case last season as Adams State came back from a large 31-13 deficit to pull within a field goal, until Dixie State picked the ball off for the fourth time to secure a 37-28 victory. Returning players may make a difference as Adams State returns eight offensive starters with a seemingly passing attack mentality. Also Bryant Williams returns on the defensive side that can possibly shut down an offensive scheme on anyone.
Too close to call and expect a shootout in game one.
Prediction: Adams State 35 - Dixie State 17
(I just have that feeling Adams State can roll when they are clicking)
Mary at Chadron State
After you lose any big name on your team, a coach can simply use the words "a rebuilding season," as an excuse. When Chadron lost Danny Woodhead to graduation they just haven't had the same step. Do not be worried Chadron fans this could be your year in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. A favorable first three games starting off with a weaker Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference team in Mary, a rolling Chadron State team with confidence could be the dark horse of the conference.
Prediction: Chadron State 42 - Mary 13
Colorado St.-Pueblo at Oklahoma Panhandle
If I am right like I said in the beginning, this could be Colorado St. Pueblo's bread and butter year. With their first collegiate football game in 2008, Colorado St. Pueblo capped an impressive year in its second campaign. Jesse Lewis is expecting a big year, and with that they have an edge in this game.
Prediction: Colorado St.-Pueblo 17 - Oklahoma Panhandle 10
Western State at Fort Hays
Last year was not so kind to Western State fans, with a disappointing 3 and 8 overall record. Don't expect anything more this year, as they face Fort Hays in the opening game, who won in dominating fashion 45-17.
Prediction: Forts Hays State 52 - Western State 10
September 2nd
Mesa State at Missouri Western
Another middle of the pack team, facing a tough challenger in their first game, that does not look to bright from the get go. Last year Missouri Western put up 35 points while holding Mesa to 14. Look for a similar result in the non-conference match up, but potentially a sleeper in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Prediction: Missouri Western 28 - Mesa State 20
Midwestern State at New Mexico Highlands
New Mexico Highlands, not much to say but little as a 1 and 10 overall record left them locked in the cellar of the conference. Last year?s match up a 41-0 victory for Midwestern was the beginning of a nightmare for New Mexico Highlands. Someone may need to pinch them after week one to wake them up.
Prediction: Midwestern State 48 - New Mexico Highlands 3
Western New Mexico at Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona, a team who poured it on last year, looks like they will make another Rocky Mountain team a victim of the loss column in week one. Western State, a very poor performance a year ago walked away with one win.
Prediction: Northern Arizona 38 - Western New Mexico 14
(I just think being an away game gives Northern State the edge in this one)
I know it looks sad on paper the way the conference will start the season in week one. But not to worry, It will be an exciting finish to a 2010 edition of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
